Table of Contents

 

Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
File No. 333-255716

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(to Prospectus dated July 21, 2021)

 

3,250,000 Shares

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation

Common Stock

 

 

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We are offering for sale 3,250,000 shares of our common stock. We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 487,500 additional shares of our common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. We are externally managed by Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Our investment objective is to maximize our investment portfolio’s total return by generating current income from the debt investments in technology, life science, healthcare information and services and sustainability industries.

 

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, or Nasdaq, under the symbol “HRZN”. The last reported closing sale price for our common stock on May 26, 2023 was $13.03 per share. The net asset value per share of our common stock on March 31, 2023 (the last date prior to the date of this prospectus supplement on which we determined net asset value) was $11.34.

 

Investing in our common stock should be considered highly speculative, and involves a high degree of risk including the risk of a substantial loss of investment and the risk of leverage and dilution. Before purchasing any shares of our common stock, you should read the discussion of the principal risks of investing in our securities, which are summarized in the “Supplementary Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-10 and in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information you should know before investing in our common stock and should be retained for future reference. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. We maintain a website at www.horizontechfinance.com and intend to make all of the foregoing information available, free of charge, on or through our website. You may also obtain such information by contacting us at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, or by calling us collect at (860) 676-8654. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov where such information is available without charge. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

		Per share				Total
Public offering price		$	12.50			$	40,625,000
Underwriting discounts and commissions		$	0.50			$	1,625,000
Proceeds, before expenses, to us(1)		$	12.00			$	39,000,000

 

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(1)	Before deducting offering expenses payable by us related to this offering, which we estimate will be approximately $150,000.

 

The underwriters have the option to purchase from us up to an additional 487,500 shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. If the option to purchase additional shares is exercised in full, the total public offering price will be $46,718,750, the total underwriting discounts and commissions will be $1,868,750, and the total proceeds to us, before deducting estimated offering expenses payable by us of $150,000, will be $44,850,000.

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the Shares on or about June 2, 2023.

 

Book-Running Managers

 

Morgan Stanley

UBS Investment Bank

Wells Fargo Securities

 

 

Co-Managers

 

Janney Montgomery Scott

Maxim Group LLC

 

 

Prospectus supplement dated May 30, 2023

             

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

	Page
About This Prospectus Supplement	iii
Prospectus Supplement Summary	S-1
The Offering	S-7
Supplementary Risk Factors	S-10
Fees and Expenses	S-13
Use of Proceeds	S-16
Capitalization	S-17
Underwriting	S-18
Legal Matters	S-22
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	S-22
Available Information	S-22

 

PROSPECTUS

		Page
About this Prospectus		ii
Prospectus Summary		1
Offerings		6
Fees and Expenses		8
Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data		10
Risk Factors		11
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements		12
Use of Proceeds		13
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions		14
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		16
Senior Securities		17
Business		18
Portfolio Companies		19
Management		24
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions		12
Our Advisor		26
Investment Management and Administration Agreements		27
Control Persons and Principal Stockholders		28
Determination of Net Asset Value		29
Dividend Reinvestment Plan		31
Description of Our Securities		33
Description of Common Stock That We May Issue		34
Description of Preferred Stock That We May Issue		39
Description of Subscription Rights That We May Issue		40
Description of Debt Securities That We May Issue		41
Description of Warrants That We May Issue		51
Regulation		52
Brokerage Allocations and Other Practices		53
Plan of Distribution		54
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations		56
Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Paying Agent and Registrar		64
Legal Matters		64
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		64
Incorporation by Reference		64
Available Information		65

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, any free writing prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, or any other information which we have referred you. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized any other person to provide you with different information from that contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in any free writing prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, or any free writing prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any shares of our common stock by any person in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful for that person to make such an offer or solicitation or to any person in any jurisdiction to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and any free writing prospectus is complete and accurate only as of their respective dates, regardless of the time of their delivery or sale of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of common stock and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which provides more information about us, our common stock and related matters. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, the information in this prospectus supplement shall control. You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the heading “Available Information” in this prospectus supplement before investing in our common stock.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes and other financial information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and in any free writing prospectus relating to this offering of our common stock. In addition to historical information, the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in any free writing prospectus relating to this offering of our common stock may contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to the factors described in the section titled “Supplementary Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompany prospectus, or in any free writing prospectus relating to this offering and certain other factors noted throughout or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in any free writing prospectus relating to this offering. The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or are within our control. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements but advise you to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we may file in the future with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

 

The forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus, and in any free writing prospectus relating to this offering of common stock involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

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our future operating results, including the performance of our existing debt investments, warrants and other investments;

 

 

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the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies;

 

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general economic and political trends and other external factors, including continuing supply chain disruptions, increased inflation and a general slowdown in economic activity;

 

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the relative and absolute investment performance and operations of our Advisor;

 

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the impact of increased competition;

 

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the impact of investments we intend to make and future acquisitions and divestitures;

 

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the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings;

 

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our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies, including our and their ability to achieve our respective objectives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;

 

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turmoil in Ukraine and Russia and the potential for volatility in energy prices and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

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the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection;

 

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our regulatory structure and tax status;

 

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changes in the general interest rate environment;

 

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our ability to qualify and maintain qualification as a RIC and as a BDC;

 

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the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

 

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any losses or operations disruptions caused by us, our Advisor or our portfolio companies holding cash balances at financial institutions that exceed federally insured limits or by disruptions in the financial services industry;

 

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the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

 

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the impact of interest rate volatility on our results, particularly if we use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

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the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objective;

 

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the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to us or our Advisor;

 

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our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

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our ability to access capital and any future financings by us;

 

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our use of financial leverage;

 

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the ability of our Advisor to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

 

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the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, our tax position; and

 

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our ability to fund unfunded commitments.

 

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, please read carefully the sections titled “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the section entitled “Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” in the accompanying prospectus, before making any investment in our common stock.

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and other statements that we may make, may contain forward-looking statements with respect to future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions.

 

 

Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no duty to and do not undertake to update forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements do not meet the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. You should understand that, under Sections 27A(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Act and Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to statements made in connection with any offering of securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or in periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act.

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

 

The following summary highlights some of the information included elsewhere, or incorporated by reference, in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that you may want to consider before making any investment decision regarding the common stock offered hereby. To understand the terms of the common stock offered hereby before making any investment decision, you should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, including the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, and any free writing prospectus related to the offering of common stock, including “Supplementary Risk Factors,” “Risk Factors,” “Available Information,” “Incorporation by Reference,” and “Use of Proceeds” and the financial statements contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of the common stock we are offering.

 

In this Prospectus Supplement, except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms:

 

	●	“we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “Horizon Technology Finance” refer to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries;
	●	The “Advisor” and the “Administrator” refer to Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company;
	●	“Key” refers to KeyBank National Association and “Key Facility” refers to the revolving credit facility with Key;
	●	“NYL Noteholders” refers to several entities owned or affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company and “NYL Facility” refers to the credit facility where the notes are issued to the NYL Noteholders;
	●	“Credit Facilities” refers to collectively the Key Facility and the NYL Facility;
	●	“2026 Notes” or “Debt Securities” refers to the $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.875% unsecured notes due 2026, which were issued by us in March 2021;
	●	“2027 Notes” (collectively with the 2026 Notes, "Debt Securities") refers to the $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.25% unsecured notes due 2027, which were issued by us on June 15, 2022 and July 11, 2022;
	●	“2019-1 Securitization” refers to the $160.0 million securitization of secured loans we completed on August 13, 2019;
	●	“Asset-Backed Notes” refers to $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate asset-backed notes that were issued in conjunction with the 2019-1 Securitization;
	●	“2022-1 Securitization” refers to the $157.8 million securitization of secured loans we completed on November 9, 2022;
	●	"2022 Asset-Backed Notes" (collectively with the 2019 Asset-Backed Notes, the “Asset-Backed Notes”) refers to $100.00 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate asset-backed notes that were issued in conjunction with the 2022-1 Securitization;
	●	“2022-1 Trust” refers to Horizon Funding Trust 2022-1, a Delaware trust;
	●	“HSLFI” refers to Horizon Secured Loan Fund I, a joint venture formed with Arena Sunset SPV, LLC, or “Arena”. On April 21, 2020, the Company purchased all of the limited liability company interests of Arena in HSLFI, including, without limitation, undistributed amounts owed to Arena and interest accrued and unpaid on the debt investments of HSLFI through the date of purchase. As of April 21, 2020, HSLFI and its subsidiary are consolidated by the Company; and
	●	“HFI” refers to Horizon Funding I, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

Our Company

 

We are a specialty finance company that lends to and invests in development-stage companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services and sustainability industries, which we refer to as our “Target Industries.” Our investment objective is to maximize our investment portfolio’s total return by generating current income from the debt investments we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such debt investments. We are focused on making secured debt investments, which we refer to as “Venture Loans,” to venture capital and private equity backed companies and publicly traded companies in our Target Industries, which we refer to as “Venture Lending.” Our debt investments are typically secured by first liens or first liens behind a secured revolving line of credit, or collectively, “Senior Term Loans.” Some of our debt investments may also be subordinated to term debt provided by third parties. Venture Lending is typically characterized by (1) the making of a secured debt investment after a venture capital or equity investment in the portfolio company has been made, which investment provides a source of cash to fund the portfolio company’s debt service obligations under the Venture Loan, (2) the senior priority of the Venture Loan which requires repayment of the Venture Loan prior to the equity investors realizing a return on their capital, (3) the amortization of the Venture Loan and (4) the lender’s receipt of warrants or other success fees with the making of the Venture Loan.

 

 

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. In addition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. As a BDC, we are required to comply with regulatory requirements, including limitations on our use of debt. We are permitted to, and expect to, finance our investments through borrowings subject to a 150% asset coverage agreement. As defined in the 1940 Act, asset coverage of 150% means that for every $100 of net assets a BDC holds, it may raise up to $200 from borrowing and issuing senior securities. The amount of leverage that we may employ will depend on our assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. As a RIC, we generally are not subject to pay corporate-level income taxes on our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deductions for dividends paid, and our net capital gain that we distribute as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to our stockholders as long as we meet certain source-of-income, distribution, asset diversification and other requirements.

 

We are externally managed and advised by our Advisor. Our Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and also provides all administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

Our Advisor

 

Our investment activities are managed by our Advisor, and we expect to continue to benefit from our Advisor’s ability to identify attractive investment opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate investments and manage our portfolio of investments. In addition to the experience gained from the years that they have worked together both at our Advisor and prior to the formation of our Advisor, the members of our investment team have broad lending backgrounds, with substantial experience at a variety of commercial finance companies, technology banks and private debt funds, and have developed a broad network of contacts within the venture capital and private equity community. This network of contacts provides a principal source of investment opportunities.

 

Our Advisor is led by six senior managers including Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, Gerald A. Michaud, our President, Daniel R. Trolio, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, John C. Bombara, our Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Daniel S. Devorsetz, our Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer and Diane Earle, our Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

 

On February 22, 2023, our Advisor announced that it entered into a transaction with an affiliate of Monroe Capital LLC (“Monroe”), a premier boutique middle market asset manager in private credit with a 20 year track record and approximately $16 billion in assets under management, pursuant to which Monroe will acquire the Advisor (“Transaction”). The Advisor’s current management team and investment personnel are expected to continue to serve as officers and senior management of the Advisor following the Transaction and the Advisor plans to maintain and expand its venture lending investment strategy.

 

In connection with the Transaction, the Company’s Board of Directors has unanimously approved a new investment advisory agreement with the Advisor, subject to shareholder approval and the closing of the Transaction. The terms of the proposed new investment advisory agreement between the Company and the Advisor are identical to the existing agreement between the Advisor and the Company. However, if the shareholders do not approve the new investment advisory agreement, the existing investment advisory agreement will remain in effect.

 

 

Our Strategy

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our investment portfolio’s total return by generating current income from the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such loans. To further implement our business strategy, we expect our Advisor to continue to employ the following core strategies:

 

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Structured investments in the venture capital and private and public equity markets. We make loans to development-stage companies within our Target Industries typically in the form of secured loans. The secured debt structure provides a lower risk strategy, as compared to equity or unsecured debt investments, to participate in the emerging technology markets because the debt structures we typically utilize provide collateral against the downside risk of loss, provide return of capital in a much shorter timeframe through current-pay interest and amortization of principal and have a senior position to equity in the borrower’s capital structure in the case of insolvency, wind down or bankruptcy. Unlike venture capital and private equity investments, our investment returns and return of our capital do not require equity investment exits such as mergers and acquisitions or initial public offerings. Instead, we receive returns on our debt investments primarily through regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest and, if necessary, liquidation of the collateral supporting the debt investment upon a default. Only the potential gains from warrants depend upon equity investment exits.

 

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“Enterprise value” lending. We and our Advisor take an enterprise value approach to structuring and underwriting loans. Enterprise value includes the implied valuation based upon recent equity capital invested as well as the intrinsic value of the applicable portfolio company’s particular technology, service or customer base. We secure our position against the enterprise value of each portfolio company through a lien on all of the assets of the portfolio company or through a lien on all assets of the portfolio company except its intellectual property, with a prohibition on any other party taking a lien on such intellectual property.

 

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Creative products with attractive risk-adjusted pricing. Each of our existing and prospective portfolio companies has its own unique funding needs for the capital provided from the proceeds of our Venture Loans. These funding needs include funds for additional development “runways”, funds to hire or retain sales staff or funds to invest in research and development in order to reach important technical milestones in advance of raising additional equity. Our loans include current-pay interest, commitment fees, end-of-term payments, or ETPs, pre-payment fees, success fees and non-utilization fees. We believe we have developed pricing tools, structuring techniques and valuation metrics that satisfy our portfolio companies’ financing requirements while mitigating risk and maximizing returns on our investments.

 

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Opportunity for enhanced returns. To enhance our debt investment portfolio returns, in addition to interest and fees, we frequently obtain warrants to purchase the equity of our portfolio companies as additional consideration for making debt investments. The warrants we obtain generally include a “cashless exercise” provision to allow us to exercise these rights without requiring us to make any additional cash investment. Obtaining warrants in our portfolio companies has allowed us to participate in the equity appreciation of our portfolio companies, which we expect will enable us to generate additional returns for our investors.

 

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Direct origination. We originate transactions directly with technology, life science, healthcare information and services and sustainability companies. These transactions are referred to our Advisor from a number of sources, including referrals from, or direct solicitation of, venture capital and private equity firms, portfolio company management teams, legal firms, accounting firms, investment banks, portfolio company advisors and other lenders that represent companies within our Target Industries. Our Advisor has been the sole or lead originator in substantially all transactions in which the funds it manages have invested.

 

 

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Disciplined and balanced underwriting and portfolio management. We use a disciplined underwriting process that includes obtaining information validation from multiple sources, extensive knowledge of our Target Industries, comparable industry valuation metrics and sophisticated financial analysis related to development-stage companies. Our Advisor’s due diligence on investment prospects includes obtaining and evaluating information on the prospective portfolio company’s technology, market opportunity, management team, fund raising history, investor support, valuation considerations, financial condition and projections. We seek to balance our investment portfolio to reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any particular industry or sector, development-stage or geographic area by quarterly reviewing each criteria and, in the event there is an overconcentration, seeking investment opportunities to reduce such overconcentration. Our Advisor employs a “hands on” approach to portfolio management, requiring private portfolio companies to provide monthly financial information and to participate in regular updates on performance and future plans. For public companies, our Advisor typically relies on publicly reported quarterly financials.

 

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Use of leverage. We use leverage to increase returns on equity through our Credit Facilities, through our 2026 Notes and 2027 Notes and through our 2019‑1 Securitization and 2022-1 Securitization. See “Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and capital resources” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information about our use of leverage. In addition, we may issue additional debt securities or preferred stock in one or more series in the future.

 

Market Opportunity

 

We focus our investments primarily in our Target Industries. The technology sectors we focus on include communications, networking, data storage, software, cloud computing, semiconductor, internet and media and consumer-related technologies. The life science sectors we focus on include biotechnology, drug discovery, drug delivery, bioinformatics and medical devices. The healthcare information and services sectors we focus on include diagnostics, electronic medical record services and software and other healthcare related services and technologies that improve efficiency and quality of administered healthcare. The sustainability sectors we focus on include alternative energy, power management, energy efficiency, green building materials and waste recycling. We refer to all of these companies as “technology-related” companies because the companies are developing or offering goods and services to businesses and consumers which utilize scientific knowledge, including techniques, skills, methods, devices and processes, to solve problems. We intend, under normal market conditions, to invest at least 80% of the value of our total assets in such companies

 

We believe that Venture Lending has the potential to achieve enhanced returns that are attractive notwithstanding the high degree of risk associated with lending to development-stage companies. Potential benefits include:

 

	•	interest rates that typically exceed rates that would be available to portfolio companies if they could borrow in traditional commercial financing transactions;
	•	the debt investment support provided by cash proceeds from equity capital invested by venture capital and private equity firms or access to public equity markets to access capital;
	•	amortization of principal;
	•	senior ranking to equity and collateralization of debt investments to minimize potential loss of capital; and
	•	potential equity appreciation through warrants.

 

We believe that Venture Lending also provides an attractive financing source for portfolio companies, their management teams and their equity capital investors, as it:

 

	•	is typically less dilutive to the equity holders than additional equity financing;
	•	extends the time period during which a portfolio company can operate before seeking additional equity capital or pursuing a sale transaction or other liquidity event; and
	•	allows portfolio companies to better match cash sources with uses.

 

 

Competitive Strengths

 

We believe that we, together with our Advisor, possess significant competitive strengths, which include the following:

 

Consistently execute commitments and close transactions. Our Advisor and its senior management and investment professionals have an extensive track record of originating, underwriting and managing Venture Loans. Our Advisor and its predecessor have directly originated, underwritten and managed Venture Loans with an aggregate original principal amount over $2.6 billion to more than 317 companies since operations commenced in 2004.

 

Robust direct origination capabilities. Our Advisor has significant experience originating Venture Loans in our Target Industries. This experience has given our Advisor a deep knowledge of our Target Industries and an extensive base of transaction sources and references.

 

Highly experienced and cohesive management team. Most of our Advisor’s senior management team of experienced professionals has been together since our inception. This consistency allows companies, their management teams and their investors to rely on consistent and predictable service, loan products and terms and underwriting standards.

 

Relationships with venture capital and private equity investors. Our Advisor has developed strong relationships with venture capital and private equity firms and their partners

 

Well-known brand name. Our Advisor has originated Venture Loans to more than 317 companies in our Target Industries under the “Horizon Technology Finance” brand.

 

Our Portfolio

 

From the commencement of operations of Compass Horizon on March 4, 2008 through March 31, 2023, we funded 249 portfolio companies and invested $2.2 billion in debt investments. As of March 31, 2023, our debt investment portfolio consisted of 57 debt investments with an aggregate fair value of $684.5 million. As of March 31, 2023, 86.7%, or $593.6 million, of our debt investment portfolio at fair value consisted of Senior Term Loans. As of March 31, 2023, 9.2%, or $63.1 million, of our total debt investment portfolio at fair value was held through our 2019‑1 Securitization. As of March 31, 2023, 21.6%, or $148.0 million, of our total debt investment portfolio at fair value was held through our 2022-1 Securitization. As of March 31, 2023, our net assets were approximately $321.7 million, and all of our debt investments were secured by all or a portion of the tangible and intangible assets of the applicable portfolio company. The debt investments in our portfolio are generally not rated by any rating agency. If the individual debt investments in our portfolio were rated, they would be rated below “investment grade”. Debt investments that are unrated or rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds” and have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, our dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments was 16.3%. We calculate the dollar-weighted yield on average debt investments for any period as (1) total investment income during the period divided by (2) the average of the fair value of debt investments outstanding on (a) the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the first day of the period and (b) the last day of each calendar month during the period. The dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments is higher than what investors will realize because it does not reflect our expenses or any sales load paid by investors.

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, our investment portfolio had an overall total yield of 15.5%. We calculate the overall total yield for any period as (1) total investment income during the period divided by (2) the average of the fair value of investments outstanding on (a) the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the first day of the period and (b) the last day of each calendar month during the period. The overall total yield is higher than what investors will realize because it does not reflect our expenses or any sales load paid by investors.

 

As of March 31, 2023, our debt investments had a dollar-weighted average term of 49 months from inception and a dollar-weighted average remaining term of 36 months. As of March 31, 2022, substantially all of our debt investments had an original committed principal amount of between $3 million and $45 million, repayment terms of between 3 and 60 months and bore current pay interest at annual interest rates of between 11% and 17%.

 

 

For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, our total return based on market value was 0.1%. Total return based on market value is calculated as (x) the sum of (i) the closing sales price of our common stock on the last day of the period plus (ii) the aggregate amount of distributions paid per share during the period, less (iii) the closing sales price of our common stock on the first day of the period, divided by (y) the closing sales price of our common stock on the first day of the period.

 

In addition to our debt investments, as of March 31, 2023, we held warrants to purchase stock, predominantly preferred stock, in 88 portfolio companies, equity positions in eleven portfolio companies and success fee arrangements in seven portfolio companies.

 

We continue to actively manage our portfolio in the face of an increasingly challenging macroeconomic environment. In recent months, certain of our portfolio companies have either filed for bankruptcy protection or entered into standstill agreements. See “—Recent developments.” As with the broader economy, our portfolio companies have had to confront the elevated interest rate environment, as of this date, as well as the secondary effects of the elevated rate environment.  Such effects include, but are not limited to, higher borrowing costs, less access to equity capital to support their operations and growth, and a heightened skepticism about the prospects of growth companies. We actively monitor each of our portfolio companies and will seek to adopt a flexible and dynamic approach that focuses on providing our management expertise and deep experience investing through all portions of the economic cycle to assist our portfolio companies, while seeking to maximize value for our stockholders. Form more information regarding the risks associated with our portfolio companies, please see the “Supplementary Risk Factors” section beginning on page S-10 and in “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Recent Developments

 

In April 2023, we sold 272,303 shares of common stock under the 2021 Equity Distribution Agreement. For the same period, we received total accumulated net proceeds of approximately $3.1 million, including $0.1 million of offering expenses, from these sales.

 

On May 1, 2023, IMV Inc. (“IMV”) (NASDAQ: IMV; TSX: IMV), announced that the Nova Scotia Supreme Court had issued an initial order (the “Initial Order”) granting IMV and its subsidiaries protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-36) and IMV will seek the recognition of the Initial Order in the United States by filing a petition commencing proceedings under Chapter 15 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As of March 31, 2023, our debts investments in IMV had a cost basis of $17.3 million and a fair market value of $16.7 million. As of March 31, 2023, our warrant investments in IMV had a cost basis of $67,000 and a fair market value of $0.

 

On May 10, 2023, we and Evelo Biosciences, Inc. (“Evelo”) entered into a Standstill Agreement pursuant to which we agreed to forbear and not to exercise, any and all remedies available under our Loan and Security Agreement with Evelo (“Loan Agreement”), warrants, notes and other financing documents until May 15, 2023 (as may be extended, the “Standstill Period”) as we continue negotiations with Evelo and Evelo pursues potential sources of financing and financial restructuring alternatives. In order to secure the Standstill Period, Evelo has agreed, among other things, that during the Standstill Period, it will only use the designated collateral under the Loan Agreement in the ordinary course of its business and in accordance with the provisions of the Loan Agreement and other financing documents. We have subsequently further extended the Standstill Period until May 31, 2023. As of the date hereof, we have not made a demand for payment of amounts outstanding under the Financing Documents purported to accelerate any loan to maturity, or otherwise sought to exercise remedies, as we continue to assess the best path forward. As of March 31, 2023, our debt investments in Evelo had a cost basis of $44.5 million and a fair market value of $44.5 million. As of March 31, 2023, our warrant investments in Evelo had a cost basis of $126,000 and a fair market value of $0.

 

On May 24, 2023, HFI increased the size of the NYL Facility from $200 million to $250 million and extended the maturity to June 2029. In addition, we amended the sale and servicing agreement with HFI to, among other things, (1) transition advances under the facility from utilizing Three Year USD mid-market swap as a benchmark rate plus 3.55% to the Three Year I-Curve plus 3.50%, while retaining a floor of 4.60%, (2) extend the investment period termination and from June 5, 2023 to June 5, 2024 and (3) extend the final payment date from June 2028 to June 2029.

 

Company Information

 

Our administrative and executive offices and those of our Advisor are located at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, and our telephone number is (860) 676-8654. Our corporate website is located at www.horizontechfinance.com. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider any such information contained to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

THE OFFERING

 

Common stock offered by us	3,250,000 shares
Common stock outstanding prior to this offering	28,839,131 shares
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering	32,089,131 shares
Option to purchase additional shares	487,500 shares
Use of proceeds	The net proceeds to us from this offering (excluding the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares and before deducting estimated expenses payable by us of approximately $150,000) will be approximately $39,000,000 million based on a public offering price of $12.50 per share, which includes underwriting discounts and commissions. We intend to initially use the net proceeds from this offering to repay outstanding debt borrowed under our Key Facility. However, through re-borrowing of the initial repayments under our Key Facility, we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to make investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, to make investments in marketable securities and idle funds investments, which may include investments in secured intermediate term bank debt, rated debt securities and other income producing investments, to pay our operating expenses and other cash obligations, and for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2023, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $444.5 million, $329.5 million of which was secured, and $329.5 million of which was indebtedness of our subsidiaries.   See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement for more information.
Distributions	We intend to continue to pay monthly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. Our distributions, if any, will be determined by our board of directors, or the Board. Our ability to declare distributions depends on our earnings, our overall financial condition (including our liquidity position), maintenance of RIC status and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed to be a return of capital to our common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.   Thus, the source of a distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution payment carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan	We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan, or DRIP, for our stockholders. The DRIP is an “opt out” DRIP. As a result, distributions to our stockholders are automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless a stockholder specifically “opts out” of the DRIP so as to receive cash distributions. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock will generally be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in accompanying prospectus.
Taxation	We have elected to be treated as a RIC. Accordingly, we generally will not incur corporate-level income taxes on any investment company taxable income determined without regard to any deductions for dividends paid and net capital gains that we distribute as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to our stockholders. To maintain RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually an amount generally equal to at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid.

 

 

 

Investment Management Agreement

Under an amended and restated investment management agreement, or the Investment Management Agreement, subject to the overall supervision of our Board, our Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and provides investment advisory services to us. For providing these services, our Advisor receives a base management fee from us, paid monthly in arrears, at an annual rate of 2.00% of (i) our gross assets, including any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage less (ii) assets consisting of cash and cash equivalents. The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 2.00% of the Company’s gross assets (less cash and cash equivalents) including any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage; provided, that, to the extent the Company’s gross assets (less cash and cash equivalents) exceed $250 million, the base management fee on the amount of such excess over $250 million is calculated at an annual rate of 1.60% of the Company’s gross assets (less cash and cash equivalents) including any assets acquired with the proceeds of leverage. The Investment Management Agreement also provides that our Advisor may be entitled to an incentive fee under certain circumstances. The incentive fee has two parts, which are independent of each other, with the result that one part may be payable even if the other is not. Under the first part, subject to a “Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism”, we pay our Advisor quarterly in arrears 20.00% of Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income (as defined below) which exceeds 1.75% (7.00% annualized) of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a “catch-up” feature. As noted above, the Advisor has entered into an agreement to effect the Transaction with an affiliate of Monroe. If our shareholders approve the proposed new investment advisory agreement, the calculation of the Company’s fees payable to the Advisor will remain unchanged.   For this purpose, “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income” means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees (other than fees for providing managerial assistance), such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees received from portfolio companies) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, expenses payable under the Administration Agreement (as defined below), and any interest expense and any dividends paid on any issued and outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee). The incentive fee on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income is subject to a fee cap and deferral mechanism which is determined based upon a look-back period of up to three years and is expensed when incurred. For this purpose, the look-back period for the incentive fee based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, or the Incentive Fee Look-back Period, includes the relevant calendar quarter and the 11 preceding full calendar quarters. Each quarterly incentive fee payable on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income is subject to a cap, or the Incentive Fee Cap, and a deferral mechanism through which the Advisor may recoup a portion of such deferred incentive fees, or collectively, the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. The Incentive Fee Cap is equal to (a) 20.00% of Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return (as defined below) during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period less (b) cumulative incentive fees of any kind paid to the Advisor during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period. To the extent the Incentive Fee Cap is zero or a negative value in any calendar quarter, the Company will not pay an incentive fee on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income to the Advisor in that quarter. To the extent that the payment of incentive fees on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income is limited by the Incentive Fee Cap, the payment of such fees will be deferred and paid in subsequent calendar quarters up to three years after their date of deferment, subject to certain limitations, which are set forth in the Investment Management Agreement. We only pay incentive fees on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income to the extent allowed by the Incentive Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism. Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return during any Incentive Fee Look-back Period means the sum of (a) Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income and the base management fee for each calendar quarter during the Incentive Fee Look-back Period and (b) the sum of cumulative realized capital gains and losses, cumulative unrealized capital appreciation and cumulative unrealized capital depreciation during the applicable Incentive Fee Look-back Period.   Under the second part of the incentive fee, we pay our Advisor at the end of each calendar year 20.00% of our realized capital gains, if any, from October 28, 2010 through the end of that calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and all unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis through the end of such year, less all previous amounts paid in respect of the capital gain incentive fee. The second part of the incentive fee is not subject to any minimum return to stockholders. The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated by either party without penalty by delivering written notice to the other party upon not more than 60 days’ written notice. See “Investment Management and Administration Agreements — Investment Management Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

Administration Agreement	We reimburse our Administrator for the allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by our Administrator in performing its obligations under an administration agreement, or the Administration Agreement, including furnishing rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions and our allocable portion of the costs of compensation and related expenses of our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer and their respective staffs. See “Investment Management and Administration Agreements — Administration Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.
Trading at a discount	Shares of closed-end investment companies, including business development companies, frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. The risk that our shares may trade at a discount to our NAV is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade above, at or below NAV. Before buying any securities, you should read the discussion of the material risks of investing in our common stock under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporated by reference to this prospectus supplement and in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with this offering, and under similar headings in the documents that are filed with the SEC on or after the date hereof and are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

SUPPLEMENTARY RISK FACTORS

 

Our portfolio may be focused on a limited number of industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry.

 

Our portfolio may be focused on a limited number of industries. As a result, a downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could also significantly impact the aggregate returns we realize. The technology, life science, healthcare information and services and sustainability industries, Our Target Industries, are susceptible to changes in government policy and economic assistance, including heightened interest rates and uncertainty about the Federal Reserve’s targeted terminal rate, which could adversely affect the returns we receive.

 

Elevated interest rates affect our portfolio companies in a number of important and deleterious ways. Portfolio companies that did not anticipate either the rapidity of the increase in interest rates or the current rate level may have to adjust their business plan and operations to meet their debt obligations. Additionally, in the current elevated interest rate environment, venture capital funds may have greater difficulty raising capital to deploy. As such, there is less available capital for our portfolio companies to fund growth or extend their runways while developing their products, including, but not limited to, receiving approvals from government agencies. Without the injection of new venture capital, these companies are more likely to fail, potentially resulting in the loss of all or part of our investment.

 

Our investment strategy focuses on investments in development-stage companies in our Target Industries, which are subject to many risks, including volatility, intense competition, shortened product life cycles and periodic downturns, and would be rated below “investment grade.”

 

We intend to invest, under normal circumstances, most of the value of our total assets (including the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes) in development-stage companies, which may have relatively limited operating histories, in our Target Industries. Many of these companies may have narrow product lines and small market shares, compared to larger established, publicly owned firms, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors’ actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. The revenues, income (or losses) and valuations of development-stage companies in our Target Industries can and often do fluctuate suddenly and dramatically. For these reasons, investments in our portfolio companies, if rated by one or more ratings agency, would typically be rated below “investment grade,” which refers to securities rated by ratings agencies below the four highest rating categories. These companies may also have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs. In volatile interest rate environments, these companies may not have adequate access to  funding  to  meet their capital needs. Consequently, these companies are more likely to face bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, reducing the return on, or the recovery of, our investment. This could, in turn, materially adversely  affect  our  business,  financial  condition  and  results  of  operations. In addition, development-stage technology markets are generally characterized by abrupt business cycles and intense competition, and the competitive environment can change abruptly due to rapidly evolving technology. Therefore, our portfolio companies may face considerably more risk than companies in other industry sectors. Accordingly, these factors could impair their cash flow or result in other events, such as bankruptcy, which could limit their ability to repay their obligations to us and may materially adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, our investments in these businesses.

 

 

Because of rapid technological change, the average selling prices of products and some services provided by development-stage companies in our Target Industries have historically decreased over their productive lives. These decreases could adversely affect their operating results and cash flow, their ability to meet obligations under their debt securities and the value of their equity securities. This could, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may hold the debt securities of leveraged companies that may, due to the significant volatility of such companies, experience bankruptcy or similar financial distress.

 

Leveraged companies may experience bankruptcy, receivership or similar financial distress. The debt investments of distressed companies may not produce income, may require us to bear certain expenses or to make additional advances in order to protect our investment and may subject us to uncertainty as to when, in what manner (e.g., through liquidation, reorganization, receivership or bankruptcy) and for what value such distressed debt will eventually be satisfied. Proceeds received from such proceedings may not be income that satisfies the Qualifying Income Test for RICs and may not be in an amount sufficient to repay such expenses or advances. In the event that a plan of reorganization is adopted or a receivership is established, in exchange for the debt investment we currently hold, we may receive non-cash proceeds, including equity securities or license or royalty agreements with contingent payments, which may require significantly more of our management’s time and attention. In addition, if we take control of a distressed company in connection with a reorganization, it could require additional costs and significant amounts of our management’s time and attention.

 

If a portfolio company enters a bankruptcy process, we will be subject to a number of significant inherent risks. Many events in a bankruptcy proceeding are the product of contested matters and adversarial proceedings and are beyond the control of the creditors. A bankruptcy filing by an issuer may adversely and permanently affect the issuer. If the proceeding is converted to a liquidation, the value of the issuer may not equal the liquidation value that was believed to exist at the time of the investment. The duration of a bankruptcy proceeding is also difficult to predict, and a creditor’s return on investment can be adversely affected by delays until the plan of reorganization or liquidation ultimately becomes effective. The administrative costs of a bankruptcy proceeding are frequently high and would be paid out of the debtor’s estate prior to any return to creditors. Because the standards for classification of claims under bankruptcy law are vague, our influence with respect to the class of securities or other obligations we own may be lost by increases in the number and amount of claims in the same class or by different classification and treatment. In the early stages of the bankruptcy process, it is often difficult to estimate the extent of, or even to identify, any contingent claims that might be made. In addition, certain claims that have priority by law (for example, claims for taxes) may be substantial. We may be forced to write down the fair market value of investments we hold in companies experiencing bankruptcy proceedings or other financial distress.

 

We are Subject to Risks Relating to Volatility in the Banking Sector.

 

In March 2023, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank were closed by U.S. state regulators and placed under receivership by the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), and in May 2023, JPMorgan Chase acquired a substantial majority of assets and assumed certain liabilities of First Republic Bank. Following these high-profile events, several other U.S. and non-U.S. banking institutions experienced sell-offs and/or significant declines to their share prices, with several being placed on “watch lists,” suffering ratings downgrades and/or receiving emergency funding from governments. At this time, it is not clear if there will be additional banking institution failures and whether (and to what extent) U.S. or non-U.S. governments will intervene to support the relevant banking institutions. The impact of the banking sector’s volatility on the financial system and broader economy could be significant.

 

 

If the banking institutions used by us fail or are impacted by such volatility, such events could have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders (including loss of capital held at such banking institutions and/or an inability to meet its obligations to other counterparties). A large percentage of our assets are or may be held by a limited number of banking institutions (or even a single banking institution). If a banking institution at which we maintain deposit accounts or securities accounts fails, any cash or other assets in such accounts may be temporarily inaccessible or permanently lost by us. Generally, we would be an unsecured creditor with respect to cash balances in excess of $250,000 held at a single banking institution insured by the FDIC, and therefore we may not ultimately recover any such excess amounts. In addition, FDIC deposit insurance does not extend to certain other assets held by a banking institution (e.g., bond investments, U.S. Treasury bills or notes).

 

If a banking institution that provides all or a part of a credit facility, other borrowings and/or other services to us fails, we could be unable to draw funds under such credit facilities and may not be able to obtain replacement credit facilities or other services from other lending institutions with similar terms. If our credit facilities and accounts are provided by the same banking institution, and such banking institution fails, we could face significant difficulties in funding any near-term obligations we have in respect of our investments or otherwise. Even if the banking institutions used by us remain solvent, continued volatility in the banking sector could cause or intensify an economic recession and make it more difficult for us to obtain or refinance our credit facilities and other indebtedness at all or on as favorable terms as could otherwise have been obtained.

 

Similarly, the banking institutions that the portfolio companies in which we invest have depositor or lending arrangements may fail. This would have a material adverse effect on such portfolio companies, us and our stockholders, including by preventing such portfolio companies from making principal and interest payments or other applicable payments owed with respect to our investments. Generally, the Advisor does not have a meaningful role in selecting the banking institutions used by the portfolio companies in which we invest. Instead, the Advisor generally relies on the management team of the portfolio companies to select appropriate banking services.

 

 

 

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in shares of our common stock will bear directly or indirectly. However, we caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. The following table and example should not be considered a representation of our future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than shown. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain a reference to fees or expenses paid by “you” or “us” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in the Company.

 

Stockholder Transaction Expenses
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)			4.00	%(1)
Offering Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)			0.37	%(2)
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees			—	(3)
Total Stockholder Transaction Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)			4.37	%
Annual Expenses (as a Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Stock)(4)
Base Management Fee			4.14	%(5)
Incentive Fee Payable Under the Investment Management Agreement			3.75	%(6)
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds			9.11	%(7)
Other Expenses (estimated for the current fiscal year)			1.74	%(8)
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses			0.0	%(9)
Total Annual Expenses (estimated)			18.74	%(5)(10)

 

 

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(1)	Represents the underwriting discounts and commissions with respect to the shares sold by us in this offering.
(2)	The offering expenses of this offering borne by us are estimated to be approximately $150,000.
(3)	The expenses associated with the DRIP are included in “Other Expenses” in the table. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in the accompanying prospectus.
(4)	Net Assets Attributable to Common Stock equals estimated average net assets for the current fiscal year and is based on our net assets at March 31, 2023 and includes the net proceeds of the offering estimated to be received by the Company.
(5)	Our base management fee under the Investment Management Agreement is based on our gross assets, less cash and cash equivalents, which includes assets acquired using leverage, including any leverage disclosed in the accompanying prospectus, and is payable monthly in arrears. The management fee referenced in the table above is based on our gross assets, less cash and cash equivalents, of $731.7 million as of March 31, 2023 and includes net proceeds of the offering, after the net proceeds have been invested in portfolio companies, and $149 million of assets estimated to be acquired in the current fiscal year using leverage. See “Investment Management and Administration Agreements — Investment Management Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.
(6)	Our incentive fee payable under the Investment Management Agreement consists of two parts:

 

The first part, which is payable quarterly in arrears, subject to a Fee Cap and Deferral Mechanism, equals 20% of the excess, if any, of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income over a 1.75% quarterly (7% annualized) hurdle rate and a “catch-up” provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. Under this provision, in any calendar quarter, our Advisor receives no incentive fee until our net investment income equals the hurdle rate of 1.75% but then receives, as a “catch-up,” 100% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income with respect to that portion of such Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875%. The effect of this provision is that, if Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income exceeds 2.1875% in any calendar quarter, our Advisor will receive 20% of our Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income as if a hurdle rate did not apply. The first part of the incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash.

 

 

 

The second part of the incentive fee equals 20% of our Incentive Fee Capital Gains, if any. Incentive Fee Capital Gains are our realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception through the end of each calendar year, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fees. The second part of the incentive fee is payable, in arrears, at the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of the Investment Management Agreement, as of the termination date). For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see “Investment Management and Administration Agreements — Investment Management Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

The incentive payable to our Advisor represents our estimated annual expense incurred under the first part of the incentive fee payable under the Investment Management Agreement over the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2023, our cumulative realized capital gains and unrealized capital appreciation did not exceed our cumulative realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation. Given our strategy of investing primarily in Venture Loans, which are fixed-income assets, we believe it is unlikely that our cumulative realized capital gains and unrealized capital appreciation will exceed our cumulative realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation in the next twelve months. Consequently, we do not expect to incur any Incentive Fee Capital Gains during the next twelve months. As we cannot predict the occurrence of any capital gains from the portfolio, we have assumed no Incentive Fee Capital Gains.

 

(7)	Interest payments on borrowed funds represent our estimated annual interest payments on borrowed funds based on current debt levels as adjusted for projected increases in debt levels over the next twelve months. We may issue additional debt securities pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus supplement forms a part. In the event we were to issue additional debt securities, our borrowing costs, and correspondingly our total annual expenses, including, in the case of such preferred stock, our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets attributable to common stock, would increase.
(8)	“Other Expenses” includes our overhead expenses, including payments under the Administration Agreement, based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. See “Investment Management and Administration Agreements — Administration Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus. “Other expenses” also includes the ongoing administrative expenses to the independent accountants and legal counsel of the Company and compensation of independent directors.
(9)	Amount reflects our estimated expenses of the temporary investment of offering proceeds in money market funds pending our investment of such proceeds in portfolio companies in accordance with the investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
(10)	“Total Annual Expenses” as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. We borrow money to leverage our net assets and increase our total assets. The SEC requires that the “Total Annual Expenses” percentage be calculated as a percentage of net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and after taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period), rather than the total assets, including assets that have been funded with borrowed monies.

 

Example

 

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. This example and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses (including the cost of debt, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our annual operating expenses remain at the levels set forth in the table above.

 

		1 Year				3 Years				5 Years				10 Years
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return		$	174.53			$	454.93			$	663.58			$	980.49

 

 

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 lesser than those shown.

 

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%. The incentive fee under the Investment Management Agreement is unlikely to be significant assuming a 5% annual return and is not included in the example. This illustration assumes that we will not realize any capital gains (computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation) in any of the indicated time periods. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our distributions to our common stockholders and our expenses would likely be higher. If the 5% annual return were derived entirely from capital gains, you would pay expenses on a $1,000 investment of $151.11, $405.34, $606.76 and $945.78 over periods of one year, three years, five years and ten years, respectively. See “Investment Management and Administration Agreements — Investment Management Agreement — Examples of Incentive Fee Calculation” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding the calculation of incentive fees.

 

In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions at net asset value, or NAV participants in our DRIP receive a number of shares of our common stock determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the distribution. This price may be at, above or below NAV. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding our DRIP.

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of 3,250,000 shares of common stock offered by us pursuant to this prospectus supplement will be $38,850,000 million (or $44,700,000 million if the underwriters fully exercise their option to purchase additional shares), based on a public offering price of $12.50 per share after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses of $150,000 payable by us.

 

We intend to initially use the net proceeds from this offering to repay outstanding debt borrowed under our Key Facility. However, through re-borrowing of the initial repayments under our Key Facility, we intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to make investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to pay our operating expenses and other cash obligations, and for general corporate purposes. We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from an offering or from exiting an investment or other capital on acceptable terms, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

We entered into the Key Facility effective November 4, 2013. As of the date hereof, the interest rate on the Key Facility is based on the rate of interest published in The Wall Street Journal as the prime rate in the United States plus 0.25%, with a prime rate floor of 4.25%. The Key Facility requires the payment of an unused line fee in an amount equal to 0.50% of any unborrowed amount available under the facility annually. The Key Facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain a minimum net worth, to restrict the debt investments securing the Key Facility to certain criteria for qualified debt investments and to comply with portfolio company concentration limits as defined in the related loan agreement. After the Revolving Period, we may not request new advances, and we must repay the outstanding advances under the Key Facility as of such date, at such times and in such amounts as are necessary to maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the Key Facility, particularly the condition that the principal balance of the Key Facility not exceed sixty percent (60%) of the aggregate principal balance of our eligible debt investments to our portfolio companies. The maturity of the Key Facility, the date on which all outstanding advances under the Key Facility are due and payable, is on June 22, 2026.

 

As of March 31, 2023, our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $444.5 million, $329.5 million of which was secured, and $329.5 million of which was indebtedness of our subsidiaries.

 

 

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth:

 

	•	our actual capitalization as of March 31, 2023; and
	•	our capitalization on an as-adjusted basis giving effect to the sale of 3,250,000 shares of our common stock by us in this offering (assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares) based on a public offering price of $12.50 per share, less estimated underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us of $1,625,000 and estimated offering expenses payable by us of $150,000.

 

This table should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and notes thereto included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

		As of March 31, 2023
		Actual				As-Adjusted for this Offering(1)
Assets
Non-affiliate investments at fair value (cost of $724,162)		$	714,466			$	714,466
Non-controlled affiliate investments at fair value (cost $0)			846				846
Total investments at fair value (cost of $724,162)			715,312				715,312
Cash			19,844				43,694
Investments in money market funds			23,698				23,698
Restricted investments in money market funds			2,987				2,987
Interest receivable			13,843				13,843
Other assets			2,554				2,554
Total assets		$	778,238			$	802,088
Liabilities
Borrowings		$	439,645			$	424,645
Distributions payable			9,365				9,365
Base management fee payable			1,059				1,059
Incentive fee payable			2,978				2,978
Other accrued expenses			3,508				3,508
Total liabilities			456,555				441,555
Commitments and contingencies
Net assets
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023			—				—
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 28,544,822 issued and 28,377,357 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2023			30				33
Paid-in capital in excess of par			393,312				432,159
Distributable earnings			(71,659	)			(71,659	)
Total net assets			321,683				360,533
Net asset value per common share		$	11.34			$	11.40
Total liabilities and net assets		$	778,238			$	802,088

 

(1) Excludes up to 487,500 shares of our common stock issuable by us upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

 

                                                       

UNDERWRITING

 

We are offering the common stock described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus through a number of underwriters. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as the representative of the underwriters. We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the representative. Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each underwriter has severally agreed to purchase, at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, the number of shares of common stock listed next to its name in the following table:

 

Underwriter		Number of Shares
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC		1,462,500
UBS Securities LLC		1,072,500
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC		585,000
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC		97,500
Maxim Group LLC		32,500
Total		3,250,000

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of common stock offered hereby are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are severally obligated to take and pay for all shares of common stock offered hereby (other than those covered by the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares described below) if any such shares are taken. We and the Advisor have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.

 

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

 

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to an aggregate of 487,500 additional shares of common stock at the public offering price set forth on the cover page hereof, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. To the extent such option is exercised, each underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of such additional shares of common stock as the number set forth next to such underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of shares set forth next to the names of all underwriters in the preceding table.

 

Lock-Up Agreements

 

Each of us, our directors and executive officers has agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representative on behalf of the underwriters, it will not, during the period ending 60 days after the date of this prospectus supplement:

 

	•	offer pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our common stock; or
	•	enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequence of ownership of the common stock,

 

whether any transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of common stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise.

 

The restrictions described in the preceding paragraph are subject to several exceptions, including:

 

	•	the sale of shares to the underwriters;
	•	the issuance by us of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an option or a warrant or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this prospectus supplement of which the underwriters have been advised in writing; or
	•	transactions by any person other than us relating to shares of common stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the completion of the offering of the shares.

 

 

The release of any securities subject to these lock-up agreements is considered on a case-by-case basis. Factors that would be considered by the representative in determining whether to release securities subject to these lock-up agreements may include the length of time before the lock-up agreement expires, the number of shares or other securities involved, the reason for a requested release, market conditions at the time of the requested release, the trading price of our common stock, historical trading volumes of our common stock and whether the person seeking the release is an officer, director or affiliate of ours.

 

Commissions and Discounts

 

The underwriters propose to offer the shares directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $0.30 per share below the public offering price. After the public offering of the shares, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed by the underwriters.

 

The underwriting fee is equal to the public offering price per share of common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of common stock. The underwriting fee is $0.50 per share. The following table shows the price per share of common stock and total underwriting discounts and commissions to be paid to the underwriters assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option.

 

		Per share								Total
		Without Additional Shares				With Additional Shares				Without Additional Shares				With Additional Shares
Initial price to public		$	12.50			$	12.50			$	40,625,000			$	46,718,750
Underwriting discounts and commissions payable by us on shares sold to the public		$	0.50			$	0.50			$	1,625,000			$	1,868,750
Proceeds, before expenses, to us(1)		$	12.00			$	12.00			$	39,000,000			$	44,850,000

 

---

 

(1)	Before deducting offering expenses payable by us related to this offering, which we estimate will be approximately $150,000.

 

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

 

In connection with this offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. A short sale involves syndicate sales of shares in excess of the number of shares to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of shares in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.

 

Stabilizing transactions consist of some bids or purchases of shares of our common stock made for the purpose of preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of the shares while the offering is in progress.

 

In addition, the underwriters may impose penalty bids, under which they may reclaim the selling concession from a syndicate member when the shares of our common stock originally sold by that syndicate member are purchased in a stabilizing transaction or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.

 

Similar to other purchase transactions, these activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the common stock or preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. Except for the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering, the underwriters may carry out these transactions on the Nasdaq, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

 

 

We and the underwriters do not make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the shares. In addition, we and the underwriters do not make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

Sales Outside the United States

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the United States) that would permit a public offering of the common stock, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus supplement or accompanying prospectus or any other material relating to us or the common stock in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the common stock may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and none of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the common stock may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

 

Each of the underwriters may arrange to sell common shares offered hereby in certain jurisdictions outside the United States, either directly or through affiliates, where it is permitted to do so. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus supplement in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

 

Hong Kong

 

Shares of our common stock may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (i) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), or (ii) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder, or (iii) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

 

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

 

This document relates to an exempt offer in accordance with the Offered Securities Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority. This document is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in those rules. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The Dubai Financial Services Authority has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with exempt offers. The Dubai Financial Services Authority has not approved this document nor taken steps to verify the information set out in it, and has no responsibility for it. The shares of our common stock which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares of our common stock offered should conduct their own due diligence on our common stock. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorized financial adviser.

 

Electronic Delivery

 

The underwriters may make this prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus available in an electronic format. The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by any of the underwriters, and the underwriters may distribute such documents electronically. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a limited number of common stock for sale to their online brokerage customers. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriters on the same basis as other allocations.

 

 

The principal business addresses of the underwriters are: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, 2^nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, UBS Securities LLC, 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, 550 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage, valuation services and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, a variety of these services to the Company and to persons and entities with relationships with the Company, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates, officers, directors and employees may purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to our assets, securities or instruments (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) or persons and entities with relationships with us. Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to the Company consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the Shares. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the Shares. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.

 

Affiliates of certain of the underwriters serve as lenders under the Key Facility and may serve as lenders or in other roles under any future credit facilities. Some of the underwriters and/or their affiliates were underwriters in connection with our initial public offerings and follow-on public offerings for which they received customary fees. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters are expected to receive part of the proceeds of the offering if we use proceeds from this offering to repay certain amounts outstanding under the Key Facility.

 

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters regarding the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement will be passed upon for us by Dechert LLP. Dechert LLP has from time to time represented the underwriters on unrelated matters. Certain legal matters in connection with the shares of common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the underwriters by Ropes & Gray LLP.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The consolidated financial statements of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Horizon Technology Finance Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 have been audited by RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report thereon, incorporated herein by reference, and have been incorporated in this Prospectus and Registration Statement in reliance upon such report and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

We incorporate by reference in this prospectus supplement the documents listed below and any future reports and other documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, until all of the securities offered by this prospectus supplement have been sold or we otherwise terminate the offering of these securities (such reports and other documents deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such reports and other documents); provided, however, that information “furnished” under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K, or other information “furnished” to the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act will not be incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement:

 

Any reports filed by us with the SEC before the date that any offering of any securities by means of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

	●	our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on February  28, 2023;
	●	our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on May  2, 2023;
	●	our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023, March 13, 2023, March 14, 2023, May 2, 2023, May 25, 2023 and May 25, 2023; and
	●	our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 6, 2023 (to the extent incorporated by reference into Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022).

 

To obtain copies of these filings, see “Available Information” in this prospectus supplement.

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a universal shelf registration statement, of which this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus form a part, on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act, with respect to our shares of common stock offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The registration statement contains additional information about us and our shares of common stock being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

We file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov. We maintain a website at www.horizontechfinance.com and make all of our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information available, free of charge, on or through our website. This information is also available, free of charge, by contacting us at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 060302, Attention: Investor Relations, or by calling us collect at (860) 676-8654. Information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider such information to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

$350,000,000 

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation

 

Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Subscription Rights
Debt Securities
Warrants

 

We are a non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). We are externally managed by Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). Our investment objective is to maximize our investment portfolio’s total return by generating current income from the debt investments we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such debt investments. We make secured debt investments to development stage companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services and sustainability industries.

 

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, together or separately, up to $350,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights, debt securities or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, which we refer to, collectively, as the “securities.”

 

We may sell our securities through underwriters or dealers, “at-the-market” to or through a market maker into an existing trading market or otherwise directly to one or more purchasers or through agents or through a combination of methods of sale. The identities of such underwriters, dealers, market makers or agents, as the case may be, will be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. In the event we offer common stock or warrants or rights to acquire such common stock hereunder, the offering price per share of our common stock less any underwriting commissions or discounts will not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering except (1) in connection with the exercise of certain warrants, options or rights whose issuance has been approved by our stockholders at an exercise or conversion price not less than the market value of our common stock at the date of issuance (or, if no such market value exists, the net asset value per share of our common stock as of such date); (2) to the extent such an offer or sale is approved by our stockholders and by our board of directors (our “Board”); or (3) under such other circumstances as may be permitted under the 1940 Act or by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “HRZN”. In addition, our 4.875% Notes due 2026 trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “HTFB”. On June 28, 2021, the last reported sale price of a share of our common stock on Nasdaq was $17.24. The net asset value per share of our common stock at March 31, 2021 (the last date prior to the date of this prospectus on which we determined net asset value) was $11.07.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. If our shares trade at a discount to net asset value, it may increase the risk of loss for purchasers in an offering made pursuant to this prospectus or any related prospectus supplement. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties, including the risk of leverage and dilution, described in the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus or otherwise incorporated by reference herein and included in, or incorporated by reference into, the applicable prospectus supplement and in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus before investing in our securities.

 

This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement contain important information you should know before investing in our securities and should be retained for future reference. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the SEC. We maintain a website at www.horizontechfinance.com and intend to make all of the foregoing information available, free of charge, on or through our website. You may also obtain such information by contacting us at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, or by calling us collect at (860) 676-8654. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov where such information is available without charge. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus.

 

The individual securities in which we invest will not be rated by any rating agency. If they were, they would be rated as below investment grade or “junk.” Indebtedness of below investment grade quality has predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

 

Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 

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The date of this prospectus is          , 2021

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or any accompanying supplement to this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate. You should assume that the information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since that date. We will update this prospectus to reflect material changes to the information contained herein.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

		Page
About this Prospectus		ii
Prospectus Summary		1
Offerings		6
Fees and Expenses		8
Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data		10
Risk Factors		11
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements		12
Use of Proceeds		13
Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions		14
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		16
Senior Securities		17
Business		18
Portfolio Companies		19
Management		24
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions		12
Our Advisor		26
Investment Management and Administration Agreements		27
Control Persons and Principal Stockholders		28
Determination of Net Asset Value		29
Dividend Reinvestment Plan		31
Description of Our Securities		33
Description of Common Stock That We May Issue		34
Description of Preferred Stock That We May Issue		39
Description of Subscription Rights That We May Issue		40
Description of Debt Securities That We May Issue		41
Description of Warrants That We May Issue		51
Regulation		52
Brokerage Allocations and Other Practices		53
Plan of Distribution		54
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations		56
Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Paying Agent and Registrar		64
Legal Matters		64
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm		64
Incorporation by Reference		64
Available Information		65

 

 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, using the “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer, from time to time, up to $350,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights, debt securities or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities on terms to be determined at the time of the offering.

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. In a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, we may also add, update, or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus, and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, will include all material information relating to the applicable offering. Before buying any of the securities being offered, please carefully read this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement, any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

This prospectus may contain estimates and information concerning our industry, including market size and growth rates of the markets in which we participate, that are based on industry publications and other third-party reports. This information involves many assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to these estimates. We have not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the data contained in these industry publications and reports. The industry in which we operate is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described or referenced in the section titled “Risk Factors,” that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in these publications and reports.

 

This prospectus includes summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described in this prospectus, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed or incorporated by reference, or will be filed or incorporated by reference, as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described in the section titled “Available Information.”

 

You should rely only on the information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized any dealer, salesperson or other person to provide you with different information or to make representations as to matters not stated in this prospectus, in any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and any free writing prospectus prepared by us or on our behalf or to which we have referred you do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities by any person in any jurisdiction where it is unlawful for that person to make such an offer or solicitation or to any person in any jurisdiction to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. You should not assume that the information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, in any accompanying prospectus supplement or in any such free writing prospectus is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. Our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since any such date. To the extent required by law, we will amend or supplement the information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement to reflect any material changes to such information subsequent to the date of the prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement and prior to the completion of any offering pursuant to the prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement.

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights some of the information included elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you should consider before making your investment decision. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement, and any related free writing prospectus, including the risks of investing in our securities discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement. Before making your investment decision, you should also carefully read the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our financial statements and related notes, and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Any yield information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus related to investments in our investment portfolio is not intended to approximate a return on your investment in us and does not take into account other aspects of our business, including our operating and other expenses, or other costs incurred by you in connection with your investment in us

 

In this prospectus, except where the context suggests otherwise, the terms:

 

•

“we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “Horizon Technology Finance” refer to Horizon Technology Finance Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries;

•

The “Advisor” and the “Administrator” refer to Horizon Technology Finance Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company;

•

“Key” refers to KeyBank National Association and “Key Facility” refers to the revolving credit facility with Key;

•

“NYL Noteholders” refers to several entities owned or affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company and  “NYL Facility” refers to the credit facility where the notes are issued to the NYL Noteholders;

•

“Credit Facilities” refers to collectively the Key Facility and the NYL Facility;

•

“2026 Notes” or “Debt Securities” refers to the $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.875% unsecured notes due 2026, which were issued by us in March 2021; and

•

“2019-1 Securitization” refers to the $160.0 million securitization of secured loans we completed on August 13, 2019.

 

Our company

 

We are a specialty finance company that lends to and invests in development-stage companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services and sustainability industries, which we refer to as our “Target Industries.” Our investment objective is to maximize our investment portfolio’s total return by generating current income from the debt investments we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such debt investments. We are focused on making secured debt investments, which we refer to as “Venture Loans,” to venture capital and private equity backed companies and publicly traded companies in our Target Industries, which we refer to as “Venture Lending.” Our debt investments are typically secured by first liens or first liens behind a secured revolving line of credit, or collectively, “Senior Term Loans.” Venture Lending is typically characterized by (1) the making of a secured debt investment after a venture capital or equity investment in the portfolio company has been made, which investment provides a source of cash to fund the portfolio company’s debt service obligations under the Venture Loan, (2) the senior priority of the Venture Loan which requires repayment of the Venture Loan prior to the equity investors realizing a return on their capital, (3) the amortization of the Venture Loan and (4) the lender’s receipt of warrants or other success fees with the making of the Venture Loan.

 

 

 

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. In addition, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. As a BDC, we are required to comply with regulatory requirements, including limitations on our use of debt. We are permitted to, and expect to, finance our investments through borrowings. Under Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act we have received approval from our stockholders to reduce our asset coverage requirement from 200% to 150%. The amount of leverage that we may employ will depend on our assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. As a RIC, we generally are not subject to pay corporate-level income taxes on our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deductions for dividends paid, and our net capital gain that we distribute as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to our stockholders as long as we meet certain source-of-income, distribution, asset diversification and other requirements.

 

We are externally managed and advised by our Advisor. Our Advisor manages our day-to-day operations and also provides all administrative services necessary for us to operate.

 

Our advisor

 

Our investment activities are managed by our Advisor, and we expect to continue to benefit from our Advisor’s ability to identify attractive investment opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate investments and manage our portfolio of investments. In addition to the experience gained from the years that they have worked together both at our Advisor and prior to the formation of our Advisor, the members of our investment team have broad lending backgrounds, with substantial experience at a variety of commercial finance companies, technology banks and private debt funds, and have developed a broad network of contacts within the venture capital and private equity community. This network of contacts provides a principal source of investment opportunities.

 

Our Advisor is led by six senior managers including Robert D. Pomeroy, Jr., our Chief Executive Officer, Gerald A. Michaud, our President, Daniel R. Trolio, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, John C. Bombara, our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Daniel S. Devorsetz, our Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer and Diane Earle, our Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

 

Our strategy

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our investment portfolio’s total return by generating current income from the loans we make and capital appreciation from the warrants we receive when making such debt investments. To further implement our business strategy, we expect our Advisor to continue to employ the following core strategies:

 

•

Structured investments in the venture capital and private and public equity markets. We make loans to development-stage companies within our Target Industries typically in the form of secured loans. The secured debt structure provides a lower risk strategy, as compared to equity or unsecured debt investments, to participate in the emerging technology markets because the debt structures we typically utilize provide collateral against the downside risk of loss, provide return of capital in a much shorter timeframe through current-pay interest and amortization of principal and have a senior position to equity in the borrower’s capital structure in the case of insolvency, wind down or bankruptcy. Unlike venture capital and private equity investments, our investment returns and return of our capital do not require equity investment exits such as mergers and acquisitions or initial public offerings. Instead, we receive returns on our debt investments primarily through regularly scheduled payments of principal and interest and, if necessary, liquidation of the collateral supporting the debt investment upon a default. Only the potential gains from warrants depend upon equity investment exits.

•

“Enterprise value” lending. We and our Advisor take an enterprise value approach to structuring and underwriting loans. Enterprise value includes the implied valuation based upon recent equity capital invested as well as the intrinsic value of the applicable portfolio company’s particular technology, service or customer base. We secure our lien position against the enterprise value of each portfolio company.

•

Creative products with attractive risk-adjusted pricing. Each of our existing and prospective portfolio companies has its own unique funding needs for the capital provided from the proceeds of our Venture Loans. These funding needs include funds for additional development “runways”, funds to hire or retain sales staff or funds to invest in research and development in order to reach important technical milestones in advance of raising additional equity. Our loans include current-pay interest, commitment fees, end-of-term payments, or ETPs, pre-payment fees, success fees and non-utilization fees. We believe we have developed pricing tools, structuring techniques and valuation metrics that satisfy our portfolio companies’ financing requirements while mitigating risk and maximizing returns on our investments.

 

 

	•	Opportunity for enhanced returns. To enhance our debt investment portfolio returns, in addition to interest and fees, we frequently obtain warrants to purchase the equity of our portfolio companies as additional consideration for making debt investments. The warrants we obtain generally include a “cashless exercise” provision to allow us to exercise these rights without requiring us to make any additional cash investment. Obtaining warrants in our portfolio companies has allowed us to participate in the equity appreciation of our portfolio companies, which we expect will enable us to generate higher returns for our investors.
	•	Direct origination. We originate transactions directly with technology, life science, healthcare information and services and sustainability companies. These transactions are referred to our Advisor from a number of sources, including referrals from, or direct solicitation of, venture capital and private equity firms, portfolio company management teams, legal firms, accounting firms, investment banks, portfolio company advisors and other lenders that represent companies within our Target Industries. Our Advisor has been the sole or lead originator in substantially all transactions in which the funds it manages have invested.

•

Disciplined and balanced underwriting and portfolio management. We use a disciplined underwriting process that includes obtaining information validation from multiple sources, extensive knowledge of our Target Industries, comparable industry valuation metrics and sophisticated financial analysis related to development-stage companies. Our Advisor’s due diligence on investment prospects includes obtaining and evaluating information on the prospective portfolio company’s technology, market opportunity, management team, fund raising history, investor support, valuation considerations, financial condition and projections. We seek to balance our investment portfolio to reduce the risk of down market cycles associated with any particular industry or sector, development-stage or geographic area by quarterly reviewing each criteria and, in the event there is an overconcentration, seeking investment opportunities to reduce such overconcentration. Our Advisor employs a “hands on” approach to portfolio management, requiring private portfolio companies to provide monthly financial information and to participate in regular updates on performance and future plans. For public companies, our Advisor typically relies on publicly reported quarterly financials.

•

Use of leverage. We use leverage to increase returns on equity through our Credit Facilities, through our 2026 Notes and through our 2019-1 Securitization. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and capital resources” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about our use of leverage. In addition, we may issue additional debt securities or preferred stock in one or more series in the future.

 

Market opportunity

 

We focus our investments primarily in our Target Industries. The technology sectors we focus on include communications, networking, data storage, software, cloud computing, semiconductor, internet and media and consumer-related technologies. The life science sectors we focus on include biotechnology, drug discovery, drug delivery, bioinformatics and medical devices. The healthcare information and services sectors we focus on include diagnostics, electronic medical record services and software and other healthcare related services and technologies that improve efficiency and quality of administered healthcare. The sustainability sectors we focus on include alternative energy, power management, energy efficiency, green building materials and waste recycling. We refer to all of these companies as “technology-related” companies because the companies are developing or offering goods and services to businesses and consumers which utilize scientific knowledge, including techniques, skills, methods, devices and processes, to solve problems. We intend, under normal market conditions, to invest at least 80% of the value of our total assets in such companies.

 

We believe that Venture Lending has the potential to achieve enhanced returns that are attractive notwithstanding the high degree of risk associated with lending to development-stage companies. Potential benefits include:

 

•

interest rates that typically exceed rates that would be available to portfolio companies if they could borrow in traditional commercial financing transactions;

•

the debt investment support provided by cash proceeds from equity capital invested by venture capital and private equity firms or access to public equity markets to access capital;

 

 

	•	relatively rapid amortization of principal;
	•	senior ranking to equity and collateralization of debt investments to minimize potential loss of capital; and

•

potential equity appreciation through warrants.

 

We believe that Venture Lending also provides an attractive financing source for portfolio companies, their management teams and their equity capital investors, as it:

 

•

is typically less dilutive to the equity holders than additional equity financing;

•

extends the time period during which a portfolio company can operate before seeking additional equity capital or pursuing a sale transaction or other liquidity event; and

•

allows portfolio companies to better match cash sources with uses.

 

Competitive strengths

 

We believe that we, together with our Advisor, possess significant competitive strengths, which include the following:

 

•

Consistently execute commitments and close transactions.  Our Advisor and its senior management and investment professionals have an extensive track record of originating, underwriting and managing Venture Loans. Our Advisor and its predecessor have directly originated, underwritten and managed Venture Loans with an aggregate original principal amount over $2.0 billion to more than 270 companies since operations commenced in 2004.

•

Robust direct origination capabilities.  Our Advisor has significant experience originating Venture Loans in our Target Industries. This experience has given our Advisor a deep knowledge of our Target Industries and an extensive base of transaction sources and references.

•

Highly experienced and cohesive management team.  Most of our Advisor’s senior management team of experienced professionals has been together since our inception. This consistency allows companies, their management teams and their investors to rely on consistent and predictable service, loan products and terms and underwriting standard.

•

Relationships with venture capital and private equity investors.  Our Advisor has developed strong relationships with venture capital and private equity firms and their partners.

•

Well-known brand name.  Our Advisor has originated Venture Loans to more than 270 companies in our Target Industries under the “Horizon Technology Finance” brand.

 

Our portfolio

 

From the commencement of operations of our predecessor on March 4, 2008 through March 31, 2021, we funded debt investments to 270 portfolio companies and invested $2.0 billion in debt investments. As of March 31, 2021, our debt investment portfolio consisted of 37 debt investments with an aggregate fair value of $361.8 million. As of March 31, 2021, 97.4%, or $352.2 million, of our debt investment portfolio at fair value consisted of Senior Term Loans. As of March 31, 2021, our net assets were $217.7 million, and all of our debt investments were secured by all or a portion of the tangible and intangible assets of the applicable portfolio company. The debt investments in our portfolio are generally not rated by any rating agency. If the individual debt investments in our portfolio were rated, they would be rated below “investment grade”. Debt investments that are unrated or rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds” and have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, our dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments was 15.2%. We calculate the dollar-weighted yield on average debt investments for any period as (1) total investment income during the period divided by (2) the average of the fair value of debt investments outstanding on (a) the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the first day of the period and (b) the last day of each calendar month during the period. The dollar-weighted annualized yield on average debt investments is higher than what investors will realize because it does not reflect our expenses or any sales load paid by investors.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, our investment portfolio had an overall total yield of 14.4%. We calculate the dollar-weighted annualized yield on average investment type for any period as (1) total related investment income during the period divided by (2) the average of the fair value of the investment type outstanding on (a) the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the first day of the period and (b) the last day of each calendar month during the period. The dollar-weighted annualized yield on average investment type is higher than what investors will realize because it does not reflect our expenses or any sales load paid by investors.

 

 

See “Business” in Part I, Item 1 in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about us.

 

Risk factors

 

Our business is subject to numerous risks, as described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, and under similar headings in the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including the section titled “Risk Factors” included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, in our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as in any of our subsequent SEC filings.

 

Company information

 

Our administrative and executive offices and those of our Advisor are located at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032, and our telephone number is (860) 676-8654. Our corporate website is located at www.horizontechfinance.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus.

 

 

OFFERINGS

 

We may offer, from time to time, up to $350,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights, debt securities and/or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. Any debt securities, preferred stock, warrants and subscription rights offered by means of this prospectus may be convertible or exchangeable into shares of our common stock, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. We will offer our securities at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus and any related free writing prospectus.

 

We may offer our securities directly to one or more purchasers, including existing stockholders in a rights offering, through agents that we designate from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to each offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our securities and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution.” We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of our securities.

 

Set forth below is additional information regarding offerings of our securities:

 

Use of proceeds

We intend to use the net proceeds from selling our securities to make new investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies as described in this prospectus and for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

Listing

Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “HRZN.” Our 2026 Notes trade on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the ticker symbol “HTFB.”

 

Distributions

We intend to continue to pay monthly distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. Our distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board. Our ability to declare distributions depends on our earnings, our overall financial condition (including our liquidity position), maintenance of RIC status and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time.

 

To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed to be a return of capital to our common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the source of a distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution payment carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.

 

Taxation

We have elected to be treated as a RIC. Accordingly, we generally will not incur corporate-level income taxes on any investment company taxable income determined without regard to any deductions for dividends paid and net capital gains that we distribute as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to our stockholders. To maintain RIC tax treatment, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements and distribute annually an amount generally equal to 90% of our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid.

 

Leverage

We borrow funds to make additional investments. We use this practice, which is known as “leverage,” to attempt to increase returns to our stockholders, but it involves significant risks. See “Risk Factors.” As of this prospectus, we are allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the 1940 Act, equals at least 150% after such borrowing (i.e., we are able to borrow up to two dollars for every dollar we have in assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities issued by us). For more information, see “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and  “Item 1A — Risk Factors — General Risk Factors — We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

Trading at a discount

Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. This risk is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our common stock will trade above, at or below net asset value.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

We have adopted a DRIP for our stockholders. The dividend reinvestment plan is an “opt out” DRIP. As a result, distributions to our stockholders are automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless a stockholder specifically “opts out” of the DRIP so as to receive cash distributions. Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock will generally be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

 

Sales of common stock below net asset value

In the event we offer common stock or warrants or rights to acquire such common stock, the offering price per share of our common stock less any underwriting commissions or discounts will not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering except (1) in connection with the exercise of certain warrants, options or rights whose issuance has been approved by our stockholders at an exercise or conversion price not less than the market value of our common stock at the date of issuance (or, if no such market value exists, the net asset value per share of our common stock as of such date); (2) to the extent such an offer or sale is approved by stockholders holding a majority of our outstanding securities and our Board; or (3) under such other circumstances as may be permitted under the 1940 Act or by the SEC. For purposes of (2) above, a “majority” of outstanding securities is defined in the 1940 Act as (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a stockholders’ meeting if the holders of more than 50% of our outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) 50% of our outstanding voting securities, whichever is less.

 

Available information		We are required to file periodic reports, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. This information is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also obtain such information by contacting us at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032 or by calling us at (860) 676-8654. We intend to provide much of the same information on our website at www.horizontechfinance.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement and should not be relied upon as such.
Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference		This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. In accordance with the Small Business Credit Availability Act, or SBCAA, we are allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to comprise a part of this prospectus from the date we file that information. Any reports filed by us with the SEC subsequent to the date of this prospectus until we have sold all of the securities offered by this prospectus or the offering is otherwise terminated will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference” in this prospectus.

 

 

FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor will bear directly or indirectly. However, we caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. The following table and example should not be considered a representation of our future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than shown. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “you” or “us” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in the Company.

 

Stockholder Transaction Expenses
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)			—	%(1)
Offering Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)			—	%(2)
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees			—	%(3)
Total Stockholder Transaction Expenses (as a percentage of offering price)			—	%
Annual Expenses (as a Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares)(4)
Base Management Fees			4.02	%(5)
Incentive Fees Payable Under the Investment Management Agreement			3.17	%(6)
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds			5.44	%(7)
Other Expenses (estimated for the current fiscal year)			1.72	%(8)
Total Annual Expenses			14.35	%(9)

 

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(1)	In the event that securities to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a corresponding prospectus supplement will disclose the applicable sales load.
(2)	In the event that we conduct an offering of any of our securities, a corresponding prospectus supplement will disclose the estimated offering expenses because they will be ultimately borne by the stockholders.
(3)	The expenses of the DRIP are included in “Other Expenses” in the table. For instance, if a participant directs the plan administrator to sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and to remit the proceeds of such sale to the participant, then the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a $15.00 transaction fee plus a $0.10 per share trading fee from such proceeds. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
(4)	Net Assets Attributable to Common Stock is based on our net assets at March 31, 2021.
(5)	Our base management fee under the Investment Management Agreement is based on our gross assets, less cash and cash equivalents, which includes assets acquired using leverage, including any leverage incurred under this prospectus, and is payable monthly in arrears. The management fee referenced in the table above is based on our gross assets, less cash and cash equivalents, of $388 million as of March 31, 2021, including assets to be or will be acquired using leverage over the next twelve months, which management estimates will be in the amount of $117 million. See Note 3 “Related Party Transactions—Investment Management Agreement” of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
(6)	The incentive payable to our Advisor represents our estimated annual expense incurred under the first part of the incentive fee payable under the Investment Management Agreement over the next twelve months. As of March 31, 2021, our cumulative realized capital gains and unrealized capital appreciation did not exceed our cumulative realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation. Given our strategy of investing primarily in Venture Loans, which are fixed-income assets, we believe it is unlikely that our cumulative realized capital gains and unrealized capital appreciation will exceed our cumulative realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation in the next twelve months. Consequently, we do not expect to incur any Incentive Fee Capital Gains during the next twelve months. As we cannot predict the occurrence of any capital gains from the portfolio, we have assumed no Incentive Fee Capital Gains. See Note 3 “Related Party Transactions—Investment Management Agreement” of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
(7)	Interest payments on borrowed funds represent our estimated annual interest payments on borrowed funds based on current debt levels as adjusted for projected increases in debt levels over the next twelve months.

(8)

Includes our overhead expenses, including payments under the Administration Agreement, based on our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. See Note 3 “Related Party Transactions— Administration Agreement” of our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. “Other Expenses” are based on estimated amounts to be incurred during the current fiscal year.

(9)

“Total Annual Expenses” as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. We borrow money to leverage our net assets and increase our total assets. The SEC requires that the “Total Annual Expenses” percentage be calculated as a percentage of net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and after taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period), rather than the total assets, including assets that have been funded with borrowed monies.

 

 

Example

 

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our annual operating expenses remain at the levels set forth in the table above. In the event that shares to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters or agents, a corresponding prospectus supplement will restate this example to reflect the applicable sales load and estimated offering expenses.

 

		1 Year				3 Years				5 Years				10 Years
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return (assumes no return from net realized capital gains or net unrealized capital appreciation)		$	136.79			$	373.20			$	567.47			$	914.83

 

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 lesser than those shown.

 

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%. The incentive fee under the Investment Management Agreement is unlikely to be significant assuming a 5% annual return and is not included in the example. This illustration assumes that we will not realize any capital gains (computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation) in any of the indicated time periods. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our distributions to our common stockholders and our expenses would likely be higher.

 

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock assuming a 5% annual return derived entirely from capital gains.

 

		1 Year				3 Years				5 Years				10 Years
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return (assumes return from only realized capital gains and thus subject to the capital gains incentive fee)		$	117.43			$	327.59			$	508.66			$	859.12

 

In addition, while the examples assume reinvestment of all dividends and other distributions at net asset value, participants in our DRIP receive a number of shares of our common stock determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the valuation date for the distribution. This price may be at, above or below net asset value. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for additional information regarding our DRIP.

 

 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

 

The information in “Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data” of our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, “Part I — Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities” of our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and “Part I — Consolidated Statements of Operations” of our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings we have made with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, together with other information in this prospectus, the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, and any free writing prospectus that we may authorize for use in connection with this offering. The risks described in these documents are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, may also become important factors that adversely affect our business. Past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, reputation, financial condition, results of operations, revenue, and future prospects could be seriously harmed. This could cause our net asset value and the trading price of our securities to decline, resulting in a loss of all or part of your investment. Please also read carefully the section titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus.

 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus, including the documents we incorporate by reference herein, contains, and any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, including the documents we incorporate by reference therein, contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future performance, taking into account all information currently available to us. These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as a result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to us or are within our control. If a change occurs, our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations may vary materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements but advise you to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we may file in the future with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance:

 

•

our future operating results, including the performance of our existing debt investments, warrants and other investments;

 

•

the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies;

 

•

general economic and political trends and other external factors, including the current COVID-19 pandemic;

 

•

the relative and absolute investment performance and operations of our Advisor;

 

•

the impact of increased competition;

 

•

the impact of investments we intend to make and future acquisitions and divestitures;

 

•

the unfavorable resolution of legal proceedings;

 

•

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies, including our and their ability to achieve our respective objectives as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic;

 

•

the impact, extent and timing of technological changes and the adequacy of intellectual property protection;

 

•

our regulatory structure and tax status;

 

•

our ability to qualify and maintain qualification as a RIC and as a BDC;

 

•

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

 

•

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

 

•

the impact of interest rate volatility on our results, particularly if we use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

•

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

•

the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to us or our Advisor;

 

•

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

•

our ability to access capital and any future financings by us;

 

•

the ability of our Advisor to attract and retain highly talented professionals; and

 

•

the impact of changes to tax legislation and, generally, our tax position.

 

This prospectus, and other statements that we may make, may contain forward-looking statements with respect to future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “plan,” “potential,” “project,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions.

 

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this prospectus speaks only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. You are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we have filed or in the future may file with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, registration statements on Form N-2, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and definitive proxy statements on Schedule 14A. Under Sections 27A(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Act and Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to statements made in connection with any offering of securities pursuant to this prospectus or in the periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act.

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Unless otherwise specified in any prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities for investment in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies as described in this prospectus and for working capital and general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds from the sale of our securities to repay amounts outstanding under the Credit Facilities. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to redeem the 2026 Notes after they are subject to optional redemption in March 2023. The 2026 Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 4.875% and otherwise mature on March 30, 2026. The supplement to this prospectus relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of proceeds from such offering. We estimate that it will take up to six months for us to substantially invest the net proceeds of any offering made pursuant to this prospectus, depending on the availability of attractive opportunities and market conditions. However, we can offer no assurances that we will be able to achieve this goal.

 

Pending such use, we will invest the remaining net proceeds of this offering primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. These temporary investments may have lower yields than our other investments and, accordingly, may result in lower distributions, if any, during such period. See “Business—Regulation—Temporary Investments” in Part I, Item 1 in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information about temporary investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our investment objective.

 

 

PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

 

Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq, under the symbol “HRZN”. The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter since January 1, 2019, the range of high and low closing sales price of our common stock, the premium or discount of the closing sales price to our NAV and the distributions declared per share by us.

 

						Closing Sales Price								Premium/ Discount of High Sales Price to				Premium/ Discount of Low Sales Price to				Distributions Declared Per
Period		NAV(1)				High				Low				NAV(2)				NAV(2)				Share(3)
Year ended December 31, 2021
Second Quarter(4)		$	*			$	17.83			$	14.57				*				*			$	0.30
First Quarter		$	11.07			$	15.01			$	12.60				36	%			14	%		$	0.30
Year ended December 31, 2020
Fourth Quarter		$	11.02			$	13.33			$	11.30				21	%			3	%		$	0.30
Third Quarter		$	11.17			$	12.48			$	10.87				12	%			(3	)%		$	0.30
Second Quarter		$	11.64			$	11.95			$	7.09				3	%			(39	)%		$	0.30
First Quarter		$	11.48			$	13.69			$	5.25				19	%			(54	)%		$	0.35
Year ended December 31, 2019
Fourth Quarter		$	11.83			$	12.93			$	11.67				9	%			(1	)%		$	0.30
Third Quarter		$	11.67			$	12.23			$	11.80				5	%			1	%		$	0.30
Second Quarter		$	11.60			$	12.05			$	11.62				4	%			—	%		$	0.30
First Quarter		$	11.55			$	13.41			$	11.05				16	%			(4	)%		$	0.30

 

---

(1)

NAV per share determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the NAV per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The NAVs shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.

(2)

Calculated as of the respective high or low closing sales price divided by the quarter end NAV.

(3)

We have adopted an “opt out” DRIP for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a distribution, then stockholders’ cash distributions are automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically opt out of the DRIP so as to receive cash distributions.

(4)

Through June 28, 2021.

 

*

Not yet determined at the time of filing.

 

The last reported price for our common stock on June 28, 2021 was $17.24 per share. Our NAV per share on March 31, 2021 (the last date prior to the date of this prospectus on which we determined NAV) was $11.07. The closing sales price of our shares on Nasdaq on that date was $14.57, which represented a 32% premium to NAV per share. As of June 28, 2021 we had 18 stockholders of record, which did not include stockholders for whom shares are held in nominee or “street” name.

 

Shares of BDCs may trade at a market price that is less than the NAV that is attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from NAV or at a premium that is unsustainable over the long term is separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV will decrease. It is not possible to predict whether our shares will trade at, above or below NAV in the future.

 

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On April 23, 2021, our Board extended a previously authorized stock repurchase plan which allows us to repurchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. Unless extended by our Board, the repurchase program will expire on the earlier of June 30, 2022 and the repurchase of $5.0 million of common stock. The following table provides information regarding our purchases of our common stock for each quarter since the announcement of the stock repurchase plan through the quarter ended March 31, 2021:

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid perShare				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs				Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
		(In thousands, except share and per share data)
October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015			113,382			$	11.53				113,382			$	3,693
January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016			—			$	—				—			$	3,693
April 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016			—			$	—				—			$	3,693
July 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016			1,319			$	11.54				1,319			$	3,678
October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016			46,841			$	10.63				46,841			$	3,180
January 1, 2017 through March 31, 2017			—			$	—				—			$	3,180
April 1, 2017 through June 30, 2017			—			$	—				—			$	3,180
July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017			5,923			$	9.97				5,923			$	3,121
October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
January 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
April 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
July 1, 2018 through September 30, 2018			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
October 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
April 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
July 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
July 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
October 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021			—			$	—				—			$	3,121
Total			167,465			$	11.22				167,465

 

Any shares repurchased by us may have the effect of maintaining the market price of our common stock or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock, and, as a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. In addition, as any shares repurchased pursuant to the stock repurchase plan will be purchased at a price below the net asset value per share as reported in our most recent financial statements, share repurchases may have the effect of increasing our net asset value per share.

 

Distributions

 

We intend to continue making monthly distributions to our stockholders. The timing and amount of our monthly distributions, if any, is determined by our Board. Any distributions to our stockholders are declared out of assets legally available for distribution. We monitor available net investment income to determine if a tax return of capital may occur for the fiscal year. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be considered a return of capital to our common stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the source of distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying a distribution payment carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or gains.

 

In order to qualify to be subject to tax as a RIC, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and annual distribution requirements. Generally, in order to qualify as a RIC, we must derive at least 90% of our gross income during each tax year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities, loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in stock or other securities. We must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of each tax year. Failure to meet these diversification requirements on the last day of a quarter may result in us having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. Any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices or times, and may cause us to incur substantial losses.

 

 

In addition, in order to be eligible for the special tax treatment accorded to RICs and to avoid the imposition of corporate level tax on the income and gains we distribute to our stockholders, each tax year we are required under the Code to distribute as dividends of an amount generally at least 90% of our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid to our stockholders. We refer to such amount as the Annual Distribution Requirement. Additionally, we must distribute, in respect of each calendar year, dividends of an amount generally at least equal to the sum of 98% of our calendar year net ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections); 98.2% of our capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year; and any net ordinary income or capital gain net income for preceding years that was not distributed during such years and on which we previously did not incur any U.S. federal income tax in order to avoid the imposition of a 4% U.S. federal excise tax. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate income taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders. In addition, we could be required to recognize unrealized gains, incur substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions in order to re-qualify as a RIC. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions.

 

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, we may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such undistributed income. Distributions of any such carryover taxable income must be made through a distribution declared as of the earlier of the filing date of the corporate income tax return related to the tax year in which such taxable income was generated or the 15^th day of the ninth month following the end of such tax year, in order to count towards the satisfaction of the Annual Distribution Requirement for the tax year in which such taxable income was generated. We can offer no assurance that we will achieve results that will permit the payment of any cash distributions and, if we issue senior securities, we may be prohibited from making distributions if doing so causes us to fail to maintain the asset coverage stipulated by the 1940 Act or if distributions are limited by the terms of any of our borrowings. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

We have adopted an “opt out” DRIP for our common stockholders. As a result, if we make a distribution, then stockholders’ cash distributions are automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, unless they specifically opt out of the DRIP. If a stockholder opts out, that stockholder receives cash distributions. Although distributions paid in the form of additional shares of common stock are generally subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes, stockholders participating in our DRIP do not receive any corresponding cash distributions with which to pay any such applicable taxes. We may use newly issued shares to implement the DRIP, or we may purchase shares in the open market in connection with our obligations under the DRIP.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The information in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Part 1, Item 2 of our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Information about our senior securities is shown in the following table as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010. The information as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was included in or derived from our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, which were audited by RSM US LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. This information about our senior securities should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Class and Year		Total Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Treasury Securities(1)				Asset Coverage per Unit(2)				Involuntary Liquidation Preference per Unit(3)				Average Market Value per Unit(4)
		(in thousands, except unit data)
Credit facilities
2021 (as of March 31)		$	50,750				9,129				—				N/A
2020		$	50,250				7,965				—				N/A
2019		$	17,000				19,908				—				N/A
2018		$	90,500				2,896				—				N/A
2017		$	58,000			$	3,973				—				N/A
2016		$	63,000			$	3,733				—				N/A
2015		$	68,000			$	4,048				—				N/A
2014		$	10,000			$	22,000				—				N/A
2013		$	10,000			$	25,818				—				N/A
2012		$	56,020			$	4,177				—				N/A
2011		$	64,571			$	3,012				—				N/A
2010		$	87,425			$	2,455				—				N/A
2022 Notes
2021 (as of March 31)		$	37,375				12,396				—				25.29
2020		$	37,375				10,708				—				24.60
2019		$	37,375				9,055				—				25.53
2018		$	37,375				7,014				—				25.52
2017		$	37,375			$	6,166				—			$	25.66
2026 Notes
2021 (as of March 31)		$	57,500				8,057				—				25.00
2019 Notes
2021 (as of March 31)			—				—				—				—
2020			—				—				—				—
2019			—				—				—				—
2018			—				—				—				—
2017			—				—				—				—
2016		$	33,000			$	7,127				—			$	25.42
2015		$	33,000			$	8,342				—			$	25.26
2014		$	33,000			$	6,667				—			$	25.64
2013		$	33,000			$	7,824				—			$	25.70
2012		$	33,000			$	7,091				—			$	25.38
2019-1 Securitization
2021 (as of March 31)		$	100,000				4,633				—				N/A
2020		$	100,000				4,002				—				N/A
2019		$	100,000				3,384				—				N/A
2013-1 Securitization
2021 (as of March 31)			—				—				—				N/A
2020			—				—				—				N/A
2019			—				—				—				N/A
2018			—				—				—				N/A
2017			—				—				—				N/A
2016			—				—				—				N/A
2015		$	14,546			$	18,926				—				N/A
2014		$	38,753			$	5,677				—				N/A
2013		$	79,343			$	3,254				—				N/A
Total senior securities
2021 (as of March 31)		$	245,625			$	1,886				—				N/A
2020		$	187,625			$	2,133				—				N/A
2019		$	154,375			$	2,192				—				N/A
2018		$	127,875			$	2,050				—				N/A
2017		$	95,375			$	2,416				—				N/A
2016		$	96,000			$	2,450				—				N/A
2015		$	115,546			$	2,383				—				N/A
2014		$	81,753			$	2,691				—				N/A
2013		$	122,343			$	2,110				—				N/A
2012		$	89,020			$	2,629				—				N/A
2011		$	64,571			$	3,012				—				N/A
2010		$	87,425			$	2,455				—				N/A

 

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(1)	Total amount of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period presented.

(2)

Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the original cost less accumulated depreciation, amortization or impairment of the Company’s total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness.

(3)

The amount which the holder of such class of senior security would be entitled upon the voluntary liquidation of the applicable issuer in preference to any security junior to it. The “—” in this column indicates that the SEC expressly does not require this information to be disclosed for certain types of securities.

(4)	Not applicable to the Company’s Credit Facilities, the 2019-1 Securitization, and the $189.3 million securitization of secured loans we completed on June 28, 2013, or the 2013-1 Securitization, because such securities are not registered for public trading.

 

 

BUSINESS

 

Please refer to “Business” in Part I, Item 1 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and “Legal Proceedings” in Part I, Item 3 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, Item 1 of our most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a description of the Company.

 

 

PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

 

The following table sets forth certain information as of March 31, 2021 for each portfolio company in which we had a debt, equity or other investment. Other than these investments, our only relationships with our portfolio companies involve the managerial assistance we may separately provide to our portfolio companies, such services being ancillary to our investments, and the board observer or participation rights we may receive in connection with our investment. We do not “control” any of our portfolio companies, each as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act, we would “control” a portfolio company if we owned more than 25% of its voting securities.

 

						Principal				Cost of			Fair
Portfolio Company (1)(3)		Sector		Type of Investment (4)(7)(9)(10)		Amount				Investments (6)			Value
Non-Affiliate Investments —
Non-Affiliate Debt Investments —
Non-Affiliate Debt Investments — Life Science
Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc.(2)(12)  330 N. Wabash  Chicago, IL 60611		Biotechnology		Term Loan (9.30% cash (Libor + 7.50%; Floor 9.30%), 5.00% ETP, Due 3/1/24)		$	5,000			$	4,889		$	4,889
				Term Loan (9.30% cash (Libor + 7.50%; Floor 9.30%), 5.00% ETP, Due 3/1/24)			5,000				4,943			4,943
				Term Loan (9.30% cash (Libor + 7.50%; Floor 9.30%), 5.00% ETP, Due 3/1/24)			5,000				4,943			4,943
				Term Loan (9.30% cash (Libor + 7.50%; Floor 9.30%), 5.00% ETP, Due 3/1/24)			5,000				4,943			4,943
Celsion Corporation (2)(5)(12)  997 Lenox Drive, Suite 100 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648		Biotechnology		Term Loan (9.63% cash (Libor + 7.63%; Floor 9.63%), 5.50% ETP, Due 4/1/23)			2,500				2,479			2,479
				Term Loan (9.63% cash (Libor + 7.63%; Floor 9.63%), 5.50% ETP, Due 4/1/23)			2,500				2,527			2,483
Emalex Biosciences, Inc. (2)(12)  330 N. Wabash, Suite 3500  Chicago, IL 60611		Biotechnology		Term Loan (9.75% cash (Libor + 7.90%; Floor 9.75%), 5.00% ETP, Due 12/1/23)			2,500				2,357			2,357
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Libor + 7.90%; Floor 9.75%), 5.00% ETP, Due 12/1/23)			2,500				2,461			2,461
LogicBio, Inc. (2)(5)(12)  99 Eerie Street  Cambridge, MA 02139		Biotechnology		Term Loan (8.75% cash (Libor + 6.25%; Floor 8.75%), 4.50% ETP, Due 6/1/24)			5,000				4,979			4,979
Provivi, Inc. (2)(12)  1701 Colorado Avenue  Santa Monica, CA 90404		Biotechnology		Term Loan (9.50% cash (Libor + 8.50%; Floor 9.50%), 5.50% ETP, Due 12/1/24)			5,000				4,769			4,769
				Term Loan (9.50% cash (Libor + 8.50%; Floor 9.50%), 5.50% ETP, Due 12/1/24)			5,000				4,918			4,918
Bardy Diagnostics, Inc. (2)(12)  316 Occidental Avenue South  Seattle, WA 98104		Medical Device		Term Loan (8.90% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 8.90%), 5.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			5,000				4,948			4,948
				Term Loan (8.90% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 8.90%), 5.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			5,000				4,948			4,948
				Term Loan (8.90% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 8.90%), 5.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			1,000				989			989
				Term Loan (8.90% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 8.90%), 5.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			1,000				989			989
				Term Loan (8.90% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 8.90%), 5.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			1,000				989			989
				Term Loan (8.90% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 8.90%), 5.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			1,000				989			989
				Term Loan (8.90% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 8.90%), 5.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			1,000				989			989
Canary Medical Inc. (2)(12)  2710 Loker Avenue West  Carlsbad, CA 92010		Medical Device		Term Loan (9.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 9.00%), 7.00% ETP, Due 11/1/24)			2,500				2,349			2,349
Ceribell, Inc. (2)(12)  2483 Old Middlefield Way, Suite 120  Mount View, CA 94043		Medical Device		Term Loan (8.25% cash (Libor + 6.70%; Floor 8.25%), 5.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			5,000				4,882			4,882
				Term Loan (8.25% cash (Libor + 6.70%; Floor 8.25%), 5.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			5,000				4,946			4,946
Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc. (2)(12)  10200 73rd Avenue North, Suite 122  Maple Grove, MN 55369		Medical Device		Term Loan (9.25% cash (Libor + 8.00%; Floor 9.25%), 10.36% ETP, Due 7/1/25)			4,936				4,878			4,878
				Term Loan (9.25% cash (Libor + 8.00%; Floor 9.25%), 10.36% ETP, Due 7/1/25)			4,936				4,878			4,878
Corinth Medtech, Inc. (2)(12)  1190 Saratoga Avenue, Suite 210 San Jose, CA 95129		Medical Device		Term Loan (8.50% cash (Prime + 5.25%; Floor 8.50%), 20.00% ETP, Due 4/1/22)			2,500				2,480			2,480
				Term Loan (8.50% cash (Prime + 5.25%; Floor 8.50%), 20.00% ETP, Due 4/1/22)			2,500				2,480			2,480
CSA Medical, Inc. (2)(12) 91 Hartwell Avenue Lexington, MA 02421		Medical Device		Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 8.20%; Floor 10.00%), 5.00% ETP, Due 1/1/24)			3,750				3,708			3,708
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 8.20%; Floor 10.00%), 5.00% ETP, Due 1/1/24)			250				247			247
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 8.20%; Floor 10.00%), 5.00% ETP, Due 3/1/24)			4,000				3,959			3,959
CVRx, Inc. (2)(12) 9201 W. Broadway Ave, #650 Minneapolis, MN 55445		Medical Device		Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 7.80%; Floor 10.00%), 3.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			5,000				4,951			4,951
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 7.80%; Floor 10.00%), 3.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			5,000				4,951			4,951
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 7.80%; Floor 10.00%), 3.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			5,000				4,951			4,951
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 7.80%; Floor 10.00%), 3.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			5,000				4,951			4,951
InfoBionic, Inc. (2)(12) 400 Totten Pond Road, Suite 315 Waltham, MA 02451		Medical Device		Term Loan (9.50% cash (Prime + 6.25%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			3,500				3,331			3,331
MacuLogix, Inc. (2)(12) 1801 Oberlin Road, Suite 301 Middletown, PA 17057		Medical Device		Term Loan (10.08% cash (Libor + 7.68%; Floor 10.08%), 5.50% ETP, Due 10/1/23)			7,500				7,429			7,429
				Term Loan (10.08% cash (Libor + 7.68%; Floor 10.08%), 5.50% ETP, Due 10/1/23)			4,050				4,012			4,012

 

 

						Principal				Cost of			Fair
Portfolio Company (1)(3)		Sector		Type of Investment (4)(7)(9)(10)		Amount				Investments (6)			Value
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. (2)(12) 200 West Mercer Street, Suite 500 Seattle, WA 98119		Medical Device		Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 5.00%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 3/1/25)			5,000				4,941			4,941
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 5.00%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 3/1/25)			5,000				4,941			4,941
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 5.00%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 3/1/25)			5,000				4,930			4,930
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 5.00%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 3/1/25)			5,000				4,930			4,930
Sonex Health, Inc. (2)(12) 950 Blue Gentian Rd., Suite 200 Eagan, MN 55121		Medical Device		Term Loan (9.25% cash (Prime + 6.00%; Floor 9.25%), 5.00% ETP, Due 6/1/24)			2,500				2,382			2,382
				Term Loan (9.25% cash (Prime + 6.00%; Floor 9.25%), 5.00% ETP, Due 6/1/24)			2,500				2,463			2,463
				Term Loan (9.25% cash (Prime + 6.00%; Floor 9.25%), 5.00% ETP, Due 6/1/24)			2,500				2,463			2,463
Total Non-Affiliate Debt Investments — Life Science											155,482			155,438
Non-Affiliate Debt Investments — Technology
Alula Holdings, Inc. (2)(12) 2340 Energy Park Drive, Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55108		Consumer-related Technologies		Term Loan (10.00% cash (Prime + 6.75%; Floor 10.00%), 3.00% ETP, Due 1/1/25)			5,000				4,908			4,908
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Prime + 6.75%; Floor 10.00%), 3.00% ETP, Due 1/1/25)			5,000				4,936			4,936
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Prime + 6.75%; Floor 10.00%), 3.00% ETP, Due 1/1/25)			3,000				2,961			2,961
Betabrand Corporation (2)(12) 780 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110		Consumer-related Technologies		Term Loan (10.05% cash (Libor + 7.50%; Floor 10.05%), 5.75% ETP, Due 9/1/23)			3,825				3,774			3,774
				Term Loan (10.05% cash (Libor + 7.50%; Floor 10.05%), 5.75% ETP, Due 9/1/23)			3,825				3,780			3,780
				Term Loan (10.05% cash (Libor + 7.50%; Floor 10.05%), 5.75% ETP, Due 9/1/23)			1,013				987			987
Clara Foods Co. (2)(12) 1 Tower Place, Suite 800 South San Francisco, CA 94080		Consumer-related Technologies		Term Loan (9.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 9.00%), 5.50% ETP, Due 8/1/25)			2,500				2,442			2,442
				Term Loan (9.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 9.00%), 5.50% ETP, Due 8/1/25)			2,500				2,471			2,471
Getaround, Inc. (2)(12) 55 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94111		Consumer-related Technologies		Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 4.50% ETP, Due 12/1/24)			10,000				9,809			9,809
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 4.50% ETP, Due 12/1/24)			4,000				3,864			3,864
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 4.50% ETP, Due 12/1/24)			4,000				3,864			3,864
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 4.50% ETP, Due 12/1/24)			3,500				3,404			3,404
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 4.50% ETP, Due 12/1/24)			3,500				3,404			3,404
Primary Kids, Inc. (2)(12) 158 West 27th Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10010		Consumer-related Technologies		Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 3.00% ETP, Due 3/1/25)			3,000				2,933			2,933
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 3.00% ETP, Due 3/1/25)			3,000				2,952			2,952
Quip NYC Inc. 45 Main Street, Suite 630 Brooklyn, NY 11201		Consumer-related Technologies		Term Loan (11.25% cash (Prime + 8.00%; Floor 11.25%), 3.00% ETP, Due 4/1/26)			10,000				9,575			9,575
Updater, Inc. (2)(12) 19 Union Square West, 12th Floor New York, NY 10001		Consumer-related Technologies		Term Loan (12.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 12.00%, Ceiling 14.00%),0.56% ETP, Due 12/20/24)			5,000				4,951			4,951
				Term Loan (12.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 12.00%, Ceiling 14.00%), 0.56% ETP, Due 12/20/24)			5,000				4,951			4,951
				Term Loan (12.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 12.00%, Ceiling 14.00%), 0.56% ETP, Due 12/20/24)			10,000				9,903			9,903
Silk, Inc. (2)(12) 75 Second Avenue, Suite 620 Needham, MA 02494		Data Storage		Term Loan (10.65% cash (Libor + 8.40%; Floor 10.65%), 4.00% ETP, Due 1/1/23)			3,667				3,631			3,631
				Term Loan (10.65% cash (Libor + 8.40%; Floor 10.65%), 4.00% ETP, Due 1/1/23)			3,667				3,631			3,631
				Term Loan (10.65% cash (Libor + 8.40%; Floor 10.65%), 4.00% ETP, Due 7/1/23)			4,667				4,564			4,563
Liqid, Inc.(2)(12) 339 Interlocken Parkway, Suite 200 Broomfield, CO 80021		Networking		Term Loan (9.50% cash (Prime + 6.25%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			5,000				4,876			4,876
				Term Loan (9.50% cash (Prime + 6.25%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			5,000				4,903			4,903
				Term Loan (9.50% cash (Prime + 6.25%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			2,500				2,448			2,448

 

						Principal				Cost of			Fair
Portfolio Company (1)(3)		Sector		Type of Investment (4)(7)(9)(10)		Amount				Investments (6)			Value
				Term Loan (9.50% cash (Prime + 6.25%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			2,500				2,448			2,448
BriteCore Holdings, Inc. (2)(12) 1522 S. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65808		Software		Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			2,500				2,476			2,476
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Prime + 7.25%; Floor 10.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			2,500				2,476			2,476
E La Carte, Inc. (2)(12) 810 Hamilton St. Redwood City, CA 94063		Software		Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 6.50%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 10/1/25)			3,000				2,928			2,928
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 6.50%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 10/1/25)			3,000				2,949			2,949
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 6.50%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 10/1/25)			1,500				1,475			1,475
Keypath Education, LLC (2)(12) 1933 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 400 Schaumbug, IL 60173		Software		Term Loan (10.50% cash (Libor + 8.50%; Floor 10.50%), 2.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			3,750				3,587			3,587
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Libor + 8.50%; Floor 10.50%), 2.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			3,750				3,690			3,690
				Term Loan (10.50% cash (Libor + 8.50%; Floor 10.50%), 2.50% ETP, Due 10/1/24)			2,500				2,460			2,460
OutboundEngine, Inc. (2)(12) 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 1300 Austin, TX 78701		Software		Term Loan (11.15% cash (Libor + 8.40%; Floor 11.15%), 3.63% ETP, Due 7/1/23)			3,600				3,554			3,554
				Term Loan (11.15% cash (Libor + 8.40%; Floor 11.15%), 3.63% ETP, Due 7/1/23)			3,150				3,110			3,110
				Term Loan (11.15% cash (Libor + 8.40%; Floor 11.15%), 3.63% ETP, Due 7/1/23)			450				454			446
Revinate, Inc. (2)(12) 1 Letterman Drive, Suite CM 100 San Francisco, CA 94129		Software		Term Loan (9.50% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 11/1/23)			4,000				3,977			3,910
				Term Loan (9.50% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 11/1/23)			1,000				991			991
				Term Loan (9.50% cash (Libor + 7.00%; Floor 9.50%), 4.00% ETP, Due 11/1/23)			5,000				4,951			4,951
Supply Network Visibility Holdings LLC (2)(12) 204 S Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314		Software		Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 6.50%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 2/1/25)			3,500				3,448			3,448
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Prime + 6.50%; Floor 9.75%), 4.00% ETP, Due 2/1/25)			3,500				3,448			3,448
Topia Mobility, Inc. (2)(12) 30 Maiden Lane, Suite 550 San Francisco, CA 94108		Software		Term Loan (10.00% cash (Prime + 6.75%; Floor 10.00%), 4.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			5,000				4,834			4,751
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Prime + 6.75%; Floor 10.00%), 4.00% ETP, Due 9/1/24)			5,000				4,908			4,820
xAd, Inc. (2)(12) One World Trade Center, 60th Floor New York, NY 10007		Software		Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 8.70%; Floor 10.00%), 5.0% ETP, Due 1/1/22)			2,708				2,686			2,686
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 8.70%; Floor 10.00%), 5.0% ETP, Due 1/1/22)			2,708				2,686			2,686
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 8.70%; Floor 10.00%), 5.0% ETP, Due 1/1/22)			1,625				1,612			1,612
				Term Loan (10.00% cash (Libor + 8.70%; Floor 10.00%), 5.0% ETP, Due 1/1/22)			1,083				1,074			1,074
Total Non-Affiliate Debt Investments — Technology											176,144			175,897
Non-Affiliate Debt Investments — Healthcare information and services
IDbyDNA, Inc. (2)(12) 675 Arapeen Drive, Suite 301 Salt Lake City, UT 84108		Diagnostics		Term Loan (9.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 9.00%), 5.50% ETP, Due 1/1/25)			5,000				4,851			4,851
				Term Loan (9.00% cash (Prime + 5.75%; Floor 9.00%), 5.50% ETP, Due 1/1/25)			5,000				4,919			4,919
Kate Farms, Inc. (2)(12) 101 Innovation Place Santa Barbara, CA 93108		Other Healthcare		Term Loan (9.75% cash (Libor + 7.45%; Floor 9.75%), 5.00% ETP, Due 10/1/23)			5,000				4,946			4,946
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Libor + 7.45%; Floor 9.75%), 5.00% ETP, Due 10/1/23)			5,000				4,946			4,946
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Libor + 7.45%; Floor 9.75%), 5.00% ETP, Due 10/1/23)			2,500				2,469			2,469
				Term Loan (9.75% cash (Libor + 7.45%; Floor 9.75%), 5.00% ETP, Due 10/1/23)			2,500				2,469			2,469
Total Non-Affiliate Debt Investments — Healthcare information and services											24,600			24,600
Total Non- Affiliate Debt Investments											356,226			355,935
Non-Affiliate Warrant Investments
Non-Affiliate Warrants — Life Science
Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2)(12) 330 N. Wabash Chicago, IL 60611		Biotechnology		2,428 Preferred Stock Warrants							144			157
Celsion Corporation (2)(5)(12) 997 Lenox Drive, Suite 100 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648		Biotechnology		295,053 Common Stock Warrants							65			117
Corvium, Inc. (2)(12) 840 Memorial Drive, 4th Floor Cambridge, MA 02139		Biotechnology		661,956 Preferred Stock Warrants							53			—
Emalex Biosciences, Inc. (2)(12) 330 N. Wabash, Suite 3500 Chicago, IL 60611		Biotechnology		73,602 Preferred Stock Warrants							107			158
LogicBio, Inc. (2)(5)(12) 99 Eerie Street Cambridge, MA 02139		Biotechnology		7,843 Common Stock Warrants							8			2
Mustang Bio, Inc. (2)(5)(12) 377 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605		Biotechnology		252,161 Common Stock Warrants							146			149
Provivi, Inc. (2)(12) 1701 Colorado Avenue Santa Monica, CA 90404		Biotechnology		123,457 Preferred Stock Warrants							147			431
Rocket Pharmaceuticals Corporation (5)(12) 131 Hartwell Avenue, Suite 105 Lexington, MA 02421		Biotechnology		7,051 Common Stock Warrants							16			138
Strongbridge U.S. Inc. (2)(5)(12) 900 Northbrook Drive, Suite 200 Trevose, PA 19053		Biotechnology		160,714 Common Stock Warrants							70			93
vTv Therapeutics Inc. (2)(5)(12) 4170 Mendenhall Oaks Parkway High Point, NC 27265		Biotechnology		95,293 Common Stock Warrants							44			1

 

 

										Cost of			Fair
Portfolio Company (1)(3)		Sector		Type of Investment (4)(7)(9)(10)						Investments (6)			Value
AccuVein Inc. (2)(12) 40 Goose Hill Road Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724		Medical Device		1,175 Common Stock Warrants							24			—
Aerin Medical, Inc. (2)(12) 232 E. Caribbean Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089		Medical Device		1,818,183 Preferred Stock Warrants							66			466
Bardy Diagnostics, Inc. (2)(12) 316 Occidental Avenue South Seattle, WA 98104		Medical Device		360,000 Preferred Stock Warrants							56			672
Canary Medical Inc. (2)(12) 2710 Loker Avenue West Carlsbad, CA 92010		Medical Device		7,292 Preferred Stock Warrants							54			56
Ceribell, Inc. (2)(12) 2483 Old Middlefield Way, Suite 120 Mount View, CA 94043		Medical Device		117,521 Preferred Stock Warrants							50			119
Conventus Orthopaedics, Inc. (2)(12) 10200 73rd Avenue North, Suite 122 Maple Grove, MN 55369		Medical Device		6,361,111 Preferred Stock Warrants							149			179
CSA Medical, Inc. (2)(12) 91 Hartwell Avenue Lexington, MA 02421		Medical Device		1,375,727 Preferred Stock Warrants							153			155
CVRx, Inc.(2)(12) 9201 W. Broadway Ave, #650 Minneapolis, MN 55445		Medical Device		750,000 Preferred Stock Warrants							76			76
Infobionic, Inc. (2)(12) 400 Totten Pond Road, Suite 315 Waltham, MA 02451		Medical Device		317,647 Preferred Stock Warrants							124			124
MacuLogix, Inc. (2)(12) 1801 Oberlin Road, Suite 301 Middletown, PA 17057		Medical Device		454,460 Preferred Stock Warrants							236			119
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. (2)(12) 200 West Mercer Street, Suite 500 Seattle, WA 98119		Medical Device		378,363 Preferred Stock Warrants							91			94
Meditrina, Inc. (2)(12) 1601 S. De Anza Blvd., Suite 165 Cupertino, CA 95014		Medical Device		221,510 Preferred Stock Warrants							83			123
Sonex Health, Inc. (2)(12) 950 Blue Gentian Rd., Suite 200 Eagan, MN 55121		Medical Device		484,250 Preferred Stock Warrants							78			79
VERO Biotech LLC (2)(12) 2941 Oxbow Circle Cocoa, FL 32929		Medical Device		408 Preferred Stock Warrants							54			52
Total Non-Affiliate Warrants — Life Science											2,094			3,560
Non-Affiliate Warrants — Technology
Intelepeer Holdings, Inc. (2)(12) 155 Bovet Road, Suite 405 San Mateo, CA 94402		Communications		3,078,084 Preferred and Common Stock Warrants							138			186
PebblePost, Inc. (2)(12) 36 Cooper Square, 4th Floor New York, NY 10003		Communications		598,850 Preferred Stock Warrants							92			167
Alula Holdings, Inc. (2)(12) 2340 Energy Park Drive, Suite 100 St. Paul, MN 55108		Consumer-related Technologies		20,000 Preferred Stock Warrants							93			94
Betabrand Corporation (2)(12) 780 Valencia St. San Francisco, CA 94110		Consumer-related Technologies		261,198 Preferred Stock Warrants							106			12
Caastle, Inc. (2)(12) 43-01 22nd Street Long Island City, NY 11101		Consumer-related Technologies		268,591 Preferred Stock Warrants							68			823
Clara Foods Co. (2)(12) 1 Tower Place, Suite 800 South San Francisco, CA 94080		Consumer-related Technologies		46,745 Preferred Stock Warrants							30			30
Getaround, Inc. (2)(12) 55 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94111		Consumer-related Technologies		651,040 Preferred Stock Warrants							450			462
Mohawk Group Holdings, Inc. (2)(5)(12) 37 East 18th St., 7th Floor New York, NY 10003		Consumer-related Technologies		76,923 Common Stock Warrants							195			1,115
Primary Kids, Inc. (2)(12) 158 West 27th Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10010		Consumer-related Technologies		553,778 Preferred Stock Warrants							57			57
Quip NYC Inc. (2)(12) 45 Main Street, Suite 630 Brooklyn, NY 11201		Consumer-related Technologies		6,191 Preferred Stock Warrants							325			325
Updater, Inc.(2)(12) 19 Union Square West, 12th Floor New York, NY 10001		Consumer-related Technologies		108,333 Common Stock Warrants							34			72
CPG Beyond, Inc. (2)(12) 2077 Convention Center Concourse, Suite 425 Atlanta, GA 30337		Data Storage		500,000 Preferred Stock Warrants							242			704
Silk, Inc. (2)(12) 75 Second Avenue, Suite 620 Needham, MA 02494		Data Storage		44,211,003 Preferred and Common Stock Warrants							233			202
Global Worldwide LLC (2)(12) 333 Bush Street, 19th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104		Internet and Media		245,810 Preferred Stock Warrants							75			9
Rocket Lawyer Incorporated (2)(12) 182 Howard Street, Suite #830 San Francisco, CA 9410		Internet and Media		261,721 Preferred Stock Warrants							92			89
Skillshare, Inc. (2)(12) 35 East 21st, 5th Floor New York, NY 10012		Internet and Media		139,073 Preferred Stock Warrants							162			2,412
Liqid, Inc.(2)(12) 339 Interlocken Parkway, Suite 200 Broomfield, CO 80021		Networking		284,599 Preferred Stock Warrants							189			193
Kinestral, Inc. (2)(12) 3955 Trust Way Hayward, CA 94545		Power Management		5,002,574 Preferred Stock Warrants							1,585			1,326
Avalanche Technology, Inc. (2)(12) 43871 Fremont Boulevard, Suite 101 Fremont, CA 94538		Semiconductors		6,753 Preferred and Common Stock Warrants							101			—
BriteCore Holdings, Inc. (2)(12) 1522 S. Glenstone Springfield, MO 65808		Software		12,857 Preferred Stock Warrants							5			11
E La Carte, Inc. (2)(12) 810 Hamilton St. Redwood City, CA 94063		Software		181,947 Preferred Stock Warrants							60			60
Education Elements, Inc. (2)(12) 999 Skyway Road San Carlos, CA 94070		Software		238,121 Preferred Stock Warrants							28			27
Keypath Education, Inc.(2)(12) 1933 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 400 Schaumbug, IL 60173		Software		900,000 Preferred Stock Warrants							157			513
Lotame Solutions, Inc. (2)(12) 8850 Stanford Blvd, Suite 2000 Columbus, MD 21045		Software		288,115 Preferred Stock Warrants							19			276
OutboundEngine, Inc. (2)(12) 98 San Jacinto Blvd., Suite 1300 Austin, TX 78701		Software		620,000 Preferred Stock Warrants							80			33
Revinate, Inc. (2)(12) 1 Letterman Drive, Suite CM 100 San Francisco, CA 94129		Software		615,475 Preferred Stock Warrants							45			54
Riv Data Corp. (2)(12) 735 State Street, Suite 600 Santa Barbara, CA 93101		Software		321,428 Preferred Stock Warrants							13			287
SIGNiX, Inc. (12) 1203 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402		Software		186,045 Preferred Stock Warrants							225			—
Skyword, Inc. (12) 38 Chauncy Street Boston, MA 02111		Software		301,055 Preferred and Common Stock Warrants							49			8
Supply Network Visibility Holdings LLC (2)(12) 204 S Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314		Software		398 Preferred Stock Warrants							38			38
Topia Mobility, Inc. (2)(12) 30 Maiden Lane, Suite 550 San Francisco, CA 94108		Software		3,049,607 Preferred Stock Warrants							139			—
xAd, Inc. (2)(127) One World Trade Center, 60th Floor New York, NY 10007		Software		4,343,348 Preferred Stock Warrants							178			3
Total Non-Affiliate Warrants — Technology											5,303			9,588
Non-Affiliate Warrants — Healthcare information and services
IDbyDNA, Inc.(2)(12) 675 Arapeen Drive, Suite 301 Salt Lake City, UT 84108		Diagnostics		363,082 Preferred Stock Warrants							91			93
Kate Farms, Inc. (2)(12) 101 Innovation Place Santa Barbara, CA 93108		Other Healthcare		82,965 Preferred Stock Warrants							102			1,176
Watermark Medical, Inc. (2)(12) 1641 Worthington Road, Suite 320 West Palm Beach, FL 33409		Other Healthcare		27,373 Preferred Stock Warrants							74			—
Medsphere Systems Corporation (2)(12) 1903 Wright Place, Suite 120 Carlsbad, CA 92008		Software		7,097,792 Preferred Stock Warrants							60			196
Total Non-Affiliate Warrants — Healthcare information and services											327			1,465
Total Non-Affiliate Warrants											7,724			14,613
Non-Affiliate Other Investments
ZetrOZ, Inc. (12) 56 Quarry Road Trumbull, CT 06611		Medical Device		Royalty Agreement							—			200
Total Non-Affiliate Other Investments											—			200

 

 

						Principal				Cost of			Fair
Portfolio Company (1)(3)		Sector		Type of Investment (4)(7)(9)(10)		Amount				Investments (6)			Value
Non-Affiliate Equity
SnagAJob.com, Inc. (12) 4851 Lake Brook Drive Glen Allen, VA 23060		Consumer-related Technologies		82,974 Common Stock							9			82
Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (2)(12) 185 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10016		Internet and Media		18,405 Common Stock							240			48
Clarabridge, Inc. (12) 11400 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 500 Reston, VA 20191		Software		17,142 Preferred Stock							15			36
Lightspeed POS Inc. (5) 700 Rue Saine-Aintoine St. East Montreal, QC H2Y 1A6, Canada		Software		17,037 Common Stock							1,167			1,070
Total Non-Affiliate Equity											1,431			1,236
Total Non-Affiliate Portfolio Investment Assets										$	365,381		$	371,984
Non-controlled Affiliate Investments
Non-controlled Affiliate Debt Investments — Technology
Decisyon, Inc. (12) 1266 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902		Software		Term Loan (12.50% cash (Libor + 12.308%; Floor 12.50%), 12.00% ETP, Due 6/1/21)		$	1,182			$	1,181		$	1,181
				Term Loan (12.50% cash (Libor + 12.308%; Floor 12.50%), 12.00% ETP, Due 6/1/21)			646				638			638
				Term Loan (12.02% cash, Due 6/1/21)			239				227			227
				Term Loan (12.03% cash, Due 6/1/21)			238				227			228
				Term Loan (12.24% cash, Due 6/1/21)			705				685			685
				Term Loan (13.08% cash, Due 6/1/21)			276				276			276
				Term Loan (13.10% cash, Due 6/1/21)			184				183			183
StereoVision Imaging, Inc. (2)(12) Gateway Metro Center 3452 East Foothill Boulevard, Suite 1125 Pasadena, CA 91107		Software		Term Loan (8.50% Cash (Libor + 7.03%; Floor 8.50%), 15.63% ETP, Due 1/1/22)			2,783				2,401			2,401
Total Non-controlled Affiliate Debt Investments — Technology											5,818			5,819
Non-controlled Affiliate Warrants — Technology
Decisyon, Inc. (12) 1266 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902		Software		82,967 Common Stock Warrants							46			—
Total Non-controlled Affiliate Warrants — Technology											46			—
Non-controlled Affiliate Equity — Technology
Decisyon, Inc. (12) 1266 East Main Street Stamford, CT 06902		Software		72,638,663 Preferered and Common Stock							229			120
StereoVision Imaging, Inc. (2)(12) Gateway Metro Center 3452 East Foothill Boulevard, Suite 1125 Pasadena, CA 91107		Software		1,943,572 Preferred and Common Stock							791			600
Total Non-controlled Affiliate Equity											1,020			720
Total Non-controlled Affiliate Portfolio Investment Assets										$	6,884		$	6,539
Controlled Affiliate Investments
Controlled Affiliate Other Investments — Biotechnology
HESP LLC (2)(12)(13) 312 Farmington Ave Farmington, CT 06032		Biotechnology		Other Investment						$	1,500		$	1,500
Total Controlled Affiliate Other Investments											1,500			1,500
Total Controlled Affiliate Portfolio Investment Assets										$	1,500		$	1,500
Total Portfolio Investment Assets										$	373,765		$	380,023

 

(1) All investments of the Company are in entities which are organized under the laws of the United States and have a principal place of business in the United States.

 

(2) Has been pledged as collateral under the revolving credit facility (the “Key Facility”) with KeyBank National Association (“Key”), the Note Funding Agreement (the “NYL Facility” and, together with the Key Facility, the “Credit Facilities”) with several entities owned or affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company (“NYL Noteholders”) and/or the term debt securitization in connection with which an affiliate of the Company made an offering of $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed rate asset-backed notes that were issued in conjunction with the $160.0 million securitization of secured loans the Company completed on August 13, 2019 (“the Asset-Backed Notes”).

 

(3) All non-affiliate investments are investments in which the Company owns less than 5% of the voting securities of the portfolio company. All non-controlled affiliate investments are investments in which the Company owns 5% or more of the voting securities of the portfolio company but not more than 25% of the voting securities of the portfolio company. All controlled affiliate investments are investments in which the Company owns more than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or has the power to exercise control over management or policies of such portfolio company (including through a management agreement).

 

(4) All interest is payable in cash due monthly in arrears, unless otherwise indicated, and applies only to the Company’s debt investments. Interest rate is the annual interest rate on the debt investment and does not include end-of-term payments (“ETPs”), and any additional fees related to the investments, such as deferred interest, commitment fees or prepayment fees. Debt investments are at variable rates for the term of the debt investment, unless otherwise indicated. All debt investments based on the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) are based on one-month LIBOR. For each debt investment, the current interest rate in effect as of March 31, 2021 is provided.

 

(5) Portfolio company is a public company.

 

(6) For debt investments, represents principal balance less unearned income.

 

(7) Warrants, Equity and Other Investments are non-income producing.

 

(8) Value as a percent of net assets.

 

(9) The Company did not have any non-qualifying assets under Section 55(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act) as of March 31, 2021. Under the 1940 Act, the Company may not acquire any non-qualifying assets unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the Company’s total assets.

 

(10) ETPs are contractual fixed-interest payments due in cash at the maturity date of the applicable debt investment, including upon any prepayment, and are a fixed percentage of the original principal balance of the debt investments unless otherwise noted. Interest will accrue during the life of the debt investment on each ETP and will be recognized as non-cash income until it is actually paid. Therefore, a portion of the incentive fee the Company may pay its Advisor will be based on income that the Company has not yet received in cash.

 

(11) Debt investment has a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) feature.

 

(12) The fair value of the investment was valued using significant unobservable inputs.

 

(13) On July 8, 2020, Espero BioPharma, Inc. and its affiliates, Jacksonville Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Espero Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (collectively, “Espero”) assigned substantially all of their assets to their respective assignment estates and respectively appointed PSE (ABC), LLC, PS PJAX (ABC), LLC, and PPSE (ABC), LLC (collectively, “Espero ABC”) to administer their respective estates and facilitate the orderly sale and liquidation of Espero’s property and assets. On October 6, 2020, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware approved the transfer of the assets of Espero to the Company and Credit II or their designees in consideration for the Company and Credit II’s credit bid at auction of $7.0 million. On October 22, 2020, Espero ABC transferred the assets of Espero to HESP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, wholly owned by the Company.

 

 

MANAGEMENT

 

The information in the sections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management,” “Information About the Nominees and Directors,” “Director Independence,” “The Board’s Oversight Role in Management,” “Board Composition and Leadership Structure,” “Information About Each Director’s Experience, Qualifications, Attributes or Skills,” “Board Meetings and Committees,” “Information About Executive Officers Who are Not Directors” and “Compensation of Directors” in our most recent Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The information in the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in our most recent Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

OUR ADVISOR

 

Our Advisor is located at 312 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06032 and serves as our investment adviser pursuant to the Investment Management Agreement. Our Advisor is registered as an investment adviser under the Advisers Act. Subject to the overall supervision of our Board, our Advisor manages the day-to-day operations of, and provides investment advisory and management services to, us.

 

 

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS

 

The information in the section entitled “Business—Investment Management Agreements” and “Business—Administration Agreements” in Part I, Item 1 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the notes to our consolidated financial statements under the caption “Note 3. Related Party Transactions” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

 

The information in the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in our most recent Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE

 

The net asset value per share of our outstanding shares of common stock is determined quarterly by dividing the value of total assets minus liabilities by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding at the date as of which the determination is made. We conduct the valuation of our assets, pursuant to which our net asset value is determined, at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act.

 

In calculating the fair value of our total assets, investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations, which are generally obtained from an independent pricing service or one or more broker-dealers or market makers. However, debt investments with remaining maturities within 60 days that are not credit impaired are valued at cost plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, which approximates fair value.

 

We value our investments at fair value which is the market value of our investments. There is no readily available market value for many of our portfolio investments, and we value those debt and equity securities that are not publicly traded or whose market value is not ascertainable at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board in accordance with our valuation policy. Our Board employs independent third party valuation firms to assist in determining fair value.

 

The types of factors that our Board may take into account in determining fair value include: comparisons of financial ratios of the portfolio companies that issued such private equity securities to peer companies that are public, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments and its earnings and discounted cash flow, the markets in which the portfolio company does business and other relevant factors. When an external event such as a purchase transaction, public offering or subsequent equity sale occurs, we consider the pricing indicated by the external event to corroborate the private equity valuation. The Board also reviews periodically the quality and nature of inputs to the valuation process used by the Advisor and the valuation methodology employed by the Advisor.

 

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or for which no indicative prices from pricing services or brokers or dealers have been received, our Board undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

 

•

the quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially valued by our Advisor’s investment professionals responsible for monitoring the investment;

•

preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with our Advisor’s senior management;

 

 

•

a third-party valuation firm is engaged by, or on behalf of, our Board to conduct independent appraisals of all investments at least once annually;

•

our Board receives both the Advisor’s value and the third-party valuation firm’s value, when applicable; and

•

our Board then discusses the valuations and determines in good faith the fair value of each investment in the portfolio.

 

Due to the inherent uncertainty in determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily observable fair value, and the subjective judgments and estimates involved in those determinations, the fair value determinations by our Board, even though determined in good faith, may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the differences could be material.

 

Determinations in connection with offerings

 

In connection with offerings of shares of our common stock, our Board or one of its committees is required to make the determination that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made, unless we have stockholder approval to sell our common stock at an offering price per share less any underwriting commissions or discounts below the net asset value per share of our common stock at such time. Our Board or an applicable committee of our Board considers the following factors, among others, in making such determination:

 

•

the net asset value of our common stock most recently disclosed by us in the most recent periodic report that we filed with the SEC;

•

our management’s assessment of whether any material change in the net asset value of our common stock has occurred (including through the realization of gains on the sale of our portfolio securities) during the period beginning on the date of the most recently disclosed net asset value of our common stock and ending two days prior to the date of the sale of our common stock; and

•

the magnitude of the difference between (i) the net asset value of our common stock most recently disclosed by us and our management’s assessment of any material change in the net asset value of our common stock since that determination and (ii) the offering price of the shares of our common stock in the proposed offering.

 

This determination does not require that we calculate the net asset value of our common stock in connection with each offering of shares of our common stock, but instead it involves the determination by our Board or a committee thereof that we are not selling shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made or otherwise in violation of the 1940 Act.

 

Moreover, to the extent that there is even a remote possibility that we may (i) issue shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value of our common stock at the time at which the sale is made or (ii) trigger the undertaking (which we provide in certain registration statements we file with the SEC) to suspend the offering of shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus if the net asset value of our common stock fluctuates by certain amounts in certain circumstances until the prospectus is amended, our Board will elect, in the case of clause (i) above, either to postpone the offering until such time that there is no longer the possibility of the occurrence of such event or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock within two days prior to any such sale to ensure that such sale will not be below our then current net asset value, and, in the case of clause (ii) above, to comply with such undertaking or to undertake to determine the net asset value of our common stock to ensure that such undertaking has not been triggered.

 

These processes and procedures are part of our compliance policies and procedures. Records will be made contemporaneously with all determinations of our Board described in this section, and we will maintain these records with other records that we are required to maintain under the 1940 Act.

 

 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN

 

We have adopted a DRIP that provides for reinvestment of our cash distributions and other distributions on behalf of our stockholders, unless a stockholder elects to receive cash as provided below. As a result, if our Board declares a cash distribution, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of our DRIP have their cash distribution automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash distribution.

 

No action is required on the part of a registered stockholder to have their cash distribution reinvested in shares of our common stock. A registered stockholder may elect to receive an entire distribution in cash by notifying Computershare Shareowner Services, the plan administrator and our transfer agent and registrar, in writing so that such notice is received by the plan administrator no later than 10 days prior to the record date for distributions to stockholders. The plan administrator sets up an account for shares acquired through the plan for each stockholder who has not elected to receive dividends or other distributions in cash and holds such shares in non-certificated form. Upon request by a stockholder participating in the plan, received in writing not less than 10 days prior to the record date, the plan administrator will, instead of crediting shares to the participant’s account, issue a certificate registered in the participant’s name for the number of whole shares of our common stock and a check for any fractional share.

 

Those stockholders whose shares are held by a broker or other financial intermediary may receive distributions in cash by notifying their broker or other financial intermediary of their election.

 

We intend to use primarily newly issued shares to implement the plan, whether our shares are trading at a premium or at a discount to net asset value. However, we reserve the right to purchase shares in the open market in connection with our implementation of the plan. The number of shares to be issued to a stockholder is determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to such stockholder by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of regular trading on Nasdaq on the valuation date, which date shall be as close as practicable to the payment date for such distribution. Market price per share on that date will be the closing price for such shares on Nasdaq or, if no sale is reported for such day, at the average of their reported bid and asked prices. The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after giving effect to payment of the distribution cannot be established until the value per share at which additional shares will be issued has been determined and elections of our stockholders have been tabulated. Stockholders who do not elect to receive distributions in shares of common stock may experience accretion to the net asset value of their shares if our shares are trading at a premium at the time we issue new shares under the plan and dilution if our shares are trading at a discount. The level of accretion or discount would depend on various factors, including the proportion of our stockholders who participate in the plan, the level of premium or discount at which our shares are trading and the amount of the distribution payable to a stockholder.

 

 

There are no brokerage charges or other charges to stockholders who participate in the plan. The plan administrator’s fees under the plan are paid by us. If a participant elects by written notice to the plan administrator to have the plan administrator sell part or all of the shares held by the plan administrator in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan administrator is authorized to deduct a $15.00 transaction fee plus a $0.10 per share trading fee from the proceeds.

 

Stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock are generally subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as are stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. Any stock received in a dividend has a new holding period for tax purposes commencing on the day following the day on which the shares are credited to the U.S. stockholder’s account. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Participants may terminate their accounts under the plan by notifying the plan agent via its website at www.computershare.com/investor, by filling out the transaction request form located at bottom of their statement and sending it to the plan agent at c/o Computershare Shareowner Services LLC, P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, Kentucky 40233 or by calling the plan administrator at 877-373-6374.

 

The plan may be terminated by us upon notice in writing mailed to each participant. All correspondence concerning the plan should be directed to the plan administrator by mail at Plan Administrator c/o Computershare Shareowner Services LLC, P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, Kentucky 40233.

 

If you withdraw or the plan is terminated, the plan administrator will continue to hold your shares in book-entry form unless you request that such shares be sold or issued. Upon receipt of your instructions, a certificate for each whole share in your account under the plan will be issued and you will receive a cash payment for any fraction of a share in your account.

 

If you hold your common stock with a brokerage firm that does not participate in the plan, you are not able to participate in the plan and any dividend reinvestment may be effected on different terms than those described above. Consult your financial advisor for more information.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES

 

This prospectus contains a summary of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights, debt securities and warrants. These summaries are not meant to be a complete description of each security. However, this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement will contain the material terms and conditions for each security.

 

Set forth below is a chart describing our securities authorized and outstanding as of June 28, 2021:

 

Title of Class		Amount Authorized				Amount Held by Us or for Our Account				Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amount Held by Us or for Our Account
Common Stock		100,000,000 shares					167,465				20,010,283
Preferred Stock		1,000,000 shares					—				—
2026 Notes		$	57,500,000				—			$	57,500,000

 

In addition to shares of our common stock, which are described under the heading “Description of Our Common Stock”, we have approximately $57.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Notes outstanding. On March 30, 2021, we issued and sold an aggregate principal amount of $57.5 million of the 2026 Notes. The 2026 Notes have a stated maturity of March 30, 2026 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at our option at any time or from time to time on or after March 30, 2023 at a redemption price of $25 per security plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2026 Notes bear interest at a rate of 4.875% per year, payable quarterly on March 30, June 30, September 30 and December 30 of each year. The 2026 Notes are our direct unsecured obligations and (i) rank equally in right of payment with our current and future unsecured indebtedness; (ii) are senior in right of payment to any of our future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the 2026 Notes; (iii) are effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grants security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and (iv) are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries. As of June 28, 2021, we were in material compliance with the terms of the 2026 Notes. The 2026 Notes are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HTFB”. U.S. Bank National Association serves as trustee under the indenture governing the 2026 Notes. U.S. Bank National Association also serves as collateral custodian under the Key Facility. See “Description of Debt Securities that we may Issue — Events of default” for information regarding the circumstances in which the trustee will take action, and “—Modification or waiver” for information on how the terms of the 2026 Notes may be modified.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK THAT WE MAY ISSUE

 

General

 

The following description does not purport to be complete and is subject to the provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, each of which are filed as exhibits to this registration statement. The description is qualified in its entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and to applicable law.

 

Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our authorized common stock consists solely of 100,000,000 shares, par value $0.001 per share, of which 20,010,283 shares were outstanding as of June 28, 2021. Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “HRZN”. There are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock. No stock has been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under the DGCL, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.

 

Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, all shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, distributions and voting. When they are issued, shares of our common stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. Distributions may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when declared by our Board out of assets legally available therefor, subject to any preferential dividend rights of outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all of the directors standing for election. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably our net assets available after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding preferred stock. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock which we may designate and issue in the future. In addition, holders of our common stock may participate in our DRIP.

 

Anti-takeover effects of provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws, the DGCL and other arrangements

 

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, applicable provisions of the DGCL and certain other agreements to which we are a party may make it more difficult for or prevent an unsolicited third party from acquiring control of us or changing our Board and management. These provisions may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in our control or in our management. These provisions are intended to enhance the likelihood of continued stability in the composition of our Board and in the policies furnished by them and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change in our control. The provisions also are intended to discourage certain tactics that may be used in proxy fights. These provisions, however, could have the effect of discouraging others from making tender offers for our shares and, as a consequence, they also may inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our shares that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.

 

Election of directors.  Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of a plurality of all votes cast at a meeting of stockholders duly called at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient to elect a director. Under our certificate of incorporation, our Board may amend the bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.

 

Classified board of directors.  The classification of our Board and the limitations on removal of directors and filling of vacancies could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring us. Our Board is divided into three classes, with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of stockholders. At each annual meeting, one class of directors is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of our Board.

 

 

Number of directors; vacancies; removal.  Our certificate of incorporation provides that, by amendment to our bylaws, our Board is authorized to change the number of directors without the consent of stockholders to any number between three and nine.

 

Our certificate of incorporation provides that, subject to the rights of any holders of preferred stock, any vacancy on our Board, however the vacancy occurs, including a vacancy due to an enlargement of our Board, may only be filled by vote of a majority of the directors then in office.

 

Subject to the rights of any holders of preferred stock, a director may be removed at any time at a meeting called for that purpose, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares then entitled to vote for the election of the respective director.

 

The limitations on the ability of our stockholders to remove directors and fill vacancies could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discourage a third party from seeking to acquire, control of us.

 

Action by stockholders.  Under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, stockholder action can only be taken at an annual meeting or special meeting and not by written action in lieu of a meeting. This may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.

 

Advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and director nominations.  Our bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to our Board and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1) by or at the direction of our Board, (2) pursuant to our notice of meeting or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the bylaws. Nominations of persons for election to our Board at a special meeting may be made only (1) by or at the direction of our Board, or (2) provided that our Board has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the bylaws. The purpose of requiring stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our Board a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of any other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by our Board, to inform our stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our Board any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals recommending certain action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.

 

Amendments to certificate of incorporation and bylaws.  The DGCL provides generally that the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote on any matter is required to amend a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, unless a corporation’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws requires a greater percentage. Our certificate of incorporation provides that the affirmative vote of 75% of the then outstanding shares entitled to vote generally in the election of directors voting together as a single class is required to amend provisions of our certificate of incorporation relating to the classification, size and vacancies of our Board, as well as the removal of directors. However, if 66 2/3% of the continuing directors have approved such amendment or repeal, the affirmative vote for such amendment or repeal shall be a majority of such shares. The affirmative vote of 75% of the then outstanding shares voting together as a single class is required to amend provisions of our certificate of incorporation relating to the calling of a special meeting of stockholders or the ability to amend or repeal the bylaws. Our certificate of incorporation permits our Board to amend or repeal our bylaws, provided that any amendment or repeal shall require the approval of at least 66 2/3% of the continuing directors. The stockholders do not have the right to adopt or repeal the bylaws.

 

Stockholder meetings.  Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by stockholders at an annual meeting may only be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must provide timely notice to our Secretary. Notice is timely if it is delivered by a nationally recognized courier service or mailed by first class United States mail and received not earlier than 90 days nor more than 120 days in advance of the anniversary of the date our proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting. Action taken at a special meeting of stockholders is limited to the purposes stated in the properly provided notice of meeting. These provisions could have the effect of delaying until the next stockholder meeting actions that are favored by the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities.

 

 

Calling of special meetings by stockholders.  Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders may only be called by our Board, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or President.

 

Section 203 of the DGCL.  We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, these provisions prohibit a Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

•

prior to such time, the board of directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

•

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced; or

•

on or after the date the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at a meeting of stockholders, by at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

 

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include the following:

 

•

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

•

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the corporation or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation involving the interested stockholder;

•

subject to certain exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

•

any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series of the corporation owned by the interested stockholder; or

•

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

 

In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any entity or person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and any entity or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by any of these entities or persons.

 

The statute could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

 

Conflict with 1940 Act.  Our bylaws provide that, if and to the extent that any provision of the DGCL or our bylaws conflict with any provision of the 1940 Act, the applicable provision of the 1940 Act will control.

 

Approval of certain transactions.  To convert us to an open-end investment company, to merge or consolidate us with any entity in a transaction as a result of which the governing documents of the surviving entity do not contain substantially the same anti-takeover provisions as are provided in our certificate of incorporation, to liquidate and dissolve us, or to amend any of the anti-takeover provisions discussed herein, our certificate of incorporation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of our continuing directors followed by the favorable vote of the holders of at least 75% of each affected class or series of our shares, voting separately as a class or series, unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of at least 80% of the then outstanding shares of our capital stock, voting together as a single class. If approved in the foregoing manner, our conversion to an open-end investment company could not occur until 90 days after the stockholders meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days’ prior notice to all stockholders. As part of any such conversion to an open-end investment company, substantially all of our investment policies and strategies and portfolio would have to be modified to assure the degree of portfolio liquidity required for open-end investment companies. In the event of conversion, the common shares would cease to be listed on any national securities exchange or market system. Stockholders of an open-end investment company may require the company to redeem their shares at any time, except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act, at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. You should assume that it is not likely that our Board would vote to convert us to an open-end fund.

 

 

The 1940 Act defines “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” as the lesser of a majority of the outstanding shares and 67% of a quorum of a majority of the outstanding shares. For the purposes of calculating “a majority of the outstanding voting securities” under our certificate of incorporation, each class and series of our shares vote together as a single class, except to the extent required by the 1940 Act or our certificate of incorporation, with respect to any class or series of shares. If a separate class vote is required, the applicable proportion of shares of the class or series, voting as a separate class or series, also will be required.

 

Our Board has determined that provisions with respect to our Board and the stockholder voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum requirements under the DGCL or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of stockholders generally.

 

It is a default under our Key Facility if (i) a person or group of persons (within the meaning of the Exchange Act) acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of our issued and outstanding stock or (ii) during any twelve month period individuals who at the beginning of such period constituted our Board cease for any reason, other than death or disability, to constitute a majority of the directors in office. If either event were to occur, Key could accelerate our repayment obligations under, and/or terminate, our Key Facility. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Liquidity and capital resources — Current borrowings.”

 

Limitations of liability and indemnification

 

The indemnification of our officers and directors is governed by Section 145 of the DGCL, and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the DGCL empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if (1) such person acted in good faith, (2) in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and (3) with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

Subsection (b) of Section 145 of the DGCL empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and except that no indemnification may be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Delaware Court of Chancery or such other court deems proper.

 

Section 145 of the DGCL further provides that to the extent that a present or former director or officer is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 of the DGCL, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person will be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding. In all cases in which indemnification is permitted under subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145 of the DGCL (unless ordered by a court), it will be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the applicable standard of conduct has been met by the party to be indemnified. Such determination must be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (4) by the stockholders. The statute authorizes the corporation to pay expenses incurred by an officer or director in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to whom the advance will be made, to repay the advances if it is ultimately determined that he or she was not entitled to indemnification. Section 145 of the DGCL also provides that indemnification and advancement of expenses permitted under such Section are not to be exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. Section 145 of the DGCL also authorizes the corporation to purchase and maintain liability insurance on behalf of its directors, officers, employees and agents regardless of whether the corporation would have the statutory power to indemnify such persons against the liabilities insured.

 

 

Our certificate of incorporation provides that our directors will not be liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that the personal liability of a director to a corporation or its stockholders for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may be eliminated except for liability (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) under Section 174 of the DGCL, relating to unlawful payment of distributions or unlawful stock purchases or redemption of stock or (4) for any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.

 

Under our certificate of incorporation, we fully indemnify any person who was or is involved in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that such person is or was one of our directors or officers. So long as we are regulated under the 1940 Act, the above indemnification and limitation of liability is limited by the 1940 Act or by any valid rule, regulation or order of the SEC thereunder. The 1940 Act provides, among other things, that a company may not indemnify any director or officer against liability to it or its security holders to which he or she might otherwise be subject by reason of his or her willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office unless a determination is made by final decision of a court, by vote of a majority of a quorum of directors who are disinterested, non-party directors or by independent legal counsel that the liability for which indemnification is sought did not arise out of the foregoing conduct.

 

We have obtained liability insurance for our directors and officers. In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and officers in order to effect the foregoing except to the extent that such indemnification would exceed the limitations on indemnification under Section 17(h) of the 1940 Act.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK THAT WE MAY ISSUE

 

Under the terms of our certificate of incorporation, our authorized preferred stock consists of 1,000,000 shares, par value $0.001 per share, of which no shares were outstanding as of June 28, 2021, and our Board is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series without stockholder approval. Particular terms of any preferred stock we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such preferred stock shares.

 

Our Board has discretion to determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences of each series of preferred stock. Every issuance of preferred stock will be required to comply with the requirements of the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act limits our flexibility as to certain rights and preferences of the preferred stock that our certificate of incorporation may provide and requires, among other things, that (1) immediately after issuance and before any distribution is made with respect to our common stock, and before any purchase of common stock is made, such preferred stock together with all other senior securities must not exceed an amount equal to 50% of our total assets (or 66 2/3% if certain approval and disclosure requirements are met) after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be, (2) the holders of shares of preferred stock, if any are issued, must be entitled as a class to elect two directors at all times and to elect a majority of the directors if and for so long as distributions on the preferred stock are in arrears by two years or more and (3) such shares be cumulative as to distributions and have a complete preference over our common stock to payment of their liquidation preference in the event of a dissolution. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a BDC. The features of the preferred stock will be further limited by the requirements applicable to RICs under the Code. The purpose of authorizing our Board to issue preferred stock and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with providing leverage for our investment program, possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from acquiring, a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

 

For any series of preferred stock that we may issue, our Board will determine, and the prospectus supplement relating to such series will describe:

 

•

the designation and number of shares of such series;

•

the rate and time at which, and the preferences and conditions under which, any distributions will be paid on shares of such series, as well as whether such distributions are participating or non-participating;

•

any provisions relating to convertibility or exchangeability of the shares of such series;

•

the rights and preferences, if any, of holders of shares of such series upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs;

•

the voting powers, if any, of the holders of shares of such series;

•

any provisions relating to the redemption of the shares of such series;

•

any limitations on our ability to pay dividends or make distributions on, or acquire or redeem, other securities while shares of such series are outstanding;

•

any conditions or restrictions on our ability to issue additional shares of such series or other securities;

•

if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations; and

•

any other relative power, preferences and participating, optional or special rights of shares of such series, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof.

 

The preferred stock may be either fixed rate preferred stock or variable rate preferred stock, which is sometimes referred to as “auction rate” preferred stock. All shares of preferred stock that we may issue will be identical and of equal rank except as to the particular terms thereof that may be fixed by our Board, and all shares of each series of preferred stock will be identical and of equal rank except as to the dates from which cumulative distributions, if any, thereon will be cumulative. If we issue shares of preferred stock, holders of such preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash distributions at an annual rate that will be fixed or will vary for the successive dividend periods for each series. In general, the dividend periods for fixed rate preferred stock can range from quarterly to weekly and are subject to extension.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS THAT WE MAY ISSUE

 

We may issue subscription rights to purchase common stock. Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with any subscription rights offering to our stockholders, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters or other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other persons would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such subscription rights offering. We will not offer transferable subscription rights to our stockholders at a price equivalent to less than the then current net asset value per share of common stock, excluding underwriting commissions, unless we first file a post-effective amendment that is declared effective by the SEC with respect to such issuance and the common stock to be purchased in connection with the rights represents no more than one-third of our outstanding common stock at the time such rights are issued. In connection with a subscription rights offering to our stockholders, we would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a prospectus supplement to our stockholders on the record date that we set for receiving subscription rights in such subscription rights offering. Our common stockholders will indirectly bear the expenses of such subscription rights offerings, regardless of whether our common stockholders exercise any subscription rights.

 

The applicable prospectus supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 

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the title of such subscription rights;

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the exercise price or a formula for the determination of the exercise price for such subscription rights;

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the number or a formula for the determination of the number of such subscription rights issued to each stockholder;

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the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable;

•

if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights;

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the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights would commence, and the date on which such rights shall expire (subject to any extension);

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the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities;

•

if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or other purchase arrangement that we may enter into in connection with the subscription rights offering; and

•

any other terms of such subscription rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such subscription rights.

 

Exercise of subscription rights

 

Each subscription right would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such amount of shares of common stock at such exercise price as shall in each case be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby or another report filed with the SEC. Subscription rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.

 

Subscription rights may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will forward, as soon as practicable, the shares of common stock purchasable upon such exercise. We may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered shares of common stock directly to stockholders, persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting or other arrangements, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We have not previously completed such an offering of subscription rights.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES THAT WE MAY ISSUE

 

We may issue debt securities in one or more series in the future that, if publicly offered, will be under an indenture to be entered into between the Company and a trustee. The specific terms of each series of debt securities we publicly offer will be described in the particular prospectus supplement relating to that series. For a complete description of the terms of a particular series of debt securities, you should read both this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to that particular series.

 

As required by federal law for all bonds and notes of companies that are publicly offered, debt securities are governed by a document called an “indenture.” An indenture is a contract between us and U.S. Bank National Association, a financial institution acting as trustee on your behalf, and is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, described in the second paragraph under “Events of Default — Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us.

 

Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every aspect of the debt securities and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of debt securities. For example, in this section, we use capitalized words to signify terms that are specifically defined in the indenture. Some of the definitions are repeated in this prospectus, but for the rest you will need to read the indenture. We have filed the form of the indenture with the SEC. See “Where You Can Find More Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the indenture.

 

The prospectus supplement, which will accompany this prospectus, will describe the particular series of debt securities being offered by including:

 

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the designation or title of the series of debt securities;

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the total principal amount of the series of debt securities;

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the percentage of the principal amount at which the series of debt securities will be offered;

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the date or dates on which principal will be payable;

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the rate or rates (which may be either fixed or variable) and/or the method of determining such rate or rates of interest, if any;

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the date or dates from which any interest will accrue, or the method of determining such date or dates, and the date or dates on which any interest will be payable;

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the terms for redemption, extension or early repayment, if any;

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the currencies in which the series of debt securities are issued and payable;

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whether the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest, if any, on a series of debt securities will be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method (which could be based on one or more currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices) and how these amounts will be determined;

•

the place or places of payment, transfer, conversion and/or exchange of the debt securities;

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the denominations in which the offered debt securities will be issued;

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the provision for any sinking fund;

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any restrictive covenants;

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whether the series of debt securities are issuable in certificated form;

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any provisions for defeasance or covenant defeasance;

	•	any special federal income tax implications, including, if applicable, U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to original issue discount;
	•	whether and under what circumstances we will pay additional amounts in respect of any tax, assessment or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities rather than pay the additional amounts (and the terms of this option);

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any provisions for convertibility or exchangeability of the debt securities into or for any other securities;

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whether the debt securities are subject to subordination and the terms of such subordination; and

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any other material terms.

 

 

Any debt securities we issue may be secured or unsecured obligations. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue debt only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after each issuance of debt (or 150% if certain approval and disclosure requirements are met). Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, will be paid by us in immediately available funds. In addition, while any indebtedness and other senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary or emergency purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see “Risk Factors — Risks relating to our business and structure — Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which, we raise additional capital, which may expose us to additional risks.”

 

General

 

The indenture provides that any debt securities proposed to be sold under this prospectus and any attached prospectus supplement (“offered debt securities”) and any debt securities issuable upon the exercise of warrants or upon conversion or exchange of other offered securities (“underlying debt securities”), may be issued under the indenture in one or more series.

 

For purposes of this prospectus, any reference to the payment of principal of or premium or interest, if any, on debt securities will include additional amounts if required by the terms of the debt securities.

 

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder from time to time. Debt securities issued under the indenture, when a single trustee is acting for all debt securities issued under the indenture, are called the “indenture securities.” The indenture also provides that there may be more than one trustee thereunder, each with respect to one or more different series of indenture securities. See “Resignation of trustee” below. At a time when two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, each with respect to only certain series, the term “indenture securities” means the one or more series of debt securities with respect to which each respective trustee is acting. In the event that there is more than one trustee under the indenture, the powers and trust obligations of each trustee described in this prospectus will extend only to the one or more series of indenture securities for which it is trustee. If two or more trustees are acting under the indenture, then the indenture securities for which each trustee is acting would be treated as if issued under separate indentures.

 

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt (secured and unsecured) that we and our subsidiaries may incur or our ability to pay distributions, sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates or make investments. In addition, the indenture does not contain any provisions that would necessarily protect holders of debt securities if we become involved in a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization, merger or other similar transaction that adversely affects us or them.

 

We refer you to the prospectus supplement for information with respect to any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or our covenants that are described below, including any addition of a covenant or other provision providing event risk or similar protection.

 

We have the ability to issue indenture securities with terms different from those of indenture securities previously issued and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen a previous issue of a series of indenture securities and issue additional indenture securities of that series unless the reopening was restricted when that series was created.

 

We expect that we will usually issue debt securities in book entry only form represented by global securities.

 

Conversion and exchange

 

If any debt securities are convertible into or exchangeable for other securities, the prospectus supplement will explain the terms and conditions of the conversion or exchange, including the conversion price or exchange ratio (or the calculation method), the conversion or exchange period (or how the period will be determined), if conversion or exchange will be mandatory or at the option of the holder or us, provisions for adjusting the conversion price or the exchange ratio and provisions affecting conversion or exchange in the event of the redemption of the underlying debt securities. These terms may also include provisions under which the number or amount of other securities to be received by the holders of the debt securities upon conversion or exchange would be calculated according to the market price of the other securities as of a time stated in the prospectus supplement.

 

 

Payment and paying agents

 

We will pay interest to the person listed in the applicable trustee’s records as the owner of the debt security at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if that person no longer owns the debt security on the interest due date. That day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the “record date.” Because we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders on the record date, holders buying and selling debt securities must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the debt securities to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period. This prorated interest amount is called “accrued interest.”

 

Payments on global securities

 

We will make payments on a global security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will make payments directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect holders who own beneficial interests in the global security. An indirect holder’s right to those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants.

 

Payments on certificated securities

 

We will make payments on a certificated debt security as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date by check mailed on the interest payment date to the holder at his or her address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date. We will make all payments of principal and premium, if any, by check at the office of the applicable trustee in New York, New York and/or at other offices that may be specified in the prospectus supplement or in a notice to holders against surrender of the debt security.

 

Alternatively, if the holder asks us to do so, we will pay any amount that becomes due on the debt security by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account at a bank in the United States on the due date.

 

Payment when offices are closed

 

If any payment is due on a debt security on a day that is not a business day, we will make the payment on the next day that is a business day. Payments made on the next business day in this situation will be treated under the indenture as if they were made on the original due date, except as otherwise indicated in the attached prospectus supplement. Such payment will not result in a default under any debt security or the indenture, and no interest will accrue on the payment amount from the original due date to the next day that is a business day.

 

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on their debt securities.

 

Events of default

 

You will have rights if an Event of Default occurs in respect of the debt securities of your series and is not cured, as described later in this subsection.

 

The term “Event of Default” in respect of the debt securities of your series means any of the following (unless the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities states otherwise):

 

•

We do not pay the principal of, or any premium on, a debt security of the series on its due date, and do not cure this default within five days.

•

We do not pay interest on a debt security of the series when due, and such default is not cured within 30 days.

•

We do not deposit any sinking fund payment in respect of debt securities of the series on its due date, and do not cure this default within five days.

•

We remain in breach of a covenant in respect of debt securities of the series for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach. The notice must be sent by either the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of debt securities of the series.

•

We file for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur and remain undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days.

•

On the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months, we have an asset coverage of less than 100%.

•

Any other Event of Default in respect of debt securities of the series described in the applicable prospectus supplement occurs.

 

 

An Event of Default for a particular series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities issued under the same or any other indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any default, except in the payment of principal, premium or interest, if it considers the withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the holders.

 

Remedies if an event of default occurs

 

If an Event of Default has occurred and has not been cured, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of debt securities of the affected series may declare the entire principal amount of all the debt securities of that series to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. In certain circumstances, a declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series.

 

The trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee reasonable protection from expenses and liability (called an “indemnity”) (Section 315 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939). If reasonable indemnity is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of the relevant series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in certain circumstances. No delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy will be treated as a waiver of that right, remedy or Event of Default.

 

Before you are allowed to bypass your trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the debt securities, the following must occur:

 

•

You must give your trustee written notice that an Event of Default has occurred and remains uncured.

	•	The holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all outstanding debt securities of the relevant series must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the cost and other liabilities of taking that action.
	•	The trustee must not have taken action for 60 calendar days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity.

•

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the relevant series must not have given the trustee a direction inconsistent with the above notice during that 60 calendar day period.

 

However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your debt securities on or after the due date.

 

Holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of the affected series may waive any past defaults other than:

 

•

the payment of principal, any premium or interest; or

•

in respect of a covenant that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder.

 

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of maturity.

 

Each year, we will furnish to the trustee a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture, or else specifying any default.

 

Merger or consolidation

 

Under the terms of the indenture, we are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We are also permitted to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. However, unless the prospectus supplement relating to certain debt securities states otherwise, we may not consolidate with or into any other corporation or convey or transfer all or substantially all of our property or assets to any person unless all the following conditions are met:

 

•

Where we merge out of existence or sell our assets, the resulting entity must agree to be legally responsible for all of our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture.

•

Immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no default or Event of Default shall have happened and be continuing.

•

We must deliver certain certificates and documents to the trustee.

•

We must satisfy any other requirements specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities.

 

 

Modification or waiver

 

There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder.

 

Changes requiring your approval

 

First, there are changes that we cannot make to your debt securities without your specific approval. The following is a list of those types of changes:

 

•

change the stated maturity of the principal of or interest on the debt security;

•

reduce any amounts due on the debt security;

•

reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt security following a default;

•

adversely affect any right of repayment at the holder’s option;

•

change the place (except as otherwise described in the prospectus or prospectus supplement) or currency of payment on the debt security;

•

impair your right to sue for payment;

	•	adversely affect any right to convert or exchange a debt security in accordance with its terms;
	•	modify the subordination provisions in the indenture in a manner that is adverse to holders of the debt securities;

•

reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to modify or amend the indenture;

•

reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to waive certain defaults;

•

modify any other aspect of the provisions of the indenture dealing with supplemental indentures, modification and waiver of past defaults, changes to the quorum or voting requirements or the waiver of certain covenants; and

•

change any obligation we have to pay additional amounts.

 

Changes not requiring approval

 

The second type of change does not require any vote by the holders of the debt securities. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the outstanding debt securities in any material respect. We also do not need any approval to make any change that affects only debt securities to be issued under the indenture after the change takes effect.

 

Changes requiring majority approval

 

Any other change to the indenture and the debt securities issued thereunder would require the following approval:

 

•

If the change affects only one series of debt securities, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of that series outstanding at such time.

•

If the change affects more than one series of debt securities issued under the same indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series affected by the change, with all affected series voting together as one class for this purpose.

 

The holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series of debt securities issued under an indenture, voting together as one class for this purpose, may waive our compliance with some of our covenants in that indenture. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or of any of the matters covered by the bullet points included above under “— Changes Requiring Your Approval.”

 

 

Further details concerning voting

 

When taking a vote, we will use the following rules to decide how much principal to attribute to a debt security:

 

•

For original issue discount securities, we will use the principal amount that would be due and payable on the voting date if the maturity of these debt securities were accelerated to that date because of a default.

•

For debt securities whose principal amount is not known (for example, because it is based on an index), we will use a special rule for that debt security described in the prospectus supplement.

•

For debt securities denominated in one or more foreign currencies, we will use the U.S. dollar equivalent.

 

Debt securities will not be considered outstanding, and therefore not eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust money for their payment or redemption. Debt securities will also not be eligible to vote if they have been fully defeased as described later under “Defeasance — Full Defeasance.”

 

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or the debt securities or request a waiver.

 

Defeasance

 

The following provisions will be applicable to each series of debt securities unless we state in the applicable prospectus supplement that the provisions of covenant defeasance and full defeasance will not be applicable to that series.

 

Covenant defeasance

 

We may make the deposit described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the indenture under which the particular series of debt securities were issued. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay your debt securities. If applicable, you also would be released from the subordination provisions described under “Indenture Provisions — Subordination” below. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

 

•

If the debt securities of the particular series are denominated in U.S. dollars, we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of such debt securities a combination of money and United States government or United States government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities on their various due dates. No default or Event of Default with respect to the debt securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit, or in the case of a bankruptcy Event of Default, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit.

•

We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that, under current U.S. federal income tax law, we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity.

 

We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to covenant defeasance have been complied with.

 

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the debt securities if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit or the trustee is prevented from making payment. For example, if one of the remaining Events of Default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the debt securities became immediately due and payable, there might be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

 

Full defeasance

 

If there is a change in U.S. federal tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the debt securities of a particular series (called “full defeasance”) if we put in place the following other arrangements for you to be repaid:

 

•

If the debt securities of the particular series are denominated in U.S. dollars, we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of such debt securities a combination of money and United States government or United States government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the debt securities. No default or Event of Default with respect to the debt securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit, or in the case of a bankruptcy Event of Default, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit.

 

 

	•	We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion confirming that there has been a change in current U.S. federal tax law or an IRS ruling that allows us to make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the debt securities any differently than if we did not make the deposit and just repaid the debt securities ourselves at maturity. Under current U.S. federal tax law, the deposit and our legal release from the debt securities would be treated as though we paid you your share of the cash and notes or bonds at the time the cash and notes or bonds were deposited in trust in exchange for your debt securities and you would recognize gain or loss on the debt securities at the time of the deposit.
	•	We must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to defeasance have been complied with.

 

If we ever did accomplish full defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the debt securities. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. If applicable, you would also be released from the subordination provisions described later under “Indenture Provisions — Subordination.”

 

Satisfaction and discharge

 

The indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect with respect to the debt securities when either:

 

•

all the debt securities that have been authenticated have been delivered to the trustee for cancellation; or

•

all the debt securities that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation:

•

have become due and payable,

•

will become due and payable at their stated maturity within one year, or

•

are to be called for redemption within one year,

 

and we, in the case of the first, second and third sub-bullets above, have irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness (including all principal, premium, if any, and interest) on such debt securities delivered to the trustee for cancellation (in the case of debt securities that have become due and payable on or prior to the date of such deposit) or to the stated maturity or redemption date, as the case may be,

 

•

we have paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by us under the indenture with respect to the debt securities; and

•

we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and legal opinion, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the indenture and the debt securities have been complied with.

 

Form, exchange and transfer of certificated registered securities

 

Holders may exchange their certificated securities, if any, for debt securities of smaller denominations or combined into fewer debt securities of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed.

 

Holders may exchange or transfer their certificated securities, if any, at the office of their trustee. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering debt securities in the names of holders transferring debt securities. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.

 

Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their certificated securities, if any, but they may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership.

 

 

If we have designated additional transfer agents for your debt security, they will be named in your prospectus supplement. We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

 

If any certificated securities of a particular series are redeemable and we redeem less than all the debt securities of that series, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers or exchanges of any certificated securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security that will be partially redeemed.

 

Resignation of trustee

 

Each trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of indenture securities provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to these series. In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of indenture securities under the indenture, each of the trustees will be a trustee of a trust separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee.

 

Indenture provisions — subordination

 

Upon any distribution of our assets upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization, the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on any indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities is to be subordinated to the extent provided in the indenture in right of payment to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below), but our obligation to you to make payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such subordinated debt securities will not otherwise be affected. In addition, no payment on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking fund or interest, if any, may be made on such subordinated debt securities at any time unless full payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal (and premium, if any), sinking fund and interest on Senior Indebtedness has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.

 

In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment by us is received by the trustee in respect of subordinated debt securities or by the holders of any of such subordinated debt securities before all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, the payment or distribution must be paid over to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness or on their behalf for application to the payment of all the Senior Indebtedness remaining unpaid until all the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness. Subject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness upon this distribution by us, the holders of such subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of the Senior Indebtedness to the extent of payments made to the holders of the Senior Indebtedness out of the distributive share of such subordinated debt securities.

 

By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, certain of our senior creditors may recover more, ratably, than holders of any subordinated debt securities. The indenture provides that these subordination provisions will not apply to money and securities held in trust under the defeasance provisions of the indenture.

 

“Senior Indebtedness” is defined in the indenture as the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on:

 

•

our indebtedness (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by us), whenever created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed (other than indenture securities issued under the indenture and denominated as subordinated debt securities), unless in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or under which the same is outstanding it is provided that this indebtedness is not senior or prior in right of payment to the subordinated debt securities, and

•

renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any of this indebtedness.

 

If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of indenture securities denominated as subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement will set forth the approximate amount of our Senior Indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date.

 

 

Certain considerations relating to foreign currencies

 

Debt securities denominated or payable in foreign currencies may entail significant risks. These risks include the possibility of significant fluctuations in the foreign currency markets, the imposition or modification of foreign exchange controls and potential illiquidity in the secondary market. These risks will vary depending upon the currency or currencies involved and will be more fully described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Book-entry debt securities

 

The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will act as securities depository for the debt securities. The debt securities will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. One fully-registered certificate will be issued for the debt securities, in the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be deposited with DTC.

 

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 3.6 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments from over 100 countries that DTC’s participants (“Direct Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”).

 

DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). DTC has Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services’ rating of AA+. The DTC Rules applicable to its participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com and www.dtcc.org.

 

Purchases of debt securities under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the debt securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security (“Beneficial Owner”) is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the debt securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in debt securities, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the debt securities is discontinued.

 

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all debt securities deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co. or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not affect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the debt securities; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

 

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

 

 

Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the debt securities within an issue are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed.

 

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (nor such other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the debt securities unless authorized by a Direct Participant in accordance with DTC’s Procedures. Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an Omnibus Proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.’s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose accounts the debt securities are credited on the record date (identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).

 

Redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments on the debt securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit Direct Participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us or the trustee on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC nor its nominee, the trustee, or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions, and dividend payments to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of us or the trustee, but disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

 

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the debt securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us or to the trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, certificates are required to be printed and delivered. We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry-only transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, certificates will be printed and delivered to DTC.

 

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS THAT WE MAY ISSUE

 

The following is a general description of the terms of the warrants we may issue from time to time. Particular terms of any warrants we offer will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such warrants.

 

We may issue warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. Such warrants may be issued independently or together with shares of common or preferred stock or a specified principal amount of debt securities and may be attached or separate from such securities. We will issue each series of warrants under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency for or with holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

 

A prospectus supplement will describe the particular terms of any series of warrants we may issue, including the following:

 

	•	the title of such warrants;
	•	the aggregate number of such warrants;
	•	the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;
	•	the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the price of such warrants may be payable;
	•	if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each such security or each principal amount of such security;
	•	in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the principal amount of debt securities purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the price at which and the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which this principal amount of debt securities may be purchased upon such exercise;
	•	in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, the number of shares of common stock or preferred stock, as the case may be, purchasable upon exercise of one warrant and the price at which and the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which these shares may be purchased upon such exercise;
	•	the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right will expire;
	•	whether such warrants will be issued in registered form or bearer form;
	•	if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;
	•	if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;
	•	terms of any rights to redeem or call such warrants;
	•	information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
	•	the terms of the securities issuable upon exercise of the warrants;
	•	if applicable, a discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations; and
	•	any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

 

We and the warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the holders of the warrants issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

 

Prior to exercising their warrants, holders of warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities purchasable upon such exercise, including, in the case of warrants to purchase debt securities, the right to receive principal, premium, if any, or interest payments, on the debt securities purchasable upon exercise or to enforce covenants in the applicable indenture or, in the case of warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock, the right to receive distributions, if any, or payments upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up or to exercise any voting rights.

 

Under the 1940 Act, we may generally only offer warrants provided that (1) the warrants expire by their terms within ten years; (2) the exercise or conversion price is not less than the current market value at the date of issuance; (3) our stockholders authorize the proposal to issue such warrants, and our Board approves such issuance on the basis that the issuance is in our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders; and (4) if the warrants are accompanied by other securities, the warrants are not separately transferable unless no class of such warrants and the securities accompanying them has been publicly distributed. The 1940 Act also provides that the amount of our voting securities that would result from the exercise of all outstanding warrants, as well as options and rights, at the time of issuance may not exceed 25% of our outstanding voting securities.

 

 

REGULATION

 

The information in the section entitled “Business — Regulation” in Part I, Item 1 of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

BROKERAGE ALLOCATIONS AND OTHER PRACTICES

 

Since we generally acquire and dispose of our investments in privately negotiated transactions, we infrequently use brokers in the normal course of our business. Subject to policies established by our Board, our Advisor is primarily responsible for the execution of the publicly-traded securities portion of our portfolio transactions and the allocation of brokerage commissions. Our Advisor does not execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but seeks to obtain the best net results for us, taking into account such factors as price (including the applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the firm and the firm’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While our Advisor generally seeks reasonably competitive trade execution costs, we do not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, our Advisor may select a broker based partly upon brokerage or research services provided to it and us and any other clients. In return for such services, we may pay a higher commission than other brokers would charge if our Advisor determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the services provided.

 

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more underwritten public offerings, at-the-market offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades, best efforts or a combination of these methods, up to $350,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights, debt securities, warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities on the terms to be determined at the time of an offering. The debt securities, preferred stock, warrants and subscription rights offered by means of this prospectus may be convertible or exchangeable into shares of our common stock. We may sell the securities through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, including existing stockholders in a rights offering, through agents or through a combination of any such methods of sale. In the case of a rights offering, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering. Any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of the securities by us will be named in the applicable prospectus supplement, such prospectus supplement to also set forth the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them, the offering price of the securities and the proceeds to us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers, and any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed. Only underwriters named in the prospectus supplement will be underwriters of the securities offered by the prospectus supplement.

 

The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices. However, the offering price per share of our common stock, less any underwriting commissions or discounts, must equal or exceed the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time of the offering except (1) in connection with a rights offering to our existing stockholders, (2) with the consent of the majority of our common stockholders or (3) under such circumstances as the SEC may permit.

 

In connection with the sale of the securities, underwriters or agents may receive compensation from us or from purchasers of the securities, for whom they may act as agents, in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. In connection with the sale of the securities, our common stockholders will indirectly bear such fees and expenses, as well as any other fees incurred in connection with the sale of the securities. Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions they receive from us and any profit realized by them on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Any such underwriter or agent will be identified and any such compensation received from us will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. The maximum aggregate commission or discount to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or independent broker-dealer will not be greater than 8% of gross proceeds for the sale of any securities being registered. We may also reimburse the underwriter or agent for certain fees and legal expenses incurred by it.

 

If underwriters are used in the sale of any securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own accounts and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters, or directly by underwriters. Generally, the underwriters’ obligations to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions precedent.

 

We may sell the securities through agents from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and any commissions we pay to them. Generally, any agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

 

Any underwriter may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, short-covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act. Over-allotment involves sales in excess of the offering size, which create a short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum price. Syndicate-covering or other short-covering transactions involve purchases of the securities, either through exercise of the over-allotment option or in the open market after the distribution is completed, to cover short positions. Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a dealer when the securities originally sold by the dealer are purchased in a stabilizing or covering transaction to cover short positions. Those activities may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would otherwise be. If commenced, the underwriters may discontinue any of the activities at any time.

 

 

Any underwriters that are qualified market makers on Nasdaq may engage in passive market making transactions in our common stock on Nasdaq in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act, during the business day prior to the pricing of the offering, before the commencement of offers or sales of our common stock. Passive market makers must comply with applicable volume and price limitations and must be identified as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

 

We may offer shares of common stock in a public offering at-the-market to a select group of investors, in which case you may not be able to participate in such offering and you will experience dilution unless you purchase additional shares of our common stock in the secondary market at the same or lower price.

 

Any common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement may be traded on Nasdaq, or another exchange on which the common stock are traded. The other offered securities may or may not be listed on a securities exchange and we cannot assure you that there will be a liquid trading market for certain of the securities.

 

Under agreements that we may enter into, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of shares of our securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.

 

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase shares of our securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of our securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.

 

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We and/or one of our affiliates may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus or otherwise.

 

In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, our securities will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states, our securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.

 

We, and indirectly our stockholders, will pay customary costs and expenses of the registration of the shares of common stock pursuant to the registration rights agreement, including SEC filing fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or “blue sky” laws.

 

 

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and to an investment in shares of our common stock. This discussion is based on the provisions of the Code and the regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury promulgated thereunder (“Treasury regulations”) each as in effect as of the date of this prospectus. These provisions are subject to differing interpretations and change by legislative or administrative action, and any change may be retroactive. This discussion does not constitute a detailed explanation of all U.S. federal income tax aspects affecting us and our stockholders and does not purport to deal with the U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be important to particular stockholders in light of their individual investment circumstances or to some types of stockholders subject to special tax rules, such as persons that have a functional currency (as defined in Section 985 of the Code) that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, financial institutions, broker-dealers, traders in securities that elect to mark-to-market their securities holdings, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, partnerships or other pass-through entities, persons holding our common stock in connection with a hedging, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction, non-U.S. stockholders (as defined below) engaged in a trade or business in the United States or persons who have ceased to be U.S. citizens or to be taxed as resident aliens. This discussion also does not address any aspects of U.S. estate or gift tax or foreign, state or local tax. This discussion assumes that our stockholders hold their shares of our common stock as capital assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes (within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code). No ruling has been or will be sought from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding any matter discussed herein.

 

This summary does not discuss the consequences of an investment in our preferred stock, debt securities, warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our preferred stock, common stock or debt securities, subscription rights or as units in combination with such securities. The U.S. federal income tax consequences of such an investment will be discussed in a relevant prospectus supplement.

 

For purposes of this discussion:

 

•

a “U.S. stockholder” means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes: (1) a person who is a citizen or individual resident of the United States; (2) a domestic corporation (or other domestic entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes); (3) an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or (4) a trust if (a) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the trust’s administration and one or more U.S. persons are authorized to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (b) the trust has in effect a valid election to be treated as a domestic trust for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and

•

a “non-U.S. stockholder” means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock that is not a U.S. stockholder or a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership) for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our shares, the U.S. tax treatment of the partnership and each partner generally will depend on the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. A stockholder that is a partnership holding shares of our common stock, and each partner in such a partnership, should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock.

 

Tax matters are very complicated and the tax consequences to each stockholder of an investment in our securities will depend on the facts of its particular situation. Stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences to them of an investment in our securities, including applicable tax reporting requirements, the applicability of U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax laws, eligibility for the benefits of any applicable tax treaty, and the effect of any possible changes in the tax laws.

 

Taxation of the company

 

As a BDC, we have elected to be treated, and qualified, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code commencing with our taxable year ending on December 31, 2010. As a RIC, we generally are not subject to corporate-level federal income taxes on our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deductions for dividends paid, or net capital gain that we timely distribute as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to our stockholders.

 

 

To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must, among other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to our business of investing in stock, securities or currencies, or net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (a “QPTP”) (the “90% Gross Income Test”); and (b) diversify our holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (i) at least 50% of the market value of our total assets is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other RICs and other securities, with other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of our total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer (subject to the exception described below), and (ii) not more than 25% of the market value of our total assets is invested in the securities of any issuer (other than U.S. Government securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies), the securities of any two or more issuers that we control and that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses, or the securities of one or more QPTPs (the “Diversification Tests”). In the case of a RIC that furnishes capital to development corporations, there is an exception relating to the Diversification Tests described above. This exception is available only to RICs which the SEC determines to be principally engaged in the furnishing of capital to other corporations which are principally engaged in the development or exploitation of inventions, technological improvements, new processes, or products not previously generally available, which we refer to as “SEC Certification.” We have not sought SEC Certification, but it is possible that we will seek SEC Certification in future years. If we receive SEC Certification, we generally will be entitled to include, in the computation of the 50% value of our assets (described in (b)(i) above), the value of any securities of an issuer, whether or not we own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, if the basis of the securities, when added to our basis of any other securities of the issuer that we own, does not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets.

 

As a RIC, in any taxable year with respect to which we distribute an amount equal to at least 90% of the sum of our (i) investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital losses and other taxable income (other than any net capital gain), reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends and distributions paid and (ii) net tax-exempt interest income (which is the excess of our gross tax-exempt interest income over certain disallowed deductions) (the “Annual Distribution Requirement”), we (but not our stockholders) generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders. We intend to distribute annually all or substantially all of such income. While we intend to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may choose to retain all or a portion of our net capital gains or investment company taxable income not subject to the Annual Distribution Requirement for investment, and incur the associated federal corporate income tax, or the 4% U.S. federal excise tax as appropriate, and as described below.

 

We are subject to a nondeductible 4% U.S. federal excise tax on certain of our undistributed income, unless we timely distribute (or are deemed to have timely distributed) an amount at least equal to the sum of:

 

•

98% of our ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year;

•

98.2% of the amount by which our capital gains exceed our capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made by us to use our taxable year); and

•

certain undistributed amounts from previous years on which we incurred no U.S. federal income tax.

 

While we generally intend to distribute any income and capital gains in order to avoid imposition of this 4% U.S. federal excise tax, we may not be successful in avoiding entirely the imposition of this tax or may decide that it is in our best interest to retain some of our income or gains and be subject to this tax. In that case, we will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.

 

If we borrow money, we may be prevented by loan covenants from declaring and paying distributions in certain circumstances. Limits on our payment of distributions may prevent us from satisfying distribution requirements, and may, therefore, jeopardize our qualification for taxation as a RIC, or subject us to the 4% U.S. federal excise tax.

 

 

Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while any senior securities are outstanding unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios. See “Business — Regulation — Senior securities; derivative securities” in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K. Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to meet our distribution requirements may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or to avoid the imposition of the 4% U.S. federal excise tax, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.

 

A RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of its “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, ordinary income plus the excess of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses). If our expenses in a given taxable year exceed investment company taxable income, we would incur a net operating loss for that taxable year. However, a RIC is not permitted to carry forward net operating losses to subsequent years. In addition, deductible expenses can be used only to offset investment company taxable income, not net capital gain. Due to these limits on the deductibility of expenses, we may for tax purposes have aggregate taxable income for several taxable years that we are required to distribute and that is taxable to our stockholders even if such income is greater than the aggregate net income we actually earned during those taxable years. Such required distributions may be made from our cash assets or by liquidation of investments, if necessary. We may realize gains or losses from such liquidations. In the event we realize net capital gains from such transactions, you may receive a larger capital gain distribution than you would have received in the absence of such transactions.

 

Failure to qualify as a RIC

 

If we were unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC, and if certain cure provisions described below are not available, we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income (including our net capital gains) at regular corporate rates. We would not be able to deduct distributions to stockholders, nor would they be required to be made. Distributions, including distributions of net long-term capital gain, would generally be taxable to our stockholders as ordinary dividend income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. Subject to certain limitations under the Code, corporate stockholders would be eligible to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to such dividends, and non-corporate stockholders would generally be able to treat such dividends as “qualified dividend income,” which is subject to reduced rates of U.S. federal income tax. Distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits would be treated first as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s tax basis, and any remaining distributions would be treated as a capital gain. In order to qualify again to be subject to tax as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, we would be required to distribute our earnings and profits attributable to any of our non-RIC taxable years as dividends to our stockholders. Moreover, if we fail to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, to qualify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year we may be subject to regular corporate tax on any net built-in gains with respect to certain of our assets (i.e., the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized with respect to such assets if we had been liquidated) that we elect to recognize on requalification or when recognized over the next five taxable years.

 

We may decide to be taxed as a regular corporation even if we would otherwise qualify as a RIC if we determine that treatment as a corporation for a particular taxable year would be in our best interests.

 

Company investments

 

Certain of our investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among other things, (i) disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, including the dividends received deduction, (ii) convert lower taxed long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii) convert ordinary loss or a deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv) cause us to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii) produce income that will not qualify as qualifying gross income for purposes of the 90% Gross Income Test. We monitor our transactions and may make certain tax elections and may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to mitigate the effect of these rules and to prevent disqualification of us as a RIC but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in this regard.

 

 

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with payment-in-kind interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or issued with warrants), we must include in taxable income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. Since in certain cases we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving cash representing such income, we may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement or may be required to incur the 4% U.S. federal excise tax.

 

In such instances, we may need to sell some of our assets at times that we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forego new investment opportunities or otherwise take actions that are disadvantageous to our business (or be unable to take action that are advantageous) in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, we may fail to be eligible to be subject to federal income tax as a RIC and, thus, become subject to a corporate-level federal income tax on all our income.

 

Warrants.  Gain or loss realized by us from the sale or exchange of warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally are treated as capital gain or loss. The treatment of such gain or loss as long-term or short-term depends on how long we held a particular warrant. Upon the exercise of a warrant acquired by us, our tax basis in the stock purchased under the warrant equals the sum of the amount paid for the warrant plus the strike price paid on the exercise of the warrant.

 

Foreign investments.  In the event we invest in foreign securities, we may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes with respect to those securities. We do not expect to satisfy the requirement to pass through to our stockholders their share of the foreign taxes paid by us.

 

Passive foreign investment companies.  We may invest in the stock of a foreign corporation which is considered a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) within the meaning of Section 1297 of the Code. In general, if a special tax election has not been made, we are subject to tax at ordinary income rates on any gains and “excess distributions” with respect to PFIC stock as if such items had been realized ratably over the period during which we held the PFIC stock, plus an interest charge. Any adverse tax consequences of a PFIC investment may be limited if we are eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to such investment. No assurances can be given that any such election will be available or that, if available, we will make such an election.

 

Foreign currency transactions.  Our functional currency, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is the U.S. dollar. Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time we accrue income or other receivables or accrue expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time we actually collect such receivables or pay such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, on disposition of debt instruments and certain other instruments denominated in a foreign currency, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the instrument and the date of disposition are generally treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses, referred to under the Code as “section 988” gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount of our investment company taxable income to be distributed to our stockholders as ordinary income. Any such transactions that are not directly related to our investment in securities (possibly including speculative currency positions or currency derivatives not used for hedging purposes) also could, under future Treasury regulations, produce income not among the types of “qualifying income” for purposes of the 90% Income Test.

 

The remainder of this discussion assumes that we qualify as a RIC for each taxable year.

 

Taxation of U.S. stockholders

 

Distributions by us to U.S. stockholders are generally characterized either as ordinary income or capital gains. Distributions of our “investment company taxable income” (which is, generally, our net ordinary income plus net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, and determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) will be characterized as ordinary income to U.S. stockholders to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares of our common stock. To the extent such distributions paid by us to non-corporate stockholders (including individuals) are attributable to dividends from U.S. corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations and if certain holding period requirements are met, such distributions generally will be treated as qualified dividend income and generally eligible for a maximum U.S. federal tax rate of either 15% or 20% (depending on whether the stockholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts). In this regard, it is anticipated that distributions paid by us will generally not be attributable to dividends and, therefore, generally will not be eligible to treatment as qualified dividend income.

 

 

Distributions of our net capital gains (which is generally our realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) properly reported by us as “capital gain dividends” will be taxable to a U.S. stockholder generally will be characterized as long-term capital gains (generally at a maximum U.S. federal tax rate of 15% or 20%, depending on whether the stockholder’s income exceeds certain threshold amounts) in the case of individuals, trusts or estates, regardless of the U.S. stockholder’s holding period for his, her or its common stock and regardless of whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional common stock. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits first will reduce a U.S. stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in such stockholder’s common stock and, after the adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such U.S. stockholder.

 

Although we currently intend to distribute any net long-term capital gains at least annually, we may in the future decide to retain some or all of our net long-term capital gains but designate the retained amount as a “deemed distribution.” In that case, among other consequences, we will be subject to tax on the retained amount, each U.S. stockholder will be required to include their share of the deemed distribution in income as if it had been distributed to the U.S. stockholder, and the U.S. stockholder will be entitled to claim a credit equal their allocable share of the tax paid on the deemed distribution by us. The amount of the deemed distribution net of such tax will be added to the U.S. stockholder’s tax basis for their common stock. Since we expect to incur a 35% U.S. federal income tax on any retained capital gains, and since that rate is generally in excess of the maximum rate currently payable by individuals on long-term capital gains, the amount of tax that individual stockholders will be treated as having paid and for which they will receive a credit will exceed the tax they owe on the retained net capital gain. Such excess generally may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. stockholder’s other U.S. federal income tax obligations or may be refunded to the extent it exceeds a stockholder’s liability for U.S. federal income tax. A stockholder that is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or otherwise required to file a U.S. federal income tax return would be required to file a U.S. federal income tax return on the appropriate form in order to claim a refund for the taxes we paid. In order to utilize the deemed distribution approach, we must provide written notice to our stockholders prior to the expiration of 60 days after the close of the relevant taxable year. We cannot treat any of our investment company taxable income as a “deemed distribution.”

 

For purposes of determining (1) whether the Annual Distribution Requirement is satisfied for any taxable year and (2) the amount of capital gain distributions paid for that taxable year, we may, under certain circumstances, elect to treat a dividend that is paid during the following taxable year as if it had been paid during the taxable year in question. If we make such an election, the U.S. stockholder will still be treated as receiving the dividend in the taxable year in which the distribution is made. However, if we pay you a dividend in January of any calendar year which was declared in October, November or December to stockholders of record on a specified date in one of these months, then the dividend will be treated for tax purposes as being paid by us and received by you on December 31 of the calendar year in which the dividend was declared.

 

If an investor purchases shares of our stock shortly before the record date of a distribution, the price of the shares will include the value of the distribution and the investor will be subject to tax on the distribution even though it represents a return of its investment.

 

Alternative minimum tax.  As a RIC, we are subject to alternative minimum tax, also referred to as “AMT,” but any items that are treated differently for AMT purposes must be apportioned between us and our U.S. stockholders and this may affect the U.S. stockholders’ AMT liabilities. Although Treasury regulations explaining the precise method of apportionment have not yet been issued, such items will generally be apportioned in the same proportion that distributions paid to each U.S. stockholder bear to our taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction), unless a different method for particular item is warranted under the circumstances.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan.  Under the DRIP, if a U.S. stockholder owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the U.S. stockholder will have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock unless the U.S. stockholder opts out of our DRIP by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or distribution. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” Any distributions determined to constitute dividends which have been reinvested under the plan will nevertheless generally remain taxable to the U.S. stockholder. Stockholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional shares of our common stock purchased in the market generally should be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the stockholders receiving cash dividends or distributions will receive, and should have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount. Stockholders receiving distributions in newly issued shares of our common stock will be treated as receiving a distribution equal to the value of the shares received, and should have a cost basis of such amount.

 

 

Dispositions.  A U.S. stockholder will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of shares of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. stockholder’s adjusted basis in the shares disposed of and the amount realized on their disposition. Generally, gain recognized by a U.S. stockholder on the disposition of shares of our common stock will result in capital gain or loss to a U.S. stockholder, and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss recognized by a U.S. stockholder upon the disposition of shares of our common stock held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by the U.S. stockholder. A loss recognized by a U.S. stockholder on a disposition of shares of our common stock will be disallowed as a deduction if the U.S. stockholder acquires additional shares of our common stock (whether through the automatic reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In this case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. Non-corporate U.S. stockholders with net capital losses for a taxable year (i.e., capital losses in excess of capital gains) generally may deduct up to $3,000 of such losses against their ordinary income each taxable year; any net capital losses of a non-corporate U.S. stockholder in excess of $3,000 generally may be carried forward and used in subsequent taxable years as provided in the Code. Corporate U.S. stockholders generally may not deduct any net capital losses for a taxable year, but may carry back such losses for three taxable years or carry forward such losses for five taxable years.

 

Tax shelter reporting regulations.  Under applicable Treasury regulations, if a U.S. stockholder recognizes a loss with respect to shares of $2 million or more for a non-corporate U.S. stockholder or $10 million or more for a corporate U.S. stockholder in any single taxable year (or a greater loss over a combination of years), the U.S. stockholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct U.S. stockholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, U.S. stockholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current exception from this reporting requirement to U.S. stockholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s treatment of the loss is proper. U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances.

 

Shareholder tax reporting and other matters.  We will provide information to each of our U.S. stockholders, as promptly as possible after the end of each calendar year, a notice detailing, on a per share and per distribution basis, the amounts includible in such U.S. stockholder’s taxable income for such calendar year as ordinary income and as long-term capital gain. In addition, the U.S. federal tax status of distributions paid by us in respect of each calendar year generally will be reported to the IRS. Distributions may also be subject to additional state, local and foreign taxes depending on a U.S. stockholder’s particular situation.

 

Backup withholding.  We are required in certain circumstances to backup withhold on taxable dividends or distributions paid to non-corporate U.S. stockholders who do not furnish us with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, their social security number) and certain certifications, or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in shares of our common stock.

 

Taxation of non-U.S. stockholders

 

The following discussion only applies to non-U.S. stockholders. Whether an investment in shares of our common stock is appropriate for a non-U.S. stockholder will depend upon that person’s particular circumstances. An investment in shares of our common stock by a non-U.S. stockholder may have adverse tax consequences. Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers before investing in shares of our common stock.

 

Actual and deemed distributions; dispositions.  Distributions of ordinary income to non-U.S. stockholders, subject to the discussion below, will generally be subject to withholding of U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits even if they are funded by income or gains (such as portfolio interest, short-term capital gains, or foreign-source dividend and interest income) that, if paid to a non-U.S. stockholder directly, would not be subject to withholding. Different tax consequences may result if the non-U.S. stockholder is engaged in a trade or business in the United States or, in the case of an individual, is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a taxable year and certain other conditions are satisfied. Special certification requirements apply to a non-U.S. stockholder that is a foreign partnership or a foreign trust, and such entities are urged to consult their own tax advisers.

 

 

In addition, no withholding is required and the distributions generally are not subject to U.S. federal income tax if (i) the distributions are properly reported in a notice timely delivered to our stockholders as “interest-related dividends” or “short-term capital gain dividends,” (ii) the distributions are derived from sources specified in the Code for such distributions and (iii) certain other requirements are satisfied. In the case of shares of our common stock held through an intermediary, the intermediary may have withheld U.S. federal income tax even if we reported the payment as having been derived from qualified net interest income or from qualified short-term capital gains. Furthermore, no assurance can be given as to whether any amount of our distributions will be eligible for this exemption from withholding or, if eligible, will be reported as such by us.

 

Actual or deemed distributions of our net capital gains to a non-U.S. stockholder, and gains recognized by a non-U.S. stockholder upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock, generally will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax and will not be subject to federal income tax unless (i) the distributions or gains, as the case may be, are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the non-U.S. stockholder in the United States or (ii) in the case of an individual, the non-U.S. stockholder is present in the United States for 183 days or more during a taxable year and certain other conditions are satisfied.

 

Withholding agents are required to withhold U.S. tax (at a 30% rate) on payments of taxable distributions and (effective January 1, 2019) redemption proceeds and certain capital gain distributions made to certain non-U.S. entities that fail to comply (or be deemed compliant) with extensive reporting and withholding requirements designated to inform the U.S. Department of the Treasury of U.S.-owned foreign investment accounts. The information required to be reported includes the identity and taxpayer identification number of each account holder and transaction activity within the holder’s account. Stockholders may be requested to provide additional information to the withholding agents to enable the withholding agents to determine whether withholding is required.

 

If we distribute our net capital gains in the form of deemed rather than actual distributions (which we may do in the future), a non-U.S. stockholder will be entitled to a federal income tax credit or tax refund equal to the stockholder’s allocable share of the tax we incur the capital gains deemed to have been distributed. In order to obtain the refund, the non-U.S. stockholder must obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number and file a U.S. federal income tax return even if the non-U.S. stockholder is not otherwise required to obtain a U.S. taxpayer identification number or file a U.S. federal income tax return.

 

For a corporate non-U.S. stockholder, distributions (both actual and deemed), and gains realized upon the sale of our common stock that are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business may, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional “branch profits tax” at a 30% rate (or at a lower rate if provided for by an applicable tax treaty). Accordingly, investment in shares of our common stock may not be appropriate for certain non-U.S. stockholder. Non-U.S. stockholders may also be subject to U.S. estate tax with respect to their shares of our common stock.

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan.  Under our DRIP, if a non-U.S. stockholder owns shares of common stock registered in its own name, the non-U.S. stockholder will have all cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock unless it opts out of our DRIP by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent prior to the record date of the next dividend or distribution. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.” If the distribution is a distribution of our investment company taxable income, is not designated by us as a short-term capital gains dividend or interest-related dividend and it is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder (or, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is not attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of the non-U.S. stockholder), the amount distributed (to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits) will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a 30% rate (or lower rate provided by an applicable treaty) and only the net after-tax amount will be reinvested in common shares. If the distribution is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of the non-U.S. stockholder, generally the full amount of the distribution will be reinvested in the plan and will nevertheless be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the ordinary income rates applicable to U.S. persons.

 

 

Backup withholding.  A non-U.S. stockholder who is a non-resident alien individual, and who is otherwise subject to withholding of federal income tax, may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding of federal income tax on taxable dividends or distributions unless the non-U.S. stockholder provides us or the dividend paying agent with an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or an acceptable substitute form) or otherwise meets documentary evidence requirements for establishing that it is a non-U.S. stockholder or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments made to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

 

An investment in our common stock by a non-U.S. person may also be subject to U.S. federal estate tax.

 

Non-U.S. stockholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to the U.S. federal income tax and withholding tax, and state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in our shares.

 

 

CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT, DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR

 

Our securities are held by US Bank, N.A. pursuant to a custodian services agreement. The principal business address of US Bank, N.A. is 1133 Rankin Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116. The principal address for U.S. Bank National Association is 1133 Rankin Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116. Computershare Shareowner Services LLC (formerly known as BNY Mellon Shareowner Services) acts as our transfer agent, dividend paying agent and registrar pursuant to a transfer agency agreement. The principal business address of Computershare Shareowner Services LLC is 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Dechert LLP, and certain legal matters will be passed upon for underwriters or dealer managers, if any, by the counsel named in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The consolidated financial statements of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Horizon Technology Finance Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 have been audited by RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report thereon, incorporated herein by reference, and have been incorporated in this Prospectus and Registration Statement in reliance upon such report and upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC. Pursuant to the Small Business Credit Availability Act, we are allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information.

 

We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings (including those made after the date of the filing of the initial registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement) we will make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act until the termination of the offering of the securities covered by this prospectus; provided, however, that information “furnished” under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC which is not deemed filed is not incorporated by reference:

 

•

our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2021;

 

•

our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021, filed with the SEC on April 27, 2021;

 

•

our Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 22, 2021;

 

•

our Current Reports on Form 8-K (other than information furnished rather than filed in accordance with SEC rules) filed with the SEC on March 2, 2021, March 25, 2021, March 30, 2021, June 3, 2021 and June 23, 2021; and

 

•

The description of our Common Stock referenced in our Registration Statement on Form N-2 (No. 333-165570), as filed with the SEC on March 19, 2010, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description prior to the termination of the offering of the common stock registered hereby.

 

To obtain copies of these filings, see “Available Information.”

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. That registration statement and the exhibits filed along with the registration statement contain more information about us and the securities in this offering. Because information about documents referred to in this prospectus is not always complete, you should read the full documents which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement. You may read and copy the full registration statement and its exhibits at the SEC’s public reference rooms or its website

 

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement we filed with the SEC. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement, some of which is contained in exhibits to the registration statement as permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and the securities we are offering under this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement, including the exhibits filed as a part of the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus concerning the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. If a contract or other document has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see the copy of the contract or document that has been filed. Each statement in this prospectus relating to a contract or document filed or incorporated by referenceas an exhibit is qualified in all respects by such exhibit.

 

We file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us by telephone at (860) 676-8654 or on our website at www.horizontechfinance.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus or any prospectus supplement.

 

You can request a copy of any of our SEC filings, including those incorporated by reference herein, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address or telephone number:

 

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation
312 Farmington Avenue
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 676-8654
Attn: Secretary

 

 

 

 

3,250,000 Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Horizon Technology Finance Corporation

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

May 30, 2023

 

 

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Book-Running Managers

 

Morgan Stanley

UBS Investment Bank

Wells Fargo Securities

 

 

Co-Managers

                                      

Janney Montgomery Scott

Maxim Group LLC