nv2
As
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2010
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Securities Act Registration No. 333-
Investment Company Act Registration No. 811-22409 |
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form N-2
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
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PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. |
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POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. |
and/or
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
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AMENDMENT NO. |
Tortoise MLP Corp.
11550 Ash Street, Suite 300
Leawood, Kansas 66211
(913) 981-1020
AGENT FOR SERVICE
David J. Schulte
11550 Ash Street, Suite 300
Leawood, Kansas 66211
Copies of Communications to:
Steven F. Carman, Esq.
Eric J. Gervais, Esq.
Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP
4801 Main Street, Suite 1000
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 983-8000
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the effective date
of this Registration Statement.
If any of the securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities
offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
o when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c).
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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Proposed |
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Proposed Maximum |
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Title of Securities |
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Amount to be |
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Maximum Offering |
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Aggregate |
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Amount of |
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Being Registered |
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Registered |
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Price Per Share |
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Offering Price (1) |
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Registration Fee |
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Common Stock |
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$5,000,000 |
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$356.50 |
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(1) |
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Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o)
under the Securities Act of 1933. In no event will the aggregate initial offering price of all
securities offered from time to time pursuant to the prospectus included as a part of this
Registration Statement exceed $5,000,000. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be
necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall
thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or
until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such dates as the Securities and
Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY NOT SELL THESE
SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER
TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Subject to Completion
Preliminary
Prospectus dated April 23, 2010
Common Shares
Tortoise MLP Corp.
$ Per Share
Tortoise MLP Corp. (the Company, we, us or our) is a newly organized,
non-diversified closed-end management investment company. Our investment objective is to seek a
high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders. We seek
to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio consisting primarily
of master limited partnerships (MLPs) and their affiliates in the energy infrastructure sector.
Similar to the tax characterization of distributions made by MLPs to their unitholders, a portion
of our distributions are expected to be treated as a return of capital to stockholders. We cannot
assure you we will achieve our investment objective. Unlike most investment companies, we have not
elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.
Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets (including any
assets obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector.
For purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments in MLPs to include investments in MLPs
and their affiliates. Companies in the energy infrastructure sector (including MLPs and their
affiliates) engage in the business of gathering, transporting, processing, storing, distributing or
marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other
natural resources, or exploring, developing, managing or producing such commodities. We may invest
up to 50% of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily through direct investments in
securities of listed companies. We will not invest in privately-held companies.
Prior to this offering, there has been no public or private market for our common shares. Our
common shares are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading or
ticker symbol ___.
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Per Share |
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Total(1) |
Public Offering Price |
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Sales Load |
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Proceeds, Before Expenses, to Us(3) |
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(1) |
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The underwriters named in this prospectus have the option to purchase up to
additional common shares at the public offering price, less the sales load, within
___days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments. If the over-allotment
option is exercised in full, the public offering price, sales load and proceeds, before
expenses, to us will be , , and , respectively. |
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In addition to the sales load, we will pay offering costs estimated at approximately
$ , which represents approximately $ per share. |
Investing in our securities involves certain risks. You could lose some or all of your
investment. See Risk Factors beginning on page ___of this prospectus. You should consider
carefully these risks together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus
before making a decision to purchase our securities.
Shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at prices lower than
their net asset value or initial offering price. Market discount risk applies to all investors, but
it may be greater for initial investors expecting to sell shares shortly after the completion of
the offering.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The underwriters expect to deliver the common shares to purchasers on or about , 2010.
Prospectus Dated , 2010
This prospectus sets forth concisely the information that you should know before investing.
You should read this prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our securities. You should
retain this prospectus for future reference. A statement of additional information, dated
, 2010, as supplemented from time to time, containing additional information, has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is incorporated by reference in its
entirety into this prospectus. You may request a free copy of the statement of additional
information, the table of contents of which is on page ___ of this prospectus, request a free copy
of our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, request other information or make stockholder
inquiries, by calling toll-free at 1-866-362-9331 or by writing to us at 11550 Ash Street, Suite
300, Leawood, Kansas 66211. Our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports and the statement of
additional information also will be available on our investment advisers website at
www.tortoiseadvisors.com. Information included on such website does not form part of this
prospectus. You can review and copy documents we have filed at the SECs Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-5850 for information. The SEC charges a fee for copies. You can get
the same information free from the SECs website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also e-mail
requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the SECs Public
Reference Section, 100 F. Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549.
Our securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed
by, any bank or other insured depository institution and are not federally insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and the statement of additional information contain forward-looking
statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words may, will, intend,
expect, estimate, continue, plan, anticipate, and similar terms and the negative of such
terms. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual
results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several
factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of
securities we hold, the conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other
markets, the price at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed
in our periodic filings with the SEC.
Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are
reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our
forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as
any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and
uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the Risk Factors section of this prospectus. All
forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus are made as of
the date of this prospectus. Except for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws,
we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The
forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor
protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act).
Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our
expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the Risk Factors section
of this prospectus. We urge you to review carefully that section for a more detailed discussion of
the risks of an investment in our securities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus
in making your investment decisions. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with
different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or
solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted. The information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the dates on its
cover. Our business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since such date. We will
advise investors of any material changes to the extent required by applicable law.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary contains basic information about us and our securities. It is not
complete and may not contain all of the information you may want to consider. You should review the
more detailed information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and in the statement of additional
information, especially the information set forth under the heading Risk Factors beginning on
page ___of this prospectus.
The Company
We are a newly organized Maryland corporation registered as a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). Our
investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on current cash
distributions paid to stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total return includes
capital appreciation of, and all distributions received from, securities in which we invest
regardless of the tax character of the distributions. Similar to the tax characterization of
distributions made by MLPs to their unitholders, a portion of our distributions are expected to be
treated as a return of capital to stockholders. We cannot assure you that we will achieve our
investment objective.
Our Adviser
We will be managed by Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. (the Adviser), a registered
investment adviser specializing in listed energy infrastructure investments, such as pipeline and
power companies. As of March 31, 2010 our Adviser managed investments of approximately $3.3 billion
in the energy sector, including the assets of five publicly traded closed-end management investment
companies. Our Adviser has a 20 person investment team dedicated to the energy sector and its five
managing directors comprise its investment committee.
Investment Strategy
We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio
consisting primarily of MLPs and their affiliates in the energy infrastructure sector. Under normal
circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets (including any assets obtained
through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector. For purposes
of this 80% policy, we consider investments in MLPs to include investments in MLPs and their
affiliates. Companies in the energy infrastructure sector (including MLPs and their affiliates)
engage in the business of gathering, transporting, processing, storing, distributing or marketing
natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, crude oil, refined petroleum products or other natural
resources, or exploring, developing, managing or producing such commodities.
Potential Spread Mitigation Strategy
We intend to seek direct investment opportunities (direct placements or secondary offerings)
that could take place concurrent with the closing of this offering or soon thereafter. MLPs
typically issue new equity in such transactions at some discount to prevailing market price. If we
are successful in our efforts to purchase direct investments at a discount, we may be able to
mitigate the impact of the underwriting spread (i.e., sales load) to our common stockholders
through the increase to our net asset value following a direct investment. However, we cannot
assure you that we will be successful in this strategy.
Market Opportunity
We believe there is growth potential in the energy infrastructure sector and that energy
infrastructure MLPs provide attractive investment opportunities as a result of the following
factors:
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Strong Supply and Demand Fundamentals. Energy infrastructure MLP asset footprints
expand with growth in energy demand and changes in areas where oil and gas are produced.
By transporting critical energy resources, energy infrastructure MLPs typically grow in
tandem with economic and population growth in the markets served. Such growth drivers
are expected to continue to increase energy consumption in the U.S., the worlds largest
consumer of energy, by 0.7% annually from 2009 through 2035. We believe energy
infrastructure MLPs will continue to directly benefit from this growing volume of
transported products. |
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Significant Capital Requirements. Because MLPs pay out the majority of their cash
flow as distributions, they require external financing sources with long time horizons
to finance organic growth. We estimate that U.S. energy infrastructure MLPs will invest
approximately $18 billion in internal growth projects between 2010 and 2012. These
projects include financing for refined product infrastructure projects to support
growing population centers, pipeline |
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and storage terminal projects to increase the movement of crude oil from Canada to the
U.S., and natural gas projects to develop infrastructure that efficiently connects new
areas of supply to growing areas of demand. |
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Substantial Asset Ownership Realignment. Energy infrastructure MLPs are estimated
to currently own less than 50% of the refined product, crude oil and natural gas assets
in the U.S., with the remaining assets largely owned by integrated oil companies and
major refineries. As such, there is a significant pool of assets that could continue to
be acquired by MLPs. Energy infrastructure assets owned by integrated oil companies,
utilities and major refineries are often underutilized by their affiliated core
exploration, production and refining businesses. MLP ownership of these assets allows
energy companies to focus on their core businesses and MLPs to maximize operational
output and efficiency at a lower cost of capital. We estimate that the continued
migration of energy infrastructure assets to MLPs will result in approximately $32
billion of acquisition growth by MLPs between 2010 and 2012. MLP acquisitions should
increase the size of the investable universe available to us and enhance our growth
potential. |
Experience of the Adviser
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Investment Experience Across Energy Value Chain. Our Adviser has significant
expertise in managing energy infrastructure investments and had approximately $3.3
billion of assets under management in the energy sector as of March 31, 2010, including
the assets of five publicly traded closed-end management investment companies. As such,
our Adviser is one of the largest investment managers dedicated to managing closed-end
investment companies focused on U.S. energy infrastructure MLPs. The five members of
our Advisers investment committee have, on average, over 23 years of investment
experience. The Advisers philosophy places extensive focus on quality through
proprietary models, including risk, valuation and financial models. |
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Strong Reputation, Deep Relationships and Access to Deal Flow. Our Adviser has
developed a strong reputation and deep relationships with issuers, underwriters and
sponsors that we believe will afford us competitive advantages in evaluating and
managing investment opportunities. Our Adviser, a pioneer in institutional direct
placements with MLPs and other energy infrastructure companies, has participated in over
100 direct placements, private company investments and initial public offerings in which
it has invested over $1.4 billion since 2002 through its listed funds and other
specialty vehicles. |
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Capital Markets Innovation. Our Adviser is a leader in providing investment,
financing and structuring opportunities through its listed funds. Our Adviser believes
its innovation includes the following highlights: |
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Formed the first listed, closed-end management investment company
focused primarily on investing in energy infrastructure MLPs; |
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Led the development of institutional MLP direct placements to fund
capital projects, acquisitions and sponsor liquidity; |
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Completed the first follow-on common stock offering in a decade for
a closed-end, management investment company; and |
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Established one of the first registered closed-end management
investment company universal shelf registration statements and completed the
first registered direct offering from a universal shelf registration statement
for a closed-end fund. |
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Disciplined Investment Philosophy. In making its investment decisions, our
Adviser intends to continue the disciplined investment approach that it has utilized
since its founding. That investment approach will emphasize current income, low
volatility and minimization of downside risk. Our Advisers investment process involves
an assessment of the overall attractiveness of the specific segment in which an energy
infrastructure MLP is involved, the companys specific competitive position within that
segment, potential commodity price risk, supply and demand, regulatory considerations,
the stability and potential growth of the companys cash flows, and the companys
management track record. |
Comparison with Directly Owning MLPs
We believe that our investors will benefit from a number of portfolio and tax features that
would not be available from directly owning MLP units, including the following:
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Access to direct investments. We will seek to invest in direct investments.
Direct investments offer the potential for increased return, but are typically only
available to a limited number of institutional investors such as us. |
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Simplified tax reporting. Each stockholder will receive a single Form 1099,
rather than a Form K-1 from each MLP if such stockholder had instead invested directly
in the MLP. Also, our stockholders will not be required to file state income tax returns
in each state in which MLPs we own operate, whereas limited partners of MLPs may be
required to make state filings in states in which the MLP operates. |
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Diversified portfolio. An investment in our common shares offers diversification
among a number of MLPs within the energy infrastructure sector through a single
investment vehicle. |
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Active management by leading MLP Adviser. Our Advisers investment committee has
more than 100 years combined investment experience to select and manage a diversified
portfolio on behalf of stockholders. The ability to access investment grade credit
markets may also lead to greater stockholder returns. |
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No Unrelated Business Taxable Income. The Internal Revenue Code generally
excludes corporate dividends from treatment as unrelated business taxable income
(UBTI), unless the stock is debt-financed. Tax-exempt investors, including pension
plans, foundations, 401(k)s and IRAs, will not have UBTI upon receipt of distributions
from us, whereas a tax-exempt limited partners allocable share of income of an MLP is
treated as UBTI. |
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Retirement plan suitability. The tax characteristics of a direct MLP investment
are generally undesirable for tax-exempt investors such as retirement plans. We are
structured as a c-corporation and accrue federal and state income taxes based on taxable
earnings and profits. Because of this innovative structure, pioneered by our Adviser,
institutions and retirement accounts are able to join individual stockholders as
investors in MLPs. |
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Additionally, the passive activity income and loss rules apply to a direct investment
in MLPs, but not to an investment in our common shares (these rules limit the ability
of an investor to use losses to offset other gains). |
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Unlike MLPs, we will be obligated to pay current and accrue deferred taxes with
respect to our income, thereby subjecting our income to a double layer of tax upon
distribution to our stockholders. Like other investment companies, our stockholders
will bear our operating costs, including management fees, custody and administration
fees, and the costs of operating as a public company. |
Principal Investment Strategies
We have adopted the following nonfundamental investment policies:
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Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets
(including any assets obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the
energy infrastructure sector. For purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments
in MLPs to include investments in MLPs and their affiliates. |
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We may invest up to 50% of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily
through direct investments in securities of listed companies. We will not invest in
privately-held companies. |
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We will not invest more than 10% of our total assets in any single issuer. |
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We will not engage in short sales. |
As used in the bullets above, the term total assets includes assets obtained through
leverage for the purpose of each nonfundamental investment policy. The Board of Directors may
change our nonfundamental investment policies without stockholder approval and will provide notice
to stockholders of material changes (including notice through stockholder reports); provided,
however, that a change in the policy of investing at least 80% of our total assets (including any
assets obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector
requires at least 60 days prior written notice to stockholders. Unless otherwise stated, these
investment restrictions apply at the time of purchase and we will not be required to reduce a
position due solely to market value fluctuations.
During the period in which we are investing the net proceeds of this offering, we may deviate
from our investment policies with respect to the net proceeds by investing the net proceeds in
mutual funds, cash, cash equivalents, securities issued or guaranteed
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by the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies, high quality, short-term money
market instruments, short-term debt securities, certificates or deposit, bankers acceptances and
other bank obligations, commercial paper or other liquid fixed income securities.
Federal Income Tax Status of Company
Unlike most investment companies, we have not elected to be treated as a regulated investment
company under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue Code).
Therefore, we are obligated to pay federal and applicable state corporate taxes on our taxable
income. On the other hand, we are not subject to the Internal Revenue Codes diversification rules
limiting the assets in which regulated investment companies can invest. Under current federal
income tax law, these rules limit the amount that regulated investment companies may invest
directly in the securities of certain MLPs to 25% of the value of their total assets. We will
invest a substantial portion of our assets in MLPs. Although MLPs may generate taxable income to
us, we expect the MLPs to pay cash distributions in excess of the taxable income reportable by us.
Similarly, we expect to distribute substantially all of our distributable cash flow (DCF) to our
common stockholders. DCF is the amount we receive as cash or paid-in-kind distributions from MLPs
or affiliates of MLPs in which we will invest and interest payments on short-term debt securities
we own, less current or anticipated operating expenses, taxes on our taxable income, and leverage
costs paid by us (including leverage costs of any preferred stock, debt securities and borrowings
under any credit facility). However, unlike regulated investment companies, we are not effectively
required by the Internal Revenue Code to distribute substantially all of our income and capital
gains. See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
Taxation of MLPs and MLP Investors
We will invest primarily in MLPs, which are treated as partnerships for federal income tax
purposes. Limited partners, such as us, will be required to pay tax on their allocable share of the
MLPs income, gains, losses and deductions, including accelerated depreciation and amortization
deductions. Such items generally are allocated among the general partner and limited partners in
accordance with their percentage interests in the MLP. Partners recognize and must report their
allocable share of income regardless of whether any cash distributions are paid out. MLPs typically
are required by their charter documents to distribute substantially all of their distributable cash
flow. The types of MLPs in which we intend to invest have historically made cash distributions to
limited partners that exceed the amount of taxable income allocable to limited partners. This may
be due to a variety of factors, including that the MLP may have significant non-cash deductions,
such as accelerated depreciation. If the cash distributions exceed the taxable income reported, the
MLP investors basis in MLP units will decrease. This feature will reduce current income tax
liability, but potentially will increase the investors gain upon the sale of its MLP interest.
Stockholder Tax Features
Our stockholders hold common stock of a corporation. Shares of common stock differ
substantially from partnership interests for federal income tax purposes. Unlike holders of MLP
common units, our stockholders will not recognize an allocable share of our income, gains, losses
and deductions. Stockholders recognize income only if we pay out distributions. The tax character
of the distributions can vary. If we make distributions from current or accumulated earnings and
profits, such distributions will be taxable to stockholders in the current period as dividend
income. Dividend income will be treated as qualified dividends for federal income tax purposes,
subject to favorable capital gains rates. If distributions exceed our current or accumulated
earnings and profits, such excess distributions will constitute a tax-free return of capital to the
extent of a stockholders basis in its common shares. To the extent excess distributions exceed a
stockholders basis, it will be taxed as capital gain. Based on the historical performance of MLPs,
we expect that a portion of distributions to holders of our common shares will constitute a
tax-free return of capital. There is no assurance that we will make regular distributions or that
our expectation regarding the tax character of our distributions will be realized. The provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through December
31, 2010. Thereafter, higher federal income tax rates will apply unless further legislative action
is taken.
Upon the sale of common shares, a stockholder generally will recognize capital gain or loss
measured by the difference between the sale proceeds received by the stockholder and the
stockholders federal income tax basis in its common shares sold, as adjusted to reflect return(s)
of capital. Generally, such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if common
shares were held as a capital asset for more than one year. See Certain Federal Income Tax
Matters.
Leverage
The borrowing of money and the issuance of preferred stock and debt securities represent the
leveraging of our common stock. The issuance of additional common stock may enable us to increase
the aggregate amount of our leverage. We reserve the right at any time to use financial leverage to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act (50% of total assets for preferred stock and 33 1/3% of total
assets for senior debt securities) or we may elect to reduce the use of leverage or use no leverage
at all. Our Board of Directors
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has approved a leverage target of up to 25% of our total assets at the time of incurrence and
has also approved a policy permitting temporary increases in the amount of leverage we may use from
25% of our total assets to up to 30% of our total assets at the time of incurrence, provided that
(i) such leverage is consistent with the limits set forth in the 1940 Act, and (ii) that we expect
to reduce such increased leverage over time in an orderly fashion. The timing and terms of any
leverage transactions will be determined by our Board of Directors. Additionally, the percentage of
our assets attributable to leverage may vary significantly during periods of extreme market
volatility and will increase during periods of declining market prices of our portfolio holdings.
The use of leverage creates an opportunity for increased income and capital appreciation for
common stockholders, but at the same time creates special risks that may adversely affect common
stockholders. Because our Advisers fee is based upon a percentage of our Managed Assets (defined
as our total assets (including any assets attributable to any leverage that may be outstanding but
excluding any net deferred tax assets) minus the sum of accrued liabilities other than (1) net
deferred tax liabilities, (2) debt entered into for purposes of leverage and (3) the aggregate
liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock). Our Adviser does not charge an advisory
fee based on net deferred tax assets. Our Advisers fee is higher when we are leveraged. Therefore,
our Adviser has a financial incentive to use leverage, which will create a conflict of interest
between our Adviser and our common stockholders, who will bear the costs of our leverage. There can
be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is
used. The use of leverage involves risks, which can be significant. See Leverage and Risk
Factors Leverage Risk.
We may use interest rate transactions for economic hedging purposes only, in an attempt to
reduce the interest rate risk arising from our leveraged capital structure. We do not intend to
hedge the interest rate risk of our portfolio holdings. Accordingly, if no leverage is outstanding,
we currently do not expect to engage in interest rate transactions. Interest rate transactions that
we may use for hedging purposes may expose us to certain risks that differ from the risks
associated with our portfolio holdings. See Leverage Hedging Transactions and Risk Factors
Hedging Strategy Risk.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that our Adviser and its affiliates carry on
substantial investment activities for other clients, in which we have no interest. Our Adviser or
its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of these accounts over us. Any of
their proprietary accounts or other customer accounts may compete with us for specific trades. Our
Adviser or its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy or sell securities
for, other accounts and customers, which advice or securities recommended may differ from advice
given to, or securities recommended or bought or sold for, us, even though their investment
objectives may be the same as, or similar to, ours.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of the investment activities
conducted by our Adviser and its affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be based
on, among other things, the following: (1) legal or internal restrictions on the combined size of
positions that may be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the size of our
position; (2) the difficulty of liquidating an investment for us or the other accounts where the
market cannot absorb the sale of the combined position; or (3) limits on co-investing in direct
placement securities under the 1940 Act. Our investment opportunities may be limited by
affiliations of our Adviser or its affiliates with energy infrastructure companies. See Investment
Objective and Principal Investment Strategies Conflicts of Interest.
Adviser Information
The offices of our Adviser are located at 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211.
The telephone number for our Adviser is (913) 981-1020 and our Advisers website is
www.tortoiseadvisors.com. Information posted to our Advisers website should not be
considered part of this prospectus.
Who May Want to Invest
Investors should consider their investment goals, time horizons and risk tolerance before
investing in our common shares. An investment in our common shares is not appropriate for all
investors, and we are not intended to be a complete investment program. We are designed as a
long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. We may be an appropriate investment for
investors who are seeking:
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an efficient investment vehicle for accessing a portfolio of energy
infrastructure MLPs and their affiliates; |
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the opportunity for tax deferred distributions and capital appreciation; |
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simplified tax reporting compared to directly owning MLP units; |
5
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an investment that should be suitable for retirement and other tax exempt
accounts; |
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potential diversification of their overall investment portfolio; and |
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professional securities selection and active management by an experienced Adviser
with access to deal flow. |
An investment in our common shares involves a high degree of risk. Investors could lose some
or all of their investment.
6
THE OFFERING
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Common Shares Offered
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of our common shares, excluding
of our common shares issuable
pursuant to the overallotment option granted to
the underwriters. |
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Price Per Common Share
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$ |
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Common Shares Outstanding
After the Offering
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of our common shares, excluding
of our common shares issuable
pursuant to the overallotment option granted to
the underwriters. |
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Listing and Symbol
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Our common shares are expected to be listed on
the New York Stock Exchange under the trading
or ticker symbol . |
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Use of Proceeds
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We expect to use the net proceeds from the sale
of our common shares to invest in accordance
with our investment objectives and policies and
for working capital purposes. Approximately
% of the net proceeds of this offering
(excluding the over-allotment option) is
expected to be used to complete the purchase of
certain identified direct investments
immediately after the closing of this offering.
We expect to fully invest the net proceeds of
this offering within three to six months of the
closing. Pending such investment, we expect
the net proceeds of this offering will be
invested in mutual funds, cash, cash
equivalents, securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. government or its instrumentalities or
agencies, short-term money market instruments,
short-term debt securities, certificates of
deposit, bankers acceptances and other bank
obligations, commercial paper or other liquid
debt securities. See Use of Proceeds. |
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Fees
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Pursuant to our investment advisory agreement,
we will pay our Adviser a fee for its
investment management services equal to an
annual rate of % of our average monthly
Managed Assets. The fee will be calculated and
accrued daily and paid quarterly in arrears.
See Management of the Company Investment
Advisory Agreement Management Fee. |
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Regulatory Status
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We are registered as a non-diversified,
closed-end management investment company under
the 1940 Act. See Closed-End Company
Structure. |
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Distributions
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We expect to distribute substantially all of
our DCF to our common stockholders through
quarterly distributions. Our Board of Directors
has adopted a policy to target distributions to
common stockholders in an amount of at least
95% of our DCF on an annual basis. We will pay
distributions on our common stock each fiscal
quarter out of our DCF, if any. If
distributions paid to common stockholders
exceed the current and accumulated earnings and
profits allocated to the particular shares held
by a stockholder, the excess of such
distribution will constitute, for federal
income tax purposes, a tax-free return of
capital to the extent of the stockholders
basis in the shares and capital gain
thereafter. A return of capital reduces the
basis of the shares held by a stockholder,
which may increase the amount of gain
recognized upon the sale of such shares. See
Distributions. |
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan
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We intend to have a dividend reinvestment plan
for our stockholders that will be effective
after completion of this offering. Our plan
will be an opt out dividend reinvestment
plan. As a result, if we declare a
distribution after the plan is effective, a
stockholders cash distribution will be |
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automatically reinvested in additional common
shares, unless the stockholder specifically
opts out of the dividend reinvestment plan so
as to receive cash distributions. Stockholders
who receive distributions in the form of common
shares will generally be subject to the same
federal, state and local tax consequences as
stockholders who elect to receive their
distributions in cash. See Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan and Certain U.S. Federal
Income Tax Considerations. |
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Risks
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Investing in our common shares involves risk,
including the risk that you may receive little
or no return on your investment, or even that
you may lose part or all of your investment.
Therefore, before investing in our common
shares you should consider carefully the
following risks. We are designed primarily as
a long-term investment vehicle, and our common
shares are not an appropriate investment for a
short-term trading strategy. An investment in
our common shares should not constitute a
complete investment program for any investor
and involves a high degree of risk. Due to the
uncertainty in all investments, there can be no
assurance that we will achieve our investment
objectives. See Risk Factors. |
8
SUMMARY OF COMPANY EXPENSES
The following table and example contain information about the costs and expenses that common
stockholders will bear directly or indirectly. In accordance with SEC requirements, the table below
shows our expenses, including leverage costs, as a percentage of our net assets and not as a
percentage of gross assets or Managed Assets. We caution you that the percentages in the table
below indicating annual expenses are estimates and may vary.
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Stockholder Transaction Expense (as a percentage of offering price): |
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Sales Load |
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% |
1 |
Offering Expenses Borne by the Company |
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% |
2 |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Expenses |
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None3 |
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Total stockholder transaction expenses paid |
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% |
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Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares)4: |
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Management Fee (payable under investment advisory agreement) |
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% |
5 |
Leverage
Costs |
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% |
6 |
Other Expenses |
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% |
7 |
Total annual expenses |
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% |
8 |
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1 |
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For a description of the sales load and of other compensation paid to the
underwriters by the Company, see Underwriting. |
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The percentage reflects estimated offering expenses of approximately
$ . |
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The expenses associated with the administration of our dividend reinvestment plan are
included in Other Expenses. The participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will pay a pro
rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to open market purchases, if any, made by
the plan agent under the plan. For more details about the plan, see Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment Plan. |
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4 |
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Assumes leverage of approximately $ million determined using the
assumptions set forth in footnote (6) below. |
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5 |
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Although our management fee is ___% (annualized) of our average monthly Managed
Assets, the table above reflects expenses as a percentage of net assets. Managed Assets means our
total assets (including any assets attributable to any leverage that
may be outstanding, but excluding any net deferred tax assets) minus the sum of accrued
liabilities other than (1) net deferred tax liability, (2) debt entered into for the purpose of leverage
and (3) the aggregate liquidation
preference of any outstanding preferred shares. Net assets is defined as Managed Assets minus debt
entered into for the purposes of leverage and the aggregate liquidation preference of any
outstanding preferred shares. See Management of the Company Investment Advisory Agreement
Management Fee. |
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6 |
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We may borrow money or issue debt securities and/or preferred stock to provide us
with additional funds to invest. The borrowing of money and the issuance of preferred stock and
debt securities represent the leveraging of our common stock. The table above assumes we borrow
for investment purposes approximately $ million, which reflects leverage in an
amount representing 25% of our total assets (including such leverage) assuming an annual
interest rate of % on the amount borrowed and assuming we issue million common shares. |
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Other Expenses includes our estimated overhead expenses, including payments to our
transfer agent, our administrator and legal and accounting expenses. The holders of our common
shares indirectly bear the cost associated with such other expenses. |
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The table presented above estimates what our annual expenses would be, stated as a
percentage of our net assets attributable to our common shares. The table presented below, unlike
the table presented above, estimates what our annual expenses would be stated as a percentage of
our Managed Assets. As a result, our estimated total annual expenses would be as follows: |
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Management fee |
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% |
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Leverage Costs |
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% |
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Other Expenses |
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% |
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Total Annual Expenses |
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% |
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As of the date of this Prospectus, we have not commenced investment operations. The
Other Expenses shown in the table and related footnote above are based on estimated amounts for
our first year of operation unless otherwise indicated and assume that we issue approximately
common shares. If we issue fewer common shares, all other things being equal, certain of
these percentages would increase. For additional information with respect to our expenses, see
Management of the Company and Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
9
Example
The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses
that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common
shares. These amounts are based upon assumed offering expenses of % and our payment of
annual operating expenses at the levels set forth in the table above.
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1 Year |
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3 Years |
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5 Years |
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10 Years |
You would pay the following expenses on a
$1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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$ |
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The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of
our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, while
the example assumes, as required by the applicable rules of the SEC, a 5% annual return, our
performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. In addition, while the
example assumes reinvestment of all distributions at net asset value, participants in our dividend
reinvestment plan may receive common shares valued at the market price in effect at that time. This
price may be at, above or below net asset value. See Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan for
additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.
10
USE OF PROCEEDS
We expect to use the net proceeds from the sale of our common shares to invest in accordance
with our investment objectives and policies and for working capital purposes. Approximately % of
the net proceeds of this offering (excluding the over-allotment option) is expected to be used to
complete the purchase of certain identified direct investments immediately after the closing of
this offering. See Direct Investment Contracts for a list of direct investment contracts we are
a party to as of the date of this prospectus. We expect to fully invest the net proceeds of this
offering within three to six months of the closing. Pending such investment, we expect the net
proceeds of this offering will be invested in mutual funds, cash, cash equivalents, securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its instrumentalities or agencies, short-term money
market instruments, short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and
other bank obligations, commercial paper or other liquid debt securities. See
Risks Delay in the Use of Proceeds Risk. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could
lower returns and reduce the amount of cash available to make distributions
11
THE COMPANY
We are a newly organized, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered
under the 1940 Act. We were organized as a Maryland corporation on April 23, 2010 pursuant to the
Charter. Our fiscal year ends on November 30. We expect our common stock to be listed on the NYSE
under the symbol ___.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Investment Objective
Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current
distributions paid to stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total return includes
capital appreciation of, and all distributions received from, securities in which we invest
regardless of the tax character of the distributions. We seek to provide our stockholders with an
efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio consisting primarily of MLPs and their affiliates in the
energy infrastructure sector. Similar to the tax characterization of cash distributions made by
MLPs to the MLPs unit holders, a portion of our distributions to stockholders are expected to be
treated as return of capital.
Energy Infrastructure Sector
We will invest primarily in the energy infrastructure sector. We will pursue our objective by
investing principally in a portfolio of equity securities issued by MLPs and their affiliates. We
may invest in restricted securities, primarily through direct investments in securities of listed
companies. MLP common units historically have generated higher average total returns than domestic
common stock (as measured by the S&P 500) and fixed income securities. Restricted securities are
expected to provide us a higher total return than securities traded in the open market, although
restricted securities are subject to risks not associated with listed securities. A more detailed
description of investment policies and restrictions, including those deemed to be fundamental and
thus subject to change only with the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding
voting securities, and more detailed information about portfolio investments are contained later in
this prospectus and in the statement of additional information.
Energy Infrastructure Sector. Companies (including MLPs and their affiliates) in the energy
infrastructure sector engage in the business of gathering, transporting, processing, storing,
distributing or marketing natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, crude oil, refined petroleum
products or other natural resources, or exploring, developing, managing or producing such
commodities. Energy infrastructure companies (other than most pipeline MLPs) do not operate as
public utilities or local distribution companies, and are therefore not subject to rate
regulation by state or federal utility commissions. However, energy infrastructure companies may be
subject to greater competitive factors than utility companies, including competitive pricing in the
absence of regulated tariff rates, which could reduce revenues and adversely affect profitability.
Most pipeline MLPs are subject to government regulation concerning the construction, pricing and
operation of pipelines. Pipeline MLPs are able to set prices (rates or tariffs) to cover operating
costs, depreciation and taxes, and provide a return on investment. These rates are monitored by the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) which seeks to ensure that consumers receive adequate
and reliable supplies of energy at the lowest possible price while providing energy suppliers and
transporters a just and reasonable return on capital investment and the opportunity to adjust to
changing market conditions.
Master Limited Partnerships. Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our
total assets (including assets obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the
energy infrastructure sector. For purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments in MLPs to
include investments in MLPs and their affiliates. MLPs are generally taxed as partnerships for
federal income tax purposes, thereby eliminating income tax at the entity level. The typical MLP
has two classes of partners, the general partner and the limited partners. The general partner is
usually a major energy company, investment fund or the direct management of the MLP. The general
partner normally controls the MLP through a 2% equity interest plus units that are subordinated to
the common (publicly traded) units for at least the first five years of the partnerships existence
and that only convert to common if certain financial tests are met.
As a motivation for the general partner to manage the MLP successfully and increase cash
flows, the terms of most MLPs partnership agreements typically provide that the general partner
receives a larger portion of the net income as distributions reach
higher target levels. As cash flow grows, the general partner receives a greater interest in
the incremental income compared to the
12
interest of limited partners. The general partners
incentive compensation typically increases up to 50% of incremental income. Nevertheless, the
aggregate amount distributed to limited partners will increase as MLP distributions reach higher
target levels. Given this structure, the general partner has an incentive to streamline operations
and undertake acquisitions and growth projects in order to increase distributions to all partners.
MLPs in which we invest can generally be classified in the following categories:
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Pipeline MLPs. Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural
gas liquids (primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil or
refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel). Pipeline MLPs may also
operate ancillary businesses such as storage and marketing of such products. Revenue is
derived from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been
less exposed to cyclical economic forces due to its low cost structure and
government-regulated nature. In addition, pipeline MLPs do not have direct commodity
price exposure because they do not own the product being shipped. |
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Processing MLPs. Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as well
as providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids
(NGLs). Revenue is derived from providing services to natural gas producers, which
require treatment or processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to
utilities and other end user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although
it is not uncommon to have some participation in the prices of the natural gas and NGL
commodities for a portion of revenue. |
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Propane MLPs. Propane MLPs are distributors of propane to homeowners for space and
water heating. Revenue is derived from the resale of the commodity at a margin over
wholesale cost. The ability to maintain margin is a key to profitability. Propane serves
approximately 3% of the household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes
beyond the geographic reach of natural gas distribution pipelines. Approximately 70% of
annual cash flow is earned during the winter heating season (October through March).
Accordingly, volumes are weather dependent, but have utility type functions similar to
electricity and natural gas. |
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Coal MLPs. Coal MLPs own, lease and manage coal reserves. Revenue is derived from
production and sale of coal, or from royalty payments related to leases to coal
producers. Electricity generation is the primary use of coal in the United States.
Demand for electricity and supply of alternative fuels to generators are the primary
drivers of coal demand. Coal MLPs are subject to operating and production risks, such
as: the MLP or a lessee meeting necessary production volumes; federal, state and local
laws and regulations which may limit the ability to produce coal; the MLPs ability to
manage production costs and pay mining reclamation costs; and the effect on demand that
the Environmental Protection Agencys standards set in the 1990 Clean Air Act (the
Clean Air Act) have on coal-end users. |
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Marine Shipping MLPs. Marine Shipping MLPs are primarily marine transporters of
natural gas, crude oil or refined petroleum products. Marine shipping MLPs derive
revenue from charging customers for the transportation of these products utilizing the
MLPs vessels. Transportation services are typically provided pursuant to a charter or
contract, the terms of which vary depending on, for example, the length of use of a
particular vessel, the amount of cargo transported, the number of voyages made, the
parties operating a vessel or other factors. |
Investment Process
Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets (including assets
obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector. For
purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments in MLPs to include investments in MLPs and
their affiliates. We will invest primarily in entities organized in the United States. Our Adviser
seeks to invest in securities that offer a combination of quality, growth and yield intended to
result in superior total returns over the long run. Our Advisers securities selection process
includes a comparison of quantitative, qualitative, and relative value factors. Although our
Adviser intends to use research provided by broker-dealers and investment firms, primary emphasis
will be placed on proprietary analysis and valuation models conducted and maintained by our
Advisers in-house investment analysts. To determine whether a company meets its criteria, our
Adviser generally will look for a strong record of distribution growth, a solid ratio of debt to
equity and coverage ratio with respect to distributions to unit holders, and a proven track record,
incentive structure and management
team. It is anticipated that all of the MLPs in which we invest will have a market
capitalization greater than $200 million at the time of investment.
13
Investment Policies
We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in securities of MLPs and
their affiliates that our Adviser believes offer attractive distribution rates and capital
appreciation potential.
We have adopted the following nonfundamental investment policies:
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Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets
(including any assets obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the
energy infrastructure sector. For purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments
in MLPs to include investments in MLPs and their affiliates. |
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We may invest up to 50% of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily
through direct investments in securities of listed companies. We will not invest in
privately-held companies. |
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We will not invest more than 10% of our total assets in any single issuer. |
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We will not engage in short sales. |
As used in the bullets above, the term total assets includes assets to be obtained through
leverage for the purpose of each nonfundamental investment policy. During the period in which we
are investing the net proceeds of this offering, we will deviate from our investment policies with
respect to the net proceeds by investing the net proceeds in mutual funds, cash, cash equivalents,
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies,
short-term money market instruments, short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit, bankers
acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial paper or other liquid securities.
The Board of Directors may change our nonfundamental investment policies without stockholder
approval and will provide notice to stockholders of material changes (including notice through
stockholder reports); provided, however, that a change in the policy of investing at least 80% of
our total assets (including any assets obtained through leverage), in equity securities of MLPs in
the energy infrastructure sector requires at least 60 days prior written notice to stockholders.
Unless otherwise stated, these investment restrictions apply at the time of purchase and we will
not be required to reduce a position due solely to market value fluctuations.
We intend to seek direct investment opportunities (direct placements or secondary offerings)
that could take place concurrent with the closing of this offering or soon thereafter. MLPs
typically issue new equity in such transactions at some discount to prevailing market price. If we
are successful in our efforts to purchase direct investments at a discount, we may be able to
mitigate the impact of the underwriting spread (i.e., sales load) to our common stockholders
through the increase to our net asset value following a direct investment. However, we cannot
assure you that we will be successful in this strategy.
Investment Securities
The types of securities in which we may invest include, but are not limited to, the following:
Equity Securities of MLPs. Consistent with our investment objective, we may invest up to 100%
of our total assets in equity securities issued by MLPs, including common units, convertible
subordinated units, and equity securities issued by affiliates of MLPs, including I-Shares and LLC
common units.
The table below summarizes the features of these securities, and a further discussion of these
securities follows:
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Common Units |
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Convertible Subordinated Units |
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(for MLPs taxed as partnerships) (1) |
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(for MLPs taxed as partnerships) |
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I-Shares |
Voting Rights
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Limited to certain significant decisions; no
annual election of directors
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Same as common units
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No direct MLP voting rights |
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Dividend Priority
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First right to MQD specified in Partnership
Agreement; arrearage rights
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Second right to MQD; no
arrearage rights; may be paid
in additional units
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Equal in amount and
priority to common
units but paid in
additional I-Shares
at current market
value of I-Shares |
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Common Units |
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Convertible Subordinated Units |
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(for MLPs taxed as partnerships) (1) |
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(for MLPs taxed as partnerships) |
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I-Shares |
Dividend Rate
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Minimum set in Partnership Agreement;
participate pro rata with subordinated after
both MQDs are met
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Equal in amount to common
units; participate pro rata
with common units above the MQD
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Equal in amount to
common units |
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Trading
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Listed on NYSE, NYSE Alternext U.S.
and NASDAQ National Market
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Not publicly traded
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Listed on NYSE |
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Federal Income Tax
Treatment
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Generally, ordinary income to the extent of
taxable income allocated to holder;
distributions are tax-free return of capital
to extent of holders basis; remainder as
capital gain
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Same as common units
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Full distribution
treated as return
of capital; since
distribution is in
shares, total basis
is not reduced |
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Type of Investor
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Retail; creates unrelated business taxable
income for tax-exempt investor; investment by
regulated investment companies limited to 25%
of total assets
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Same as common units
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Retail and
institutional; does
not create
unrelated business
taxable income;
qualifying income
for regulated
investment
companies |
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Liquidity Priority
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Intended to receive return of all capital first
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Second right to return of
capital; pro rata with common
units thereafter
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Same as common
units (indirect
right through
I-Share issuer) |
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Conversion Rights
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None
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Typically one-to-one ratio into
common units
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None |
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(1) |
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Some energy infrastructure companies in which we may invest have been organized as LLCs.
Such LLCs are treated in the same manner as MLPs for federal income tax purposes. Common units
of LLCs have similar characteristics of those of MLP common units, except that LLC common
units typically have voting rights with respect to the LLC and LLC common units held by
management are not entitled to increased percentages of cash distributions as increased levels
of cash distributions are received by the LLC. The characteristics of LLCs and their common
units are more fully discussed below. |
MLP Common Units. MLP common units represent an equity ownership interest in a
partnership, providing limited voting rights and entitling the holder to a share of the companys
success through distributions and/or capital appreciation. Unlike stockholders of a corporation,
common unit holders do not elect directors annually and generally have the right to vote only on
certain significant events, such as a merger, a sale of substantially all of the assets, removal of
the general partner or material amendments to the partnership agreement. MLPs are required by their
partnership agreements to distribute a large percentage of their current operating earnings. Common
unit holders generally have first right to a MQD prior to distributions to the convertible
subordinated unit holders or the general partner (including incentive distributions). Common unit
holders typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not met. In the event of liquidation, MLP
common unit holders have first rights to the partnerships remaining assets after bondholders,
other debt holders, and preferred unit holders have been paid in full. MLP common units trade on a
national securities exchange or over-the-counter. Also, like common stock, prices of MLP common
units are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may
depress the price of MLP common units to which we have exposure.
Limited Liability Company Units. Some energy infrastructure companies in which we may invest
have been organized as LLCs. Such LLCs are treated in the same manner as MLPs for federal income
tax purposes. Consistent with its investment objective and policies, we may invest in common units
or other securities of such LLCs. LLC common units represent an equity ownership interest in an
LLC, entitling the holder to a share of the LLCs success through distributions and/or capital
appreciation. Similar to MLPs, LLCs typically do not pay federal income tax at the entity level and
are required by their operating agreements to distribute a large percentage of their earnings. LLC
common unit holders generally have first rights to a MQD prior to distributions to subordinated
unit holders and typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not met. In the event of
liquidation, LLC common unit holders have first rights to the LLCs remaining assets after bond
holders, other debt holders and preferred unit holders, if any, have been paid in full. LLC common
units may trade on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
In contrast to MLPs, LLCs have no general partner and there are generally no incentives that
entitle management or other unit holders to increased percentages of cash distributions as
distributions reach higher target levels. In addition, LLC common unit holders typically have
voting rights with respect to the LLC, whereas MLP common units have limited voting rights.
15
MLP Convertible Subordinated Units. MLP convertible subordinated units are typically issued by
MLPs to founders, corporate general partners of MLPs, entities that sell assets to the MLP, and
institutional investors. The purpose of the convertible subordinated units is to increase the
likelihood that during the subordination period there will be available cash to be distributed to
common unit holders. Convertible subordinated units generally are not entitled to distributions
until holders of common units have received specified MQD, plus any arrearages, and may receive
less than common unit holders in distributions upon liquidation. Convertible subordinated unit
holders generally are entitled to MQD prior to the payment of incentive distributions to the
general partner, but are not entitled to arrearage rights. Therefore, convertible subordinated
units generally entail greater risk than MLP common units. They are generally convertible
automatically into the senior common units of the same issuer at a one-to-one ratio upon the
passage of time and/or the satisfaction of certain financial tests. These units generally do not
trade on a national exchange or over-the-counter, and there is no active market for convertible
subordinated units. Although the means by which convertible subordinated units convert into senior
common units depend on a securitys specific terms, MLP convertible subordinated units typically
are exchanged for common shares. The value of a convertible security is a function of its worth if
converted into the underlying common units. Convertible subordinated units generally have similar
voting rights as MLP common units. Distributions may be paid in cash or in-kind.
MLP I-Shares. I-Shares represent an indirect investment in MLP I-units. I-units are equity
securities issued to an affiliate of an MLP, typically a limited liability company, that owns an
interest in and manages the MLP. The I-Shares issuer has management rights but is not entitled to
incentive distributions. The I-Share issuers assets consist exclusively of MLP I-units.
Distributions by MLPs to I-unit holders are made in the form of additional I-units, generally equal
in amount to the cash received by common unit holders of MLPs. Distributions to I-Share holders are
made in the form of additional I-Shares, generally equal in amount to the I-units received by the
I-Share issuer. The issuer of the I-Shares is taxed as a corporation, however, the MLP does not
allocate income or loss to the I-Share issuer. Accordingly, investors receive a Form 1099, are not
allocated their proportionate share of income of the MLPs and are not subject to state income tax
filing obligations based solely on the issuers operations within a state.
Equity Securities of MLP Affiliates. In addition to equity securities of MLPs, we may also
invest in equity securities of MLP affiliates, by purchasing securities of limited liability
entities that own general partner interests of MLPs. General partner interests of MLPs are
typically retained by an MLPs original sponsors, such as its founders, corporate partners,
entities that sell assets to the MLP and investors such as the entities from which we may purchase
general partner interests. An entity holding general partner interests, but not its investors, can
be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the entitys
investment in the general partner interest. General partner interests often confer direct board
participation rights and in many cases, operating control, over the MLP. These interests themselves
are generally not publicly traded, although they may be owned by publicly traded entities. General
partner interests receive cash distributions, typically 2% of the MLPs aggregate cash
distributions, which are contractually defined in the partnership agreement. In addition, holders
of general partner interests typically hold incentive distribution rights (IDRs), which provide
them with a larger share of the aggregate MLP cash distributions as the distributions to limited
partner unit holders are increased to prescribed levels. General partner interests generally cannot
be converted into common units. The general partner interest can be redeemed by the MLP if the MLP
unitholders choose to remove the general partner, typically with a supermajority vote by limited
partner unitholders.
Other Non-MLP Equity Securities. In addition to equity securities of MLPs, we may also invest
in common and preferred stock, limited partner interests, convertible securities, warrants and
depository receipts of companies that are organized as corporations, limited liability companies or
limited partnerships. Common stock generally represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer.
Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income
securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns and may under-perform relative to fixed-income securities during certain periods. An
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common
stock we hold. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market
and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which we have exposure.
Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors perceptions of
the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when
political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be
particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increases borrowing costs and the costs of
capital.
Restricted Securities. We may invest up to 50% of our total assets in restricted securities,
primarily through direct investments in securities of listed companies. An issuer may be willing to
offer the purchaser more attractive features with respect to
securities issued in direct investments because it has avoided the expense and delay involved
in a public offering of securities. Adverse conditions in the public securities markets also may
preclude a public offering of securities. MLP convertible subordinated units typically are
purchased in private placements and do not trade on a national exchange or over-the-counter, and
there is no active
16
market for convertible subordinated units. MLP convertible subordinated units
typically are purchased from affiliates of the issuer or other existing holders of convertible
units rather than directly from the issuer.
Restricted securities obtained by means of direct investments are less liquid than securities
traded in the open market because of statutory and contractual restrictions on resale. Such
securities are, therefore, unlike securities that are traded in the open market, which can be
expected to be sold immediately if the market is adequate. This lack of liquidity creates special
risks for us. However, we could sell such securities in private transactions with a limited number
of purchasers or in public offerings under the 1933 Act. MLP convertible subordinated units
generally also convert to publicly traded common units upon the passage of time and/or satisfaction
of certain financial tests. We intend to seek direct investment opportunities (direct placements or
secondary offerings) that could take place concurrent with the closing of this offering or soon
thereafter. MLPs typically issue new equity in such transactions at some discount to prevailing
market price. If we are successful in our efforts to purchase direct investments at a discount, we
may be able to mitigate the impact of the underwriting spread (i.e., sales load) to our common
stockholders through the increase to our net asset value following a direct investment. However, we
cannot assure you that we will be successful in this strategy.
Temporary Investments and Defensive Investments. Pending investment of the proceeds of this
offering (which we expect may take up to approximately three to six months following the closing of
this offering), we may invest offering proceeds in mutual funds, cash, cash equivalents, securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies, short-term money
market instruments, short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit, bankers acceptances and
other bank obligations, commercial or other liquid securities all of which are expected to
provide a lower yield than the securities of MLPs and their affiliates. We may also invest in these
instruments on a temporary basis to meet working capital needs including, but not limited to, for
collateral in connection with certain investment techniques, to hold a reserve pending payment of
distributions, and to facilitate the payment of expenses and settlement of trades. We anticipate
that under normal market conditions and following the investment of the proceeds of this offering
not more than 5% of our total assets will be invested in these instruments.
Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest 100% of our total assets in these
securities. The yield on these securities may be lower than the returns on MLPs or yields on lower
rated fixed income securities. To the extent we invest in these securities on a temporary basis or
for defensive purposes, we may not achieve our investment objective.
Portfolio Turnover
Our annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Although we cannot
accurately predict our annual portfolio turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 30% under
normal circumstances. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the execution
of investment decisions for us. A higher turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage
commissions and other transactional expenses that we bear. High portfolio turnover may result in
our recognition of gains (losses) that will increase (decrease) our tax liability and thereby
impact the amount of our after-tax distributions. In addition, high portfolio turnover may increase
our current and accumulated earnings and profits, resulting in a greater portion of our
distributions being treated as taxable dividends for federal income tax purposes. See Certain
Federal Income Tax Matters.
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest may arise from the fact that our Adviser and its affiliates carry on
substantial investment activities for other clients in which we have no interest, some of which may
have investment strategies similar to ours. Our Adviser or its affiliates may have financial
incentives to favor certain of such accounts over us. For example, our Adviser may have an
incentive to allocate potentially more favorable investment opportunities to other funds and
clients that pay our Adviser an incentive or performance fee. Performance and incentive fees also
create the incentive to allocate potentially riskier, but potentially better performing,
investments to such funds and other clients in an effort to increase the incentive fee. Our Adviser
also may have an incentive to make investments in one fund, having the effect of increasing the
value of a security in the same issuer held by another fund, which, in turn, may result in an
incentive fee being paid to our Adviser by that other fund. Any of the Advisers or its affiliates
proprietary accounts and other customer accounts may compete with us for specific trades. Our
Adviser or its affiliates may give advice and recommend securities to, or buy or sell securities
for us which advice or securities may differ from advice given to, or securities recommended or
bought or sold for, other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives may be
the same as, or similar to our objectives. Our Adviser has written allocation policies and
procedures designed to address potential conflicts of interest. For instance, when two or more
clients advised by our Adviser or its affiliates seek to purchase or sell the same publicly traded
securities, the securities actually purchased or sold will be allocated among the clients on a good faith equitable basis by our
Adviser in its discretion and in accordance with the clients various investment objectives and our
Advisers procedures. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the price or size of the
position we may obtain. In other cases, the ability to participate in volume transactions may
produce better execution for
17
us. When possible, our Adviser combines all of the trade orders into
one or more block orders, and each account participates at the average unit or share price obtained
in a block order. When block orders are only partially filled, our Adviser considers a number of
factors in determining how allocations are made, with the overall goal to allocate in a manner so
that accounts are not preferred or disadvantaged over time. Our Adviser also has allocation
policies for transactions involving private placement securities, which are designed to result in a
fair and equitable participation in offerings or sales for each participating client.
Our Adviser also serves as investment adviser for five other publicly traded and one
privately-held closed-end management investment companies, all of which invest in the energy
sector. See Management of the CompanyInvestment Adviser.
Our Adviser will evaluate a variety of factors in determining whether a particular investment
opportunity or strategy is appropriate and feasible for the relevant account at a particular time,
including, but not limited to, the following: (1) the nature of the investment opportunity taken in
the context of the other investments at the time; (2) the liquidity of the investment relative to
the needs of the particular entity or account; (3) the availability of the opportunity (i.e., size
of obtainable position); (4) the transaction costs involved; and (5) the investment or regulatory
limitations applicable to the particular entity or account. Because these considerations may differ
when applied to us and relevant accounts under management in the context of any particular
investment opportunity, our investment activities, on the one hand, and other managed accounts, on
the other hand, may differ considerably from time to time. In addition, our fees and expenses will
differ from those of the other managed accounts. Accordingly, stockholders should be aware that our
future performance and the future performance of the other accounts of our Adviser may vary.
Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of the investment activities
conducted by our Adviser and its affiliates for its other funds or accounts. Such situations may be
based on, among other things, the following: (1) legal or internal restrictions on the combined
size of positions that may be taken for us or the other accounts, thereby limiting the size of our
position; or (2) the difficulty of liquidating an investment for us or the other accounts where the
market cannot absorb the sale of the combined position, or (3) limits on co-investing in negotiated
transactions under the 1940 Act, as discussed further below.
Under the 1940 Act, we may be precluded from co-investing in negotiated private placements of
securities with our affiliates, including other funds managed by the Adviser. As such, we will not
co-invest with our affiliates in negotiated private placement transactions. The Adviser will
observe a policy for allocating negotiated private placement opportunities among its clients that
takes into account the amount of each clients available cash and its investment objectives.
To the extent that our Adviser sources and structures private investments in MLPs, certain
employees of our Adviser may become aware of actions planned by MLPs, such as acquisitions, that
may not be announced to the public. It is possible that we could be precluded from investing in or
selling securities of an MLP about which our Adviser has material, non-public information; however,
it is our Advisers intention to ensure that any material, non-public information available to
certain employees of our Adviser is not shared with those employees responsible for the purchase
and sale of publicly traded MLP securities. Our investment opportunities may also be limited by
affiliations of our Adviser or its affiliates with energy infrastructure companies.
Our Adviser and its principals, officers, employees, and affiliates may buy and sell
securities or other investments for their own accounts and may have actual or potential conflicts
of interest with respect to investments made on our behalf. As a result of differing trading and
investment strategies or constraints, positions may be taken by principals, officers, employees,
and affiliates of our Adviser that are the same as, different from, or made at a different time
than positions taken for us. Further, our Adviser may at some time in the future, manage other
investment funds with the same investment objective as ours.
LEVERAGE
Use of Leverage
The borrowing of money and the issuance of preferred stock and debt securities represents the
leveraging of our common stock. The issuance of additional common stock may enable us to increase
the aggregate amount of our leverage or to maintain any existing leverage. We reserve the right at
any time to use financial leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act (50% of total assets for
preferred stock and 33 1/3% of total assets for senior debt securities) or we may elect to reduce
the use of leverage or use no leverage at all. Our Board of Directors has approved a leverage
target of up to 25% of our total assets at the time of incurrence and has
also approved a policy permitting temporary increases in the amount of leverage we may use
from 25% of our total assets to up to 30% of our total assets at the time of incurrence, provided
(i) that such leverage is consistent with the limits set forth in the 1940 Act, and (ii) that we
expect to reduce such increased leverage over time in an orderly fashion. We generally will not use
leverage unless we
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believe that leverage will serve the best interests of our stockholders. The
principal factor used in making this determination is whether the potential return is likely to
exceed the cost of leverage. We will not issue additional leverage where the estimated costs of
issuing such leverage and the on-going cost of servicing the payment obligations on such leverage
exceed the estimated return on the proceeds of such leverage. We note, however, that in making the
determination of whether to issue leverage, we must rely on estimates of leverage costs and
expected returns. Actual costs of leverage vary over time depending on interest rates and other
factors. Additionally, the percentage of our assets attributable to leverage may vary significantly
during periods of extreme market volatility and will increase during periods of declining market
prices of our portfolio holdings. Actual returns vary, of course, depending on many factors. The
Board of Directors also will consider other factors, including whether the current investment
opportunities will help us achieve our investment objective and strategies.
Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue preferred stock unless immediately after
such issuance, the value of our total assets (including the proceeds of such issuance) less all
liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities is at least equal to 200% of the
total of the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate
liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock. Stated another way, we may not issue
preferred stock that, together with outstanding preferred stock and debt securities, has a total
aggregate liquidation value and outstanding principal amount of more than 50% of the value of our
total assets, including the proceeds of such issuance, less liabilities and indebtedness not
represented by senior securities. In addition, we are not permitted to declare any distribution on
our common stock, or purchase any of our shares of common stock (through tender offers or
otherwise) unless we would satisfy this 200% asset coverage requirement test after deducting the
amount of such distribution or share price, as the case may be. We may, as a result of market
conditions or otherwise, be required to purchase or redeem preferred stock, or sell a portion of
our investments when it may be disadvantageous to do so, in order to maintain the required asset
coverage. Common stockholders would bear the costs of issuing additional preferred stock, which may
include offering expenses and the ongoing payment of distributions. Under the 1940 Act, we may only
issue one class of preferred stock.
Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue debt securities or incur other indebtedness
constituting senior securities unless immediately thereafter, the value of our total assets
(including the proceeds of the indebtedness) less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented
by senior securities is at least equal to 300% of the amount of the outstanding indebtedness.
Stated another way, we may not issue debt securities or incur other indebtedness with an aggregate
principal amount of more than 33 1/3% of the value of our total assets, including the amount
borrowed, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities. We also must
maintain this 300% asset coverage for as long as the indebtedness is outstanding. The 1940 Act
provides that we may not declare any distribution on common or preferred stock, or purchase any of
our shares of stock (through tender offers or otherwise), unless we would satisfy this 300% asset
coverage requirement test after deducting the amount of the distribution or share purchase price,
as the case may be. If the asset coverage for indebtedness declines to less than 300% as a result
of market fluctuations or otherwise, we may be required to redeem debt securities, or sell a
portion of our investments when it may be disadvantageous to do so. Under the 1940 Act, we may only
issue one class of senior securities representing indebtedness.
Hedging Transactions
In an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our leveraged capital structure,
we may use interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps and floors. There is no assurance that
the interest rate hedging transactions into which we enter will be effective in reducing our
exposure to interest rate risk. Hedging transactions are subject to correlation risk, which is the
risk that payment on our hedging transactions may not correlate exactly with our payment
obligations on senior securities. The use of interest rate transactions is a highly specialized
activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, we would agree to pay to the
other party to the interest rate swap (known as the counterparty) a fixed rate payment in
exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to us a variable rate payment intended to approximate
our variable rate payment obligations on outstanding leverage. The payment obligations would be
based on the notional amount of the swap. In an interest rate cap, we would pay a premium to the
counterparty up to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index
exceeds a predetermined fixed rate of interest, would receive from the counterparty payments equal
to the difference based on the notional amount of such cap. In an interest rate floor, we would be
entitled to receive, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest
rate, payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate
floor. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, our use of interest rate transactions
could affect our ability to make required interest or distribution payments on our outstanding
leverage. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate
transactions could decline. If the counterparty to an interest rate transaction defaults, we would
not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the interest rate transaction to offset our
cost of financial leverage.
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We may, but are not obligated to, enter into interest rate swap transactions intended to
reduce our interest rate risk with respect to our interest and distribution payment obligations
under our outstanding leverage. See Risk Factors Hedging Strategy Risk.
Effects of Leverage
The following table is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on the return to a common
stockholder, assuming hypothetical annual returns (net of expenses) of our portfolio of -10% to
10%. As the table shows, the leverage generally increases the return to common stockholders when
portfolio return is positive or greater than the cost of leverage and decreases the return when the
portfolio return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The figures appearing in the table
are hypothetical, and actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
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Assumed Portfolio Return (net of expenses) |
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Corresponding Common Share Return |
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If we use leverage, the amount of the fees paid to our Adviser for investment advisery and
management services will be higher than if we do not use leverage because the fees paid are
calculated based on our Managed Assets, which include assets purchased with leverage. Therefore,
our Adviser has a financial incentive to use leverage, which creates a conflict of interest between
our Adviser and our common stockholders. Because payments on any leverage would be paid by us at a
specified rate, only our common stockholders would bear management fees and other expenses we
incur.
We cannot fully achieve the benefits of leverage until we have invested the proceeds resulting
from the use of leverage in accordance with our investment objective and policies. For further
information about leverage, see Risk Factors Leverage Risk.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or
no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment. Therefore,
before investing in our securities you should consider carefully the following risks.
General. We are a newly organized non-diversified, closed-end management investment company
and have no operating history or history of public trading of our common shares. We are designed
primarily as a long-term investment vehicle and not as a trading tool. An investment in our
securities should not constitute a complete investment program for any investor and involves a high
degree of risk. Due to the uncertainty in all investments, there can be no assurance that we will
achieve our investment objective.
Concentration Risk. Under normal circumstances, we will concentrate our investments in the
energy sector, with an emphasis on securities issued by MLPs and their affiliates in the energy
infrastructure sector, a subset of the energy sector. Risks inherent in the energy infrastructure
business of these types of MLPs and their affiliates include the following:
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Processing and coal MLPs may be directly affected by energy commodity prices. The
volatility of commodity prices can indirectly affect certain other MLPs due to the
impact of prices on volume of commodities transported, processed, stored or distributed.
Pipeline MLPs are not subject to direct commodity price exposure because they do not own
the underlying energy commodity. While propane MLPs do own the underlying energy
commodity, our Adviser seeks high quality MLPs that are able to mitigate or manage
direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. |
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The profitability of MLPs, particularly processing and pipeline MLPs, may be
materially impacted by the volume of natural gas or other energy commodities available
for transporting, processing, storing or distributing. A significant decrease in the
production of natural gas, oil, coal or other energy commodities, due to a decline in
production from existing facilities, import supply disruption, depressed commodity
prices or otherwise, would reduce revenue and operating income of MLPs and, therefore,
the ability of MLPs to make distributions to partners. |
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A sustained decline in demand for crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum
products could adversely affect MLP revenues and cash flows. Factors that could lead to
a decrease in market demand include a recession or other adverse economic conditions, an
increase in the market price of the underlying commodity, higher taxes or other
regulatory |
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actions that increase costs, or a shift in consumer demand for such products. Demand
may also be adversely impacted by consumer sentiment with respect to global warming
and/or by any state or federal legislation intended to promote the use of alternative
energy sources such as bio-fuels. |
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A portion of any one MLPs assets may be dedicated to natural gas reserves and other
commodities that naturally deplete over time, which could have a materially adverse
impact on an MLPs ability to make distributions. Often the MLPs depend upon exploration
and development activities by third parties. |
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MLPs employ a variety of means of increasing cash flow, including increasing
utilization of existing facilities, expanding operations through new construction,
expanding operations through acquisitions, or securing additional long-term contracts. |
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Thus, some MLPs may be subject to construction risk, acquisition risk or other risk
factors arising from their specific business strategies. A significant slowdown in large
energy companies disposition of energy infrastructure assets and other merger and
acquisition activity in the energy MLP industry could reduce the growth rate of cash
flows we receive from MLPs that grow through acquisitions. |
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The profitability of MLPs could be adversely affected by changes in the regulatory
environment. Most MLPs assets are heavily regulated by federal and state governments in
diverse matters, such as the way in which certain MLP assets are constructed, maintained
and operated and the prices MLPs may charge for their services. Such regulation can
change over time in scope and intensity. For example, a particular byproduct of an MLP
process may be declared hazardous by a regulatory agency and unexpectedly increase
production costs. Moreover, many state and federal environmental laws provide for civil
as well as regulatory remediation, thus adding to the potential exposure an MLP may
face. |
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Extreme weather patterns, such as hurricane Ivan in 2004 and hurricane Katrina in
2005, could result in significant volatility in the supply of energy and power and could
adversely impact the value of the securities in which we invest. This volatility may
create fluctuations in commodity prices and earnings of companies in the energy
infrastructure industry. |
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A rising interest rate environment could adversely impact the performance of MLPs.
Rising interest rates could limit the capital appreciation of equity units of MLPs as a
result of the increased availability of alternative investments at competitive yields
with MLPs. Rising interest rates also may increase an MLPs cost of capital. A higher
cost of capital could limit growth from acquisition/expansion projects and limit MLP
distribution growth rates. |
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Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the U.S. Government has issued public
warnings indicating that energy assets, specifically those related to pipeline
infrastructure, production facilities and transmission and distribution facilities,
might be specific targets of terrorist activity. The continued threat of terrorism and
related military activity likely will increase volatility for prices in natural gas and
oil and could affect the market for products of MLPs. |
Industry Specific Risk. Energy infrastructure companies also are subject to risks specific to
the industry they serve.
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Pipeline MLPs are subject to demand for crude oil or refined products in the markets
served by the pipeline, sharp decreases in crude oil or natural gas prices that cause
producers to curtail production or reduce capital spending for exploration activities,
and environmental regulation. Demand for gasoline, which accounts for a substantial
portion of refined product transportation, depends on price, prevailing economic
conditions in the markets served, and demographic and seasonal factors. Pipeline MLP
unit prices are primarily driven by distribution growth rates and prospects for
distribution growth. Pipeline MLPs are subject to regulation by FERC with respect to
tariff rates these companies may charge for pipeline transportation services. An adverse
determination by FERC with respect to the tariff rates of a pipeline MLP could have a
material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations and
cash flows of that pipeline MLP and its ability to make cash distributions to its equity
owners. |
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Processing MLPs are subject to declines in production of natural gas fields, which
utilize the processing facilities as a way to market the gas, prolonged depression in
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production due to lack of drilling activity and declines in the prices of natural gas
liquids products and natural gas prices, resulting in lower processing margins. |
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Propane MLPs are subject to earnings variability based upon weather patterns in the
locations where the company operates and the wholesale cost of propane sold to end
customers. Propane MLP unit prices are based on safety in distribution coverage ratios,
interest rate environment and, to a lesser extent, distribution growth. |
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Coal MLPs are subject to demand variability based on favorable weather conditions,
strong or weak domestic economy, the level of coal stockpiles in the customer base, and
the general level of prices of competing sources of fuel for electric generation. They
also are subject to supply variability based on the geological conditions that reduce
productivity of mining operations, regulatory permits for mining activities and the
availability of coal that meets Clean Air Act standards. Demand and prices for coal may
also be impacted by current and proposed laws, regulations and/or trends, at the
federal, state or local levels, to impose limitations on chemical emissions from
coal-fired power plants and other coal end-users. Any such limitations may reduce the
demand for coal produced, transported or delivered by coal MLPs. |
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Marine shipping MLPs are subject to the demand for, and the level of consumption of,
refined petroleum products, crude oil or natural gas in the markets served by the marine
shipping MLPs, which in turn could affect the demand for tank vessel capacity and
charter rates. These MLPs vessels and their cargoes are also subject to the risks of
being damaged or lost due to marine disasters, bad weather, mechanical failures,
grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, piracy, and war and terrorism. |
MLP Risk. We will invest primarily in equity securities of MLPs and their affiliates. As a
result, we are subject to the risks associated with an investment in MLPs, including cash flow
risk, tax risk, deferred tax risk and capital markets risk, as described in more detail below.
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Cash Flow Risk. We expect to derive substantially all of our cash flow from
investments in equity securities of MLPs and their affiliates. The amount of cash that
we will have available to pay or distribute to holders of our securities depends on the
ability of the MLPs whose securities we hold to make distributions to their partners and
the tax character of those distributions. We will not control the actions of underlying
MLPs. The amount of cash that each individual MLP can distribute to its partners will
depend on the amount of cash it generates from operations, which will vary from quarter
to quarter depending on factors affecting the energy infrastructure market generally and
on factors affecting the particular business lines of the MLP. Available cash will also
depend on the MLPs level of operating costs (including incentive distributions to the
general partner), level of capital expenditures, debt service requirements, acquisition
costs (if any), fluctuations in working capital needs and other factors. |
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Tax Risk of MLPs. Our ability to meet our investment objective will depend on the
level of taxable income, dividends and distributions we receive from the MLPs and other
securities of energy infrastructure companies in which we invest, a factor over which we
have no control. The benefit we derive from our investment in MLPs depends largely on
the MLPs being treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a
partnership, an MLP has no federal income tax liability at the entity level. If, as a
result of a change in current law or a change in an MLPs business, an MLP were treated
as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, the MLP would be obligated to pay
federal income tax on its income at the corporate tax rate. If an MLP were classified as
a corporation for federal income tax purposes, the amount of cash available for
distribution would be reduced and the distributions we receive might be taxed entirely
as dividend income. Therefore, treatment of one or more MLPs as a corporation for
federal income tax purposes could affect our ability to meet our investment objective
and would reduce the amount of cash available to pay or distribute to holders of our
securities. |
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Deferred Tax Risks of MLPs. As a limited partner in the MLPs in which we invest, we
will receive a pro rata share of income, gains, losses and deductions from those MLPs.
Historically, a significant portion of income from such MLPs has been offset by tax
deductions. We will incur a current tax liability on that portion of an MLPs income and
gains that is not offset by tax deductions and losses. The percentage of an MLPs income
and gains which is offset by tax deductions and losses will fluctuate over time for
various reasons. A significant slowdown in acquisition activity by MLPs held in our
portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new
acquisitions, which may result in increased current income tax liability to us. |
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We will accrue deferred income taxes for any future tax liability associated with that
portion of MLP distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital as well
as capital appreciation of our investments. Upon the sale of an MLP security, we may
be liable for previously deferred taxes. We will rely to some extent on information
provided by the MLPs, which is not necessarily timely, to estimate deferred tax
liability for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining our NAV. From
time to time we will modify our estimates or assumptions regarding our deferred tax
liability as new information becomes available. |
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Capital Markets Risk. Global financial markets and economic conditions have been, and
may continue to be, volatile due to a variety of factors, including significant
write-offs in the financial services sector. As a result, the cost of raising capital in
the debt and equity capital markets increased while the ability to raise capital from
those markets diminished. In particular, as a result of concerns about the general
stability of financial markets and specifically the solvency of lending counterparties,
the cost of raising capital from the credit markets generally increased as many lenders
and institutional investors increased interest rates, enacted tighter lending standards,
refused to refinance debt on existing terms or at all and reduced, or in some cases
ceased to provide, funding to borrowers. In addition, lending counterparties under
existing revolving credit facilities and other debt instruments may be unwilling or
unable to meet their funding obligations. Due to these factors, MLPs may be unable to
obtain new debt or equity financing on acceptable terms. If funding is not available
when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, MLPs may not be able to meet
their obligations as they come due. Moreover, without adequate funding, MLPs may be
unable to execute their growth strategies, complete future acquisitions, take advantage
of other business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could
have a material adverse effect on their revenues and results of operations. |
Equity Securities Risk. MLP common units and other equity securities can be affected by
macro-economic and other factors affecting the stock market in general, expectations of interest
rates, investor sentiment towards MLPs or the energy sector, changes in a particular issuers
financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer (in
the case of MLPs, generally measured in terms of distributable cash flow). Prices of common units
of individual MLPs and other equity securities also can be affected by fundamentals unique to the
partnership or company, including size, earnings power, coverage ratio and characteristics and
features of different classes of securities.
Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve greater risk than is associated with
investing in more established companies. Companies with smaller capitalization may have limited
product lines, markets or financial resources; may lack management depth or experience; and may be
more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments than larger more established
companies.
Because MLP convertible subordinated units generally convert to common units on a one-to-one
ratio, the price that we can be expected to pay upon purchase or to realize upon resale is
generally tied to the common unit price less a discount. The size of the discount varies depending
on a variety of factors including the likelihood of conversion, the length of time remaining to
conversion and the size of the block purchased.
The price of I-Shares and their volatility tend to be correlated to the price of common units,
although the price correlation is not precise.
Delay in Use of Proceeds Risk. Although we currently intend to invest the proceeds of any
sales of common shares as soon as practicable following the closing, such investments may be
delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the time or for other reasons or if we are
unable to secure firm commitments for direct investments. As a result, the proceeds may be invested
in mutual funds, cash, cash equivalents, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or
its instrumentalities or agencies, high quality, short-term money market instruments, short-term
debt securities, certificates or deposit, bankers acceptances and other bank obligations,
commercial paper or other liquid fixed income securities. A delay in the anticipated use of
proceeds could lower returns and lower our yield in the first year after the issuance of the common
shares. See Use of Proceeds.
Capital Markets Risk. Global financial markets and economic conditions have been, and may
continue to be, volatile due to a variety of factors, including significant write-offs in the
financial services sector. The third and fourth quarters of 2009 and first quarter of 2010
witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased.
However, if the volatility continues, the cost of raising capital in the debt and equity capital
markets and the ability to raise capital may be impacted. In particular, concerns about the general
stability of financial markets and specifically the solvency of lending counterparties, may impact
the cost of raising capital from the credit markets through increased interest rates, tighter
lending standards, difficulties in
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refinancing debt on existing terms or at all and reduced, or in some cases ceasing to provide,
funding to borrowers. In addition, lending counterparties under existing revolving credit
facilities and other debt instruments may be unwilling or unable to meet their funding obligations.
Additionally, measures taken by the U.S. Government to stimulate the U.S. economy may not be
successful or may not have the intended effect. As a result of any of the foregoing, MLPs may be
unable to obtain new debt or equity financing on acceptable terms. If funding is not available when
needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, MLPs may not be able to meet their obligations
as they come due. Moreover, without adequate funding, MLPs may be unable to execute their growth
strategies, complete future acquisitions, take advantage of other business opportunities or respond
to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on their revenues and
results of operations.
Leverage Risk. Our use of leverage through the issuance of preferred stock or debt securities,
and any borrowings or other transactions involving indebtedness (other than for temporary or
emergency purposes) would be considered senior securities for purposes of the 1940 Act and create
risks. Leverage is a speculative technique that may adversely affect common stockholders. If the
return on securities acquired with borrowed funds or other leverage proceeds does not exceed the
cost of the leverage, the use of leverage could cause us to lose money. Successful use of leverage
depends on our Advisers ability to predict or hedge correctly interest rates and market movements,
and there is no assurance that the use of a leveraging strategy will be successful during any
period in which it is used. Because the fee paid to our Adviser will be calculated on the basis of
Managed Assets, the fees will increase when leverage is utilized, giving our Adviser an incentive
to utilize leverage.
Our issuance of senior securities involves offering expenses and other costs, including
interest payments, which are borne indirectly by our common stockholders. Fluctuations in interest
rates could increase interest or distribution payments on our senior securities, and could reduce
cash available for distributions on common stock. Increased operating costs, including the
financing cost associated with any leverage, may reduce our total return to common stockholders.
The 1940 Act and/or the rating agency guidelines applicable to senior securities impose asset
coverage requirements, distribution limitations, voting right requirements (in the case of the
senior equity securities), and restrictions on our portfolio composition and our use of certain
investment techniques and strategies. The terms of any senior securities or other borrowings may
impose additional requirements, restrictions and limitations that are more stringent than those
currently required by the 1940 Act, and the guidelines of the rating agencies that rate outstanding
senior securities. These requirements may have an adverse effect on us and may affect our ability
to pay distributions on common stock and preferred stock. To the extent necessary, we intend to
redeem any senior securities to maintain the required asset coverage. Doing so may require that we
liquidate portfolio securities at a time when it would not otherwise be desirable to do so.
Nevertheless, it is not anticipated that the 1940 Act requirements, the terms of any senior
securities or the rating agency guidelines will impede our Adviser in managing our portfolio in
accordance with our investment objective and policies. See Leverage Use of Leverage.
Hedging Strategy Risk. We may use interest rate transactions for hedging purposes only, in an
attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our leveraged capital structure. There is no
assurance that the interest rate hedging transactions into which we enter will be effective in
reducing our exposure to interest rate risk. Hedging transactions are subject to correlation risk,
which is the risk that payment on our hedging transactions may not correlate exactly with our
payment obligations on senior securities.
Interest rate transactions that we may use for hedging purposes will expose us to certain
risks that differ from the risks associated with our portfolio holdings. There are economic costs
of hedging reflected in the price of interest rate swaps, floors, caps and similar techniques, the
costs of which can be significant, particularly when long-term interest rates are substantially
above short-term rates. In addition, our success in using hedging instruments is subject to our
Advisers ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedging instruments to
our leverage risk, and there can be no assurance that our Advisers judgment in this respect will
be accurate. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall
performance, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if we had not engaged in such transactions.
Depending on the state of interest rates in general, our use of interest rate transactions
could enhance or decrease the cash available to us for payment of distributions or interest, as the
case may be. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of interest rate swaps
or caps could decline, and result in a decline in our net assets. In addition, if the counterparty
to an interest rate transaction defaults, we would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts
under the interest rate swap or cap to offset our cost of financial leverage.
We may be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to any such agreements
entered into by us. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its
obligations under a contract due to financial difficulties, we may
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experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a
bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. We may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain
no recovery in such circumstances.
Competition Risk. A number of alternatives to us as vehicles for investment in a portfolio of
energy infrastructure MLPs and their affiliates, including other publicly traded investment
companies, structured notes and private funds, currently exist. In addition, recent tax law changes
have increased the ability of regulated investment companies or other institutions to invest in
MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely impact our ability to meet our investment
objective, which in turn could adversely impact our ability to make distributions or interest or
distribution payments.
Restricted Securities Risk. We may invest up to 50% of total assets in restricted securities,
primarily through direct investments in securities of listed companies. Restricted securities are
less liquid than securities traded in the open market because of statutory and contractual
restrictions on resale. Such securities are, therefore, unlike securities that are traded in the
open market, which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is adequate. As discussed
further below, this lack of liquidity creates special risks for us. However, we could sell such
securities in private transactions with a limited number of purchasers or in public offerings under
the 1933 Act. MLP convertible subordinated units generally convert to publicly-traded common units
upon the passage of time and/or satisfaction of certain financial tests. Although the means by
which convertible subordinated units convert into senior common units depend on a securitys
specific terms, MLP convertible subordinated units typically are exchanged for common shares.
Restricted securities are subject to statutory and contractual restrictions on their public
resale, which may make it more difficult to value them, may limit our ability to dispose of them
and may lower the amount we could realize upon their sale. To enable us to sell our holdings of a
restricted security not registered under the 1933 Act, we may have to cause those securities to be
registered. The expenses of registering restricted securities may be determined at the time we buy
the securities. When we must arrange registration because we wish to sell the security, a
considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the
time the security is registered so that we could sell it. We would bear the risks of any downward
price fluctuation during that period.
Liquidity Risk. Although common units of MLPs trade on the NYSE, NYSE Alternext U.S. (formerly
known as AMEX), and the NASDAQ National Market, certain MLP securities may trade less frequently
than those of larger companies due to their smaller capitalizations. In the event certain MLP
securities experience limited trading volumes, the prices of such MLPs may display abrupt or
erratic movements at times. Additionally, it may be more difficult for us to buy and sell
significant amounts of such securities without an unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices.
As a result, these securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when we
believe it is desirable to do so. Investment of our capital in securities that are less actively
traded or over time experience decreased trading volume may restrict our ability to take advantage
of other market opportunities or to dispose of securities. This also may affect adversely our
ability to make required interest payments on the debt securities and distributions on the
preferred stock, to redeem such securities, or to meet asset coverage requirements.
Valuation Risk. Market prices generally will not be available for MLP convertible subordinated
units, and the value of such investments ordinarily will be determined based on fair valuations
determined by our Adviser pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. Similarly,
common units acquired through direct placements will be valued based on fair value determinations
if they are restricted; however, our Adviser expects that such values will be based on a discount
from publicly available market prices. Restrictions on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary
market may adversely affect our ability to determine our NAV. The sale price of securities that are
not readily marketable may be lower or higher than our most recent determination of their fair
value. Additionally, the value of these securities typically requires more reliance on the judgment
of our Adviser than that required for securities for which there is an active trading market. Due
to the difficulty in valuing these securities and the absence of an active trading market for these
investments, we may not be able to realize these securities true value, or may have to delay their
sale in order to do so. This may affect adversely our ability to make required interest payments on
the debt securities and distributions on the preferred stock, to redeem such securities, or to meet
asset coverage requirements.
Nondiversification Risk. We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company
under the 1940 Act and do not intend to be treated as a regulated investment company under the
Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, there will be no regulatory limits under the 1940 Act or the
Internal Revenue Code on the number or size of securities that we hold and we may invest more
assets in fewer issuers as compared to a diversified fund. There currently are approximately 70
companies presently organized as MLPs and only a limited number of those companies operate energy
infrastructure assets. We will select MLP investments from this small pool of issuers. We may
invest in non-MLP securities issued by energy infrastructure companies to a lesser degree,
consistent with our investment objective and policies.
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Tax Risk. Because we intend to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes,
our financial statements reflect deferred tax assets or liabilities according to generally accepted
accounting principles. Deferred tax assets may constitute a relatively high percentage of NAV.
Realization of deferred tax assets including net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards, are
dependent, in part, on generating sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character prior to
expiration of the loss carryforwards. In addition, a substantial change in our ownership may limit
our ability to utilize our loss carryforwards. Unexpected significant decreases in MLP cash
distributions or significant declines in the fair value of our MLP investments, among other
factors, may change our assessment regarding the recoverability of deferred tax assets and would
likely result in a valuation allowance, or recording of a larger allowance. If a valuation
allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax asset in the future, it could have a material
impact on our NAV and results of operations in the period it is recorded. Conversely, in periods of
generally increasing MLP prices, we will accrue a deferred tax liability to the extent the fair
value of our assets exceeds our tax basis. We may incur significant tax liability during periods in
which gains on MLP investments are realized.
Effects of Terrorism. The U.S. securities markets are subject to disruption as a result of
terrorist activities, such as the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11,
2001; the war in Iraq and its aftermath; other hostilities; and other geopolitical events. Such
events have led, and in the future may lead, to short-term market volatility and may have long-term
effects on the U.S. economy and markets.
Anti-Takeover Provisions. Our Charter and Bylaws include provisions that could delay, defer or
prevent other entities or persons from acquiring control of us, causing us to engage in certain
transactions or modifying our structure. These provisions may be regarded as anti-takeover
provisions. Such provisions could limit the ability of common stockholders to sell their shares at
a premium over the then-current market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain
control of us. See Certain Provisions in Our Charter and Bylaws.
Management Risk. Our Adviser was formed in 2002 to provide portfolio management to
institutional and high-net worth investors seeking professional management of their MLP
investments. Our Adviser has been managing investments in portfolios of MLP investments since that
time. As of March 31, 2010, our Adviser had client assets under management of approximately $3.3
billion including management of five other publicly-traded and one privately-held closed-end
management investment companies. To the extent that our Advisers assets under management continue
to grow, our Adviser may have to hire additional personnel and, to the extent it is unable to hire
qualified individuals, its operations may be adversely affected.
Consolidation of Stock Ownership Risk. Following this offering a single investor
may own 10% or more of our outstanding common shares, or an investor may purchase such an interest
following this offering as a result of a direct issuance of our common shares or through the
purchase of our common shares in the open market. As a result of such ownership, such an investor
may attempt to influence decisions regarding the composition of the Board of Directors or other
decisions made by our stockholders. In addition, it may be difficult for other stockholders to
gain or control sufficient voting power to affect the outcome of votes at stockholder meetings.
This could have an adverse impact on us and the value of our common shares.
Market Discount Risk. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount
from NAV, but in some cases have traded above NAV. Continued development of alternatives as a
vehicle for investment in MLP securities may contribute to reducing or eliminating any premium or
may result in our shares trading at a discount. The risk of the shares of common stock trading at a
discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in our NAV as a result of investment
activities. Our NAV will be reduced immediately following an offering of our common or preferred
stock, due to the offering costs for such stock, which are borne entirely by us. Although we also
bear the offering costs of debt securities, such costs are amortized over time and therefore do not
impact our NAV immediately following an offering.
Whether stockholders will realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes upon the sale
of our common stock depends upon whether the market value of the common shares at the time of sale
is above or below the stockholders basis in such shares, taking into account transaction costs,
and is not directly dependent upon our NAV. Because the market value of our common stock will be
determined by factors such as the relative demand for and supply of the shares in the market,
general market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict whether our
common stock will trade at, below or above NAV, or at, below or above the public offering price for
common stock.
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MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
Directors and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Directors.
Accordingly, our Board of Directors provides broad supervision over our affairs, including
supervision of the duties performed by our Adviser. Our officers are responsible for our day-to-day
operations. The names, ages and addresses of each of our directors and officers, together with
their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, are set forth below.
Each director and officer will hold office until his successor is duly elected and qualified, or
until he resigns or is removed in the manner provided by law. Unless otherwise indicated, the
address of each director and officer is 11550 Ash Street, Leawood, Kansas 66211. Our Board of
Directors consists of a majority of directors who are not interested persons (as defined in the
1940 Act) of our Adviser or its affiliates.
Investment Adviser
Pursuant to an advisory agreement, our Adviser provides us with investment research and advice
and furnishes us with an investment program consistent with our investment objective and policies,
subject to the supervision of the Board of Directors. Our Adviser determines which portfolio
securities will be purchased or sold, arranges for the placing of orders for the purchase or sale
of portfolio securities, selects brokers or dealers to place those orders, maintains books and
records with respect to our securities transactions and reports to the Board of Directors on our
investments and performance.
Our Adviser is located at 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211. Our Adviser
specializes in managing portfolios of investments in MLPs and other energy companies. Our Adviser
was formed in 2002 to provide portfolio management services to institutional and high-net worth
investors seeking professional management of their MLP investments. As of March 31, 2010, our
Adviser had approximately $3.3 billion of client assets under management. Our Advisers investment
committee is comprised of five seasoned portfolio managers.
Our Adviser also serves as investment adviser to Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation
(TYG), Tortoise Energy Capital Corporation (TYY), Tortoise North American Energy Corporation
(TYN), and Tortoise Power and Energy Infrastructure Fund, Inc. (TPZ) which are nondiversified,
closed-end investment management companies, and managed accounts that invest in MLPs. TYG, which
commenced operations on February 27, 2004, invests primarily in equity securities of MLPs and their
affiliates in the energy infrastructure sector. TYY, which commenced operations on May 31, 2005,
invests primarily in equity securities of MLPs and their affiliates in the energy infrastructure
sector. TYN, which commenced operations on October 31, 2005, invests primarily in securities of
MLPs, including energy infrastructure, oil and gas exploitation and production, and energy shipping
companies. TPZ, which commenced operations on July 31, 2009, invests in a portfolio consisting
primarily of fixed income and equity securities issued by power and energy infrastructure
companies. Our Adviser also serves as the investment adviser to Tortoise Capital Resources
Corporation (TTO), a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to
be regulated as a business development company under the 1940 Act. TTO, which commenced operations
on December 8, 2005, invests primarily in privately-held and micro-cap public companies operating
in the midstream and downstream segments, and to a lesser extent the upstream and coal/aggregates
segments, of the energy infrastructure sector. In addition, our Adviser serves as the investment
adviser to a privately-held, closed-end management investment company. To the extent certain MLP
securities or other energy infrastructure company securities meet our investment objective and the
objectives of other investment companies or accounts managed by our Adviser, we may compete with
such companies or accounts for the same investment opportunities.
Our Adviser is wholly-owned by Tortoise Holdings, LLC, a holding company. Mariner Holdings,
LLC, an independent investment firm with affiliates focused on wealth and asset management owns a
majority interest in Tortoise Holdings, LLC with the remaining interests held by the five members
of our Advisers investment committee and certain other senior employees of our Adviser. In
September 2009, the five members of our Advisers investment committee entered into employment
agreements with our Adviser that have a 3-year initial term as well as two 1-year automatic
renewals under normal circumstances.
Our Adviser has 33 full-time employees, including the five members of the investment committee
of our Adviser.
The investment management of our portfolio is the responsibility of our Advisers investment
committee. The investment committees members are H. Kevin Birzer, Zachary A. Hamel, Kenneth P.
Malvey, Terry C. Matlack and David J. Schulte, all of whom share responsibility for such investment
management. It is the policy of the investment committee that any one member can
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require our Adviser to sell a security and any one member can veto the committees decision to
invest in a security. Each committee member has been a portfolio manager since 2002.
H. Kevin Birzer. Mr. Birzer has been a Managing Director of our Adviser since 2002.
Mr. Birzer has also served as a Director of ours since inception and of each of TYG, TYY, TYN, TPZ,
TTO, and the privately-held fund managed by our Adviser since inception. Mr. Birzer, who was a
member in Fountain Capital Management, L.L.C. (Fountain Capital), a registered investment
adviser, from 1990 to May 2009, has 22 years of investment experience including 19 in high-yield
securities. Mr. Birzer began his career with Peat Marwick. His subsequent experience includes three
years working as a Vice President for F. Martin Koenig & Co., focusing on equity and option
investments, and three years at Drexel Burnham Lambert, where he was a Vice President in the
Corporate Finance Department. Mr. Birzer graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration
degree from the University of Notre Dame and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from
New York University. He earned his CFA designation in 1988.
Zachary A. Hamel. Mr. Hamel has been a Managing Director of our Adviser since 2002 and
also is a Partner with Fountain Capital. Mr. Hamel has served as our Senior Vice President since
inception, as Senior Vice President of each of TYY and TTO since 2005, as Senior Vice President of
each of TYG, TYN and the private investment company managed by our Adviser since 2007, and of TPZ
since inception. Mr. Hamel also served as Secretary of each of TYG, TYY, TYN and TTO from their
inception to April 2007. Mr. Hamel joined Fountain Capital in 1997. He covered the energy,
chemicals and utilities sectors. Prior to joining Fountain Capital, Mr. Hamel worked for the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for eight years as a Bank Examiner and a Regional
Capital Markets Specialist. Mr. Hamel graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of
Science in Business Administration. He also attained a Master in Business Administration from the
University of Kansas School of Business. He earned his CFA designation in 1998.
Kenneth P. Malvey. Mr. Malvey has been a Managing Director of our Adviser since 2002
and also is a Partner with Fountain Capital. Mr. Malvey has served as our Treasurer since inception
and as Treasurer of each of TYG, TYY, TYN and TTO since 2005, and as Treasurer of the
privately-held fund since 2007 and of TPZ since inception; as our Senior Vice President since
inception, as Senior Vice President of each of TYY and TTO since 2005, and as Senior Vice President
of each of TYG, TYN and the private investment company since 2007 and of TPZ since inception; as
Assistant Treasurer of TYG, TYY and TYN from inception to November 2005; and as Chief Executive
Officer of the private investment company since December 2008. Prior to joining Fountain Capital in
2002, Mr. Malvey was one of three members of the Global Office of Investments for GE Capitals
Employers Reinsurance Corporation. Most recently he was the Global Investment Risk Manager for a
portfolio of approximately $24 billion of fixed-income, public equity and alternative investment
assets. Prior to joining GE Capital in 1996, Mr. Malvey was a Bank Examiner and Regional Capital
Markets Specialist with the FDIC for nine years. Mr. Malvey graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Finance from Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota. He earned his CFA designation in
1996.
Terry C. Matlack. Mr. Matlack has been a Managing Director of our Adviser since 2002
and has also served as our Chief Financial Officer since inception, and as Chief Financial Officer
since inception and Director from inception until September 15, 2009 of each of TYG, TYY, TYN, TPZ,
TTO and the privately-held fund managed by our Adviser. From 2001 to 2002, Mr. Matlack was a
full-time Managing Director of Kansas City Equity Partners LC (KCEP). Prior to joining KCEP, from
1998 to 2001, Mr. Matlack was President of GreenStreet Capital and its affiliates in the
telecommunications service industry. Mr. Matlack served as Chief Compliance Officer of TYG from
2004 through May 2006 and of each of TYY and TYN from inception through May 2006; as Treasurer of
each of TYG, TYY and TYN from inception to November 2005; as Assistant Treasurer of TYG, TYY, and
TYN from November 2005 to April 2008, as Assistant Treasurer of TTO from inception to April 2008,
and of the private investment company from inception to April 2009. Prior to 1995, he was Executive
Vice President and a member of the board of directors of W.K. Communications, Inc., a cable
television acquisition company, and Chief Operating Officer of W.K. Cellular, a cellular rural
service area operator. He also has served as a specialist in corporate finance with George K. Baum
& Company, and as Executive Vice President of Corporate Finance at B.C. Christopher Securities
Company. Mr. Matlack graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas
State University and holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate from the
University of Kansas. He earned his CFA designation in 1985.
David J. Schulte. Mr. Schulte has been a Managing Director of our Adviser since 2002.
Mr. Schullte has served as our Chief Executive Officer and President since inception; has served as
Chief Executive Officer and President to each of TYG and TYY since 2005; as Chief Executive Officer
of TYN since 2005 and President of TYN from 2005 to September 2008; as Chief Executive Officer and
President of TPZ since inception; as Chief Executive Officer of TTO since 2005 and as President of
TTO from 2005 to April 2007; as President of the privately-held fund since 2007 and as Chief
Executive Officer of the privately-held fund from 2007 to December 2008. From 1993 to 2002, Mr.
Schulte was a full-time Managing Director of KCEP. While a Managing Director of KCEP, he led
private financing for two growth MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector. Since February 2004, Mr.
Schulte has been an
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employee of the Adviser. Prior to joining KCEP in 1993, Mr. Schulte had over five years of
experience completing acquisition and public equity financings as an investment banker at the
predecessor of Oppenheimer & Co, Inc. From 1986 to 1989, he was a securities law attorney. Mr.
Schulte holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Drake University and a
Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Iowa. He passed the CPA examination in 1983 and
earned his CFA designation in 1992.
The statement of additional information provides additional information about the compensation
structure of, the other accounts managed by, and the ownership of our securities by the portfolio
managers listed above.
Compensation and Expenses
Under our advisory agreement we pay our Adviser a fee equal to ___% annually of our average
monthly Managed Assets for the services rendered by it. Managed Assets means our total assets
(including any assets attributable to any leverage that may be outstanding but excluding any net
deferred tax assets) minus the sum of accrued liabilities other than (1) net deferred tax
liabilities, (2) debt entered into for purposes of leverage, and (3) the aggregate liquidation
preference of any outstanding preferred stock. Our Adviser does not charge an advisory fee based on
net deferred tax assets. Because the fee paid to the Adviser is determined on the basis of our
Managed Assets, the Advisers interest in determining whether we should incur additional leverage
will conflict with our interests. Because deferred taxes are not taken into account in calculating
Managed Assets, the Adviser may have an incentive to defer taxes rather than incur taxes in the
current period. When we have a high level of deferred tax liabilities at the time the Advisers fee
is calculated, the Advisers fee is higher than it would be if we had a lower level of deferred tax
liabilities. Our average monthly Managed Assets are determined for the purpose of calculating the
management fee by taking the average of the monthly determinations of Managed Assets during a given
calendar quarter. The fees are payable for each calendar quarter within five days after the end of
that quarter. The advisory agreement has a term ending on ___, 20___ and may be continued
from year to year thereafter as provided in the 1940 Act.
We bear all expenses not specifically assumed by our Adviser incurred in our operations and
will bear the expenses related to all future offerings. Expenses we bear will include, but are not
limited to, the following: (1) expenses of maintaining and continuing our existence and related
overhead, including, to the extent services are provided by personnel of our Adviser or its
affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and benefits; (2) our
registration under the 1940 Act; (3) commissions, spreads, fees and other expenses connected with
the acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and other investments including placement
and similar fees in connection with direct placements entered into on our behalf; (4) auditing,
accounting and legal expenses; (5) taxes and interest; (6) governmental fees; (7) expenses of
listing our shares with a stock exchange, and expenses of issue, sale, repurchase and redemption
(if any) of our interests, including expenses of conducting tender offers for the purpose of
repurchasing common stock; (8) expenses of registering and qualifying us and our shares under
federal and state securities laws and of preparing and filing registration statements and
amendments for such purposes; (9) expenses of communicating with stockholders, including website
expenses and the expenses of preparing, printing and mailing press releases, reports and other
notices to stockholders and of meetings of stockholders and proxy solicitations therefor; (10)
expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions; (11) insurance expenses; (12)
association membership dues; (13) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians
for all services to us (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities and other
investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and determination of NAVs); (14) fees,
expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend and interest paying agents, stockholder
servicing agents and registrars for all services to us; (15) compensation and expenses of our
directors who are not members of our Advisers organization; (16) pricing and valuation services
employed by us; (17) all expenses incurred in connection with leveraging of our assets through a
line of credit or other indebtedness or issuing and maintaining notes or preferred stock; (18) all
expenses incurred in connection with offerings of our common and preferred stock and debt
securities; and (19) such non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in
connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and our obligation to indemnify our directors,
officers and stockholders with respect thereto.
DISTRIBUTIONS
We intend to pay out substantially all of our DCF to holders of common stock through quarterly
distributions. DCF is the amount we receive as cash or paid-in-kind distributions from MLPs or
affiliates of MLPs in which we will invest and interest payments on short-term debt securities we
own, less current or anticipated operating expenses, taxes on our taxable income, and leverage
costs paid by us (including leverage costs of any preferred stock, short-term debt securities and
borrowings under any credit facility). Our Board of Directors has adopted a policy to target
distributions to common stockholders in an amount equal to at least 95% of DCF on an annual basis.
It is expected that we will declare and pay a distribution to holders of common stock no later than
the fiscal quarter ended and each fiscal quarter thereafter. There is no assurance that we will
continue to make regular distributions. All realized capital gains, if any, net of applicable
taxes, will be retained by us.
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If a stockholders shares are registered directly with us or with a brokerage firm that
participates in the Plan, distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional common stock
under the Plan unless a stockholder elects to receive distributions in cash. If a stockholder
elects to receive distributions in cash, payment will be made by check. The federal income tax
treatment of distributions is the same whether they are reinvested in our shares or received in
cash. See Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
The yield on our common stock will likely vary from period to period depending on factors
including market conditions; the timing and type of our investments in portfolio securities; the
securities comprising our portfolio; changes in interest rates (including changes in the
relationship between short-term rates and long-term rates); the amount and timing of the use of
borrowings and other leverage by us; the effects of leverage on our common stock (discussed above
under Leverage); the timing of the investment of offering proceeds and leverage proceeds in
portfolio securities; and our net assets and operating expenses. Consequently, we cannot guarantee
any particular yield on our common stock, and the yield for any given period is not an indication
or representation of future yields on the common shares.
CLOSED-END COMPANY STRUCTURE
We are a non-diversified closed-end investment company and as such our stockholders will not
have the right to cause us to redeem their shares. Instead, our common stock trades in the open
market at a price that will be a function of several factors, including distribution levels (which
are in turn affected by expenses), NAV, call protection, distribution stability, portfolio credit
quality, relative demand for and supply of such shares in the market, general market and economic
conditions and other factors.
Shares of closed-end companies frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. This
characteristic of shares of closed-end management investment companies is a risk separate and
distinct from the risk that our NAV may decrease as a result of investment activities. To the
extent our common shares do trade at a discount, the Board of Directors may from time to time
engage in open-market repurchases or tender offers for shares after balancing the benefit to
stockholders of the increase in the NAV per share resulting from such purchases against the
decrease in our assets, the potential increase in the ratio of our expenses to our assets and the
decrease in asset coverage with respect to any outstanding preferred stock. The Board of Directors
believes that, in addition to the beneficial effects described above, any such purchase or tender
offers may result in the temporary narrowing of any discount but will not have any long-term effect
on the level of any discount. There is no guarantee or assurance that the Board of Directors will
decide to engage in any of these actions. Nor is there any guarantee or assurance that such
actions, if undertaken, would result in the shares trading at a price equal or close to NAV per
share. Any share repurchase or tender offers will be made in accordance with requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), the 1940 Act and the principal stock exchange
on which the common shares are traded.
Conversion to an open-end mutual fund is extremely unlikely in light of our investment
objective and policies and would require stockholder approval of an amendment to our Charter. If we
converted to an open-end mutual fund, we would be required to redeem all senior notes and preferred
shares then outstanding (requiring us, in turn, to liquidate a significant portion of our
investment portfolio), and our common stock would no longer be listed on the NYSE or any other
exchange. In contrast to a closed-end management investment company, shareholders of an open-end
mutual fund may require a fund to redeem its shares of common stock at any time (except in certain
circumstances as authorized by the 1940 Act or the rules thereunder) at their NAV. In addition,
certain of our investment policies and restrictions are incompatible with the requirements
applicable to an open-end investment company. Accordingly, conversion to an open-end investment
company would require material changes to our investment policies.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a general summary of certain federal income tax considerations affecting us
and our stockholders. This discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all aspects
of federal income taxation that may be relevant to stockholders in light of their particular
circumstances or who are subject to special rules, such as banks, thrift institutions and certain
other financial institutions, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies,
insurance companies, brokers and dealers in securities or currencies, certain securities traders,
tax-exempt investors, individual retirement accounts, certain tax-deferred accounts, foreign
investors, person who will hold the securities as a position in a straddle, hedge or as part of
a constructive sale for federal income tax purposes. In addition, this discussion does not
address the possible application of the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax.
Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of an investment in and holding of
our securities will depend on the particular facts of each investors situation. Investors are
advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application to their own
circumstances of the general federal income taxation rules described below and with respect to
other federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them before making an investment in our
securities. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes
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that investors are U.S. persons and hold our securities as capital assets. You will be a U.S.
holder if you are an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. domestic
corporation, or any other person that is subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis
in respect of an investment in our securities.
This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the applicable Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings, as in
effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information, all of which may change. Any change
could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are informing you that (1) this
discussion is not intended to be used, was not written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion
was written by us in connection with the registration of our securities and our promotion or
marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should seek advice based on his, her or its particular
circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Company Federal Income Taxation. We are treated as a C corporation for federal and state
income tax purposes. Thus, we are obligated to pay federal and state income tax on our taxable
income. We will invest our assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships
for federal income tax purposes. As a partner in the MLPs, we must report our allocable share of
the MLPs taxable income in computing our taxable income regardless of whether the MLPs make any
distributions. Based upon our review of the historic results of the type of MLPs in which we
invest, we expect that the cash flow received by us, at least initially, with respect to our MLP
investments will exceed the taxable income allocated to us.
There is no assurance that our expectation regarding the tax character of MLP distributions
will be realized. If this expectation is not realized, there may be greater tax expense borne by us
and less cash available to distribute to stockholders or to pay to
creditors. In addition, we will take into account in determining our taxable income the amounts of gain
or loss recognized on the sale of MLP interests. Currently,
the maximum regular federal income tax rate for a corporation is 35 percent. We may be subject to a
20 percent federal alternative minimum tax on our alternative minimum taxable income to the extent
that the alternative minimum tax exceeds our regular federal income tax.
We are not treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. The
Internal Revenue Code generally provides that a regulated investment company does not pay an entity
level income tax, provided that it distributes all or substantially all of its income. Our assets
do not, and are not expected to, meet current tests for qualification as a regulated investment
company for federal income tax purposes. The regulated investment company taxation rules therefore
have no application to us or to our stockholders. Although changes to the federal income tax laws
permit regulated investment companies to invest up to 25% of their total assets in securities of
certain MLPs, such changes still would not allow us to pursue our objective. Accordingly, we do not
intend to change our federal income tax status as a result of such legislation.
Because we are treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, our financial
statements reflect deferred tax assets or liabilities according to generally accepted accounting
principles. This differs from many closed-end funds that are taxed as regulated investment
companies under the Internal Revenue Code. Deferred income taxes reflect (i) taxes on unrealized
gains/(losses), which are attributable to the temporary difference between fair market value and
tax basis, (ii) the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and
(iii) the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital losses. To the extent we
have a deferred tax asset, consideration is given as to whether or not a valuation allowance is
required. We will periodically assess the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax
assets based on the criterion established by the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards,
Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109) that it is more likely than not that some portion or
all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our assessment considers, among other matters,
the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future
profitability (which are highly dependent on future MLP cash distributions), the duration of
statutory carryforward periods and the associated risk that operating loss and capital loss
carryforwards may expire unused. In addition, a substantial change in our ownership may limit our
ability to utilize our loss carryforwards. We will periodically review the recoverability of
deferred tax assets based on the weight of available evidence. Accordingly, realization of a
deferred tax asset is dependent on whether there will be sufficient taxable income of the
appropriate character
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within the carryforward periods to realize a portion or all of the deferred tax benefit. We
will accrue deferred federal income tax liability associated with that portion of MLP distributions
considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital, as well as capital appreciation of our
investments. Upon the sale of an MLP security, we may be liable for previously deferred taxes, if
any. We will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which is not necessarily
timely, to estimate deferred tax liability for purposes of financial statement reporting and
determining our NAV. From time to time we will modify our estimates or assumptions regarding our
deferred tax liability as new information becomes available.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Common Stock. Unlike a holder of a direct interest
in MLPs, a stockholder will not include its allocable share of our income, gains, losses or
deductions in computing its own taxable income. Instead, since we are of the opinion that, under
present law, the common stock will constitute equity, distributions with respect to such shares
(other than distributions in redemption of shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable current or accumulated
earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Generally, a corporations
earnings and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain specified adjustments. As
explained above, based upon the historic performance of the MLPs, we anticipate that the
distributed cash from the MLPs will exceed our share of the MLPs income and our gain on the sale
of MLP interests. Our current earnings and profits may be increased if our portfolio turnover is
increased, which may occur to utilize our capital loss carryforwards. Thus, a reduction in the
return of capital portion of the distributions we receive from the MLPs or an increase in our
portfolio turnover may increase our current earnings and profits and increase the portion of our
distributions treated as dividends as opposed to a tax deferred return of capital. In addition,
earnings and profits are treated generally, for federal income tax purposes, as first being used to
pay distributions on preferred stock, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to pay
distributions on the common stock. To the extent that distributions to a stockholder exceed our
current and accumulated earnings and profits, the stockholders basis in shares of stock with
respect to which the distribution is made will be reduced, which may increase the amount of gain
realized upon the sale of such shares. If a stockholder has no further basis in its shares, the
stockholder will report any excess distributions as capital gain if the stockholder holds such
shares as a capital asset.
Dividends of current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will be taxable as ordinary
income to holders but are expected to be treated as qualified dividend income that is generally
subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also
expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders
under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under federal income tax law, qualified dividend
income received by individual and other noncorporate stockholders is taxed at long-term capital
gain rates, which as of the date of this prospectus reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend
income generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S.
corporations that meet certain criteria. To be treated as qualified dividend income, the
stockholder must hold the shares paying otherwise qualifying dividend income more than 60 days
during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. A stockholders holding
period may be reduced for purposes of this rule if the stockholder engages in certain risk
reduction transactions with respect to the common stock. The provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through December 31, 2010. Thereafter,
higher federal income tax rates will apply unless further legislative action is taken.
Corporate holders should be aware that certain limitations apply to the availability of the
dividends received deduction, including limitations on the aggregate amount of the deduction that
may be claimed and limitations based on the holding period of the shares of common stock on which
the dividend is paid, which holding period may be reduced if the holder engages in risk reduction
transactions with respect to its shares. Corporate holders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the application of these limitations to their particular situation.
If a common stockholder participates in our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan, such
stockholder will be treated as receiving the amount of the distributions made by the Company, which
amount generally will be either equal to the amount of the cash distribution the stockholder would
have received if the stockholder had elected to receive cash or, for shares issued by the Company,
the fair market value of the shares issued to the stockholder.
Sale of Shares. The sale of shares of common stock by holders will generally be a taxable
transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of shares of stock who sell such shares will
generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds of
the sale and their adjusted tax basis in the shares sold. If the shares are held as a capital asset
at the time of the sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss. Similarly, a
redemption by us (including a redemption resulting from our liquidation), if any, of all the shares
actually and constructively held by a stockholder generally will give rise to capital gain or loss
under Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the redemption proceeds do not
represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or
loss, but certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code must be
satisfied to achieve such treatment.
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Capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held
for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed shares were held
for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a noncorporate U.S. holder generally
will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of 15%) than net
short-term capital gain or ordinary income (as of the date of this prospectus a maximum rate of
35%, which rate is scheduled to increase to 39.6% for taxable years after 2010). Under current law,
the maximum federal income tax rate on capital gain for noncorporate holders is scheduled to
increase to 20% for taxable years after 2010. For corporate holders, capital gain is generally
taxed at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at a maximum rate of 35%. A holders
ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.
Losses on sales or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under wash sale rules in
the event of other investments in the Company (including those made pursuant to reinvestment of
dividends) or other substantially identical stock or securities within a period of 61 days
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after a sale or other disposition of shares. In such a
case, the disallowed portion of any loss generally would be included in the U.S. federal income tax
basis of the shares acquired. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their
individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the Companys shares is
properly treated as a sale for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the tax treatment of any gains
or losses recognized in such transactions.
Medicare Tax. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, recently enacted
legislation will generally impose a 3.8 percent tax on the net investment income of certain
individuals with a modified adjusted gross income of over $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of joint
filers) and on the undistributed net investment income of certain estates and trusts. For these
purposes, net investment income will generally include interest, dividends (including dividends
paid with respect to our stock), annuities, royalties, rent, net gain attributable to the
disposition of property not held in a trade or business (including net gain from the sale, exchange
or other taxable disposition of shares of our stock) and certain other income, but will be reduced
by any deductions properly allocable to such income or net gain.
Investment by Tax-Exempt Investors and Regulated Investment Companies. Employee benefit plans,
other tax-exempt organizations and regulated investment companies may want to invest in our
securities. Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from federal income tax,
including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, are subject to federal income
tax on unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). Because we are a corporation for federal income
tax purposes, an owner of shares of common stock will not report on its federal income tax return
any of our items of income, gain, loss and deduction. Therefore, a tax-exempt investor generally
will not have UBTI attributable to its ownership or sale of our common stock unless its ownership
of the stock is debt-financed. In general, stock would be debt-financed if the tax-exempt owner of
stock incurs debt to acquire the stock or otherwise incurs or maintains debt that would not have
been incurred or maintained if the stock had not been acquired.
For federal income tax purposes, a regulated investment company or mutual fund, may not have
more than 25% of the value of its total assets, at the close of any quarter, invested in the
securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships, which will include most MLPs.
Shares of our common stock are not securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership and will
not be treated as such for purposes of calculating the limitation imposed upon regulated investment
companies.
Backup Withholding. We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a
portion of all distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to stockholders who fail to
provide us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required
certifications or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that they are
subject to backup withholding (or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other
stockholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder are exempt from
backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be
credited against the stockholders U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate
information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
Other Taxation. Foreign stockholders, including stockholders who are nonresident alien
individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or
such lower rates as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. Our distributions also may be
subject to state and local taxes.
Recently Enacted Legislation. Beginning with payments made after December 31, 2012, recently
enacted legislation will generally impose a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to
our common stock and the gross proceeds from a disposition of our common stock paid to (i) a
foreign financial institution (as defined in Section 1471(d)(4) of the Code) unless the foreign
financial institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury Department to collect and
disclose information regarding its U.S. account holders (including certain account holders that are
foreign entities that have U.S. owners) and satisfies certain other requirements, and (ii) certain
other non-U.S. entities unless the entity provides the payor with certain information regarding
direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity, or certifies that it has no such U.S. owners, and
complies with certain other requirements. Under
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certain circumstances, a Non-U.S. Holder of common stock might be eligible for refunds or
credits of the tax. You are encouraged to consult with your own tax advisor regarding the possible
implications of this recently enacted legislation on your investment in our common stock.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
We compute the NAV of our common stock as of the close of trading of the NYSE (normally 4:00
p.m. Eastern time) no less frequently than the last business day of each calendar month and at such
other times as the Board of Directors may determine. When considering an offering of common stock,
we calculate our NAV on a more frequent basis, generally daily, to the extent necessary to comply
with the provisions of the 1940 Act. We currently intend to make our NAV available for publication
weekly on our Advisers website. The NAV per share of common stock equals our NAV divided by the
number of outstanding shares of common stock. Our NAV equals the value of our total assets (the
value of the securities held plus cash or other assets, including distributions and interest
accrued but not yet received and net deferred tax assets) less: (i) all of our liabilities
(including accrued expenses and both current and net deferred tax liabilities); (ii) accumulated
and unpaid distributions on any outstanding preferred stock; (iii) the aggregate liquidation
preference of any outstanding preferred stock; (iv) accrued and unpaid interest payments on any
outstanding indebtedness; (v) the aggregate principal amount of any outstanding indebtedness; and
(vi) any distributions payable on our common stock.
We will determine fair value of our assets and liabilities in accordance with valuation
procedures adopted by our Board of Directors. Securities for which market quotations are readily
available shall be valued at market value. If a market value cannot be obtained or if our
Advisor determines that the value of a security as so obtained does not represent a fair value as
of the measurement date (due to a significant development subsequent to the time its price is
determined or otherwise), fair value for the security shall be determined pursuant to the
methodologies established by our Board of Directors.
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The fair value for equity securities and equity-related securities is determined by
using readily available market quotations from the principal market. For equity and
equity-related securities that are freely tradable and listed on a securities exchange or
over the counter market, fair value is determined using the last sale price on that
exchange or over-the-counter market on the measurement date. If the security is listed on
more than one exchange, we will use the price of the exchange that we consider to be the
principal exchange on which the security is traded. If a security is traded on the
measurement date, then the last reported sale price on the exchange or over-the-counter
(OTC) market on which the security is principally traded, up to the time of valuation, is
used. If there were no reported sales on the securitys principal exchange or OTC market
on the measurement date, then the average between the last bid price and last asked price,
as reported by the pricing service, shall be used. We will obtain direct written
broker-dealer quotations if a security is not traded on an exchange or quotations are not
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An equity security of a publicly traded company acquired in a private placement
transaction without registration is subject to restrictions on resale that can affect the
securitys liquidity and fair value. Such securities that are convertible into publicly
traded common shares or securities that may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, shall generally
be valued based on the fair value of the freely tradable common share counterpart less an
applicable discount. Generally, the discount will initially be equal to the discount at
which we purchased the securities. To the extent that such securities are convertible or
otherwise become freely tradable within a time frame that may be reasonably determined, an
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Short-term securities, including bonds, notes, debentures and other fixed income
securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
bankers acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks, with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less, for which reliable market quotations are readily available
are valued on an amortized cost basis at current market quotations as provided by an
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Other assets will be valued at market value pursuant to written valuation procedures
adopted by our Board of Directors, or if a market value cannot be obtained or if our
Advisor determines that the value of a security as so obtained does not represent a fair
value as of the measurement date (due to a significant development subsequent to the time
its price is determined or otherwise), fair value shall be determined pursuant to the
methodologies established by our Board of Directors. |
Valuations of public company securities determined pursuant to fair value methodologies will
be presented to our Board of Directors or a designated committee thereof for approval at the next
regularly scheduled board meeting.
34
AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
General
Our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan) will allow participating common
stockholders to reinvest distributions in additional shares of our common stock. Shares of common
stock will be issued by us under the Plan when our common stock is trading at a premium to NAV. If
our common stock is trading at a discount to NAV, shares issued under the Plan will be purchased on
the open market. Shares of common stock issued directly from us under the Plan will be acquired at
the greater of (1) NAV at the close of business on the payment date of the distribution, or (2) 95%
of the market price per common share on the payment date. Common stock issued under the Plan when
shares are trading at a discount to NAV will be purchased in the market at a market price. See
below for more details about the Plan.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment
If a stockholders shares are registered directly with us or with a brokerage firm that
participates in our Plan through the facilities of DTC and such stockholders account is coded
dividend reinvestment by such brokerage firm, all distributions are automatically reinvested for
stockholders by the Plan Agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the Plan Agent), in additional
shares of our common stock (unless a stockholder is ineligible or elects otherwise). If a
stockholders shares are registered with a brokerage firm that participates in the Plan through the
facilities of DTC, but such stockholders account is not coded dividend reinvestment by such
brokerage firm or if a stockholders shares are registered with a brokerage firm that does not
participate in the Plan through the facilities of DTC, a stockholder will need to ask their
investment executive what arrangements can be made to set up their account to participate in the
Plan. In either case, until such arrangements are made, a stockholder will receive distributions in
cash.
Stockholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all distributions payable
in cash paid by check mailed directly to the stockholder of record (or, if the shares are held in
street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by the Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent.
Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time
without penalty by giving written, telephone or internet instructions to the Plan Agent; such
termination will be effective with respect to a particular distribution if notice is received prior
to the record date for the next distribution.
Whenever we declare a distribution payable either in shares or in cash, non-participants in
the Plan will receive cash, and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in shares of
common stock. The shares are acquired by the Plan Agent for the participants account, depending
upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional shares of common
stock from us (Additional Common Stock) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding common stock on the
open market (open-market purchases) on the NYSE or elsewhere. If, on the payment date, the NAV
per share of our common stock is equal to or less than the market price per share of our common
stock plus estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein as market
premium), the Plan Agent will receive Additional Common Stock from us for each participants
account. The number of Additional Common Stock to be credited to the participants account will be
determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend or distribution by the greater of (i) the
NAV per share of common stock on the payment date, or (ii) 95% of the market price per share of
common stock on the payment date.
If, on the payment date, the NAV per share of common stock exceeds the market price plus
estimated brokerage commissions (such condition being referred to herein as market discount), the
Plan Agent will invest the distribution amount in shares acquired in open-market purchases as soon
as practicable but not later than thirty (30) days following the payment date. We expect to declare
and pay quarterly distributions. The weighted average price (including brokerage commissions) of
all common stock purchased by the Plan Agent as Plan Agent will be the price per share of common
stock allocable to each participant.
The Plan Agent maintains all stockholders accounts in the Plan and furnishes written
confirmation of each acquisition made for the participants account as soon as practicable, but in
no event later than 60 days after the date thereof. Shares in the account of each Plan participant
will be held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form in the Plan Agents name or that of its
nominee, and each stockholders proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to
the Plan. The Plan Agent will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote
proxies for shares held pursuant to the Plan first in accordance with the instructions of the
participants, and then with respect to any proxies not returned by such participant, in the same
proportion as the Plan Agent votes the proxies returned by the participants.
35
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by us as a result of
distributions payable either in shares or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata
share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agents open-market purchases in
connection with the reinvestment of distributions. If a participant elects to have the Plan Agent
sell part or all of his or her shares of common stock and remit the proceeds, such participant will
be charged his or her pro rata share of brokerage commissions on the shares sold plus a $15.00
transaction fee.
The automatic reinvestment of distributions will not relieve participants of any federal,
state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such distributions.
See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
Stockholders participating in the Plan may receive benefits not available to stockholders not
participating in the Plan. If the market price plus commissions of our shares of common stock is
higher than the NAV, participants in the Plan will receive shares of our common stock at less than
they could otherwise purchase such shares and will have shares with a cash value greater than the
value of any cash distribution they would have received on their shares. If the market price plus
commissions is below the NAV, participants will receive distributions of shares of common stock
with a NAV greater than the value of any cash distribution they would have received on their
shares. However, there may be insufficient shares available in the market to make distributions in
shares at prices below the NAV. Also, because we do not redeem our shares, the price on resale may
be more or less than the NAV. See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters for a discussion of tax
consequences of the Plan.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, we reserve the
right to amend or terminate the Plan if in the judgment of the Board of Directors such a change is
warranted. The Plan may be terminated by the Plan Agent or by us upon notice in writing mailed to
each participant at least 60 days prior to the effective date of the termination. Upon any
termination, the Plan Agent will cause a certificate or certificates to be issued for the full
shares held by each participant under the Plan and cash adjustment for any fraction of a share of
common stock at the then current market value of the common stock to be delivered to him or her. If
preferred, a participant may request the sale of all of the shares of common stock held by the Plan
Agent in his or her Plan account in order to terminate participation in the Plan. If such
participant elects in advance of such termination to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of his or
her shares, the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct from the proceeds a $15.00 fee plus a $0.05 fee
per share for the transaction. If a participant has terminated his or her participation in the Plan
but continues to have shares of common stock registered in his or her name, he or she may re-enroll
in the Plan at any time by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at the address below. The terms and
conditions of the Plan may be amended by the Plan Agent or by us at any time. Any such amendments
to the Plan may be made by mailing to each participant appropriate written notice at least 30 days
prior to the effective date of the amendment, except when necessary or appropriate to comply with
applicable law or the rules or policies of the SEC or any other regulatory authority, such prior
notice does not apply. The amendment shall be deemed to be accepted by each participant unless,
prior to the effective date thereof, the Plan Agent receives notice of the termination of the
participants account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an appointment by the Plan
Agent of a successor Plan Agent, subject to the prior written approval of the successor Plan Agent
by us.
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to Computershare Trust Company,
N.A., P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940.
Cash Purchase Option
In the future, we may amend the Plan to implement a cash purchase option, whereby participants
in the Plan may elect to purchase additional shares of common stock through optional cash
investments in limited amounts on a monthly or other periodic basis. If and when we implement the
cash purchase option under the Plan, common stockholders will receive notice 60 days prior to its
implementation and further details including information on the offering price and other terms, the
frequency of offerings and how to participate in the cash purchase option.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
The information contained under this heading is only a summary and is subject to the
provisions contained in our Charter and Bylaws and the laws of the State of Maryland.
36
Common Stock
General. Our Charter authorizes us to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001
par value per share. The Board of Directors may, without any action by the stockholders, amend our
Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the
number of shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue under our Charter
and the 1940 Act. Additionally, our Charter authorizes our Board of Directors, without any action
by our stockholders, to classify and reclassify any unissued common stock and preferred stock into
other classes or series of stock from time to time by setting or changing the terms, preferences,
conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions,
qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series. Although we have no
present intention of doing so, we could issue a class or series of stock that could delay, defer or
prevent a transaction or a change in control of us that might otherwise be in the stockholders
best interests. Under Maryland law, stockholders generally are not liable for our debts or
obligations.
All common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus will be, upon issuance, duly authorized,
fully paid and nonassessable. All outstanding common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus will
be of the same class and will have identical rights, as described below. Holders of shares of
common stock are entitled to receive distributions when authorized by the Board of Directors and
declared by us out of assets legally available for the payment of distributions. Holders of common
stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and
have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. All shares of common stock have
equal distribution, liquidation and other rights.
Limitations on Distributions. If any shares of preferred stock are outstanding, holders of
shares of common stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions from us unless we have
paid all accumulated distributions on preferred stock, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the
1940 Act) with respect to preferred stock would be at least 200% after giving effect to such
distributions. See Leverage.
If any senior securities representing indebtedness are outstanding, holders of shares of
common stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions from us unless we have paid all
accrued interest on such senior indebtedness, and unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940
Act) with respect to any outstanding senior indebtedness would be at least 300% after giving effect
to such distributions. See Leverage.
Liquidation Rights. Common stockholders are entitled to share ratably in the assets legally
available for distribution to stockholders in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up,
after payment of or adequate provision for all known debts and liabilities, including any
outstanding debt securities or other borrowings and any interest accrued thereon. These rights are
subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of our stock, including any
preferred stock. The rights of common stockholders upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up
would be subordinated to the rights of holders of any preferred stock or senior securities
representing indebtedness.
Voting Rights. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. The presence of
the holders of shares of common stock entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast
shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. Our Charter provides that, except as
otherwise provided in the Bylaws, directors shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the holders
of a majority of the shares of stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. The Bylaws provide
that directors are elected by a plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly
called and at which a quorum is present. There is no cumulative voting in the election of
directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote will be able to elect all of the successors of the
class of directors whose terms expire at that meeting provided that holders of preferred stock have
the right to elect two directors at all times. Pursuant to our Charter and Bylaws, the Board of
Directors may amend the Bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.
Under the rules of the NYSE applicable to listed companies, we normally will be required to
hold an annual meeting of stockholders in each fiscal year. If we are converted to an open-end
company or if for any other reason the shares are no longer listed on the NYSE (or any other
national securities exchange the rules of which require annual meetings of stockholders), we may
amend our Bylaws so that we are not otherwise required to hold annual meetings of stockholders.
Market. Our common stock is expected to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol ___.
37
Transfer Agent, Dividend Paying Agent and Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan Agent.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43078, Providence, Rhode Island 02940, will serve as
the transfer agent and agent for the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan for our common stock and
the dividend paying agent for our common stock.
Preferred Stock
General. Our Charter authorizes the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock,
with preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to
distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions or redemption as determined by the Board of
Directors.
Our Board of Directors may, without any action by our stockholders, amend our Charter from
time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of
shares of stock of any class or series that we have authority to issue under our Charter and under
the 1940 Act. Additionally, our Charter authorizes the Board of Directors, without any action by
the stockholders, to classify and reclassify any unissued preferred stock into other classes or
series of stock from time to time by setting or changing the terms, preferences, conversion or
other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications and
terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series.
Distributions. Holders of any preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash distributions,
when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us, out of funds legally
available therefor. The prospectus for any preferred stock will describe the distributions payment
provisions for those shares. Distributions so declared and payable shall be paid to the extent
permitted under Maryland law and to the extent available and in preference to and priority over any
distribution declared and payable on the common stock. Because of our emphasis on investments in
MLPs and their affiliates, which are expected to generate cash in excess of the taxable income
allocated to holders, it is possible that distributions payable on preferred stock could exceed our
current and accumulated earnings and profits, which would be treated for federal income tax
purposes as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the basis of the shares on which the
distribution is paid and thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of the preferred stock.
Limitations on Distributions. If we have senior securities representing indebtedness
outstanding, holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions from us
unless asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to outstanding debt securities and
preferred stock would be at least 300% after giving effect to such distributions. See Leverage.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any voluntary or our involuntary liquidation, dissolution
or winding up, the holders of preferred stock would be entitled to receive a preferential
liquidating distribution, which is expected to equal the original purchase price per share plus
accumulated and unpaid distributions, whether or not declared, before any distribution of assets is
made to holders of common stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution
to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any further
participation in any distribution of our assets. Preferred stock ranks junior to our debt
securities upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.
Voting Rights. Except as otherwise indicated in our Charter or Bylaws, or as otherwise
required by applicable law, holders of any preferred stock will have one vote per share and vote
together with holders of common stock as a single class.
The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any preferred stock, voting separately as a single
class, have the right to elect at least two directors at all times. The remaining directors will be
elected by holders of common stock and preferred stock, voting together as a single class. In
addition, subject to the prior rights, if any, of the holders of any other class of senior
securities outstanding, the holders of any shares of preferred stock have the right to elect a
majority of the directors at any time two years accumulated distributions on any preferred stock
are unpaid. The 1940 Act also requires that, in addition to any approval by stockholders that might
otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of shares of any outstanding
preferred stock, voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of
reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred stock, and (ii) take any action requiring
a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things,
changes in our subclassification as a closed-end investment company or changes in our fundamental
investment restrictions. See Certain Provisions in Our Charter and Bylaws. As a result of these
voting rights, our ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent that any shares of
our preferred stock are outstanding.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of any outstanding preferred stock, voting
as a separate class, will be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or
powers of holders of preferred stock so as to affect materially and
38
adversely such preferences, rights or powers. The class vote of holders of preferred stock
described above will in each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize the action
in question.
CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN OUR CHARTER AND BYLAWS
The following description of certain provisions of our Charter and Bylaws is only a summary.
For a complete description, please refer to our Charter and Bylaws, which have been filed as
exhibits to our registration statement on Form N-2, of which this prospectus forms a part.
Our Charter and Bylaws include provisions that could delay, defer or prevent other entities or
persons from acquiring control of us, causing us to engage in certain transactions or modifying our
structure. Further, these provisions can have the effect of depriving stockholders of the
opportunity to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging third
parties from seeking to obtain control of us. These provisions, all of which are summarized below,
may be regarded as anti-takeover provisions.
Classification of the Board of Directors; Election of Directors
Our Charter provides that the number of directors may be established only by the Board of
Directors pursuant to the Bylaws, but may not be less than one. The Bylaws provide that the number
of directors may not be greater than fifteen. Subject to any applicable limitations of the 1940
Act, any vacancy may be filled, at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that
purpose, only by a majority of the remaining directors, even if those remaining directors do not
constitute a quorum. Pursuant to our Charter, the Board of Directors is divided into three classes:
Class I, Class II and Class III. Upon the expiration of their current terms, which expire in 20___,
20___ and 20___, respectively, directors of each class will be elected to serve for three-year terms
and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each year only one class of directors
will be elected by the stockholders. The classification of the Board of Directors should help to
assure the continuity and stability of our strategies and policies as determined by the Board of
Directors.
The classified Board provision could have the effect of making the replacement of incumbent
directors more time-consuming and difficult. At least two annual meetings of stockholders, instead
of one, will generally be required to effect a change in a majority of the Board of Directors.
Thus, the classified Board provision could increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will
retain their positions. The staggered terms of directors may delay, defer or prevent a change in
control of the Board of Directors, even though a change in control might be in the best interests
of the stockholders.
Removal of Directors
Our Charter provides that, subject to the rights of holders of one or more classes of
preferred stock, a director may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors. This provision,
when coupled with the provision in the Bylaws authorizing only the Board of Directors to fill
vacant directorships, precludes stockholders from removing incumbent directors, except for cause
and by a substantial affirmative vote, and filling the vacancies created by the removal with
nominees of stockholders.
Approval of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws
Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter,
merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar
transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless declared advisable by the Board of
Directors and approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds
of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its
charter for stockholder approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a
majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter generally provides for
approval of Charter amendments and extraordinary transactions by the stockholders entitled to cast
at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter also provides that
certain Charter amendments and any proposal for our conversion, whether by merger or otherwise,
from a closed-end company to an open-end company or any proposal for our liquidation or dissolution
requires the approval of stockholders entitled to cast at least 80 percent of the votes entitled to
be cast on such matter. However, if such amendment or proposal is approved by at least two-thirds
of our continuing directors (in addition to the approval by our Board of Directors otherwise
required), such amendment or proposal may be approved by stockholders entitled to cast a majority
of the votes entitled to be cast on such a matter. The continuing directors are defined in our
Charter as the directors named in our
39
Charter as well as those directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose
election by the directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the continuing directors
then on the Board of Directors.
Our Charter and Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will have the exclusive power to
make, alter, amend or repeal any provision of our Bylaws.
Advance Notice of Director Nominations and New Business
The Bylaws provide that, with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of
persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by
stockholders may be made only (1) pursuant to notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of
the Board of Directors, or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has
complied with the advance notice procedures of the Bylaws. With respect to special meetings of
stockholders, only the business specified in the Companys notice of the meeting may be brought
before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special
meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of
the Board of Directors, or (3) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors
will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has
complied with the advance notice provisions of the Bylaws.
UNDERWRITING
The Underwriters named below, acting through their representative, (the
Representative), have severally agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of an underwriting
agreement dated ___, 2010, to purchase from us the number of common shares set forth opposite
their respective names.
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Common Shares |
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The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the
shares included in this offering are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by counsel
and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are obligated to purchase all the common shares
listed in the table above if any of the common shares are purchased. In the underwriting agreement,
we and Adviser have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities, including
liabilities arising under the 1933 Act, or to contribute payments the Underwriters may be required
to make for any of those liabilities.
Listing
The common shares are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the symbol ___. In order to
meet the requirements for listing the common shares on the NYSE, the Underwriters have undertaken
to sell lots of 100 or more common shares to a minimum of 2,000 beneficial owners. The minimum
investment requirement is 100 common shares ($___). Prior to this offering, there has been no
public market for the common shares or any other of our securities. Consequently, the offering
price for the common shares was determined by negotiation between us and the Representatives.
Investors must pay for any shares purchased in the initial public offering on or before ___,
2010.
Discretionary Sales
The Representative has advised us that the Underwriters do not intend to confirm any sales to
any account over which they exercise discretionary authority.
40
Underwriters Option
We have granted the Underwriters an option to purchase up to ___additional common
shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within
___ days from the date of this prospectus, solely to cover any over-allotments. 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 proportionate to that underwriters initial
amount reflected in the table below.
Commission, Expenses and Sales Load
The Underwriters propose initially to offer some of the common shares directly to the public
at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and some of the common
shares to certain dealers at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of $ per
share. The underwriting discounts and commissions we will pay of $ per share are equal to ___%
of the initial offering price. The Underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount
not in excess of $ per share on sales to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the
public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, sales load and proceeds before expenses
to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the Underwriters of their
over-allotment option.
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The expenses of the offering are estimated to be . We will pay all of its
organizational and offering expenses.
Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
Until the distribution of the common shares is complete, SEC rules may limit Underwriters and
selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our common shares. However, the
Representatives may engage in stabilizing transactions, short sales, and penalty bids or purchases
for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of common shares, in accordance with
Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Penalty bids permit the Representative to reclaim a selling
concession from an Underwriter when the common shares originally sold by such Underwriter are
purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.
If the Underwriters create a short position in the common shares in connection with the
offering (i.e., if they sell more common shares than are listed on the cover of this prospectus),
the Representative may reduce that short position by purchasing common shares in the open market on
the New York Stock Exchange. The Representative may also elect to reduce any short position by
exercising all or part of the over-allotment option described above. Purchases of common shares to
stabilize its price or to reduce a short position may cause the price of the common shares to be
higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases.
Neither we nor any of the Underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the
direction or magnitude of any effect that the transaction described above may have on the price of
common shares. In addition, neither we nor any of the Underwriters make any representation that the
Representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will
not be discontinued without notice.
Electronic Distribution
In connection with this offering, the Underwriters or selected dealers may distribute
prospectuses electronically.
Lockup Agreements
We and certain of our officers and managers have agreed not to offer or sell any additional
common shares for a period of ___ days after the date of the underwriting agreement without the
prior written consent of the Underwriters, except for the sale of common shares to the Underwriters
pursuant to the underwriting agreement. This ___-day period will be extended if (i) during the last
17 days of the ___-day period we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event
relating to our operations occurs or (ii) prior to the expiration of the ___-day period, we
announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the last day
of the ___-day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding sentence will
continue to apply until the
41
expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the
announcement of the material news or the occurrence of the material event.
We anticipate that the Underwriters may from time to time act as brokers or dealers in
executing our portfolio transactions after they have ceased to be Underwriters and, subject to
certain restrictions may so act while they are underwriters. The Underwriters are active
underwriters of, and dealers in, securities and act as market makers in a number of such
securities, and therefore can be expected to engage in portfolio transactions with us.
Affiliations
The Underwriters may in the future perform investment banking and advisory services for us
from time to time for which they may in the future receive customary fees and expenses. The
Underwriters, from time to time, may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the
ordinary course of their business.
The addresses of the Representative is:
DIRECT INVESTMENT CONTRACTS
As of the date of this prospectus, we have entered into binding contracts for direct
investments with the following companies (the closing of all of which are contingent upon the
closing of this offering):
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ADMINISTRATOR AND CUSTODIAN
, , serves a
s our administrator and provides certain
back-office support such as payment of expenses and preparation of financial statements and related
schedules. We pay the administrator a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of ___% of the first
$1 billion of our Managed Assets, ___% on the next $1 billion of our Managed Assets and ___% on the
balance of our Managed Assets.
, , serves as our custodian. We pay the custodian a
monthly fee computed at an annual rate of ___% on the first $100 million of our portfolio assets
and ___% on the balance of our portfolio assets, subject to a minimum annual fee of $___.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for
us by Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP (HBS), Kansas City, Missouri. HBS may rely as to certain
matters of Maryland law on the opinion of Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland. Certain legal matters
in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by ,
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We will be subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and the 1940 Act and
will be required to file reports, including annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and
other information with the SEC. We intend to voluntarily file quarterly shareholder reports. These
documents will be available on the SECs EDGAR system and can be inspected and copied for a fee at
the SECs public reference room, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Additional
information about the operation of the public reference room facilities may be obtained by calling
the SEC at (202) 551-5850.
This prospectus does not contain all of the information in our registration statement,
including amendments, exhibits, and schedules. Statements in this prospectus about the contents of
any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made
to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by this reference.
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Additional information about us can be found in our Registration Statement (including
amendments, exhibits and schedules) on Form N-2 filed with the SEC. The SEC maintains a web site
(http://www.sec.gov) that contains our Registration Statement, other documents incorporated
by reference, and other information we have filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy
statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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44
Common Shares
Tortoise MLP Corp.
PROSPECTUS
, 2010
Subject
to Completion, Dated April 23, 2010
The information in this statement of additional information 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 statement of additional information is not an
offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any
state where an offer or sale is not permitted.
TORTOISE MLP CORP.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Tortoise MLP Corp., a Maryland corporation (the Company, we, us, or our), is a
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that commenced operations in ,
2010.
This statement of additional information relates to an offering of our common shares and does
not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with our prospectus relating thereto
dated , 2010. This statement of additional information does not include all information
that a prospective investor should consider before purchasing any of our common shares. You should
obtain and read our prospectus prior to purchasing any of our common shares. A copy of our
prospectus may be obtained without charge from us by calling 1-866-362-9331. You also may obtain a
copy of our prospectus on the SECs web site (http://www.sec.gov). Capitalized terms used but not
defined in this statement of additional information have the meanings ascribed to them in the
prospectus.
This statement of additional information is dated , 2010.
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF
THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
This section supplements the disclosure in the prospectus and provides additional information
on our investment limitations. Investment limitations identified as fundamental may only be changed
with the approval of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities (which for this
purpose and under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) means the lesser
of (1) 67% of the voting shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding
voting shares are represented or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares).
Investment limitations stated as a maximum percentage of our assets are only applied
immediately after, and because of, an investment or a transaction by us to which the limitation is
applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing). Accordingly, any later increase or decrease
resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in
determining whether the investment complies with our investment limitations. All limitations that
are based on a percentage of total assets include assets obtained through leverage.
Fundamental Investment Limitations
The following are our fundamental investment limitations set forth in their entirety. We may
not:
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issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and
interpretive positions of the SEC thereunder; |
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borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and
interpretive positions of the SEC thereunder; |
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make loans, except by the purchase of debt obligations, by entering into
repurchase agreements or through the lending of portfolio securities and as otherwise
permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and interpretive positions of the SEC
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concentrate (invest 25% or more of total assets) our investments in any
particular industry, except that we will concentrate our assets in the group of
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underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that we may be
considered an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
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purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of ownership of
securities or other instruments, except that we may invest in securities or other
instruments backed by real estate or securities of companies that invest in real estate
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of securities or other instruments, except that we may purchase or sell options and
futures contracts or invest in securities or other instruments backed by physical
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All other investment policies are considered nonfundamental and may be changed by our Board of
Directors (the Board of Directors or the Board) without prior approval of our outstanding
voting securities.
Nonfundamental Investment Policies
We have adopted the following nonfundamental policies:
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Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets
(including assets obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy
infrastructure sector. For purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments in
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We may invest up to 50% of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily
through direct investments in securities of listed companies. We will not invest in
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Currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately
after such borrowing we have asset coverage of at least 300% of the aggregate outstanding principal
balance of indebtedness (i.e., such indebtedness may not exceed 33 1/3% of the value of our total
assets including the amount borrowed, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by
senior securities). Additionally, currently under the 1940 Act, we may not declare any distribution
upon our common or preferred stock, or purchase any such stock, unless our aggregate indebtedness
has, at the time of the declaration of any such distribution or at the time of any such purchase,
an asset coverage of at least 300% after deducting the amount of such distribution, or purchase
price, as the case may be. Currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue preferred
stock unless immediately after such issuance we have asset coverage of at least 200% of the total
of the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate
liquidation value of the outstanding preferred stock (i.e., the aggregate principal amount of such
indebtedness and liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the value of our total assets, including
the proceeds of such issuance, less liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities). In addition, currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to declare any
distribution on our common stock or purchase any such common stock unless, at the time of such
declaration or purchase, we would satisfy this 200% asset coverage requirement test after deducting
the amount of such distribution or share price.
Under the 1940 Act, a senior security does not include any promissory note or evidence of
indebtedness where such loan is for temporary purposes only and in an amount not exceeding 5% of
the value of the total assets of the issuer at the time the loan is made. A loan is presumed to be
for temporary purposes if it is repaid within sixty days and is not extended or renewed. Both
transactions involving indebtedness and any preferred stock issued by us would be considered senior
securities under the 1940 Act, and as such, are subject to the asset coverage requirements
discussed above.
Currently under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to lend money or property to any person,
directly or indirectly, if such person controls or is under common control with us, except for a
loan from us to a company which owns all of our outstanding securities. Currently, under
interpretative positions of the staff of the SEC, we may not have on loan at any given time
securities representing more than one-third of our total assets.
We interpret our policies with respect to borrowing and lending to permit such activities as
may be lawful, to the full extent permitted by the 1940 Act or by exemption from the provisions
therefrom pursuant to an exemptive order of the SEC.
We interpret our policy with respect to concentration to include energy infrastructure
companies, as defined in the prospectus and below. See Investment Objective and Principal
Investment Strategies.
Under the 1940 Act, we may, but do not intend to, invest up to 10% of our total assets in the
aggregate in shares of other investment companies and up to 5% of our total assets in any one
investment company, provided the investment does not represent more than 3% of the voting stock of
the acquired investment company at the time such shares are purchased. As a shareholder in any
investment company, we will bear our ratable share of that investment companys expenses, and would
remain subject to payment of our advisory fees and other expenses with respect to assets so
invested. Holders of common stock would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent
we invest in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies
also may be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described herein and
in the prospectus. The net asset value and market value of leveraged shares will be more volatile
and the yield to shareholders will tend to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged
shares. A material decline in net asset value may impair our ability to maintain asset coverage on
any preferred stock and debt securities, including any interest and principal for debt securities.
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
The prospectus presents our investment objective and principal investment strategies and
risks. This section supplements the disclosure in our prospectus and provides additional
information on our investment policies, strategies and risks. Restrictions or policies stated as a
maximum percentage of our assets are only applied immediately after a portfolio investment to which
the policy or restriction is applicable (other than the limitations on borrowing). Accordingly, any
later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values, net assets or other circumstances
will not be considered in determining whether the investment complies with our restrictions and
policies.
Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current
distributions paid to stockholders. For purposes of our investment objective, total return includes
capital appreciation of, and all distributions received from, securities in which we invest
regardless of the tax character of the distribution. There is no assurance that we will achieve our
objective. Our investment objective and the investment policies discussed below are nonfundamental.
The Board of Directors may change an investment objective, or any policy or limitation that is not
fundamental, without a stockholder vote. Stockholders will receive at least 60 days prior written
notice of any change to the nonfundamental investment policy of investing at least 80% of our total
assets (including any assets obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy
infrastructure sector. Unlike most other investment companies, we are not treated as a regulated
investment company under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Internal Revenue
Code). Therefore, we are taxed as a regular C corporation and are subject to federal and
applicable state corporate income taxes.
Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets (including assets
obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector. For
purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments in MLPs to include investments in MLPs and
their affiliates. Such MLP equity securities currently consist of common units,
convertible subordinated units, pay-in-kind units or I-Shares (I-Shares) and limited liability
company common units. We also may invest in other securities, consistent with our investment
objective and fundamental and nonfundamental policies.
The following pages contain more detailed information about the types of issuers and
instruments in which we may invest, strategies our Adviser may employ in pursuit of investment
objective and a discussion of related risks. Our Adviser may not buy these instruments or use these
techniques unless it believes that doing so will help us achieve our objective.
Master Limited Partnerships
Under normal circumstances, we will invest at least 80% of our total assets (including assets
obtained through leverage) in equity securities of MLPs in the energy infrastructure sector. For
purposes of this 80% policy, we consider investments in MLPs to include investments in MLPs and
their affiliates. An MLP is an entity that is generally taxed as a partnership for federal income
tax purposes and that derives each year at least 90% of its gross income from Qualifying Income.
Qualifying Income for MLPs includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or
disposition of real property, income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and income and
gain from mineral or natural resources activities that generate Qualifying Income. MLP interests
(known as units) are traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter. An MLPs organization as a
partnership and compliance with the Qualifying Income rules generally eliminates federal tax at the
entity level.
An MLP has one or more general partners (who may be individuals, corporations, or other
partnerships) which manage the partnership, and limited partners, which provide capital to the
partnership but have no role in its management. Typically, the general partner is owned by company
management or another publicly traded sponsoring corporation. When an investor buys units in an
MLP, the investor becomes a limited partner.
MLPs are formed in several ways. A nontraded partnership may decide to go public. Several
nontraded partnerships may roll up into a single MLP. A corporation may spin-off a group of assets
or part of its business into an MLP of which it is the general partner, to realize the assets full
value on the marketplace by selling the assets and using the cash proceeds received from the MLP to
address debt obligations or to invest in higher growth opportunities, while retaining control of
the MLP. A corporation may fully convert to an MLP, although since 1986
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the tax consequences have made this an unappealing option for most corporations. Unlike the
ways described above, it is also possible for a newly formed entity to commence operations as an
MLP from its inception.
The sponsor or general partner of an MLP, other energy companies, and utilities may sell
assets to MLPs in order to generate cash to fund expansion projects or repay debt. The MLP
structure essentially transfers cash flows generated from these acquired assets directly to MLP
limited partner unit holders.
In the case of an MLP buying assets from its sponsor or general partner the transaction is
intended to be based upon comparable terms in the acquisition market for similar assets. To help
insure that appropriate protections are in place, the board of the MLP generally creates an
independent committee to review and approve the terms of the transaction. The committee often
obtains a fairness opinion and can retain counsel or other experts to assist its evaluation. Since
both parties normally have a significant equity stake in the MLP, both parties are aligned to see
that the transaction is accretive and fair to the MLP.
MLPs tend to pay relatively higher distributions than other types of companies and we intend
to use these MLP distributions in an effort to meet our investment objective.
As a motivation for the general partner to successfully manage the MLP and increase cash
flows, the terms of MLPs typically provide that the general partner receives a larger portion of
the net income as distributions reach higher target levels. As cash flow grows, the general partner
receives a greater interest in the incremental income compared to the interest of limited partners.
Although the percentages vary among MLPs, the general partners marginal interest in distributions
generally increases from 2% to 15% at the first designated distribution target level moving up to
25% and ultimately 50% as pre-established distribution per unit thresholds are met. Nevertheless,
the aggregate amount distributed to limited partners will increase as MLP distributions reach
higher target levels. Given this incentive structure, the general partner has an incentive to
streamline operations and undertake acquisitions and growth projects in order to increase
distributions to all partners.
Because the MLP itself generally does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is
allocated to its investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash payment or other
distributions from the MLP. An MLP typically makes quarterly cash distributions. Although they
resemble corporate dividends, MLP distributions are treated differently for tax purposes. The MLP
distribution is treated as a return of capital to the extent of the investors basis in his MLP
interest and, to the extent the distribution exceeds the investors basis in the MLP, generally as
capital gain. The investors original basis is the price paid for the units. The basis is adjusted
downwards with each distribution and allocation of deductions (such as depreciation) and losses,
and upwards with each allocation of taxable income and gain.
The partner will not incur federal income tax on distributions until: (1) he sells his MLP
units and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease due to prior
distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference between the
sales price and the investors adjusted basis is gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
The business of MLPs is affected by supply and demand for energy commodities because most MLPs
derive revenue and income based upon the volume of the underlying commodity produced, transported,
processed, distributed, and/or marketed. Specifically, processing and coal MLPs may be directly
affected by energy commodity prices. Propane MLPs own the underlying energy commodity, and
therefore have direct exposure to energy commodity prices, although our Adviser intends to seek
high quality MLPs that are able to mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity prices.
Pipeline MLPs have indirect commodity exposure to oil and gas price volatility because although
they do not own the underlying energy commodity, the general level of commodity prices may affect
the volume of the commodity the MLP delivers to its customers and the cost of providing services
such as distributing natural gas liquids. The MLP industry in general could be hurt by market
perception that MLPs performance and valuation are directly tied to commodity prices.
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MLPs in the energy sector in which we will invest can generally be classified into the
following categories:
Pipeline MLPs. Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural gas
liquids (primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil or refined petroleum
products (gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel). Pipeline MLPs also may operate ancillary businesses
such as storage and marketing of such products. Pipeline MLPs derive revenue from capacity and
transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been less exposed to cyclical economic
forces due to its low cost structure and government-regulated nature. In addition, most pipeline
MLPs have limited direct commodity price exposure because they do not own the product being
shipped.
Processing MLPs. Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as well as
providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids (NGLs). Processing
MLPs derive revenue from providing services to natural gas producers, which require treatment or
processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities and other end user
markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although it is not uncommon to have some
participation in the prices of the natural gas and NGL commodities for a portion of revenue.
Propane MLPs. Propane MLPs are distributors of propane to homeowners for space and water
heating. Propane MLPs derive revenue from the resale of the commodity on a margin over wholesale
cost. The ability to maintain margin is a key to profitability. Propane serves approximately 3% of
the household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes beyond the geographic reach of
natural gas distribution pipelines. Approximately 70% of annual cash flow is earned during the
winter heating season (October through March). Accordingly, volumes are weather dependent, but have
utility type functions similar to electricity and natural gas.
Coal MLPs. Coal MLPs own, lease and manage coal reserves. Coal MLPs derive revenue from
production and sale of coal, or from royalty payments related to leases to coal producers.
Electricity generation is the primary use of coal in the United States. Demand for electricity and
supply of alternative fuels to generators are the primary drivers of coal demand. Coal MLPs are
subject to operating and production risks, such as: the MLP or a lessee meeting necessary
production volumes; federal, state and local laws and regulations which may limit the ability to
produce coal; the MLPs ability to manage production costs and pay mining reclamation costs; and
the effect on demand that the Environmental Protection Agencys standards set in the 1990 Clean Air
Act or other laws, regulations or trends have on coal-end users.
Marine Shipping MLPs. Marine shipping MLPs are primarily marine transporters of natural gas,
crude oil or refined petroleum products. Marine shipping MLPs derive revenue from charging
customers for the transportation of these products utilizing the MLPs vessels. Transportation
services are typically provided pursuant to a charter or contract, the terms of which vary
depending on, for example, the length of use of a particular vessel, the amount of cargo
transported, the number of voyages made, the parties operating a vessel or other factors.
MLPs typically achieve distribution growth by internal and external means. MLPs achieve growth
internally by experiencing higher commodity volume driven by the economy and population, and
through the expansion of existing operations including increasing the use of underutilized
capacity, pursuing projects that can leverage and gain synergies with existing infrastructure and
pursuing so called greenfield projects. External growth is achieved by making accretive
acquisitions.
MLPs are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and health and safety
laws as well as laws and regulations specific to their particular activities. These laws and
regulations address: health and safety standards for the operation of facilities, transportation
systems and the handling of materials; air and water pollution requirements and standards; solid
waste disposal requirements; land reclamation requirements; and requirements relating to the
handling and disposition of hazardous materials. MLPs are subject to the costs of compliance with
such laws applicable to them, and changes in such laws and regulations may adversely affect their
results of operations.
MLPs operating interstate pipelines and storage facilities are subject to substantial
regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which regulates interstate
transportation rates, services and other matters regarding natural gas pipelines including: the
establishment of rates for service; regulation of pipeline storage and
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liquified natural gas facility construction; issuing certificates of need for companies
intending to provide energy services or constructing and operating interstate pipeline and storage
facilities; and certain other matters. FERC also regulates the interstate transportation of crude
oil, including: regulation of rates and practices of oil pipeline companies; establishing equal
service conditions to provide shippers with equal access to pipeline transportation; and
establishment of reasonable rates for transporting petroleum and petroleum products by pipeline.
MLPs may be subject to liability relating to the release of substances into the environment,
including liability under federal SuperFund and similar state laws for investigation and
remediation of releases and threatened releases of hazardous materials, as well as liability for
injury and property damage for accidental events, such as explosions or discharges of materials
causing personal injury and damage to property. Such potential liabilities could have a material
adverse effect upon the financial condition and results of operations of MLPs.
MLPs are subject to numerous business related risks, including: deterioration of business
fundamentals reducing profitability due to development of alternative energy sources, consumer
sentiment with respect to global warming, changing demographics in the markets served, unexpectedly
prolonged and precipitous changes in commodity prices and increased competition that reduces the
MLPs market share; the lack of growth of markets requiring growth through acquisitions;
disruptions in transportation systems; the dependence of certain MLPs upon the energy exploration
and development activities of unrelated third parties; availability of capital for expansion and
construction of needed facilities; a significant decrease in natural gas production due to
depressed commodity prices or otherwise; the inability of MLPs to successfully integrate recent or
future acquisitions; and the general level of the economy.
For a further discussion and a general description of MLP federal income tax matters, see the
section entitled Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
Non-MLPs
Although we emphasize investments in MLPs, we also may invest in companies that are not
organized as MLPs. Non-MLP companies may include companies that operate energy assets but which are
organized as corporations or limited liability companies rather than in partnership form.
Generally, the partnership form is more suitable for companies that operate assets which generate
more stable cash flows. Companies that operate midstream assets (e.g., transporting, processing,
storing, distributing and marketing) tend to generate more stable cash flows than those that engage
in exploration and development or delivery of products to the end consumer. Non-MLP companies also
may include companies that provide services directly related to the generation of income from
energy-related assets, such as oil drilling services, pipeline construction and maintenance, and
compression services.
The energy industry and particular energy infrastructure companies may be adversely affected
by possible terrorist attacks, such as the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. It is
possible that facilities of energy infrastructure companies, due to the critical nature of their
energy businesses to the United States, could be direct targets of terrorist attacks or be
indirectly affected by attacks on others. They may have to incur significant additional costs in
the future to safeguard their assets. In addition, changes in the insurance markets after September
11, 2001 may make certain types in insurance more difficult to obtain or obtainable only at
significant additional cost. To the extent terrorism results in a lower level economic activity,
energy consumption could be adversely affected, which would reduce revenues and impede growth.
Terrorist or war related disruption of the capital markets could also affect the ability of energy
infrastructure companies to raise needed capital.
Our Investments
The types of securities in which we may invest include, but are not limited to, the following:
MLP Equity Securities. Consistent with our investment objective, we may invest up to 100% of
our total assets in equity securities issued by MLPs and their affiliates in the energy
infrastructure sector, including common units, convertible subordinated units, I-Shares and limited
liability company (LLC) common units (each discussed below). We also may invest up to 20% of our
total assets in equity securities of entities not in the energy infrastructure sector.
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The value of equity securities will be affected by changes in the stock markets, which may be
the result of domestic or international political or economic news, changes in interest rates or
changing investor sentiment. At times, stock markets can be volatile and stock prices can change
substantially. Equity securities risk will affect our net asset value per share, which will
fluctuate as the value of the securities held by us change. Not all stock prices change uniformly
or at the same time, and not all stock markets move in the same direction at the same time. Other
factors affect a particular stocks prices, such as poor earnings reports by an issuer, loss of
major customers, major litigation against an issuer, or changes in governmental regulations
affecting an industry. Adverse news affecting one company can sometimes depress the stock prices of
all companies in the same industry. Not all factors can be predicted.
Investing in securities of smaller companies may involve greater risk than is associated with
investing in more established companies. Smaller capitalization companies may have limited product
lines, markets or financial resources; may lack management depth or experience; and may be more
vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments than larger more established
companies.
MLP Common Units. MLP common units represent an equity ownership interest in a partnership,
providing limited voting rights and entitling the holder to a share of the companys success
through distributions and/or capital appreciation. Unlike stockholders of a corporation, common
unit holders do not elect directors annually and generally have the right to vote only on certain
significant events, such as mergers, a sale of substantially all of the assets, removal of the
general partner or material amendments to the partnership agreement. MLPs are required by their
partnership agreements to distribute a large percentage of their current operating earnings. Common
unit holders generally have first right to a minimum quarterly distribution (MQD) prior to
distributions to the convertible subordinated unit holders or the general partner (including
incentive distributions). Common unit holders typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not
met. In the event of liquidation, MLP common unit holders have first rights to the partnerships
remaining assets after bondholders, other debt holders, and preferred unit holders have been paid
in full. MLP common units trade on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
Limited Liability Company Common Units. Some energy infrastructure companies in which we may
invest have been organized as LLCs. Such LLCs are treated in the same manner as MLPs for federal
income tax purposes. Consistent with its investment objective and policies, we may invest in common
units or other securities of such LLCs. LLC common units represent an equity ownership interest in
an LLC, entitling the holders to a share of the LLCs success through distributions and/or capital
appreciation. Similar to MLPs, LLCs typically do not pay federal income tax at the entity level and
are required by their operating agreements to distribute a large percentage of their current
operating earnings. LLC common unit holders generally have first right to a MQD prior to
distributions to subordinated unit holders and typically have arrearage rights if the MQD is not
met. In the event of liquidation, LLC common unit holders have first right to the LLCs remaining
assets after bondholders, other debt holders and preferred unit holders, if any, have been paid in
full. LLC common units trade on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter.
In contrast to MLPs, LLCs have no general partner and there are generally no incentives that
entitle management or other unit holders to increased percentages of cash distributions as
distributions reach higher target levels. In addition, LLC common unit holders typically have
voting rights with respect to the LLC, whereas MLP common units have limited voting rights.
MLP Convertible Subordinated Units. MLP convertible subordinated units are typically issued by
MLPs to founders, corporate general partners of MLPs, entities that sell assets to the MLPs, and
institutional investors. The purpose of the convertible subordinated units is to increase the
likelihood that during the subordination period there will be available cash to be distributed to
common unit holders. We expect to purchase subordinated units in direct placements from such
persons or other persons that may hold such units. MLP convertible subordinated units generally are
not entitled to distributions until holders of common units have received specified MQD, plus any
arrearages, and may receive less than common unitholders in distributions upon liquidation.
Convertible subordinated unit holders generally are entitled to MQD prior to the payment of
incentive distributions to the general partner, but are not entitled to arrearage rights.
Therefore, MLP convertible subordinated units generally entail greater risk than MLP common units.
They are generally convertible automatically into the senior common units of the same issuer at a
one-to-one ratio upon the passage of time or the satisfaction of certain financial tests. Although
the means by which convertible subordinated units convert into senior common units depend on a
securitys specific
S-7
terms, MLP convertible subordinated units typically are exchanged for common shares. These
units do not trade on a national exchange or over-the-counter, and there is no active market for
convertible subordinated units. The value of a convertible subordinated unit is a function of its
worth if converted into the underlying common units. Convertible subordinated units generally have
similar voting rights as do MLP common units.
MLP I-Shares. I-Shares represent an indirect investment in MLP common units. I-Shares are
equity securities issued by affiliates of MLPs, typically a limited liability company, that owns an
interest in and manages the MLP. The issuer has management rights but is not entitled to incentive
distributions. The I-Share issuers assets consist exclusively of MLP common units. Distributions
to I-Share holders in the form of additional I-Shares are generally equal in amount to the I-Units
received by the I-Share issuer. The issuer of the I-Share is taxed as a corporation, however, the
MLP does not allocate income or loss to the I-Share issuer. Accordingly, investors receive a Form
1099, are not allocated their proportionate share of income of the MLP and are not subject to state
filing obligations solely as a result of holding such I-Shares. Distributions of I-Shares generally
do not generate unrelated business taxable income for federal income tax purposes and are
qualifying income for mutual fund investors.
Equity Securities of MLP Affiliates. We may also invest in equity securities of MLP
affiliates, by purchasing securities of limited liability entities that own general partner
interests of MLPs. General partner interests of MLPs are typically retained by an MLPs original
sponsors, such as its founders, corporate partners, entities that sell assets to the MLP and
investors such as the entities from which we may purchase general partner interests. A holder of
general partner interests can be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the
amount of the holders investment in the general partner interest. General partner interests often
confer direct board participation rights and in many cases, operating control, over the MLP. These
interests themselves are not publicly traded, although they may be owned by publicly traded
entities. General partner interests receive cash distributions, typically 2% of the MLPs aggregate
cash distributions, which are contractually defined in the partnership agreement. In addition,
holders of general partner interests typically hold incentive distribution rights (IDRs), which
provide them with a larger share of the aggregate MLP cash distributions as the distributions to
limited partner unit holders are increased to prescribed levels. General partner interests
generally cannot be converted into common units. The general partner interest can be redeemed by
the MLP if the MLP unitholders choose to remove the general partner, typically with a supermajority
vote by the MLP limited partner unitholders.
Other Non-MLP Equity Securities. We also may invest in common and preferred stock, limited
liability company interests, limited partner interests, convertible securities, warrants and
depository receipts of companies that are organized as corporations, limited liability companies or
limited partnerships. Common stock generally represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer.
Although common stocks have historically generated higher average total returns than fixed-income
securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in
those returns and may under-perform relative to fixed-income securities during certain periods. An
adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common
stock held by us. Also, prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock
market and a drop in the stock market may depress the price of common stocks to which we have
exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for several reasons including changes in investors
perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock
market, or the occurrence of political or economic events which effect the issuers. In addition,
common stock prices may be particularly sensitive to rising interest rates, which increases
borrowing costs and the costs of capital.
Restricted, Illiquid and Thinly-Traded Securities. We may invest up to 50% of our total assets
in restricted securities primarily through direct investments in securities of listed companies.
Restricted securities are less liquid than securities traded in the open market, therefore, we may
not be able to readily sell such securities. Investments currently considered by our Adviser to be
illiquid because of such restrictions include subordinated convertible units and certain direct
placements of common units. Such securities are unlike securities that are traded in the open
market, which can be expected to be sold immediately if the market is adequate. The sale price of
securities that are not readily marketable may be lower or higher than the companys most recent
determination of their fair value. Additionally, the value of these securities typically requires
more reliance on the judgment of our Adviser than that required for securities for which there is
an active trading market. Due to the difficulty in valuing these securities and the absence of an
active trading market for these securities, we may not be able to realize these securities true
value, or may have to delay their sale in order to do so.
S-8
Restricted securities generally can be sold in private transactions, pursuant to an exemption
from registration under the 1933 Act, or in a registered public offering. If the issuer of the
restricted securities has an effective registration statement on file with the SEC covering the
restricted securities, our Adviser has the ability to deem restricted securities as liquid. To
enable us to sell our holdings of a restricted security not registered under the 1933 Act, we may
have to cause those securities to be registered. When we must arrange registration because we wish
to sell the security, a considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to
sell the security and the time the security is registered so that we can sell it. We would bear the
risks of any downward price fluctuation during that period.
In recent years, a large institutional market developed for certain securities that are not
registered under the 1933 Act, including private placements, repurchase agreements, commercial
paper, foreign securities and corporate bonds and notes. These instruments are often restricted
securities because the securities are either themselves exempt from registration or were sold in
transactions not requiring registration, such as Rule 144A transactions. Institutional investors
generally will not seek to sell these instruments to the general public, but instead will often
depend on an efficient institutional market in which such unregistered securities can be resold or
on an issuers ability to honor a demand for repayment. Therefore, the fact that there are
contractual or legal restrictions on resale to the general public or certain institutions is not
dispositive of the liquidity of such investments.
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act establishes a safe harbor from the registration requirements of
the 1933 Act for resales of certain securities to qualified institutional buyers. Institutional
markets for restricted securities that exist or may develop as a result of Rule 144A may provide
both readily ascertainable values for restricted securities and the ability to liquidate an
investment. An insufficient number of qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing Rule
144A-eligible securities held by us, however, could affect adversely the marketability of such
portfolio securities and we might be unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable
prices.
We may also invest in securities that may not be restricted, but are thinly-traded. Although
securities of certain MLPs trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NYSE Alternext U.S.
(formerly known as AMEX), the NASDAQ National Market or other securities exchanges or markets, such
securities may have a lower trading volume less than those of larger companies due to their
relatively smaller capitalizations. Such securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price
during times when we believe it is desirable to do so. Thinly-traded securities are also more
difficult to value and our Advisers judgment as to value will often be given greater weight than
market quotations, if any exist. If market quotations are not available, thinly-traded securities
will be valued in accordance with procedures established by the Board. Investment of capital in
thinly-traded securities may restrict our ability to take advantage of market opportunities. The
risks associated with thinly-traded securities may be particularly acute in situations in which our
operations require cash and could result in us borrowing to meet our short term needs or incurring
losses on the sale of thinly-traded securities.
Repurchase Agreements. We may enter into repurchase agreements backed by U.S. Government
securities. A repurchase agreement arises when we purchase a security and simultaneously agrees to
resell it to the vendor at an agreed upon future date. The resale price is greater than the
purchase price, reflecting an agreed upon market rate of return that is effective for the period of
time we hold the security and that is not related to the coupon rate on the purchased security.
Such agreements generally have maturities of not more than seven days and could be used to permit
us to earn interest on assets awaiting long term investment. We require continuous maintenance by
the custodian for our account in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book Entry System of collateral in an
amount equal to, or in excess of, the market value of the securities that are the subject of a
repurchase agreement. Repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days are considered
illiquid securities. In the event of a bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase
agreement, we could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying security and losses,
including: (a) possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period while we
seek to enforce our rights thereto; (b) possible subnormal levels of income and lack of access to
income during this period; and (c) expenses of enforcing its rights.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. We may enter into reverse repurchase agreements for temporary
purposes with banks and securities dealers if the creditworthiness of the bank or securities dealer
has been determined by our Adviser to be satisfactory. A reverse repurchase agreement is a
repurchase agreement in which we are the seller of, rather than the investor in, securities and
agrees to repurchase them at an agreed-upon time and
S-9
price. Use of a reverse repurchase agreement may be preferable to a regular sale and later
repurchase of securities because it avoids certain market risks and transaction costs.
At the time when we enter into a reverse repurchase agreement, liquid assets (such as cash,
U.S. Government securities or other high-grade debt obligations) of ours having a value at least
as great as the purchase price of the securities to be purchased will be segregated on our books
and held by the custodian throughout the period of the obligation. The use of reverse repurchase
agreements by us creates leverage which increases our investment risk. If the income and gains on
securities purchased with the proceeds of these transactions exceed the cost, our earnings or net
asset value will increase faster than otherwise would be the case; conversely, if the income and
gains fail to exceed the cost, earnings or net asset value would decline faster than otherwise
would be the case. We intend to enter into reverse repurchase agreements only if the income from
the investment of the proceeds is expected to be greater than the expense of the transaction,
because the proceeds are invested for a period no longer than the term of the reverse repurchase
agreement.
Margin Borrowing. Although we do not currently intend to, we may in the future use margin
borrowing of up to 33 1/3% of our total assets for investment purposes when our Adviser believes it
will enhance returns. Margin borrowing creates certain additional risks. For example, should the
securities that are pledged to brokers to secure margin accounts decline in value, or should
brokers from which we have borrowed increase their maintenance margin requirements (i.e., reduce
the percentage of a position that can be financed), then we could be subject to a margin call,
pursuant to which we must either deposit additional funds with the broker or suffer mandatory
liquidation of the pledged securities to compensate for the decline in value. In the event of a
precipitous drop in the value of our assets, we might not be able to liquidate assets quickly
enough to pay off the margin debt and might suffer mandatory liquidation of positions in a
declining market at relatively low prices, thereby incurring substantial losses. For these reasons,
the use of borrowings for investment purposes is considered a speculative investment practice. Any
use of margin borrowing by us would be subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act, including the
prohibition on our issuing more than one class of senior securities, and the asset coverage
requirements discussed earlier in this statement of additional information. See Investment
Limitations.
Interest Rate Transactions. We may, but are not required to, use interest rate transactions
such as swaps, caps and floors in an attempt to reduce the interest rate risk arising from our
leveraged capital structure. There is no assurance that the interest rate hedging transactions into
which we enter will be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate risk. Hedging
transactions are subject to correlation risk, which is the risk that payment on our hedging
transactions may not correlate exactly with our payment obligations on senior securities.
The use of interest rate transactions is a highly specialized activity that involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security
transactions. In an interest rate swap, we would agree to pay to the other party to the interest
rate swap (known as the counterparty) a fixed rate payment in exchange for the counterparty
agreeing to pay to us a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate our variable rate
payment obligation on any variable rate borrowings or preferred stock. The payment obligations
would be based on the notional amount of the swap. In an interest rate cap, we would pay a premium
to the counterparty to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate
index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, it would receive from the counterparty payments of the
difference based on the notional amount of such cap. In an interest rate floor, we would be
entitled to receive, to the extent that a specified index falls below a predetermined interest
rate, payments of interest on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate
floor. When interest rate transactions are outstanding, we will segregate liquid assets with its
custodian in an amount equal to its net payment obligation under the transactions. Therefore,
depending on the state of interest rates in general, our use of interest rate transactions could
enhance or decrease cash flow available to make payments with respect to any preferred shares.
Further, to the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate
transactions could decline, and could result in a decline in our net asset value. In addition, if
the counterparty to an interest rate transaction defaults, we would not be able to use the
anticipated net receipts under the interest rate transaction to offset our cost of financial
leverage.
Delayed-Delivery Transactions. Securities may be bought and sold on a delayed-delivery or
when-issued basis. Delayed-delivery transactions involve a commitment to purchase or sell specific
securities at a predetermined price or yield, with payment and delivery taking place after the
customary settlement period for that type of security.
S-10
Typically, no interest accrues to the purchaser until the security is delivered. We may
receive fees or price concessions for entering into delayed-delivery transactions.
When purchasing securities on a delayed-delivery basis, the purchaser assumes the rights and
risks of ownership, including the risks of price and yield fluctuations and the risk that the
security will not be issued as anticipated. Because payment for the securities is not required
until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with our investments.
If we remain substantially fully invested at a time when delayed-delivery purchases are
outstanding, the delayed-delivery purchases may result in a form of leverage. When delayed-delivery
purchases are outstanding, we will set aside appropriate liquid assets in a segregated custodial
account to cover its purchase obligations. When we sell a security on a delayed-delivery basis, we
do not participate in further gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a
delayed-delivery transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, we could miss a favorable
price or yield opportunity or suffer a loss.
Securities Lending. We may lend securities to parties such as broker-dealers or institutional
investors. Securities lending allows us to retain ownership of the securities loaned and, at the
same time, to earn additional income. Since there may be delays in the recovery of loaned
securities, or even a loss of rights in collateral supplied should the borrower fail financially,
loans will be made only to parties deemed by our Adviser to be of good credit and legal standing.
Furthermore, loans of securities will only be made if, in our Advisers judgment, the consideration
to be earned from such loans would justify the risk.
Our Adviser understands that it is the current view of the SEC staff that we may engage in
loan transactions only under the following conditions: (1) we must receive 100% collateral in the
form of cash or cash equivalents (e.g., U.S. Treasury bills or notes) from the borrower; (2) the
borrower must increase the collateral whenever the market value of the securities loaned
(determined on a daily basis) rises above the value of the collateral; (3) after giving notice, we
must be able to terminate the loan at any time; (4) we must receive reasonable interest on the loan
or a flat fee from the borrower, as well as amounts equivalent to any dividends, interest, or other
distributions on the securities loaned and to any increase in market value; (5) we may pay only
reasonable custodian fees in connection with the loan; and (6) the Board must be able to vote
proxies on the securities loaned, either by terminating the loan or by entering into an alternative
arrangement with the borrower.
Temporary Investments and Defensive Investments. Pending investment of the proceeds of an
offering (which we expect may take up to approximately three months following the closing of an
offering), we may invest up to 100% of net offering proceeds in cash, cash equivalents, securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its instrumentalities or agencies, high quality,
short-term money market instruments, short-term debt securities, certificates of deposit, bankers
acceptances and other bank obligations, commercial paper rated in the highest category by a rating
agency or other fixed income securities-all of which are expected to provide a lower yield than the
securities of MLPs and their affiliates, or may hold cash. We also may invest in such instruments
on a temporary basis to meet working capital needs including, but not limited to, the need for
collateral in connection with certain investment techniques, to hold a reserve pending payment of
dividends, and to facilitate the payments of expenses and settlement of trades. We anticipate that
under normal market conditions not more than 5% of our assets will be invested in these
instruments.
Under adverse market or economic conditions, we may invest 100% of our total assets in these
securities. The yield on such securities may be lower than the returns on MLP securities or yields
on lower rated fixed income securities. To the extent we use this strategy, we may not achieve our
investment objective.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
Directors and Officers
Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors provides broad supervision over our affairs, including
supervision of the duties performed by our Adviser. Our officers are responsible for our day-to-day
operations. The names, ages and addresses of each of our directors and officers, together with
their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years, are set forth below.
Each director and officer will hold office until his successor is duly elected and qualified, or
until he resigns or is removed in the manner provided by law. Unless otherwise indicated, the
address of each director and
S-11
officer is 11550 Ash Street, Leawood, Kansas 66211. The Board of Directors consists of a
majority of directors who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of our Adviser or
its affiliates.
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POSITION(S) HELD |
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PORTFOLIOS IN FUND |
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COMPANY |
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COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY |
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DIRECTORSHIPS |
NAME AND AGE |
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TIME SERVED |
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PAST FIVE YEARS |
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DIRECTOR (1) |
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HELD |
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Independent
Directors |
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Conrad S. Ciccotello
(Born 1960)
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Director since 2010
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Tenured Associate
Professor of Risk
Management and
Insurance, Robinson
College of Business,
Georgia State
University (faculty
member since 1999);
Director of Graduate
Personal Financial
Planning Programs;
Formerly Editor,
Financial Services
Review (an academic
journal dedicated to
the study of
individual financial
management)
(2001-2007); Published
several academic and
professional journal
articles about energy
infrastructure and
MLPs.
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7 |
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None |
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John R. Graham
(Born 1945)
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Director since 2010
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Executive-in-Residence
and Professor of
Finance (part-time),
College of Business
Administration, Kansas
State University (has
served as a professor
or adjunct professor
since 1970); Chairman
of the Board,
President and CEO,
Graham Capital
Management, Inc.,
primarily a real
estate development,
investment and venture
capital company; Owner
of Graham Ventures, a
business services and
venture capital firm;
Part-time Vice
President Investments,
FB Capital Management,
Inc. (a registered
investment adviser),
since 2007; formerly,
CEO, Kansas Farm
Bureau Financial
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DIRECTOR (1) |
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Services, including
seven affiliated
insurance or financial
service companies
(1979-2000). |
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Charles E. Heath
(Born 1942)
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Director since 2010
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Retired in 1999,
Formerly Chief
Investment Officer, GE
Capitals Employers
Reinsurance
Corporation
(1989-1999). Chartered
Financial Analyst
(CFA) designation
since 1974.
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Interested
Directors and
Officers(2) |
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H. Kevin Birzer
(Born 1959)
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Director and
Chairman of the
Board since 2010
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Managing Director of
the Adviser since
2002; Member, Fountain
Capital Management,
LLC (Fountain
Capital), a
registered investment
adviser, (1990-May
2009); Director and
Chairman of the Board
of each of TYG, TYY,
TYN, TTO, TPZ and the
privately held
investment company
managed by the Adviser
since its inception;
Vice President,
Corporate Finance
Department, Drexel
Burnham Lambert
(1986-1989); Vice
President, F. Martin
Koenig & Co., an
investment management
firm (1983-1986). CFA
designation since
1988.
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7 |
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None |
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Terry C. Matlack
(Born 1956)
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Chief Financial
Officer since 2010
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Managing Director of
the Adviser since
2002; Full-time
Managing Director,
Kansas City Equity
Partners, LC (KCEP)
(2001-2002); Formerly
President, GreenStreet
Capital, a private
investment firm
(1998-2001); Director
of each of TYG, TYY,
TYN, TTO, TPZ and the
privately held
investment company
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N/A |
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None |
S-13
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POSITION(S) HELD |
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PORTFOLIOS IN FUND |
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COMPANY |
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COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY |
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NAME AND AGE |
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DIRECTOR (1) |
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HELD |
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managed by the Adviser
from its inception to
September 15, 2009;
Chief Financial
Officer of each of
TYG, TYY, TYN, TPZ,
TTO and the privately
held investment
company since its
inception; Chief
Compliance Officer of
each of TYY and TYN
from their inception
through May 2006 and
of TYG from 2004
through May 2006;
Treasurer of each of
TYY, TYG and TYN from
their inception to
November 2005;
Assistant Treasurer of
TYY, TYG and TYN from
November 2005 to
April 2008, of TTO
from its inception to
April 2008, and of the
private investment
company from its
inception to April
2009. CFA designation
since 1985. |
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David J. Schulte
(Born 1961)
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President and Chief
Executive Officer
since 2010
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Managing Director of
the Adviser since
2002; Full-time
Managing Director,
KCEP (1993-2002);
President and Chief
Executive Officer of
TYG since 2003, of TYY
since 2005 and of TPZ
since inception; Chief
Executive Officer of
TYN since 2005 and
President of TYN from
2005 to
September 2008; Chief
Executive Officer of
TTO since 2005 and
President of TTO from
2005 to April 2007;
President of the
private investment
company since 2007;
Chief Executive
Officer of the private
investment company
from 2007 to
December 2008; CFA
designation since
1992.
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N/A |
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None |
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POSITION(S) HELD |
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PORTFOLIOS IN FUND |
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COMPANY |
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OCCUPATION DURING |
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COMPLEX OVERSEEN BY |
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DIRECTORSHIPS |
NAME AND AGE |
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TIME SERVED |
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PAST FIVE YEARS |
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DIRECTOR (1) |
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HELD |
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Zachary A. Hamel
(Born 1965)
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Senior Vice President
since 2010
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Managing Director of
the Adviser since
2002; Partner,
Fountain Capital
(1997-present). Senior
Vice President of
each of TYY and TTO
since 2005 and each of
TYG, TYN and the
private investment
company since 2007 and
of TPZ since
inception; Secretary
of each of TYG, TYY,
TYN and TTO from their
inception to April
2007. CFA designation
since 1998.
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N/A |
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None |
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Kenneth P. Malvey
(Born 1965)
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Senior Vice
President since
2010; Treasurer
since 2010
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Managing Director of
the Adviser since
2002; Partner,
Fountain Capital
(2002-present);
formerly, Investment
Risk Manager and
member of the Global
Office of Investments,
GE Capitals Employers
Reinsurance
Corporation
(1996-2002); Treasurer
of each of TYG, TYY, TYN, and
TTO since 2005, and of
the private investment
company since 2007;
Senior Vice President
of each of TYY and TTO since
2005, and of each of TYG, TYN
and the private
investment company
since 2007 and of TPZ
since inception;
Assistant Treasurer of
each of TYY, TYG and
TYN from their
inception to
November 2005; Chief
Executive Officer of
the private investment
company since
December 2008; CFA
designation since
1996.
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N/A |
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None |
S-15
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(1) |
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This number includes us, TYG, TYY, TYN, TPZ, TTO and a private investment company.
Our Adviser also serves as the investment adviser to TYG, TYY, TYN, TPZ, TTO and the private
investment company. |
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(2) |
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As a result of their respective positions held with our Adviser or its affiliates, these
individuals are considered interested persons of ours within the meaning of the 1940 Act. |
We have an audit committee consisting of three directors (the Audit Committee) who are not
interested persons of ours within the meaning of the 1940 Act (Independent Directors). The
Audit Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello (Chairman), John R. Graham and Charles E. Heath.
The Audit Committees function is to oversee our accounting policies, financial reporting and
internal control system. The Audit Committee makes recommendations regarding the selection of our
independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the independence of such firm, reviews the
scope of the audit and internal controls, considers and reports to the Board on matters relating to
our accounting and financial reporting practices, and performs such other tasks as the full Board
deems necessary or appropriate.
We have a nominating and governance committee that consists exclusively of three Independent
Directors (the Nominating Committee). The Nominating Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello,
John R. Graham (Chairman) and Charles E. Heath. The Nominating Committees function is to nominate
and evaluate Independent Director candidates, review the compensation arrangements for each of the
directors, review corporate governance issues and developments, and to develop and recommend to the
Board corporate governance guidelines and procedures, to the extent appropriate. The Nominating
Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders so long as such recommendations are
made in accordance with the our Bylaws.
We also have a compliance committee that consists exclusively of three Independent Directors
(the Compliance Committee). The Compliance Committees function is to review and assess
managements compliance with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, monitor compliance
with our Code of Ethics, and handle other matters as the Board or committee chair deems
appropriate. The Compliance Committee members are Conrad S. Ciccotello, John R. Graham and Charles
E. Heath (Chairman).
Directors and officers who are interested persons of our or the Administrator will receive no
salary or fees from us. For the 2010 fiscal year, each Independent Director receives from us an
annual retainer of $ (plus an additional $ for the Chairman of the Audit Committee
and an additional $ for each other committee Chairman) and a fee of $ (and
reimbursement for related expenses) for each meeting of the Board or Audit Committee attended in
person (or $ for each Board or Audit Committee meeting attended telephonically, or for each
Audit Committee meeting attended in person that is held on the same day as a Board meeting), and an
additional $ for each other committee meeting attended in person or telephonically. No
director or officer is entitled to receive pension or retirement benefits from us.
The table below sets forth the estimated compensation to be paid to the directors by us for
the period beginning on the commencement of operations and ending November 30, 2010.
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Aggregate |
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Aggregate Compensation From |
Name and Position With |
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Compensation From |
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the Company and Fund Complex |
the Company |
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the Company |
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Paid to Directors* |
Independent Directors |
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Conrad S. Ciccotello |
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$ |
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$ |
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John R. Graham |
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$ |
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$ |
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Charles E. Heath |
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$ |
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$ |
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Interested Directors |
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H. Kevin Birzer |
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$ |
0 |
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$ |
0 |
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The following table sets forth the dollar range of equity securities beneficially owned by
each director of the Company as of , 2010.
S-16
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Aggregate Dollar Range of |
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Equity Securities in all |
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Aggregate Dollar Range of |
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Registered Investment |
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Company Securities |
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Companies Overseen by |
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Beneficially Owned By |
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Director in Family of |
Name of Director |
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Director |
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Investment Companies* |
Independent Directors |
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Conrad S. Ciccotello |
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$ |
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John R. Graham |
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Charles E. Heath |
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Interested Directors |
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H. Kevin Birzer |
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* |
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Includes us, TYG, TYY, TYN, TPZ and TTO and the privately held closed-end management
investment company. |
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the
liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages
except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money,
property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty which is established by a final
judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our Charter (the Charter) contains such a
provision which eliminates directors and officers liability to the maximum extent permitted by
Maryland law and the 1940 Act.
Our Charter authorizes, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act, to
obligate itself to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while
a director or officer of ours and at our request, serves or has served another corporation, real
estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from and against any claim or liability to
which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of his or her status
as a present or former director or officer of ours or as a present or former director, officer,
partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint
venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and to pay or reimburse his or her
reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our Bylaws obligate us, to the
maximum extent permitted by Maryland law to indemnify any present or former director or officer or
any individual who, while a director of ours and at our request, serves or has served another
corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan
or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made, or threatened to be
made, a party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against
any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by
reason of his or her status as a present or former director or officer of ours and to pay or
reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. Our
obligation to indemnify any director, officer or other individual, however, is limited by the 1940
Act which prohibits us from indemnifying any director, officer or other individual from any
liability resulting from the willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of
duties or reckless disregard of applicable obligations and duties of the directors, officers or
other individuals. To the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the 1940 Act, our Charter
and Bylaws also permit us to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who served a predecessor
of ours in any of the capacities described above and any employee or agent of ours or a predecessor
of ours.
Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our Charter
does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the defense of any
proceeding to which he is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his service in that
capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and
officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines,
S-17
settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any
proceeding to which they may be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service
in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director
or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad
faith, or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer
actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of
any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or
omission was unlawful.
However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment
in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that
personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and
then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to advance reasonable
expenses to a director or officer upon the corporations receipt of (a) a written affirmation by
the director or officer of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct necessary
for indemnification by the corporation, and (b) a written undertaking by him or on his behalf to
repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that the
standard of conduct was not met.
Investment Adviser
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. serves as our investment adviser. Our Adviser specializes in
managing portfolios of listed energy infrastructure investments, such as pipeline
and power companies. Our Adviser was formed in 2002 to provide portfolio management services
exclusively with respect to energy infrastructure investments. On September 15, 2009, Mariner
Holdings, LLC acquired a majority interest in our Adviser. Our Adviser is now wholly-owned by
Tortoise Holdings, LLC. Mariner Holdings, LLC owns a majority interest in Tortoise Holdings, LLC
with the remaining interests held by the five members of our Advisers investment committee and
certain other senior employees of our Adviser. Management of our Adviser, its investment committee
and its funds remains unchanged since inception. In September, 2009, the five members of our
Advisers investment committee entered into employment agreements with our Adviser that have a
3-year initial term as well as two 1-year automatic renewals under normal circumstances.
Our Adviser is located at 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211. As of March 31,
2010, our Adviser had approximately $3.3 billion in assets under management in the energy sector.
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement), our Adviser, subject
to overall supervision by the Board, manages our investments. Our Adviser regularly provides us
with investment research advice and supervision and will furnish continuously an investment program
for us, consistent with our investment objective and policies.
The investment management of our portfolio is the responsibility of a team of portfolio
managers consisting of David J. Schulte, H. Kevin Birzer, Zachary A. Hamel, Kenneth P. Malvey, and
Terry C. Matlack, all of whom are Managers of our Adviser and members of its investment committee
and share responsibility for such investment management. It is the policy of the investment
committee that any one member can require our Adviser to sell a security and any one member can
veto the committees decision to invest in a security. All members of our Advisers investment
committee are full-time employees of our Adviser.
The following table provides information about the number of and total assets in other
accounts managed on a day-to-day basis by each of the portfolio managers as of , 2010.
S-18
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Number of |
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Total Assets of |
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Accounts |
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Accounts |
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Paying a |
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Paying a |
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Number of |
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Total Assets of |
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Performance |
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Performance |
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Name of Manager |
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Accounts |
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Accounts |
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Fee |
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Fee |
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H. Kevin Birzer |
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Registered investment companies |
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Other pooled investment vehicles |
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Other accounts |
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Zachary A. Hamel |
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Registered investment companies |
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Other pooled investment vehicles |
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Other accounts |
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Kenneth P. Malvey |
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Registered investment companies |
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Other pooled investment vehicles |
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Other accounts |
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Terry C. Matlack |
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Registered investment companies |
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Other pooled investment vehicles |
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Other accounts |
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David J. Schulte |
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Registered investment companies |
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Other pooled investment vehicles |
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Other accounts |
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None of Messrs. Schulte, Matlack, Birzer, Hamel or Malvey receive any direct compensation None
of Messrs. Schulte, Matlack, Birzer, Hamel or Malvey receive any direct compensation from us or any
other of the managed accounts reflected in the table above. Messrs. Birzer, Hamel, Malvey, Matlack
and Schulte are full-time employees of our Adviser and receive a fixed salary for the services they
provide. Each of Messrs. Schulte, Matlack, Birzer, Hamel and Malvey own an equity interest in
Tortoise Holdings, LLC, the sole member of our Adviser, and each thus benefits from increases in
the net income of our Adviser.
The following table sets forth the dollar range of our equity securities beneficially owned by
each of the portfolio managers as of the date of , 2010.
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Aggregate Dollar Range of Company |
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|
Securities Beneficially Owned by |
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Name of Manager |
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Manager |
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H. Kevin Birzer |
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Zachary A. Hamel |
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Kenneth P. Malvey |
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Terry C. Matlack |
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David J. Schulte |
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In addition to portfolio management services, our Adviser is obligated to supply our Board and
officers with certain statistical information and reports, to oversee the maintenance of various
books and records and to arrange for the preservation of records in accordance with applicable
federal law and regulations. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, we pay our Adviser a fee
equal to % annually of our average monthly Managed Assets for the services rendered by it.
Managed Assets means our total assets (including any assets attributable to any leverage that may
be outstanding but excluding any net deferred tax asset) minus the sum of accrued liabilities other
than (1) net deferred tax liability, (2) debt entered into for the purpose of leverage, and (3) the
aggregate liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred shares.
Because the management fees paid to our Adviser are based upon a percentage of our Managed
Assets, fees paid to our Adviser are higher when we are leveraged; thus, our Adviser will have an
incentive to leverage us. Our Adviser intends to leverage us only when it believes it will serve
the best interests of our stockholders. Our average monthly Managed Assets are determined for the
purpose of calculating the management fee by taking the average of the monthly determinations of
Managed Assets during a given calendar quarter. The fees are payable for each calendar quarter
within five (5) days of the end of that quarter. Net deferred tax assets are not included in the
calculation of our management fee.
S-19
The Advisory Agreement provides that we will pay all expenses other than those expressly
stated to be payable by our Adviser, which expenses payable by us shall include, without implied
limitation: (1) expenses of maintaining and continuing our existence and related overhead,
including, to the extent services are provided by personnel of our Adviser or its affiliates,
office space and facilities and personnel compensation, training and benefits, (2) our registration
under the 1940 Act, (3) commissions, spreads, fees and other expenses connected with the
acquisition, holding and disposition of securities and other investments including placement and
similar fees in connection with direct placements entered into on our behalf, (4) auditing,
accounting and legal expenses, (5) taxes and interest, (6) governmental fees, (7) expenses of
listing our shares with a stock exchange, and expenses of issue, sale, repurchase and redemption
(if any) of our interests, including expenses of conducting tender offers for the purpose of
repurchasing common stock, (8) expenses of registering and qualifying us and our shares under
federal and state securities laws and of preparing and filing registration statements and
amendments for such purposes, (9) expenses of communicating with stockholders, including website
expenses and the expenses of preparing, printing and mailing press releases, reports and other
notices to stockholders and of meetings of stockholders and proxy solicitations therefor, (10)
expenses of reports to governmental officers and commissions, (11) insurance expenses, (12)
association membership dues, (13) fees, expenses and disbursements of custodians and subcustodians
for all services to us (including without limitation safekeeping of funds, securities and other
investments, keeping of books, accounts and records, and determination of NAVs), (14) fees,
expenses and disbursements of transfer agents, dividend and interest paying agents, stockholder
servicing agents and registrars for all services to us, (15) compensation and expenses of our
directors who are not members of our Advisers organization, (16) pricing and valuation services
employed by us, (17) all expenses incurred in connection with leveraging of our assets through a
line of credit or other indebtedness or issuing and maintaining notes or preferred stock, (18) all
expenses incurred in connection with offerings of our common and preferred stock and debt
securities, and (19) such non-recurring items as may arise, including expenses incurred in
connection with litigation, proceedings and claims and our obligation to indemnify our directors,
officers and stockholders with respect thereto.
The Advisory Agreement provides that our Adviser will not be liable in any way for any
default, failure or defect in any of the securities comprising portfolio if it has satisfied the
duties and the standard of care, diligence and skill set forth in the Advisory Agreement. However,
our Adviser shall be liable to us for any loss, damage, claim, cost, charge, expense or liability
resulting from our Advisers willful misconduct, bad faith or gross negligence or disregard by our
Adviser of our Advisers duties or standard of care, diligence and skill set forth in the Advisory
Agreement or a material breach or default of our Advisers obligations under the Advisory
Agreement.
The Advisory Agreement has a term ending on , 20___ and may be continued from year to
year thereafter as provided in the 1940 Act. The Advisory Agreement will be submitted to the Board
of Directors for renewal each year beginning in , 20___. The Advisory Agreement will
continue from year to year, provided such continuance is approved by a majority of the Board or by
vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities. Additionally, the Advisory
Agreement must be approved annually by vote of a majority of the Independent Directors. The
Advisory Agreement may be terminated by our Adviser or us, without penalty, on sixty (60) days
written notice to the other. The Advisory Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment.
Code of Ethics
We and our Adviser have each adopted a Code of Ethics under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which
is applicable to officers, directors and designated employees of us and our Adviser (collectively,
the Codes). Subject to certain limitations, the Codes permit those officers, directors and
designated employees of ours and our Adviser (Covered Persons) to invest in securities, including
securities that may be purchased or held by us. The Codes contain provisions and requirements
designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest between personal investment
activities of Covered Persons and the interests of investment advisory clients such as ours. Among
other things, the Codes prohibit certain types of transactions absent prior approval, imposes time
periods during which personal transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires
submission of duplicate broker confirmations and statements and quarterly reporting of securities
transactions. Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Codes may be granted in particular
circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
Our Code of Ethics can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in
Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by
calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.
S-20
Our code of ethics is also available on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet site at
http://www.sec.gov, and, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following
e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington,
D.C. 20549-0102.
Our Code of Ethics is also available on our Advisers website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Execution of Portfolio Transactions
Our Adviser is responsible for decisions to buy and sell securities for us, broker-dealer
selection, and negotiation of brokerage commission rates. Our Advisers primary consideration in
effecting a security transaction will be to obtain the best execution. In selecting a broker-dealer
to execute each particular transaction, our Adviser will take the following into consideration: the
best net price available; the reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker-dealer;
the size of and the difficulty in executing the order; and the value of the expected contribution
of the broker-dealer to our investment performance on a continuing basis. Accordingly, the price to
us in any transaction may be less favorable than that available from another broker-dealer if the
difference is reasonably justified by other aspects of the execution services offered.
The
ability to do direct investments in MLP securities may impact our ability to meet
our investment objective because of the limited number of MLP securities available for investment
and, in some cases, the relatively small trading volumes of certain securities. Accordingly, we
may, from time to time, enter into arrangements with placement agents in connection with direct
placement transactions.
In evaluating placement agent proposals, we will consider each brokers access to issuers of
MLP securities and experience in the MLP market, particularly the direct placement market. In
addition to these factors, we will consider whether the proposed services are customary, whether
the proposed fee schedules are within the range of customary rates, whether any proposal would
obligate us to enter into transactions involving a minimum fee, dollar amount or volume of
securities, or into any transaction whatsoever, and other terms such as indemnification provisions.
Subject to such policies as the Board may from time to time determine, our Adviser shall not
be deemed to have acted unlawfully or to have breached any duty solely by reason of its having
caused us to pay a broker or dealer that provides brokerage and research services to our Adviser an
amount of commission for effecting an investment transaction in excess of the amount of commission
another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction, if our Adviser
determines in good faith that such amount of commission was reasonable in relation to the value of
the brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either
that particular transaction or our Advisers overall responsibilities with respect to us and to
other clients of our Adviser as to which our Adviser exercises investment discretion. Our Adviser
is further authorized to allocate the orders placed by it on behalf of us to such brokers and
dealers who also provide research or statistical material or other services to us, our Adviser or
to any sub-adviser. Such allocation shall be in such amounts and proportions as our Adviser shall
determine and our Adviser will report on said allocations regularly to the Board indicating the
brokers to whom such allocations have been made and the basis therefor.
Portfolio Turnover
Our annual portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. Although we cannot
accurately predict our annual portfolio turnover rate, it is not expected to exceed 30% under
normal circumstances. However, portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the
execution of our investment decisions. A higher turnover rate results in correspondingly greater
brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by us. High portfolio
turnover also may result in our recognition of gains that will increase our current and accumulated
earnings and profits resulting in a greater portion of our distributions being treated as taxable
dividends for Federal income tax purposes. See Certain Federal Income Tax Matters.
S-21
NET ASSET VALUE
We will compute the NAV of our common stock as of the close of trading of the NYSE (normally
4:00 p.m. Eastern time) no less frequently than the last business day of each calendar month and at
such other times as the Board of Directors may determine. When considering an offering of common
stock, we will calculate our NAV on a more frequent basis, generally daily, to the extent necessary
to comply with the provisions of the 1940 Act. We currently intend to make our NAV available for
publication weekly on our Advisers website. The NAV per share of common stock equals our NAV
divided by the number of outstanding shares of common stock. Our NAV equals the value of our total
assets (the value of the securities held plus cash or other assets, including distributions and
interest accrued but not yet received and net deferred tax assets) less: (i) all of our liabilities
(including accrued expenses and both current and net deferred tax liabilities); (ii) accumulated
and unpaid distributions on any outstanding preferred stock; (iii) the aggregate liquidation
preference of any outstanding preferred stock; (iv) accrued and unpaid interest payments on any
outstanding indebtedness; (v) the aggregate principal amount of any outstanding indebtedness; and
(vi) any distributions payable on our common stock.
We will determine fair value of our assets and liabilities in accordance with valuation
procedures adopted by our Board of Directors. Securities for which market quotations are readily
available shall be valued at market value. If a market value cannot be obtained or if our
Advisor determines that the value of a security as so obtained does not represent a fair value as
of the measurement date (due to a significant development subsequent to the time its price is
determined or otherwise), fair value for the security shall be determined pursuant to the
methodologies established by our Board of Directors.
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The fair value for equity securities and equity-related securities is determined by
using readily available market quotations from the principal market. For equity and
equity-related securities that are freely tradable and listed on a securities exchange or
over the counter market, fair value is determined using the last sale price on that
exchange or over-the-counter market on the measurement date. If the security is listed on
more than one exchange, we will use the price of the exchange that we consider to be the
principal exchange on which the security is traded. If a security is traded on the
measurement date, then the last reported sale price on the exchange or over-the-counter
(OTC) market on which the security is principally traded, up to the time of valuation, is
used. If there were no reported sales on the securitys principal exchange or OTC market
on the measurement date, then the average between the last bid price and last asked price,
as reported by the pricing service, shall be used. We will obtain direct written
broker-dealer quotations if a security is not traded on an exchange or quotations are not
available from an approved pricing service. |
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An equity security of a publicly traded company acquired in a private placement
transaction without registration is subject to restrictions on resale that can affect the
securitys liquidity and fair value. Such securities that are convertible into publicly
traded common shares or securities that may be sold pursuant to Rule 144, shall generally
be valued based on the fair value of the freely tradable common share counterpart less an
applicable discount. Generally, the discount will initially be equal to the discount at
which we purchased the securities. To the extent that such securities are convertible or
otherwise become freely tradable within a time frame that may be reasonably determined, an
amortization schedule may be determined for the discount. |
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Short-term securities, including bonds, notes, debentures and other fixed income
securities, and money market instruments such as certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
bankers acceptances and obligations of domestic and foreign banks, with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less, for which reliable market quotations are readily available
are valued on an amortized cost basis at current market quotations as provided by an
independent pricing service or principal market maker. |
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Other assets will be valued at market value pursuant to written valuation procedures
adopted by our Board of Directors, or if a market value cannot be obtained or if our
Advisor determines that the value of a security as so obtained does not represent a fair
value as of the measurement date (due to a significant development subsequent to the time
its price is determined or otherwise), fair value shall be determined pursuant to the
methodologies established by our Board of Directors. |
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The foregoing methods for fair valuing securities may be used only as long as the Adviser
believes they continue to represent fair value and the discussion above is qualified in its
entirety by our Valuation Procedures.
In computing net asset value, we will review the valuation of the obligation for income taxes
separately for current taxes and deferred taxes due to the differing impact of each on (i) the
anticipated timing of required tax payments and (ii) the impact of each on the treatment of
distributions by us to our stockholders.
The allocation between current and deferred income taxes is determined based upon the value of
assets reported for book purposes compared to the respective net tax bases of assets for federal
income tax purposes. It is anticipated that cash distributions from MLPs in which we invest will
not equal the amount of taxable income allocable to us primarily as a result of depreciation and
amortization deductions recorded by the MLPs. This may result, in effect, in a portion of the cash
distribution received by us not being treated as income for federal income tax purposes. The
relative portion of such distributions not treated as income for tax purposes will vary among the
MLPs, and also will vary year by year for each MLP, but in each case will reduce our remaining tax
basis, if any, in the particular MLP. The Adviser will be able to directly confirm the portion of
each distribution recognized as taxable income when it receives annual tax reporting information
from each MLP.
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a general summary of certain federal income tax considerations affecting us
and our stockholders. This discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all aspects
of federal income taxation that may be relevant to stockholders in light of their particular
circumstances or who are subject to special rules, such as banks, thrift institutions and certain
other financial institutions, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies,
insurance companies, brokers and dealers in securities or currencies, certain securities traders,
tax-exempt investors, individual retirement accounts, certain tax-deferred accounts, foreign
investors, person who will hold the securities as a position in a straddle, hedge or as part of
a constructive sale for federal income tax purposes. In addition, this discussion does not
address the possible application of the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax.
Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of an investment in and holding of
our securities will depend on the particular facts of each investors situation. Investors are
advised to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application to their own
circumstances of the general federal income taxation rules described below and with respect to
other federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them before making an investment in our
securities. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that investors are U.S. persons and
hold our securities as capital assets. You will be a U.S. holder if you are an individual who is a
citizen or resident of the United States, a U.S. domestic corporation, or any other person that is
subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of an investment in our
securities.
This summary is based on the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, the applicable Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings, as in
effect on the date of this Statement of Additional Information, all of which may change. Any change
could apply retroactively and could affect the continued validity of this summary.
Pursuant to U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230, we are informing you that (1) this
discussion is not intended to be used, was not written to be used, and cannot be used, by any
taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the U.S. federal tax laws, (2) this discussion
was written by us in connection with the registration of our securities and our promotion or
marketing, and (3) each taxpayer should seek advice based on his, her or its particular
circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
Company Federal Income Taxation. We are treated as a C corporation for federal and state
income tax purposes. Thus, we are obligated to pay federal and state income tax on our taxable
income. We will invest our assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships
for federal income tax purposes. As a partner in the MLPs, we must report our allocable share of
the MLPs taxable income in computing our taxable income regardless of whether the MLPs make any
distributions. Based upon our review of the historic results of the type of MLPs in which we
invest, we expect that the cash flow received by us, at least initially, with respect to our MLP
investments will exceed the taxable income allocated to us.
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There is no assurance that our expectation regarding the tax character of MLP distributions
will be realized. If this expectation is not realized, there may be greater tax expense borne by us
and less cash available to distribute to stockholders or to pay to
creditors. In addition, we will take into account in determining our taxable income the amounts of gain
or loss recognized on the sale of MLP interests. Currently,
the maximum regular federal income tax rate for a corporation is 35 percent. We may be subject to a
20 percent federal alternative minimum tax on our alternative minimum taxable income to the extent
that the alternative minimum tax exceeds our regular federal income tax.
We are not treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. The
Internal Revenue Code generally provides that a regulated investment company does not pay an entity
level income tax, provided that it distributes all or substantially all of its income. Our assets
do not, and are not expected to, meet current tests for qualification as a regulated investment
company for federal income tax purposes. The regulated investment company taxation rules therefore
have no application to us or to our stockholders. Although changes to the federal income tax laws
permit regulated investment companies to invest up to 25% of their total assets in securities of
certain MLPs, such changes still would not allow us to pursue our objective. Accordingly, we do not
intend to change our federal income tax status as a result of such legislation.
Because we are treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, our financial
statements reflect deferred tax assets or liabilities according to generally accepted accounting
principles. This differs from many closed-end funds that are taxed as regulated investment
companies under the Internal Revenue Code. Deferred income taxes reflect (i) taxes on unrealized
gains/(losses), which are attributable to the temporary difference between fair market value and
tax basis, (ii) the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes and
(iii) the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital losses. To the extent we
have a deferred tax asset, consideration is given as to whether or not a valuation allowance is
required. We will periodically assess the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax
assets based on the criterion established by the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards,
Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109) that it is more likely than not that some portion or
all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our assessment considers, among other matters,
the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future
profitability (which are highly dependent on future MLP cash distributions), the duration of
statutory carryforward periods and the associated risk that operating loss and capital loss
carryforwards may expire unused. In addition, a substantial change in our ownership may limit our
ability to utilize our loss carryforwards. We will periodically review the recoverability of
deferred tax assets based on the weight of available evidence. Accordingly, realization of a
deferred tax asset is dependent on whether there will be sufficient taxable income of the
appropriate character within the carryforward periods to realize a portion or all of the deferred
tax benefit. We will accrue deferred federal income tax liability associated with that portion of
MLP distributions considered to be a tax-deferred return of capital, as well as capital
appreciation of our investments. Upon the sale of an MLP security, we may be liable for previously
deferred taxes, if any. We will rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which is
not necessarily timely, to estimate deferred tax liability for purposes of financial statement
reporting and determining our NAV. From time to time we will modify our estimates or assumptions
regarding our deferred tax liability as new information becomes available.
Federal Income Taxation of MLPs. MLPs are similar to corporations in many respects, but
differ in others, especially in the way they are taxed for federal income tax purposes. A
corporation is a distinct legal entity, separate from its stockholders and employees and is treated
as a separate entity for federal income tax purposes as well. Like individual taxpayers, a
corporation must pay a federal income tax on its income. To the extent the corporation distributes
its income to its stockholders in the form of dividends, the stockholders must pay federal income
tax on the dividends they receive. For this reason, it is said that corporate income is
double-taxed, or taxed at two levels.
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An MLP that satisfies the Qualifying Income rules described below, and does not elect
otherwise, is treated for federal income tax purposes as a pass-through entity. No federal income
tax is paid at the partnership level. A partnerships income is considered earned by all the
partners; it is allocated among all the partners in proportion to their interests in the
partnership (generally as provided in the partnership agreement), and each partner pays tax on his,
her or its share of the partnerships income. All the other items that go into determining taxable
income and tax owed are passed through to the partners as well capital gains and losses,
deductions, credits, etc. Partnership income is thus said to be single-taxed or taxed only at one
level that of the partner.
The Internal Revenue Code generally requires publicly traded partnerships to be treated as
corporations for federal income tax purposes. However, if the publicly traded partnership satisfies
certain requirements and does not elect otherwise, the publicly traded partnership will be taxed as
a partnership for federal income tax purposes, referred to herein as an MLP. Under these
requirements, an MLP must derive each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from Qualifying
Income.
Qualifying Income for MLPs includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale
or disposition of real property, certain income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and
income and gain from certain mineral or natural resources activities. Mineral or natural resources
activities that generate Qualifying Income include income and gains from the exploration,
development, mining or production, processing, refining, transportation (including pipelines
transporting gas, oil or products thereof), or the marketing of any mineral or natural resource
(including fertilizer, geothermal energy, and timber), industrial source carbon dioxide, or
transportation or storage of certain alcohol-based fuels or certain biodiesel fuels. This means
that most MLPs today are in energy, timber, or real estate related businesses.
Because the MLP itself does not pay federal income tax, its income or loss is allocated to its
investors, irrespective of whether the investors receive any cash or other payment from the MLP. It
is important to note that an MLP investor is taxed on his share of partnership income whether or
not he actually receives any cash or other property from the partnership. The tax is based not on
money or other property he actually receives, but his proportionate share of what the partnership
earns. However, most MLPs make it a policy to make quarterly distributions to their partners that
will comfortably exceed any income tax owed. Although they resemble corporate dividends, MLP
distributions are treated differently for federal income tax purposes. The MLP distribution is
treated as a return of capital to the extent of the investors basis in his MLP interest and, to
the extent the distribution exceeds the investors basis in the MLP interest, as capital gain. The
investors original basis is generally the price paid for the units. The basis is adjusted downward
with each distribution and allocation of deductions (such as depreciation) and losses, and upwards
with each allocation of income and gain.
The partner generally will not be taxed on MLP distributions until (1) he sells his MLP units
and pays tax on his gain, which gain is increased due to the basis decrease resulting from prior
distributions; or (2) his basis reaches zero. When the units are sold, the difference between the
sales price and the investors adjusted basis is the gain or loss for federal income tax purposes.
At tax filing season an MLP investor will receive a Schedule K-1 form showing the investors
share of each item of the partnerships income, gain, loss, deductions and credits. The investor
will use that information to figure the investors taxable income (MLPs generally provide their
investors with material that walks them through all the steps). If there is net income derived from
the MLP, the investor pays federal income tax at his, her or its tax rate. If there is a net loss
derived from the MLP, it is generally considered a passive loss under the Internal Revenue Code
and generally may not be used to offset income from other sources, but must be carried forward.
Because we are a corporation, we, and not our stockholders, will report the income or loss of
the MLPs. Thus, our stockholders will not have to deal with any Schedules K-1 reporting income and
loss items of the MLPs. Stockholders, instead, will receive a Form 1099 from us. In addition, due
to our broad public ownership, we do not expect to be subject to the passive loss limitation rules
mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of Common Stock. Unlike a holder of a direct interest
in MLPs, a stockholder will not include its allocable share of our income, gains, losses or
deductions in computing its own taxable income. Instead, since we are of the opinion that, under
present law, the common stock will constitute equity, distributions with respect to such shares
(other than distributions in redemption of shares subject to Section 302(b) of the
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Internal Revenue Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable
current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes.
Generally, a corporations earnings and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with
certain specified adjustments. As explained above, based upon the historic performance of the MLPs,
we anticipate that the distributed cash from the MLPs will exceed our share of the MLPs income and
our gain on the sale of MLP interests. Our current earnings and profits may be increased if our
portfolio turnover is increased, which may occur to utilize our capital loss carryforwards. Thus,
a reduction in the return of capital portion of the distributions we receive from the MLPs or an
increase in our portfolio turnover may increase our current earnings and profits and increase the
portion of our distributions treated as dividends as opposed to a tax deferred return of capital.
In addition, earnings and profits are treated generally, for federal income tax purposes, as first
being used to pay distributions on preferred stock, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to
pay distributions on the common stock. To the extent that distributions to a stockholder exceed our
current and accumulated earnings and profits, the stockholders basis in shares of stock with
respect to which the distribution is made will be reduced, which may increase the amount of gain
realized upon the sale of such shares. If a stockholder has no further basis in its shares, the
stockholder will report any excess distributions as capital gain if the stockholder holds such
shares as a capital asset.
Dividends of current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will be taxable as ordinary
income to holders but are expected to be treated as qualified dividend income that is generally
subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also
expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders
under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under federal income tax law, qualified dividend
income received by individual and other noncorporate stockholders is taxed at long-term capital
gain rates, which as of the date of this prospectus reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend
income generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S.
corporations that meet certain criteria. To be treated as qualified dividend income, the
stockholder must hold the shares paying otherwise qualifying dividend income more than 60 days
during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. A stockholders holding
period may be reduced for purposes of this rule if the stockholder engages in certain risk
reduction transactions with respect to the common stock. The provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through December 31, 2010. Thereafter,
higher federal income tax rates will apply unless further legislative action is taken.
Corporate holders should be aware that certain limitations apply to the availability of the
dividends received deduction, including limitations on the aggregate amount of the deduction that
may be claimed and limitations based on the holding period of the shares of common stock on which
the dividend is paid, which holding period may be reduced if the holder engages in risk reduction
transactions with respect to its shares. Corporate holders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding the application of these limitations to their particular situation.
If a common stockholder participates in our Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan, such
stockholder will be treated as receiving the amount of the distributions made by the Company, which
amount generally will be either equal to the amount of the cash distribution the stockholder would
have received if the stockholder had elected to receive cash or, for shares issued by the Company,
the fair market value of the shares issued to the stockholder.
Sale of Shares. The sale of shares of common stock by holders will generally be a taxable
transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of shares of stock who sell such shares will
generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds of
the sale and their adjusted tax basis in the shares sold. If the shares are held as a capital asset
at the time of the sale, the gain or loss will generally be a capital gain or loss. Similarly, a
redemption by us (including a redemption resulting from our liquidation), if any, of all the shares
actually and constructively held by a stockholder generally will give rise to capital gain or loss
under Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, provided that the redemption proceeds do not
represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or
loss, but certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code must be
satisfied to achieve such treatment.
Capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held
for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed shares were held
for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a noncorporate U.S. holder generally
will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of 15%) than net
short-term capital gain or ordinary income (as of the date of this prospectus a maximum rate of
35%, which rate is scheduled to increase to 39.6% for taxable years after 2010). Under current law,
the maximum federal income tax rate on capital gain for noncorporate holders is scheduled to
increase to 20% for taxable years after
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2010. For corporate holders, capital gain is generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary
income, that is, currently at a maximum rate of 35%. A holders ability to deduct capital losses
may be limited.
Losses on sales or other dispositions of shares may be disallowed under wash sale rules in
the event of other investments in the Company (including those made pursuant to reinvestment of
dividends) or other substantially identical stock or securities within a period of 61 days
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after a sale or other disposition of shares. In such a
case, the disallowed portion of any loss generally would be included in the U.S. federal income tax
basis of the shares acquired. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding their
individual circumstances to determine whether any particular transaction in the Companys shares is
properly treated as a sale for U.S. federal income tax purposes and the tax treatment of any gains
or losses recognized in such transactions.
Medicare Tax. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012, recently enacted
legislation will generally impose a 3.8 percent tax on the net investment income of certain
individuals with a modified adjusted gross income of over $200,000 ($250,000 in the case of joint
filers) and on the undistributed net investment income of certain estates and trusts. For these
purposes, net investment income will generally include interest, dividends (including dividends
paid with respect to our stock), annuities, royalties, rent, net gain attributable to the
disposition of property not held in a trade or business (including net gain from the sale, exchange
or other taxable disposition of shares of our stock) and certain other income, but will be reduced
by any deductions properly allocable to such income or net gain.
Investment by Tax-Exempt Investors and Regulated Investment Companies. Employee benefit plans,
other tax-exempt organizations and regulated investment companies may want to invest in our
securities. Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from federal income tax,
including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, are subject to federal income
tax on unrelated business taxable income (UBTI). Because we are a corporation for federal income
tax purposes, an owner of shares of common stock will not report on its federal income tax return
any of our items of income, gain, loss and deduction. Therefore, a tax-exempt investor generally
will not have UBTI attributable to its ownership or sale of our common stock unless its ownership
of the stock is debt-financed. In general, stock would be debt-financed if the tax-exempt owner of
stock incurs debt to acquire the stock or otherwise incurs or maintains debt that would not have
been incurred or maintained if the stock had not been acquired.
For federal income tax purposes, a regulated investment company or mutual fund, may not have
more than 25% of the value of its total assets, at the close of any quarter, invested in the
securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships, which will include most MLPs.
Shares of our common stock are not securities of a qualified publicly traded partnership and will
not be treated as such for purposes of calculating the limitation imposed upon regulated investment
companies.
Backup Withholding. We may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a
portion of all distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to stockholders who fail to
provide us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required
certifications or who have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that they are
subject to backup withholding (or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other
stockholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder are exempt from
backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be
credited against the stockholders U.S. federal income tax liability provided the appropriate
information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.
Other Taxation. Foreign stockholders, including stockholders who are nonresident alien
individuals, may be subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or
such lower rates as may be prescribed by any applicable treaty. Our distributions also may be
subject to state and local taxes.
Recently Enacted Legislation. Beginning with payments made after December 31, 2012, recently
enacted legislation will generally impose a 30% withholding tax on dividends paid with respect to
our common stock and the gross proceeds from a disposition of our common stock paid to (i) a
foreign financial institution (as defined in Section 1471(d)(4) of the Code) unless the foreign
financial institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury Department to collect and
disclose information regarding its U.S. account holders (including certain account holders that are
foreign entities that have U.S. owners) and satisfies certain other requirements, and (ii) certain
other non-U.S. entities unless the entity provides the payor with certain information regarding
direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity, or certifies that it has no such U.S. owners, and
complies with certain other
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requirements. Under certain circumstances, a Non-U.S. Holder of common stock might be eligible
for refunds or credits of the tax. You are encouraged to consult with your own tax advisor
regarding the possible implications of this recently enacted legislation on your investment in our
common stock.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES
We and our Adviser have adopted proxy voting policies and procedures (Proxy Policy), which
they believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in our best interests and the
best interests of our stockholders. Subject to the oversight of the Board of Directors, the Board
has delegated responsibility for implementing the Proxy Policy to our Adviser. Because of the
unique nature of MLPs in which we primarily invest, our Adviser shall evaluate each proxy on a
case-by-case basis. Because proxies of MLPs are expected to relate only to extraordinary measures,
we do not believe it is prudent to adopt pre-established voting guidelines.
In the event requests for proxies are received with respect to the voting of equity securities
other than MLP equity units, on routine matters, such as election of directors or approval of
auditors, the proxies usually will be voted with management unless our Adviser determines it has a
conflict or our Adviser determines there are other reasons not to vote with management. On
non-routine matters, such as amendments to governing instruments, proposals relating to
compensation and stock option and equity compensation plans, corporate governance proposals and
stockholder proposals, our Adviser will vote, or abstain from voting if deemed appropriate, on a
case by case basis in a manner it believes to be in the best economic interest of our stockholders.
In the event requests for proxies are received with respect to debt securities, our Adviser will
vote on a case by case basis in a manner it believes to be in the best economic interest of our
stockholders.
The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for monitoring our actions and ensuring that: (1)
proxies are received and forwarded to the appropriate decision makers; and (2) proxies are voted in
a timely manner upon receipt of voting instructions. We are not responsible for voting proxies we
do not receive, but will make reasonable efforts to obtain missing proxies. The Chief Executive
Officer shall implement procedures to identify and monitor potential conflicts of interest that
could affect the proxy voting process, including: (1) significant client relationships; (2) other
potential material business relationships; and (3) material personal and family relationships. All
decisions regarding proxy voting shall be determined by the Investment Committee of our Adviser and
shall be executed by the Chief Executive Officer. Every effort shall be made to consult with the
portfolio manager and/or analyst covering the security. We may determine not to vote a particular
proxy, if the costs and burdens exceed the benefits of voting (e.g., when securities are subject to
loan or to share blocking restrictions).
If a request for proxy presents a conflict of interest between our stockholders on one hand,
and our Adviser, the principal underwriters, or any affiliated persons of ours, on the other hand,
our management may: (1) disclose the potential conflict to the Board of Directors and obtain
consent; or (2) establish an ethical wall or other informational barrier between the persons
involved in the conflict and the persons making the voting decisions.
Information regarding how we voted proxies for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2009, is
available without charge by calling us at (866) 362-9331. You may also access this information on
the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. Our link on our Advisers website at
http://www.tortoiseadvisors.com provides a link to all of our reports filed with the SEC.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
,
serves as our independent registered public
accounting firm. provides audit and audit-related services, tax return
preparation and assistance and consultation in connection with review of our filings with the SEC.
CUSTODIAN
,
serves as the custodian of our cash and
investment securities. We pay the custodian a monthly fee computed at an annual rate of % on
the first
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$100 million of our portfolio assets and % on the balance of our Managed Assets,
subject to a minimum annual fee of $ .
INTERNAL ACCOUNTANT
serves as our internal accountant. For its services, we pay
a fee computed at $ for the first $50 million of our net assets,
% on
the next $200 million of net assets and % on the balance of our net assets.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A Registration Statement on Form N-2, including amendments thereto, relating to the common
stock, preferred stock and debt securities offered hereby, has been filed by us with the SEC. The
prospectus and this statement of additional information do not contain all of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement, including any exhibits and schedules thereto. Please refer to
the Registration Statement for further information with respect to us and the offering of our
securities. Statements contained in the prospectus and this statement of additional information as
to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and in
each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit
to a Registration Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
Copies of the Registration Statement may be inspected without charge at the SECs principal office
in Washington, D.C., and copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the SEC upon the
payment of certain fees prescribed by the SEC.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Tortoise MLP Corp.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
, 2010
Part C Other Information
Item 25. Financial Statements and Exhibits
1. Financial Statements:
The Registrants financial statements dated , 2010, notes to the financial
statements and report of independent public accountants thereon will be filed with a
pre-effective amendment to the Registrants Registration Statement.
2. Exhibits:
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Exhibit |
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No. |
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Description of Document |
a.
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Articles of Incorporation* |
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b.
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Bylaws* |
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c.
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Inapplicable |
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d.
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Form of Stock Certificate(1) |
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e.
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan(1) |
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f.
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Inapplicable |
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g.
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Investment Advisory Agreement with Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. dated , 2010(1) |
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h.
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Form of Underwriting Agreement (1) |
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i.
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Inapplicable |
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j.
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Custody Agreement with dated , 2010(1) |
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k.1.
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Stock Transfer Agency Agreement with dated , 2010(1) |
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k.2.
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Administration Agreement with dated , 2010(1) |
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l.
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Opinion of Venable LLP(1) |
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m.
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Inapplicable |
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n.
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Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm(1) |
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o.
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Inapplicable |
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p.
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Inapplicable |
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q.
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Inapplicable |
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r.1.
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Code of Ethics of the Registrant(1) |
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r.2.
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Code of Ethics of the Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.(1) |
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s.
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Power of Attorney* |
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* |
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Filed herewith |
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(1) |
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To be filed by amendment. |
Item 26. Marketing Arrangements
Reference is made to the form of underwriting agreement included as Exhibit h. hereto.
Item 27. Other Expenses and Distribution
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the
offering described in this Registration Statement:
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FINRA filing fee |
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$ |
* |
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Securities and Exchange Commission fees |
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$ |
* |
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New York Stock Exchange listing fee |
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$ |
* |
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Directors fees and expenses |
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$ |
* |
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Accounting fees and expenses |
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$ |
* |
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Legal fees and expenses |
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$ |
* |
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Printing expenses |
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$ |
* |
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Transfer Agents fees |
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$ |
* |
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Miscellaneous |
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$ |
* |
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Total |
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$ |
* |
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* |
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To be filed by amendment |
Item 28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control
None.
Item 29. Number of Holders of Securities
As of , 2010, the number of record holders of each class of
securities of the Registrant was:
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Number of |
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Title of Class |
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Record Holders |
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Common Stock ($0.001 par value) |
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Item 30. Indemnification
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the
liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages
except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money,
property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty which is established by a final
judgment as being material to the cause of action. The Charter contains such a provision which
eliminates directors and officers liability to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and
the 1940 Act.
The Charter authorizes the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the
1940 Act, to obligate itself to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any
individual who, while a director or officer of the Registrant and at the request of the Registrant,
serves or has served another corporation, real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture,
trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee, from
and against any claim or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may
incur by reason of his or her status as a present or former director or officer of the Registrant
or as a present or former director, officer, partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate
investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, and
to pay or reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding.
The Bylaws obligate the Registrant, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law and the 1940
Act, to indemnify any present or former director or officer or any individual who, while a director
of the Registrant and at the request of the Registrant, serves or has served another corporation,
real estate investment trust, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other
enterprise as a director, officer, partner or trustee and who is made, or threatened to be made, a
party to the proceeding by reason of his or her service in that capacity from and against any claim
or liability to which that person may become subject or which that person may incur by reason of
his or her status as a present or former director or officer of the Registrant and to pay or
reimburse his or her reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding. The
Charter and Bylaws also permit the Registrant to indemnify and advance expenses to any person who
served a predecessor of the Registrant in any of the capacities described above and any employee or
agent of the Registrant or a predecessor of the Registrant.
Maryland law requires a corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which the
Registrants Charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful in the
defense of any proceeding to which he is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his
service in that capacity. Maryland law permits a corporation to indemnify its present and former
directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and
reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may
be made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities
unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to
the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result
of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an
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improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal
proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was
unlawful. However, under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse
judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the
basis that personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders
indemnification and then only for expenses. In addition, Maryland law permits a corporation to
advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporations receipt of (a) a
written affirmation by the director or officer of his good faith belief that he has met the
standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation and (b) a written undertaking
by him or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if it is
ultimately determined that the standard of conduct was not met.
Item 31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
The information in the Statement of Additional Information under the caption Management of
the Company Directors and Officers and the information in the prospectus under the caption
Management of the Company Investment Advisor is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 32. Location of Accounts and Records
The Registrants accounts, books, and other documents are maintained at the offices of the
Registrant, at the offices of the Registrants investment advisor, Tortoise Capital Advisors,
L.L.C., 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211, at the offices of the custodian,
, , at the offices of the transfer
agent, , or at the offices of the administrator,
, .
Item 33. Management Services
Not applicable.
Item 34. Undertakings
1. The Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of the common 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 state in the Prospectus.
2. Not applicable.
3. Not applicable.
4. Not applicable.
5. The Registrant is filing this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430A under the 1933
Act and undertakes that: (a) for the purposes of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, the
information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part of a registration statement in
reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of Prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule
497(h) under the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the time
it was declared effective; (b) for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 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.
6. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure
equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt of an oral or written request, its
Statement of Additional Information.
C-3
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, and the Investment Company Act of
1940, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in this City of Leawood and
State of Kansas on the
23rd
day of April, 2010.
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Tortoise MLP Corp.
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By: |
/s/
David J. Schulte |
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David J. Schulte, |
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President & CEO |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
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Name |
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Title |
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Date |
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/s/ Terry C. Matlack
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Chief Financial Officer
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April 23, 2010 |
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Terry C. Matlack
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(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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/s/ David J. Schulte
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Chief Executive Officer
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April 23, 2010 |
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David J. Schulte
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(Principal Executive Officer) |
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/s/ Conrad S. Ciccotello
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Director
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April 23, 2010 |
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Conrad S. Ciccotello |
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/s/ John R. Graham
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Director
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April 23, 2010 |
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John R. Graham |
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/s/ Charles E. Heath
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Director
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April 23, 2010 |
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Charles E. Heath |
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/s/ H. Kevin Birzer
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Director
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April 23, 2010 |
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H. Kevin Birzer |
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C-4
Exhibit Index
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Exhibit |
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No. |
|
Description of Document |
a.
|
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Articles of Incorporation |
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|
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b.
|
|
Bylaws |
|
|
|
s.
|
|
Power of Attorney |
C-5