PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT March 19, 2015
(to Prospectus dated March 9, 2015)
4,938,969 Common Shares
Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund
Issuable Upon Exercise of Transferable Rights to Subscribe for Common Shares
Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company.
The Fund is issuing transferable rights ("Rights") to its Common Shareholders of record ("Record Date Shareholders") as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on March 20, 2015 (the "Record Date"), entitling the holders of those Rights to subscribe for up to an aggregate of 4,938,969 of the Fund's Common Shares (the "Offer"). Record Date Shareholders will receive one Right for each outstanding whole Common Share held on the Record Date. The Rights entitle their holders to purchase one new Common Share for every three Rights held (1 for 3). Any Record Date Shareholder who is issued fewer than three Rights may subscribe for one full Common Share in the Offer. In addition, Record Date Shareholders who fully exercise their Rights (other than those Rights that cannot be exercised because they represent the right to acquire less than one Common Share) will be entitled to subscribe for additional Common Shares of the Fund that remain unsubscribed as a result of any unexercised Rights. This over-subscription privilege is subject to a number of limitations and subject to allotment.
The subscription price per Common Share (the "Subscription Price") will be determined based upon a formula equal to 90% of the average of the last reported sales price of a Common Share on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on the date on which the Offer expires, as such date may be extended from time to time, and each of the four (4) preceding trading days (the "Formula Price"). If, however, the Formula Price is less than 80% of the net asset value ("NAV") per Common Share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date (as defined below), then the Subscription Price will be 80% of the Fund's NAV per Common Share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date. The Fund will pay a sales load on the Subscription Price. The Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on April 17, 2015, unless extended as described in this Prospectus Supplement (the "Expiration Date").
Rights holders may not know the Subscription Price at the time of exercise and will be required initially to pay for both the Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the primary subscription and, if eligible, any additional common shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege at the estimated Subscription Price of $17.00 per Common Share and, except in limited circumstances, will not be able to rescind their subscription.
Exercising your Rights and investing in the Fund's Common Shares involves a high degree of risk. See "Risks" on page 64 of the accompanying Prospectus.
Upon the completion of the Offer, Record Date Shareholders who do not fully exercise their Rights will own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than they owned prior to the Offer. The completion of the Offer will result in immediate voting dilution for such Common Shareholders. Further, both the sales load and expenses associated with the offer paid by the Fund may reduce the NAV per Common Share of each Common Shareholder's Common Shares. In addition, if the Subscription Price is less than the NAV per Common Share as of the Expiration Date, the completion of the Offer will result in an immediate dilution of NAV per Common Share for all Common Shareholders (i.e., will cause the NAV of the Fund to decrease) and may have the effect of reducing the market price of the Fund's Common Shares. It is anticipated that the existing Common Shareholders will experience immediate dilution even if they fully exercise their Rights.
(continued on inside front cover)
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission ("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.
Per Common Share |
Total(1) |
||||||||||
Estimated Subscription Price(2) |
$ |
17.00 |
$ |
83,962,473 |
|||||||
Estimated Sales Load(2)(3) |
$ |
0.64 |
$ |
3,148,593 |
|||||||
Proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund(4)(5) |
$ |
16.36 |
$ |
80,813,880 |
(notes on inside front cover)
UBS Investment Bank
(notes from cover page)
(1) Assumes that all Rights are exercised at the estimated Subscription Price. All of the Rights may not be exercised.
(2) Estimated on the basis of 90% of the average of the last reported sales price per Common Share at the close of trading on the NYSE on March 18, 2015 and each of the four (4) preceding trading days. See "Terms of the OfferSubscription Price."
(3) In connection with the Offer, UBS Securities LLC, the dealer manager for the Offer ("UBS" or the "Dealer Manager") will receive a fee for its financial structuring and soliciting services equal to 3.75% of the aggregate Subscription Price per Common Share for each Common Share issued pursuant to the Offer. The Dealer Manager will reallow a part of its fees to other broker-dealers that have assisted in soliciting the exercise of the Rights. The Dealer Manager fee will be borne by the Fund and indirectly by all of its Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights. The Fund and its investment adviser have also agreed to indemnify the Dealer Manager against certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").
(4) Offering expenses borne by the Fund (including the reimbursements described below) are estimated to be approximately $450,000 in the aggregate, or $0.09 per Common Share (assuming the Rights are fully exercised). After deduction of such expenses, the Per Common Share and Total Proceeds to the Fund are estimated at $16.27 and $80,363,880, respectively. The Fund has agreed to pay the Dealer Manager up to $100,000 as a partial reimbursement for its expenses incurred in connection with the Offer. The Fund will also pay expenses relating to the printing or other production, mailing and delivery expenses incurred in connection with materials related to the Offer, including all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses, if any and not to exceed $10,000, incurred by the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members (as defined in this Prospectus Supplement), Soliciting Dealers (as defined in this Prospectus Supplement) and other brokers, dealers and financial institutions in connection with their customary mailing and handling of materials related to the Offer to their customers. Offering expenses will be borne by the Fund and indirectly by all of its Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights.
(5) Funds received by check or money order prior to the final due date of the Offer will be deposited into a segregated account pending proration and distribution of Common Shares. The Subscription Agent may receive investment earnings on the funds deposited into such account.
(continued from cover page)
Such dilution is not currently determinable because it is not known how many Common Shares will be subscribed for, what the NAV or market price of the Common Shares will be on the Expiration Date or what the Subscription Price will be. Any such dilution will disproportionately affect non-exercising Common Shareholders. If the Subscription Price is substantially less than the current NAV, this dilution could be substantial. However, assuming all of the Common Shares are sold at the estimated Subscription Price (which includes a sales load) and after deducting all expenses related to the issuance of the Common Shares, the Fund's current NAV per Common Share would be reduced by approximately $0.51 or 2.78%. The distribution to Common Shareholders of transferable Rights, which themselves have intrinsic value, will afford non-participating Common Shareholders of record on the Record Date the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the Rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for any dilution of their interests that may occur as a result of the Offer. There can be no assurance that a market for the Rights will develop or, if such a market develops, what the price of the rights will be. See "Terms of the OfferInvestment Considerations and Dilution" in this Prospectus Supplement. Except as described herein, Rights holders will have no right to rescind their subscriptions after receipt of their payment for Common Shares by the subscription agent for the Offer.
Investment Objective. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders. The "total return" sought by the Fund includes appreciation in the net asset value of the Fund's Common Shares and all distributions made by the Fund to its Common Shareholders, regardless of the tax characterization of such distributions, including distributions characterized as return of capital. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Principal Investment Policies. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and energy infrastructure companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus Supplement) in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies.
The Advisor intends to construct the Fund's portfolio utilizing a three-pronged approach. The Advisor targets a "core" portfolio of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have (i) traditional fee-based businesses, (ii) high barriers to entry, (iii) low direct commodity price exposure and (iv) low demand elasticity or the potential for demand destruction. Examples include interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines with long-term contracts and diversified revenue streams, and crude and gas storage and terminal facilities. In addition to this "core" portfolio, the Fund may invest a portion of its portfolio in shorter-term investments. These opportunistic transactions may be based on the Advisor's view of factors including, but not limited to, market dislocations, projected trading demand imbalances, short-term market catalysts, commodity price volatility and interest rates and credit spreads along with other issuer-specific developments. Finally, the Fund intends to allocate up to 20% of its portfolio to private investment opportunities. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private investments that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Advisor believes it is uniquely positioned to analyze private investment opportunities sourced directly or co-investment opportunities made available to the Advisor by private equity firms or other sources. The breadth of Advisor personnel's mergers and acquisitions background provides for a network of deep relationships with investment banking groups, management teams, private equity firms and significant shareholders seeking liquidity.
Entities commonly referred to as master limited partnerships or MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund considers investments in MLPs to include investments that offer economic exposure to public and private MLPs in the form of equity securities of MLPs, securities of entities holding primarily general or limited partner or managing member interests in MLPs, securities that represent indirect investments in MLPs, including I-Shares (which represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated party of a MLP) and debt securities of MLPs.
The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed to or derived from the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets; or (ii) a third party classification has given the company an industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions, including the production, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals and other energy resources, physical structures, networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure company to be an "energy infrastructure company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or services to companies operating in the energy sector.
Listing and Symbol. The Fund's currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN." As of March 18, 2015, the last reported sale price for the Fund's Common Shares on the NYSE was $17.86 per Common Share. The NAV of the Fund's Common Shares as of the close of business on March 18, 2015, was $18.32 per Common Share. The Rights for Common Shares offered by this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus will be admitted for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN RT."
This Prospectus Supplement, together with the accompanying Prospectus, dated March 9, 2015 (the "Prospectus"), sets forth concisely the information that you should know before investing in the Fund's Securities. You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, which contain important information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated March 9, 2015 (the "SAI"), as supplemented from time to time, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the accompanying Prospectus. This Prospectus Supplement describes the specific details regarding this offering, including the method of distribution. If information in this Prospectus Supplement is inconsistent with the accompanying Prospectus or the SAI, you should rely on this Prospectus Supplement. You may request a free copy of the SAI, the table of contents of which is on page 107 of the Prospectus, or request other information about the Fund (including the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports) or make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) 651-2345 or by writing to the Advisor at Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP, 1600 Smith
Street, Suite 3800, Houston, Texas 77002, or you may obtain a copy (and other information regarding the Fund) from the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). Free copies of the Fund's reports and the SAI will also be available from the Fund's web site at www.centercoastcap.com.
The Fund's Securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the accompanying Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page |
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Prospectus Supplement |
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Prospectus Supplement Summary |
S-1 |
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Summary of Fund Expenses |
S-8 |
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Capitalization |
S-10 |
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Use of Proceeds |
S-11 |
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Terms of the Offer |
S-11 |
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Risks Related to the Offer |
S-25 |
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Legal Matters |
S-26 |
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
S-26 |
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Additional Information |
S-26 |
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Prospectus |
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Prospectus Summary |
1 |
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Summary of Fund Expenses |
44 |
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Financial Highlights |
46 |
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Senior Securities |
47 |
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The Fund |
47 |
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Use of Proceeds |
47 |
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Market and Net Asset Value Information |
47 |
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Investment Objective and Policies |
48 |
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The Fund's Investments |
50 |
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Use of Financial Leverage |
60 |
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Risks |
64 |
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Management of the Fund |
89 |
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Net Asset Value |
90 |
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Distributions |
92 |
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
93 |
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Description of Capital Structure |
94 |
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Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund's Governing Documents |
97 |
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Closed-End Fund Structure |
98 |
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Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund |
98 |
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Taxation |
99 |
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Plan of Distribution |
103 |
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Custodian, Administrator and Transfer Agent |
105 |
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Investor Support Services |
105 |
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Legal Matters |
105 |
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
106 |
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Additional Information |
106 |
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Privacy Principles of the Fund |
106 |
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Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information |
107 |
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement. The Fund has not, and the Dealer Manager has 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. The Fund is not, and the Dealer Manager is not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus Supplement contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements describe the Fund's plans, strategies, and goals and our beliefs and assumptions concerning future economic and other conditions and the outlook for the Fund, based on currently available information. In this Prospectus Supplement, words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "objectives," "goals," "future," "intends," "seeks," "will," "may," "could," "should," and similar expressions are used in an effort to identify forward-looking statements, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. The Fund is not entitled to the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
This is only a summary of information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Fund's Common Shares. You should carefully read the more detailed information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus and the SAI, especially the information set forth under the headings "Investment Objective and Policies" and "Risks." Capitalized terms used herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to them in the accompanying Prospectus.
The Fund Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company.
Purpose of the Offer The board of trustees of the Fund (the "Board"), based on the recommendations of and presentations by Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. ("Center Coast" or the "Advisor"), and others, has determined that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders to conduct the Offer and thereby to increase the assets of the Fund available for investment. In making this determination, the Board considered a number of factors, including potential benefits and costs. In particular, the Board considered the Advisor's belief that the Offer would better enable the Fund to take advantage more fully of existing and future investment opportunities that may be or may become available, consistent with the Fund's investment objective to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to its Common Shareholders. By increasing assets through the Offer, the Fund believes that it will be able to (i) invest in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies currently trading at attractive prices as a result of recent dislocations in the market for such securities, and (ii) fund attractive private investment opportunities in furtherance of the Fund's policy of allocating up to 20% of its portfolio to a limited number of carefully selected private investments, in each case without being required to dispose of existing portfolio investments at inopportune times.
The Offer seeks to provide an opportunity to existing Common Shareholders to purchase Common Shares at a discount to market price (subject to the sales load described in this Prospectus Supplement). The distribution to Common Shareholders of transferable Rights, which may themselves have intrinsic value, also will afford non-participating Common Shareholders of record on the Record Date, the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the Rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for any dilution of their interests that may occur as a result of the Offer. There can be no assurance that a market for the Rights will develop or, if such a market does develop, what the price of the Rights will be.
In making its determination that the Offer is in the best interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders, the Board considered (in addition to the Advisor's belief as to the potential investment opportunities) various factors, including: (i) the size, pricing and structure of the Offer; (ii) that the Offer, if it is well-subscribed, could increase the liquidity of the Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), where the Common Shares are traded; (iii) the opportunity the Offer represents for current Common Shareholders to buy Common Shares at a discount to net
S-1
asset value or market price, or, in many cases, both; (iv) the costs of the Offer, including dilution of Common Shareholders' interests through the Offer and fees paid to the Dealer Manager, and; (v) the possible negative effect on the market price of Common Shares the Offer may have. The Board noted that the Advisor has an inherent conflict of interest in recommending the Offer because its fees are based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets (the greater the Managed Assets of the Fund, the greater the compensation paid to the Advisor).
There can be no assurance that the Offer (or the investment of the proceeds of the Offer) will be successful. For a discussion of the potential impact of the Offer on current Common Shareholders, such as dilution, see "Risks Related to the Offer" in this Prospectus Supplement.
Important Terms of the Offer The Fund is issuing transferable Rights to its Record Date Shareholders as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Record Date of March 20, 2015, entitling the holders of those Rights to subscribe for up to an aggregate of 4,938,969 Common Shares. Record Date Shareholders will receive one Right for each outstanding whole Common Share held on the Record Date. The Rights entitle their holders to purchase one Common Share for every three Rights held (1 for 3). Fractional Shares will not be issued upon the exercise of Rights; accordingly, Rights may be exercised only in integer multiples of three, except that any Record Date Shareholder who is issued fewer than three Rights may subscribe, at the Subscription Price, for one full Common Share. Assuming the exercise of all Rights, the Offer will result in an approximately 33 1/3% increase in the Fund's Common Shares outstanding. The Offer is not contingent upon any number of Rights being exercised. The subscription period commences on March 20, 2015, and ends at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date of April 17, 2015, unless otherwise extended. See "Terms of the OfferImportant Terms of the Offer."
The Fund has declared monthly distributions to Common Shareholders payable on March 27, 2015, which will not be payable with respect to Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offer, and April 28, 2015, which will not be payable with respect to Common Shares that are issued pursuant to the Offer after April 10, 2015, the record date for such distribution.
The Fund will bear the expenses of the Offer and all such expenses will be borne indirectly by the Fund's Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights. These expenses include, but are not limited to, the Dealer Manager fee, reimbursement of the Dealer Manager, the expenses of preparing, printing and mailing the prospectus and Rights subscription materials for the Offer (including reimbursement of expenses of the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members, Soliciting Dealers and other brokers, dealers and financial institutions), SEC registration fees and the fees assessed by service providers (including the cost of the Fund's counsel and independent registered public accounting firm) in connection with the Offer.
S-2
Important Dates to Remember |
Record Date: |
March 20, 2015 |
|||||||||
Subscription Period: |
March 20, 2015 April 17, 2015* |
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Final Date Rights Will Trade: |
April 16, 2015* |
||||||||||
Expiration Date and Pricing Date: |
April 17, 2015* |
||||||||||
Payment for Shares or Notice of Guarantees of Delivery Due: |
April 17, 2015 |
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Confirmation Mailed to Participants: |
April 29, 2015 |
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Final Payment for Shares Due: |
May 13, 2015† |
* Unless the Offer is extended.
† See "Terms of the OfferPayment for Shares."
Subscription Price The Subscription Price per Common Share will be determined based on a formula equal to 90% of the average of the last reported sales price of a Common Share on the NYSE on the date on which the Offer expires, as such date may be extended from time to time, and each of the four (4) preceding trading days (the "Formula Price"). If, however, the Formula Price is less than 80% of the net asset value ("NAV") per Common Share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date, then the Subscription Price will be 80% of the Fund's NAV per Common Share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date. Because the Expiration Date of the subscription period will be April 17, 2015 (unless the subscription period is extended), Rights holders may not know the Subscription Price at the time of exercise and will be required initially to pay for both the Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the primary subscription and, if eligible, any additional Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege, at the estimated Subscription Price of $17.00 per Common Share and, except in limited circumstances, will not be able to rescind their subscription. The Fund will pay a sales load on the Subscription Price. See "Terms of the OfferSubscription Price."
Oversubscription Privilege Record Date Shareholders who fully exercise all the Rights issued to them (other than those Rights that cannot be exercised because they represent the right to acquire less than one Common Share) are entitled to subscribe for additional Common Shares at the same Subscription Price pursuant to the over-subscription privilege (the "Over-Subscription Privilege"), subject to certain limitations and subject to allotment. Investors who are not Record Date Shareholders, but who otherwise acquire Rights pursuant to the Offer, are not entitled to subscribe for any Common Shares pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege. If sufficient remaining Common Shares are available following the primary subscription, all Record Date Shareholders' over-subscription requests will be honored in full. If sufficient Common Shares are not available to honor all over-subscription requests, unsubscribed Common Shares will be allocated pro rata among those Record Date Shareholders who over-subscribe based on the number of Common Shares they owned on the Record Date. See "Terms of the OfferOver-Subscription Privilege."
S-3
Sale and Transferability of Rights The Rights will be admitted for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN RT" during the course of the Offer. It is expected that trading in the Rights on the NYSE may be conducted until the close of trading on the NYSE on the last business day prior to the Expiration Date of the Offer. The Fund will use its best efforts to ensure that an adequate trading market for the Rights will exist, although there can be no assurance that a market for the Rights will develop. Assuming a market exists for the Rights, the Rights may be purchased and sold through usual brokerage channels or sold through the Subscription Agent.
Record Date Shareholders who do not wish to exercise any or all of the Rights issued to them pursuant to the Offer may instruct the Subscription Agent to try to sell any unexercised Rights through or to the Dealer Manager. Subscription certificates representing the Rights to be sold through or to the Dealer Manager must be received by the Subscription Agent by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on April 15, 2015 (or, if the subscription period is extended, by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the second business day prior to the extended Expiration Date).
Alternatively, the Rights evidenced by a subscription certificate may be transferred until the Expiration Date in whole or in part by endorsing the subscription certificate for transfer in accordance with the accompanying instructions. A portion of the Rights evidenced by a single subscription certificate (but not fractional Rights) may be transferred by delivering to the Subscription Agent a subscription certificate properly endorsed for transfer, with instructions to register such portion of the Rights evidenced thereby in the name of the transferee and to issue a new subscription certificate to the transferee evidencing the transferred Rights. See "Terms of the OfferSale and Transferability of Rights."
Method for Exercising Rights Rights are evidenced by subscription certificates that will be mailed to Record Date Shareholders (except as described below under "Terms of the OfferRequirements for Foreign Shareholders") or, if their Common Shares are held by Cede & Co. or any other depository or nominee, to Cede & Co. or such other depository or nominee. Rights may be exercised by completing and signing the subscription certificate and mailing it in the envelope provided, or otherwise delivering the completed and signed subscription certificate to the Subscription Agent, together with payment in full of the estimated Subscription Price for the Common Shares subscribed for. Completed subscription certificates and payments must be received by the Subscription Agent by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date at the offices of the Subscription Agent. Rights also may be exercised by contacting your broker, bank, trust company or other intermediary, which can arrange, on your behalf, to guarantee delivery of payment and of a properly completed and executed subscription certificate. A fee may be charged for this service by your broker, banker, trust company or other intermediary. In addition, your broker, bank, trust company or other intermediary may impose a deadline for exercising Rights earlier than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date. See "Terms of the OfferMethod for Exercising Rights" and "Terms of the OfferPayment for Shares."
S-4
Rights holders who have exercised their Rights will have no right to rescind their subscription after receipt by the Subscription Agent of the completed subscription certificate together with payment for Common Shares subscribed for, except as described under "Terms of the OfferNotice of Net Asset Value Decline."
Requirements for Foreign Shareholders
Subscription certificates will not be mailed to Record Date Shareholders whose addresses are outside the United States (for these purposes, the United States includes the District of Columbia and the territories and possessions of the United States) (the "Foreign Shareholders"). The Subscription Agent will send a letter via regular mail to Foreign Shareholders to notify them of the Offer. The Rights of Foreign Shareholders will be held by the Subscription Agent for their accounts until instructions are received to exercise the Rights. If instructions have not been received by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on April 13, 2015, four (4) business days prior to the Expiration Date (or, if the subscription period is extended, on or before the fourth business day prior to the extended Expiration Date), the Rights of Foreign Shareholders will be transferred by the Subscription Agent to the Dealer Manager, who will either purchase the Rights or use its best efforts to sell the Rights. If the Dealer Manager declines to purchase the Rights, the Subscription Agent will attempt to sell such Rights in the open market. The net proceeds, if any, from the sale of those Rights by or to the Dealer Manager will be remitted to these Foreign Shareholders.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Common Shareholders
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the receipt of Rights by a Record Date Shareholder should not be a taxable event. We urge you to consult your own tax advisor with respect to the particular tax consequences of the Offer. See "U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" for more information on the tax consequences of the Offer.
Distribution Arrangements UBS Securities LLC will act as Dealer Manager for this Offer. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Dealer Manager Agreement among the Dealer Manager, the Fund and the Advisor, the Dealer Manager will provide financial structuring and solicitation services in connection with the Offer and will solicit the exercise of Rights and participation in the Over-Subscription Privilege. The Offer is not contingent upon any number of Rights being exercised. The Fund has agreed to pay the Dealer Manager a fee for its financial structuring and soliciting services equal to 3.75% of the aggregate Subscription Price for the Common Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Rights and the Over-Subscription Privilege. The Fund has also agreed to pay the Dealer Manager up to $100,000 as a partial reimbursement for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the Offer. The Fund will also pay expenses relating to the printing or other production, mailing and delivery expenses incurred in connection with materials related to the Offer, including all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses, if any and not to exceed $10,000, incurred by the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members, Soliciting Dealers and other brokers, dealers and financial
S-5
institutions in connection with their customary mailing and handling of materials related to the Offer to their customers. The fees paid to the Dealer Manager and other expenses of the Offer will be borne by the Fund and indirectly by all of its Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights. The Dealer Manager will reallow a portion of its fees to other broker-dealers who have assisted in soliciting the exercise of the Rights. The Fund and the Advisor have each agreed to indemnify the Dealer Manager for losses arising out of certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Prior to the expiration of the Offer, the Dealer Manager may independently offer for sale Common Shares it has acquired through purchasing and exercising the Rights, at prices it sets. Although the Dealer Manager may realize gains and losses in connection with purchases and sales of Common Shares, such offering of Common Shares is intended by the Dealer Manager to facilitate the Offer, and any such gains or losses are not expected to be material to the Dealer Manager. The Dealer Manager's fee for its financial structuring and soliciting services is independent of any gains or losses that may be realized by the Dealer Manager through the purchase and exercise of the Rights and the sale of Common Shares. See "Terms of the OfferDistribution Arrangements."
Management of the Fund Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP serves as the Fund's investment advisor and is responsible for the management of the Fund. The Advisor acts as the Fund's investment advisor pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Fund. The Advisor is a registered investment advisor headquartered in Houston, Texas focused on energy infrastructure investments.
The Advisor generally manages its investments according to a process focused on quality and durability of cash flows. The Advisor combines the expertise of midstream and energy infrastructure operators and financial and investment professionals. The Advisor's senior professionals include a former MLP chief executive officer and experienced investment professionals with an established track record of managing MLP investments as well as operating midstream and other energy infrastructure assets. The Advisor seeks to draw upon this unique experience to achieve a robust diligence process, structured investment process and access to a unique network of relationships to identify both public and private MLP and infrastructure investment opportunities.
Benefits to the Advisor The Advisor will benefit from the Offer, in part, because the investment management fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor is based on "Managed Assets" of the Fund. It is not possible to state precisely the amount of additional compensation the Advisor will receive as a result of the Offer because it is not known how many Common Shares will be subscribed for and because the proceeds of the Offer will be invested in additional portfolio securities which will fluctuate in value. However, assuming (i) all Rights are exercised, (ii) the Fund's average daily net asset value during the twelve-month period beginning May 1, 2015 is $18.32 per Common Share (the NAV per Common Share on March 18, 2015) (iii) the Subscription Price is $17.00 per Common Share, and (iv) for purposes of this example, the Fund increases the amount of leverage it has outstanding while maintaining approximately the same percentage of total assets
S-6
attributable to leverage, and after giving effect to the Dealer Manager fee and other estimated offering expenses, the Advisor would receive additional investment management fees of approximately $1,113,639, for the twelve-month period beginning May 1, 2015, and would continue to receive additional investment management fees, as a result of the Offer, based on the Fund's Managed Assets attributable to the Common Shares issued in the Offer and related additional leverage, thereafter.
Listing and Symbol The Fund's currently outstanding Common Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN." As of March 18, 2015, the last reported sale price for the Fund's Common Shares was $17.86. The NAV per share of the Fund's Common Shares at the close of business on March 18, 2015, was $18.32. The Rights offered by this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, admitted for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN RT."
Risks See "Risks Related to the Offer" beginning on page 25 of this Prospectus Supplement and "Risks" beginning on page 64 of the accompanying Prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider carefully before deciding to invest in the Fund's Common Shares.
Use of Proceeds The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer, assuming all Common Shares offered hereby are sold, to be approximately $80,363,880, after deducting expenses associated with the Offer, including the Dealer Manager fee. This figure is based on the estimated Subscription Price per Common Share of $17.00 and assumes all new Common Shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer, estimated at approximately $450,000, are paid.
The Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of the Offer in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated in the accompanying Prospectus. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of the Offer in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of the Offer. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue use the proceeds primarily for these purposes.
S-7
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
The following table contains information about the costs and expenses that Common Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly, as a result of the Offer. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund as of November 30, 2014 (except as noted below) after giving effect to the Offer, assuming that the Offer is fully subscribed resulting in the receipt of net proceeds from the Offer of $80,363,880. If the Fund issues fewer Common Shares in the Offer and the net proceeds to the Fund are less, all other things being equal, the total annual expenses shown would increase. The purpose of the table and the example below is to help you understand the fees and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares, would bear directly or indirectly.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses |
|||||||
Sales load (as a percentage of estimated Subscription Price) |
3.75 |
%(1) |
|||||
Offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of estimated Subscription Price) |
0.54 |
%(1) |
|||||
Dividend Reinvestment Plan fees(2) |
None |
||||||
Annual Expenses |
Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares |
||||||
Management fees(3) |
1.41 |
% |
|||||
Interest payments on borrowed funds(4) |
0.53 |
% |
|||||
Current income tax expense |
1.68 |
% |
|||||
Deferred income tax expense(5) |
4.62 |
% |
|||||
Other expenses(6) |
0.35 |
% |
|||||
Total annual expenses |
8.59 |
% |
(1) The Fund has agreed to pay the Dealer Manager a fee for its financial structuring and soliciting services equal to 3.75% of the aggregate Subscription Price for Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offer (i.e. the sales load) and to reimburse the Dealer Manager for its out-of-pocket expenses up to $100,000. The Fund will also pay expenses relating to the printing or other production, mailing and delivery expenses incurred in connection with materials related to the Offer, including all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses, if any and not to exceed $10,000, incurred by the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members, Soliciting Dealers and other brokers, dealers and financial institutions in connection with their customary mailing and handling of materials related to the Offer to their customers. Total offering expenses (not including the sales load but including the reimbursements described above) are estimated to be $450,000, which assumes that the Offer is fully subscribed. The fee paid to the Dealer Manager is reflected in the table under "Sales load" and the other fees and expenses described in this note are reflected in the table under "Offering expenses." The sales load and the offering expenses will be borne by the Fund and indirectly by all of the Fund's Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights and will result in a reduction of the NAV of the Common Shares. See "Terms of the OfferDistribution Arrangements" and "Compensation to the Dealer Manager."
(2) Common Shareholders will pay brokerage charges if they direct the Plan Agent (as defined under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan) to sell Common Shares held in a dividend reinvestment account. See "Terms of the OfferDelivery of Shares."
(3) The Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets (net assets plus any assets attributable to Financial Leverage). The fee shown above is based upon outstanding Financial Leverage of 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets. If Financial Leverage of more than 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets is used, the management fees shown would be higher.
(4) Based upon the Fund's outstanding borrowings as of November 30, 2014 of approximately $129,000,000 and the borrowing rate on the facility, as of November 30, 3014, of 1.23%.
(5) For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, the Fund accrued approximately $13,777,472 in net deferred tax expense primarily related to unrealized appreciation on investments. Deferred income tax expense represents an estimate of the Fund's potential tax expense if it were to recognize the unrealized gains/losses on portfolio assets that occurred during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, based on the market value and basis of the Fund's assets as of November 30, 2014. An estimate of deferred income tax expense is dependent upon the Fund's net investment gains and realized and unrealized gains on investments and such expenses may vary greatly from year to year depending on the nature of the Fund's investments, the performance of those investments and general market conditions. Therefore, any estimate of deferred income tax expense cannot be reliably predicted from year to year. Actual income tax expense (if any) will be incurred over many years, depending on if and when investment gains are realized, the then-current basis of the Fund's assets, the level of net loss carry-forwards and other factors. The Fund's deferred income tax expense for the current fiscal year or any future fiscal year may vary greatly from the deferred income tax expense estimated based on the fiscal year November 30, 2014.
(6) Other expenses are estimated based upon those incurred during the fiscal period ended November 30, 2014. Other expenses do not include expenses related to realized or unrealized investment gains or losses.
S-8
Example
As required by relevant SEC regulations, the following Example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (1) the Offer is fully subscribed, (2) "Total annual expenses" of 8.59% of net assets attributable to Common Shares, (3) the sales load of $37.50 and estimated offering expenses of $5.40, and (4) a 5% annual return*:
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
Total Expenses Incurred |
$ |
119 |
$ |
272 |
$ |
415 |
$ |
730 |
* The Example should not be considered a representation of future expenses or returns. Actual expenses may be higher or lower than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund's actual rate of return may be higher or lower than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the Example. The Example assumes that the estimated "Offer expenses" in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all dividends and other distributions are reinvested at net asset value.
S-9
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the Fund's capitalization at November 30, 2014:
(i) on a historical basis;
(ii) on an as adjusted basis to reflect the issuance of an aggregate of 5,641 Common Shares pursuant to the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan, and the application of the net proceeds from such issuances of Common Shares; and
(iii) on an as further adjusted basis to reflect the assumed sale of 4,938,969 Common Shares at a price of $17.00 per Common Share in the Offer under this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus less the Dealer Manager fee and estimated offering expenses payable by the Fund of approximately $450,000, and the application of the estimated net proceeds from the Offer. Assumes that all Rights are exercised at the estimated Subscription Price. All of the Rights may not be exercised.
Actual |
As Adjusted (unaudited) |
As Further Adjusted (unaudited) |
|||||||||||||
Short-Term Debt: |
|||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
$ |
129,000,000 |
$ |
129,000,000 |
$ |
129,000,000 |
|||||||||
Common Shareholder's Equity: |
|||||||||||||||
Common Shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share; unlimited shares authorized, 14,811,264 shares issued and outstanding (actual), 14,816,905 shares issued and outstanding (as adjusted), and 19,755,874 shares issued and outstanding (as further adjusted) |
$ |
148,113 |
$ |
148,169 |
$ |
197,559 |
|||||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
$ |
278,191,460 |
$ |
278,298,285 |
$ |
358,612,773 |
|||||||||
Undistributed net investment loss, net of deferred taxes, less dividends |
$ |
(21,688,823 |
) |
$ |
(21,688,823 |
) |
$ |
(21,688,823 |
) |
||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and written option contracts, net of deferred taxes |
$ |
15,584,280 |
$ |
15,584,280 |
$ |
15,584,280 |
|||||||||
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net of deferred taxes |
$ |
25,839,763 |
$ |
25,839,763 |
$ |
25,839,763 |
|||||||||
Net assets |
$ |
297,926,680 |
$ |
298,033,562 |
$ |
378,397,442 |
S-10
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately $80,363,880. This figure is based on the Subscription Price per Common Share of $17.00 and assumes all Common Shares offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer, estimated at approximately $450,000, are paid.
The Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of the Offer in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated in the accompanying Prospectus. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of the Offer in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of the Offer. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to use the proceeds primarily for these purposes.
TERMS OF THE OFFER
Purpose of the Offer
The Board, based on the recommendations of and presentations by Center Coast, and others, has determined that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders to conduct the Offer and thereby to increase the assets of the Fund available for investment. In making this determination, the Board considered a number of factors, including potential benefits and costs. In particular, the Board considered the Advisor's belief that the Offer would better enable the Fund to take advantage more fully of existing and future investment opportunities that may be or may become available, consistent with the Fund's investment objective to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to its Common Shareholders. By increasing assets through the Offer, the Fund believes that it will be able to (i) invest in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies currently trading at attractive prices as a result of recent dislocations in the market for such securities, and (ii) fund attractive private investment opportunities in furtherance of the Fund's policy of allocating up to 20% of its portfolio to a limited number of carefully selected private investments, in each case without being required to dispose of existing portfolio investments at inopportune times.
The Offer seeks to provide an opportunity to existing Common Shareholders to purchase Common Shares at a discount to market price (subject to the sales load described in this Prospectus Supplement). The distribution to Common Shareholders of transferable Rights, which may themselves have intrinsic value, also will afford non-participating Common Shareholders of record on the Record Date, the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the Rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for any dilution of their interests that may occur as a result of the Offer. There can be no assurance that a market for the Rights will develop or, if such a market does develop, what the price of the Rights will be.
In making its determination that the Offer is in the best interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders, the Board considered (in addition to the Advisor's belief as to the potential investment opportunities) various factors, including: (i) the size, pricing and structure of the Offer; (ii) that the Offer, if it is well-subscribed, could increase the liquidity of the Common Shares on the NYSE, where the Common Shares are traded; (iii) the opportunity the Offer represents for current Common Shareholders to buy Common Shares at a discount to net asset value or market price, or, in many cases, both; (iv) the costs of the Offer, including dilution of Common Shareholders' interests through the Offer and fees paid to the Dealer Manager, and; (v) the possible negative effect on the market price of Common Shares the Offer may have. The Board noted that the Advisor has an inherent conflict of interest in recommending the Offer because its fees are based on a percentage of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets (the greater the Managed Assets of the Fund, the greater the compensation paid to the Advisor).
S-11
There can be no assurance that the Offer (or the investment of the proceeds of the Offer) will be successful. For a discussion of the potential impact of the Offer on current Common Shareholders, such as dilution, see "Risks Related to the Offer" in this Prospectus Supplement.
Important Terms of The Offer
The Fund is issuing Rights to its Record Date Shareholders as of as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Record Date, entitling the holders of those Rights to subscribe for up to an aggregate of 4,938,969 of the Fund's Common Shares. Record Date Shareholders will receive one Right for each outstanding whole Common Share held on the Record Date. The Rights entitle their holders to purchase one Common Share for every three Rights held (1 for 3). Fractional Shares will not be issued upon the exercise of Rights; accordingly, Rights may be exercised only in integer multiples of three, except that any Record Date Shareholder who is issued fewer than three Rights may subscribe, at the Subscription Price, for one full Common Share. Assuming the exercise of all Rights, the Offer will result in an approximately 33 1/3% increase in the Fund's Common Shares outstanding.
Record Date Shareholders who fully exercise all the Rights issued to them (other than those Rights that cannot be exercised because they represent the right to acquire less than one Common Share) are entitled to subscribe for additional Common Shares at the same Subscription Price pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege, subject to certain limitations and subject to allotment. Investors who are not Record Date Shareholders, but who otherwise acquire Rights pursuant to the Offer, are not entitled to subscribe for any Common Shares pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege. See "Over-Subscription Privilege." The distribution to Record Date Shareholders of transferable Rights may afford non-participating Record Date Shareholders the opportunity to sell their Rights for some cash value, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for any economic dilution of their interests resulting from the Offer.
The subscription period commences on March 20, 2015, and ends at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date of April 17, 2015, unless otherwise extended.
The Fund has declared monthly distributions to Common Shareholders payable on March 27, 2015, which will not be payable with respect to Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offer, and April 28, 2015, which will not be payable with respect to Common Shares that are issued pursuant to the Offer after April 10, 2015, the record date for such distribution.
For purposes of determining the maximum number of Common Shares a Rights holder may acquire pursuant to the Offer, broker-dealers, trust companies, banks or others whose Common Shares are held of record by Cede & Co., the nominee for the Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), or by any other depository or nominee, will be deemed to be the holders of the Rights that are held by Cede & Co. or such other depository or nominee on their behalf.
The Rights are transferable and will be admitted for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN RT" during the course of the Offer. It is expected that trading in the Rights on the NYSE may be conducted until the close of trading on the NYSE on the last business day prior to the Expiration Date. See "Sale and Transferability of Rights." The Common Shares, once issued, will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN." The Rights will be evidenced by subscription certificates which will be mailed to Record Date Shareholders, except as discussed under "Requirements for Foreign Shareholders."
Rights may be exercised by filling in and signing the subscription certificate and mailing it in the envelope provided, or otherwise delivering the completed and signed subscription certificate to Computershare Inc., which together with Computershare Trust Company, N.A. serves as the subscription agent for the Offer (the "Subscription Agent"), together with payment at the estimated Subscription Price for the Common Shares
S-12
subscribed for. For a discussion of the method by which Rights may be exercised and Common Shares may be paid for, see "Method for Exercising Rights" and "Payment for Shares."
The Fund has retained UBS, the Dealer Manager, to provide the Fund with financial structuring and soliciting services relating to the Offer, including advice with respect to the structure, timing and terms of the Offer. In determining the structure of the Offer, the Board considered, among other things, using a fixed-pricing versus a variable-pricing mechanism, the benefits and drawbacks of conducting a non-transferable versus a transferable rights offering, the anticipated effect on the Fund and its existing Common Shareholders if the Offer is not fully subscribed, the anticipated dilutive effects on the Fund and its existing Common Shareholders of the Offer and the experience of the Dealer Manager in conducting rights offerings. The Board also considered that the Advisor would benefit from the Offer because the investment management fee paid to the Advisor is based on the Fund's total Managed Assets, which would increase as a result of the Offer. See "Benefits to the Advisor."
Important Dates to Remember
Record Date: |
March 20, 2015 |
||||||
Subscription Period: |
March 20, 2015 April 17, 2015* |
||||||
Final Date Rights Will Trade: |
April 16, 2015* |
||||||
Expiration Date and Pricing Date: |
April 17, 2015* |
||||||
Payment for Shares or Notice of Guarantees of Delivery Due: |
April 17, 2015 |
||||||
Confirmation Mailed to Participants: |
April 29, 2015 |
||||||
Final Payment for Shares Due: |
May 13, 2015† |
* Unless the Offer is extended.
† See "Payment for Shares."
Subscription Price
The Subscription Price per Common Share will be determined based on the Formula Price, a formula equal to 90% of the average of the last reported sales price of a Common Share on the NYSE on the date on which the Offer expires, as such date may be extended from time to time, and each of the four (4) preceding trading days. If, however, the Formula Price is less than 80% of the NAV per Common Share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date, then the Subscription Price will be 80% of the Fund's NAV per Common Share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date. In each case, NAV will be calculated as of the close of trading on the NYSE on the applicable day. The Fund will pay a sales load on the Subscription Price.
Because the Expiration Date of the subscription period will be April 17, 2015 (unless the subscription period is extended), Rights holders may not know the Subscription Price at the time of exercise and will be required initially to pay for both the Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the primary subscription and, if eligible, any additional Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege, at the estimated Subscription Price of $17.00 per Common Share. See "Payment for Shares." A Rights holder will have no right to rescind his subscription after the Subscription Agent has received a completed subscription certificate together with payment for the Common Shares subscribed for, except as provided under "Notice of Net Asset Value
S-13
Decline." The Fund does not have the right to withdraw the Rights or to cancel the Offer after the Rights have been distributed.
The NAV per Common Share at the close of business on March 18, 2015 was $18.32, and the last reported sale price of a Common Share on the NYSE on that day was $17.86.
Over-Subscription Privilege
Record Date Shareholders who fully exercise all the Rights issued to them (other than those Rights that cannot be exercised because they represent the right to acquire less than one Common Share) are entitled to subscribe for additional Common Shares at the same Subscription Price pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege, subject to certain limitations and subject to allotment. Investors who are not Record Date Shareholders, but who otherwise acquire Rights pursuant to the Offer, are not entitled to subscribe for any Common Shares pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege. If sufficient remaining Common Shares are available following the primary subscription, all Record Date Shareholders' over-subscription requests will be honored in full. If sufficient Common Shares are not available to honor all over-subscription requests, unsubscribed Common Shares will be allocated pro rata among those Record Date Shareholders who over-subscribe based on the number of Common Shares of the Fund they owned on the Record Date. The allocation process may involve a series of allocations in order to ensure that the total number of Common Shares available for over-subscriptions is distributed on a pro rata basis.
Record Date Shareholders who are fully exercising their Rights during the subscription period should indicate, on the subscription certificate that they submit with respect to the exercise of the Rights issued to them, how many Common Shares they desire to acquire pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege.
Banks, broker-dealers, trustees and other nominee holders of Rights will be required to certify to the Subscription Agent, before any Over-Subscription Privilege may be exercised with respect to any particular beneficial owner, as to the aggregate number of Rights exercised during the subscription period and the number of Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege by such beneficial owner, and that such beneficial owner's primary subscription was exercised in full. Nominee holder over-subscription forms will be distributed to banks, brokers, trustees and other nominee holders of Rights with the subscription certificates.
The Fund will not offer or sell any Common Shares that are not subscribed for during the subscription period or pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege.
The Fund has been advised that one or more of the officers or employees of the Advisor may exercise all of the Rights initially issued to them and may request additional Common Shares pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege. An exercise of the Over-Subscription Privilege by such persons will increase their proportionate voting power and share of the Fund's assets.
Sale and Transferability of Rights
The Rights will be admitted for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "CEN RT" during the course of the Offer. It is expected that trading in the Rights on the Exchange may be conducted until the close of trading on the Exchange on the last business day prior to the Expiration Date. The Fund will use its best efforts to ensure that an adequate trading market for the Rights will exist, although there can be no assurance that a market for the Rights will develop. Assuming a market exists for the Rights, the Rights may be purchased and sold through usual brokerage channels or sold through the Subscription Agent.
Sales through the Subscription Agent and the Dealer Manager. Record Date Shareholders who do not wish to exercise any or all of the Rights issued to them pursuant to the Offer may instruct the Subscription Agent to try
S-14
to sell any unexercised Rights through or to the Dealer Manager. Subscription certificates representing the Rights to be sold through or to the Dealer Manager must be received by the Subscription Agent by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on April 13, 2015 (or, if the subscription period is extended, by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the fourth business day prior to the extended Expiration Date). Upon the timely receipt by the Subscription Agent of appropriate instructions to sell Rights, the Subscription Agent will ask the Dealer Manager either to purchase them or to use its best efforts to complete their sale, and the Subscription Agent will remit the proceeds of the sale to the selling Rights holder. If the Rights are sold, sales of those Rights will be deemed to have been effected at the weighted average price received by the Dealer Manager on the day those Rights are sold. The sale price of any Rights sold to the Dealer Manager will be based upon the then-current market price for the Rights. The Dealer Manager will also attempt to sell all Rights that remain unclaimed as a result of subscription certificates being returned by the postal authorities to the Subscription Agent as undeliverable as of the fourth business day prior to the Expiration Date. The Subscription Agent will hold the proceeds from those sales for the benefit of those non-claiming Common Shareholders until the proceeds are either claimed or revert to the State of Delaware. There can be no assurance that the Dealer Manager will purchase or be able to complete the sale of any Rights, and neither the Fund nor the Dealer Manager have guaranteed any minimum sale price for the Rights. If a Record Date Shareholder does not utilize the services of the Subscription Agent and chooses to use another broker-dealer or other financial institution to sell Rights issued to that shareholder pursuant to the Offer, then the other broker-dealer or financial institution may charge a fee to sell the Rights.
Other Transfers. The Rights evidenced by a subscription certificate may be transferred in whole by endorsing the subscription certificate for transfer in accordance with the instructions accompanying the subscription certificate. A portion of the Rights evidenced by a single subscription certificate (but not fractional Rights) may be transferred by delivering to the Subscription Agent a subscription certificate properly endorsed for transfer, with instructions to register such portion of the Rights evidenced thereby in the name of the transferee and to issue a new subscription certificate to the transferee evidencing the transferred Rights. If this occurs, a new subscription certificate evidencing the balance of the Rights, if any, will be issued to the Record Date Shareholder or, if the Record Date Shareholder so instructs, to an additional transferee. The signature on the subscription certificate must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the subscription certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any other change. A signature guarantee must be provided by an "eligible guarantor institution" (as defined in Rule 17Ad-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), subject to the standards and procedures adopted by the Fund.
Record Date Shareholders wishing to transfer all or a portion of their Rights should allow at least ten (10) business days prior to the Expiration Date for: (i) the transfer instructions to be received and processed by the Subscription Agent; (ii) a new subscription certificate to be issued and transmitted to the transferee or transferees with respect to transferred Rights and to the transferor with respect to retained Rights, if any; and (iii) the Rights evidenced by the new subscription certificate to be exercised or sold by the recipients of the subscription certificate. Neither the Fund nor the Subscription Agent nor the Dealer Manager shall have any liability to a transferee or transferor of Rights if subscription certificates are not received in time for exercise or sale prior to the Expiration Date.
Except for the fees charged by AST Fund Solutions, LLC, the information agent for the Offer (the "Information Agent"), the Subscription Agent and the Dealer Manager (which are expected to be paid from the proceeds of the Offer by the Fund), all commissions, fees and other expenses (including brokerage commissions and transfer taxes) incurred or charged in connection with the purchase, sale or transfer of Rights will be for the account of the transferor of the Rights, and none of these commissions, fees or other expenses will be paid by the Fund, the Information Agent, the Subscription Agent or the Dealer Manager. Rights holders who wish to purchase, sell, exercise or transfer Rights through a broker, bank or other party should first inquire about any fees and expenses that the holder will incur in connection with the transactions.
S-15
The Fund anticipates that the Rights will be eligible for transfer through, and that the exercise of the primary subscription and the over-subscription may be effected through, the facilities of DTC or the Subscription Agent until 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date. Your broker, bank, trust company or other intermediary may impose a deadline for transferring Rights earlier than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date.
Method for Exercising Rights
Rights are evidenced by subscription certificates that will be mailed to Record Date Shareholders (except as described under "Requirements for Foreign Shareholders") or, if their Common Shares are held by Cede & Co. or any other depository or nominee on their behalf, to Cede & Co. or such other depository or nominee. Rights may be exercised by completing and signing the subscription certificate and mailing it in the envelope provided, or otherwise delivering the completed and signed subscription certificate to the Subscription Agent, together with payment in full at the estimated Subscription Price for the Common Shares subscribed for by the Expiration Date as described under "Payment For Shares." Rights may also be exercised by contacting your broker, bank, trust company or other intermediary, which can arrange, on your behalf, to guarantee delivery of a properly completed and executed subscription certificate pursuant to a notice of guaranteed delivery by the close of business on the third business day after the Expiration Date. A fee may be charged for this service. Completed subscription certificates and payments must be received by the Subscription Agent by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date (unless delivery of subscription certificate is effected by means of a notice of guaranteed delivery as described under "Payment for Shares") at the offices of the Subscription Agent at one of the addresses set forth under "Subscription Agent." Your broker, bank, trust company or other intermediary may impose a deadline for exercising Rights earlier than 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date. Fractional Shares will not be issued upon exercise of Rights.
Shareholders who are Record Owners. Shareholders who are record owners of Common Shares can choose between either option set forth under "Payment For Shares." If time is of the essence, option (2) will permit delivery of the subscription certificate after the Expiration Date.
Investors whose Common Shares are Held by a Nominee. Investors whose Common Shares are held by a nominee, such as a bank, broker, trustee or other intermediary, must contact that nominee to exercise their Rights. In that case, the nominee will complete the subscription certificate on behalf of the investor and arrange for proper payment by one of the methods set forth under "Payment For Shares."
Nominees. Nominees, such as banks, brokers, trustees or depositories for securities, who hold Common Shares of the Fund for the account of others should notify the respective beneficial owners of such Common Shares as soon as possible to ascertain those beneficial owners' intentions and to obtain instructions with respect to the Rights. If the beneficial owner so instructs, the nominee should complete the subscription certificate and submit it to the Subscription Agent with the proper payment as described under "Payment For Shares."
Banks, brokers, trustees and other nominee holders of Rights will be required to certify to the Subscription Agent, before any Over-Subscription Privilege may be exercised with respect to any particular beneficial owner who is a Record Date Shareholder, as to the aggregate number of Rights exercised during the subscription period and the number of Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege by the beneficial owner, and that the beneficial owner exercised all the Rights issued to it pursuant to the Offer.
Requirements for Foreign Shareholders. Subscription certificates will not be mailed to Foreign Shareholders whose addresses are outside the United States (for these purposes, the United States includes the District of Columbia and the territories and possessions of the United States). The Subscription Agent will send a letter via regular mail to Foreign Shareholders to notify them of the Offer. The Rights of Foreign Shareholders will be held by the Subscription Agent for their accounts until instructions are received to exercise the Rights. If instructions have not been received by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on April 13, 2015, four (4) business days prior to
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the Expiration Date (or, if the subscription period is extended, on or before the fourth business day prior to the extended Expiration Date), the Rights of Foreign Shareholders will be transferred by the Subscription Agent to the Dealer Manager, who will either purchase the Rights or use its best efforts to sell the Rights. If the Dealer Manager declines to purchase the Rights, the Subscription Agent will attempt to sell such Rights in the open market. The net proceeds, if any, from the sale of those Rights by or to the Dealer Manager will be remitted to those Foreign Shareholders.
Expenses of the Offer
The Fund will bear the expenses of the Offer and all such expenses will be borne indirectly by the Fund's Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights. These expenses include, but are not limited to, the Dealer Manager fee, reimbursement of the Dealer Manager, the expenses of preparing, printing and mailing the prospectus and Rights subscription materials for the Offer (including reimbursement of expenses of the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members, Soliciting Dealers and other brokers, dealers and financial institutions), SEC registration fees and the fees assessed by service providers (including the cost of the Fund's counsel and independent registered public accounting firm) in connection with the Offer.
Distribution Arrangements
UBS Securities LLC will act as Dealer Manager for this Offer. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the Dealer Manager Agreement among the Dealer Manager, the Fund and the Advisor, the Dealer Manager will provide financial structuring and solicitation services in connection with the Offer and will solicit the exercise of Rights and participation in the Over-Subscription Privilege. The Offer is not contingent upon any number of Rights being exercised. The Dealer Manager will also be responsible for forming and managing a group of selling broker-dealers (each a "Selling Group Member" and collectively the "Selling Group Members"), whereby each Selling Group Member will enter into a Selling Group Agreement with the Dealer Manager to solicit the exercise of Rights and to sell Common Shares purchased by the Selling Group Member from the Dealer Manager. In addition, the Dealer Manager will enter into a Soliciting Dealer Agreement with other soliciting broker-dealers (each a "Soliciting Dealer" and collectively the "Soliciting Dealers") to solicit the exercise of Rights. See "Compensation to Dealer Manager" for a discussion of fees and other compensation to be paid to the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members and Soliciting Dealers in connection with the Offer.
The Fund and the Advisor have each agreed to indemnify the Dealer Manager for losses arising out of certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The Dealer Manager Agreement also provides that the Dealer Manager will not be subject to any liability to the Fund in rendering the services contemplated by the Dealer Manager Agreement except for any act of bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of the Dealer Manager or reckless disregard by the Dealer Manager of its obligations and duties under the Dealer Manager Agreement.
Prior to the expiration of the Offer, the Dealer Manager may independently offer for sale Common Shares it has acquired through purchasing and exercising the Rights, at prices it sets. The Dealer Manager is authorized to buy and exercise Rights (for delivery of Common Shares prior to the expiration of the Offer), including unexercised Rights of Record Date Shareholders whose record addresses are outside the United States that are held by the Subscription Agent and for which no instructions are received, and to sell Common Shares to the public or to Selling Group Members at the offering price set by the Dealer Manager from time to time. In addition, the Dealer Manager has the right to buy Rights offered to it by the Subscription Agent from electing Record Date Shareholders, and the Dealer Manager may purchase such Rights as principal or act as agent on behalf of its clients for the resale of such Rights.
Record Date Shareholders who do not wish to exercise any or all of their Rights may instruct the Subscription Agent to try to sell any Rights they do not intend to exercise themselves. Subscription certificates
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evidencing the Rights to be sold by the Subscription Agent must be received by the Subscription Agent on or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on April 15, 2015 (or, if the subscription period is extended, on or before 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, two (2) business days prior to the extended Expiration Date). Upon the timely receipt by the Subscription Agent of appropriate instructions to sell Rights, the Subscription Agent will ask the Dealer Manager if it will purchase the Rights. If the Dealer Manager purchases the Rights, the sales price paid by the Dealer Manager will be based upon the then current market price for the Rights. The proceeds from each of such sales to the Dealer Manager will be remitted to the Subscription Agent, which will hold such proceeds in an account segregated from the Subscription Agent's own funds pending distribution to each selling Record Date Shareholder. It is expected that following each such sale of Rights to the Dealer Manager, the proceeds from each such sale will be received by the Subscription Agent within three (3) business days of the sale and that the proceeds will then be remitted to the selling Record Date Shareholder within three (3) business days of receipt by the Subscription Agent.
If the Dealer Manager declines to purchase the Rights of a Record Date Shareholder that have been duly submitted to the Subscription Agent for sale, the Subscription Agent will attempt to sell such Rights in the open market. If the Rights can be sold in such manner, all of such sales will be deemed to have been effected at the weighted-average price of all Rights sold by the Subscription Agent in such open market transactions throughout the subscription period. The proceeds from such sales will be held by the Subscription Agent in an account segregated from the Subscription Agent's own funds pending distribution to the selling Record Date Shareholders. It is expected that the proceeds of such open market sales will be remitted by the Subscription Agent to the selling Record Date Shareholders within five (5) business days following the Expiration Date.
The Subscription Agent will also attempt to sell (either to the Dealer Manager or in open market transactions as described above) all Rights which remain unclaimed as a result of subscription certificates being returned by the postal authorities to the Subscription Agent as undeliverable as of the fourth (4th) business day prior to the Expiration Date. The Subscription Agent will hold the proceeds from those sales in an account segregated from the Subscription Agent's own funds for the benefit of such non-claiming Record Date Shareholders until such proceeds are either claimed or revert to the state.
There can be no assurance that the Subscription Agent will be able to sell any Rights, and neither the Fund nor the Subscription Agent has guaranteed any minimum sales price for the Rights. If a Record Date Shareholder does not utilize the services of the Subscription Agent and chooses to use another broker-dealer or other financial institution to sell Rights, then the other broker-dealer or financial institution may charge a fee to sell the Rights. If a Record Date Shareholder does not utilize the services of the Subscription Agent and chooses to use another broker-dealer or other financial institution to sell Rights, then the other broker-dealer or financial institution may charge a fee to sell the Rights.
Although the Dealer Manager may realize gains and losses in connection with purchases and sales of Common Shares, such offering of Common Shares is intended by the Dealer Manager to facilitate the Offer, and any such gains or losses are not expected to be material to the Dealer Manager. The Dealer Manager's fee for its financial structuring and soliciting services is independent of any gains or losses that may be realized by the Dealer Manager through the purchase and exercise of the Rights and the sale of Common Shares.
In the ordinary course of their businesses, the Dealer Manager and/or its affiliates may engage in investment banking or financial transactions with the Fund, the Advisor and their affiliates. In addition, in the ordinary course of their businesses, the Dealer Manager and/or its affiliates may, from time to time, own securities of the Fund or its affiliates.
The principal business address of the Dealer Manager is 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10019.
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Compensation to Dealer Manager
Pursuant to the Dealer Manager Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay the Dealer Manager a fee for its financial structuring and solicitation services equal to 3.75% of the aggregate Subscription Price for Shares issued pursuant to the Offer.
The Dealer Manager will reallow to Selling Group Members in the Selling Group to be formed and managed by the Dealer Manager selling fees equal to 2.50% of the Subscription Price for each Common Share issued pursuant to the Offer or the Over-Subscription Privilege as a result of their selling efforts. In addition, the Dealer Manager will reallow to Soliciting Dealers that have executed and delivered a Soliciting Dealer Agreement and have solicited the exercise of Rights, solicitation fees equal to 0.50% of the Subscription Price for each Share issued pursuant to the exercise of Rights as a result of their soliciting efforts, subject to a maximum fee based on the number of Common Shares held by such Soliciting Dealer through DTC on the Record Date. Fees will be paid to the broker-dealer designated on the applicable portion of the subscription certificates or, in the absence of such designation, to the Dealer Manager.
In addition, the Fund has agreed to pay the Dealer Manager an amount up to $100,000 as a partial reimbursement of its expenses incurred in connection with the Offer. The fees described above are one-time fees payable on each date on which the Fund issues Common Shares after the Expiration Date with respect to the Dealer Manager, and on or before the tenth business day following the day the Fund issues Common Shares after the Expiration Date with respect to a Selling Group Member or Soliciting Dealer. The Fund will also pay expenses relating to the printing or other production, mailing and delivery expenses incurred in connection with materials related to the Offer, including all reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses, if any and not to exceed $10,000, incurred by the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members, Soliciting Dealers and other brokers, dealers and financial institutions in connection with their customary mailing and handling of materials related to the Offer to their customers. In connection with the purchase of Rights and sale of Common Shares by the Dealer Manager, the Dealer Manager may realize profits or losses in addition to and independent of any fees described above. While such profits or losses are difficult to quantify prior to the commencement of the subscription period, in no event will profits to the Dealer Manager from the purchase of Rights and sale of Common Shares prior to the Expiration Date of the Offer exceed 0.2% of the gross Offer size. No other fees will be payable by the Fund or the Investment Adviser to the Dealer Manager in connection with the Offer.
Subscription Agent
Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., collectively, serve as the Subscription Agent for the Offer. The Subscription Agent will receive for its administrative, processing, invoicing and other services a project management fee of $20,000, plus certain per transaction fees and reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offer. The fees and expenses of the Subscription Agent are included in the fees and expenses of the Offer and therefore will be borne by the Fund and indirectly by all Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights. Questions regarding the subscription certificates should be directed by mail to the Information Agent at 55 Challenger Road, Suite 201, Ridge Field Park, NJ 07660. Shareholders may also subscribe for the Offer by contacting their broker dealer, trust company, bank or other nominee.
Completed subscription certificates must be sent together with proper payment of the estimated Subscription Price for all Common Shares subscribed for in the primary subscription and the Over-Subscription Privilege (for Record Date Shareholders) to the Subscription Agent by one of the methods described below. Alternatively, Rights holders may arrange for their financial intermediaries to send notices of guaranteed delivery by facsimile to DTC to be received by the Subscription Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date. Facsimiles should be confirmed by telephone at DTC. The Fund will accept only properly completed and executed subscription certificates actually received at any of the addresses listed below, prior to 5:00 p.m.,
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Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, or by the close of business on the third business day after the Expiration Date following timely receipt of a notice of guaranteed delivery. See "Payment for Shares."
Subscription Certificate Delivery Method |
Address/Number |
||||||
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery: |
Contact your broker-dealer, trust company, bank or other nominee to notify the Fund of your intent to exercise the Rights. |
||||||
First Class Mail Only (No Express Mail or Overnight Courier): |
Computershare c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions/Center Coast P.O. Box 43011 Providence, RI 02940-3011 |
||||||
Express Mail or Overnight Courier: |
Computershare c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions/Center Coast 250 Royall Street Suite V Canton, MA 02021 |
The Fund will honor only subscription certificates received by the Subscription Agent prior to 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date at one of the addresses listed above. Delivery to an address other than those listed above will not constitute good delivery.
Information Agent
The Information Agent for the Offer is AST Fund Solutions, LLC. If you have questions or need further information about the Offer, please write the Information Agent at 55 Challenger Road, Suite 201, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660, or call (877) 478-5039. Any questions or requests for assistance concerning the method of subscribing for Common Shares or additional copies of this prospectus or subscription certificates should be directed to the Information Agent. Shareholders may also contact their brokers or nominees for information with respect to the Offer.
The Information Agent will receive a fee estimated to be approximately $7,500 for its services, plus reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the Offer. The fees and expenses of the Information Agent are included in the fees and expenses of the Offer and therefore will be borne by the Fund and indirectly by all of its Common Shareholders, including those who do not exercise their Rights.
Expiration of the Offer
The Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on April 17, 2015, unless the Fund extends the subscription period. Rights will expire on the Expiration Date and may not be exercised after that date. If the Fund extends the subscription period, the Fund will make an announcement as promptly as practicable. This announcement will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., Eastern time, on the next business day following the previously scheduled Expiration Date. Without limiting the manner in which the Fund may choose to make this announcement, the Fund will not, unless otherwise required by law, have any obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate this announcement other than by making a release to the Dow Jones News Service or any other means of public announcement as the Fund may deem proper.
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Payment for Shares
Rights holders who wish to acquire Common Shares pursuant to the primary subscription and the Over-Subscription Privilege may choose between the following methods of payment:
(1) A Rights holder can send the properly completed and executed subscription certificate together with payment for the Common Shares subscribed for during the subscription period and, if eligible, for any additional Common Shares subscribed for pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege, to the Subscription Agent based upon an estimated Subscription Price of $17.00 per Common Share. A subscription will be accepted when payment, together with the executed subscription certificate, is received by the Subscription Agent at one of the addresses set forth under "Subscription Agent", the payment and the properly completed and executed subscription certificate must be received by the Subscription Agent by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date. The Subscription Agent will deposit all checks received by it for the purchase of Common Shares into a segregated account of the Fund pending proration and distribution of Common Shares. A payment pursuant to this method must be in U.S. dollars by check drawn on a bank located in the United States, must be payable to "Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund" and must accompany a properly completed and executed subscription certificate for such subscription to be accepted.
(2) Alternatively, a subscription will be accepted by the Subscription Agent if, by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date, the Subscription Agent has received a notice of guaranteed delivery by facsimile (telecopy) or otherwise from a bank, a trust company or an NYSE member guaranteeing delivery of a properly completed and executed subscription certificate. In order for the notice of guarantee to be valid, full payment for the Common Shares at the estimated Subscription Price must be received with the notice. The Subscription Agent will not honor a notice of guaranteed delivery unless a properly completed and executed subscription certificate is received by the Subscription Agent by the close of business on the third business day after the Expiration Date.
On the confirmation date, which will be eight (8) business days following the Expiration Date, a confirmation will be sent by the Subscription Agent to each Rights holder exercising its Rights (or, if a Rights holder's Common Shares are held by DTC or any other depository or nominee, to DTC and/or that other depository or nominee) showing (i) the number of Common Shares acquired during the subscription period, (ii) the number of Common Shares, if any, acquired pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege, (iii) the per Common Share and total purchase price for the Common Shares and (iv) any additional amount payable to the Fund by the Rights holder or any excess to be refunded by the Fund to the Rights holder, in each case based on the Subscription Price as determined on the Expiration Date. Any additional payment required from a Rights holder must be received by the Subscription Agent within ten (10) business days after the confirmation date (May 13, 2015, unless the subscription period is extended). Any excess payment to be refunded by the Fund to a Rights holder will be mailed by the Subscription Agent to such Rights holder as promptly as practicable. All payments by a Rights holder must be in U.S. dollars by check drawn on a bank located in the United States and payable to "Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund."
Whichever of the two methods described above is used, issuance and delivery of the Common Shares subscribed for are contingent upon actual payment for such Common Shares. No certificates will be issued or delivered with respect to Common Shares issued and sold in the Offer.
Rights holders who have exercised their Rights will have no right to rescind their subscription after receipt of the completed subscription certificate together with payment for Common Shares by the Subscription Agent, except as described under "Notice of Net Asset Value Decline."
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If a Rights holder who acquires Common Shares during the subscription period or pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege (for Record Date Shareholders) does not make payment of any amounts due by the Expiration Date, the Fund reserves the right to take any or all of the following actions through all appropriate means: (i) find other Record Date Shareholders for the subscribed and unpaid-for Common Shares; (ii) apply any payment actually received by the Fund toward the purchase of the greatest whole number of Common Shares that could be acquired by the Rights holder upon exercise of such Rights acquired during the subscription period or pursuant to the Over-Subscription Privilege; and/or (iii) exercise any and all other rights or remedies to which the Fund may be entitled, including, without limitation, the right to set off against payments actually received by it with respect to such subscribed Common Shares.
The method of delivery of completed subscription certificates and payment of the Subscription Price to the Subscription Agent will be at the election and risk of exercising Rights holders, but if sent by mail it is recommended that such forms and payments be sent by registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, and that a sufficient number of days be allowed to ensure delivery to the Subscription Agent and clearance of payment by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the Expiration Date. Because uncertified personal checks may take at least five (5) business days to clear, exercising Rights holders are strongly urged to pay, or arrange for payment, by means of certified or cashier's check with the shareholder's name identified on the check.
All questions concerning the timeliness, validity, form and eligibility of any exercise of Rights will be determined by the Fund, which determinations will be final and binding. The Fund, in its sole discretion, may waive any defect or irregularity, or permit a defect or irregularity to be corrected within such time as it may determine, or reject the purported exercise of any Right. Subscriptions will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until substantially all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as the Fund determines in its sole discretion. The Fund will not be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription certificates or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.
Notice of Net Asset Value Decline
The Fund has, pursuant to the SEC's regulatory requirements, undertaken to suspend the Offer until the Fund amends this Prospectus Supplement if, after March 9, 2015 (the effective date of the Fund's registration statement relating to this Offer), the Fund's NAV declines more than 10% from the Fund's NAV as of that date. In that event, the Expiration Date will be extended and the Fund will notify Record Date Shareholders of any such decline and permit Rights holders to cancel their exercise of Rights.
Delivery of Shares
Participants in the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan (the "Dividend Reinvestment Plan") will have any Common Shares acquired pursuant to the Offer credited to their shareholder dividend reinvestment accounts in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Common Shareholders whose Common Shares are held of record by DTC or by any other depository or nominee on their behalf or their broker-dealers' behalf will have any Common Shares acquired during the subscription period credited to the account of DTC or other depository or nominee. No certificates will be issued or delivered with respect to Common Shares issued and sold in the Offer.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Offer to Record Date Shareholders and other Rights holders who are "U.S. Persons" as defined below. The discussion is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder ("Treasury regulations"), judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and other
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applicable authorities, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion does not address all of the tax consequences that may be relevant to a particular Record Date Shareholder or other Rights holder, including those subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax laws such as financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, foreign persons, or persons holding Common Shares as part of a straddle or conversion transaction. This discussion is limited to Record Date Shareholders that hold Common Shares as capital assets. Except as otherwise stated herein, no ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein. Our counsel has not rendered any legal opinion regarding any tax consequences relating to us or an investment in us. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax aspects set forth below. Holders of Rights on the Record Date should consult their tax advisors as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Offer that are relevant to their particular situations, as well as the effects of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.
For purposes of this discussion, a U.S. person means any one of the following:
• an individual who is a citizen or resident of the U.S.;
• a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation that is created or organized in or under the laws of the U.S. or any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
• a trust if a court within the U.S. is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person; or
• an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source.
If a partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership or other pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds a Right, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners and partnerships holding Rights should consult their tax advisors concerning the U.S. federal income and other tax consequences relevant to their particular situation.
Issuance of Rights, Basis and Holding Period. Record Date Shareholders will not recognize taxable income in connection with the receipt of a Right pursuant to the Offer, provided that the distribution does not have the result of causing some Record Date Shareholders to receive an increase in their proportionate interest in the assets or earnings and profits of the Fund and other Record Date Shareholders to receive cash or property. The distribution of the Rights in the Offer should not have the effect of causing some Record Date Shareholders to receive an increase in their proportionate interest in the assets or earnings and profits of the Fund and other Record Date Shareholders to receive cash or property. Therefore, no income should be recognized by any Record Date Shareholders in connection with the issuance of the Rights pursuant to the Offer.
Except as provided in the following sentence, the basis of the Rights received by a Record Date Shareholder will be zero and the basis of the Common Share with respect to which the Right was issued (the "Old Common Share") will remain unchanged. The Record Date Shareholder must allocate the basis of the Old Common Share and the Right in proportion to their respective fair market values on the date of distribution if (i) either (a) the fair market value of the Right on the date of distribution is at least 15% of the fair market value of the Old Common Share on that date, or (b) the Record Date Shareholder affirmatively elects (in the manner set out in Treasury regulations) to allocate to the Right a portion of the basis of the Old Common Share and (ii) the Right does not
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expire unexercised in the hands of the Record Date Shareholder (i.e., the Record Date Shareholder either exercises or sells the Right following its issuance).
The basis of a Right purchased in the market will generally be its purchase price.
The holding period of the Rights received in the Offer will include the holder's holding period for the Common Shares with respect to which the Rights were issued.
Expiration of the Rights. Holders who receive Rights in the Offer with respect to their Common Shares and who allow such Rights to expire unexercised will not recognize any gain or loss, and no adjustment will be made to the basis of the holder's Common Shares.
If a Right that has been purchased in the market expires unexercised, the holder will recognize a loss equal to the basis of the Right. If the Right was held as a capital asset, loss on the expiration of the Right will be a capital loss.
Sale of the Rights. Upon the sale of a Right, the seller will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the seller's basis in the Right. Any gain or loss on the sale of a Right will be capital gain or loss if the Right is held as a capital asset (which in the case of Rights issued to Record Date Shareholders will depend on whether the Old Common Share is held as a capital asset), and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period of the Right is deemed to exceed one year.
Exercise of the Rights, Basis and Holding Period of Acquired Shares. No gain or loss will be recognized by a Rights holder upon the exercise of a Right, and the basis of any Common Share acquired upon exercise of the Right (the "New Common Share") will equal the sum of the basis, if any, of the Right and the Subscription Price for the New Common Share. The holding period for the New Common Share acquired through exercise of the Right will begin no later than the date following the date of exercise of the Right.
Employee Benefit Plan Considerations
Common Shareholders that are employee benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") (including corporate savings and 401(k) plans), Keogh plans of self-employed individuals, Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") and other plans eligible for special tax treatment under the Code (each a "Plan" and collectively, the "Plans") should be aware that additional contributions of cash to the Plan (other than rollover contributions or trustee-to-trustee transfers from other Plans) made in order to exercise Rights would be treated as Plan contributions and, when taken together with contributions previously made, may subject a Plan to excise taxes for excess or nondeductible contributions. In the case of Plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and certain other plans, additional cash contributions could cause the maximum contribution limitations of Section 415 of the Code or other qualification rules to be violated. Plans contemplating the receipt of additional cash contributions to exercise Rights should consult with their counsel prior to receiving or using such contributions.
Plans and other tax exempt entities, including governmental plans, should also be aware that if they borrow in order to finance their exercise of Rights, they may become subject to the tax on unrelated business taxable income under Section 511 of the Code. If any portion of an IRA is used as security for a loan to the individual for whose benefit the IRA is established, the portion so used is also treated as distributed such individual.
ERISA contains fiduciary responsibility requirements, and ERISA and the Code contain prohibited transaction rules that may impact the exercise or transfer of Rights. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties for non-compliance, Plans should consult with their counsel regarding the consequences of their exercise or transfer of Rights under ERISA and the Code.
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Benefits to the Advisor
The Advisor will benefit from the Offer, in part, because the investment advisory fee paid by the Fund to the Advisor is based on the Fund's Managed Assets. It is not possible to state precisely the amount of additional compensation the Advisor will receive as a result of the Offer because it is not known how many Common Shares of the Fund will be subscribed for and because the proceeds of the Offer will be invested in additional portfolio securities which will fluctuate in value. However, assuming (i) all Rights are exercised, (ii) the Fund's average daily net asset value during the twelve-month period beginning May 1, 2015 is $18.32 per Common Share (the NAV per Common Share on March 18, 2015) (iii) the Subscription Price is $17.00 per Common Share, and (iv) for purposes of this example, the Fund increases the amount of leverage outstanding while maintaining approximately the same percentage of total assets attributable to leverage, and after giving effect to Dealer Manager fee and other estimated offering expenses, the Advisor would receive additional investment advisory fees of approximately $1,113,639 for the twelve-month period beginning May 1, 2015, and would continue to receive additional investment advisory fees as a result of the Offer, based on the Fund's Managed Assets attributable to the Common Shares issued in the Offer and related additional leverage, thereafter.
Investment Considerations and Dilution
Upon completion of the Offer, Common Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights fully will own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than would be the case if the Offer had not been made. In addition, because the Subscription Price per Common Share is likely to be less than the Fund's NAV per Common Share, the Offer will likely result in a dilution of the Fund's NAV per Common Share for all Common Shareholders, irrespective of whether they exercise all or any portion of their Rights. Although it is not possible to state precisely the amount of such a decrease in value, because it is not known at this time what the Subscription Price will be, what the NAV per Common Share will be on the Expiration Date or what proportion of Common Shares will be subscribed for, the dilution could be substantial. For example, assuming that all Rights are exercised, that the Fund's NAV on the Expiration Date is $18.32 per Common Share (the NAV per Common Share on March 18, 2015), and that the Subscription Price is $17.00 per Common Share, the Fund's NAV per Common Share on this date would be reduced by approximately $0.51 per Common Share, after giving effect to the estimated Dealer Manager fee of $3,148,593 and to other estimated offering expenses of $450,000, each payable by the Fund. Record Date Shareholders will experience a decrease in the NAV per Common Share held by them, irrespective of whether they exercise all or any portion of their Rights. The distribution of transferable Rights, which may themselves have value, will afford non-participating Common Shareholders the potential of receiving a cash payment upon the sale of the Rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for the economic dilution of their interests, although there can be no assurance that a market for the Rights will develop.
RISKS RELATED TO THE OFFER
Dilution Risk
As a result of this Offer, it is anticipated that even if you fully exercise your Rights, you should expect to incur immediate economic dilution and, if you do not exercise all of your Rights, you will incur voting dilution. Further, both the sales load and the expenses associated with the Offer paid by the Fund will immediately reduce the NAV of each Common Shareholder's Common Shares. To the extent that the number of Common Shares outstanding after the Offer will have increased proportionately more than the increase in the size of the Fund's net assets, you will, at the completion of the Offer, experience immediate dilution of net asset value. The percentage increase in Common Shares outstanding that will occur if all the Rights are exercised is 33 1/3%. In addition, if the Subscription Price for the Offer is less than the Fund's NAV per Common Share as of the Expiration Date, you would experience additional immediate dilution of net asset value as a result of the Offer. If the Subscription Price is substantially less than the current NAV per Common Share at the expiration of the Offer, such dilution could be substantial. It is anticipated that the existing Common Shareholders will experience immediate dilution
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even if they fully exercise their Rights. In addition, whether or not you exercise your Rights, you will experience a dilution of NAV of the Common Shares because you will indirectly bear the expenses of this Offer, which include, among other items, the Dealer Manager fee, reimbursement of the Dealer Manager, the expenses of preparing, printing and mailing the prospectus and Rights subscription materials for the Offer (including reimbursement of expenses of the Dealer Manager, Selling Group Members, Soliciting Dealers and other brokers, dealers and financial institutions), SEC registration fees and the fees assessed by service providers (including the cost of the Fund's counsel and independent registered public accounting firm). This dilution of NAV will disproportionately affect Common Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights. The Fund cannot state precisely the amount of any decrease because it is not know at this time how many Common Shares will be subscribed for or what the net asset value or market price of the Fund's Common Shares will be on the Expiration Date or what the Subscription Price will be. For example, based on the Fund's NAV and market price on March 18, 2015, the Subscription Price would be less than NAV and there would be dilution. Assuming full exercise of the Rights being offered at the Subscription Price and assuming that the Expiration Date was March 18, 2015, it is estimated that the per share dilution resulting from the Offer, as of March 18, 2015, would be $0.51 or 2.78%.
In addition to the economic dilution described above, if you do not exercise all of your Rights, you will incur voting dilution as a result of this Offer. This voting dilution will occur because you will own a smaller proportionate interest in the Fund after the Offer than you owned prior to the Offer.
The fact that the Rights are transferable may reduce the effects of dilution as a result of the Offer. Rights holders can transfer or sell their Rights. The cash received from the sale of Rights may be viewed as partial compensation for any possible dilution. There can be no assurances, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any value in that market.
Risks of Investing in Rights
Shares of closed-end funds such as the Fund frequently trade at a discount to NAV. Since inception, the Fund's Common Shares have frequently traded at a discount in relation to NAV. See "Description of Common Shares." If the Formula Price is less than 80% of NAV on the Expiration Date, then the Subscription Price will likely be greater than the market price of a Common Share on that date. In addition, the Formula Price, even if above 80% of NAV, may still be above the market price of a Common Share on the Expiration Date. If either event occurs, the Rights will have no value, and a person who exercises Rights will experience an immediate loss of value.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed on by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, as special counsel to the Fund in connection with the Offer. Certain legal matters will be passed on by Dechert LLP, as special counsel to the Dealer Manager in connection with the Offer.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas 77002, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and will annually render an opinion on the financial statements of the Fund.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus constitute part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. This Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus omit certain of the information contained in the
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Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov).
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PROSPECTUS
$125,000,000
Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund
Common Shares
Subscription Rights for Common Shares
Investment Objective. Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders. The "total return" sought by the Fund includes appreciation in the net asset value of the Fund's common shares and all distributions made by the Fund to its common shareholders, regardless of the tax characterization of such distributions, including distributions characterized as return of capital. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Offering. The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to $125,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Shares") and/or subscription rights to purchase Common Shares ("Rights" and together with the "Common Shares", "Securities"), in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a "Prospectus Supplement"). You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in the securities of the Fund. The Fund may offer Securities (1) directly to one or more purchasers, (2) through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time or (3) to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering of Securities will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of the Securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents or underwriters or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution."
Principal Investment Policies. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and energy infrastructure companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus) in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies.
The Advisor intends to construct the Fund's portfolio utilizing a three-pronged approach. The Advisor targets a "core" portfolio of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have (i) traditional fee-based businesses, (ii) high barriers to entry, (iii) low direct commodity price exposure and (iv) low demand elasticity or the potential for demand destruction. Examples include interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines with long-term contracts and diversified revenue streams, and crude and gas storage and terminal facilities. In addition to this "core" portfolio, the Fund may invest a portion of its portfolio in shorter-term investments. These opportunistic transactions may be based on the Advisor's view of factors including, but not limited to, market dislocations, projected trading demand imbalances, short-term market catalysts, commodity price volatility and interest rates and credit spreads along with other issuer-specific developments. Finally, the Fund intends to allocate up to 20% of its portfolio to private investment opportunities. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private investments that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Advisor believes it is uniquely positioned to analyze private investment opportunities sourced directly or co-investment opportunities made available to the Advisor by private equity firms or other sources. The breadth of Advisor personnel's mergers and acquisitions background provides for a network of deep relationships with investment banking groups, management teams, private equity firms and significant shareholders seeking liquidity.
Investing in the Fund's Securities involves certain risks. See "Risks" on page 64 of this Prospectus.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission ("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.
(continued on following page)
The date of this prospectus is March 9, 2015.
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Entities commonly referred to as master limited partnerships or MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund considers investments in MLPs to include investments that offer economic exposure to public and private MLPs in the form of equity securities of MLPs, securities of entities holding primarily general or limited partner or managing member interests in MLPs, securities that represent indirect investments in MLPs, including I-Shares (which represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated party of a MLP) and debt securities of MLPs.
The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed to or derived from the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets; or (ii) a third party classification has given the company an industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions, including the production, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals and other energy resources, physical structures, networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure company to be an "energy infrastructure company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or services to companies operating in the energy sector.
Advisor. Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP ("Center Coast" or the "Advisor") serves as the Fund's investment advisor and is responsible for the management of the Fund. Center Coast is a registered investment advisor headquartered in Houston, Texas focused on energy infrastructure investments. Center Coast combines the expertise of midstream and energy infrastructure operators and financial and investment professionals.
Financial Leverage. The Fund intends to seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage through borrowing, including loans from financial institutions, or the issuance of commercial paper or other forms of debt ("Borrowings"), through the issuance of senior securities such as preferred shares ("Preferred Shares"), through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions or through a combination of the foregoing (collectively "Financial Leverage"). The Fund may utilize Financial Leverage up to the limits imposed by the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Under current market conditions, the Fund intends to utilize Financial Leverage principally through Borrowings from certain financial institutions in an amount equal to 20% to 30% of the Fund's Managed Assets, including the proceeds of such Financial Leverage. The Fund has entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. ("BNPP"). As of November 30, 2014, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $129,000,000 (representing approximately 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets). The costs associated with the issuance and use of Financial Leverage will be borne by the holders of the Common Shares. Financial Leverage is a speculative technique and investors should note that there are special risks and costs associated with Financial Leverage. There can be no assurance that a Financial Leverage strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. See "Use of Financial Leverage."
Listing. The Fund's currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "CEN." The net asset value of the Common Shares at the close of business on March 6, 2015 was $18.83 per share, and the last reported sale price of the Common Shares on the NYSE on such date was $19.55, representing a discount to net asset value of 3.82%. In connection with any offering of Rights, the Fund will provide information in the Prospectus Supplement for the expected trading market, if any, for Rights. See "Market and Net Asset Value Information."
Taxation. Because of the Fund's concentration in MLP investments, the Fund is not eligible to be treated as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Instead, the Fund will be treated as a regular corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a result, unlike most investment companies, will be subject to corporate income tax to the extent the Fund recognizes taxable income. The Fund believes that as a result of the tax characterization of cash distributions made by MLPs, a significant portion of the Fund's income will be tax-deferred, which will allow distributions by the Fund to its shareholders to include high levels of tax-deferred income. However, there can be no assurance in this regard. If this
expectation is not realized, the Fund will have a larger corporate income tax expense than expected, which will result in less cash available to distribute to shareholders.
You should read this Prospectus, which contains important information about the Fund, together with any Prospectus Supplement, before deciding whether to invest, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated March 9, 2015, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which is on page 107 of this Prospectus, or request other information about the Fund (including the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports) or make shareholder inquiries by calling (800) 651-2345 or by writing to the Advisor at Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP, 1600 Smith Street, Suite 3800, Houston, Texas 77002, or you may obtain a copy (and other information regarding the Fund) from the SEC's web site (http://www.sec.gov). Free copies of the Fund's reports will also be available from the Fund's web site at www.centercoastcap.com.
The Fund's Securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page |
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Prospectus Summary |
1 |
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Summary of Fund Expenses |
44 |
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Financial Highlights |
46 |
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Senior Securities |
47 |
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The Fund |
47 |
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Use of Proceeds |
47 |
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Market and Net Asset Value Information |
47 |
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Investment Objective and Policies |
48 |
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The Fund's Investments |
50 |
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Use of Financial Leverage |
60 |
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Risks |
64 |
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Management of the Fund |
89 |
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Net Asset Value |
90 |
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Distributions |
92 |
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
93 |
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Description of Capital Structure |
94 |
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Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund's Governing Documents |
97 |
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Closed-End Fund Structure |
98 |
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Repurchase of Common Shares; Conversion to Open-End Fund |
98 |
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Taxation |
99 |
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Plan of Distribution |
103 |
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Custodian, Administrator and Transfer Agent |
105 |
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Investor Support Services |
105 |
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Legal Matters |
105 |
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
106 |
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Additional Information |
106 |
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Privacy Principles of the Fund |
106 |
||||||
Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information |
107 |
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has 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. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this Prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this Prospectus. The Fund's business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since that date.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Prospectus contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements describe the Fund's plans, strategies, and goals and the Fund's beliefs and assumptions concerning future economic and other conditions and the outlook for the Fund, based on currently available information. In this Prospectus, words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "objectives," "goals," "future," "intends," "seeks," "will," "may," "could," "should," and similar expressions are used in an effort to identify forward-looking statements, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. The Fund is not entitled to the safe harbor for forward-looking statements pursuant to Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This is only a summary of information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in the Fund's Securities. You should carefully read the more detailed information contained in this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement, especially the information set forth under the headings "Investment Objective and Policies" and "Risks." You may also wish to request a copy of the Fund's Statement of Additional Information, dated March 9, 2015 (the "SAI"), which contains additional information about the Fund.
The Fund Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company.
Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP ("Center Coast" or the "Advisor") serves as the Fund's investment advisor and is responsible for the management of the Fund.
The Offering The Fund may offer, from time to time, up to $125,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Shares") and/or subscription rights to purchase Common Shares ("Rights" and together with the "Common Shares", "Securities"), in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a "Prospectus Supplement").
You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in the Securities. The Fund may offer Securities (1) directly to one or more purchasers, (2) through agents that the Fund may designate from time to time, or (3) to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of the Securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and agents or underwriters or among underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Fund may not sell Securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this Prospectus and a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of Common Shares. See "Plan of Distribution."
Use of Proceeds Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of any such offering. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Securities primarily for these purposes.
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Investment Objective The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders.
The "total return" sought by the Fund includes appreciation in the net asset value of the Fund's Common Shares and all distributions made by the Fund to its Common Shareholders, regardless of the tax characterization of such distributions, including distributions characterized as return of capital.
The Fund's investment objective is considered fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act")) of the Fund. The Fund cannot ensure investors that it will achieve its investment objective.
Investment Rationale Investors should consider their investment goals, time horizons and risk tolerance before investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors, and the Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program. The Fund is designed as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund may be an appropriate investment for investors who are seeking:
• an efficient, single investment for accessing a portfolio of master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and energy infrastructure companies;
• the opportunity for attractive tax-deferred distributions and capital appreciation;
• simplified tax reporting compared to direct investments in MLPs; and
• the professional, active management of Center Coast.
The Advisor believes that MLPs present a compelling investment opportunity. MLPs combine the tax benefits associated with limited partnerships with the liquidity of publicly traded securities. The types of MLPs in which the Fund intends to invest historically have made cash distributions to limited partners or members that exceed the amount of taxable income allocable to limited partners or members, due to a variety of factors, including significant non-cash deductions, such as depreciation and depletion. If the cash distributions exceed the taxable income reported in a particular tax year, the excess cash distributions would not be taxed as income to the Fund in that tax year but rather would be treated as a return of capital for federal income tax purposes to the extent of the Fund's basis in its MLP units.
Similarly, the Fund expects to distribute cash in excess of its earnings and profits to Common Shareholders which may be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the Common Shareholders' bases in the Common Shares. As a result, Common Shareholders may receive distributions that are generally tax-deferred and represent a return of capital although no assurance can be given in this regard. Tax deferred distributions to Common Shareholders will result in a reduction in basis in their Common Shares, which may increase the capital gain, or reduce capital loss, realized upon sale of such Common Shares. In addition, the Fund may have a larger corporate income tax expense than expected, which will result in less cash available to distribute to Common Shareholders.
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The Advisor believes that energy infrastructure securities offer opportunistic investment possibilities. The Advisor intends to utilize its proprietary security selection process to identify energy infrastructure companies offering solid business fundamentals across the energy infrastructure business segment.
Furthermore, the closed-end structure allows the Fund to maintain a stable pool of assets, without the need to keep assets in low-yielding instruments like cash or cash equivalents or to liquidate assets, sometimes at inopportune times, to meet redemption requests.
Principal Investment Policies The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and energy infrastructure companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus) in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies.
Entities commonly referred to as master limited partnerships or MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund considers investments in MLPs to include investments that offer economic exposure to public and private MLPs in the form of equity securities of MLPs, securities of entities holding primarily general or limited partner or managing member interests in MLPs, securities that represent indirect investments in MLPs, including I-Shares (which represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated party of a MLP) and debt securities of MLPs.
The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed to or derived from the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets; or (ii) a third party classification has given the company an industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions, including the production, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals and other energy resources, physical structures, networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure company to be an "energy infrastructure company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or services to companies operating in the energy sector.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private company investments that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Fund may invest in equity securities or debt securities, including debt securities issued with warrants to purchase equity securities or that are convertible into equity securities,
3
of private companies. The Fund's private company investments may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets. The Fund may enter into private company investments identified by the Advisor or may co-invest in private company investment opportunities owned or identified by other third party investors, such as private equity firms. However, the Fund will not invest in private equity funds or other privately offered pooled investment funds.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of issuers located outside of North America.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in debt securities, including debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or comparably rated by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Advisor to be of comparable credit quality. Below investment grade securities, which are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds" are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. Investments in debt securities of MLPs or energy infrastructure companies are included for purposes of the Fund's policy of investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies (the "80% Policy").
Investment Process The Advisor combines energy sector operational expertise with financial market expertise to identify investments in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The Advisor seeks to draw upon its unique experience to conduct thorough due diligence from an owner-operator perspective, utilizing its extensive network of relationships to identify both public and private MLP and energy infrastructure company investment opportunities. The Advisor's due diligence process includes financial and valuation analysis centered on quantitative factors including cash flow, yield and relative valuation to establish a valuation target. Next the Advisor evaluates asset quality, considering factors such as contract structure, operating risk, competitive environment and growth potential. The Advisor also assesses management quality drawing on its previous experience with many of the management teams to evaluate their financial discipline, level of general partner support, operational expertise and strength of their business plan and their ability to execute it. Included in the diligence process is also an assessment of trading dynamics, including liquidity, identity and concentration of large holders, equity overhang and float.
The Advisor intends to construct the Fund's portfolio utilizing a three-pronged approach.
The Advisor targets a "core" portfolio in which it seeks to own the highest quality midstream MLPs. Core investments possess the most durable long term cash flows in order to seek to maximize risk-adjusted total returns to shareholders with an emphasis on cash distributions. Generally, the Fund anticipates making core investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have (i) traditional fee-based businesses, (ii) high barriers
4
to entry, (iii) low direct commodity price exposure and (iv) low demand elasticity or the potential for demand destruction. Examples include interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines with long-term contracts and diversified revenue streams, and crude and gas storage and terminal facilities.
In addition to this "core" portfolio, the Fund may invest a portion of its portfolio in shorter-term investments. These opportunistic transactions may be based on the Advisor's view of factors including, but not limited to, market dislocations, projected trading demand imbalances, short-term market catalysts, commodity price volatility and interest rates and credit spreads along with other issuer-specific developments.
Finally, the Fund intends to allocate up to 20% of its portfolio to private investment opportunities. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private investments that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Advisor believes it is uniquely positioned to analyze private investment opportunities sourced directly or co-investment opportunities made available to the Advisor by private equity firms or other sources. The breadth of Advisor personnel's mergers and acquisitions background provides for a network of deep relationships with investment banking groups, management teams, private equity firms and significant shareholders seeking liquidity. The Fund's private investments may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets, but will not include interests in private investment funds. Many of the private investment opportunities are centered around assets or companies which may not have a great deal of publicly available information. The experience of the Advisor's senior professionals in owning and operating midstream and energy infrastructure assets gives it the unique ability to assess the operating environment of private investment opportunities including, but not limited to, competitive environment, contract structure and operating risk.
The Fund's Investments Master Limited Partnerships or MLPs. Entities commonly referred to as MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The securities issued by many MLPs are listed and traded on a securities exchange. If publicly traded, to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the entity must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). These qualifying sources include interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for the production of income described in the foregoing, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. Mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines), of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or carbon dioxide.
5
MLPs typically have two classes of interestsgeneral partner interests and limited partner interests. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an equity interest in the MLP. Limited partners own the remainder of the MLP and have a limited role in the MLP's operations and management.
MLPs currently operate primarily within the energy sector. The Fund currently expects that under normal market conditions a significant portion of its investments will be in "midstream" MLPs. Midstream MLPs are engaged in the treating, gathering, compression, processing, transportation, transmission, fractionation, storage and terminalling of natural gas, natural gas liquids (including propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil, refined petroleum products (including gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel), other hydrocarbon by-products and other energy resources and their byproducts in a form that is usable by wholesale power generation, utility, petrochemical, industrial and gasoline customers, including pipelines, gas processing plants, liquefied natural gas facilities and other energy infrastructure. Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products. Pipeline MLPs derive revenue from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been less exposed to cyclical economic forces due to its low cost structure and government-regulated nature. In addition, most pipeline MLPs have limited direct commodity price exposure because they do not own the product being shipped. Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as well as providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids. Processing MLPs derive revenue from providing services to natural gas producers, which require treatment or processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities and other end user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although it is not uncommon to have some participation in the prices of the natural gas and natural gas liquids commodities for a portion of revenue. Midstream MLPs may also operate ancillary businesses including the marketing of the products and logistical services.
Other MLPs in which the Fund may invest may be classified as upstream MLPs, downstream MLPs, services MLPs, propane MLPs, coal MLPs, marine transportation MLPs or natural resources MLPs.
• Upstream MLPs are businesses engaged in the exploration, extraction, production and acquisition of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil from geological reservoirs. An upstream MLP's cash flow and distributions are driven by the amount of oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil produced and the demand for and price of such commodities.
• Downstream MLPs are businesses engaged in refining, marketing and other "end-customer" distribution activities relating to refined energy sources, such as: customer-ready natural gas, propane and gasoline; the production and manufacturing of petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, ethylene and similar co-products as well as intermediates and derivatives; and the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity.
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• Services MLPs are engaged in the provision of services to energy-related businesses, such as oilfield services companies, which provide services to the petroleum exploration and production industry but do not produce or distribute petroleum themselves, gas compression companies and producers and providers of sand used in hydraulic fracturing.
• Propane MLPs are engaged in the distribution of propane to homeowners for space and water heating and to commercial, industrial and agricultural customers.
• Coal MLPs are engaged in the owning, leasing, managing, and production and sale of various grades of steam and metallurgical coal. The primary use of steam coal is for electrical generation, as a fuel for steam-powered generators by electrical utilities. The primary use of metallurgical coal is in the production of steel.
• Marine transportation MLPs provide transportation and distribution services for energy-related products through the ownership and operation of several types of vessels, such as crude oil tankers, refined product tankers, liquefied natural gas tankers, tank barges and tugboats.
• Natural resources MLPs include MLPs principally engaged in owning or developing non-energy natural resources, including timber and minerals.
Legislation has been introduced that, if signed into law, would expand the definition of "qualifying income" under the Code so that companies that derive their income from clean and renewable energy resources, such as solar energy, wind energy, hydropower and certain biofuels, could be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While the Fund and the Advisor cannot predict whether, or in what form, such legislation will be enacted, in the event that is enacted, the Fund may seek to invest in such renewable energy MLPs.
Energy Infrastructure Companies. The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed to or derived from the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets; or (ii) a third party classification has given the company an industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions, including the production, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals and other energy resources, physical structures, networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure company to be an "energy infrastructure company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or services to companies operating in the energy sector.
Energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund will invest may include companies involved in (i) exploration, development, production, gathering, treating, transportation, processing, fractionation, storage,
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refining, distribution, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids (including propane), crude oil, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, plastics and other hydrocarbon products, coal or other natural resources used to produce energy sources, (ii) provision of services and logistics with respect to the foregoing activities, and/or (iii) generation, transmission, sale or distribution of electric energy.
Short Sales. The Fund may engage in short sales. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. To the extent the Fund engages in short sales, the Fund will not make a short sale, if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 20% of the value of its Managed Assets. The Fund may also make short sales "against the box" without respect to such limitations. In this type of short sale, at the time of the sale, the Fund owns, or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no additional cost, the identical security. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss will be increased, by the transaction costs incurred by the Fund, including the costs associated with providing collateral to the broker-dealer (usually cash and liquid securities) and the maintenance of collateral with its custodian. Although the Fund's gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited. The Fund may engage in short sales in connection with paired long-short trades to arbitrage pricing disparities in securities issued by MLPs or between MLPs and their affiliates.
Financial Leverage The Fund currently intends to seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage through borrowing, including loans from financial institutions, or the issuance of commercial paper or other forms of debt ("Borrowings"), through the issuance of senior securities such as preferred shares ("Preferred Shares"), through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions or through a combination of the foregoing (collectively "Financial Leverage"). The Fund may utilize Financial Leverage up to the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Borrowings in an aggregate amount up to 331/3% of the Fund's total assets immediately after such Borrowing and may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Preferred Shares in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund's total assets immediately after such issuance. Under current market conditions, the Fund intends to utilize Financial Leverage principally through Borrowings from certain financial institutions in an amount equal to 20% to 30% of the Fund's Managed Assets, including the proceeds of such Financial Leverage. The Fund may also utilize Borrowings in excess of such limits for temporary purposes such as the settlement of transactions.
The Fund has entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. ("BNPP") pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to a maximum commitment
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amount of $150,000,000. The Fund pays a monthly financing changes based on a LIBOR-based variable rate and a commitment fee of 0.70% per annum on the unused portion of the maximum commitment amount. The Fund is required to pledge portfolio securities as collateral in an amount up to two times the loan balance outstanding (or more depending on the terms of the Credit Agreement) and has granted a security interest in the securities pledged to, and in favor of, BNPP as security for the loan balance outstanding. If the Fund fails to meet certain requirements, or maintain other financial covenants required under the Credit Agreement, the Fund may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement, necessitating the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. As of November 30, 2014, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $129,000,000 (representing approximately 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets).
So long as the net rate of return on the Fund's investments purchased with the proceeds of Financial Leverage exceeds the cost of such Financial Leverage, such excess amounts will be available to pay higher distributions to holders of the Fund's Common Shares. Any use of Financial Leverage must be approved by the Fund's board of trustees (the "Board of Trustees"). There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which it is employed. During the time in which the Fund is utilizing Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Advisor for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund's Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of interest between the Advisor and Common Shareholders. Because the Financial Leverage costs will be borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only the Fund's Common Shareholders will bear the cost associated with Financial Leverage. See "Use of Financial Leverage" and "RisksFinancial Leverage Risk."
In connection with the Fund's use of Financial Leverage, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions. The Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps to seek to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on Common Share net earnings as a result of leverage. See "Use of Financial LeverageInterest Rate Transactions."
Other Investment Practices Derivatives Transactions. The Fund may, but is not required to, use various derivatives transactions in order to earn income or enhance total return, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. Generally, a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes, and other assets. The use of derivatives transactions to earn income or enhance total return may be particularly speculative. In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities,
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equity and debt indices and other instruments, purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars. In addition, derivative transactions may also include new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur. For a more complete discussion of the Fund's investment practices involving transactions in derivatives and certain other investment techniques, see "Investment Objective and PoliciesDerivative Instruments" in the Fund's SAI.
Other Investment Funds. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of other investment funds, including registered closed-end or open-end investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. The Advisor generally expects that it may invest in other investment funds either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds from an offering of Common Shares or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive securities available in the market. To the extent that the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest primarily in MLPs or energy infrastructure companies, the value of such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund's 80% Policy.
When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a "when issued" or "delayed delivery" basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. The Fund will segregate with its custodian cash or liquid securities in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of its outstanding forward commitments. See "Investment Objective and PoliciesCertain Other Investment PracticesWhen Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments."
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be seen as loans by the Fund collateralized by underlying debt securities. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund would acquire an underlying debt obligation for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed price and time. See "Investment Objective and PoliciesCertain Other Investment PracticesRepurchase Agreements."
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed upon time (normally within seven days) and price, which reflects an interest payment. Such agreements will be treated as subject to investment restrictions regarding "borrowings." See "Investment Objective and PoliciesCertain Other Investment PracticesReverse Repurchase Agreements."
Loans of Portfolio Securities. To increase income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory
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requirements and (ii) no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed 33% of the value of the Fund's Managed Assets. See "Investment Objective and PoliciesCertain Other Investment PracticesLoans of Portfolio Securities" in this Prospectus and "Investment Objective and PoliciesLoans of Portfolio Securities" in the Fund's SAI.
Temporary Defensive Investments. At any time when a temporary defensive posture is believed by the Advisor to be warranted (a "temporary defensive period"), the Fund may, without limitation, hold cash or invest its assets in money market instruments and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments. The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during a temporary defensive period or be able to sustain its historical distribution levels. See "Investment Objective and PoliciesTemporary Defensive Investments."
Management of the Fund Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP acts as the Fund's investment advisor pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Advisor is a registered investment advisor headquartered in Houston, Texas focused on energy infrastructure investments. The Advisor generally manages its investments according to a process focused on quality and durability of cash flows. The Advisor combines the expertise of midstream and energy infrastructure operators and financial and investment professionals. The Advisor's senior professionals include a former MLP chief executive officer and experienced investment professionals with an established track record of managing MLP investments as well as operating midstream and other energy infrastructure assets. The Advisor seeks to draw upon this unique experience to achieve a robust diligence process, structured investment process and access to a unique network of relationships to identify both public and private MLP and infrastructure investment opportunities.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is responsible for managing the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, placing orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and managing the other business and affairs of the Fund, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees. As compensation for its services, the Fund pays the Advisor a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets. "Managed Assets" means the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from any forms of Financial Leverage, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any Financial Leverage.
Taxation The Fund is treated as a regular corporation, or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the Fund generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at the graduated rates applicable to corporations. Because of the Fund's concentration in MLP investments, the Fund is not eligible to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code.
The types of MLPs in which the Fund intends to invest historically have made cash distributions to their limited partners in excess of the amount of their taxable income allocable to their limited partners. This is the result of
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a variety of factors, including significant non-cash deductions, such as accelerated depreciation. The portion, if any, of the cash distributions received by the Fund with respect to its investment in the equity securities of an MLP that exceeds the Fund's allocable share of the MLP's net taxable income will not be treated as taxable income to the Fund, but rather will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the Fund's basis in such MLP equity securities.
The Fund expects to pay cash distributions to its shareholders in excess of the Fund's taxable income. Distributions by the Fund of cash or property in respect of the Common Shares will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Subject to certain holding period and other requirements, any such dividend will be eligible (i) to be treated as "qualified dividend income" in the case of shareholders taxed as individuals and (ii) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders. If the Fund's distributions exceed the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the shareholder's tax basis in the Common Shares (thus reducing a shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares), and thereafter as capital gain assuming the Common Shares are held as a capital asset. The Fund expects that a significant portion of its distributions on its Common Shares will constitute a tax-deferred return of capital. Upon the sale of Common Shares, a shareholder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares sold. See "Taxation."
Distributions The Fund intends to make regular monthly cash distributions to its Common Shareholders.
The Fund believes that as a result of the tax characterization of cash distributions made by MLPs to their investors (such as the Fund), a portion of the Fund's income will be tax-deferred return of capital, which will allow distributions by the Fund to its shareholders to include tax-deferred return of capital. However, there can be no assurance in this regard. If this expectation is not realized, the Fund will have a larger corporate income tax expense than expected, which will result in less cash available to distribute to shareholders.
In general, a portion of the Fund's distribution will constitute a return of capital to a Common Shareholder, rather than a dividend, to the extent such distribution exceeds the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. The portion of any distribution treated as a return of capital will not be subject to tax currently, but will result in a corresponding reduction in a shareholder's basis in Common Shares and in the shareholder's recognizing more gain or less loss (that is, will result in an increase of a shareholder's tax liability) when the shareholder later sells Common Shares. Distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits that are in excess of a shareholder's adjusted tax basis in its shares are generally treated as capital gains.
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The Fund's distribution rate will vary based upon the distributions received from underlying investments. To permit it to maintain a more stable monthly distribution rate, the Fund may distribute less or more than the entire amount of cash it receives from its investments in a particular period. Any undistributed cash would be available to supplement future distributions and, until distributed, would add to the Fund's net asset value. Correspondingly, such amounts, once distributed, will be deducted from the Fund's net asset value. See "Distributions."
Dividend Reinvestment Plan If you hold your Common Shares in your own name or if you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that participates in the Fund's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"), unless you elect to receive cash, all dividends and distributions that are declared by the Fund will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares of the Fund pursuant to the Plan. If you hold your Common Shares with a brokerage firm that does not participate in the Plan, you will not be 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. See "Dividend Reinvestment Plan."
Listing and Symbol The Fund's currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "CEN." In connection with any offering of Rights, the Fund will provide information in the Prospectus Supplement for the expected trading market, if any, for Rights.
Special Risk Considerations Not a Complete Investment Program. An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to play short-term swings in the stock market. Each Common Shareholder should take into account the Fund's investment objective as well as the Common Shareholder's other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.
Investment and Market Risk. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of those securities may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The value of the securities owned by the Fund will affect the value of the Common Shares. At any point in time, your Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it has an actively managed portfolio. The Advisor will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
Risks of Investing in MLP Units. An investment in MLP units involves risks that differ from a similar investment in equity securities, such as common stock, of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have the rights typically afforded to limited partners in a limited partnership. As compared
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to common shareholders of a corporation, holders of MLP units have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units. Additionally, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of an MLP; for example, a conflict may arise as a result of incentive distribution payments, as such an incentive structure may result in divergent and potentially conflicting interests between common unitholders and the general partner, which may have more motivation to pursue projects with high risk and high potential reward.
Tax Risks. As a result of the unique characteristics of MLP investments, the Fund will be subject to certain tax related risks.
MLP Tax Risk. The Fund's ability to meet its investment objective will depend largely on the amount of the distributions it receives (in relation to the taxable income it recognizes) with respect to its investments in the MLPs, which is something over which the Fund will have no control. Much of the benefit the Fund derives from its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Partnerships do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner of a partnership, in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability, will include its allocable share of the partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income. The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and generally causing such distributions received by the Fund to be taxed as dividend income. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the after-tax return to the Fund with respect to its investment in such MLPs would be materially reduced, which could cause a substantial decline in the value of the Common Shares.
Deferred Tax Risks of MLP Investments. To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund will be required to include in its taxable income the Fund's allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses recognized by each such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Historically, MLPs have been able to offset a significant portion of their income with tax deductions. The portion, if any, of a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions is essentially treated as tax-deferred return of capital. However, any such deferred tax will be reflected in the Fund's adjusted basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes on the sale of any such equity securities. In addition, the Fund will incur a current income tax liability on the portion of its allocable share of an MLP's income that
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is not offset by its allocable share of tax deductions. The percentage of an MLP's income that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions will fluctuate over time. For example, new acquisitions by MLPs generate accelerated depreciation and other tax deductions, and therefore a decline in acquisition activity by the MLPs owned by the Fund could increase the Fund's current tax liability. If the percentage of the distributions received by the Fund that is offset by tax deductions declines, or the Fund's portfolio turnover increases, the portion of the distributions paid by the Fund that is treated as tax-deferred return of capital and/or capital gain, as the case may be, would be reduced and the portion treated as taxable dividend income would be increased. This generally would result in lower after-tax distributions to shareholders.
Because the Fund is treated as a regular corporation, or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will incur tax expenses. In calculating the Fund's net asset value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund will, among other things, account for its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances.
The Fund will accrue a deferred income tax liability balance, at the currently effective statutory U.S. federal income tax rate plus an estimated state and local income tax rate, for its future tax liability associated with the capital appreciation of its investments and the distributions received by the Fund on equity securities of MLPs considered to be return of capital and for any net operating gains. Any deferred tax liability balance will reduce the Fund's net asset value. The portion, if any, of a distribution on an MLP equity security received by the Fund that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions or losses will be treated as a return of capital. However, those distributions will reduce the Fund's adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of income or gain (or a decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized on the sale of the equity security in the MLP by the Fund. Upon the Fund's sale of a portfolio security, the Fund will be liable for previously deferred taxes. No assurance can be given that such taxes will not exceed the Fund's deferred tax liability assumptions for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset value per share, which would result in an immediate reduction of the Fund's net asset value per share, which could be material.
The Fund will accrue a deferred tax asset balance which reflects an estimate of the Fund's future tax benefit associated with net operating losses and unrealized losses. Any deferred tax asset balance will increase the Fund's net asset value. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent period's income tax expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset balance, the Fund will assess whether a valuation allowance, which would offset some or all of the value of the Fund's deferred tax asset balance, is required, considering all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the Fund's deferred tax asset. The Fund will assess whether a valuation allowance is required to offset some or all of any deferred tax asset balance based on estimates of the Fund in connection with the calculation of the Fund's net asset value per share; however, to the extent the final valuation allowance
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differs from the estimates of the Fund used in calculating the Fund's net asset value, the application of such final valuation allowance could have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value.
The Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances are estimated using estimates of effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such balances are realized. The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by MLPs regarding the tax characterization of the distributions made by such MLPs, which may not be provided to the Fund on a timely basis, to estimate the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining its net asset value. The Fund's estimates regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances will be made in good faith; however, the estimate of the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances used to calculate the Fund's net asset value could vary dramatically from the Fund's actual tax liability, and, as a result, the determination of the Fund's actual tax liability may have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value. From time to time, the Fund may modify its estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances as new information becomes available. Modifications of the Fund's estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and any applicable valuation allowance, changes in generally accepted accounting principles or related guidance or interpretations thereof, limitations imposed on net operating losses (if any) and changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share, which could be material.
Changes in tax laws or regulations, or future interpretations of such laws or regulations, could adversely affect the Fund or the MLP entities in which the Fund invests. See "RisksTax RisksTax Law Change Risk."
Affiliated Party Risk. Certain MLPs in which the Fund may invest depend upon their parent or sponsor entities for the majority of their revenues. Were their parent or sponsor entities to fail to make such payments or satisfy their obligations, the revenues and cash flows of such MLPs and ability of such MLPs to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would be adversely affected.
Equity Securities Risk. A substantial percentage of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities, including MLP common units, MLP subordinated units, MLP preferred units, equity securities of MLP affiliates, including I-Shares, and common stocks of other issuers. Equity risk is the risk that MLP units or other equity securities held by the Fund will fall due to general market or economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, changes in interest rates, and the particular circumstances and performance of particular companies whose securities the Fund holds. The price of an equity security of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, MLP units or other equity securities held by the Fund may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated distributions or
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dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer experiences a decline in its financial condition.
MLP subordinated units typically are convertible to MLP common units at a one-to-one ratio. The price of MLP subordinated units is typically tied to the price of the corresponding MLP common unit, less a discount. The size of the discount depends upon a variety of factors, including the likelihood of conversion, the length of time remaining until conversion and the size of the block of subordinated units being purchased or sold.
The Fund may invest in equity securities issued by affiliates of MLP, including general partners of MLPs. Such issuers may be organized and/or taxed as corporations and therefore may not offer the advantageous tax characteristics of MLP units. Investments in such MLP affiliates would be expected by the Advisor to provide economic exposure to the MLP asset class; however, such investments may not exhibit precise price correlation to any particular MLP or the MLP asset class generally.
I-Shares represent an indirect investment in MLP I-units. Prices and volatilities of I-Shares tend to correlate to the price of common unit, although the price correlation may not be precise. I-Shares differ from MLP common units primarily in that instead of receiving cash distributions, holders of I-Shares will receive distributions of additional I-Shares, in an amount equal to the cash distributions received by common unit holders. I-Shares have limited voting rights. Holders of I-Shares are subject to the same risks as holders of MLP common units.
Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act and will not elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. As a result, there are no regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act or the Code that limit the proportion of the Fund's assets that may be invested in securities of a single issue. Accordingly, the Fund may concentrate its investments in a limited number of companies. As a consequence of this concentration, the aggregate returns the Fund realizes may be adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly. To the extent that the Fund takes large positions in the securities of a small number of portfolio companies, the Fund's returns may fluctuate as a result of any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting, or in the market's assessment of, such portfolio companies to a greater extent than those of a diversified investment company. These factors could negatively impact the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
Concentration Risk. Because the Fund is focused in MLP and infrastructure companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector of the economy, the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with such sector. A downturn in such sector could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not concentrate in such sector. At times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole.
Energy Sector Risks. The MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests operate in the energy sector of the economy. As a
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result, the Fund will be more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting the energy sector. A downturn in the energy sector of the economy could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that is broadly diversified across many sectors of the economy. At times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole. There are several risks associated with investments in MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector, including the following:
Commodity Price Risk. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector companies may be affected by fluctuations in the prices of energy commodities, including, for example, natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and coal, in the short- and long-term. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices would directly impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that own such commodities and could indirectly impact companies that engage in transportation, storage, processing, distribution or marketing of such commodities. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices can result from changes in general economic conditions or political circumstances (especially of key energy producing and consuming countries); market conditions; weather patterns; domestic production levels; volume of imports; energy conservation; domestic and foreign governmental regulation; international politics; policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC"); taxation; tariffs; and the availability and costs of local, intrastate and interstate transportation methods. Companies engaged in crude oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resources commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices may also indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing, storage or distribution of such commodities. Some companies that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by the perception that the performance of energy sector companies is directly linked to commodity prices. High commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts and a slowing economy may adversely impact energy consumption which may adversely affect the performance of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector. Recently, oil prices have declined significantly and experienced significant volatility. This may adversely impact MLP entities and other companies operating in the energy sector. Such companies' growth prospects and ability to pay high dividends may be negatively impacted, would could adversely impact the net asset value of the Common Shares and the ability of the Fund to continue to pay dividends at current levels.
Supply and Demand Risk. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be impacted by the levels of supply and demand for energy commodities. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector could be adversely affected by reductions in the supply of or demand for energy commodities. The volume of production of energy
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commodities and the volume of energy commodities available for transportation, storage, processing or distribution could be affected by a variety of factors, including depletion of resources; depressed commodity prices; catastrophic events; labor relations; increased environmental or other governmental regulation; equipment malfunctions and maintenance difficulties; import volumes; international politics, policies of OPEC; and increased competition from alternative energy sources. Alternatively, a decline in demand for energy commodities could result from factors such as adverse economic conditions (especially in key energy-consuming countries); increased taxation; increased environmental or other governmental regulation; increased fuel economy; increased energy conservation or use of alternative energy sources; legislation intended to promote the use of alternative energy sources; or increased commodity prices.
Depletion Risk. MLPs and other energy companies engaged in the exploration, development, management, gathering or production of energy commodities face the risk that commodity reserves are depleted over time. Such companies seek to increase their reserves through expansion of their current businesses, acquisitions, further development of their existing sources of energy commodities or exploration of new sources of energy commodities or by entering into long-term contracts for additional reserves; however, there are risks associated with each of these potential strategies. If such companies fail to acquire additional reserves in a cost-effective manner and at a rate at least equal to the rate at which their existing reserves decline, their financial performance may suffer. Additionally, failure to replenish reserves could reduce the amount and affect the tax characterization of the distributions paid by such companies.
Lack of Diversification of Customers and Suppliers. Certain MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector depend upon a limited number of customers for substantially all of their revenue. Similarly, certain MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector depend upon a limited number of suppliers of goods or services to continue their operations. The loss of any such customers or suppliers could materially adversely affect such companies' results of operations and cash flow, and their ability to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would therefore be materially adversely affected.
Regulatory Risk. The energy sector is highly regulated. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector are subject to significant regulation of nearly every aspect of their operations by federal, state and local governmental agencies. Examples of governmental regulations which impact MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector include regulation of the construction, maintenance and operation of facilities, environmental regulation, safety regulation, labor regulation, trade regulation and the regulation of the prices charged for products and services. Compliance with these regulations is enforced by numerous governmental agencies and authorities through administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Stricter laws or regulations or stricter enforcement policies with respect to existing regulations would likely increase the costs of regulatory compliance and could have an adverse effect on the financial
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performance of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be adversely affected by additional regulatory requirements enacted in response to environmental disasters, which may impose additional costs or limit certain operations by MLPs operating in various sectors.
Environmental Risk. There is an inherent risk that MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they handle. For example, an accidental release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial liabilities for environmental cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage, and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility exists that stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase the compliance costs of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies, and the cost of any remediation that may become necessary. MLPs or energy infrastructure companies may not be able to recover these costs from insurance.
Specifically, the operations of wells, gathering systems, pipelines, refineries and other facilities are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These include, for example: (i) the Federal Clean Air Act ("Clean Air Act") and comparable state laws and regulations that impose obligations related to air emissions, (ii) the Federal Clean Water Act and comparable state laws and regulations that impose obligations related to discharges of pollutants into regulated bodies of water, (iii) the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and comparable state laws and regulations that impose requirements for the handling and disposal of waste from facilities; and (iv) the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), also known as "Superfund," and comparable state laws and regulations that regulate the cleanup of hazardous substances that may have been released at properties currently or previously owned or operated by MLPs or at locations to which they have sent waste for disposal.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements, and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes, including RCRA, CERCLA, the federal Oil Pollution Act and analogous state laws and regulations, impose strict, joint and several liability for costs required to clean up and restore sites where hazardous substances have been disposed of or otherwise released. Moreover, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other waste products into the environment.
Voluntary initiatives and mandatory controls have been adopted or are being discussed both in the United States and worldwide to reduce emissions of "greenhouse gases" such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of
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burning fossil fuels, and methane, the major constituent of natural gas, which many scientists and policymakers believe contribute to global climate change. These measures and future measures could result in increased costs to certain companies in which the Fund may invest to operate and maintain facilities and administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program and may reduce demand for fuels that generate greenhouse gases and that are managed or produced by companies in which the Fund may invest. In the wake of a Supreme Court decision holding that the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has some legal authority to deal with climate change under the Clean Air Act, the EPA and the Department of Transportation jointly wrote regulations to cut gasoline use and control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. The EPA has also issued regulations relating to the emission of greenhouse gasses by certain stationary facilities subject to permitting obligations under the Clean Air Act. These measures, and other programs addressing greenhouse gas emissions, could reduce demand for energy or raise prices, which may adversely affect the total return of certain of the Fund's investments.
Acquisition Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies owned by the Fund may depend on their ability to make acquisitions that increase adjusted operating surplus per unit in order to increase distributions to unit holders. The ability of such MLPs and energy infrastructure companies to make future acquisitions is dependent on their ability to identify suitable targets, negotiate favorable purchase contracts, obtain acceptable financing and outbid competing potential acquirers. To the extent that MLPs and other Fund investments are unable to make future acquisitions, or such future acquisitions fail to increase the adjusted operating surplus per unit, their growth and ability to make distributions to unit holders will be limited. There are risks inherent in any acquisition, including erroneous assumptions regarding revenues, acquisition expenses, operating expenses, cost savings and synergies; assumption of liabilities; indemnification; customer losses; key employee defections; distraction from other business operations; and unanticipated difficulties in operating or integrating new product areas and geographic regions.
Interest Rate Risk. Rising interest rates could increase the costs of capital thereby increasing operating costs and reducing the ability of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector to carry out acquisitions or expansions in a cost-effective manner. As a result, rising interest rates could negatively affect the financial performance of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector in which the Fund invests. Rising interest rates may also impact the price of the securities of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector as the yields on alternative investments increase.
Weather Risks. Weather plays a role in the seasonality of some MLPs' cash flows. MLPs in the propane industry, for example, rely on the winter season to generate almost all of their earnings. In an unusually warm winter season, propane MLPs experience decreased demand for their product. Although most MLPs can reasonably predict seasonal weather demand based on normal weather patterns, extreme weather conditions,
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such as the hurricanes that severely damaged cities along the Gulf Coast in recent years, demonstrate that no amount of preparation can protect an MLP from the unpredictability of the weather. Further, climate change may result in increases in the frequency and severity of adverse weather events. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many MLPs' insurance premiums.
Catastrophic Event Risk. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector are subject to many dangers inherent in the production, exploration, management, transportation, processing and distribution of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum, petrochemicals and petroleum products and other hydrocarbons. These dangers include leaks, fires, explosions, damage to facilities and equipment resulting from natural disasters, inadvertent damage to facilities and equipment and terrorist acts. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically U.S. pipeline infrastructure, may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These dangers give rise to risks of substantial losses as a result of loss or destruction of commodity reserves; damage to or destruction of property, facilities and equipment; pollution and environmental damage; and personal injury or loss of life. Any occurrence of such catastrophic events could bring about a limitation, suspension or discontinuation of the operations of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may not be fully insured against all risks inherent in their business operations and therefore accidents and catastrophic events could adversely affect such companies' financial conditions and ability to pay distributions to shareholders.
Risks Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector employ a variety of means to increase cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing facilities, expanding operations through new construction or development activities, expanding operations through acquisitions, adding additional services or securing additional long-term contracts. Thus, some MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be subject to construction risk, development risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their specific business strategies. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector that attempt to grow through acquisitions may not be able to effectively integrate acquired operations with their existing operations. In addition, acquisition or expansion projects may not perform as anticipated. A significant slowdown in merger and acquisition activity in the energy sector could reduce the growth rate of cash flows received by the Fund from MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector that grow through acquisitions.
Technology Risk. Some MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector are focused on developing new technologies and are strongly influenced by technological changes. Technology development efforts by MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may not result in viable methods or products. Energy Companies may bear high research and development costs, which can limit their ability to maintain operations during periods of organizational growth or instability. Some MLPs and
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other companies operating in the energy sector may be in the early stages of operations and may have limited operating histories and smaller market capitalizations on average than companies in other sectors. As a result of these and other factors, the value of investments in such MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be considerably more volatile than that in more established segments of the economy.
Legislation Risk. There have been proposals in Congress to eliminate certain tax incentives widely used by oil and gas companies and to impose new fees on certain energy producers. The elimination of such tax incentives and imposition of such fees could adversely affect MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector in which the Fund invests and/or the energy sector generally.
Industry Specific Risks. MLPs and other issuers are also subject to risks that are specific to the industry in which they operate.
Midstream. Midstream MLPs and energy companies that provide crude oil, refined product and natural gas services are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events, and economic conditions, among others. Pipeline companies are subject to the demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined products in the markets they serve, changes in the availability of products for gathering, transportation, processing or sale due to natural declines in reserves and production in the supply areas serviced by the companies' facilities, sharp decreases in crude oil or natural gas prices that cause producers to curtail production or reduce capital spending for exploration activities, and environmental regulation. Demand for gasoline, which accounts for a substantial portion of refined product transportation, depends on price, prevailing economic conditions in the markets served, and demographic and seasonal factors. Companies that own interstate pipelines that transport natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products are subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") with respect to the tariff rates they may charge for transportation services. An adverse determination by FERC with respect to the tariff rates of such a company could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of those companies and their ability to pay cash distributions or dividends. In addition, FERC has a tax allowance policy, which permits such companies to include in their cost of service an income tax allowance to the extent that their owners have an actual or potential tax liability on the income generated by them. If FERC's income tax allowance policy were to change in the future to disallow a material portion of the income tax allowance taken by such interstate pipeline companies, it would adversely impact the maximum tariff rates that such companies are permitted to charge for their transportation services, which would in turn adversely affect the results of operations and cash flows of those companies and their ability to pay cash distributions or dividends to their
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unit holders or shareholders. Gathering and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their gathering and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil, which curtails drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products, which cause lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company to direct commodities price risk.
Upstream. Exploration, development and production companies are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. Reductions in prices for crude oil and natural gas can cause a given reservoir to become uneconomic for continued production earlier than it would if prices were higher, resulting in the plugging and abandonment of, and cessation of production from, that reservoir. In addition, lower commodity prices not only reduce revenues but also can result in substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, the accuracy of assumptions regarding future commodity prices and future exploration and development costs and engineering and geological interpretations and judgments. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Actual oil and gas prices, development expenditures and operating expenses will vary from those assumed in reserve estimates, and these variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions used could result in the actual quantity of reserves and future net cash flow being materially different from those estimated in reserve reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production and changes in prices after the date of reserve estimates may result in downward revisions to such estimates. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on a given exploration and production company's financial position and results of operations. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves and production, exploration and production companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain and grow their revenues and distributions.
Downstream. Downstream companies are businesses engaged in refining, marketing and other "end-customer" distribution activities relating to refined energy sources, such as: customer-ready natural gas, propane and gasoline; the production and manufacturing of petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, ethylene and similar co-products as well as intermediates and derivatives; and the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity. In addition to the other risks described herein, downstream companies may be more susceptible to risks associated with reduced customer demand for the products and services they provide.
Oil and Gas Production. In addition to other risks described herein, companies involved in the transportation, gathering, processing, exploration, development or production of crude oil, natural gas and/or
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refined petroleum products are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. For example, hydraulic fracturing, a technique used in the completion of some oil and gas wells, has become a subject of increasing regulatory scrutiny and may be subject in the future to more stringent, and more costly to comply with, regulations. In addition the oil and gas industries may be adversely affected by increased regulations, increased operating costs and reductions in the supply of and/or demand for crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products as a result of accidents or catastrophic events and the reactions thereto.
Fracturing Services. Changes in laws or government regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could increase a company's costs of doing business, limit the areas in which it can operate and reduce oil and natural gas production by the company. Congress has in recent legislative sessions considered legislation to amend the Safe Water Drinking Act, including legislation that would repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of "underground injection" and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process, were proposed in recent sessions of Congress. In addition, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority over certain hydraulic fracturing activities. If hydraulic fracturing becomes regulated at the federal level as a result of federal legislation or regulatory initiatives by the EPA, fracturing activities could become subject to additional permitting requirements, and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in cost, which could adversely affect a company's business. See "RisksIndustry Specific RisksFracturing Services Risk."
Propane. Propane MLPs are subject to earnings variability based upon weather conditions in the markets they serve, fluctuating commodity prices, increased use of alternative fuels, increased governmental or environmental regulation, and accidents or catastrophic events, among others.
Coal. MLPs and energy companies with coal assets are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, the level of their customers' coal stockpiles, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, mining accidents or catastrophic events, health claims and economic conditions, among others. MLPs and energy companies with coal assets are also subject to supply variability based on geological conditions that reduce the productivity of mining operations, the availability of regulatory permits for mining activities and the availability of coal that meets the standards of the Clean Air Act.
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Marine Transportation. Marine transportation companies are exposed to the highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry and may be subject to volatile changes in charter rates and vessel values, which may adversely affect the earnings of tanker companies. Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for tanker capacity and changes in the supply and demand for oil and oil products. Changes in demand for transportation of oil over longer distances and the supply of tankers to carry that oil may materially affect the revenues, profitability and cash flows of tanker companies. The successful operation of vessels in the charter market depends upon, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing time spent waiting for charters and traveling unladen to pick up cargo. The value of tanker vessels may fluctuate and could adversely affect the value of tanker company securities in the Fund's portfolio. Declining tanker values could affect the ability of tanker companies to raise cash by limiting their ability to refinance their vessels, thereby adversely impacting tanker company liquidity. Tanker company vessels are at risk of damage or loss because of events such as mechanical failure, collision, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, cargo loss and bad weather. In addition, changing economic, regulatory and political conditions in some countries, including political and military conflicts, have from time to time resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways, piracy, terrorism, labor strikes, boycotts and government requisitioning of vessels. These sorts of events could interfere with shipping lanes and result in market disruptions and a significant loss of tanker company earnings.
Natural Resources. The natural resources sector includes companies principally engaged in owning or developing non-energy natural resources (including timber and minerals) and industrial materials, or supplying goods or services to such companies. The Fund's investments in MLPs in the natural resources sector will be subject to the risk that prices of these securities may fluctuate widely in response to the level and volatility of commodity prices; exchange rates; import controls; domestic and global competition; environmental regulation and liability for environmental damage; mandated expenditures for safety or pollution control; the success of exploration projects; depletion of resources; tax policies; and other governmental regulation. Investments in the natural resources sector can be significantly affected by changes in the supply of or demand for various natural resources. The value of investments in the natural resources sector may be adversely affected by a change in inflation.
Services. In addition to other risks associated with energy companies described herein, MLPs engaged in the provision of services to energy-related businesses may be subject to more volatile income streams relative to other types of MLPs. Service companies may not have long term service contracts with their customers.
Small Capitalization Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of MLPs and other issuers that have comparatively smaller capitalizations relative to issuers whose securities are included in major benchmark indices, which present unique investment risks. These companies often have limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and
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the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The market movements of equity securities issued by MLPs and other companies with smaller capitalizations may be more abrupt or erratic than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general. Historically, smaller capitalization MLPs and companies have sometimes gone through extended periods when they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, equity securities of smaller capitalization companies generally are less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Fund would like.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies. To the extent the Fund makes investments in private securities, such investments are expected to be illiquid and subject to significant liquidity risk. In addition, the Fund may invest without limitation in publicly traded securities with limited trading volumes or that trade less frequently, including MLP common units, and equity securities of MLP affiliates, including I-Shares. The market movements of such securities with limited trading volumes may be more abrupt or erratic. As a result of the limited liquidity of such securities, the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Fund would like and may be limited in its ability to make alternative investments.
Restricted Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities. The term "restricted securities" refers to securities that are unregistered, held by control persons of the issuer or are subject to contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities are often purchased at a discount from the market price of unrestricted securities of the same issuer reflecting the fact that such securities may not be readily marketable without some time delay. Such securities are often more difficult to value and the sale of such securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of liquid securities trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities result from negotiations between the issuer and purchaser of such securities and therefore vary substantially in length and scope. To dispose of a restricted security that the Fund has a contractual right to sell, the Fund may first be required to cause the security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the time when the Fund would be permitted to sell, during which time the Fund would bear market risks.
Risks Associated with Private Company Investments. Private companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, the Advisor may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the private companies in which the Fund invests. There is risk that the Fund may invest on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate
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information, which may adversely affect the Fund's investment performance. Private companies in which the Fund may invest may have limited financial resources, shorter operating histories, more asset concentration risk, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. These companies may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity. In addition, the Fund's investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until the company meets certain growth and liquidity objectives.
Private Company Management Risk. Private companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the company. The Fund generally does not intend to hold controlling positions in the private companies in which it invests. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that a company may make business decisions with which the Fund disagrees, and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to the Fund's interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of such private investments, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its investments in the event it disagrees with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of the investment.
Private Company Liquidity Risk. Securities issued by private companies are typically illiquid. If there is no readily available trading market for privately issued securities, the Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they were more widely traded.
Private Company Valuation Risk. There is typically not a readily available market value for the Fund's private investments. The Fund values private company investments in accordance with valuation guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees, that the Board of Trustees believes are designed to accurately reflect the fair value of securities valued in accordance with such guidelines. The Fund is not required to but may utilize the services of one or more independent valuation firms to aid in determining the fair value of these investments. Valuation of private company investments may involve application of one or more of the following factors: (i) analysis of valuations of publicly traded companies in a similar line of business, (ii) analysis of valuations for comparable merger or acquisition transactions, (iii) yield analysis and (iv) discounted cash flow analysis. Due to the inherent uncertainty and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the
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fair value of the Fund's private investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from the amounts the Fund may realize on any dispositions of such investments. In addition, the impact of changes in the market environment and other events on the fair values of the Fund's investments that have no readily available market values may differ from the impact of such changes on the readily available market values for the Fund's other investments. The Fund' net asset value could be adversely affected if the Fund's determinations regarding the fair value of the Fund's investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.
Private Debt Securities Risk. Private companies in which the Fund invests may be unable to meet their obligations under debt securities held by the Fund, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of the Fund realizing any guarantees it may have obtained in connection with its investment. Private companies in which the Fund will invest may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, debt securities in which the Fund invests. Privately issued debt securities are often of below investment grade quality and frequently are unrated. "See RisksDebt Securities Risks."
Reliance on the Advisor Risk. The Fund may enter into private investments identified by the Advisor, in which case the Fund will be more reliant upon the ability of the Advisor to identify, research, analyze, negotiate and monitor such investments, than is the case with investments in publicly traded securities. As little public information exists about many private companies, the Fund will be required to rely on the Advisor's diligence efforts to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential risks and returns involved in investing in these companies. The costs of diligencing, negotiating and monitoring private investments will be borne by the Fund, which may reduce the Fund's returns.
Co-Investment Risk. The Fund may also co-invest in private investments sourced by third party investors, such as private equity firms. While the Advisor will conduct independent due diligence before entering into any such investment, the Fund's ability to realize a profit on such investments will be particularly reliant on the expertise of the lead investor in the transaction. To the extent that the lead investor in such a co-investment opportunity assumes control of the management of the private company, the Fund will be reliant not only upon the lead investor's ability to research, analyze, negotiate and monitor such investments, but also on the lead investor's ability to successfully oversee the operation of the company's business. The Fund's ability to dispose of such investments is typically severely limited, both by the fact that the securities are unregistered and illiquid and by contractual restrictions that may preclude the Fund from selling such investment. Often the Fund may exit such investment only in a transaction, such as an initial public offering or sale of the company, on terms arranged by the lead investor. Such investments may be subject to additional valuation risk, as the Fund's ability to accurately determine the fair value of the investment may depend upon the
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receipt of information from the lead investor. The valuation assigned to such an investment through application of the Fund's valuation procedures may differ from the valuation assigned to that investment by other co-investors.
Risks Associated with Direct Investment in Energy Infrastructure Assets. The Fund may invest in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets. Such investments will be dependent upon the success of third-party operators retained by the investors, including the Fund, to manage such assets. Such investments may subject the Fund to increased operational risks associated with the operation of infrastructure assets. Investments in infrastructure assets may be subject to greater risks associated with their illiquidity and valuation.
Greenfield Projects Risks. Greenfield projects are energy-related projects built by private joint ventures formed by energy infrastructure companies. Greenfield projects may include the creation of a new pipeline, processing plant or storage facility or other energy infrastructure asset that is integrated with the company's existing assets. The Fund may invest in the equity of greenfield projects or the secured debt of greenfield projects. However, the Fund's investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until construction is completed, at which time interest payments or dividends would be paid in cash. Greenfield projects involve less investment risk than typical private equity financing arrangements. The primary risk involved with greenfield projects is execution risk or construction risk. Changing project requirements, elevated costs for labor and materials, and unexpected construction hurdles all can increase construction costs. Financing risk exists should changes in construction costs or financial markets occur. Regulatory risk exists should changes in regulation occur during construction or the necessary permits are not secured prior to beginning construction.
Private Company Competition Risk. Many entities may potentially compete with the Fund in making private investments. Many of these competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Fund. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to the Fund. In addition, some competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of, or different structures for, private investments than the Fund. Furthermore, many competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on the Fund. As a result of this competition, the Fund may not be able to pursue attractive private investment opportunities from time to time.
Risks Associated with an Investment in Initial Public Offerings. Securities purchased in initial public offerings ("IPOs") are often subject to the general risks associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations, and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in IPOs, or to invest to the extent
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desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. The Fund's investment performance during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when it is able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and the Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful.
Risks Associated with a Private Investment in Public Equity Transactions. Investors in private investment in public equity ("PIPE") transactions purchase securities directly from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's common stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the securities are "restricted" and cannot be immediately resold by the investors into the public markets. Until the Fund can sell such securities into the public markets, its holdings will be less liquid and any sales will need to be made pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act.
Cash Flow Risk. The Fund expects that a substantial portion of the cash flow it receives will be derived from its investments in equity securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The amount and tax characterization of cash available for distribution will depend upon the amount of cash generated by such entity's operations. Cash available for distribution may vary widely from quarter to quarter and is affected by various factors affecting the entity's operations. In addition to the risks described herein, operating costs, capital expenditures, acquisition costs, construction costs, exploration costs and borrowing costs may reduce the amount of cash that an MLP or energy infrastructure company has available for distribution in a given period.
Valuation Risk. Market prices generally will be unavailable for some of the Fund's investments, including MLP subordinated units, direct ownership of general partner interests, restricted or unregistered securities of certain MLPs (including private MLPs) and other private issuers. The value of such investments will be determined by fair valuations determined by the Board of Trustees or its designee in accordance with procedures governing the valuation of portfolio securities adopted by the Board of Trustees. Proper valuation of such investments may require more reliance on the judgment of the Advisor than for valuation of securities for which an active trading market exists. In calculating the Fund's net asset value, the Fund will account for deferred tax assets or liabilities, which reflect taxes on unrealized gains or losses, which are attributable to the temporary differences between fair market value and tax basis of the Fund's assets, the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the Fund's assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes relative to the amounts used for income tax purposes and the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital losses. A deferred tax liability is recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years. A deferred tax asset is recognized for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for
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carryforwards. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent period's income tax expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset, the Fund will periodically assess whether a valuation allowance is required, considering all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax asset. The Fund may rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which may not necessarily be timely, to estimate taxable income allocable to the MLP units held in the portfolio and to estimate the associated deferred tax asset or liability. Such estimates are made in good faith. From time to time, as new information becomes available, the Fund modifies its estimates or assumptions regarding the deferred tax asset or liability. Modifications of such estimates or assumptions or changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share.
Debt Securities Risks.
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt security may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. The Fund could lose money if the issuer of a debt obligation is, or is perceived to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The downgrade of a security may further decrease its value.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities, such as preferred and debt securities, and certain equity securities will decline in value because of a rise in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because interest rates are near historically low levels. Prevailing interest rates may be adversely impacted by market and economic factors, including the potential impact of tapering of "quantitative easing" by the Federal Reserve Board. If interest rates rise the markets may experience increased volatility, which may adversely affect the value and/or liquidity of certain of the Fund's investments. Increases in interest rates may adversely affect the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a debt security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Preferred and debt securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem such a security if the issuer can refinance it at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of a lower likelihood of prepayments. This may lock in a below market interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk.
In typical interest rate environments, prices of debt securities with longer maturities generally fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than do the prices of debt securities with shorter-term maturities. Because the Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt securities without regard
32
to their maturities, to the extent the Fund invests in debt securities with longer maturities, the net asset value and market price of the Common Shares would fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than if the Fund were to invest such portion of its assets in shorter-term debt securities.
Market interest rates for investment grade debt securities in which the Fund may invest are significantly below historical average rates for such securities. Interest rates below historical average rates may result in increased risk that these rates will rise in the future (which would cause the value of the Fund's net assets to decline) and may increase the degree to which asset values may decline in such events.
Lower Grade Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P or comparably rated by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Advisor to be of comparable credit quality. Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." Investment in securities of below investment grade quality involves substantial risk of loss. Securities of below investment grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and issuer-specific developments. Securities of below investment grade quality display increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating economic environment. The market values for debt securities of below investment grade quality tend to be more volatile and such securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade debt securities. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and other statistical rating organizations generally represent their opinions as to the quality of the bonds they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that such ratings are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk and liquidity of the securities. Rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings and an issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates. To the extent that the issuer of a security pays a rating agency for the analysis of its security, an inherent conflict of interest may exist that could affect the reliability of the rating. Bonds with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield.
Reinvestment Risk. Certain debt securities, particularly below investment grade securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which would allow the issuer of the debt security to prepay principal prior to the debt security's stated maturity. This is also sometimes known as prepayment risk. Prepayment risk is greater during a falling interest rate environment as issuers can reduce their cost of capital by refinancing higher yielding debt securities with lower yielding debt securities. An issuer may also elect to refinance its debt securities with lower yielding debt securities if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To the extent debt securities in the
33
Fund's portfolio are called or redeemed, the Fund may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
Preferred Securities Risks. There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities. Preferred securities may contain provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt securities. Preferred securities may be less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks. See "Preferred Securities Risks."
Convertible Instruments Risk. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible debt securities have characteristics of both debt and equity investments. Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with debt securities. See "Convertible Securities Risk."
Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than a U.S. company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing a loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-U.S. securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities.
The Fund's investments in foreign securities may include ADRs. ADRs are receipts issued by United States banks or trust companies in respect of
34
securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the United States securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
Derivatives Risks. The Fund may, but is not required to, utilize derivatives transactions, including transactions involving futures contracts, forwards, options and over-the-counter derivatives contracts, for purposes such as to seek to earn income or enhance total return, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. The use of derivatives transactions to earn income or enhance total return may be particularly speculative. Participation in derivatives transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. Derivatives generally involve leverage in the sense that the investment exposure created by the derivatives may be significantly greater than the Fund's initial investment in the derivative. Accordingly, if the Fund enters into a derivative transaction, it could lose substantially more than the principal amount invested. If the Advisor's predictions with respect to market conditions, liquidity, market values, interest rates and other applicable factors are inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used derivatives strategies. See "RisksDerivatives Risks."
Counterparty Risk. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a dissolution, assignment for the benefit of creditors, liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy, or other analogous proceeding. In addition, in the event of the insolvency of a counterparty to a derivative transaction, the derivative transaction would typically be terminated at its fair market value. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. Counterparty risk with respect to certain derivatives may be further complicated by recently enacted U.S. financial reform legislation. See "RisksCounterparty Risk."
Other Investment Funds Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's investment advisory fees with respect to the assets so invested. Common Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the
35
same leverage risks described in this Prospectus. To the extent the Fund invests in exchange-traded funds or other investment companies that seek to track a specified index, such investments will be subject to tracking error risk.
ETNs Risk. Exchange-traded notes ("ETNs") are subject to the risk that the sponsoring institutions will be unable to pay their obligations as well as the risks associated with investing in the securities that comprise the relevant index. See "RisksETN Risk."
Financial Leverage Risk. Although the use of Financial Leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased after-tax total return for the Common Shares, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on securities purchased with Financial Leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of Financial Leverage, the Fund's return will be greater than if Financial Leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or gains from the securities purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of Financial Leverage, the return to the Fund will be less than if Financial Leverage had not been used. Financial Leverage involves risks and special considerations for shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value, market price and dividends on the Common Shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt or in the dividend rates on any Financial Leverage that the Fund must pay will reduce the return to Common Shareholders; and the effect of Financial Leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the Common Shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the Common Shares. It is also possible that the Fund will be required to sell assets, possibly at a loss (or at a gain which could give rise to corporate level tax), in order to redeem or meet payment obligations on any leverage. Such a sale would reduce the Fund's net asset value and also make it difficult for the net asset value to recover. The Fund in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to continue to use Financial Leverage if it expects that the benefits to the Fund's shareholders of maintaining the leveraged position will outweigh the current reduced return. During the time in which the Fund is utilizing Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Advisor for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund's Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of interest between the Advisor and Common Shareholders. Because the Financial Leverage costs will be borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only the Fund's Common Shareholders will bear the cost associated with Financial Leverage. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period during which it is employed. If the cost of leverage is no longer favorable, or if the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain distributions on Common Shares at historical levels and Common Shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities.
36
Competition Risk. Recently alternative vehicles for investment in a portfolio of MLPs and their affiliates, including other publicly traded investment companies and private funds, have emerged. In addition, recent tax law changes have increased the ability of regulated investment companies or other institutions to invest in MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely impact the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective.
Affiliated Transaction Restrictions. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between investment companies and their affiliates (including the Advisor), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. Under these restrictions, the Fund and any portfolio company that the Fund controls are generally prohibited from knowingly participating in a joint transaction, including co-investments in a portfolio company, with an affiliated person, including any trustees or officers of the Fund, the Advisor or any entity controlled or advised by any of them. These restrictions also generally prohibit the Fund's affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters from knowingly purchasing from or selling to the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund certain securities or other property and from lending to and borrowing from the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund monies or other properties. The Fund and its affiliates may be precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities, including in any portfolio companies controlled by the Fund. The Fund, its affiliates and portfolio companies controlled by the Fund may from time to time engage in certain joint transactions, purchases, sales and loans in reliance upon and in compliance with the conditions of certain positions promulgated by the SEC. There can be no assurance that the Fund would be able to satisfy these conditions with respect to any particular transaction. As a result of these prohibitions, restrictions may be imposed on the size of positions or the type of investments that the Fund could make.
Potential Conflicts of Interest of the Advisor. The Advisor provides an array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their respective interests or those of their clients may compete or conflict with those of the Fund. For example, the Advisor may provide investment management services to other funds and accounts that follow investment objectives similar to that of the Fund. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Advisor may have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such situations and other potential conflicts of interests.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. The Fund cannot predict its annual portfolio turnover rate with accuracy. Portfolio turnover rate will not be considered as a limiting factor in the execution of the Fund's investment decisions. High portfolio turnover may result in the Fund's recognition of gains and may increase the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits, which will result in a greater portion of distributions to Common
37
Shareholders being treated as dividends. Additionally, high portfolio turnover results in correspondingly higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs borne by the Fund.
Short Sales Risk. The Fund may make short sales of securities. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss will be increased, by the transaction costs incurred by the Fund, including the costs associated with providing collateral to the broker-dealer (usually cash and liquid securities) and the maintenance of collateral with its custodian. Although the Fund's gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited. The Fund may have to pay a premium to borrow the securities and must pay any dividends or interest payable on the securities until they are replaced, which will be expenses of the Fund. See "RisksShort Sales Risk."
Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement exposes the Fund to the risk that the party that sells the security may default on its obligation to repurchase it. The Fund may lose money because it cannot sell the security at the agreed-upon time and price or the security loses value before it can be sold. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses. In such an event, the Fund would subject to risks associated with possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights. In addition, the exercise of the Fund's right to liquidate the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.
Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risks that the interest income earned on the investment of the proceeds will be less than the interest expense and Fund expenses associated with the repurchase agreement, that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase such securities and that the securities may not be returned to the Fund. There is no assurance that reverse repurchase agreements can be successfully employed. In connection with reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund will also be subject to counterparty risk with respect to the purchaser of the securities. If the broker/dealer to whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Securities Lending Risk. The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Board of Trustees. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund
38
may therefore lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund's performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding.
Delay in Investing the Proceeds of this Offering. Although the Fund currently intends to invest the proceeds from any sale of the Common Shares offered hereby as soon as practicable following the completion of such offering, such investments may be delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the time. The trading market and volumes for MLP and energy infrastructure company shares may at times be less liquid than the market for other securities. Prior to the time the proceeds of this offering are invested, such proceeds may be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, pending investment in MLP or energy infrastructure company securities. Income received by the Fund from these securities would subject the Fund to corporate tax before any payment of distributions to Common Shareholders. As a result, the return and yield on the Common Shares following any offering pursuant to this Prospectus may be lower than when the Fund is fully invested in accordance with its objective and policies. See "Use of Proceeds."
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. Recent and continuing U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, instability in the Middle East and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world have contributed to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets and may cause further economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. The Advisor does not know how long the financial markets will continue to be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. and global economies and securities markets. Global political and economic instability could affect the operations of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in unpredictable ways, including through disruptions of natural resources supplies and markets and the resulting volatility in commodity prices. Recent political and military instability in a variety of countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa has heightened these risks.
Recent Market and Economic Developments. Global financial markets have experienced periods of unprecedented turmoil. The debt and equity capital markets in the United States were negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to subprime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk in the broader market, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the concerns that other financial institutions as well as the global financial system were also experiencing severe economic distress materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. These events contributed to severe market volatility and caused
39
severe liquidity strains in the credit markets. Volatile financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Fund.
Recently markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. Several European Union ("EU") countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, have begun to face budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among European Economic and Monetary Union member countries. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown may place downward pressure on oil and natural gas prices and may adversely affect the ability of MLPs to sustain their historical distribution levels, which in turn, may adversely affect the Fund. MLPs that have historically relied heavily on outside capital to fund their growth have been impacted by the contraction in the capital markets. The continued recovery of the MLP sector is dependent on several factors, including the recovery of the financial sector, the general economy and the commodity markets.
The current financial market situation, as well as various social, political, and psychological tensions in the United States and around the world, may continue to contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets; and may cause further economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. The prolonged continuation or further deterioration of the current U.S. and global economic downturn could adversely impact the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor does not know how long the financial markets will continue to be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets in the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund's portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund's investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. Given the risks described above, an investment in Common Shares may not be appropriate for all prospective investors. A prospective investor should carefully consider his or her ability to assume these risks before making an investment in the Fund.
Legislation and Regulation Risk. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), which was signed into law in July 2010, has resulted in significant revisions to the U.S. financial regulatory framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including, among many others, a reorganization of federal financial regulators; the creation of a process designed to ensure financial system stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; the enactment of new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and regulation of managers of private funds; the regulation of rating agencies; and the enactment of new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans. The regulation of
40
various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect the Fund or its counterparties. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and regulation that has been enacted thereunder, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected in ways that are currently unknown and unforeseeable.
In connection with an ongoing review by the SEC and its staff of the regulation of investment companies' use of derivatives, on August 31, 2011, the SEC issued a concept release to seek public comment on a wide range of issues raised by the use of derivatives by investment companies. The SEC noted that it intends to consider the comments to help determine whether regulatory initiatives or guidance are needed to improve the current regulatory regime for investment companies and, if so, the nature of any such initiatives or guidance. While the nature of any such regulations is uncertain at this time, it is possible that such regulations could limit the implementation of the Fund's use of derivatives, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund. The Advisor cannot predict the effects of these regulations on the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund's portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund's investment objective, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.
At any time after the date of this Prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on entities in which the Fund invests, which may adversely impact the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings, and on derivative transactions entered into by the Fund. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the issuers of the assets held in the Fund to achieve their business goals, and hence, for the Fund to achieve its investment objective. See "RisksLegislation and Regulation Risk."
Market Discount Risk. The Fund's Common Shares have a limited trading history and have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to net asset value. The Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to net asset value. If the Common Shares are trading at a premium to net asset value at the time you purchase Common Shares, the net asset value per share of the Common Shares purchased will be less than the purchase price paid. Continued development of alternative vehicles for investment in securities of MLP entities may contribute to reducing or eliminating any premium or may result in the Common Shares trading at a discount. The risk of the Common Shares trading at a discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in the Fund's net asset value as a result of the Fund's investment activities. The Fund's net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund
41
may, from time to time, seek the consent of holders of Common Shares to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund's then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate.
Whether Common Shareholder will realize a gain or loss upon the sale of Common Shares depends upon whether the market value of the Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the price the Common Shareholder paid, taking into account transaction costs for the Common Shares, and is not directly dependent upon the Fund's net asset value. Because the market value of the Common Shares will be determined by factors such as the relative demand for and supply of the shares in the market, general market conditions and other factors outside the Fund's control, the Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade at, below or above NAV, or at, below or above the public offering price for the Common Shares.
Risks Associated with Offerings of Additional Common Shares. The voting power of current common shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current common shareholders do not purchase common shares in any future offerings of common shares or do not purchase sufficient common shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund's per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund's then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund's then current net asset value per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See "Description of Capital StructureCommon SharesIssuance of Additional Common Shares."
Additional Risks of Rights. There are additional risks associated with an offering of Rights. Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net asset value per share if the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund's Common Shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder's Common Shares if the shareholder does
42
not participate in such an offering and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder's Common Shares whether or not the shareholder participates in such an offering. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the shareholder does not exercise such shareholder's Rights because the Fund does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the offer expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. Any such dilution or accretion will depend upon whether (i) such shareholders participate in the Rights offering and (ii) the Fund's net asset value per Common Share is above or below the subscription price on the expiration date of the Rights offering. There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the underlying common or preferred shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. Investors who receive subscription rights may find that there is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise. If investors exercise only a portion of the rights, the number of Common Shares issued may be reduced, and the common or preferred shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities.
Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Fund's Governing Documents The Fund's Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws (the "Governing Documents") include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the Common Shares. See "Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund's Governing Documents" and "RisksAnti-Takeover Provisions."
Administrator, Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent UMB Bank, n.a. serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the custodian holds the Fund's assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. UMB Fund Services, Inc. serves as administrator to the Fund. Pursuant to an administration and fund accounting agreement, UMB Fund Services, Inc. will provide fund accounting services, tax administration services and fund administrative services. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC serves as the Fund's transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Common Shares.
Investor Support Services The Fund has retained HRC Portfolio Solutions LLC to provide investor relations support services in connection with the on-going operation of the Fund. Such services include providing assistance with communicating with and responding to inquiries from professional financial intermediaries, communicating with the NYSE specialist for the Common Shares and with the closed-end fund analyst community regarding the Fund, assisting with the formatting, development and maintenance of the Fund's website, assisting with administrative and accounting issues with respect to the Fund and assisting in preparing investor communications for the Fund.
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SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
The following table contains information about the costs and expenses that Common Shareholders will bear directly or indirectly. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund as of November 30, 2014 (except as noted below). The purpose of the table and the example below is to help you understand the fees and expenses that you, as a holder of Common Shares, would bear directly or indirectly.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses |
|||||||
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price) |
|
%(1) |
|||||
Offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price) |
|
%(1) |
|||||
Dividend Reinvestment Plan fees(2) |
None |
||||||
Annual Expenses |
Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares |
||||||
Management fees(3) |
1.41 |
% |
|||||
Interest payments on borrowed funds(4) |
0.53 |
% |
|||||
Current income tax expense |
1.68 |
% |
|||||
Deferred income tax expense(5) |
4.62 |
% |
|||||
Other expenses(6) |
0.44 |
% |
|||||
Total annual expenses |
8.68 |
% |
(1) If Common Shares to which this Prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth any applicable sales load and the estimated offering expenses borne by the Fund.
(2) Dividend reinvestment plan participants that direct a sale of Common Shares through the Plan Agent are subject to a sales fee of $15.00 plus $0.10 per share sold. See "Dividend Reinvestment Plan."
(3) The Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee, payable monthly, in an amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets (net assets plus any assets attributable to Financial Leverage). The fee shown above is based upon outstanding Financial Leverage of 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets. If Financial Leverage of more than 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets is used, the management fees shown would be higher.
(4) Based upon the Fund's outstanding borrowings as of November 30, 2014 of approximately $129,000,000 and the borrowing rate on the facility as of November 30, 2014, of 1.23%.
(5) For the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, the Fund accrued approximately $13,777,472 in net deferred tax expense primarily related to unrealized appreciation on investments. Deferred income tax expense represents an estimate of the Fund's potential tax expense if it were to recognize the unrealized gains/losses on portfolio assets that occurred during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, based on the market value and basis of the Fund's assets as of November 30, 2014. An estimate of deferred income tax expense is dependent upon the Fund's net investment gains and realized and unrealized gains on investments and such expenses may vary greatly from year to year depending on the nature of the Fund's investments, the performance of those investments and general market conditions. Therefore, any estimate of deferred income tax expense cannot be reliably predicted from year to year. Actual income tax expense (if any) will be incurred over many years, depending on if and when investment gains are realized, the then-current basis of the Fund's assets, the level of net loss carry-forwards and other factors. The Fund's deferred income tax expense for the current fiscal year or any future fiscal year may vary greatly from the deferred income tax expense estimated based on the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014.
(6) Other expenses are estimated based upon those incurred during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014. Other expenses do not include expense related to realized or unrealized investment gains or losses.
44
Example
The following example illustrates the expenses that you would pay on a $1,000 investment in Common Shares, assuming (1) "Total annual expenses" of 8.68% of net assets attributable to Common Shares and (2) a 5% annual return*:
1 Year |
3 Years |
5 Years |
10 Years |
||||||||||||||||
Total Expenses Incurred(1) |
$ |
85 |
$ |
246 |
$ |
396 |
$ |
724 |
* The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses or returns. Actual expenses may be higher or lower than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund's actual rate of return may be higher or lower than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. The example assumes that the estimated "Other expenses" set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset value.
(1) The example above does not include sales loads or estimated offering costs. In connection with an offering of Common Shares, the Prospectus Supplement will set forth an Example including sales load and estimated offering costs.
45
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's financial performance. The information in this table is derived from the Fund's financial statements audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund, whose report on such financial statements, together with the financial statements of the Fund, are included in the Fund's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, and are incorporated by reference into the SAI.
For the Year Ended November 30, 2014 |
For the Period September 26, 2013* through November 30, 2013 |
||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
19.31 |
$ |
19.06 |
(1) |
||||||
Income from Investment Operations |
|||||||||||
Net investment loss(2) |
(0.24 |
) |
(0.04 |
) |
|||||||
Return of capital(2) |
0.81 |
0.24 |
|||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments(2),(3) |
1.58 |
0.15 |
|||||||||
Total from investment operations |
2.15 |
0.35 |
|||||||||
Dividends and Distributions |
|||||||||||
Dividends |
(1.18 |
) |
|
||||||||
Distributionsreturn of capital |
(0.17 |
) |
(0.10 |
) |
|||||||
Total dividends and distributions |
(1.35 |
) |
(0.10 |
) |
|||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
20.11 |
$ |
19.31 |
|||||||
Market value, end of period |
$ |
19.49 |
$ |
18.46 |
|||||||
Total net asset value return(4) |
11.94 |
% |
1.88 |
%(5) |
|||||||
Total market value return(4) |
13.49 |
% |
(7.18 |
)%(5) |
|||||||
Ratios and Supplemental Data |
|||||||||||
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) |
$ |
297,927 |
$ |
286,009 |
|||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets |
8.55 |
% |
8.25 |
%(6),(7) |
|||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (excluding deferred tax expense) |
2.26 |
% |
2.08 |
%(6) |
|||||||
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (excluding deferred tax expense and interest expense) |
1.85 |
% |
1.84 |
%(6) |
|||||||
Ratio of net investment loss to average net assets |
(1.18 |
)% |
(1.31 |
)%(6),(7) |
|||||||
Ratio of expenses to average managed assets |
6.08 |
%(8) |
6.34 |
%(6),(8) |
|||||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
105 |
% |
18 |
%(5) |
|||||||
Total borrowings outstanding (in thousands) |
$ |
129,000 |
$ |
100,500 |
|||||||
Asset coverage per $1,000 for line of credit(9) |
$ |
3,310 |
$ |
3,846 |
* Commencement of operations.
(1) Initial public offering price of $20.00 per share less underwriting discounts of $0.90 per share and offering costs of $0.04 per share.
(2) Based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(3) Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in this caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share in the period. It may not agree to the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to the fluctuation in share transactions this period.
(4) Total net asset value return measures the change in net asset value per share over the period indicated. Total market value return is computed based upon the Fund's New York Stock Exchange market price per share and excludes the effects of brokerage commissions. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of these calculations, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan.
(5) Not annualized.
(6) Annualized.
(7) Includes the deferred tax benefit (expense) allocated to net investment income (loss) and the deferred tax benefit (expense) allocated to realized and unrealized gain (loss). Net Investment Income (Loss) ratios exclude the deferred tax benefit (expense) allocated to realized and unrealized gain (loss).
(8) Average managed assets represent the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from any forms of financial leverage, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any financial leverage.
(9) Represents the value of total assets less liabilities not represented by senior securities representing indebtedness divided by the total number of senior indebtedness units, where one unit equals $1,000 of senior indebtedness. For purposes of this calculation, the Line of Credit is considered a senior security representing indebtedness.
46
SENIOR SECURITIES
The following table sets forth information about the Fund's outstanding senior securities as of the end of each fiscal year since its inception:
Fiscal Period Ended |
Title of Security |
Total Principal Amount Outstanding |
Asset Coverage per $1,000 of Principal Amount |
||||||||||||
November 30, 2014 |
Borrowings |
$ |
129,000,000 |
$ |
3,310 |
||||||||||
November 30, 2013* |
Borrowings |
$ |
100,500,000 |
$ |
3,846 |
* Initial fiscal period from September 26, 2013 to November 30, 2013.
THE FUND
Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Fund was organized as a statutory trust on May 3, 2013, pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, and is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware. The Fund commenced operations on September 26, 2013. Its principal office is located at 1600 Smith Street, Suite 3800, Houston, Texas 77002, and its telephone number is (713) 759-1400. Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP ("Center Coast" or the "Advisor") serves as the Fund's investment advisor.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Fund intends to invest the net proceeds of an offering of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies as stated herein. It is currently anticipated that the Fund will be able to invest substantially all of the net proceeds of an offering of Securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies within three months after the completion of any such offering. Pending such investment, it is anticipated that the proceeds will be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, including U.S. government securities or high quality, short-term debt securities. The Fund may also use the proceeds for working capital purposes, including the payment of distributions, interest and operating expenses, although the Fund currently has no intent to issue Securities primarily for these purposes.
MARKET AND NET ASSET VALUE INFORMATION
The Fund's currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"). The Fund's Common Shares commenced trading on the NYSE on September 26, 2013. In connection with any offering of Rights, the Fund will provide information in the Prospectus Supplement for the expected trading market, if any, for Rights.
The Common Shares have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to the Fund's net asset value per share. Although the Common Shares recently have traded at a premium to net asset value, there can be no assurance that this will continue after the offering nor that the Common Shares will not trade at a discount in the future. The continued development of alternative vehicles for investment in a portfolio of securities of MLPs, including other publicly traded investment companies and private funds, may reduce or eliminate any tendency of the Common Shares to trade at a premium in the future. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The Fund's net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. See "RisksMarket Discount Risk."
The following table sets forth, for each of the periods indicated, the high and low closing market prices for the Common Shares on the NYSE, the net asset value per Common Share and the premium or discount to net
47
asset value per Common Share at which the Common Shares were trading. Net asset value is generally determined on each Tuesday that the NYSE is open for business and the last business day of each calendar month. See "Net Asset Value" for information as to the determination of the Fund's net asset value.
Market Price |
Corresponding Net Asset Value Per Common Share |
Corresponding Premium or (Discount) as a % of Net Asset Value |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fiscal Quarter Ended |
High |
Low |
High |
Low |
High |
Low |
|||||||||||||||||||||
February 28, 2015 |
$ |
19.75 |
$ |
17.10 |
$ |
19.95 |
$ |
17.92 |
(1.00 |
)% |
(4.58 |
)% |
|||||||||||||||
November 30, 2014 |
$ |
20.57 |
$ |
17.71 |
$ |
22.01 |
$ |
18.72 |
(6.54 |
)% |
(5.40 |
)% |
|||||||||||||||
August 31, 2014 |
$ |
20.48 |
$ |
18.65 |
$ |
22.01 |
$ |
20.41 |
(6.95 |
)% |
(8.62 |
)% |
|||||||||||||||
May 31, 2014 |
$ |
19.01 |
$ |
16.94 |
$ |
20.42 |
$ |
18.90 |
(6.90 |
)% |
(10.37 |
)% |
|||||||||||||||
February 28, 2014 |
$ |
18.11 |
$ |
16.78 |
$ |
19.20 |
$ |
18.39 |
(5.68 |
)% |
(8.75 |
)% |
|||||||||||||||
November 30, 2013(1) |
$ |
20.09 |
$ |
17.65 |
$ |
19.49 |
$ |
19.31 |
3.08 |
% |
(8.60 |
)% |
(1) Period from September 26, 2013 (commencement of operations) to November 30, 2013.
The last reported sale price, net asset value per Common Share and percentage discount to net asset value per Common Share on March 6, 2015 was $19.55, $18.83 and 3.82%, respectively. The Fund cannot predict whether its Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium to or discount from net asset value, or the level of any premium or discount. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from net asset value. As of March 6, 2015, 14,816,905 Common Shares of the Fund were outstanding.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Investment Objective
The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders. The "total return" sought by the Fund includes appreciation in the net asset value of the Fund's Common Shares and all distributions made by the Fund to its Common Shareholders, regardless of the tax characterization of such distributions, including distributions characterized as return of capital.
The Fund's investment objective is considered fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The Fund cannot ensure investors that it will achieve its investment objective.
Principal Investment Policies
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined in this Prospectus) in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies.
Entities commonly referred to as master limited partnerships or MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund considers investments in MLPs to include investments that offer economic exposure to public and private MLPs in the form of equity securities of MLPs, securities of entities holding primarily general or limited partner or managing member interests in MLPs, securities that represent indirect investments in MLPs, including I-Shares (which represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated party of a MLP) and debt securities of MLPs.
The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed to or derived from the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets; or (ii) a third party classification has given the
48
company an industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions, including the production, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals and other energy resources, physical structures, networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure company to be an "energy infrastructure company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or services to companies operating in the energy sector.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private company investment that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Fund may invest in equity securities or debt securities, including debt securities issued with warrants to purchase equity securities or that are convertible into equity securities, of private companies. The Fund's private company investments may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets. The Fund may enter into private company investments identified by the Advisor or may co-invest in private company investment opportunities owned or identified by other third party investors, such as private equity firms. However, the Fund will not invest in private equity funds or other privately offered pooled investment funds.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of issuers located outside of North America.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in debt securities, including debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or comparably rated by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Advisor to be of comparable credit quality. Below investment grade securities, which are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds" are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due.
These policies may be changed by the Fund's board of trustees (the "Board of Trustees"), but no change is anticipated. If the Fund's policy with respect to investing at least 80% of the Managed Assets of the Fund in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies (the "80% Policy") changes, the Fund will provide shareholders at least 60 days' notice before implementation of the change.
Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action.
Investment Process
The Advisor combines energy sector operational expertise with financial market expertise to identify investments in securities of MLP and energy infrastructure companies. The Advisor seeks to draw upon its unique experience to conduct thorough due diligence from an owner-operator perspective, utilizing its extensive network of relationships to identify both public and private MLP and energy infrastructure company investment opportunities. The Advisor's due diligence process includes financial and valuation analysis centered on quantitative factors including cash flow, yield and relative valuation to establish a valuation target. Next the Advisor evaluates asset quality, considering factors such as contract structure, operating risk, competitive environment and growth potential. The Advisor also assesses management quality drawing on its previous experience with many of the management teams to evaluate their financial discipline, level of general partner support, operational expertise and strength of their business plan and their ability to execute it. Included in the diligence process is also an assessment of trading dynamics, including liquidity, identity and concentration of large holders, equity overhang and float.
49
The Advisor combines energy sector operational expertise with financial market expertise to identify investments in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The Advisor seeks to draw upon its unique experience to conduct thorough due diligence from an owner-operator perspective, utilizing its extensive network of relationships to identify both public and private MLP and energy infrastructure company investment opportunities. The Advisor's due diligence process includes financial and valuation analysis centered on quantitative factors including cash flow, yield and relative valuation to establish a valuation target. Next the Advisor evaluates asset quality, considering factors such as contract structure, operating risk, competitive environment and growth potential. The Advisor also assesses management quality drawing on its previous experience with many of the management teams to evaluate their financial discipline, level of general partner support, operational expertise and strength of their business plan and their ability to execute it. Included in the diligence process is also an assessment of trading dynamics, including liquidity, identity and concentration of large holders, equity overhang and float.
The Advisor intends to construct the Fund's portfolio utilizing a three-pronged approach.
The Advisor targets a "core" portfolio in which it seeks to own the highest quality midstream MLPs. Core investments possess the most durable long term cash flows in order to seek to maximize risk-adjusted total returns to shareholders with an emphasis on cash distributions. Generally, the Fund anticipates making core investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have (i) traditional fee-based businesses, (ii) high barriers to entry, (iii) low direct commodity price exposure and (iv) low demand elasticity or the potential for demand destruction. Examples include interstate pipelines, intrastate pipelines with long-term contracts and diversified revenue streams, and crude and gas storage and terminal facilities.
In addition to this "core" portfolio, the Fund may invest a portion of its portfolio in shorter-term investments. These opportunistic transactions may be based on the Advisor's view of factors including, but not limited to, market dislocations, projected trading demand imbalances, short-term market catalysts, commodity price volatility and interest rates and credit spreads along with other issuer-specific developments.
Finally, the Fund will allocate up to 20% of its portfolio to private investment opportunities. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private investments that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Advisor believes it is uniquely positioned to analyze private investment opportunities sourced directly or co-investment opportunities made available to the Advisor by private equity firms or other sources. The breadth of Advisor personnel's mergers and acquisitions background provides for a network of deep relationships with investment banking groups, management teams, private equity firms and significant shareholders seeking liquidity. The Fund's private investments may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets, but will not include interests in private investment funds. Many of the private investment opportunities are centered around assets or companies which may not have a great deal of publicly available information. The experience of the Advisor's senior professionals in owning and operating midstream and energy infrastructure assets gives it the unique ability to assess the operating environment of private investment opportunities including, but not limited to, competitive environment, contract structure and operating risk.
THE FUND'S INVESTMENTS
Master Limited Partnerships
Entities commonly referred to as master limited partnerships or MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The securities issued by many MLPs are listed and traded on a securities exchange. If publicly traded, to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the entity must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
50
These qualifying sources include interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for the production of income described in the foregoing, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. Mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines), of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or carbon dioxide.
MLPs typically are structured as limited partnerships and have two classes of interestsgeneral partner interests and limited partner interests. Both classes of owners are governed by the terms of a limited partnership agreement establishing their respective rights with regard to the income and liabilities of the MLP. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through an equity interest in the MLP (typically up to 2% of total equity) and will be eligible to receive incentive distributions that increase based on specified profit targets attained by the MLP. Limited partners own the remainder of the MLP and have a limited role in the MLP's operations and management. Likewise, limited partners receive periodic distributions (usually quarterly) on a pre-tax basis until the unitholder sells its ownership interest in the MLP. Common units and general partner interests also generally accrue arrearage rights to the extent certain distribution payment schedules are not met, but the subordinated units generally do not accrue such arrearages. MLPs often have two classes of limited partner interestscommon units and subordinated units. The general partner of the MLP is typically owned by an energy company, an investment fund, the direct management of the MLP or is an entity owned by one or more of such parties. The general partner interest may be held by either a private or publicly traded corporation or other entity. In many cases, the general partner owns common units, subordinated units and incentive distribution rights ("IDRs") of the MLP in addition to its general partner interest in the MLP. The Fund may invest in general partner or limited partner interests of MLPs.
MLPs are typically structured such that common units and general partner interests have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to an established minimum amount ("minimum quarterly distributions" or "MQD"). Common units also accrue arrearages in distributions to the extent the MQD is not paid. Once common units have been paid, subordinated units receive distributions of up to the MQD; however, subordinated units do not accrue arrearages. Distributable cash in excess of the MQD paid to both common and subordinated units is distributed to both common and subordinated units generally on a pro rata basis. Whenever a distribution is paid to either common unitholders or subordinated unitholders, the general partner is paid a proportional distribution. The holders of IDRs (usually the general partner) are eligible to receive incentive distributions if the general partner operates the business of the MLP in a manner which results in distributions paid per unit surpassing specified target levels. As cash distributions to the limited partners increase, the IDRs receive an increasingly higher percentage of the incremental cash distributions. A common arrangement provides that the IDRs can reach a tier where the holder of the IDR receives 48% of every incremental dollar paid to partners. These IDRs encourage the general partner to streamline costs, increase capital expenditures and acquire assets in order to increase the MLP's cash flow and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the MLP.
MLPs structured as limited liability companies also issue common and subordinated units. However, rights afforded to interest holders in a limited liability company (called "members") vary from those granted under the limited partnership ownership structure, in that limited liability company members typically have broader voting rights than LPs in a limited partnership. Limited liability company common units represent an equity ownership interest in an MLP, entitling the holders to a share of the MLP's assets through distributions and/or capital appreciation. Limited liability company MLPs generally have only one class of equity, but in cases where there are subordinated classes, common unitholders generally have preferential distribution rights relative to rights held by subordinated unitholders, as well as arrearage rights if certain distribution payment schedules are not met. In the event of liquidation, limited liability company common unitholders have a right to the MLP's remaining assets after bondholders, other debt holders and preferred unitholders, if any, have been paid in full. Limited
51
liability company common units may trade on a national securities exchange or over-the-counter. In contrast to limited partnerships, limited liability companies have no general or limited partner and often there are no incentive distribution rights, like those that most limited partnerships have, which entitle management or other unitholders to increased percentages of cash distributions as distributions reach higher target levels. In addition, limited liability company common unitholders typically have voting rights with respect to the limited liability company, whereas limited partnership common unitholders generally have limited voting rights.
MLPs currently operate primarily within the energy sector. The Fund will focus its investments in "midstream" MLPs. Midstream MLPs are engaged in the treating, gathering, compression, processing, transportation, transmission, fractionation, storage and terminalling of natural gas, natural gas liquids (including propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil, refined petroleum products (including gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel), other hydrocarbon by-products and other energy resources and their byproducts in a form that is usable by wholesale power generation, utility, petrochemical, industrial and gasoline customers, including pipelines, gas processing plants, liquefied natural gas facilities and other energy infrastructure. Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products. Pipeline MLPs derive revenue from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been less exposed to cyclical economic forces due to its low cost structure and government-regulated nature. In addition, most pipeline MLPs have limited direct commodity price exposure because they do not own the product being shipped. Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as well as providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids. Processing MLPs derive revenue from providing services to natural gas producers, which require treatment or processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities and other end user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although it is not uncommon to have some participation in the prices of the natural gas and natural gas liquids commodities for a portion of revenue. Midstream MLPs may also operate ancillary businesses including the marketing of the products and logistical services.
Other MLPs in which the Fund may invest may be classified as upstream MLPs, downstream MLPs, services MLPs, propane MLPs, coal MLPs, marine transportation MLPs or natural resources MLPs.
• Upstream MLPs are businesses engaged in the exploration, extraction, production and acquisition of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, from onshore and offshore geological reservoirs. An Upstream MLP's cash flow and distributions are driven by the amount of oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and coal produced and the demand for and price of such commodities. As the underlying reserves of an Upstream MLP are produced, its reserve base is depleted. Upstream MLPs may seek to maintain or expand their reserves and production through the acquisition of reserves from other companies, and the exploration and development of existing resources.
• Downstream MLPs are businesses engaged in refining, marketing and other "end-customer" distribution activities relating to refined energy sources, such as: customer-ready natural gas, propane and gasoline; the production and manufacturing of petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, ethylene and similar co-products as well as intermediates and derivatives; and the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity.
• Services MLPs are engaged in the provision of services to energy-related businesses, such as oilfield services companies, which provide services to the petroleum exploration and production industry but do not produce or distribute petroleum themselves, gas compression companies and producers and providers of sand used in hydraulic fracturing.
• Propane MLPs are engaged in the distribution of propane to homeowners for space and water heating and to commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. Propane serves approximately 5% of the household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes beyond the geographic reach of natural gas distribution pipelines. Volumes are weather dependent and a majority of annual cash flow is earned during the winter heating season. Propane MLPs have utility type functions similar to electricity and natural gas.
52
• Coal MLPs are engaged in the owning, leasing, managing, and production and sale of various grades of steam and metallurgical coal. The primary use of steam coal is for electrical generation, as a fuel for steam-powered generators by electrical utilities. The primary use of metallurgical coal is in the production of steel.
• Marine transportation MLPs provide transportation and distribution services for energy-related products through the ownership and operation of several types of vessels, such as crude oil tankers, refined product tankers, liquefied natural gas tankers, tank barges and tugboats. Marine transportation plays in important role in domestic and international trade of crude oil, refined petroleum products, natural gas liquids and liquefied natural gas and is expected to benefit from future global economic growth and development. Marine shipping MLPs derive revenue from charging customers for the transportation of these products utilizing the MLPs' vessels. Transportation services are typically provided pursuant to a charter or contract, the terms of which vary depending on, for example, the length of use of a particular vessel, the amount of cargo transported, the number of voyages made, the parties operating a vessel or other factors.
• Natural resources MLPs include MLPs principally engaged in owning or developing non-energy natural resources, including timber and minerals.
Legislation has been introduced that, if signed into law, would expand the definition of "qualifying income" under the Code so that companies that derive their income from clean and renewable energy resources, such as solar energy, wind energy, hydropower and certain biofuels, could be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While the Fund and the Advisor cannot predict whether, or in what form, such legislation will be enacted, in the event that is enacted, the Fund may seek to invest in such renewable energy MLPs.
MLP Equity Securities
The Fund may invest in any type of MLP equity security. The following summarizes in further detail certain features of equity securities of MLPs in which the Fund may invest.
Common Units. Common units represent a limited partnership interest in a MLP and may be listed and traded on U.S. securities exchanges or over-the-counter, with their value fluctuating predominantly based on prevailing market conditions (such as changes in interest rates) and the success of the MLP. The Fund intends to purchase common units in market transactions as well as in primary issuances directly from the MLP or other parties in private placements. Unlike owners of common stock of a corporation, owners of common units typically have limited voting rights and, in most instances, have no ability to annually elect directors. The MLPs in which the Fund will invest generally distribute all available cash flow (cash flow from operations less maintenance capital expenditures) in the form of quarterly distributions. Common units have first priority to receive quarterly cash distributions up to the MQD and have arrearage rights. In the event of liquidation, common units have preference over subordinated units, but not debt or preferred units, to the remaining assets of the MLP. MLPs also issue different classes of common units that may have different voting, trading, and distribution rights. The Fund may invest in different classes of common units. MLPs also may issue new classes of units, such as class B units, that contain distinct structural modifications. For example, a new class of equity could be used to issue securities that do not receive a distribution for some specified period before converting into standard common units.
Subordinated Units. Subordinated units are typically issued by an MLP to its original sponsors, such as its founders, management team, corporate general partners, entities that sell assets to the MLP and outside investors such as the Fund. Subordinated units have similar limited voting rights as common units and are generally not listed on an exchange nor publicly traded. The Fund will typically purchase subordinated units through negotiated transactions directly with holders of such units or newly-issued subordinated units directly from the issuer. Holders of subordinated units are generally entitled to receive MQD after payments to holders of common units have been satisfied and prior to incentive distributions to the GP or managing member. Unlike common units, subordinated units do not have arrearage rights. In the event of liquidation, common units and general partner
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interests have priority over subordinated units. Subordinated units typically convert into common units basis after certain time periods and/or performance targets have been satisfied. MLPs may issue different classes of subordinated units that may have different voting, trading, and distribution rights. The Fund may invest in different classes of subordinated units. The purchase or sale price of subordinated units is generally tied to the common unit price less a discount. The size of the discount varies depending on the likelihood of conversion, the length of time remaining to conversion, the size of the block purchased relative to trading volumes, and other factors.
Preferred Units. Preferred units are typically not listed on an exchange or publicly traded. The Fund will typically purchase preferred units through negotiated transactions directly with MLPs, affiliates of MLPs and institutional holders of such units. Holders of preferred units can be entitled to a wide range of voting and other rights, depending on the structure of each separate security.
General Partner Interests. General partner interests of MLPs are typically retained by an MLP's original sponsors, such as its founders, management team, corporate general partners, entities that sell assets to the MLP and outside investors such as the Fund. A holder of general partner interests can be liable under certain circumstances for amounts greater than the amount of the holder's investment in the general partner interest. General partner interests often confer direct board participation rights and in many cases, operating control, over the MLP. General partner interests themselves are typically not publicly traded, although they may be owned by publicly traded entities. General partner interests receive cash distributions, typically 2% of the MLP's aggregate cash distributions, which are contractually defined in the partnership agreement. In addition, holders of general partner interests typically hold incentive distribution rights, which provide them with a larger share of the aggregate MLP cash distributions as the distributions to limited partnership unitholders increase to certain prescribed levels. General partner interests generally cannot be converted into common units. The general partner interest can be redeemed by the MLP if the unitholders of the MLP choose to remove the general partner, typically with a supermajority vote by limited partner unitholders.
Incentive Distribution Rights. Holders of IDRs are entitled to a larger share of the cash distributions after the distributions to common unit holders meet certain prescribed levels. IDRs are generally attributable to the holder's other equity interest in the MLP and permit the holder to receive a disproportionate share of the cash distributions above stated levels.
I-Shares. The Fund may invest in I-Shares or other securities issued by affiliates of MLPs. I-Shares represent an ownership interest issued by an affiliated party of an MLP. The MLP affiliate uses the proceeds from the sale of I-Shares to purchase limited partnership interests in the MLP in the form of i-units. I-units have similar features as MLP common units in terms of voting rights, liquidation preference and distributions. However, rather than receiving cash, the MLP affiliate holding i-units receives distributions in the form of additional i-units in an amount equal to the cash distributions received by the holders of common units. Similarly, holders of I-Shares will receive additional I-Shares, in the same proportion as the MLP affiliates receipt of i-units, rather than cash distributions. I-Shares themselves have limited voting rights which are similar to those applicable to common units. The MLP affiliate issuing the I-Shares is structured as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. I-Shares are typically listed and traded on a U.S. securities exchange.
Equity Securities of MLPs Structured as Limited Liability Companies. As discussed above, MLP common units represent an equity ownership interest in an MLP, entitling the holder to a share of the MLP's success through distributions and/or capital appreciation. MLP subordinated units are a separate class of limited liability company interests, and the rights of holders of subordinated units to participate in distributions to unitholders differ from, and are subordinated to, the rights of the holders of common units. Unlike common units, subordinated units generally are not publicly traded.
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Equity Securities of General Partner Holding Companies. General partner holding companies own partnership interests, including the general partner interest, in publicly traded MLPs. These companies generally do not own separate operating assets directly, and therefore rely on the distributions on the MLP interests they own as their primary means of cash flow. Publicly traded general partner holding companies are structured as corporations, limited partnerships and limited liability companies. As such, the Fund's investments in general partner holding companies may be in the form of common stock or common units. general partner holding companies generally do not have incentive distribution rights or subordinated units.
Energy Infrastructure Companies
Energy Infrastructure Companies. The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed to or derived from the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets; or (ii) a third party classification has given the company an industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions, including the production, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals and other energy resources, physical structures, networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure company to be an "energy infrastructure company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or services to companies operating in the energy sector.
Energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund will invest may include companies involved in (i) exploration, development, production, gathering, treating, transportation, processing, fractionation, storage, refining, distribution, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids (including propane), crude oil, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, plastics and other hydrocarbon products, coal or other natural resources used to produce energy sources, (ii) provision of services and logistics with respect to the foregoing activities, and/or (iii) generation, transmission, sale or distribution of electric energy.
Unregistered and Restricted Securities
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities. The Fund may invest in unregistered or restricted securities of public and private issuers. The Fund may acquire securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities. Such restrictions might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable. Certain restricted securities may, however, be treated as liquid and not subject to the foregoing restrictions pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and number of dealers willing to purchase the security. If the Fund invests in restricted securities for which there is a limited trading market, such as Rule 144A securities, the level of portfolio illiquidity may be increased to the extent that eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.
PIPEs and other Privately Placed Securities Issued by Public Companies. The Fund may invest in private investments in public equities ("PIPEs") transactions and in other unregistered or otherwise restricted securities issued by public MLPs and energy infrastructure companies, including unregistered MLP preferred units. The Advisor expects most such private securities to be liquid within six to nine months of funding, but may also invest in other private securities with significantly longer or shorter restricted periods. PIPEs involve the direct placement of equity securities to a purchaser such as the Fund. Equity securities issued in this manner is often unregistered and therefore less liquid than equity issued through a public offering. Such private equity offerings provide issuers greater flexibility in structure and timing as compared to public offerings.
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Private Company Investments. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private company investments that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Fund may invest in equity securities or debt securities, including debt securities issued with warrants to purchase equity securities or that are convertible into equity securities, of private companies. The Fund's private company investments may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets. The Fund may enter into private company investments identified by the Advisor or may co-invest in private company investment opportunities owned or identified by other third party investors, such as private equity firms. However, the Fund will not invest in private equity funds or other privately offered pooled investment funds.
Debt Securities
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest may provide for fixed or variable principal payments and various types of interest rate and reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind and auction rate features. Certain debt securities are "perpetual" in that they have no maturity date. Certain debt securities are zero coupon bonds. A zero coupon bond is a bond that does not pay interest either for the entire life of the obligations or for an initial period after the issuance of the obligation. The Fund may invest in debt securities without regard for their maturity. Investments in debt securities of MLPs or energy infrastructure companies are included for purposes of the Fund's 80% Policy.
The Fund may invest in debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P or comparably rated by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Advisor to be of comparable credit quality. These debt securities are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." Issuers of securities rated Ba1/BB+ are regarded as having current capacity to make principal and interest payments but are subject to business, financial or economic conditions which could adversely affect such payment capacity. Debt securities rated Baa3 or BBB- or above are considered "investment grade" securities. Debt securities rated below investment grade quality are obligations of issuers that are considered predominately speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal according to the terms of the obligation and, therefore, carry greater investment risk, including the possibility of issuer default and bankruptcy and increased market price volatility. Debt securities rated below investment grade tend to be less marketable than higher-quality securities because the market for them is less broad.
A general description of Moody's and S&P's ratings of bonds is set forth in Appendix A to the SAI. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and other statistical rating organizations generally represent their opinions as to the quality of the bonds they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that such ratings are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk and liquidity of the securities. Consequently, bonds with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield. See "RisksBelow Investment Grade Securities Risk."
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stock has a preference over common stock in liquidation (and generally as to dividends as well) but is subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer in all respects. As a general rule, the market value of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk, while the market price of convertible preferred stock generally also reflects some element of conversion value. Because preferred stock is junior to debt securities and other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similarly stated yield characteristics. The market value of preferred stock will also generally reflect whether (and if so when) the issuer may force holders to sell their preferred shares back to the issuer and whether (and if so when) the holders may force the issuer to buy back their preferred shares. Generally, the right of the
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issuer to repurchase the preferred stock tends to reduce any premium that the preferred stock might otherwise trade at due to interest rate or credit factors, while the right of the holders to require the issuer to repurchase the preferred stock tends to reduce any discount that the preferred stock might otherwise trade at due to interest rate or credit factors. In addition, some preferred stocks are non-cumulative, meaning that the dividends do not accumulate and need not ever be paid. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to its shareholders. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on non-cumulative preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise paid. Preferred stock of certain companies offers the opportunity for capital appreciation as well as periodic income. This may be particularly true in the case of companies that have performed below expectations. If a company's performance has been poor enough, its preferred stock may trade more like common stock than like other debt securities, which may result in above average appreciation if the company's performance improves.
Convertible Securities
A convertible security is a preferred stock, warrant or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other security of the same or a different issuer or into cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying securities. Convertible securities ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stock of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable non-convertible securities. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any dividend increases or decreases of the underlying securities although the market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any dividend changes or other changes in the underlying securities.
Warrants and Rights
The Fund may invest in warrants or rights (including those acquired in units or attached to other securities) that entitle the holder to buy equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time but will do so only if such equity securities are deemed appropriate by the Advisor for inclusion in the Fund's portfolio.
Exchange-Traded Notes
The Fund may invest in exchange-traded notes ("ETNs"). An ETN is typically an unsecured, unsubordinated debt security issued by a sponsoring institution, which may include a government entity, financial institution or corporation. Similar to other debt securities, ETNs have a maturity date and are backed only by the credit of the sponsoring institution. The returns of ETNs are usually linked to the performance of securities or market indices, less investor fees and all other costs. When an investor buys an ETN, the sponsoring institution promises to pay the amount related to the value of the underlying index, minus fees and all other costs, upon maturity. To the extent that the Fund invests in ETNs that track indices of MLPs or energy infrastructure companies, the value of such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund's 80% Policy.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of issuers located outside North America. Investments in securities of foreign issuers may include investments in American Depositary Receipts, or "ADRs." ADRs are certificates evidencing ownership of shares of a foreign issuer that are issued by depositary banks and generally trade on an established market in the United States or elsewhere.
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Short Sales
The Fund may engage in short sales. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. To the extent the Fund engages in short sales, the Fund will not make a short sale, if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 20% of the value of its Managed Assets. The Fund may also make short sales "against the box" without respect to such limitations. In this type of short sale, at the time of the sale, the Fund owns, or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no additional cost, the identical security. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss will be increased, by the transaction costs incurred by the Fund, including the costs associated with providing collateral to the broker-dealer (usually cash and liquid securities) and the maintenance of collateral with its custodian. Although the Fund's gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited. The Fund may engage in short sales in connection with paired long-short trades to arbitrage pricing disparities in securities issued by MLPs or between MLPs and their affiliates.
Certain Other Investment Practices
Derivatives Transactions. The Fund may, but is not required to, use various derivatives transactions in order to earn income or enhance total return, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. Generally, a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes, and other assets. The use of derivatives transactions to earn income or enhance total return may be particularly speculative. In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, equity and debt indices and other instruments, purchase and sell futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars. In addition, derivative transactions may also include new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur. For a more complete discussion of the Fund's investment practices involving transactions in derivatives and certain other investment techniques, see "Investment Objective and PoliciesDerivative Instruments" in the Fund's SAI.
Other Investment Funds. The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in securities of other investment funds, including registered closed-end or open-end investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. The Advisor generally expects that it may invest in other investment funds either during periods when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds from an offering of Common Shares or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive securities available in the market. To the extent that the Fund invests in other investment companies that invest primarily in MLPs or energy infrastructure companies, the value of such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund's 80% Policy.
When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a "when issued" or "delayed delivery" basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring, i.e., a when, as and if issued security. When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Fund may sell the security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Fund prior to the settlement date. The Fund will segregate with its custodian cash or liquid securities in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of its outstanding forward commitments.
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Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be seen as loans by the Fund collateralized by underlying debt securities. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund would acquire an underlying debt obligation for a relatively short period (usually not more than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed price and time. This arrangement results in a fixed rate of return to the Fund that is not subject to market fluctuations during the holding period. The Fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed in or prevented from exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities, including the risk of a possible decline in the value of the underlying securities during the period in which it seeks to assert these rights. The Advisor, acting under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, reviews the creditworthiness of those banks and dealers with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements to evaluate these risks and monitors on an ongoing basis the value of the securities subject to repurchase agreements to ensure that the value is maintained at the required level. The Fund will not enter into repurchase agreements with the Advisor or its affiliates.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument at an agreed upon time (normally within seven days) and price, which reflects an interest payment. The Fund may enter into such agreements when it is able to invest the cash acquired at a rate higher than the cost of the agreement, which would increase earned income. When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the instruments transferred to another party or the instruments in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund's assets. As a result, such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the Fund's assets. Because reverse repurchase agreements may be considered to be the practical equivalent of borrowing funds, they constitute a form of leverage. Such agreements will be treated as subject to investment restrictions regarding "borrowings." If the Fund reinvests the proceeds of a reverse repurchase agreement at a rate lower than the cost of the agreement, entering into the agreement will lower the Fund's cash available for distribution.
Loans of Portfolio Securities. To increase income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions if (i) the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and (ii) no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed 331/3% of the value of the Fund's Managed Assets. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan automatically terminates and the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over the value of the collateral. As with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. There can be no assurance that borrowers will not fail financially. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to the Fund. If the other party to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund's ability to sell the collateral and the Fund would suffer a loss. See "Investment Objective and PoliciesLoans of Portfolio Securities" in the Fund's SAI.
Temporary Defensive Investments
At any time when a temporary defensive posture is believed by the Advisor to be warranted (a "temporary defensive period"), the Fund may, without limitation, hold cash or invest its assets in money market instruments and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments. The money market instruments in which the Fund may invest are obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities; commercial paper rated A-1 or higher by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's; and certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Fund may
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not achieve its investment objective during a temporary defensive period or be able to sustain its historical distribution levels.
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund will buy and sell securities to seek to accomplish its investment objective. It is not the Fund's policy to engage in transactions with the objective of seeking profits from short-term trading. However, the Fund may engage in active and frequent trading when the Advisor believes such trading is, in light of prevailing economic and market conditions, in the best interests of the Fund's stockholders. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. Higher portfolio turnover may decrease the after-tax return to individual investors in the Fund to the extent it results in a decrease of the long-term capital gains portion of distributions to shareholders.
Investment Restrictions
The Fund has adopted certain other investment limitations designed to limit investment risk. These limitations are fundamental and may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act. See "Investment Restrictions" in the Fund's SAI for a complete list of the fundamental investment policies of the Fund.
USE OF FINANCIAL LEVERAGE
The Fund intends to seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage through borrowing, including loans from financial institutions, or the issuance of commercial paper or other forms of debt ("Borrowings"), through the issuance of senior securities such as preferred shares ("Preferred Shares"), through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions or through a combination of the foregoing (collectively "Financial Leverage"). The Fund may utilize Financial Leverage up to the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Borrowings in an aggregate amount up to 331/3 of the Fund's total assets immediately after such Borrowing and may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Preferred Shares in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund's total assets immediately after such issuance. Under current market conditions, the Fund intends to utilize Financial Leverage principally through Borrowings from certain financial institutions in an amount equal to 20% to 30% of the Fund's Managed Assets, including the proceeds of such Financial Leverage. The Fund may also utilize Borrowings in excess of such limits for temporary purposes such as the settlement of transactions.
The Fund has entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc. ("BNPP") pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to a maximum commitment amount of $150,000,000. The Fund pays a monthly financing changes based on a LIBOR-based variable rate and a commitment fee of 0.70% per annum on the unused portion of the maximum commitment amount. The Fund is required to pledge portfolio securities as collateral in an amount up to two times the loan balance outstanding (or more depending on the terms of the Credit Agreement) and has granted a security interest in the securities pledged to, and in favor of, BNPP as security for the loan balance outstanding. If the Fund fails to meet certain requirements, or maintain other financial covenants required under the Credit Agreement, the Fund may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement, necessitating the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary covenants. These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, collateral requirements, investment strategy requirements, and certain financial obligations. As of November 30, 2014, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $129,000,000 (representing approximately 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets). Amounts drawn under the Credit Facility may vary over time and such
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amounts will be reported in the Fund's audited and unaudited financial statements contained in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.
So long as the net rate of return on the Fund's investments purchased with the proceeds of Financial Leverage exceeds the cost of such Financial Leverage, such excess amounts will be available to pay higher distributions to holders of the Fund's Common Shares. During the time in which the Fund is utilizing Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Advisor for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund's Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of interest between the Advisor and Common Shareholders. Because the Financial Leverage costs will be borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only the Fund's Common Shareholders will bear the cost associated with Financial Leverage. Any use of Financial Leverage must be approved by the Board of Trustees. There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which it is employed.
Borrowings
As noted above, the Fund is authorized to borrow or issue debt securities for financial leveraging purposes and for temporary purposes such as the settlement of transactions. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to engage in Borrowings unless, immediately after the Borrowing, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 300% (i.e., for every dollar of Borrowing outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least three dollars of assets). In addition, the Fund generally is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on the Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration and after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution, the Fund maintains asset coverage with respect to its Borrowings of 300%. However, the foregoing restriction does not apply with respect to certain types of Borrowings, including a line of credit or other privately arranged borrowings from a financial institution. If the Fund borrows, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to prepay all or a portion of the principal amount of any outstanding commercial paper, notes or other Borrowings to the extent necessary to maintain the required asset coverage.
The terms of any such Borrowings may require the Fund to pay a fee to maintain a line of credit, such as a commitment fee, or to maintain minimum average balances with a lender. Any such requirements would increase the cost of such Borrowings over the stated interest rate. Such lenders would have the right to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such Borrowings, which right will be senior to those of the Common Shareholders. Any such Borrowings may contain provisions limiting certain activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to Common Shareholders in certain circumstances. Any Borrowings will likely be ranked senior or equal to all other existing and future Borrowings of the Fund. If the Fund utilizes Borrowings, Common Shareholders will bear the offering costs of the issuance of any Borrowings.
Certain types of Borrowings subject the Fund to covenants in credit agreements relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. Certain Borrowings issued by the Fund also may subject the Fund to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for such Borrowings. Such guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will impede the Advisor from managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
The 1940 Act grants to the lenders to the Fund, under certain circumstances, certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal. Failure to maintain certain asset coverage requirements could result in an event of default and entitle the debt holders to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees.
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Preferred Shares
The Fund's Governing Documents provide that the Board of Trustees may authorize and issue Preferred Shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares have no preemptive right to purchase any Preferred Shares that might be issued. Although the Fund has no present intention to issue Preferred Shares, it may in the future utilize Preferred Shares to the maximum extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not issue Preferred Shares if, immediately after issuance, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 200% (i.e., for every dollar of Preferred Shares outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least two dollars of assets). See "Description of Capital StructurePreferred Shares."
Effects of Financial Leverage
The Fund has entered into a Credit Agreement with BNPP, pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to $150,000,000. The Fund pays a monthly financing changes based on a LIBOR-based variable rate and a commitment fee of 0.70% per annum on the unused portion of the maximum commitment amount. On November 30, 2014, outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement were approximately $129,000,000, which represented approximately 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets. As of November 30, 2014, the interest rate and commitment fee payable by the Fund on borrowings under the Credit Agreement was 1.23%. Assuming that the Fund's leverage costs remain as described above, then the incremental income generated by the Fund's portfolio (net of estimated expenses including expenses related to the Financial Leverage) must exceed approximately 0.33% to cover such interest specifically related to the debt. These numbers are merely estimates used for illustration. The amount of Financial Leverage used by the Fund as well as actual interest expenses on such Financial Leverage will vary.
The following table is furnished pursuant to requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on Common Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of income, net expenses and changes in the value of investments held in the Fund's portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of what the Fund's investment portfolio returns will be. The table further reflects the (i) issuance by the Fund of Financial Leverage representing approximately 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets, (ii) interest costs to the Fund at an average annual rate of 1.23% with respect to such Financial Leverage and (iii) the Fund's deferred tax liabilities as of November 30, 2014. The table does not reflect any offering costs of Common Shares or Financial Leverage.
Assumed portfolio total return (net of expenses) |
(10.00 |
)% |
(5.00 |
)% |
0.00 |
% |
5.00 |
% |
10.00 |
% |
|||||||||||||
Common Share total return |
(16.82 |
)% |
(8.68 |
)% |
(0.53 |
)% |
7.61 |
% |
15.75 |
% |
Common Share total return is composed of two elementsthe Common Share dividends paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the Fund's net investment income after paying the carrying cost of Financial Leverage) and realized and unrealized gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital loss than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the net investment income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by losses on the value of those investments. This table reflects the hypothetical performance of the Fund's portfolio and not the performance of the Fund's Common Shares, the value of which will be determined by market and other factors.
Interest Rate Transactions
In connection with the Fund's use of Financial Leverage, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions. The Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps to seek to reduce or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on Common Share net earnings as a result of leverage.
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Interest rate swaps involve the Fund's agreement with the swap counterparty to pay a fixed-rate payment in exchange for the counterparty's paying the Fund a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate all or a portion of the Fund's variable-rate payment obligation on the Fund's Financial Leverage. The payment obligation would be based on the notional amount of the swap, which will not exceed the amount of the Fund's Financial Leverage. An interest rate cap would require the Fund to pay a premium to the counterparty and would entitle the Fund, to the extent that a specified variable-rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, to receive payment from the counterparty of the difference based on the notional amount. The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the Fund's receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments.
The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. Depending on the state of interest rates in general, the Fund's use of interest rate instruments could enhance or harm the overall performance of the Common Shares. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the net amount receivable by the Fund under the interest rate swap or cap could decline and could thus result in a decline in the net asset value of the Common Shares. In addition, if short-term interest rates are lower than the Fund's fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will reduce Common Share net earnings if the Fund must make net payments to the counterparty. If, on the other hand, short-term interest rates are higher than the fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will enhance Common Share net earnings if the Fund receives net payments from the counterparty. Buying interest rate caps could enhance the performance of the Common Shares by limiting the Fund's maximum leverage expense. Buying interest rate caps could also decrease the net earnings of the Common Shares if the premium paid by the Fund to the counterparty exceeds the additional cost of the Financial Leverage that the Fund would have been required to pay had it not entered into the cap agreement.
Interest rate swaps and caps do not involve the delivery of securities or other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap or cap to offset the costs of the Financial Leverage. Depending on whether the Fund would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap or cap, which in turn would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the performance of the Common Shares.
Although this will not guarantee that the counterparty does not default, the Fund will not enter into an interest rate swap or cap transaction with any counterparty that the Advisor believes does not have the financial resources to honor its obligation under the interest rate swap or cap transaction. Further, the Advisor will regularly monitor the financial stability of a counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap transaction in an effort to proactively protect the Fund's investments.
In addition, at the time the interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of the Common Shares.
The Fund may choose or be required to prepay any Borrowings. Such a prepayment would likely result in the Fund's seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transaction. Such early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by or to the Fund. An early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund. There may also be penalties associated with early termination.
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RISKS
Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest.
Not a Complete Investment Program
An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program. The Fund is not meant to provide a vehicle for those who wish to play short-term swings in the stock market. Each Common Shareholder should take into account the Fund's investment objective as well as the Common Shareholder's other investments when considering an investment in the Fund.
Investment and Market Risk
An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. An investment in the Common Shares of the Fund represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of those securities may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The value of the securities owned by the Fund will affect the value of the Common Shares. At any point in time, your Common Shares may be worth less than your original investment, including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Management Risk
The Fund is subject to management risk because it has an actively managed portfolio. The Advisor will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
Risks of Investing in MLP Units
An investment in MLP units involves risks that differ from a similar investment in equity securities, such as common stock, of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have the rights typically afforded to limited partners in a limited partnership. As compared to common shareholders of a corporation, holders of MLP units have more limited control and limited rights to vote on matters affecting the partnership. There are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units. Additionally, conflicts of interest may exist between common unit holders, subordinated unit holders and the general partner of an MLP; for example, a conflict may arise as a result of incentive distribution payments, as such an incentive structure may result in divergent and potentially conflicting interests between common unitholders and the general partner, which may have more motivation to pursue projects with high risk and high potential reward.
Tax Risks
As a result of the unique characteristics of MLP investments, the Fund will be subject to certain tax related risks.
MLP Tax Risk. The Fund's ability to meet its investment objective will depend largely on the amount of the distributions it receives (in relation to the taxable income it recognizes) with respect to its investments in the MLPs, which is something over which the Fund will have no control. Much of the benefit the Fund derives from its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Partnerships do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner of a partnership, in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability, will include its allocable share of the
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partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income. The classification of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and generally causing such distributions received by the Fund to be taxed as dividend income. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the after-tax return to the Fund with respect to its investment in such MLPs would be materially reduced, which could cause a substantial decline in the value of the Common Shares.
Deferred Tax Risks of MLP Investments. To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund will be required to include in its taxable income the Fund's allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses recognized by each such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Historically, MLPs have been able to offset a significant portion of their income with tax deductions. The portion, if any, of a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions is essentially treated as tax-deferred return of capital. However, any such deferred tax will be reflected in the Fund's adjusted basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of gain (or decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes on the sale of any such equity securities. In addition, the Fund will incur a current income tax liability on the portion of its allocable share of an MLP's income that is not offset by its allocable share of tax deductions. The percentage of an MLP's income that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions will fluctuate over time. For example, new acquisitions by MLPs generate accelerated depreciation and other tax deductions, and therefore a decline in acquisition activity by the MLPs owned by the Fund could increase the Fund's current tax liability. If the percentage of the distributions received by the Fund that is offset by tax deductions declines, or the Fund's portfolio turnover increases, the portion of the distributions paid by the Fund that is treated as tax-deferred return of capital and/or capital gain, as the case may be, would be reduced and the portion treated as taxable dividend income would be increased. This generally would result in lower after-tax distributions to shareholders.
Because the Fund is treated as a regular corporation, or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will incur tax expenses. In calculating the Fund's net asset value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund will, among other things, account for its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances.
The Fund will accrue a deferred income tax liability balance, at the currently effective statutory U.S. federal income tax rate plus an estimated state and local income tax rate, for its future tax liability associated with the capital appreciation of its investments and the distributions received by the Fund on equity securities of MLPs considered to be return of capital and for any net operating gains. Any deferred tax liability balance will reduce the Fund's net asset value. The portion, if any, of a distribution on an MLP equity security received by the Fund that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions or losses will be treated as a return of capital. However, those distributions will reduce the Fund's adjusted tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of income or gain (or a decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized on the sale of the equity security in the MLP by the Fund. Upon the Fund's sale of a portfolio security, the Fund will be liable for previously deferred taxes. No assurance can be given that such taxes will not exceed the Fund's deferred tax liability assumptions for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset value per share, which would result in an immediate reduction of the Fund's net asset value per share, which could be material.
The Fund will accrue a deferred tax asset balance which reflects an estimate of the Fund's future tax benefit associated with net operating losses and unrealized losses. Any deferred tax asset balance will increase the Fund's net asset value. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent period's income tax expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset balance, the Fund will assess whether a
65
valuation allowance, which would offset some or all of the value of the Fund's deferred tax asset balance, is required, considering all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the Fund's deferred tax asset. The Fund will assess whether a valuation allowance is required to offset some or all of any deferred tax asset balance based on estimates of the Fund in connection with the calculation of the Fund's net asset value per share; however, to the extent the final valuation allowance differs from the estimates of the Fund used in calculating the Fund's net asset value, the application of such final valuation allowance could have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value.
The Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances are estimated using estimates of effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such balances are realized. The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by MLPs regarding the tax characterization of the distributions made by such MLPs, which may not be provided to the Fund on a timely basis, to estimate the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining its net asset value. The Fund's estimates regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances will be made in good faith; however, the estimate of the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances used to calculate the Fund's net asset value could vary dramatically from the Fund's actual tax liability, and, as a result, the determination of the Fund's actual tax liability may have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value. From time to time, the Fund may modify its estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances as new information becomes available. Modifications of the Fund's estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and any applicable valuation allowance, changes in generally accepted accounting principles or related guidance or interpretations thereof, limitations imposed on net operating losses (if any) and changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share, which could be material.
Tax Law Change Risk. Changes in the tax laws, or interpretations thereof, could adversely affect the Fund, the MLPs in which the Fund invests and/or the Fund's shareholders. For example, if as a result of a change in the tax laws, MLPs are required to be treated as corporations rather than partnerships for tax purposes, MLPs would be subject to entity level tax at corporate tax rates and any distributions received by the Fund from an MLP would be treated as dividend income to the extent it was attributable to the MLP's current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such treatment would negatively impact the amount and tax characterization of distributions received by the Fund and its shareholders. Long-term capital gains of certain non-corporate U.S. shareholders (including individuals) will be taxable at reduced maximum rates.
Affiliated Party Risk
Certain MLPs in which the Fund may invest depend upon their parent or sponsor entities for the majority of their revenues. Were their parent or sponsor entities to fail to make such payments or satisfy their obligations, the revenues and cash flows of such MLPs and ability of such MLPs to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would be adversely affected.
Equity Securities Risk
A substantial percentage of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities, including MLP common units, MLP subordinated units, MLP preferred units, equity securities of MLP affiliates, including I-Shares, and common stocks of other issuers. Equity risk is the risk that MLP units or other equity securities held by the Fund will fall due to general market or economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, changes in interest rates, and the particular circumstances and performance of particular companies whose securities the Fund holds. The price of an equity security of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, MLP units or other equity securities held by the Fund may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated distributions or dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer experiences a decline in its financial condition.
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MLP subordinated units typically are convertible to MLP common units at a one-to-one ratio. The price of MLP subordinated units is typically tied to the price of the corresponding MLP common unit, less a discount. The size of the discount depends upon a variety of factors, including the likelihood of conversion, the length of time remaining until conversion and the size of the block of subordinated units being purchased or sold.
The Fund may invest in equity securities issued by affiliates of MLP, including general partners of MLPs. Such issuers may be organized and/or taxed as corporations and therefore may not offer the advantageous tax characteristics of MLP units. Investments in such MLP affiliates would be expected by the Advisor to provide economic exposure to the MLP asset class; however, such investments may not exhibit precise price correlation to any particular MLP or the MLP asset class generally.
I-Shares represent an indirect investment in MLP I-units. Prices and volatilities of I-Shares tend to correlate to the price of common unit, although the price correlation may not be precise. I-Shares differ from MLP common units primarily in that instead of receiving cash distributions, holders of I-Shares will receive distributions of additional I-Shares, in an amount equal to the cash distributions received by common unit holders. I-Shares have limited voting rights. Holders of I-Shares are subject to the same risks as holders of MLP common units.
Non-Diversification Risk
The Fund is a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act and will not elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. As a result, there are no regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act or the Code that limit the proportion of the Fund's assets that may be invested in securities of a single issue. Accordingly, the Fund may concentrate its investments in a limited number of companies. As a consequence of this concentration, the aggregate returns the Fund realizes may be adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly. To the extent that the Fund takes large positions in the securities of a small number of portfolio companies, the Fund's returns may fluctuate as a result of any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting, or in the market's assessment of, such portfolio companies to a greater extent than those of a diversified investment company. These factors could negatively impact the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
Concentration Risk
Because the Fund is focused in MLP and energy infrastructure companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector of the economy, the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with such sector. A downturn in such sector could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not concentrate in such sector. At times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole.
Energy Sector Risks
The MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests operate in the energy sector of the economy. As a result, the Fund will be more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting the energy sector. A downturn in the energy sector of the economy could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that is broadly diversified across many sectors of the economy. At times, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole. There are several risks associated with investments in MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector, including the following:
Commodity Price Risk. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector companies may be affected by fluctuations in the prices of energy commodities, including, for example, natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude
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oil and coal, in the short- and long-term. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices would directly impact companies that own such commodities and could indirectly impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that engage in transportation, storage, processing, distribution or marketing of such commodities. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices can result from changes in general economic conditions or political circumstances (especially of key energy producing and consuming countries); market conditions; weather patterns; domestic production levels; volume of imports; energy conservation; domestic and foreign governmental regulation; international politics; policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC"); taxation; tariffs; and the availability and costs of local, intrastate and interstate transportation methods. Companies engaged in crude oil and natural gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation and coal mining or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resources commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices may also indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing, storage or distribution of such commodities. Some companies that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by the perception that the performance of energy sector companies is directly linked to commodity prices. High commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts and a slowing economy may adversely impact energy consumption which may adversely affect the performance of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector. Recently, oil prices have declined significantly and experienced significant volatility. This may adversely impact MLP entities and other companies operating in the energy sector. Such companies' growth prospects and ability to pay high dividends may be negatively impacted, would could adversely impact the net asset value of the Common Shares and the ability of the Fund to continue to pay dividends at current levels.
Supply and Demand Risk. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be impacted by the levels of supply and demand for energy commodities. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector could be adversely affected by reductions in the supply of or demand for energy commodities. The volume of production of energy commodities and the volume of energy commodities available for transportation, storage, processing or distribution could be affected by a variety of factors, including depletion of resources; depressed commodity prices; catastrophic events; labor relations; increased environmental or other governmental regulation; equipment malfunctions and maintenance difficulties; import volumes; international politics, policies of OPEC; and increased competition from alternative energy sources. Alternatively, a decline in demand for energy commodities could result from factors such as adverse economic conditions (especially in key energy-consuming countries); increased taxation; increased environmental or other governmental regulation; increased fuel economy; increased energy conservation or use of alternative energy sources; legislation intended to promote the use of alternative energy sources; or increased commodity prices.
Depletion Risk. MLPs and other energy companies engaged in the exploration, development, management, gathering or production of energy commodities face the risk that commodity reserves are depleted over time. Such companies seek to increase their reserves through expansion of their current businesses, acquisitions, further development of their existing sources of energy commodities or exploration of new sources of energy commodities or by entering into long-term contracts for additional reserves; however, there are risks associated with each of these potential strategies. If such companies fail to acquire additional reserves in a cost-effective manner and at a rate at least equal to the rate at which their existing reserves decline, their financial performance may suffer. Additionally, failure to replenish reserves could reduce the amount and affect the tax characterization of the distributions paid by such companies.
Lack of Diversification of Customers and Suppliers. Certain MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector depend upon a limited number of customers for substantially all of their revenue. Similarly, certain MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector depend upon a limited number of suppliers of goods or services to continue their operations. The loss of any such customers or suppliers could materially adversely affect such companies' results of operations and cash flow, and their ability to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would therefore be materially adversely affected.
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Regulatory Risk. The energy sector is highly regulated. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector are subject to significant regulation of nearly every aspect of their operations by federal, state and local governmental agencies. Examples of governmental regulations which impact MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector include regulation of the construction, maintenance and operation of facilities, environmental regulation, safety regulation, labor regulation, trade regulation and the regulation of the prices charged for products and services. Compliance with these regulations is enforced by numerous governmental agencies and authorities through administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Stricter laws or regulations or stricter enforcement policies with respect to existing regulations would likely increase the costs of regulatory compliance and could have an adverse effect on the financial performance of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be adversely affected by additional regulatory requirements enacted in response to environmental disasters, which may impose additional costs or limit certain operations by MLPs operating in various sectors.
Environmental Risk. There is an inherent risk that MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they handle. For example, an accidental release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial liabilities for environmental cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage, and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility exists that stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase the compliance costs of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies, and the cost of any remediation that may become necessary. MLPs or energy infrastructure companies may not be able to recover these costs from insurance.
Specifically, the operations of wells, gathering systems, pipelines, refineries and other facilities are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These include, for example: (i) the Federal Clean Air Act ("Clean Air Act") and comparable state laws and regulations that impose obligations related to air emissions, (ii) the Federal Clean Water Act and comparable state laws and regulations that impose obligations related to discharges of pollutants into regulated bodies of water, (iii) the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA") and comparable state laws and regulations that impose requirements for the handling and disposal of waste from facilities; and (iv) the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), also known as "Superfund," and comparable state laws and regulations that regulate the cleanup of hazardous substances that may have been released at properties currently or previously owned or operated by MLPs or at locations to which they have sent waste for disposal.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements, and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes, including RCRA, CERCLA, the federal Oil Pollution Act and analogous state laws and regulations, impose strict, joint and several liability for costs required to clean up and restore sites where hazardous substances have been disposed of or otherwise released. Moreover, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances or other waste products into the environment.
Voluntary initiatives and mandatory controls have been adopted or are being discussed both in the United States and worldwide to reduce emissions of "greenhouse gases" such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, and methane, the major constituent of natural gas, which many scientists and policymakers believe contribute to global climate change. These measures and future measures could result in increased costs to certain companies in which the Fund may invest to operate and maintain facilities and administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program and may reduce demand for fuels that generate greenhouse gases and that are managed or produced by companies in which the Fund may invest.
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In the wake of a Supreme Court decision holding that the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has some legal authority to deal with climate change under the Clean Air Act, the EPA and the Department of Transportation jointly wrote regulations to cut gasoline use and control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. The EPA has also issued regulations relating to the emission of greenhouse gasses by certain stationary facilities subject to permitting obligations under the Clean Air Act. These measures, and other programs addressing greenhouse gas emissions, could reduce demand for energy or raise prices, which may adversely affect the total return of certain of the Fund's investments.
Acquisition Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies owned by the Fund may depend on their ability to make acquisitions that increase adjusted operating surplus per unit in order to increase distributions to unit holders. The ability of such MLPs and energy infrastructure companies to make future acquisitions is dependent on their ability to identify suitable targets, negotiate favorable purchase contracts, obtain acceptable financing and outbid competing potential acquirers. To the extent that MLPs and other Fund investments are unable to make future acquisitions, or such future acquisitions fail to increase the adjusted operating surplus per unit, their growth and ability to make distributions to unit holders will be limited. There are risks inherent in any acquisition, including erroneous assumptions regarding revenues, acquisition expenses, operating expenses, cost savings and synergies; assumption of liabilities; indemnification; customer losses; key employee defections; distraction from other business operations; and unanticipated difficulties in operating or integrating new product areas and geographic regions.
Interest Rate Risk. Rising interest rates could increase the costs of capital thereby increasing operating costs and reducing the ability of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector to carry out acquisitions or expansions in a cost-effective manner. As a result, rising interest rates could negatively affect the financial performance of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector in which the Fund invests. Rising interest rates may also impact the price of the securities of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector as the yields on alternative investments increase.
Weather Risks. Weather plays a role in the seasonality of some MLPs' cash flows. MLPs in the propane industry, for example, rely on the winter season to generate almost all of their earnings. In an unusually warm winter season, propane MLPs experience decreased demand for their product. Although most MLPs can reasonably predict seasonal weather demand based on normal weather patterns, extreme weather conditions, such as the hurricanes that severely damaged cities along the Gulf Coast in recent years, demonstrate that no amount of preparation can protect an MLP from the unpredictability of the weather. Further, climate change may result in increases in the frequency and severity of adverse weather events. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many MLPs' insurance premiums.
Catastrophic Event Risk. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector are subject to many dangers inherent in the production, exploration, management, transportation, processing and distribution of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum, petrochemicals and petroleum products and other hydrocarbons. These dangers include leaks, fires, explosions, damage to facilities and equipment resulting from natural disasters, inadvertent damage to facilities and equipment and terrorist acts. Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically U.S. pipeline infrastructure, may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These dangers give rise to risks of substantial losses as a result of loss or destruction of commodity reserves; damage to or destruction of property, facilities and equipment; pollution and environmental damage; and personal injury or loss of life. Any occurrence of such catastrophic events could bring about a limitation, suspension or discontinuation of the operations of MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may not be fully insured against all risks inherent in their business operations and therefore accidents and catastrophic events could adversely affect such companies' financial conditions and ability to pay distributions to shareholders.
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Risks Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector employ a variety of means to increase cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing facilities, expanding operations through new construction or development activities, expanding operations through acquisitions, adding additional services or securing additional long-term contracts. Thus, some MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be subject to construction risk, development risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their specific business strategies. MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector that attempt to grow through acquisitions may not be able to effectively integrate acquired operations with their existing operations. In addition, acquisition or expansion projects may not perform as anticipated. A significant slowdown in merger and acquisition activity in the energy sector could reduce the growth rate of cash flows received by the Fund from MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector that grow through acquisitions.
Technology Risk. Some MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector are focused on developing new technologies and are strongly influenced by technological changes. Technology development efforts by MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may not result in viable methods or products. Energy Companies may bear high research and development costs, which can limit their ability to maintain operations during periods of organizational growth or instability. Some MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be in the early stages of operations and may have limited operating histories and smaller market capitalizations on average than companies in other sectors. As a result of these and other factors, the value of investments in such MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector may be considerably more volatile than that in more established segments of the economy.
Legislation Risk. There have been proposals in Congress to eliminate certain tax incentives widely used by oil and gas companies and to impose new fees on certain energy producers. The elimination of such tax incentives and imposition of such fees could adversely affect MLPs and other companies operating in the energy sector in which the Fund invests and/or the energy sector generally.
Industry Specific Risks
MLPs and other issuers are also subject to risks that are specific to the industry in which they operate.
Midstream. Midstream MLPs and energy companies that provide crude oil, refined product and natural gas services are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events, and economic conditions, among others. Pipeline companies are subject to the demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined products in the markets they serve, changes in the availability of products for gathering, transportation, processing or sale due to natural declines in reserves and production in the supply areas serviced by the companies' facilities, sharp decreases in crude oil or natural gas prices that cause producers to curtail production or reduce capital spending for exploration activities, and environmental regulation. Demand for gasoline, which accounts for a substantial portion of refined product transportation, depends on price, prevailing economic conditions in the markets served, and demographic and seasonal factors. Companies that own interstate pipelines that transport natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products are subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") with respect to the tariff rates they may charge for transportation services. An adverse determination by FERC with respect to the tariff rates of such a company could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of those companies and their ability to pay cash distributions or dividends. In addition, FERC has a tax allowance policy, which permits such companies to include in their cost of service an income tax allowance to the extent that their owners have an actual or potential tax liability on the income generated by them. If FERC's income tax allowance policy were to change in the future to disallow a material portion of the income tax allowance taken by such interstate pipeline companies, it would adversely impact the maximum tariff rates that such companies are
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permitted to charge for their transportation services, which would in turn adversely affect the results of operations and cash flows of those companies and their ability to pay cash distributions or dividends to their unit holders or shareholders. Gathering and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their gathering and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil, which curtails drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products, which cause lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company to direct commodities price risk.
Upstream. Exploration, development and production companies are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. Reductions in prices for crude oil and natural gas can cause a given reservoir to become uneconomic for continued production earlier than it would if prices were higher, resulting in the plugging and abandonment of, and cessation of production from, that reservoir. In addition, lower commodity prices not only reduce revenues but also can result in substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data, the accuracy of assumptions regarding future commodity prices and future exploration and development costs and engineering and geological interpretations and judgments. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Actual oil and gas prices, development expenditures and operating expenses will vary from those assumed in reserve estimates, and these variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions used could result in the actual quantity of reserves and future net cash flow being materially different from those estimated in reserve reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production and changes in prices after the date of reserve estimates may result in downward revisions to such estimates. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on a given exploration and production company's financial position and results of operations. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves and production, exploration and production companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain and grow their revenues and distributions.
Downstream. Downstream companies are businesses engaged in refining, marketing and other "end-customer" distribution activities relating to refined energy sources, such as: customer-ready natural gas, propane and gasoline; the production and manufacturing of petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, ethylene and similar co-products as well as intermediates and derivatives; and the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity. In addition to the other risks described herein, downstream companies may be more susceptible to risks associated with reduced customer demand for the products and services they provide.
Oil and Gas Production. In addition to other risks described herein, companies involved in the transportation, gathering, processing, exploration, development or production of crude oil, natural gas and/or refined petroleum products are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. For example, hydraulic fracturing, a technique used in the completion of some oil and gas wells, has become a subject of increasing regulatory scrutiny and may be subject in the future to more stringent, and more costly to comply with, regulations. In addition the oil and gas industries may be adversely affected by increased regulations, increased operating costs and reductions in the supply of and/or demand for crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products as a result of accidents or catastrophic events and the reactions thereto.
Fracturing Services. Changes in laws or government regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could increase a company's costs of doing business, limit the areas in which it can operate and reduce oil and natural gas production by the company. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or an alternative proppant and chemicals under pressure into target geological formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. Recently, there has been increased public concern regarding an alleged potential for
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hydraulic fracturing to adversely affect drinking water supplies, and proposals have been made to enact separate federal, state and local legislation that would increase the regulatory burden imposed on hydraulic fracturing. Congress has in recent legislative sessions considered legislation to amend the Safe Water Drinking Act (the "SDWA"), including legislation that would repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of "underground injection" and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process, were proposed in recent sessions of Congress. The U.S. Congress may consider similar SDWA legislation in the future. In addition, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the SDWA over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving the use of diesel fuels and published permitting guidance on February 11, 2014 addressing the performance of such activities using diesel fuels in those states where EPA is the permitting authority.
Presently, hydraulic fracturing is regulated primarily at the state level, typically by state oil and natural gas commissions and similar agencies. Several states, such as Texas and Pennsylvania, have either adopted or proposed laws and/or regulations to require oil and natural gas operators to disclose chemical ingredients and water volumes used to hydraulically fracture wells, in addition to more stringent well construction and monitoring requirements. The availability of information regarding the constituents of hydraulic fracturing fluids could make it easier for third parties opposing the hydraulic fracturing process to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect groundwater. Disclosure of proprietary chemical formulas to third parties or to the public, even if inadvertent, could diminish the value of those formulas and could result in competitive harm to companies. Various federal, state and local limitations may prohibit or restrict drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations in certain locales including geographic locales considered environmentally sensitive such as wetlands, endangered species habitats, floodplains, and the like. If hydraulic fracturing becomes regulated at the federal level as a result of federal legislation or regulatory initiatives by the EPA, fracturing activities could become subject to additional permitting requirements, and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in cost, which could adversely affect a company's business.
Propane. Propane MLPs are subject to earnings variability based upon weather conditions in the markets they serve, fluctuating commodity prices, increased use of alternative fuels, increased governmental or environmental regulation, and accidents or catastrophic events, among others.
Coal. MLPs and energy companies with coal assets are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, the level of their customers' coal stockpiles, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production, mining accidents or catastrophic events, health claims and economic conditions, among others. MLPs and energy companies with coal assets are also subject to supply variability based on geological conditions that reduce the productivity of mining operations, the availability of regulatory permits for mining activities and the availability of coal that meets the standards of the Clean Air Act.
Marine Transportation. Marine transportation companies are exposed to the highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry and may be subject to volatile changes in charter rates and vessel values, which may adversely affect the earnings of tanker companies. Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for tanker capacity and changes in the supply and demand for oil and oil products. Changes in demand for transportation of oil over longer distances and the supply of tankers to carry that oil may materially affect the revenues, profitability and cash flows of tanker companies. The successful operation of vessels in the charter market depends upon, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing time spent waiting for charters and traveling unladen to pick up cargo. The value of tanker vessels may fluctuate and could adversely affect the value of tanker company securities in the Fund's portfolio. Declining tanker values could affect the ability of tanker companies to raise cash by limiting their ability to refinance their vessels, thereby adversely impacting tanker company liquidity. Tanker company vessels are at risk of damage or loss because of
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events such as mechanical failure, collision, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, cargo loss and bad weather. In addition, changing economic, regulatory and political conditions in some countries, including political and military conflicts, have from time to time resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways, piracy, terrorism, labor strikes, boycotts and government requisitioning of vessels. These sorts of events could interfere with shipping lanes and result in market disruptions and a significant loss of tanker company earnings.
Natural Resources. The natural resources sector includes companies principally engaged in owning or developing non-energy natural resources (including timber and minerals) and industrial materials, or supplying goods or services to such companies. The Fund's investments in MLPs in the natural resources sector will be subject to the risk that prices of these securities may fluctuate widely in response to the level and volatility of commodity prices; exchange rates; import controls; domestic and global competition; environmental regulation and liability for environmental damage; mandated expenditures for safety or pollution control; the success of exploration projects; depletion of resources; tax policies; and other governmental regulation. Investments in the natural resources sector can be significantly affected by changes in the supply of or demand for various natural resources. The value of investments in the natural resources sector may be adversely affected by a change in inflation.
Services. In addition to other risks associated with energy companies described herein, MLPs engaged in the provision of services to energy-related businesses may be subject to more volatile income streams relative to other types of MLPs. Service companies may not have long term service contracts with their customers.
Small Capitalization Risk
The Fund may invest in securities of MLPs and other issuers that have comparatively smaller capitalizations relative to issuers whose securities are included in major benchmark indices, which present unique investment risks. These companies often have limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and the management of such companies may be dependent upon one or a few key people. The market movements of equity securities issued by MLPs and other companies with smaller capitalizations may be more abrupt or erratic than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market in general. Historically, smaller capitalization MLPs and companies have sometimes gone through extended periods when they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, equity securities of smaller capitalization companies generally are less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Fund would like.
Liquidity Risk
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private companies. To the extent the Fund makes investments in private securities, such investments are expected to be illiquid and subject to significant liquidity risk. In addition, the Fund may invest without limitation in publicly traded securities with limited trading volumes or that trade less frequently, including MLP common units, and equity securities of MLP affiliates, including I-Shares. The market movements of such securities with limited trading volumes may be more abrupt or erratic. As a result of the limited liquidity of such securities, the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that the Fund would like and may be limited in its ability to make alternative investments.
Restricted Securities Risk
The Fund may invest in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities. The term "restricted securities" refers to securities that are unregistered, held by control persons of the issuer or are subject to contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities are often purchased at a discount from the market price of unrestricted securities of the same issuer reflecting the fact that such securities may not be readily marketable without some time delay.
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Such securities are often more difficult to value and the sale of such securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of liquid securities trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities result from negotiations between the issuer and purchaser of such securities and therefore vary substantially in length and scope. To dispose of a restricted security that the Fund has a contractual right to sell, the Fund may first be required to cause the security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the time when the Fund would be permitted to sell, during which time the Fund would bear market risks
Risks Associated with Private Company Investments
Private companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, the Advisor may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the private companies in which the Fund invests. There is risk that the Fund may invest on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate information, which may adversely affect the Fund's investment performance. Private companies in which the Fund may invest may have limited financial resources, shorter operating histories, more asset concentration risk, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. These companies may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity. In addition, the Fund's investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until the company meets certain growth and liquidity objectives.
Private Company Management Risk. Private companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the company. The Fund generally does not intend to hold controlling positions in the private companies in which it invests. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that a company may make business decisions with which the Fund disagrees, and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to the Fund's interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of such private investments, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its investments in the event it disagrees with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of the investment.
Private Company Liquidity Risk. Securities issued by private companies are typically illiquid. If there is no readily available trading market for privately issued securities, the Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they were more widely traded.
Private Company Valuation Risk. There is typically not a readily available market value for the Fund's private investments. The Fund values private company investments in accordance with valuation guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees, that the Board of Trustees believes are designed to accurately reflect the fair value of securities valued in accordance with such guidelines. The Fund is not required to but may utilize the services of one or more independent valuation firms to aid in determining the fair value of these investments. Valuation of private company investments may involve application of one or more of the following factors: (i) analysis of valuations of publicly traded companies in a similar line of business, (ii) analysis of valuations for comparable merger or acquisition transactions, (iii) yield analysis and (iv) discounted cash flow analysis. Due to the inherent uncertainty and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available
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market value, the fair value of the Fund's private investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from the amounts the Fund may realize on any dispositions of such investments. In addition, the impact of changes in the market environment and other events on the fair values of the Fund's investments that have no readily available market values may differ from the impact of such changes on the readily available market values for the Fund's other investments. The Fund' net asset value could be adversely affected if the Fund's determinations regarding the fair value of the Fund's investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.
Private Debt Securities Risk. Private companies in which the Fund invests may be unable to meet their obligations under debt securities held by the Fund, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of the Fund realizing any guarantees it may have obtained in connection with its investment. Private companies in which the Fund will invest may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, debt securities in which the Fund invests. Privately issued debt securities are often of below investment grade quality and frequently are unrated. "SeeDebt Securities Risks."
Reliance on the Advisor Risk. The Fund may enter into private investments identified by the Advisor, in which case the Fund will be more reliant upon the ability of the Advisor to identify, research, analyze, negotiate and monitor such investments, than is the case with investments in publicly traded securities. As little public information exists about many private companies, the Fund will be required to rely on the Advisor's diligence efforts to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential risks and returns involved in investing in these companies. The costs of diligencing, negotiating and monitoring private investments will be borne by the Fund, which may reduce the Fund's returns.
Co-Investment Risk. The Fund may also co-invest in private investments sourced by third party investors, such as private equity firms. While the Advisor will conduct independent due diligence before entering into any such investment, the Fund's ability to realize a profit on such investments will be particularly reliant on the expertise of the lead investor in the transaction. To the extent that the lead investor in such a co-investment opportunity assumes control of the management of the private company, the Fund will be reliant not only upon the lead investor's ability to research, analyze, negotiate and monitor such investments, but also on the lead investor's ability to successfully oversee the operation of the company's business. The Fund's ability to dispose of such investments is typically severely limited, both by the fact that the securities are unregistered and illiquid and by contractual restrictions that may preclude the Fund from selling such investment. Often the Fund may exit such investment only in a transaction, such as an initial public offering or sale of the company, on terms arranged by the lead investor. Such investments may be subject to additional valuation risk, as the Fund's ability to accurately determine the fair value of the investment may depend upon the receipt of information from the lead investor. The valuation assigned to such an investment through application of the Fund's valuation procedures may differ from the valuation assigned to that investment by other co-investors.
Risks Associated with Direct Investment in Energy Infrastructure Assets. The Fund may invest in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets. Such investments will be dependent upon the success of third-party operators retained by the investors, including the Fund, to manage such assets. Such investments may subject the Fund to increased operational risks associated with the operation of infrastructure assets. Investments in infrastructure assets may be subject to greater risks associated with their illiquidity and valuation.
Greenfield Projects Risks. Greenfield projects are energy-related projects built by private joint ventures formed by energy infrastructure companies. Greenfield projects may include the creation of a new pipeline, processing plant or storage facility or other energy infrastructure asset that is integrated with the company's existing assets. The Fund may invest in the equity of greenfield projects or the secured debt of greenfield
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projects. However, the Fund's investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until construction is completed, at which time interest payments or dividends would be paid in cash. Greenfield projects involve less investment risk than typical private equity financing arrangements. The primary risk involved with greenfield projects is execution risk or construction risk. Changing project requirements, elevated costs for labor and materials, and unexpected construction hurdles all can increase construction costs. Financing risk exists should changes in construction costs or financial markets occur. Regulatory risk exists should changes in regulation occur during construction or the necessary permits are not secured prior to beginning construction.
Private Company Competition Risk. Many entities may potentially compete with the Fund in making private investments. Many of these competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Fund. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access to funding sources that are not available to the Fund. In addition, some competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of, or different structures for, private investments than the Fund. Furthermore, many competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on the Fund. As a result of this competition, the Fund may not be able to pursue attractive private investment opportunities from time to time.
Risks Associated with an Investment in Initial Public Offerings
Securities purchased in initial public offerings ("IPOs") are often subject to the general risks associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations, and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in IPOs, or to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may be available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. The Fund's investment performance during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when it is able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and the Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful.
Risks Associated with a Private Investment in Public Equity Transactions
Investors in private investment in public equity ("PIPE") transactions purchase securities directly from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's common stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the securities are "restricted" and cannot be immediately resold by the investors into the public markets. Until the Fund can sell such securities into the public markets, its holdings will be less liquid and any sales will need to be made pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act.
Cash Flow Risk
The Fund expects that a substantial portion of the cash flow it receives will be derived from its investments in equity securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The amount and tax characterization of cash available for distribution will depend upon the amount of cash generated by such entity's operations. Cash available for distribution may vary widely from quarter to quarter and is affected by various factors affecting the entity's operations. In addition to the risks described herein, operating costs, capital expenditures, acquisition costs, construction costs, exploration costs and borrowing costs may reduce the amount of cash that an MLP or energy infrastructure company has available for distribution in a given period.
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Valuation Risk
Market prices generally will be unavailable for some of the Fund's investments, including MLP subordinated units, direct ownership of general partner interests, restricted or unregistered securities of certain MLPs (including private MLPs) and other private issuers and direct investments in infrastructure assets. The value of such investments will be determined by fair valuations determined by the Board of Trustees or its designee in accordance with procedures governing the valuation of portfolio securities adopted by the Board of Trustees. Proper valuation of such investments may require more reliance on the judgment of the Advisor than for valuation of securities for which an active trading market exists.
In calculating the Fund's net asset value, the Fund will account for deferred tax assets or liabilities, which reflect taxes on unrealized gains or losses, which are attributable to the temporary differences between fair market value and tax basis of the Fund's assets, the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the Fund's assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes relative to the amounts used for income tax purposes and the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital losses. A deferred tax liability is recognized for temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years. A deferred tax asset is recognized for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for carryforwards. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent period's income tax expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset, the Fund will periodically assess whether a valuation allowance is required, considering all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax asset. The Fund may rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which may not necessarily be timely, to estimate taxable income allocable to the MLP units held in the portfolio and to estimate the associated deferred tax asset or liability. Such estimates are made in good faith. From time to time, as new information becomes available, the Fund modifies its estimates or assumptions regarding the deferred tax asset or liability. Modifications of such estimates or assumptions or changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share.
Debt Securities Risks
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt security may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. The Fund could lose money if the issuer of a debt obligation is, or is perceived to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The downgrade of a security may further decrease its value.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities, such as preferred and debt securities, and certain equity securities will decline in value because of a rise in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. These risks may be greater in the current market environment because interest rates are near historically low levels. Prevailing interest rates may be adversely impacted by market and economic factors, including the potential impact of tapering of "quantitative easing" by the Federal Reserve Board. If interest rates rise the markets may experience increased volatility, which may adversely affect the value and/or liquidity of certain of the Fund's investments. Increases in interest rates may adversely affect the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a debt security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Preferred and debt securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may redeem such a security if the issuer can refinance it at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of a lower likelihood of prepayments. This may lock in a below market interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk.
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In typical interest rate environments, prices of debt securities with longer maturities generally fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than do the prices of debt securities with shorter-term maturities. Because the Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt securities without regard to their maturities, to the extent the Fund invests in debt securities with longer maturities, the net asset value and market price of the Common Shares would fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than if the Fund were to invest such portion of its assets in shorter-term debt securities.
Market interest rates for investment grade debt securities in which the Fund may invest are significantly below historical average rates for such securities. Interest rates below historical average rates may result in increased risk that these rates will rise in the future (which would cause the value of the Fund's net assets to decline) and may increase the degree to which asset values may decline in such events.
Lower Grade Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P or comparably rated by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Advisor to be of comparable credit quality. Below investment grade securities are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." Investment in securities of below investment grade quality involves substantial risk of loss. Securities of below investment grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore involve a greater risk of default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and issuer-specific developments. Securities of below investment grade quality display increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating economic environment. The market values for debt securities of below investment grade quality tend to be more volatile and such securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade debt securities. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and other statistical rating organizations generally represent their opinions as to the quality of the bonds they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that such ratings are relative and subjective, are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk and liquidity of the securities. Rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings and an issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates. To the extent that the issuer of a security pays a rating agency for the analysis of its security, an inherent conflict of interest may exist that could affect the reliability of the rating. Bonds with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same yield.
Reinvestment Risk. Certain debt securities, particularly below investment grade securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which would allow the issuer of the debt security to prepay principal prior to the debt security's stated maturity. This is also sometimes known as prepayment risk. Prepayment risk is greater during a falling interest rate environment as issuers can reduce their cost of capital by refinancing higher yielding debt securities with lower yielding debt securities. An issuer may also elect to refinance its debt securities with lower yielding debt securities if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To the extent debt securities in the Fund's portfolio are called or redeemed, the Fund may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
Preferred Securities Risks
There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities. Preferred securities may contain provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If the Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not yet received such income. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in terms of having priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt securities. Preferred securities may be less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks. Generally, preferred security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors to the issuer's board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred
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security holders no longer have voting rights. In the case of trust preferred securities, holders generally have no voting rights, except if (i) the issuer fails to pay dividends for a specified period of time or (ii) a declaration of default occurs and is continuing. In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified date. As with call provisions, a special redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Fund.
Convertible Instruments Risk
The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible debt securities have characteristics of both debt and equity investments. Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate risks associated with debt securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible instrument falls, the convertible instrument tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other debt characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises, the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments that have varying conversion values. Convertible instruments are typically issued at prices that represent a premium to their conversion value. Accordingly, the value of a convertible instrument increases (or decreases) as the price of the underlying equity security increases (or decreases). If a convertible instrument held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the instrument, or convert it into the underlying stock, and will hold the stock to the extent the Advisor determines that such equity investment is consistent with the investment objective of the Fund.
Foreign Securities Risk
Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries.
There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than a U.S. company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing a loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-U.S. securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities.
The Fund's investments in foreign securities may include ADRs. ADRs are receipts issued by United States banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the United States securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary
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receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities.
Derivatives Risks
Generally, a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes, and other assets. The Fund may, but is not required to, utilize derivatives transactions, including transactions involving futures contracts, forwards, options and over-the-counter derivatives contracts, for purposes such as to seek to earn income or enhance total return, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. The use of derivatives transactions to earn income or enhance total return may be particularly speculative. Participation in derivatives transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. Derivatives generally involve leverage in the sense that the investment exposure created by the derivatives may be significantly greater than the Fund's initial investment in the derivative. Accordingly, if the Fund enters into a derivative transaction, it could lose substantially more than the principal amount invested. If the Advisor's predictions with respect to market conditions, liquidity, market values, interest rates and other applicable factors are inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of derivatives transactions include:
• dependence on the Advisor's ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and securities prices;
• imperfect correlation between the price of the derivative instrument and movements in the prices of the reference instrument;
• the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities;
• the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time;
• the possible need to defer closing out certain positions to avoid adverse tax consequences;
• the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a security at a time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund to sell a security at a disadvantageous time due to a need for the Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate securities in connection with the hedging techniques;
• the creditworthiness of counterparties;
• if used for hedging purposes, the duration of the derivative instrument may be significantly different than the duration of the related liability or asset; and
• volatility of interest rates and price of the reference instrument.
Certain derivatives transactions may be considered senior securities for the purposes of the 1940 Act unless the Fund segregates liquid assets or otherwise covers its obligations. To the extent the Fund segregates liquid assets or covers such obligations by entering into offsetting transactions or owning positions covering its obligations, the instrument will not be considered a senior security for the purposes of the 1940 Act. The Fund may cover such transactions using other methods currently or in the future permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or orders issued by the SEC thereunder and interpretations and guidance provided by the SEC staff. These segregation and coverage requirements could result in the Fund maintaining securities positions that it would otherwise liquidate, segregating assets at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so or otherwise restricting portfolio management. Such segregation and coverage requirements will not limit or offset losses on related positions.
The Fund may be exposed to certain additional risks should the Advisor uses derivatives transactions as a means to synthetically implement the Fund's investment strategies. Customized derivative instruments will likely be highly illiquid, and it is possible that the Fund will not be able to terminate such derivative instruments prior to
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their expiration date or that the penalties associated with such a termination might impact the Fund's performance in a materially adverse manner. Synthetic investments may be imperfectly correlated to the investment the Advisor is seeking to replicate. There can be no assurance that the Advisor's judgments regarding the correlation of any particular synthetic investment will be correct.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased by the Fund (whether a clearing corporation in the case of cleared instruments or a third party). If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a dissolution, assignment for the benefit of creditors, liquidation, winding-up, bankruptcy, or other analogous proceeding. In addition, in the event of the insolvency of a counterparty to a derivative transaction, the derivative transaction would typically be terminated at its fair market value. If the Fund is owed this market value in the termination of the derivative transaction and its claim is unsecured, the Fund will be treated as a general creditor of such counterparty, and will not have any claim with respect to the underlying security. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. Concerns about, or a default by, one large market participant could lead to significant liquidity problems for other participants. If a counterparty's credit becomes significantly impaired, multiple requests for collateral posting in a short period of time could increase the risk that the Fund may not receive adequate collateral. The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared over-the-counter derivatives transactions since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties' performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance of financial obligations under the derivative contract. However, there can be no assurance that a clearing organization, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to the Fund. Counterparty risk with respect to certain derivatives may be further complicated by recently enacted U.S. financial reform legislation.
Other Investment Funds Risk
The Fund may invest in securities of other open- or closed-end investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment of the Fund's investment advisory fees with respect to the assets so invested. Common Shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described in this Prospectus. To the extent the Fund invests in exchange-traded funds or other investment companies that seek to track a specified index, such investments will be subject to tracking error risk.
ETNs Risk
ETNs are subject to the risk that the sponsoring institutions will be unable to pay their obligations as well as the risks associated with investing in the securities that comprise the relevant index. Investments in such securities will have different tax characteristics than equity securities. An ETN may not be able to replicate and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities in the index. An ETN also incurs certain expenses not incurred by its applicable index. Certain securities that are part of the index tracked by an ETN may, at times, be unavailable, which may impede the ETN's ability to track its index. Although an ETN is a debt security, it is unlike a typical bond, in that there are no periodic interest payments and principal is not protected.
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Financial Leverage Risk
Although the use of Financial Leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased after-tax total return for the Common Shares, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on securities purchased with Financial Leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of Financial Leverage, the Fund's return will be greater than if Financial Leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or gains from the securities purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of Financial Leverage, the return to the Fund will be less than if Financial Leverage had not been used.
Financial Leverage involves risks and special considerations for shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value, market price and dividends on the Common Shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt or in the dividend rates on any Financial Leverage that the Fund must pay will reduce the return to Common Shareholders; and the effect of Financial Leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the Common Shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the Common Shares.
It is also possible that the Fund will be required to sell assets, possibly at a loss (or at a gain which could give rise to corporate level tax), in order to redeem or meet payment obligations on any leverage. Such a sale would reduce the Fund's net asset value and also make it difficult for the net asset value to recover. The Fund in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to continue to use Financial Leverage if it expects that the benefits to the Fund's shareholders of maintaining the leveraged position will outweigh the current reduced return.
During the time in which the Fund is utilizing Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Advisor for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund's Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of interest between the Advisor and Common Shareholders. Because the Financial Leverage costs will be borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only the Fund's Common Shareholders will bear the cost associated with Financial Leverage.
If the cost of leverage is no longer favorable, or if the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain distributions on Common Shares at historical levels and Common Shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities.
Competition Risk
Recently alternative vehicles for investment in a portfolio of MLPs and their affiliates, including other publicly traded investment companies and private funds, have emerged. In addition, recent tax law changes have increased the ability of regulated investment companies or other institutions to invest in MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely impact the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective.
Affiliated Transaction Restrictions
From time to time, the Fund may "control" or may be an "affiliate", each as defined in the 1940 Act, of one or more portfolio companies. In general, under the 1940 Act, the Fund would "control" a portfolio company if it owned 25% or more of its outstanding voting securities and would be an "affiliate" of a portfolio company if it owned 5% or more of its outstanding voting securities. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between investment companies and their affiliates (including the Advisor), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. Under these restrictions, the Fund and any portfolio company that the Fund controls are generally prohibited from knowingly participating in a joint transaction, including co-investments in a portfolio company, with an affiliated person, including any trustees or officers of the Fund, the Advisor or any entity controlled or advised by any of them. These restrictions also generally prohibit
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the Fund's affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters from knowingly purchasing from or selling to the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund certain securities or other property and from lending to and borrowing from the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund monies or other properties. The Fund and its affiliates may be precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities, including in any portfolio companies controlled by the Fund. The Fund, its affiliates and portfolio companies controlled by the Fund may from time to time engage in certain joint transactions, purchases, sales and loans in reliance upon and in compliance with the conditions of certain positions promulgated by the SEC. There can be no assurance that the Fund would be able to satisfy these conditions with respect to any particular transaction. As a result of these prohibitions, restrictions may be imposed on the size of positions or the type of investments that the Fund could make.
Potential Conflicts of Interest of the Advisor
The Advisor provides an array of portfolio management and other asset management services to a mix of clients and may engage in ordinary course activities in which their respective interests or those of their clients may compete or conflict with those of the Fund. For example, the Advisor may provide investment management services to other funds and accounts that follow investment objectives similar to that of the Fund. In certain circumstances, and subject to its fiduciary obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Advisor may have to allocate a limited investment opportunity among its clients. The Advisor has adopted policies and procedures designed to address such situations and other potential conflicts of interests.
Portfolio Turnover Risk
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. The Fund cannot predict its annual portfolio turnover rate with accuracy. Portfolio turnover rate will not be considered as a limiting factor in the execution of the Fund's investment decisions. High portfolio turnover may result in the Fund's recognition of gains and may increase the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits, which will result in a greater portion of distributions to Common Shareholders being treated as dividends. Additionally, high portfolio turnover results in correspondingly higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs borne by the Fund.
Short Sales Risk
The Fund may make short sales of securities. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss will be increased, by the transaction costs incurred by the Fund, including the costs associated with providing collateral to the broker-dealer (usually cash and liquid securities) and the maintenance of collateral with its custodian. Although the Fund's gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited. The Fund may have to pay a premium to borrow the securities and must pay any dividends or interest payable on the securities until they are replaced, which will be expenses of the Fund.
In addition, the Fund's short selling strategies may limit its ability to benefit from increases in the markets. If the Fund engages in short sales, it will segregate liquid assets, enter into offsetting transactions or own positions covering its obligations; however, such segregation and cover requirements will not limit or offset losses on related positions. Short selling also involves a form of financial leverage that may exaggerate any losses realized by the Fund. Also, there is the risk that the counterparty to a short sale may fail to honor its contractual terms, causing a loss to the Fund. Finally, SEC, FINRA, or other regulations relating to short selling may restrict the Fund's ability to engage in short selling.
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Repurchase Agreement Risk
A repurchase agreement exposes the Fund to the risk that the party that sells the security may default on its obligation to repurchase it. The Fund may lose money because it cannot sell the security at the agreed-upon time and price or the security loses value before it can be sold. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays in liquidating the underlying securities and losses. In such an event, the Fund would subject to risks associated with possible decline in the value of the underlying security during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights. In addition, the exercise of the Fund's right to liquidate the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.
Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk
Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risks that the interest income earned on the investment of the proceeds will be less than the interest expense and Fund expenses associated with the repurchase agreement, that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund may decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase such securities and that the securities may not be returned to the Fund. There is no assurance that reverse repurchase agreements can be successfully employed. In connection with reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund will also be subject to counterparty risk with respect to the purchaser of the securities. If the broker/dealer to whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Securities Lending Risk
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Board of Trustees. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may therefore lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund's performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding.
Delay in Investing the Proceeds of this Offering
Although the Fund currently intends to invest the proceeds from any sale of the Common Shares offered hereby as soon as practicable following the completion of such offering, such investments may be delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the time. The trading market and volumes for MLP and energy infrastructure company shares may at times be less liquid than the market for other securities. Prior to the time the proceeds of this offering are invested, such proceeds may be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, pending investment in MLP or energy infrastructure company securities. Income received by the Fund from these securities would subject the Fund to corporate tax before any payment of distributions to Common Shareholders. As a result, the return and yield on the Common Shares following any offering pursuant to this Prospectus may be lower than when the Fund is fully invested in accordance with its objective and policies. See "Use of Proceeds."
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk
Recent and continuing U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, instability in the Middle East and terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world have contributed to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets and may cause further economic uncertainties
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or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. The Advisor does not know how long the financial markets will continue to be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. and global economies and securities markets. Global political and economic instability could affect the operations of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in unpredictable ways, including through disruptions of natural resources supplies and markets and the resulting volatility in commodity prices. Recent political and military instability in a variety of countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa has heightened these risks.
Recent Market and Economic Developments
Global financial markets have experienced periods of unprecedented turmoil. The debt and equity capital markets in the United States were negatively impacted by significant write-offs in the financial services sector relating to subprime mortgages and the re-pricing of credit risk in the broader market, among other things. These events, along with the deterioration of the housing market, the failure of major financial institutions and the concerns that other financial institutions as well as the global financial system were also experiencing severe economic distress materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial firms in particular. These events contributed to severe market volatility and caused severe liquidity strains in the credit markets. Volatile financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held by the Fund.
Recently markets have witnessed more stabilized economic activity as expectations for an economic recovery increased. However, risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. Several European Union ("EU") countries, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, have begun to face budget issues, some of which may have negative long-term effects for the economies of those countries and other EU countries. There is continued concern about national-level support for the euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among European Economic and Monetary Union member countries. A return to unfavorable economic conditions or sustained economic slowdown may place downward pressure on oil and natural gas prices and may adversely affect the ability of MLPs to sustain their historical distribution levels, which in turn, may adversely affect the Fund. MLPs that have historically relied heavily on outside capital to fund their growth have been impacted by the contraction in the capital markets. The continued recovery of the MLP sector is dependent on several factors, including the recovery of the financial sector, the general economy and the commodity markets.
The current financial market situation, as well as various social, political, and psychological tensions in the United States and around the world, may continue to contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets; and may cause further economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. The prolonged continuation or further deterioration of the current U.S. and global economic downturn could adversely impact the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor does not know how long the financial markets will continue to be affected by these events and cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets in the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund's portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund's investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. Given the risks described above, an investment in Common Shares may not be appropriate for all prospective investors. A prospective investor should carefully consider his or her ability to assume these risks before making an investment in the Fund.
Legislation and Regulation Risk
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), which was signed into law in July 2010, has resulted in significant revisions to the U.S. financial regulatory framework. The Dodd-Frank Act covers a broad range of topics, including, among many others, a reorganization of federal
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financial regulators; the creation of a process designed to ensure financial system stability and the resolution of potentially insolvent financial firms; the enactment of new rules for derivatives trading; the creation of a consumer financial protection watchdog; the registration and regulation of managers of private funds; the regulation of rating agencies; and the enactment of new federal requirements for residential mortgage loans. The regulation of various types of derivative instruments pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act may adversely affect the Fund or its counterparties. The ultimate impact of the Dodd-Frank Act, and regulation that has been enacted thereunder, is not yet certain and issuers of securities in which the Fund invests may also be affected in ways that are currently unknown and unforeseeable.
In connection with an ongoing review by the SEC and its staff of the regulation of investment companies' use of derivatives, on August 31, 2011, the SEC issued a concept release to seek public comment on a wide range of issues raised by the use of derivatives by investment companies. The SEC noted that it intends to consider the comments to help determine whether regulatory initiatives or guidance are needed to improve the current regulatory regime for investment companies and, if so, the nature of any such initiatives or guidance. While the nature of any such regulations is uncertain at this time, it is possible that such regulations could limit the implementation of the Fund's options strategy or other uses of derivatives, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund. The Advisor cannot predict the effects of these regulations on the Fund's portfolio. The Advisor intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund's portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund's investment objective, but there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so.
At any time after the date of this Prospectus, legislation may be enacted that could negatively affect the assets of the Fund or the issuers of such assets. Changing approaches to regulation may have a negative impact on the Fund or entities in which the Fund invests. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. There can be no assurance that future legislation, regulation or deregulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Market Discount Risk
The Fund's Common Shares have a limited trading history and have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to net asset value. The Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to net asset value. If the Common Shares are trading at a premium to net asset value at the time you purchase Common Shares, the net asset value per share of the Common Shares purchased will be less than the purchase price paid. Continued development of alternative vehicles for investment in securities of MLP entities may contribute to reducing or eliminating any premium or may result in the Common Shares trading at a discount. The risk of the Common Shares trading at a discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in the Fund's net asset value as a result of the Fund's investment activities. The Fund's net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Common Shares due to the costs of such offering, which will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of Common Shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse effect on prices of Common Shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of Common Shares available may put downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of holders of Common Shares to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund's then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such sales of Common Shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for Common Shares. These sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional Common Shares in the future at a time and price it deems appropriate.
Whether Common Shareholder will realize a gain or loss upon the sale of Common Shares depends upon whether the market value of the Common Shares at the time of sale is above or below the price the Common Shareholder paid, taking into account transaction costs for the Common Shares, and is not directly dependent upon the Fund's net asset value. Because the market value of the Common Shares will be determined by factors such as the relative demand for and supply of the shares in the market, general market conditions and other
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factors outside the Fund's control, the Fund cannot predict whether the Common Shares will trade at, below or above NAV, or at, below or above the public offering price for the Common Shares.
Risks Associated with Offerings of Additional Common Shares
The voting power of current common shareholders will be diluted to the extent that current common shareholders do not purchase common shares in any future offerings of common shares or do not purchase sufficient common shares to maintain their percentage interest. If the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds of such offering as intended, the Fund's per Common Share distribution may decrease and the Fund may not participate in market advances to the same extent as if such proceeds were fully invested as planned. If the Fund sells Common Shares at a price below net asset value pursuant to the consent of Common Shareholders, shareholders will experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share because the sale price will be less than the Fund's then-current net asset value per Common Share. Similarly, were the expenses of the offering to exceed the amount by which the sale price exceeded the Fund's then current net asset value per Common Share, shareholders would experience a dilution of the aggregate net asset value per Common Share. This dilution will be experienced by all shareholders, irrespective of whether they purchase Common Shares in any such offering. See "Description of Capital StructureCommon SharesIssuance of Additional Common Shares."
Additional Risks of Rights
There are additional risks associated with an offering of Rights. Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net asset value per share if the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund's Common Shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder's Common Shares if the shareholder does not participate in such an offering and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder's Common Shares whether or not the shareholder participates in such an offering. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the shareholder does not exercise such shareholder's Rights because the Fund does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the offer expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. Any such dilution or accretion will depend upon whether (i) such shareholders participate in the Rights offering and (ii) the Fund's net asset value per Common Share is above or below the subscription price on the expiration date of the Rights offering. There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the underlying common or preferred shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. Investors who receive subscription rights may find that there is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise. If investors exercise only a portion of the rights, the number of Common Shares issued may be reduced, and the common or preferred shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Fund's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated as of August 14, 2013 (the "Declaration of Trust"), and Bylaws (collectively, the "Governing Documents") include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving Common Shareholders of opportunities to sell their Common Shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the Common Shares. See "Anti-Takeover and Other Provisions in the Fund's Governing Documents."
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MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Trustees and Officers
The Board of Trustees is broadly responsible for the management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties performed by the Advisor. The names and business addresses of the Trustees and officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under "Management of the Fund" in the SAI.
The Advisor
Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP, acts as the Fund's investment advisor pursuant to an advisory agreement with the Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Advisor is a registered investment advisor headquartered in Houston, Texas focused on energy infrastructure investments. The Advisor generally manages its investments according to a process focused on quality and durability of cash flows. The Advisor combines the expertise of midstream and energy infrastructure operators and financial and investment professionals. The Advisor's senior professionals include a former MLP chief executive officer and experienced investment professionals with an established track record of managing MLP investments as well as operating midstream and other energy infrastructure assets. The Advisor seeks to draw upon this unique experience to achieve a robust diligence process, structured investment process and access to a unique network of relationships to identify both public and private MLP and infrastructure investment opportunities.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is responsible for managing the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, placing orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and managing the other business and affairs of the Fund, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the Advisor furnishes offices, necessary facilities and equipment on behalf of the Fund; provides personnel, including certain officers required for the Fund's administrative management; and pays the compensation of all officers and Trustees of the Fund who are its affiliates.
As compensation for its services, the Fund pays the Advisor a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 1.00% of the Fund's average daily Managed Assets. "Managed Assets" means the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from any forms of Financial Leverage, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any Financial Leverage.
A discussion regarding the basis for the approval of the Advisory Agreement by the Board of Trustees is available in the Fund's annual report to shareholders, for the period ending November 30, 2013.
In addition to the fees of the Advisor, the Fund pays all other costs and expenses of its operations, including compensation of its Trustees (other than those affiliated with the Advisor), custodial expenses, transfer agency and dividend disbursing expenses, legal fees, expenses of the Fund's independent registered public accounting firm, expenses of repurchasing shares, listing expenses, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing Prospectuses, stockholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes, if any.
Portfolio Management
Set forth below is information regarding the team of professionals at the Advisor primarily responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Fund.
Dan C. Tutcher. Dan C. Tutcher is a founder and has been a Principal of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. since its inception in 2007 and also serves on its Investment Committee. Mr. Tutcher's day to day responsibilities include monitoring Center Coast's portfolio, providing recommendations on buy and sell activity, and reviewing
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Center Coast's research & analysis. Mr. Tutcher has 40 years of industry experience owning, operating and acquiring MLPs. Prior to founding Center Coast, Mr. Tutcher was President of Enbridge Energy Company, Inc. and President and Director of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P., from 2001 to 2006. Before his experience at Enbridge, Mr. Tutcher founded and served as Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of MidCoast Energy Resources, from its formation in 1992 until 2001, when Enbridge acquired MidCoast. In addition, Mr. Tutcher has been involved in the design, construction and operation of petroleum pipelines and all types of petroleum equipment and storage, as well as oil and gas exploration and production for over 40 years. Mr. Tutcher holds a B.B.A from Washburn University.
Robert T. Chisholm. Robert T. Chisholm has 13 years of midstream energy industry experience and has served as Senior Portfolio Manager of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. since joining the firm during its inception in 2007. Mr. Chisholm's day to day responsibilities include research & analysis of individual MLPs, quantitative & qualitative analysis of MLP holdings, and trading. Mr. Chisholm also serves on the Investment Committee. Previously, Mr. Chisholm was in Morgan Keegan's Energy Investment Banking Division (from 2006 to 2007) and a Senior Project Advisor at Enbridge Energy Partners, LP (from 2002 to 2006), where he advised on over $8 billion of MLP mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Chisholm began his career in the energy industry at Koch Industries, Inc. where he served in various roles in their Capital Market, Hydrocarbon and Midstream groups. Mr. Chisholm holds an M.B.A from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas and a B.B.A in Finance from Texas Christian University.
The SAI provides additional information about the portfolio managers' compensation, other accounts managed by the portfolio managers and the portfolio managers' ownership of securities of the Fund.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund determines the net asset value of its Common Shares as of the close of the customary trading session on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time), or any earlier closing time that day, no less frequently than the last business day of each month. The net asset value of the Common Shares is calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (including from current and deferred incomes taxes and from Borrowings) and the liquidation preference of any outstanding Preferred Shares from total assets (the market value of the securities the Fund holds plus cash and other assets). The per share net asset value is calculated by dividing its net asset value by the number of Common Shares outstanding and rounding the result to the nearest full cent. Information that becomes known to the Fund after the Fund's net asset value has been calculated on a particular day will not be used to retroactively adjust the price of a security or the Fund's net asset value determined earlier that day.
The Fund values readily marketable securities at the last reported sale price on the principal exchange or in the principal OTC market in which such securities are traded, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE on the day the securities are being valued or, if there are no sales, at the mean between the last available bid and asked prices on that day. Securities traded primarily on the NASDAQ are normally valued by the Fund at the NASDAQ Official Closing Price ("NOCP") provided by the NASDAQ each business day. The NOCP is the most recently reported price as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, unless that price is outside the range of the "inside" bid and asked prices (i.e., the bid and asked prices that dealers quote to each other when trading for their own accounts); in that case, the NASDAQ will adjust the price to equal the inside bid or asked price, whichever is closer. Because of delays in reporting trades, the NOCP may not be based on the price of the last trade to occur before the market closes. Debt securities are valued at the last available bid price for such securities or, if such prices are not available, at prices for securities of comparable maturity, quality, and type. The Fund values exchange-traded options and other derivative contracts at the mean of the best bid and ask prices at the close on those exchanges on which they are traded.
The Fund's securities traded primarily in foreign markets may be traded in such markets on days that the NYSE is closed. As a result, the net asset value of the Fund may be significantly affected on days when Common Shareholders have no ability to trade the Common Shares on the NYSE.
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The Fund values certain of its securities on the basis of bid quotations from independent pricing services or principal market makers, or, if quotations are not available, by a method that the Board of Trustees believes accurately reflects fair value. The Fund periodically verifies valuations provided by the pricing services. Short-term securities with remaining maturities of less than 60 days may be valued at cost which, when combined with interest earned, approximates market value.
The Fund values securities for which market quotations are not readily available, including restricted securities, in accordance with valuation guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees, that the Board of Trustees believes are designed to accurately reflect the fair value of securities valued in accordance with such guidelines. The Fund is not required to but may utilize the services of one or more independent valuation firms to aid in determining the fair value of these investments. The Fund values private company investments in accordance with these valuation guidelines. Valuation of private company investments may involve application of one or more of the following factors: (i) analysis of valuations of publicly traded companies in a similar line of business, (ii) analysis of valuations for comparable merger or acquisition transactions, (iii) yield analysis and (iv) discounted cash flow analysis. Due to the inherent uncertainty and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Fund's private investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from the amounts the Fund may realize on any dispositions of such investments. In addition, the impact of changes in the market environment and other events on the fair values of the Fund's investments that have no readily available market values may differ from the impact of such changes on the readily available market values for the Fund's other investments. The Fund' net asset value could be adversely affected if the Fund's determinations regarding the fair value of the Fund's investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.
In addition, if the Advisor believes that the price of a security obtained under the Fund's valuation procedures (as described above) does not represent the amount that the Fund reasonably expects to receive on a current sale of the security, the Fund will value the security based upon such valuation guidelines.
Any derivative transaction that the Fund enters into may, depending on the applicable market environment, have a positive or negative value for purposes of calculating net asset value. In addition, accrued payments to the Fund under such transactions will be assets of the Fund and accrued payments by the Fund will be liabilities of the Fund.
Because the Fund is treated as a regular corporation, or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will incur tax expenses. In calculating the Fund's net asset value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund will, among other things, account for its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances. The Fund will accrue a deferred income tax liability balance, at the currently effective statutory U.S. federal income tax rate plus an estimated state and local income tax rate, for its future tax liability associated with the capital appreciation of its investments and the distributions received by the Fund on equity securities of MLPs considered to be return of capital and for any net operating gains. Any deferred tax liability balance will reduce the Fund's net asset value. The Fund will accrue a deferred tax asset balance which reflects an estimate of the Fund's future tax benefit associated with net operating losses and unrealized losses. Any deferred tax asset balance will increase the Fund's net asset value. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset balance, the Fund will assess whether a valuation allowance, which would offset some or all of the value of the Fund's deferred tax asset balance, is required, considering all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the Fund's deferred tax asset. The Fund will assess whether a valuation allowance is required to offset some or all of any deferred tax asset balance based on estimates of the Fund in connection with the calculation of the Fund's net asset value per share; however, to the extent the final valuation allowance differs from the estimates of the Fund used in calculating the Fund's daily net asset value, the application of such final valuation allowance could have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value. The Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances are estimated using estimates of effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such balances are realized. The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by MLPs regarding the tax characterization
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of the distributions made by such MLPs, which may not be provided to the Fund on a timely basis, to estimate the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances for purposes of financial statement reporting and determining its net asset value. The Fund's estimates regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances will be made in good faith; however, the estimate of the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances used to calculate the Fund's net asset value could vary dramatically from the Fund's actual tax liability, and, as a result, the determination of the Fund's actual tax liability may have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value. From time to time, the Fund may modify its estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances as new information becomes available. Modifications of the Fund's estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and any applicable valuation allowance, changes in generally accepted accounting principles or related guidance or interpretations thereof, limitations imposed on net operating losses (if any) and changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share, which could be material.
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund intends to make regular monthly cash distributions to its Common Shareholders.
The Fund anticipates that, due to the tax characterization of cash distributions made by MLPs, a portion of the Fund's distributions to Common Shareholders will consist of tax-advantaged return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, a portion of the distribution will constitute a return of capital to a Common Shareholder, rather than a dividend, to the extent such distribution exceeds the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. The portion of any distribution treated as a return of capital will not be subject to tax currently, but will result in a corresponding reduction in a shareholder's basis in Common Shares and in the shareholder's recognizing more gain or less loss (that is, will result in an increase of a shareholder's tax liability) when the shareholder later sells Common Shares. Distributions in excess of a shareholder's adjusted tax basis in its shares are generally treated as capital gains. The Fund's distribution rate will vary based upon the distributions received from underlying investments. The Fund cannot assure you, however, as to what percentage of the dividends paid on the Common Shares will consist of tax-deferred return of capital.
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1940 Act, in the event the Fund makes distributions from sources other than income, a notice will accompany each monthly distribution with respect to the estimated source of the distribution made. Such notices will describe the portion, if any, of the monthly dividend which, in the Fund's good faith judgment, constitutes dividend income or a return of capital. The actual character of such dividend distributions for U.S. federal income tax purposes, however, will only be determined finally by the Fund at the close of its fiscal year, based on the Fund's full year performance and its actual net income and net capital gains for the year, which may result in a recharacterization of amounts distributed during such fiscal year from the characterization in the monthly estimates.
To permit the Fund to maintain more stable monthly distributions, the Fund may distribute less than the entire amount of the net investment income earned in a particular period. The undistributed net investment income may be available to supplement future distributions. As a result, the distributions paid by the Fund for any particular monthly period may be more or less than the amount of net investment income actually earned by the Fund during the period and the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio to make a distribution at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action. Over time, all the net investment income of the Fund will be distributed. Undistributed net investment income is included in the Common Shares' net asset value, and, correspondingly, distributions from net investment income will reduce the Common Shares' net asset value.
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DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Under the Fund's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"), a shareholder whose Common Shares are registered in his or her own name will have all distributions reinvested automatically by the agent under the Plan, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (the "Plan Agent"), unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to Common Shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in "street name") will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional Common Shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive distributions in cash. Investors who own Common Shares registered in street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All distributions to investors who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed directly to the record holder by the Fund's dividend disbursing agent. A participant in the Plan who wishes to opt out of the Plan and elect to receive distributions in cash should contact the Plan Agent in writing at the address specified below or by calling the telephone number specified below.
Under the Plan, whenever the market price of the Common Shares is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the time Common Shares are valued for purposes of determining the number of Common Shares equivalent to the cash dividend or capital gains distribution, participants in the Plan are issued new Common Shares from the Fund, valued at the greater of (i) the net asset value as most recently determined or (ii) 95% of the then-current market price of the Common Shares. The valuation date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a NYSE trading day, the next preceding trading day. If the net asset value of the Common Shares at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the Common Shares, the Plan Agent will buy the Common Shares for the Plan in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants' accounts, except that the Plan Agent will endeavor to terminate purchases in the open market and cause the Fund to issue Common Shares at the greater of net asset value or 95% of market value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value of the Common Shares exceeds net asset value. If the Fund should declare a distribution or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will buy the Common Shares for the Plan in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants' accounts. There is no charge from the Fund for reinvestment of dividends or distributions in Common Shares pursuant to the Plan; however, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open-market purchases.
The Plan Agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in the account, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent in noncertificated form in the name of the participant.
In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees, which hold Common Shares for others who are the beneficial owners and participate in the Plan, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the shareholder as representing the total amount registered in the shareholder's name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and other distributions will not relieve participants of an income tax that may be payable or required to be withheld on such dividends or distributions.
Participants that direct a sale of Common Shares through the Plan Agent are subject to a sales fee of $15.00 plus $0.10 per share sold.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes are desirable. Accordingly, the Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate its Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of such Plan at least 90 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by the Plan Agent on at least 90 days written notice to the participants in such Plan. All correspondence concerning
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the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, Attn: Dividend Reinvestment Department, P.O. Box 922, New York, New York 10269-0560, e-mail: info@amstock, phone number: (866) 668-6549.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Fund is a statutory trust organized under the laws of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Trust, dated as of May 3, 2013. The following is a brief description of the terms of the Common Shares, subscription rights to purchase Common Shares, Borrowings and Preferred Shares which may be issued by the Fund. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund's Governing Documents. For complete terms of the subscription rights, please refer to the actual terms of such subscription rights which will be set forth in the subscription rights agreement relating to such subscription rights (the "Subscription Rights Agreement").
Common Shares
Pursuant to the Declaration of Trust, the Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share. Each Common Share has one vote and, when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of this offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable. All Common Shares are equal as to dividends, assets and voting privileges and have no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights. The Fund will send annual and semi-annual reports, including financial statements, to all holders of its shares.
Any additional offerings of Common Shares will require approval by the Board of Trustees. Any additional offering of Common Shares will be subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, which provides that shares may not be issued at a price below the then current net asset value, exclusive of sales load, except in connection with an offering to existing holders of Common Shares or with the consent of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities.
The Fund's currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") under the symbol "CEN."
The Fund's net asset value per share generally increases and decreases based on the market value of the Fund's securities. Net asset value will be reduced immediately following the offering of Common Shares by the amount of the sales load and offering expenses paid by the Fund. See "Use of Proceeds."
The Fund will not issue certificates for Common Shares.
Issuance of Additional Common Shares. The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price (less underwriting commissions and discounts) of common shares sold by a closed-end investment company must equal or exceed the net asset value of such company's common shares (calculated within 48 hours of the pricing of such offering), unless such sale is made with the consent of a majority of its common shareholders. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of Common Shareholders to permit the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below the Fund's then-current net asset value, subject to certain conditions. If such consent is obtained, the Fund may, contemporaneous with and in no event more than one year following the receipt of such consent, sell Common Shares at price below net asset value in accordance with any conditions adopted in connection with the giving of such consent. Additional information regarding any consent of Common Shareholders obtained by the Fund and the applicable conditions imposed on the issuance and sale by the Fund of Common Shares at a price below net asset value will be disclosed in the Prospectus Supplement relating to any such offering of Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Until such consent of Common Shareholders, if any, is obtained, the Fund may not sell Common Shares at a price below net asset value. Because the Fund's advisory fee is based upon average Managed Assets, the Advisor's interest in
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recommending the issuance and sale of Common Shares at a price below net asset value may conflict with the interests of the Fund and its Common Shareholders.
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Shares
The Fund may issue subscription rights to holders of Common Shares to purchase Common Shares. 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 a subscription rights offering to holders of Common Shares, the Fund would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights and a Prospectus Supplement to our common or preferred shareholders as of the record date that we set for determining the shareholders eligible to receive subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe the following terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered:
• the period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and will not be open longer than 120 days);
• the exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof);
• the number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each Common Share;
• the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they may be traded if they 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;
• the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date on which such right will expire (subject to any extension);
• the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege;
• any termination right the Fund may have in connection with such subscription rights offering;
• the expected trading market, if any, for Rights; and
• any other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures and limitations relating to the transfer 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 number of shares at such exercise price as in each case is set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights would be exercisable at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the Prospectus Supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights would become void.
Upon expiration of the rights offering and the 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, the Fund would issue, as soon as practicable, the Common Shares purchased as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, the Fund may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Borrowings
The Fund's Governing Documents provide that the Board of Trustees may authorize the borrowing of money by the Fund, without the approval of the holders of the Common Shares. The Fund may issue notes or other
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evidences of indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such Borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting the Fund's assets as security. In connection with such Borrowing, the Fund may be required to maintain minimum average balances with the lender or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Any such requirements will increase the cost of Borrowing over the stated interest rate. Any such Borrowings would be subject to the limits imposed by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally is not permitted to engage in Borrowings unless, immediately after the Borrowing, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 300% (i.e., for every dollar of Borrowings outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least three dollars of assets). In addition, the Fund generally is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on the Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration and after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution, the Fund maintains asset coverage with respect to its Borrowings of 300%. However, the foregoing restriction does not apply with respect to certain types of Borrowings, including a line of credit or other privately arranged borrowings from a financial institution. In addition, agreements related to such Borrowings may also impose certain requirements, which may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Any Borrowing by the Fund, other than for temporary purposes, would constitute Financial Leverage and would entail special risks to Common Shareholders.
Credit Facility. The Fund has entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with BNPP pursuant to which the Fund may borrow up to a maximum commitment amount of $150,000,000. The Fund pays a monthly financing changes based on a LIBOR-based variable rate and a commitment fee of 0.70% per annum on the unused portion of the maximum commitment amount. The Fund is required to pledge portfolio securities as collateral in an amount up to two times the loan balance outstanding (or more depending on the terms of the Credit Agreement) and has granted a security interest in the securities pledged to, and in favor of, BNPP as security for the loan balance outstanding. If the Fund fails to meet certain requirements, or maintain other financial covenants required under the Credit Agreement, the Fund may be required to repay immediately, in part or in full, the loan balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement, necessitating the sale of portfolio securities at potentially inopportune times. The Credit Facility includes usual and customary covenants. These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, collateral requirements, investment strategy requirements, and certain financial obligations. As of November 30, 2014, the Fund had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement of $129,000,000 (representing approximately 26.6% of the Fund's Managed Assets). Amounts drawn under the Credit Facility may vary over time and such amounts will be reported in the Fund's audited and unaudited financial statements contained in the Fund's annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders.
Preferred Shares
The Fund's Governing Documents provide that the Board of Trustees may authorize and issue Preferred Shares with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees without prior approval of the holders of the Common Shares. Holders of Common Shares have no preemptive right to purchase any Preferred Shares that might be issued. Although the Fund has no present intention to issue Preferred Shares, it may in the future utilize Preferred Shares to the maximum extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may not issue Preferred Shares if, immediately after issuance, the Fund would have asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) of less than 200% (i.e., for every dollar of Preferred Shares outstanding, the Fund is required to have at least two dollars of assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any dividend (except a dividend payable in Common Shares), or to declare any other distribution on its Common Shares, or to purchase any Common Shares, unless the Preferred Shares have at the time of the declaration of any such dividend or other distribution, or at the time of any such purchase of Common Shares, an asset coverage of at least 200% after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price. If Preferred Shares are issued, the Fund intends, to the extent possible, to purchase or redeem Preferred Shares from time to time to the extent necessary to maintain asset coverage of any Preferred Shares of at least 200%. Any Preferred Shares issued by the Fund would have special voting rights and a liquidation preference over the Common Shares. Issuance of Preferred Shares would constitute Financial Leverage and would entail special risks to Common Shareholders.
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If Preferred Shares are outstanding, two of the Fund's Trustees will be elected by the holders of Preferred Shares, voting separately as a class. The remaining Trustees of the Fund will be elected by Common Shareholders and Preferred Shares voting together as a single class. In the unlikely event the Fund failed to pay dividends on Preferred Shares for two years, Preferred Shares would be entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees of the Fund.
The Fund may be subject to certain restrictions imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies that may issue ratings for Preferred Shares issued by the Fund. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act.
Outstanding Securities
The following table provides information about the outstanding securities of the Fund as of November 30, 2014:
Title of Class |
Amount Authorized |
Amount Held by the Fund or for its Account |
Amount Outstanding |
||||||||||||
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value $0.01 per share |
Unlimited |
|
14,811,264 |
ANTI-TAKEOVER AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE FUND'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS
The Fund presently has provisions in its Governing Documents which could have the effect of limiting, in each case, (i) the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund, (ii) the Fund's freedom to engage in certain transactions or (iii) the ability of the Board of Trustees or shareholders to amend the Governing Documents or effectuate changes in the Fund's management. These provisions of the Governing Documents of the Fund may be regarded as "anti-takeover" provisions. The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes, with the terms of one class expiring at each annual meeting of shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up to two-years the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees. A Trustee may be removed from office by the action of a majority of the remaining Trustees followed by a vote of the holders of at least 75% of the shares then entitled to vote for the election of the respective Trustee.
In addition, the Declaration of Trust requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5% or greater holders of a class or series of shares and their associates, unless the transaction has been approved by at least 80% of the Board of Trustees, in which case "a majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. For purposes of these provisions, a 5% or greater holder of a class or series of shares (a "Principal Shareholder") refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class or series of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund.
The 5% holder transactions subject to these special approval requirements are:
• the merger or consolidation of the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder;
• the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to any dividend reinvestment plan);
• the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder, except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period; or
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• the sale, lease or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder, except assets having an aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of similar transactions within a twelve-month period.
To liquidate the Fund, the Declaration of Trust requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, unless such liquidation has been approved by at least 80% of the Board of Trustees, in which case "a majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required.
For the purposes of calculating "a majority of the outstanding voting securities" under the Declaration of Trust, each class and series of the Fund shall vote together as a single class, except to the extent required by the Declaration of Trust with respect to any class or series of shares. If a separate vote is required, the applicable proportion of shares of the class or series, voting as a separate class or series, also will be required.
The Board of Trustees has determined that provisions with respect to the Board of Trustees and the shareholder voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum requirements under Delaware law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of shareholders generally. Reference should be made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full text of these provisions. See "Additional Information" in the SAI.
CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE
Closed-end management investment companies ("closed-end funds") differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the shareholder. By comparison, mutual funds issue securities redeemable at net asset value at the option of the shareholder and typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Mutual funds are subject to continuous asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management, whereas closed-end funds generally can stay more fully invested in securities consistent with the closed-end fund's investment objective and policies. In addition, in comparison to open-end funds, closed-end funds have greater flexibility in their ability to make certain types of investments, including investments in illiquid securities.
However, shares of closed-end funds listed for trading on a securities exchange frequently trade at a discount from net asset value, but in some cases trade at a premium. The market price may be affected by trading volume of the shares, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the closed-end fund. The foregoing factors may result in the market price of the Common Shares being greater than, less than or equal to net asset value. The Board of Trustees has reviewed the structure of the Fund in light of its investment objective and policies and has determined that the closed-end structure is in the best interests of the shareholders. Investors should assume, therefore, that it is highly unlikely that the Board of Trustees would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end investment company.
REPURCHASE OF COMMON SHARES; CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND
Repurchase of Common Shares
The Board of Trustees will review periodically the trading range and activity of the Fund's Common Shares with respect to its net asset value and the Board of Trustees may take certain actions to seek to reduce or eliminate any such discount. Such actions may include open market repurchases or tender offers for the Common Shares at net asset value. There can be no assurance that the Board of Trustees will decide to undertake any of these actions
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or that, if undertaken, such actions would result in the Common Shares trading at a price equal to or close to net asset value per Common Share.
Conversion to Open-End Fund
To convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company, the Declaration of Trust requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees followed by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each affected class or series of shares of the Fund, voting separately as a class or series, unless such action has been approved by at least 80% of the Board of Trustees, in which case "a majority of the outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund shall be required. The foregoing vote would satisfy a separate requirement in the 1940 Act that any conversion of the Fund to an open-end management investment company be approved by the shareholders. If approved in the foregoing manner, conversion of the Fund to an open-end management investment company could not occur until 90 days after the shareholders' meeting at which such conversion was approved and would also require at least 30 days' prior notice to all shareholders.
In the event of conversion, the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the NYSE or other national securities exchange or market system. If the Fund were converted to an open-end management investment company, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at net asset value plus a sales load. The Board of Trustees believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund's investment objective and policies.
Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board of Trustees would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end management investment company.
Shareholders of an open-end management 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. In the event of conversion, the Fund would expect to pay all such redemption requests in cash, but would intend to reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment in securities were made, investors could incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash.
TAXATION
The following is a summary of ceratin U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to U.S. Shareholders (as defined below) that acquire Common Shares pursuant to this offering and that hold such Common Shares as capital assets (generally, for investment). The discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury Regulations, judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") and other applicable authorities, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations (possibly with retroactive effect). This summary does not purport to deal with all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to the Fund, or which may be important to particular shareholders in light of their individual investment circumstances or to some types of shareholders subject to special tax rules, such as shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, financial institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, partnerships or other pass-through entities, persons holding Common Shares in connection with a hedging, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction, persons with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, non-U.S. investors or shareholders who contribute assets other than cash to the Fund in exchange for Common Shares. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax aspects set forth below. This summary of U.S. federal income tax consequences is for general information only. Prospective investors must consult their own tax advisors as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of Common Shares, as well as the effects of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.
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For purposes of this summary, the term "U.S. Shareholder" means a beneficial owner of Common Shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is one of the following:
• an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
• a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created in or organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
• an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
• a trust (x) if a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust or (y) that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
If a partnership (including any other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.
Partners of partnerships that hold Common Shares should consult their tax advisors.
The Fund
The Fund is treated as a regular corporation, or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the Fund generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at the graduated rates applicable to corporations. In addition, as a regular corporation, the Fund is subject to state income tax by reason of its investments in equity securities of MLPs. Therefore, the Fund may have state income tax liabilities in multiple states, which will reduce the Fund's cash available to make distributions on the Common Shares. The Fund may be subject to an alternative minimum tax on its alternative minimum taxable income to the extent that the alternative minimum tax exceeds the Fund's regular income tax liability. The extent to which the Fund is required to pay U.S. corporate income tax or alternative minimum tax could materially reduce the Fund's cash available to make distributions on the Common Shares.
The Fund intends to invest a significant portion of its assets in MLPs, which are generally treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund will be required to include in its taxable income the Fund's allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses recognized by each such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Based upon a review of the historic results of the type of MLPs in which the Fund has invested and in which the Fund intends to invest, the Fund expects that the cash distributions it will receive with respect to its investments in equity securities of MLPs will exceed the taxable income allocated to the Fund from such MLPs. No assurance, however, can be given in this regard. If this expectation is not realized, the Fund will have a larger corporate income tax expense than expected, which will result in less cash available for distribution to shareholders.
The Fund will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of an equity security of an MLP equal to the difference between the amount realized by the Fund on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the Fund's adjusted tax basis in such equity security. Any such gain will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular graduated corporate rates, regardless of how long the Fund has held such equity security. The amount realized by the Fund generally will be the amount paid by the purchaser of the equity security plus the Fund's allocable share, if any, of the MLP's debt that will be allocated to the purchaser as a result of the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition. The Fund's tax basis in its equity securities in an MLP is generally equal to the amount the Fund paid for the equity securities, (x) increased by the Fund's allocable share of the MLP's net taxable income and certain MLP nonrecourse debt, if any, and (y) decreased by the Fund's allocable share of the MLP's net losses and any distributions received by the Fund from the MLP. Although any distribution by an MLP to the Fund in excess of the Fund's allocable share of such MLP's net taxable income
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may create a temporary economic benefit to the Fund, such distribution will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) that will be recognized on the sale of an equity security in the MLP by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund has a net capital loss in any tax year, the net capital loss can be carried back three years and forward five years to reduce the Fund's current taxes payable. In the event a capital loss carryover cannot be utilized in the carryover periods, the Fund's federal income tax liability may be higher than expected, which will result in less cash available to distribute to shareholders.
The Fund's allocable share of certain percentage depletion deductions and intangible drilling costs of the MLPs in which the Fund invests may be treated as items of tax preference for purposes of calculating the Fund's alternative minimum taxable income. Such items will increase the Fund's alternative minimum taxable income and increase the likelihood that the Fund may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.
The Fund is not and will not be eligible to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code because a regulated investment company cannot invest more than 25% of its assets in certain types of publicly traded partnerships.
Certain of the Fund's investment practices, such as engaging in short sales or investing in pay-in-kind securities, derivatives, or other financially complex investments, 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, (ii) convert an ordinary loss or a deduction into a capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iii) cause the Fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (iv) adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (v) adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions.
U.S. Shareholders
Distributions. Distributions by the Fund of cash or property in respect of the Common Shares will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from the Fund's current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Any such dividend will be eligible for the dividends received deduction if received by an otherwise qualifying corporate U.S. Shareholder that meets the holding period and other requirements for the dividends received deduction. Dividends paid by the Fund to certain non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) are eligible for U.S. federal income taxation at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains for individuals, provided that the U.S. Shareholder receiving the dividend satisfies applicable holding period and other requirements.
If the amount of a Fund distribution exceeds the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Shareholder's tax basis in the Common Shares, and thereafter as capital gain. Any such capital gain will be long-term capital gain if such U.S. Shareholder has held the applicable Common Shares for more than one year.
The Fund's earnings and profits are generally calculated by making certain adjustments to the Fund's taxable income. Based upon the Fund's review of the historic results of the type of MLPs in which the Fund intends to invest, the Fund expects that the cash distributions it will receive with respect to its investments in equity securities of MLPs will exceed the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits. Accordingly, the Fund expects that only a portion of its distributions to its shareholders with respect to the Common Shares will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. No assurance, however, can be given in this regard.
Because the Fund will invest a substantial portion of its Managed Assets in energy-related MLPs, special rules will apply to the calculation of the Fund's earnings and profits. For example, the Fund's earnings and profits will be calculated using the straight-line depreciation method rather than the accelerated depreciation method. This difference in treatment may, for example, result in the Fund's earnings and profits being higher than
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the Fund's taxable income in a particular year if the MLPs in which the Fund invests calculate their income using accelerated depreciation. Because of these differences, the Fund may make distributions in a particular year out of earnings and profits (treated as dividends) in excess of the amount of the Fund's taxable income for such year.
U.S. Shareholders that participate in the Fund's Plan will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having (i) received a cash distribution equal to the reinvested amount and (ii) reinvested such amount in Common Shares.
Sales of Common Shares. Upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Shareholder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the U.S. Shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Shareholder has held the Common Shares for more than one year at the time of disposition. Long-term capital gains of certain non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) are currently subject to U.S. federal income taxation at reduced maximum rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.
A U.S. Shareholder's adjusted tax basis in its Common Shares may be less than the price paid for the Common Shares as a result of distributions by the Fund in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits (i.e., returns of capital).
Tax Risks
Investing in Common Shares involves certain tax risks, which are more fully described in the section "RisksTax Risks."
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Fund may sell Common Shares or Rights on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis, in one or more offerings under this Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement. The aggregate amount of Securities that may be offered by the Fund is limited to $125,000,000. The Fund may offer Common Shares or Rights pursuant to this Prospectus: (1) directly to one or more purchasers, including existing shareholders in a rights offering; (2) through agents; (3) through underwriters or (4) through dealers.
Each Prospectus Supplement relating to an offering of securities will state the terms of the offering, including as applicable:
• the names and addresses of any agents, underwriters or dealers;
• any sales loads or other items constituting underwriters' compensation;
• any discounts, commissions, or fees allowed or paid to dealers or agents;
• the public offering or purchase price of the offered Securities and the net proceeds the Fund will receive from the sale; and
• any securities exchange on which the offered Securities may be listed.
In the case of a Rights offering, the applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the number of Common Shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering.
Direct Sales
The Fund may sell Securities directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or others. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. The Fund may use electronic media, including the internet, to sell offered securities directly. The Fund will describe the terms of any of those sales in a Prospectus Supplement.
By Agents
The Fund may offer Securities through agents that the Fund may designate. The Fund will name any agent involved in the offer and sale and describe any commissions payable by the Fund in a Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in a Prospectus Supplement, the agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of their appointment.
By Underwriters
The Fund may offer and sell Securities from time to time to one or more underwriters who would purchase the Securities as principal for resale to the public, either on a firm commitment or best efforts basis. If the Fund sells Securities to underwriters, the Fund will execute an underwriting agreement with them at the time of the sale and will name them in a Prospectus Supplement. In connection with these sales, the underwriters may be deemed to have received compensation from the Fund in the form of underwriting discounts and commissions. The underwriters also may receive commissions from purchasers of Securities for whom they may act as agent. Unless otherwise stated in a Prospectus Supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase Securities unless the conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement are satisfied, and if the underwriters purchase any of the Securities, they will be required to purchase all of the offered Securities. The underwriters may sell the offered Securities to or through dealers, and those dealers may receive discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters as well as from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.
In connection with an offering of Common Shares, if a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, the Fund may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional Common Shares at the public offering price, less the
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underwriting discounts and commissions, within 45 days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to cover any overallotments.
By Dealers
The Fund may offer and sell Securities from time to time to one or more dealers who would purchase the securities as principal. The dealers then may resell the offered Securities to the public at fixed or varying prices to be determined by those dealers at the time of resale. The Fund will set forth the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction in a Prospectus Supplement.
General Information
Agents, underwriters, or dealers participating in an offering of Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commission received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the offered securities for whom they act as agent, may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the 1933 Act.
The Fund may offer to sell Securities either at a fixed price or at prices that may vary, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices.
To facilitate an offering of Common Shares in an underwritten transaction and in accordance with industry practice, the underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain, or otherwise affect the market price of the Common Shares or any other Security. Those transactions may include overallotment, entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions, and reclaiming selling concessions allowed to an underwriter or a dealer. An overallotment in connection with an offering creates a short position in the Common Shares for the underwriter's own account. An underwriter may place a stabilizing bid to purchase the Common Shares for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining the price of the Common Shares. Underwriters may engage in syndicate covering transactions to cover overallotments or to stabilize the price of the Common Shares by bidding for, and purchasing, the Common Shares or any other Securities in the open market in order to reduce a short position created in connection with the offering. The managing underwriter may impose a penalty bid on a syndicate member to reclaim a selling concession in connection with an offering when the Common Shares originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in syndicate covering transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the Securities above independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time.
Any underwriters to whom the offered Securities are sold for offering and sale may make a market in the offered Securities, but the underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market-making at any time without notice.
In connection with any Rights offering, the Fund may also enter into a standby underwriting arrangement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which the underwriter(s) will purchase Common Shares remaining unsubscribed for after the Rights offering.
Under agreements entered into with the Fund, underwriters and agents and related persons (or their affiliates) may be entitled to indemnification by the Fund and the Advisor against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, or to contribution for payments the underwriters or agents may be required to make.
The underwriters, agents, and their affiliates may engage in financial or other business transactions with the Fund and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to time act as a broker or dealer and
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receive fees in connection with the execution of portfolio transactions for the Fund after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter.
The maximum commission or discount to be received by any member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA") or independent broker-dealer will not be greater than eight percent of the initial gross proceeds from the sale of any Security being sold.
The aggregate offering price specified on the cover of this Prospectus relates to the offering of the Securities not yet issued as of the date of this Prospectus.
The Prospectus and accompanying Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters. The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of Securities for sale to their online brokerage account holders. Such allocations of Securities for internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations. In addition, Securities may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell Securities to online brokerage account holders.
CUSTODIAN, ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
UMB Bank, n.a. serves as the custodian of the Fund's assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the custodian holds the Fund's assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the custodian receives a monthly fee based upon, among other things, the average value of the net assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for portfolio transactions. UMB Bank, n.a. is located at 928 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
UMB Fund Services, Inc. serves as administrator to the Fund. Pursuant to an administration and fund accounting agreement, UMB Fund Services, Inc. provides fund accounting services, tax administration services and fund administrative services. For its services, the administrator receives a monthly fee based upon the average value of the net assets of the Fund. UMB Fund Services, Inc. is located at UMB Fund Services, Inc., 803 West Michigan Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC serves as the Fund's transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursing agent for the Common Shares. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is located at 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219.
INVESTOR SUPPORT SERVICES
HRC Portfolio Solutions provides investor relations support services in connection with the on-going operation of the Fund. Such services include providing assistance with communicating with and responding to inquiries from professional financial intermediaries, communicating with the NYSE specialist for the Common Shares and with the closed-end fund analyst community regarding the Fund, assisting with the formatting, development and maintenance of the Fund's website, assisting with administrative and accounting issues with respect to the Fund and assisting in investor communications for the Fund. The Fund pays HRC Portfolio Solutions a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.10% of the Fund's average daily net assets for each month during which the Fund's average daily net assets are $500 million or less and 0.15% of the Fund's average daily net assets for each month during which the Fund's average daily net assets are more than $500 million. HRC Portfolio Solutions is located at 125 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed on for the Fund by Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, in connection with the offering of Securities.
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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5800, Houston, TX 77002, is the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and is expected to render an opinion annually on the financial statements of the Fund.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC's website (www.sec.gov).
PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND
The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information the Fund collects, how the Fund protects that information and why, in certain cases, the Fund may share information with select other parties.
Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).
The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its shareholders to employees of the Advisor and its delegates and affiliates with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT
OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Page |
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The Fund |
S-2 |
||||||
Investment Objective and Policies |
S-2 |
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Investment Restrictions |
S-11 |
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Management of the Fund |
S-12 |
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Portfolio Transactions |
S-18 |
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Net Asset Value |
S-19 |
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Taxation |
S-20 |
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General Information |
S-23 |
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Financial Statements |
S-24 |
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Appendix A: Description of Securities Ratings |
A-1 |
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Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures |
A-1 |
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Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund
Common Shares
Subscription Rights for Common Shares
PROSPECTUS
March 9, 2015
Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund
PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT
March 19, 2015
Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund
Statement of Additional Information
Center Coast MLP & Infrastructure Fund (the Fund) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Funds investment objective is to obtain a high level of total return, with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of master limited partnerships (MLPs) and energy infrastructure companies. There can be no assurance that the Funds investment objective will be achieved.
This Statement of Additional Information (SAI) related to the offering, from time to time, up to $125,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of common shares of beneficial interest, par value $0.01 per share (Common Shares) and/or subscription rights to purchase Common Shares (Rights and together with the Common Shares, Securities), in one or more offerings in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement). This SAI is not a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Fund dated March 9, 2015 (the Prospectus), and any related supplement to the Prospectus (each a Prospectus Supplement). Investors should obtain and read the Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement prior to purchasing Securities. A copy of the Prospectus and any related Prospectus Supplement may be obtained, without charge, by calling the Fund at (800) 651-2345.
The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The registration statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the Securities and Exchange Commissions office or via its website (www.sec.gov) at no charge. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE FUND |
S-2 |
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES |
S-2 |
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS |
S-11 |
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND |
S-12 |
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS |
S-18 |
NET ASSET VALUE |
S-19 |
TAXATION |
S-20 |
GENERAL INFORMATION |
S-23 |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
S-24 |
APPENDIX A : DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS |
A-1 |
APPENDIX B : PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES |
A-1 |
The information in this Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Statement of Additional Information dated March 9, 2015
THE FUND
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Funds currently outstanding Common Shares are, and the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, will be, subject to notice of issuance, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE) under the symbol CEN.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Additional Investment Policies
The following information supplements the discussion of the Funds investment objective, policies and techniques that are described in the Prospectus. The Fund may make the following investments, among others, some of which are part of its principal investment strategies and some of which are not. The principal risks of the Funds principal investment strategies are discussed in the Prospectus.
REITs. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) possess certain risks which differ from an investment in common stocks. REITs are financial vehicles that pool investors capital to purchase or finance real estate. REITs may concentrate their investments in specific geographic areas or in specific property types, e.g., hotels, shopping malls, residential complexes and office buildings. The market value of REIT shares and the ability of the REITs to distribute income may be adversely affected by several factors, including rising interest rates, changes in the national, state and local economic climate and real estate conditions, perceptions of prospective tenants of the safety, convenience and attractiveness of the properties, the ability of the owners to provide adequate management, maintenance and insurance, the cost of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act, increased competition from new properties, the impact of present or future environmental legislation and compliance with environmental laws, changes in real estate taxes and other operating expenses, adverse changes in governmental rules and fiscal policies, adverse changes in zoning laws, and other factors beyond the control of the issuers of the REITs. In addition, distributions received by the Fund from REITs may consist of dividends, capital gains, and/or return of capital. As REITs generally pay a higher rate of dividends (on a pre-tax basis) than operating companies, to the extent application of the Funds investment strategy results in the Fund investing in REIT shares, the percentage of the Funds dividend income received from REIT shares will likely exceed the percentage of the Funds portfolio which is comprised of REIT shares. There are three general categories of REITs: equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest primarily in direct fee ownership or leasehold ownership of real property; they derive most of their income from rents. Mortgage REITs invest mostly in mortgages on real estate, which may secure construction, development or long-term loans, and the main source of their income is mortgage interest payments. Hybrid REITs hold both ownership and mortgage interests in real estate.
Royalty Trusts. Royalty trusts are publicly traded investment vehicles that gather income on royalties and pay out almost all cash flows to shareholders as distributions. Royalty trusts typically have no physical operations and no management or employees. Typically royalty trusts own the rights to royalties on the production and sales of a natural resource, including oil, gas, minerals and timber. Royalty trusts are, in some respects, similar to certain MLPs and include risks similar to those MLPs.
Securities Subject to Reorganization. The Fund may invest in securities of companies for which a tender or exchange offer has been made or announced and in securities of companies for which a merger, consolidation, liquidation or reorganization proposal has been announced if, in the judgment of the Advisor, there is a reasonable prospect of high total return significantly greater than the brokerage and other transaction expenses involved. In general, securities which are the subject of such an offer or proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the offer or may also discount what the stated or appraised value of the security would be if the contemplated transaction were approved or consummated. Such investments may be advantageous when the discount significantly overstates the risk of the contingencies involved; significantly undervalues the securities, assets or cash to be received by shareholders of the prospective portfolio company as a result of the contemplated transaction; or fails adequately to recognize the possibility that the offer or proposal may be replaced or superseded by an offer or proposal of greater value. The evaluation of such contingencies requires unusually broad knowledge and experience on the part of the Advisor which must appraise not only the value of the issuer and its component businesses as well as the assets or securities to be received as a result of the contemplated transaction but also the financial resources and business motivation of the offer and/or the dynamics and business
climate when the offer or proposal is in process. Since such investments are ordinarily short-term in nature, they will tend to increase the turnover ratio of the Fund, thereby increasing its brokerage and other transaction expenses. The Advisor intends to select investments of the type described which, in its view, have a reasonable prospect of capital appreciation which is significant in relation to both risk involved and the potential of available alternative investments.
Depositary Receipts. The Fund may invest in sponsored and unsponsored American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), European Depositary Receipts (EDRs), Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) and other similar global instruments. ADRs typically are issued by a U.S. bank or trust company and evidence ownership of underlying securities issued by a non-U.S. corporation. EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts, are receipts issued in Europe, typically by non-U.S. banks and trust companies, that evidence ownership of either non-U.S. or domestic underlying securities. GDRs are depositary receipts structured like global debt issues to facilitate trading on an international basis. Unsponsored ADR, EDR and GDR programs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the issuer of the underlying securities. As a result, available information concerning the issuer may not be as current as for sponsored ADRs, EDRs and GDRs, and the prices of unsponsored ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be more volatile than if such instruments were sponsored by the issuer. Investments in ADRs, EDRs and GDRs present additional investment considerations associated with non-U.S. securities.
Zero Coupon Securities and Payment-In-Kind Securities. The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities and payment-in-kind securities. Zero coupon securities are debt securities that pay no cash income and are sold at substantial discounts from their value at maturity. When a zero coupon security is held to maturity, its entire return, which consists of the amortization discount, comes from the difference between its purchase price and its maturity value. This difference is known at the time of purchase, so that investors holding zero coupon securities until maturity know at the time of their investment what the expected return on their investment will be, assuming full repayment of the bond. The Fund also may purchase payment-in-kind securities. Payment-in-kind securities pay all or a portion of their interest in the form of debt or equity securities rather than cash. Zero coupon securities and payment-in-kind securities tend to be subject to greater price fluctuations in response to changes in interest rates than are ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. The value of zero coupon securities appreciates more during periods of declining interest rates and depreciates more during periods of rising interest rates than ordinary interest-paying debt securities with similar maturities. Zero coupon securities and payment-in-kind securities may be issued by a wide variety of corporate and governmental issuers.
Equity-Linked Notes. Equity-linked notes are hybrid securities with characteristics of both debt and equity securities. An equity-linked note is a debt security, usually a bond, that pays interest based upon the performance of an underlying equity, which can be a single stock, basket of stocks or an equity index. Instead of paying a predetermined coupon, equity-linked notes link the interest payment to the performance of a particular equity market index or basket of stocks or commodities. The interest payment is typically based on the percentage increase in an index from a predetermined level, but alternatively may be based on the decrease in the index. The interest payment may in some cases be leveraged so that, in percentage terms, it exceeds the relative performance of the market. Equity-linked notes generally are subject to the risks associated with the securities of equity issuers, default risk and counterparty risk.
Derivative Instruments
Swaps. Swap contracts may be purchased or sold to obtain investment exposure in and/or to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of securities or other financial instruments, currencies, interest rates, credit risk or market conditions, to change the duration of the overall portfolio or to mitigate default risk. In a standard swap transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) on different currencies, securities, loans, baskets of currencies or securities, indices or other financial instruments, which returns are calculated with respect to a notional value, i.e., the designated reference amount of exposure to the underlying instruments. The Fund intends to enter into swaps primarily on a net basis, i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund may use swaps for risk management purposes and as a speculative investment.
The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Funds swap obligations over its entitlements will be maintained in a segregated account by the Funds custodian. The Advisor requires counterparties to have a minimum
credit rating of A from Moodys (or comparable rating from another rating agency) and monitors such rating on an ongoing basis. If the other party to a swap contract defaults, the Funds risk of loss will consist of the net amount of payments that the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Under such circumstances, the Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. Swap instruments are traded in the over-the-counter market and may be subject to mandatory clearing and listing on an exchange or swap execution facility pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act).
· Interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of respective commitments to pay or receive interest (e.g., an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments).
· Total return swaps. Total return swaps are contracts in which one party agrees to make payments of the total return from the designated underlying asset(s), which may include loans, securities, baskets of securities, or securities indices, during the specified period, in return for receiving payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from the other designated underlying asset(s).
· Currency swaps. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the two parties respective commitments to pay or receive fluctuations with respect to a notional amount of two different currencies (e.g., an exchange of payments with respect to fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Japanese yen).
· Credit default swaps. When the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, the Fund is entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract in the event of a default by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign corporate issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, the Fund would normally pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default has occurred. If no default occurs, the Fund would have spent the stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it normally receives a stream of payments but is obligated to pay upon default of the referenced debt obligation. As the seller, the Fund would add the equivalent of leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts and baskets thereof for investment and risk management purposes, including diversification. As the seller of a credit default swap, the Fund will segregate cash or liquid assets in an amount at least equal to the notional value of the swap, less any amounts owed to the Fund under such swap and has added the requested disclosure.
The use of interest rate, total return, currency, credit default and other swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Advisor is incorrect in its forecasts of market conditions, liquidity, market values, interest rates and other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund would be unfavorably affected.
Options. The Fund may purchase or sell, i.e., write, call or put options on securities and securities indices or on currencies, which options are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the OTC market, as a means of achieving additional return or of hedging the value of the Funds portfolio.
A call option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right to buy from the writer of the call option, in return for a premium, the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price during the option period. A put option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the right, in return for a premium, to sell to the seller the underlying security or currency at a specified price. The seller of the put option has the obligation to buy the underlying security upon exercise at the exercise price.
In the case of a call option on a common stock or other security, the option is covered if the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash or other assets determined to be liquid by the Advisor (in accordance with procedures established by the Funds board of trustees (Board of Trustees)) in
such amount are segregated by the Funds custodian) upon conversion or exchange of other securities held by the Fund. A call option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same security as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated assets determined to be liquid by the Advisor as described above. A put option on a security is covered if the Fund segregates assets determined to be liquid by the Advisor as described above equal to the exercise price. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a put on the same security as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is (i) equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, or (ii) less than the exercise price of the put written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in segregated assets determined to be liquid by the Advisor as described above.
If the Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction. Similarly, if the Fund is the holder of an option it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. There can be no assurance that either a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires.
The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is more than the premium paid to purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option or is less than the premium paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect increases in the price of the underlying security or currency, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security or currency. Other principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security or currency and the time remaining until the expiration date. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in part, on the ability of the Advisor to predict correctly the effect of these factors. The use of options cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying the options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities subject to the hedge.
An option position may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series or in a private transaction. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option. In such event it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, so that the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of call options and upon the subsequent disposition of underlying securities for the exercise of put options. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it delivers the underlying security upon exercise or otherwise covers the position.
Exchange Traded and Over-The-Counter Options. The Fund may purchase or write (sell) exchange traded and over-the-counter options. Writing call options involves giving third parties the right to buy securities from the Fund for a fixed price at a future date and writing put options involves giving third parties the right to sell securities to the Fund for a fixed price at a future date. Buying an options contract gives the Fund the right to purchase securities from third parties or gives the Fund the right to sell securities to third parties for a fixed price at a future date. In addition to options on individual securities, the Fund may buy and sell put and call options on currencies, baskets of securities or currencies, indices and other instruments. Options bought or sold by the Fund may be cash settled, meaning that the purchaser of the option has the right to receive a cash payment from the writer of the option to the extent that the value of the underlying position rises above (in the case of a call) or falls below (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option. There can be no assurance that the Funds use of options will be successful.
Options on Securities Indices. The Fund may purchase and sell securities index options. One effect of such transactions may be to hedge all or part of the Funds securities holdings against a general decline in the securities market or a segment of the securities market. Options on securities indices are similar to options on stocks except that, rather than the right to take or make delivery of stock at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the securities
index upon which the option is based is greater than, in the case of a call, or less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option.
The Funds successful use of options on indices depends upon its ability to predict the direction of the market and is subject to various additional risks. The correlation between movements in the index and the price of the securities being hedged against is imperfect and the risk from imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the Fund diverges from the composition of the relevant index. Accordingly, a decrease in the value of the securities being hedged against may not be wholly offset by a gain on the exercise or sale of a securities index put option held by the Fund.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. The Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of financial futures contracts and options thereon to obtain investment exposure and/or to seek to hedge against changes in interest rates or for other risk management purposes. Futures contracts may be based on various securities, securities indices and other financial instruments. Such transactions involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to adverse changes in prices of the reference securities or indices, and such losses may exceed the Funds initial investment in these contracts. The Fund will only purchase or sell futures contracts or related options in compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Transactions in financial futures and options on futures involve certain costs. There can be no assurance that the Funds use of futures contracts will be advantageous. Financial covenants related to future Fund borrowings may limit use of these transactions. Futures transactions and options on futures must be covered by assets or instruments acceptable under applicable segregation and coverage requirements.
A sale of a futures contract (or a short futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the securities underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. A purchase of a futures contract (or a long futures position) means the assumption of a contractual obligation to acquire the securities underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. Certain futures contracts, including stock and bond index futures, are settled on a net cash payment basis rather than by the sale and delivery of the securities underlying the futures contracts.
No consideration will be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or cash equivalents equal to approximately 1% to 10% of the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount). This amount is known as the initial margin and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. Subsequent payments, known as variation margin, to and from the broker will be made daily as the price of the index or security underlying the futures contract fluctuates. At any time prior to the expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate its existing position in the contract.
An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writers futures margin account attributable to that contract, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of an option on futures contracts is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs). Because the value of the option purchased is fixed at the point of sale, there are no daily cash payments by the purchaser to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does change daily and that change would be reflected in the net assets of the Fund.
Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to the following: no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices, possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging, possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument, possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations, imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged, losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the segregation requirements described below.
In the event the Fund sells a put option or enters into long futures contracts, under current interpretations of the 1940 Act, an amount of cash or liquid securities equal to the market value of the contract must be deposited and maintained in a segregated account with the custodian of the Fund to collateralize the positions, in order for the Fund to avoid being treated as having issued a senior security in the amount of its obligations. For short positions in futures contracts and sales of call options, the Fund may establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or liquid securities that, when added to amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant or a broker as margin, equal the market value of the instruments or currency underlying the futures contracts or call options, respectively (but are no less than the stock price of the call option or the market price at which the short positions were established).
The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt securities. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when the Fund is not fully invested it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates.
The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities. The Fund may purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Funds portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates and consequent reduction in the value of portfolio securities.
Interest Rate Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. The Fund may purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts to take advantage of or to protect the Fund against fluctuations in interest rates affecting the value of securities that the Fund holds or intends to acquire. For example, if interest rates are expected to increase, the Fund might sell futures contracts on securities, the values of which historically have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of the Funds portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling an equivalent value of the Funds portfolio securities. If interest rates increase, the value of the Funds portfolio securities will decline, but the value of the futures contracts to the Fund will increase at approximately an equivalent rate thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund from declining as much as it otherwise would have. The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling securities with longer maturities and investing in securities with shorter maturities when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the futures market may be more liquid than the cash market, the use of futures contracts as a risk management technique allows the Fund to maintain a defensive position without having to sell its portfolio securities.
Similarly, the Fund may purchase interest rate futures contracts when it is expected that interest rates may decline. The purchase of futures contracts for this purpose constitutes a hedge against increases in the price of securities (caused by declining interest rates) that the Fund intends to acquire. Since fluctuations in the value of appropriately selected futures contracts should approximate that of the securities that will be purchased, the Fund can take advantage of the anticipated rise in the cost of the securities without actually buying them. Subsequently, the Fund can make its intended purchase of the securities in the cash market and currently liquidate its futures position. To the extent the Fund enters into futures contracts for this purpose, it will maintain in a segregated asset account with the Funds custodian, assets sufficient to cover the Funds obligations with respect to such futures contracts, which will consist of cash or liquid securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the difference between the fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of the initial margin deposited by the Fund with its custodian with respect to such futures contracts.
Securities Index Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. Purchases or sales of securities index futures contracts are used for hedging purposes to attempt to protect the Funds current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in stock or bond prices. For example, the Fund may sell securities index futures contracts in anticipation of or during a market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of the Funds securities portfolio that might otherwise result. If such decline occurs, the loss in value of portfolio securities may be offset, in whole or part, by gains on the futures position. When the Fund is not fully invested in the securities market and anticipates a significant market advance, it may purchase securities index futures contracts in order to gain rapid market exposure that may, in part or entirely, offset increases in the cost of securities that the Fund intends to purchase. As such purchases are made, the corresponding positions in securities index futures contracts will be closed out. The Fund may write put and call options on securities index futures contracts for hedging purposes.
Additional Risks Relating to Derivative Instruments
Risks Associated with Options on Securities. There are several risks associated with transactions in options on securities. For example, there are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the OCC) may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. The Funds ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise.
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. Call options are marked to market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value of and dividend rates of the underlying common stocks, an increase in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying common stocks and the remaining time to the options expiration. Additionally, the exercise price of an option may be adjusted downward before the options expiration as a result of the occurrence of certain corporate events affecting the underlying equity security, such as extraordinary dividends, stock splits, merger or other extraordinary distributions or events. A reduction in the exercise price of an option would reduce the Funds capital appreciation potential on the underlying security.
The number of call options the Fund can write is limited by the amount of Fund assets that can cover such options, and further limited by the fact that call options normally represent 100 share lots of the underlying common stock. The Fund will not write naked or uncovered call options. Furthermore, the Funds options transactions will be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded. These limitations govern the maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether the options are written or purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities or are held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which the Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by other investment advisory clients of the Advisor. An exchange, board of trade or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.
To the extent that the Fund writes covered put options, the Fund will bear the risk of loss if the value of the underlying stock declines below the exercise price. If the option is exercised, the Fund could incur a loss if it is required to purchase the stock underlying the put option at a price greater than the market price of the stock at the time of exercise. While the Funds potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to the interest earned on the liquid assets securing the put option plus the premium received from the purchaser of the put option, the Fund risks a loss equal to the entire value of the stock.
To the extent that the Fund purchases options, the Fund will be subject to the following additional risks. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price (in the case of a put), or remains less than or
equal to the exercise price (in the case of a call), the Fund will lose its entire investment in the option. Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security. If restrictions on exercise were imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it had purchased. If the Fund were unable to close out an option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless.
Call Option Writing Risks. To the extent that the Fund writes covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the options life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price. Thus, the use of options may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.
Special Risk Considerations Relating to Futures and Options Thereon. Futures and options on futures entail certain risks: no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices, possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging, possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument, possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations, imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged and losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited The Funds ability to establish and close out positions in futures contracts and options thereon will be subject to the development and maintenance of liquid markets. Although the Fund generally will purchase or sell only those futures contracts and options thereon for which there appears to be a liquid market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or option thereon at any particular time. In the event no liquid market exists for a particular futures contract or option thereon in which the Fund maintains a position, it will not be possible to effect a closing transaction in that contract or to do so at a satisfactory price, and the Fund would either have to make or take delivery under the futures contract or, in the case of a written option, wait to sell the underlying securities until the option expires or is exercised or, in the case of a purchased option, exercise the option. In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon that the Fund has written and that the Fund is unable to close, the Fund would be required to maintain margin deposits on the futures contract or option thereon and to make variation margin payments until the contract is closed.
Successful use of futures contracts and options thereon by the Fund is subject to the ability of the Advisor to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates. If the Advisors expectations are not met, the Fund will be in a worse position than if a hedging strategy had not been pursued. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of securities in its portfolio and the price of such securities increases instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities to meet the requirements. These sales may be, but will not necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so.
Additional Risks of Foreign Options, Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts. Options, futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts on securities may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Funds ability to act upon economic events occurring in the foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) lesser trading volume. Exchanges on which options, futures and options on futures are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances.
Segregation and Cover Requirements. Certain derivatives transactions may be considered senior securities for the purposes of the 1940 Act unless the Fund segregates liquid assets or otherwise covers its obligations. To the extent the Fund segregates liquid assets or covers such obligations by entering into offsetting transactions or owning positions covering its obligations, the instrument will not be considered a senior security for the purposes of the 1940 Act. The Fund may cover such transactions using other methods currently or in the future permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or orders issued by the SEC thereunder and interpretations and guidance provided by the SEC staff. These segregation and coverage requirements could result in the Fund maintaining securities positions that it would otherwise liquidate, segregating assets at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so or otherwise restricting portfolio management. Such segregation and coverage requirements will not limit or offset losses on related positions.
Legislation and Regulation Risk. Legislation regarding regulation of the financial sector, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), which was signed into law in July 2010, has changed the way in which certain derivative instruments are regulated and/or traded. Such regulation may impact the availability, liquidity and cost of derivative instruments. While regulatory or legislative activity may not necessarily have a direct, immediate effect upon the Fund, it is possible that implementation of these measures or any future measures could potentially limit or completely restrict the ability of the Fund to use certain derivative instruments as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which the Fund engages in derivatives transactions could also prevent the Fund from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments, or may change the availability of certain investments. There can be no assurance that such legislation or regulation will not have a material adverse effect on the Fund or will not impair the ability of the Fund to utilize certain derivatives transactions or achieve its investment objective.
Loans of Portfolio Securities
Consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and the Funds investment restrictions, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time by the Fund (subject to notice provisions described below), and are at all times secured by cash or cash equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant to applicable regulations and that are at least equal to the market value, determined daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to receive the income on the loaned securities while at the same time earns interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short-term obligations. The Fund will not lend its portfolio securities if such loans are not permitted by the laws or regulations of any state in which its shares are qualified for sale. The Funds loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities to exceed 33 1/3% of the value of the Funds total assets.
A loan may generally be terminated by the borrower on one business day notice, or by the Fund on five business days notice. If the borrower fails to deliver the loaned securities within five days after receipt of notice, the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over collateral. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms deemed by the Funds management to be creditworthy and when the income that can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant risks. The Board of Trustees will oversee the creditworthiness of the contracting parties on an ongoing basis. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund. Any gain or loss in the market price during the loan period would inure to the Fund. The risks associated with loans of portfolio securities are substantially similar to those associated with repurchase agreements. Thus, if the counterparty to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Funds ability to sell the collateral, and the Fund would suffer a loss. When voting or consent rights that accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loaned securities, to be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of such rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Funds investment in such loaned securities. The Fund will pay reasonable finders, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund operates under the following restrictions that constitute fundamental policies that, except as otherwise noted, cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund voting together as a single class, which is defined by the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the Funds voting securities present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the Funds outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy; or (ii) more than 50% of the Funds outstanding voting securities. Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action. These restrictions provide that the Fund shall not:
1. Issue senior securities nor borrow money, except the Fund may issue senior securities or borrow money to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, the rules and regulation promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.
2. Act as underwriter of another issuers securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act, in connection with the purchase and sale of portfolio securities.
3. Purchase or sell real estate except that the Fund may: (a) acquire or lease office space for its own use, (b) invest in securities of issuers that invest in real estate or interests therein or that are engaged in or operate in the real estate industry, (c) invest in securities that are secured by real estate or interests therein, (d) purchase and sell mortgage related securities, (e) hold and sell real estate acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities and (f) as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, the rules and regulation promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.
4. Purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments; provided that this restriction shall not prohibit the Fund from investing in entities formed to hold specific energy or infrastructure assets or from purchasing or selling options, futures contracts and related options thereon, forward contracts, swaps, caps, floors, collars and any other financial instruments or from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical commodities or as otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, the rules and regulation promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.
5. Make loans of money or property to any person, except (a) to the extent that securities or interests in which the Fund may invest are considered to be loans, (b) through the loan of portfolio securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Funds total assets, (c) by engaging in repurchase agreements or (d) as may otherwise be permitted by the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, the rules and regulation promulgated by the SEC under the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time, or an exemption or other relief applicable to the Fund from the provisions of the 1940 Act, as amended from time to time.
6. Concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is used in the 1940 Act, except that the Fund will concentrate its investments in the industry or group of industries constituting the energy sector; provided that this concentration limitation does not apply to (a) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities, (b) tax-exempt securities issued by state and municipal governments or their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, and (c) securities issued by other investment companies, which shall not constitute any industry.
All other investment policies of the Fund set forth in the Prospectus and this SAI, including the Funds investment objective, are not considered fundamental policies and may be changed by the Board of Trustees without any vote of shareholders.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees
Overall responsibility for management and supervision of the Fund rests with its Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees approves all significant agreements between the Fund and the companies that furnish the Fund with services, including agreements with the Advisor.
The Trustees are divided into two classes. Trustees serve until their successors have been duly elected. The Trustees occupations and other directorships held by the Trustees during the past five years are listed below.
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Michael F. Curran
Year of birth: 1940
2001 Kirby Dr. Suite 50 Houston, TX 77019 |
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Trustee |
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Trustee since 2013 |
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Chairman of Curran Holdings, Inc., (Investments) (2007-present). Formerly, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Willbros Group, Inc. (2002- 2007). |
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2 |
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None |
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James Edward Jones
Year of birth: 1954
1600 Smith Street Suite 3800 Houston, TX 77002 |
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Trustee |
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Trustee since 2013 |
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President & CFO of Elk River Resources (2013-present), Formerly, Managing Partner of Torch Partners LLC/Torch Securities LLC (2004-2013). Director of The J. E. and L. E. Mabee Foundation. |
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2 |
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None. |
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Alfred J. Moran
Year of birth: 1943
1600 Smith Street Suite 3800 Houston, TX 77002 |
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Trustee |
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Trustee since 2013 |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Moran Group LLC (Management Consulting) (2003-present). Formerly, Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Houston (2008-2013). Director of the National Association of Corporate Directors; Tricity Chapter; Peach Outreach, M.D. Anderson Uterine Cancer Fund. |
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2 |
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Director of Cornell Companies, Inc. (2005 2010). Formerly, director of Strome Investment Management, L.P. (2004 2006); Docutec/Emprint Solutions, Inc. (1970 2005). |
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INTERESTED TRUSTEE: |
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Dan C. Tutcher*
Year of birth: 1949
1600 Smith Street Suite 3800 Houston, TX 77002 |
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Trustee, President, Chief Executive Officer |
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Trustee since 2013 |
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Founder, Principal and Portfolio Manager of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2007-present). Formerly, President of Enbridge Energy Company, Inc.; President and Director of Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P.; Enbridge Energy |
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2 |
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Director of Enbridge, Inc. (2006 present). Formerly, director of Sterling Bancshares (2005-2011). |
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Management L.L.C.; and group Vice President of Transportation South for Enbridge Inc. (2001-2007). |
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* Mr. Tutcher is an interested person of the Fund because of his position as an officer of the Advisor and certain of its affiliates.
(1) After a Trustees initial term, each Trustee is expected to serve a three year term concurrent with the class of Trustees for which he serves.
· Messrs. Curran and Jones, as Class I Trustees, are expected to stand for re-election at the Funds 2016 annual meeting of shareholders.
· Messrs. Moran and Tutcher, as Class II Trustees, are expected to stand for re-election at the Funds 2015 annual meeting of shareholders.
(2) As of the date of this SAI, there are three funds, including the Fund, in the Fund Complex.
Trustee Qualifications
The Board of Trustees has determined that each Trustee should serve as a Trustee of the Fund based on several factors (none of which alone is decisive). The Board believes that the Trustees have balanced and diverse experiences, skills, attributes and qualifications, which allow the Board to operate effectively in governing the Trust and protecting the interests of shareholders. Among the factors the Board of Trustees considered when concluding that an individual should serve on the Board of Trustees were the following: availability and commitment to attend meetings and perform the responsibilities of a Trustee; personal and professional background; educational background; financial expertise; ability to review critically, evaluate and discuss information provided to them; and ability to interact effectively with the Advisor, other service providers, counsel and auditors and other trustees. Each current Trustees ability to perform his duties effectively is evidenced by professional accomplishments; prior and current business, consulting and public service positions; service on boards of public and private companies and not-for-profit entities and other organizations; and prior experience in fields related to the operations of the Fund.
Following is a summary of various qualifications, experiences and skills of each Trustee (in addition to business experience during the past five years as set forth in the table above) that contributed to the Board of Trustees conclusion that an individual should serve on the Board of Trustees. References to the qualifications, attributes and skills of Trustees do not constitute the holding out of any Trustee as being an expert under Section 7 of the 1933 Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Michael F. Curran. Through Mr. Currans 44 years of diversified experience in the domestic and international pipeline construction industry, including as chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of public and private pipeline construction companies, Mr. Curran has extensive experience with the types of assets in which the Fund will invest and is experienced in financial, regulatory and investment matters.
James Edward Jones. Through Mr. Joness extensive experience in banking, including as managing partner of a broker dealer and as chairman, president and chief executive officer of a commercial bank, Mr. Jones has significant experience in financial matters related to the energy industry and is experienced in financial, regulatory and investment matters.
Alfred J. Moran. Through Mr. Morans experience as chief executive officer, corporate director, government official and change management consultant, including seven chief financial officer positions, two chief operating officer positions, two NYSE listed company directorships, four public company directorships and five private company directorships, Mr. Moran is experienced in financial, regulatory and investment matters.
Dan C. Tutcher. Through Mr. Tutchers 40 years of experience owning and operating midstream energy assets and as founder and principal of the Advisor, including his serving as president of three public companies and a director of four public companies, Mr. Tutcher has extensive experience with the types of assets in which the Fund will invest and is experienced in financial, regulatory and investment matters.
Executive Officers
The following information relates to the executive officers of the Funds who are not Trustees. The officers of the Fund were appointed by the Board of Trustees and will serve until their respective successors are chosen and qualified. The principal business address of each executive officer is 1600 Smith Street, Suite 3800, Houston, Texas 77002.
Name and Year of Birth |
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Position |
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Principal Occupation |
William H. Bauch
Year of birth: 1961 |
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Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
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Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2012-present). Formerly, Senior Partner of Korn/Ferry International (2006-2012). |
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Rachel Hollowell
Year of birth: 1980 |
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Secretary |
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Director of Operations of Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2010-present). Formerly, Sales Representative of Johnson & Johnson (2004-2009). |
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Robert T. Chisholm
Year of birth: 1976 |
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Vice President |
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Senior Portfolio Manager and Principal, Center Coast Capital Advisors, L.P. (2007-Present); Morgan Keegans Energy Investment Banking Division (2006-2007); Senior Project Advisor, Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (2002-2006). |
Board Leadership Structure
The primary responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to represent the interests of the Fund and to provide oversight of the management of the Fund. The Funds day-to-day operations are managed by the Advisor and other service providers who have been approved by the Board. The Board is currently comprised of four Trustees, three of whom are classified under the 1940 Act as non-interested persons of the Fund (Independent Trustees) and one of whom is classified as an interested person of the Fund (Interested Trustee). Generally, the Board acts by majority vote of all the Trustees, including a majority vote of the Independent Trustees if required by applicable law.
Mr. Tutcher, an Interested Trustee, currently serves as Chair of the Board. The Chair of the Board presides at meetings of the Board and acts as a liaison with service providers and other Trustees generally between meetings, and performs such other functions as may be requested by the Board from time to time.
The Independent Trustees have selected Mr. Curran as lead Independent Trustee. The lead Independent Trustee serves as the primary liaison between the Independent Trustees and management of the Fund. He participates in the planning of Board meetings, leads executive sessions of the Independent Trustees, seeks to encourage inquiry among the Independent Trustees, and performs such other functions as may be requested by the Independent Trustees from time to time.
The Board meets regularly four times each year to discuss and consider matters concerning the Fund, and also holds special meetings to address matters arising between regular meetings. Regular meetings generally take place in-person; other meetings may take place in-person or by telephone. The Independent Trustees meet regularly outside the presence of Fund management.
The Trustees have determined that the efficient conduct of the Trustees affairs makes it desirable to delegate responsibility for certain specific matters to committees of the Board. The committees meet as often as necessary, either in conjunction with regular meetings of the Board or otherwise. The committees of the Board are the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. The functions and role of each committee are described below under Board Committees. The membership of each Committee consists of all of the Independent Trustees, which the Board believes allows them to participate in the full range of the Boards oversight duties.
The Board has determined that this leadership structure, including a chair of the Board who is an Interested Trustee, a lead Independent Trustee, a supermajority of Independent Trustees and committee membership limited to Independent Trustees, is appropriate in light of the characteristics and circumstances of the Fund. The Board also believes that its structure facilitates the flow of information and open dialogue among the trustees and management of the Fund. In reaching these conclusions, the Board considered, among other things, the role of the Advisor in the day-to-day management of Fund affairs, the extent to which the work of the Board will be conducted through the committees, the projected net assets of the Fund and the management, distribution and other service arrangements of the Fund.
Board Committees
Messrs. Curran, Jones and Moran, who are Independent Trustees, serve on the Funds Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Jones is the Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for recommending qualified candidates to the Board of Trustees in the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating and Governance Committee would consider recommendations by shareholders if a vacancy were to exist. Such recommendations should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Fund. The Fund does not have a standing compensation committee.
Messrs. Curran, Jones and Moran, who are Independent Trustees, serve on the Funds Audit Committee. Mr. Moran is the Chair of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is generally responsible for reviewing and evaluating issues related to the accounting and financial reporting policies and internal controls of the Fund and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers, overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Funds financial statements and the audit thereof and acting as a liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Funds independent registered public accounting firm.
During the Funds fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, the Board held 4 meetings, the Funds Nominating and Governance Committee held 2 meetings and the Funds Audit Committee held 3 meetings.
Boards Role in Risk Oversight
The Board has adopted, and will periodically review, policies, procedures and controls designed to address different types of risks, including investment related risks, operational risks, valuation risks and overall business risks. Under the Boards supervision, the officers of the Fund, the Advisor and other service providers to the Fund also have implemented a variety of processes, procedures and controls to address various risks. In addition, as part of the Boards periodic review of the Funds investment advisory agreement and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of the service providers operations and the functions for which they are responsible.
The Board of Trustees has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). The CCO oversees the development of compliance policies and procedures of the Fund that are reasonably designed to minimize the risk of violations of the federal securities laws (compliance policies). The CCO reports directly to the Independent Trustees, and will provide presentations to the Board of Trustees at its quarterly meetings and an annual report on the application of the compliance policies. The Board of Trustees will discuss relevant risks affecting the Fund with the CCO at these meetings. The Board of Trustees has approved the compliance policies and will review the CCOs reports. Further, the Board of Trustees will annually review the sufficiency of the compliance policies, as well as the appointment and compensation of the CCO.
The Board will require officers of the Fund to report to the Board on a variety of matters at regular and special meetings of the Board and its committees, as applicable, including matters relating to risk management. The Audit Committee will also receive reports from the Funds independent registered public accounting firm on internal control and financial reporting matters. In addition, the Board will receive reports from the Advisor on the investments and securities trading of the Fund. The Board will also require the Advisor to report to the Board on other matters relating to risk management on a regular and as-needed basis.
Consistent with its responsibility for oversight of the Fund, the Board oversees risk directly and through the committee structure it has established. The Board has established the Audit Committee and the Nominating and
Governance Committee to assist in its oversight functions, including its oversight of the risks the Fund faces. Each committee will report its activities to the Board on a regular basis.
Remuneration of Trustees and Officers
The Funds officers receive no compensation from the Funds but may also be officers or employees of the Advisor or affiliates of the Advisor and may receive compensation in such capacities.
The table below shows the compensation paid to Trustees for the Funds fiscal year ending November 30, 2014.
Name(1) |
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Aggregate |
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Pension or Retirement |
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Estimated Annual |
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Total |
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Michael F. Curran |
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$ |
45,000 |
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None |
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None |
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$ |
45,000 |
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James Edward Jones |
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$ |
45,000 |
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None |
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None |
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$ |
45,000 |
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Alfred J. Moran |
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$ |
45,000 |
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None |
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None |
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$ |
45,000 |
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(1) Trustees not entitled to compensation are not included in the table.
(2) The Fund does not accrue or pay retirement or pension benefits to Trustees as of the date of this SAI.
(3) As of the date of this SAI, there are three funds, including the Fund, in the Fund Complex.
Trustee Share Ownership
As of December 31, 2014, each Trustee of the Fund beneficially owned equity securities of the Fund and all of the registered investment companies in the family of investment companies overseen by the Trustee in the dollar range amounts specified below.
Name |
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Dollar Range of |
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Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity |
Independent Trustees: |
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Michael F. Curran |
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Over $100,000 |
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Over $100,000 |
James Edward Jones |
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$10,001 - $50,000 |
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$10,001 - $50,000 |
Alfred J. Moran |
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$10,001 - $50,000 |
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$10,001 - $50,000 |
Interested Trustee: |
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Dan C. Tutcher |
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Over $100,000 |
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Over $100,000 |
(1) As of the date of this SAI, there are three funds, including the Fund, in the Family of Investment Companies.
Indemnification of Officers and Trustees; Limitations on Liability
The governing documents of the Fund provide that the Fund will indemnify its Trustees and officers and may indemnify its employees or agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their positions with the Fund, to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, nothing in the governing documents of the Fund protects or indemnifies a trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Fund against any liability to which such person would otherwise be subject in the event of such persons willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her position.
Portfolio Management
The Advisors personnel with the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Funds portfolio are Dan C. Tutcher and Robert T. Chisholm.
Other Accounts Managed by the Portfolio Managers.
As of November 30, 2014, Dan C. Tutcher managed or was a member of the management team for the following client accounts:
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Number of |
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Assets of |
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Number of |
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Assets Subject |
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Registered Investment Companies |
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2 |
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$ |
3.76 billion |
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0 |
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Pooled Investment Vehicles Other Than Registered Investment Companies |
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1 |
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$ |
117 million |
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1 |
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$ |
117 million |
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Other Accounts |
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931 |
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$ |
476 million |
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0 |
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As of November 30, 2014, Robert T. Chisholm managed or was a member of the management team for the following client accounts:
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Number of |
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Assets of |
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Number of |
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Assets Subject |
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Registered Investment Companies |
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2 |
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$ |
3.76 billion |
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0 |
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Pooled Investment Vehicles Other Than Registered Investment Companies |
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1 |
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$ |
117 million |
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1 |
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$ |
117 million |
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Other Accounts |
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931 |
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$ |
476 million |
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0 |
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Potential Conflicts of Interest. Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to more than one fund or other account. More specifically, portfolio managers who manage multiple funds and/or other accounts may be presented with one or more of the following potential conflicts:
The management of multiple funds and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each fund and/or other account. The Advisor seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of a portfolio manager by having the portfolio manager focus on a particular investment discipline. Most other accounts managed by a portfolio manager are managed using the same investment models that are used in connection with the management of the Fund.
If a portfolio manager identifies a limited investment opportunity which may be suitable for more than one fund or other account, a fund may not be able to take full advantage of that opportunity due to an allocation of filled purchase or sale orders across all eligible funds and other accounts. To deal with these situations, the Advisor has adopted procedures for allocating portfolio transactions across multiple accounts. With respect to securities transactions for the Fund, the Advisor determines which broker to use to execute each order, consistent with its duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered funds, and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Advisor may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker. In these cases, trades for a fund in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a fund or other account(s) involved.
The Advisor has adopted certain compliance procedures which are designed to address these types of conflicts. However, there is no guarantee that such procedures will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
Portfolio Manager Compensation. The portfolio managers are not directly compensated for their work with respect to the Fund; however, each portfolio manager is a principal and equity owners of Center Coast and therefore benefits indirectly from the revenue generated from the Advisory Agreement through his receipt of distributions from Center Coast. The portfolio managers are not entitled to any deferred benefits. Robert T. Chisholm is also partially compensated with a base salary.
Securities Ownership of the Portfolio Manager. As of November 30, 2014, the dollar range of equity securities of the Fund beneficially owned by the portfolio manager is shown below:
Dan C. Tutcher: $500,001-$1,000,000
Robert T. Chisholm: $10,001-$50,000
Advisory Agreement
Central Coast Capital Advisors, LP, acts as the Funds investment advisor pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. The Advisor is a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices located at 1600 Smith Street, Suite 3800, Houston, Texas 77002. The Advisor is a registered investment advisor.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is responsible for managing the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objective and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, placing orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and managing the other business and affairs of the Fund, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the Advisor furnishes offices, necessary facilities and equipment on behalf of the Fund; provides personnel, including certain officers required for the Funds administrative management; and pays the compensation of all officers and Trustees of the Fund who are its affiliates. For services rendered by the Advisor on behalf of the Fund under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor a fee, payable monthly, in an annual amount equal to 1.00% of the Funds average daily Managed Assets.
Pursuant to its terms, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect until September 25, 2015, and from year to year thereafter if approved annually (i) by the Board of Trustees or by the holders of a majority of its outstanding voting securities and (ii) by a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement terminates automatically on its assignment and may be terminated without penalty on 60 days written notice at the option of either party thereto or by a vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds outstanding shares.
The Advisory Agreement provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard for its obligations and duties thereunder, the Advisor is not liable for any error or judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund. As part of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed that the name Center Coast is the Advisors property and that in the event the Advisor ceases to act as an investment advisor to the Fund, the Fund will change its name to one not including Center Coast.
For the Funds initial fiscal period from September 26, 2013 to November 30, 2013, the Advisor received from the Fund advisory fees of $650,378, and for the Funds fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, the Advisor received from the Fund advisory fees of $4,202,101.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Subject to policies established by the Board of Trustees, the Advisor is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and the allocation of brokerage on behalf of the Fund. Transactions in equity securities are in most cases effected on U.S. stock exchanges and involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. In general, there may be no stated commission in the case of securities traded in over-the-counter markets, but the prices of those securities may include undisclosed commissions or mark-ups. Principal transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. The Fund has no obligations to deal with any broker or group of brokers in executing transactions in portfolio securities. In executing transactions, the Advisor seeks to obtain the best price and execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price, size of order, difficulty of execution and
operational facilities of the firm involved and the firms risk in positioning a block of securities. While the Advisor generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission available.
Subject to obtaining the best price and execution, brokers who provide supplemental research, market and statistical information to the Advisor or its affiliates may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. The term research, market and statistical information includes advice as to the value of securities, and advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities, and furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries, securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement, and the expenses of the Advisor will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. Such information may be useful to the Advisor and its affiliates in providing services to clients other than the Fund, and not all such information is used by the Advisor in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the Advisor and its affiliates by brokers and dealers through whom other clients of the Advisor and its affiliates effect securities transactions may be useful to the Advisor in providing services to the Fund.
Although investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those of the other accounts managed by the Advisor and its affiliates, investments of the kind made by the Fund may also be made by those other accounts. When the same securities are purchased for or sold by the Fund and any of such other accounts, it is the policy of the Advisor and its affiliates to allocate such purchases and sales in the manner deemed fair and equitable to all of the accounts, including the Fund.
Commissions Paid. Unless otherwise disclosed below, the Fund paid no commissions to affiliated brokers during the last fiscal period. The Fund paid approximately the following commissions to brokers during the fiscal year shown:
Fiscal Period Ended November 30, |
|
All Brokers |
|
Affiliated Brokers |
| ||
2014 |
|
$ |
456,836 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
2013* |
|
$ |
211,066 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2014 Percentages: |
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|
|
|
| ||
Percentage of aggregate brokerage commissions paid to affiliated broker |
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|
|
0 |
% | ||
Percentage of aggregate dollar amount of transactions involving the payment of commissions effected through affiliated broker |
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|
|
0 |
% |
* Initial fiscal period from September 26, 2013 to November 30, 2013.
During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, the Fund paid $103,345 in brokerage commissions on transactions totaling $157,828,183 to brokers selected primarily on the basis of research services provided to the Advisor.
NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements the discussion of the Funds net asset value set forth in the Prospectus under the heading Net Asset Value.
Deferred Tax Expense/Benefit
As a limited partner in the MLPs, the Fund includes its allocable share of the MLPs taxable income in computing its own taxable income. Because the Fund is treated as a C corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will incur tax expenses. In calculating the Funds net asset value, the Fund will account for its deferred tax liability and/or asset.
The Fund will accrue a deferred income tax liability, at an assumed federal, state and local income tax rate, for its future tax liability associated with the capital appreciation of its investments and the distributions received by the Fund on equity securities of MLPs considered to be return of capital. Any deferred tax liability will reduce the Funds net asset value.
The Fund will accrue a deferred tax asset which reflects an estimate of the Funds future tax benefit associated with realized and unrealized net operating losses and capital losses. Any deferred tax asset will increase the Funds net asset value. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset, consideration is given as to whether or not a valuation allowance is required, which would offset the value of some or all of the deferred tax asset. The need to establish a valuation allowance for a deferred tax asset is assessed periodically by the Fund based on the criterion established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, Accounting Standards Codification 740 (ASC 740, formerly SAFS No. 109) that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In the assessment for a valuation allowance, consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax asset. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability (which are highly dependent on future MLP cash distributions), the duration of statutory carryforward periods and the associated risk that operating loss carryforwards may expire unused. However, this assessment generally may not consider the potential for market value increases with respect to the Funds investments in equity securities of MLPs or any other securities or assets. When assessing the recoverability of any deferred tax asset, significant weight is given to the Funds forecast of future taxable income, which is based principally on the expected continuation of MLP cash distributions at or near current levels. Consideration is also given to the effects of the potential of additional future realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments and the period over which deferred tax assets can be realized, as federal tax net operating loss carryforwards expire in twenty years and capital loss carryforwards expire in five years. Recovery of a deferred tax asset is dependent on future generation of taxable income. The Fund will review its financial forecasts in relation to actual results and expected trends on an ongoing basis. If a valuation allowance is required in the future, it could have an impact on the Funds net assets and results of operations in the period it is recorded.
The Funds deferred tax liability and/or asset is estimated using estimates of effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such taxes are realized. For purposes of estimating the Funds deferred tax liability and/or asset for financial statement reporting and determining its net asset value, the Fund will be required to rely, to some extent, on information provided by the MLPs in which it invests. Such information may not be received in a timely manner, with the result that the Funds estimates regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset could vary dramatically from the Funds actual tax liability and, as a result, the determination of the Funds actual tax liability may have a material impact on the Funds net asset value. From time to time, the Fund may modify its estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset as new information becomes available. Modifications of such estimates or assumptions or changes in applicable tax law could result in material increases or decreases in the Funds net asset value per share.
TAXATION
This section and the discussion in the Prospectus (see Taxation) provide a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to U.S. Shareholders (as defined in the Prospectus) that acquire Common Shares pursuant to this offering and that hold such Common Shares as capital assets (generally, for investment). The discussion is based upon the Code, Treasury Regulations, judicial authorities, published positions of the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) and other applicable authorities, all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations (possibly with retroactive effect). This summary does not purport to deal with all of the U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to the Fund, or which may be important to particular shareholders in light of their individual investment circumstances or to some types of shareholders subject to special tax rules, such as shareholders subject to the alternative minimum tax, financial institutions, broker-dealers, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, partnerships or other pass-through entities, persons holding Common Shares in connection with a hedging, straddle, conversion or other integrated transaction, persons with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, non-U.S. investors or shareholders who contribute assets other than cash to the Fund in exchange for Common Shares. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax aspects set forth below. This summary of U.S.
federal income tax consequences is for general information only. Prospective investors must consult their own tax advisors as to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of Common Shares, as well as the effects of state, local and non-U.S. tax laws.
If a partnership (including any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds Common Shares, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in such partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partners of partnerships that hold Common Shares should consult their tax advisors.
The Fund
The Fund is treated as a regular corporation, or C corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the Fund generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at the graduated rates applicable to corporations. In addition, as a regular corporation, the Fund is subject to state income taxation by reason of its investments in equity securities of MLPs. Therefore, the Fund may have state income tax liabilities (or benefits) in multiple states, which will reduce the Funds cash available to make distributions on the Common Shares. The Fund may be subject to an alternative minimum tax on its alternative minimum taxable income to the extent that the alternative minimum tax exceeds the Funds regular income tax liability. The extent to which the Fund is required to pay U.S. corporate income tax or alternative minimum tax could materially reduce the Funds cash available to make distributions on the Common Shares. The Fund does not expect that it will be eligible to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company because the Fund intends to invest more than 25% of its assets in the equity securities of MLPs.
Certain Fund Investments
MLP Equity Securities. MLPs are similar to corporations in many respects, but differ in others, especially in the way they are treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Code generally requires all publicly-traded partnerships, such as MLPs, to be treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A corporation is required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its income, and, to the extent the corporation distributes its income to its shareholders in the form of dividends from earnings and profits, its shareholders are required to pay U.S. federal income tax on such dividends. For this reason, it is said that corporate income is taxed at two levels. If, however, an MLP satisfies certain requirements, the MLP will be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Unlike a corporation, a partnership pays no U.S. federal income tax at the partnership entity level. A partnerships net income and net gains are considered earned by all of its partners and are generally allocated among all the partners in proportion to their interests in the partnership. Each partner pays tax on its share of the partnerships net income and net gains regardless of whether the partnership distributes cash to the partners. All the other items (such as losses, deductions and expenses) that go into determining taxable income and tax owed are passed through to the partners as well. Partnership income is thus said to be taxed only at one level-at the partner level.
In order to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an MLP is required to receive 90 percent of its income from qualifying sources, such as interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for the production of income described in the foregoing, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards and options with respect to commodities. Mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines), of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizers, timber or carbon dioxide. Many MLPs today are in energy, timber or real estate related (including mortgage securities) businesses. The Fund generally intends to invest in MLPs that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and references to MLPs in this discussion include only MLPs that are so treated.
Although distributions from MLPs resemble corporate dividends, they are treated differently for U.S. federal income tax purposes. A distribution from an MLP is not itself taxable (since income of the MLP is taxable to its investors even if not distributed) to the extent of the investors basis in its MLP interest and is treated as gain to the extent the distribution exceeds the investors basis (see description below as to how an MLP investors basis is calculated) in the MLP.
To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund will be required to include in its taxable income the Funds allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses recognized by each such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Based upon a review of the historic results of the type of MLPs in which the Fund has invested and in which the Fund intends to invest, the Fund expects that the cash distributions it will receive with respect to its investments in equity securities of MLPs will exceed the taxable income allocated to the Fund from such MLPs. No assurance, however, can be given in this regard. If this expectation is not realized, the Fund will have a larger corporate income tax expense than expected, which will result in less cash available to distribute to shareholders.
The Fund will recognize gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of an equity security of an MLP equal to the difference between the amount realized by the Fund on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the Funds adjusted tax basis in such equity security. Any such gain will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular graduated corporate rates, regardless of how long the Fund has held such equity security. The amount realized by the Fund generally will be the amount paid by the purchaser of the equity security plus the Funds allocable share, if any, of the MLPs debt that will be allocated to the purchaser as a result of the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition. The Funds tax basis in its equity securities in an MLP is generally equal to the amount the Fund paid for the equity securities, (x) increased by the Funds allocable share of the MLPs net taxable income and certain MLP debt, if any, and (y) decreased by the Funds allocable share of the MLPs net losses and any distributions received by the Fund from the MLP. Although any distribution by an MLP to the Fund in excess of the Funds allocable share of such MLPs net taxable income may create a temporary economic benefit to the Fund, such distribution will increase the amount of gain (or decrease the amount of loss) that will be recognized on the sale of an equity security in the MLP by the Fund.
Any capital losses that the Fund recognizes on a disposition of an equity security of an MLP can only be used to offset capital gains that the Fund recognizes. Any capital losses that the Fund is unable to use may be carried back for a period of three taxable years and carried forward for a period of five taxable years. Because (i) the period for which capital losses may be carried back is limited to three taxable years and carried forward is limited to five taxable years and (ii) the disposition of an equity security of an MLP may be treated, in significant part, as ordinary income, capital losses incurred by the Fund may expire without being utilized.
The Funds allocable share of certain percentage depletion deductions and intangible drilling costs of the MLPs in which the Fund invests may be treated as items of tax preference for purposes of calculating the Funds alternative minimum taxable income. Such items will increase the Funds alternative minimum taxable income and increase the likelihood that the Fund may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.
Other Investments. The Funds transactions in foreign currencies, forward contracts, options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on foreign currencies), to the extent permitted, will be subject to special provisions of the Code (including provisions relating to hedging transactions and straddles) that, among other things, may affect the character of gains and losses recognized by the Fund (i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary versus capital or short-term versus long-term), accelerate recognition of income to the Fund and defer Fund losses. These provisions also (a) will require the Fund to mark-to-market certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they were closed out at the end of each year) and (b) may cause the Fund to recognize income without receiving the corresponding amount of cash.
If the Fund invests in debt obligations having original issue discount, the Fund may recognize taxable income from such investments in excess of any cash received therefrom.
Foreign Investments. Dividends or other income (including, in some cases, capital gains) received by the Fund from investments in foreign securities may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases. Foreign taxes paid by the Fund will reduce the return from the Funds investments. Shareholders will not be entitled to claim credits or deductions on their own tax returns for foreign taxes paid by the Fund.
U.S. Shareholders
Distributions. Distributions by the Fund of cash or property in respect of the Common Shares will be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from the Funds current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). Any such dividend will be eligible for the dividends received deduction if received by an otherwise qualifying corporate U.S. Shareholder that meets the holding period and other requirements for the dividends received deduction. Dividends paid by the Fund to certain non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) are eligible for U.S. federal income taxation at the rates generally applicable to long-term capital gains for individuals, provided that the U.S. Shareholder receiving the dividend satisfies applicable holding period and other requirements.
If the amount of a Fund distribution exceeds the Funds current and accumulated earnings and profits, such excess will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Shareholders tax basis in the Common Shares, and thereafter as capital gain. Any such capital gain will be long-term capital gain if such U.S. Shareholder has held the applicable Common Shares for more than one year.
U.S. Shareholders that participate in the Funds Plan will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having (i) received a cash distribution equal to the reinvested amount and (ii) reinvested such amount in Common Shares.
Sales of Common Shares. Upon the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of Common Shares, a U.S. Shareholder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the U.S. Shareholders adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares. Any such capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Shareholder has held the Common Shares for more than one year at the time of disposition. Long-term capital gains of certain non-corporate U.S. Shareholders (including individuals) are currently subject to U.S. federal income taxation at reduced maximum rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations under the Code.
A U.S. Shareholders adjusted tax basis in its Common Shares may be less than the price paid for the Common Shares as a result of distributions by the Fund in excess of the Funds earnings and profits (i.e., returns of capital).
UBTI. An investment in Common Shares will not generate unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) for tax-exempt U.S. Shareholders, provided that the tax-exempt U.S. Shareholder does not incur acquisition indebtedness (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes) with respect to the Common Shares. A tax-exempt U.S. Shareholder would recognize UBTI by reason of its investment in the Fund if the Common Shares constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt U.S. Shareholder.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Additional Information
The Prospectus and this SAI constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act, and the 1940 Act. The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the Common Shares offered hereby. Any statements contained in the Prospectus and herein concerning the provisions of any document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SECs web site (http://www.sec.gov).
Principal Shareholders
As of February 5, 2015, to the knowledge of the Fund, no person beneficially owned more than 5% of the voting securities of any class of equity securities of the Fund, except as follows:
Shareholder Name and Address |
|
Class of Shares |
|
Share Holdings |
|
Percentage Owned |
|
First Trust Portfolios L.P.(1) First Trust Advisors L.P. The Charger Corporation 120 East Liberty Drive, Suite 400 Wheaton, Illinois 60187 |
|
common shares |
|
2,140,072 |
|
14.45 |
% |
(1) Based on information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 5, 2015.
Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, New York, is special counsel to the Fund in connection with the issuance of the Common Shares.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 1000 Louisiana Street, Suite 5800, Houston, TX 77002, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Fund and will annually render an opinion on the financial statements of the Fund. The Funds audited financial statements incorporated by reference in this SAI and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, have been incorporated by reference in this SAI in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record
The Fund has delegated the voting of proxies relating to its portfolio securities to the Advisor. The Advisors Proxy Voting Policy is included as Appendix B to this Statement of Additional Information.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30th will be available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at (800) 651-2345 or by visiting the Funds web site at www.centercoastcap.com. This information is also available on the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov.
Code of Ethics
The Fund and the Advisor each have adopted a code of ethics. Each code of ethics sets forth restrictions on the trading activities of trustees/directors, officers and employees of the Fund, the Advisor and their affiliates, as applicable. The code of ethics of the Fund and the Advisor is on file with the SEC and can be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. The codes of ethics of the Fund and the Advisor is also available on the EDGAR Database on the SECs Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of the code of ethics may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SECs Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Funds audited financial statements appearing in the Funds annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2014, including accompanying notes thereto and the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, as contained in the Funds Form N-CSR filed with the SEC on February 6, 2015, are incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional Information. Shareholder reports are available upon request and without charge by calling (800) 651-2345 or by writing to the Advisor at Center Coast Capital Advisors, LP, 1600 Smith Street, Suite 3800, Houston, Texas 77002. All other portions of the Funds annual and semi-report to shareholders are not incorporated herein by reference and are not part of the Funds registration statement, this SAI, the Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement.
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
Standard & Poors
A brief description of the applicable Standard & Poors rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Standard & Poors) follows:
Issue Credit Ratings Definitions
A Standard & Poors issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects Standard & Poors view of the obligors capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and may assess terms, such as collateral security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Issue credit ratings can be either long term or short term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. In the U.S., for example, that means obligations with an original maturity of no more than 365 daysincluding commercial paper. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. The result is a dual rating, in which the short-term rating addresses the put feature, in addition to the usual long-term rating. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.
Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings
Issue credit ratings are based, in varying degrees, on Standard & Poors analysis of the following considerations:
Likelihood of payment capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;
Nature of and provisions of the obligation;
Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors rights.
Issue ratings are an assessment of default risk, but may incorporate an assessment of relative seniority or ultimate recovery in the event of default. Junior obligations are typically rated lower than senior obligations, to reflect the lower priority in bankruptcy, as noted above. (Such differentiation may apply when an entity has both senior and subordinated obligations, secured and unsecured obligations, or operating company and holding company obligations.)
AAA |
An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. |
|
|
AA |
An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. |
|
|
A |
An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong. |
|
|
BBB |
An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
|
|
BB, B, CCC, CC, and C |
|
Obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions. |
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|
BB |
An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
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|
B |
An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligors capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
|
|
CCC |
An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
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|
CC |
An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. |
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|
C |
A C rating is assigned to obligations that are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, obligations that have payment arrearages allowed by the terms of the documents, or obligations of an issuer that is the subject of a bankruptcy petition or similar action which have not experienced a payment default. Among others, the C rating may be assigned to subordinated debt, preferred stock or other obligations on which cash payments have been suspended in accordance with the instruments terms or when preferred stock is the subject of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. |
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|
D |
An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. An obligations rating is lowered to D upon completion of a distressed exchange offer, whereby some or all of the issue is either repurchased for an amount of cash or replaced by other instruments having a total value that is less than par. |
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|
Plus (+) or minus (-) | |
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|
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+)(+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. |
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|
NR |
This indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poors does not rate a particular obligation as a matter of policy. |
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|
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings | |
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|
A-1 |
A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by Standard & Poors. The obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on these obligations is extremely strong. |
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A-2 |
A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligors capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory. |
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|
A-3 |
A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse |
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economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
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B |
A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. Ratings of B-1, B-2, and B-3 may be assigned to indicate finer distinctions within the B category. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligors inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
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B-1 |
A short-term obligation rated B-1 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, but the obligor has a relatively stronger capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. |
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B-2 |
A short-term obligation rated B-2 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has an average speculative-grade capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. |
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B-3 |
A short-term obligation rated B-3 is regarded as having significant speculative characteristics, and the obligor has a relatively weaker capacity to meet its financial commitments over the short-term compared to other speculative-grade obligors. |
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C |
A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
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|
D |
A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when payments on an obligation, including a regulatory capital instrument, are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poors believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized. |
SPUR (Standard & Poors Underlying Rating)
This is a rating of a stand-alone capacity of an issue to pay debt service on a credit-enhanced debt issue, without giving effect to the enhancement that applies to it. These ratings are published only at the request of the debt issuer/obligor with the designation SPUR to distinguish them from the credit-enhanced rating that applies to the debt issue. Standard & Poors maintains surveillance of an issue with a published SPUR.
Dual Ratings
Standard & Poors assigns dual ratings to all debt issues that have a put option or demand feature as part of their structure. The first rating addresses the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest as due, and the second rating addresses only the demand feature. The long-term rating symbols are used for bonds to denote the long-term maturity and the short-term rating symbols for the put option (for example, AAA/A-1+). With U.S. municipal short-term demand debt, note rating symbols are used with the short-term issue credit rating symbols (for example, SP-1+/A-1+).
Moodys Investors Service Inc.
A brief description of the applicable Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) rating symbols and their meanings (as published by Moodys) follows:
Long-Term Obligation Ratings
Moodys long-term obligation ratings are opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed-income obligations with an original maturity of one year or more. They address the possibility that a financial obligation will not be honored as promised. Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of default and any financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Moodys Long-Term Rating Definitions:
Aaa |
Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk. |
Aa |
Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
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|
A |
Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
|
|
Baa |
Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
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|
Ba |
Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
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|
B |
Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
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|
Caa |
Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
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|
Ca |
Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
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|
C |
Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |
Note: Moodys appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Medium-Term Note Ratings
Moodys assigns long-term ratings to individual debt securities issued from medium-term note (MTN) programs, in addition to indicating ratings to MTN programs themselves. Notes issued under MTN programs with such indicated ratings are rated at issuance at the rating applicable to all pari passu notes issued under the same program, at the programs relevant indicated rating, provided such notes do not exhibit any of the characteristics listed below:
Notes containing features that link interest or principal to the credit performance of any third party or parties (i.e., credit-linked notes);
Notes allowing for negative coupons, or negative principal;
Notes containing any provision that could obligate the investor to make any additional payments;
Notes containing provisions that subordinate the claim.
For notes with any of these characteristics, the rating of the individual note may differ from the indicated rating of the program.
For credit-linked securities, Moodys policy is to look through to the credit risk of the underlying obligor. Moodys policy with respect to non-credit linked obligations is to rate the issuers ability to meet the contract as stated, regardless of potential losses to investors as a result of non-credit developments. In other words, as long as the obligation has debt standing in the event of bankruptcy, we will assign the appropriate debt class level rating to the instrument.
Market participants must determine whether any particular note is rated, and if so, at what rating level. Moodys encourages market participants to contact Moodys Ratings Desks or visit www.moodys.com directly if they have questions regarding ratings for specific notes issued under a medium-term note program. Unrated notes issued under an MTN program may be assigned an NR (not rated) symbol.
Short-Term Ratings
Moodys short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs or to individual short-term debt instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
Moodys employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
P-1 |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
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|
P-2 |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations. |
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P-3 |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations. |
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|
NP |
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories. |
Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor or support-provider.
APPENDIX B
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PROXY VOTING POLICY FOR CCC FUNDS
CCC will vote proxies based on CCC reasonable judgment of that vote most likely to produce favorable financial results for the client. Proxy votes generally will be cast in favor of proposals that maintain or strengthen the shared interests of shareholders and management, increase shareholder value, maintain or increase shareholder influence over the issuers board of directors and management, and maintain or increase the rights of shareholders; proxy votes generally will be cast against proposals having the opposite effect. However, CCC will consider both sides of each proxy issue. Consistent with CCCs paramount commitment to the financial investment goals of its clients, social considerations will not be considered absent contrary instructions by a separately managed account.
Conflicts of interest between CCC or a principal of CCC and CCC funds and separately managed clients in respect of a proxy issue conceivably may arise. If CCC determines that a material conflict of interest exists, CCC will take necessary steps to resolve the conflict before voting the proxies. For example, CCC may disclose the existence and nature of the conflict to a separately managed client owning the securities, and seek directions on how to vote the proxies; CCC may abstain from voting, particularly if there are conflicting client interests (for example, where client accounts hold different client securities in a competitive merger situation); or take other necessary steps designed to ensure that a decision to vote the proxy is in the clients best interest and was not the product of the conflict.
CCC keeps certain records required by applicable law in connection with its proxy voting activities for the CCC funds and separately managed account clients and shall provide proxy voting information to such clients upon their written or oral request.
PROXY VOTING POLICY FOR SEPARATELY MANAGED ACCOUNT CLIENTS
CCC will vote proxies as part of its authority to manage acquire and dispose of account assets if designated by the client. CCC will, in a prudent and diligent manner, use its best efforts to vote proxies in the best interests of separately managed account clients, including beneficiaries of and participants in client benefit plans for which CCC manages assets, consistent with the objective of maximizing long-term investment returns, and consistent with the proxy policy. The proxy policy is administered by the operations department, which also monitors and supervises the services provided by the proxy research providers retained from time to time.
BACKGROUND & DESCRIPTION
Proxy voting is an important right of shareholders and reasonable care and diligence must be undertaken to ensure that such rights are properly and timely exercised. The purpose of these proxy voting policies and procedures are to set forth the principles, guidelines and procedures by which CCC votes the securities owned by its separately managed clients for whom CCC exercises voting authority and discretion (the Proxies). These policies and procedures have been designed to ensure that Proxies are voted in the best interests of CCCs separately managed account clients in accordance with CCCs fiduciary duties and rule 206(4)-6 under the Advisers Act. Investment advisers registered with the SEC, and which exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, are required by Rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act to (a) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that client securities are voted in the best interests of clients, which must include how an adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between an advisers interests and those of its clients; (b) to disclose to clients how they may obtain information from the adviser with respect to the voting of Proxies for their securities; (c) to describe to clients a summary of its proxy voting policies and procedures and, upon request, furnish a copy to its clients; and (d) maintain certain records relating to the advisers proxy voting activities when the adviser does have proxy voting authority. Responsibility for voting the Proxies is established by investment management agreements or comparable documents with CCCs clients, and CCCs proxy voting guidelines have been tailored to reflect these specific contractual obligations. In addition, CCCs proxy guidelines reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts set out in Department of Labor Bulletin 94-2. These policies and procedures do not apply to any client that has retained authority and discretion to vote its own Proxies or delegated such authority and discretion to a third party; CCC takes no responsibility for the voting of any Proxies on behalf of any such client. For those clients that have delegated such authority and discretion to CCC, these policies and procedures apply
equally to all accounts. These proxy voting policies and procedures are available to all clients of CCC upon request, subject to the provision that these policies and procedures are subject to change at any time without notice.
RESPONSIBILITY
The investment committee is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of CCCs proxy voting policies and procedures, including associated practices, disclosures and recordkeeping, as well as oversight of the third party voting agent if CCC should hire a voting agent. The investment committee may delegate responsibility for the performance of these activities (provided that it maintains records evidencing individuals to whom authority has been delegated) but oversight and ultimate responsibility remain with the investment committee.
PROCEDURES
CCC has adopted various procedures to implement CCCs proxy voting policy and reviews to monitor and ensure that CCCs policy is observed, implemented properly and amended or updated, as appropriate.
PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES
The guiding principle by which CCC votes on all matters submitted to security holders is the maximization of the ultimate economic value of CCCs clients holdings. Furthermore, CCC is mindful that for ERISA and other covered person benefit plans, the focus on the realization of economic value is solely for the benefit of plan participants and their beneficiaries. CCC does not permit voting decisions to be influenced in any manner that is contrary to, or dilutive of, the guiding principle set forth above. It is CCCs policy to avoid situations where there is any conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest affecting CCCs voting decisions. Any conflicts of interest, regardless of whether actual or perceived, will be addressed in accordance with these policies and procedures.
It is the general policy of CCC to vote on all matters presented to security holders in any proxy, and these policies and procedures have been designed with that in mind. However, CCC reserves the right to abstain on any particular vote or otherwise withhold its vote on any matter if in the judgment of CCC, the costs associated with voting such proxy outweigh the benefits to clients or if the circumstances make such an abstention or withholding otherwise advisable and in the best interest of CCCs clients, in the judgment of CCC. While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration CCCs contractual obligations to CCCs separately managed account clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent CCC believes appropriate). CCC may vote proxies related to the same security differently for each client.
For clients that have delegated to CCC the discretionary power to vote the securities held in their account, CCC does not generally accept any subsequent directions on specific matters presented to security holders or particular securities held in the account, regardless of whether such subsequent directions are from the client itself or a third party. CCC views the delegation of discretionary voting authority as an absolute choice for its clients. CCCs clients shall be responsible for notifying their custodians of the name and address of the person or entity with voting authority.
Absent any legal or regulatory requirement to the contrary, it is generally the policy of CCC to maintain the confidentiality of the particular votes that it casts on behalf of its clients. Any registered investment companies managed by CCC disclose the votes cast on their behalf in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Any client of CCC can obtain details of how CCC has voted the securities in its account by contacting a service representative at CCC. CCC does not, however, generally disclose the results of voting decisions to third parties.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN CONNECTION WITH PROXY VOTING
The operations department has responsibility to monitor proxy voting decisions for any conflicts of interests, regardless of whether they are actual or perceived. In addition, all Covered Persons are expected to perform their tasks relating to the voting of proxies in accordance with the principles set forth above, according the first priority to the economic interests of CCCs clients. If at any time any Covered Person becomes aware of any potential or actual conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest regarding the voting policies and procedures described herein or any particular vote on behalf of any client, he or she should contact any member of the operations department or
CCCs Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). If any Covered Person is pressured or lobbied either from within or outside of CCC with respect to any particular voting decision, he or she should contact any member of the operations department or CCCs CCO. The full operations department will use its best judgment to address any such conflict of interest and ensure that it is resolved in the best interest of the clients. The operations department may cause any of the following actions to be taken in that regard:
· vote the relevant proxy in accordance with the vote indicated by the guidelines
· vote the relevant proxy as an exception (as defined below), provided that the reasons behind the voting decision are in the best interest of the client, are reasonably documented and are approved by the CCO
· direct the third party proxy voter to vote in accordance with its independent assessment of the matter
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The administration of these proxy voting policies and procedures is governed by the management committee and senior management. The CCO serves as a back-up to the operations department. The management committee and senior management of CCC may change the structure or composition of the operations department from time to time. The management committee has regular quarterly meetings. At each meeting, minutes will be taken and the management committee will review the existing proxy voting guidelines and recommend any changes to those guidelines. In addition, the management committee will review any Exceptions (as described below), that have occurred since the previous meeting of the management committee. On all matters, the management committee will make its decisions by a vote of a majority of its members. Any matter for which there is no majority agreement among members of the management committee and senior management shall be referred to MFAC, UMB and Cipperman Compliance Services.
PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES
CCC will utilize a proxy voting service such as ProxyEdge (the Proxy Voter) to vote Proxies for the relevant accounts of its clients. The Proxy Voter provides voting services to institutions such as CCC. The Proxy Voter receives a daily electronic feed of all holdings in CCC voting accounts, and trustees and/or broker-dealer/custodians for those accounts have been instructed to deliver all proxy materials that they receive directly to the Proxy Voter. The Proxy Voter monitors the accounts and their holdings to be sure that all Proxies are received and voted for CCC client shares owned. As a result of CCCs decision to use the proxy voter, there is generally no physical handling of proxies by CCC personnel. The above-referenced proxy voting guidelines (the Guidelines) state the general view and expected vote of the Proxy Voter under the majority of circumstances with respect to the issues listed in the Guidelines. The indicated vote in the Guidelines is the default position on any matter specifically addressed by the Guidelines, and for any such matter, absent prior instructions to the contrary from CCC, the Proxy Voter will automatically vote in accordance with the Guidelines. However, the Guidelines are just that-guidelines; they are not strict rules that must be obeyed in all cases, and Proxies may be voted contrary to the vote indicated by the Guidelines if such a vote is in the clients best interests as described below with respect to Exceptions. CCC votes all securities based upon the guiding principle of seeking the maximization of economic value to CCCs clients, and ultimately all votes are cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the contractual obligations under the advisory agreements or comparable documents, and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote.
The Proxy Voter posts information regarding that vote on its secure web site. This information includes the upcoming voting deadline, the vote indicated by the Guidelines, if any, whether such vote is with or against management and any analysis that the Proxy Voter has prepared on the vote.
If at any time a portfolio manager becomes aware that he or she desires to vote on a specific matter in a manner that is contrary to the vote that would be indicated based upon the Guidelines (an Exception), regardless of whether such indicated vote is with or against management, then such individual should contact the chair of the operations department as soon as possible prior to the relevant voting deadline for such matter. The chair of the operations department must first make a general determination as to whether any potential conflicts of interest exist. In the event of a potential conflict, the chair will convene a meeting of the entire operations department regarding the
potential conflict. Once any potential conflict is either determined not to exist, or resolved, the chair of the operations department, along with the relevant portfolio manager, will review the issue and collectively agree as to the appropriate vote. They may make their decision based upon any of the information and/or research available to them, including any recommendation made by the Proxy Voter, in their discretion. If they are unable to arrive at an agreement as to how to vote, then the chair may call a special meeting of the operations department. The full operations department will then review the issues and arrive at a decision based on the overriding principle of seeking the maximization of the ultimate economic value of CCCs clients holdings. In all cases, regardless of whether the ultimate voting decision with respect to any vote is made by the relevant portfolio manager, the chair or the entire operations department, such decision must be based on the overriding principle of seeking the maximization of the ultimate economic value of CCCs clients holdings. If for any reason, no voting decision is made with respect to any particular vote, or if the chair has not otherwise received any direction in accordance with these policies and procedures as to how to instruct the Proxy Voter to vote CCCs shares prior to the relevant voting deadline for any Exception, the chair will instruct the Proxy Voter to vote all of CCCs shares in accordance with the Proxy Voters independent assessment of the matter.