As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2012

 

1933 Act File No. 333-177550

1940 Act File No. 811-21593

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form N-2

 

 

Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

717 Texas Avenue, Suite 3100

Houston, Texas 77002

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (713) 493-2020

 

David J. Shladovsky, Esq.

KA Fund Advisors, LLC

1800 Avenue of the Stars, Second Floor

Los Angeles, California 90067

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

Copies of Communications to:

 

 

 

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering:  From time to time after the effective date of the Registration Statement.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.  þ

 

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)  o when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c).

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

BASE PROSPECTUS

 

Subject to completion, dated February 9, 2012
$500,000,000

 

 

Common Stock
Preferred Stock

 

Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that began investment activities on September 28, 2004 following our initial public offering. Our investment objective is to obtain a high after-tax total return by investing at least 85% of our total assets in energy-related partnerships and their affiliates (collectively, “master limited partnerships” or “MLPs”), and in other companies that, as their principal business, operate assets used in the gathering, transporting, processing, storing, refining, distributing, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal (collectively with MLPs, “Midstream Energy Companies”). We invest in equity securities of (i) master limited partnerships, including preferred, common and subordinated units and general partner interests, (ii) owners of such interests in master limited partnerships, and (iii) other Midstream Energy Companies. Additionally, we may invest in debt securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. Substantially all of our total assets consist of publicly traded securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. We are permitted to invest up to 50% of our total assets in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, including securities issued by private companies.

 

We may offer, from time to time, shares of our common stock ($0.001 par value per share) or shares of our preferred stock ($0.001 par value per share), which we refer to in this prospectus collectively as our securities, in one or more offerings. We may offer our common stock or preferred stock, separately or in concurrent offerings, in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement carefully before you decide to invest in any of our securities.

 

We may offer and sell our securities to or through underwriters, through dealers or agents that we designate from time to time, directly to purchasers or through a combination of these methods. If an offering of our securities involves any underwriters, dealers or agents, then the applicable prospectus supplement will name the underwriters, dealers or agents and will provide information regarding any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangements made with those underwriters, dealers or agents or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. For more information about the manners in which we may offer our securities, see “Plan of Distribution.” We may not sell our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus supplement.

 

Investing in our securities may be speculative and involve a high degree of risk and should not constitute a complete investment program. Before buying any securities, you should read the discussion of the material risks of investing in our securities in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 18 of this prospectus. You should consider carefully these risks together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement before making a decision to purchase our securities.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is          , 201  .

 

(continued on the following page)

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We are managed by KA Fund Advisors, LLC (“KAFA”), a subsidiary of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. (together, with KAFA, “Kayne Anderson”), a leading investor in MLPs. As of December 31, 2011, Kayne Anderson and its affiliates managed approximately $14.2 billion, including approximately $8.7 billion in MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.

 

Shares of our common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “KYN.” The net asset value of our common stock at the close of business on January 31, 2012 was $28.97 per share, and the last sale price per share of our common stock on the NYSE as of that date was $31.35. See “Market and Net Asset Value Information.”

 

Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies, like ours, frequently trade at discounts to their net asset values. If our common stock trades at a discount to our net asset value, the risk of loss may increase for purchasers of our common stock, especially for those investors who expect to sell their common stock in a relatively short period after purchasing shares in this offering. See “Risk Factors—Additional Risks Related to Our Common Stock—Market Discount From Net Asset Value Risk.”

 

Our common stock is junior in liquidation and distribution rights to our debt securities and preferred stock. The issuance of our debt securities and preferred stock represents the leveraging of our common stock. See “Use of Leverage—Effects of Leverage,” “Risk Factors—Additional Risks Related to Our Common Stock—Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders” and “Description of Capital Stock.” The issuance of any additional common stock offered by this prospectus will enable us to increase the aggregate amount of our leverage. Our preferred stock is senior in liquidation and distribution rights to our common stock and junior in liquidation and distribution rights to our debt securities. Our debt securities are our unsecured obligations and, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, rank: (1) senior to all of our outstanding common stock and any preferred stock; (2) on a parity with our obligations to any unsecured creditors and any unsecured senior securities representing our indebtedness; and (3) junior to our obligations to any secured creditors.

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted or where the person making the offer or sale is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is not permitted to make such offer or sale. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the respective dates on their front covers, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, or any sale of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), using the “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, we may offer, from time to time, our common stock or preferred stock, separately or in concurrent offerings, in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in prospectus supplements to this prospectus. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus, together with any prospectus supplement, sets forth concisely the information about us that a prospective investor ought to know before investing. You should read this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement before deciding whether to invest and retain them for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated [          ], 201   (the “SAI”), containing additional information about us, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this prospectus.

 

You may request a free copy of our SAI, the table of contents of which is on page 86 of this prospectus, request a free copy of our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, request other information or make stockholder inquiries, by calling toll-free at (877) 657-3863, or by writing to us at 717 Texas Avenue, Suite 3100, Houston, Texas 77002. Our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports and the SAI also are available on our website at http://www.kaynefunds.com. Information included on such website does not form part of this prospectus.

 

We file reports (including our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, and the SAI), proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the

“Exchange Act”). Copies of such reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and the amendments, exhibits and schedules thereto, can be obtained from the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information relating to the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. Such materials, as well as the Company’s annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports and other information regarding the Company, are also available on the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also e-mail requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549-0112.

 

Neither our common stock nor our preferred stock represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and they are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Board or any other governmental agency.

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

	•	For as long as the word “MLP” is in our name, it shall be our policy, under normal market conditions, to invest at least 80% of our total assets in MLPs.
	•	We intend to invest at least 50% of our total assets in publicly traded securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.
	•	Under normal market conditions, we may invest up to 50% of our total assets in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. The types of unregistered or otherwise restricted securities that we may purchase include common units, subordinated units, preferred units, and convertible units of, and general partner interests in, MLPs, and securities of other public and private Midstream Energy Companies.
	•	We may invest up to 15% of our total assets in any single issuer.

	•	We may invest up to 20% of our total assets in debt securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, including below investment grade debt securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or “high yield bonds”) rated, at the time of investment, at least B3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., B- by Standard & Poor’s or Fitch Ratings, comparably rated by another rating agency or, if unrated, determined by Kayne Anderson to be of comparable quality. In addition, up to one-quarter of our permitted investments in debt securities (or up to 5% of our total assets) may include unrated debt securities of private companies.
	•	Under normal market conditions, our policy is to utilize our Borrowings and our preferred stock (each a “Leverage Instrument” and collectively “Leverage Instrument”) in an amount that represents approximately 30% of our total assets, including proceeds from such Leverage Instruments. However, we reserve the right at any time, if we believe that market conditions are appropriate, to use Leverage Instruments to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
	•	We may, but are not required to, use derivative investments and engage in short sales to hedge against interest rate, market and issuer risks.

												Percent of
						Units		Amount				Long-Term
		Company		Sector		(In thousands)		($ millions)				Investments
1.		Enterprise Products Partners L.P.		Midstream MLP		7,286			$351.9				9.1	%
2.		Kinder Morgan Management, LLC		MLP Affiliate		3,796			292.1				7.5
3.		Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.		Midstream MLP		3,113			242.8				6.3
4.		MarketWest Energy Partners, L.P.		Midstream MLP		3,744			217.0				5.6
5.		Energy Transfer Equity, L.P.		General Partner MLP		4,425			189.1				4.9
6.		Regency Energy Partners L.P.		Midstream MLP		6,299			163.0				4.2
7.		Williams Partners L.P.		Midstream MLP		2,492			155.5				4.0
8.		Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.		Midstream MLP		2,309			154.9				4.0
9.		EI Paso Pipeline Partners, L.P.		Midstream MLP		4,042			142.0				3.7
10.		Buckeye Partners, L.P.		Midstream MLP		2,134			128.0				3.3

 

Certain statements in this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, those listed under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and our SAI. In this prospectus, we use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements.

 

The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus include statements as to:

 

 

The factors identified above are believed to be important factors, but not necessarily all of the important factors, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Unpredictable or unknown factors could also have material adverse effects on us. Since our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements, we cannot give any assurance that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur, or, if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations and financial condition. All forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus. We do not undertake any obligation to update, amend or clarify these forward-looking statements or the risk factors contained in this prospectus, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under the federal securities laws. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we in the future may file with the SEC, including our annual reports. We acknowledge that, notwithstanding the foregoing statement, the safe harbor for forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 does not apply to investment companies such as us.

 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. We were formed as a Maryland corporation in June 2004 and began investment activities in September 2004 after our initial public offering. Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “KYN.”

 

As of January 31, 2012, we had (a) approximately 75.4 million shares of common stock outstanding, (b) $775 million in Senior Notes outstanding and (c) $260 million of MRP Shares outstanding. As of January 31, 2012, we had net assets applicable to our common stock of approximately $2.2 billion and total assets of approximately $3.9 billion.

 

The following table sets forth information about our outstanding securities as of January 31, 2012 (the information in the table is unaudited; and amounts are in 000s):

 

 

 

 

Our principal office is located at 717 Texas Avenue, Suite 3100, Houston, Texas 77002, and our telephone number is (713) 493-2020.

 

The following table contains information about the costs and expenses that common stockholders will bear directly or indirectly. The table below assumes the use of Leverage Instruments in an amount equal to 28.8% of our total assets, which represents our average leverage levels for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011, and shows our expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to our common stock. We caution you that the percentages in the table below indicating annual expenses are estimates and may vary from actual results.

 

 

Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Stock (5)

 

 

 

 

 

The purpose of the table above and the example below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you would bear directly or indirectly as a holder of our common stock. See “Management” and “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

 

Example

 

The following example illustrates the expenses that common stockholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in our common stock, assuming total annual expenses before tax are 4.89% of net asset value in year 1. The following example assumes that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value, an annual rate of return of 5% on our portfolio securities, and expenses include income tax expense associated with the 5% assumed rate of return on such portfolio securities.

 

 

THE EXAMPLE AND THE EXPENSES IN THE TABLE ABOVE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE EXPENSES. The example assumes that the estimated “Annual Expenses (exclusive of current and deferred income tax expense)” set forth in the Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. ACTUAL EXPENSES (INCLUDING THE COST OF LEVERAGE, IF ANY, AND OTHER EXPENSES) MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. Moreover, our actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

 

The Financial Highlights for the period September 28, 2004 (commencement of operations) through November 30, 2004 and the fiscal years ended November 30, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, including accompanying notes thereto and the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP thereon, contained in our Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011 contained in our Form N-CSR filed with the SEC on February 7, 2012 are hereby incorporated by reference into, and are made part of, this prospectus. A copy of such Annual Report to Stockholders must accompany the delivery of this prospectus.

 

Information about our outstanding senior securities (including Series D Auction Rate Preferred Shares (“ARP Shares”), MRP Shares, Senior Notes and other indebtedness) is shown in the following table as of each fiscal year ended November 30 since we commenced operations. The information for the fiscal years ended 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, and for the period ended November 30, 2004 has been derived from our financial statements which have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, whose report thereon is included in the financial statements incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

 

 

Shares of our common stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “KYN.” Our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE on September 28, 2004.

 

Our common stock has traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to its net asset value. Although our common stock has traded at a premium to net asset value, we cannot assure that this will continue after the offering or that the common stock will not trade at a discount in the future. Our issuance of common stock may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common stock by increasing the number of shares of common stock available, which may create downward pressure on the market price for our common stock. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. See “Risk Factors—Additional Risks Related to Our Common Stock—Market Discount From Net Asset Value Risk.”

 

The following table sets forth for each of the fiscal quarters indicated the range of high and low closing sales price of our common stock and the quarter-end sales price, each as reported on the NYSE, the net asset value per share of common stock and the premium or discount to net asset value per share at which our shares were trading. Net asset value is generally determined on the last business day of each calendar month. See “Net Asset Value” for information as to the determination of our net asset value.

 

 

 

Source of market prices: Reuters Group PLC.

 

 

On January 31, 2012, the last reported sales price of our common stock on the NYSE was $31.35, which represented a premium of approximately 8.2% to the NAV per share reported by us on that date.

 

As of January 31, 2012, we had approximately 75.4 million shares of common stock outstanding and we had net assets applicable to common stockholders of approximately $2.2 billion.

 

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from any sales of our securities pursuant to this prospectus to make investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objectives and policies, to repay indebtedness, or for general corporate purposes. The supplement to this prospectus relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of proceeds from such offering.

 

To the extent a portion of the proceeds from such offering are used to make investments in portfolio companies, the relevant prospectus supplement will include an estimate of the length of time it is expected to take to invest such proceeds. We anticipate such length of time will be less than three months. To the extent a portion of the proceeds from such offering are used to repay indebtedness, such transactions will be effected as soon as practicable after completion of the relevant offering.

 

Pending the use of proceeds, as described above, we anticipate either investing the proceeds in short-term securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term or long-term debt obligations or money market instruments. A delay in the anticipated use of proceeds could lower returns, reduce our distribution to common stockholders and reduce the amount of cash available to make dividend and interest payments on preferred stock and debt securities, respectively.

 

As of January 31, 2012, we had $60.0 million borrowed under our credit facility. The credit facility has a three-year commitment terminating on June 11, 2013. Amounts repaid under our credit facility will remain available for future borrowings. Outstanding balances under the credit facility accrue interest daily at a rate equal to the one-month LIBOR plus 1.75% per annum based on current asset coverage ratios. The interest rate may vary between LIBOR plus 1.75% and LIBOR plus 3.00% depending on asset coverage ratios. We will pay a fee equal to a rate of 0.40% per annum on any unused amounts of the credit facility.

 

Investing in our securities involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or that you may lose part or all of your investment. The following discussion summarizes some of the risks that a potential investor should carefully consider before deciding whether to invest in our securities offered hereby. For additional information about the risks associated with investing in our securities, see “Our Investments” in our SAI, as well as any risk factors included in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Risks Related to Our Investments and Investment Techniques

 

Investment and Market Risk

 

An investment in our securities is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire amount that you invest. Your investment in our securities represents an indirect investment in MLPs, other Midstream Energy Companies and other securities owned by us, some of which will be traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. An investment in our securities is not intended to constitute a complete investment program and should not be viewed as such. The value of these publicly traded securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The value of the securities in which we invest may affect the value of our securities. Your securities at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of our distributions. We are primarily a long-term investment vehicle and should not be used for short-term trading.

 

Risks of Investing in MLP Units

 

In addition to the risks summarized herein, an investment in MLP units involves certain risks which differ from an investment in the securities of a corporation. Investors in MLPs, unlike investors in the securities of a corporation, have limited control and voting rights on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units and conflicts of interest exist between common unitholders and the general partner, including those arising from incentive distribution payments.

 

Energy Sector Risks

 

Our concentration in the energy sector may present more risk than if we were broadly diversified over multiple sectors of the economy. A downturn in the energy sector of the economy, adverse political, legislative or regulatory developments or other events could have a larger impact on us than on an investment company that does not concentrate in the energy sector. At times, the performance of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole. In addition, there are several specific risks associated with investments in the energy sector, including the following:

 

Supply and Demand Risk.  MLPs and other Midstream Energy 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, mining, 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; 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.

Commodity Pricing Risk.  The operations and financial performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may be directly affected by energy commodity prices, especially those MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies which own the underlying energy commodity or receive payments for services that are based on commodity prices. Such impact may be a result of changes in the price for such commodity or a result of changes in the price of one energy commodity relative to the price of another energy commodity (i.e., the price of natural gas relative to the price of natural gas liquids). Commodity prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in market and economic conditions, the impact of weather on demand, levels of domestic production and imported commodities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems. Volatility of commodity prices, which may lead to a reduction in production or supply, may also negatively impact the performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies which are solely involved in the transportation, processing, storing, distribution or marketing of commodities. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices. In addition to the volatility of commodity prices, extremely high commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts which may adversely affect the performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.

 

Depletion Risk.  Most MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies are engaged in the transporting, storing, distributing and processing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum products or coal on behalf of shippers. In addition, some MLPs and Midstream Energy Companies are engaged in the production of such commodities. Energy reserves naturally deplete as they are produced over time, and to maintain or grow their revenues, these companies need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources, through acquisitions, or through long-term contracts to acquire reserves. The financial performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide the service, are unable to cost-effectively acquire additional reserves sufficient to replace the natural decline. If an energy company fails to add reserves by acquiring or developing them, its reserves and production will decline over time as they are produced. If an energy company is not able to raise capital on favorable terms, it may not be able to add to or maintain its reserves.

 

Regulatory Risk.  MLPs and other Energy Companies are subject to significant federal, state and local government regulation in virtually every aspect of their operations, including (i) how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, (ii) how services are provided, (iii) environmental and safety controls, and, in some cases (iv) the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Such regulation can change rapidly or over time in both scope and intensity. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of MLPs and other Energy Companies.

 

In particular, changes to laws and increased regulations or enforcement policies as a result of oil spills, such as the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico or onshore oil pipeline spills may adversely affect the financial performance of MLPs and other Energy Companies. Additionally, changes to laws and increased regulation or restrictions to the use of hydraulic fracturing may adversely impact the ability of Energy Companies to economically develop oil and natural gas resources and, in turn, reduce production for such commodities and adversely impact the financial performance of MLPs and Midstream Energy Companies.

 

The operation of energy assets, including wells, gathering systems, pipelines, refineries and other facilities, is subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. 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.

 

The EPA and federal, state and local governmental agencies may enact laws that prohibit or significantly regulate the operation of energy assets. For instance, increased regulatory scrutiny of hydraulic fracturing, which is used by Energy Companies to develop oil and natural gas reserves, could result in additional laws and regulations governing hydraulic fracturing or, potentially, prohibit the action. While we are not able to predict the likelihood of such an event or its impact, it is possible that additional restrictions on hydraulic fracturing could result in a reduction in production of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The use of hydraulic fracturing is critical to the recovery of economic amounts of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids from unconventional reserves, and MLPs and Midstream Energy Companies have increasingly focused on the construction of midstream assets to facilitate the development of unconventional resources. As a result, restrictions on hydraulic fracturing could have an adverse impact on the financial performance of MLPs and Midstream Energy Companies.

 

There is an inherent risk that MLPs may incur material environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they handle. For example, an accidental release from a pipeline could subject the owner of such pipeline 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. Similarly, the implementation of more stringent environmental requirements could significantly increase the cost of any remediation that may become necessary. MLPs may not be able to recover these costs from insurance or recover these costs in the rates it charges customers.

 

Acquisition Risk.  The abilities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies to grow and to increase cash distributions to unitholders can be highly dependent on their ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in cash flows. In the event that MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies are unable to make such accretive acquisitions because they are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates and negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, because they are unable to raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or because they are outbid by competitors, their future growth and ability to raise distributions will be limited. Furthermore, even if MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies do consummate acquisitions that they believe will be accretive, the acquisitions may instead result in a decrease in cash flow. Any acquisition involves risks, including, among other things: mistaken assumptions about revenues and costs, including synergies; the assumption of unknown liabilities; limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller; the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns; unforeseen difficulties operating in new product or geographic areas; and customer or key employee losses at the acquired businesses.

 

Interest Rate Risk.  Rising interest rates could adversely impact the financial performance of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies by increasing their costs of capital. This may reduce their ability to execute acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner. MLP and other Midstream Energy Company valuations are based on numerous factors, including sector and business fundamentals, management expertise, and expectations of future operating results. However, MLP yields are also susceptible in the short-term to fluctuations in interest rates and the prices of MLP securities may decline when interest rates rise. Because we will principally invest in MLP equity securities, our investment in such securities means that the net asset value and market price of our securities may decline if interest rates rise.

 

Weather Risks.  Weather conditions and the seasonality of weather patterns play a role in the cash flows of certain MLPs. MLPs in the propane industry, for example, rely on the winter heating season to

generate almost all of their cash flow. 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 U.S. Gulf Coast in recent years, demonstrate that no amount of preparation can protect an MLP from the unpredictability of the weather. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase insurance premiums for energy assets owned by MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, could significantly increase the volatility in the supply of energy-related commodities and could adversely affect such companies’ financial condition and ability to pay distributions to shareholders.

 

Catastrophic Event Risk.  MLPs and other Midstream Energy 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 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 (such as those suffered by BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in 2010) 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 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 certain assets owned by such MLP or other Midstream Energy Company. MLPs and other Midstream Energy 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 condition and ability to pay distributions to shareholders. We expect that increased governmental regulation to mitigate such catastrophic risk such as the recent oil spills referred to above, could increase insurance premiums and other operating costs for MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies.

 

Reserve Risks.  Companies engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil and other energy commodities are subject to overstatement of the quantities of their reserves based upon any reserve estimates that prove to be inaccurate, that no commercially productive amounts of such commodities will be discovered as a result of drilling or other exploration activities, the curtailment, delay or cancellation of exploration activities are as a result of a unexpected conditions or miscalculations, title problems, pressure or irregularities in formations, equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements and cost of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs and other exploration equipment, and operational risks and hazards associated with the development of the underlying properties, including natural disasters, blowouts, explosions, fires, leakage of such energy commodities, mechanical failures, cratering, and pollution.

 

Industry Specific Risks

 

MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies operating in the energy sector are also subject to risks that are specific to the industry they serve.

 

Midstream.  MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies that operate midstream assets are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which may 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. Further, MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies that operate gathering and processing assets are subject to natural declines in the production of the oil and gas fields they serve. In addition, some gathering and processing contracts subject the owner of such assets to direct commodity price risk.

Shipping.  MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies with marine transportation assets are exposed to many of the same risks as other MLPs and Midstream Energy Companies. In addition, the highly cyclical nature of the marine transportation industry may lead to volatile changes in charter rates and vessel values, which may adversely affect the revenues, profitability and cash flows of such companies our portfolio. Fluctuations in charter rates result from changes in the supply and demand for vessel capacity and changes in the supply and demand for certain energy commodities. Changes in demand for transportation of commodities over longer distances and supply of vessels to carry those commodities may materially affect revenues, profitability and cash flows. The value of marine transportation vessels may fluctuate and could adversely affect the value of shipping company securities in our portfolio. Declining marine transportation values could affect the ability of shipping companies to raise cash by limiting their ability to refinance their vessels, thereby adversely impacting such company’s liquidity. Shipping 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 reduction in cash flow for the shipping companies in our portfolio.

 

Coal.  MLPs with coal assets are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve, which will be impacted by a wide range of domestic and foreign 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, declines in production, mining accidents or catastrophic events, health claims and economic conditions, among others. In light of increased state and federal regulation, it has been increasingly difficult to obtain and maintain the permits necessary to mine coal. Further, such permits, if obtained, have increasingly contained more stringent, and more difficult and costly to comply with, provisions relating to environmental protection.

 

Propane.  MLPs and with propane assets are subject to earnings variability based upon weather conditions in the markets they serve, fluctuating commodity prices, customer conservation and increased use of alternative fuels, increased governmental or environmental regulation, and accidents or catastrophic events, among others.

 

Exploration and production.  MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies that own oil and gas reserves are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. 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. 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. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on the value of such reserves and the financial condition of such company. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves and production, energy companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain and grow their production levels and cash flow.

 

Tax Risks of Investing in Equity Securities of MLPs

 

Tax Risk of MLPs.  Our ability to meet our investment objective will depend, in part, on the level of taxable income and distributions and dividends we receive from the MLP securities in which we invest, a factor over which we have no control. The benefit we derive from our investment in MLPs is largely dependent on the MLPs being treated as partnerships and not as corporations for federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, an MLP has no tax liability at the entity level. If, as a result of a change in current law or a change in an MLP’s business, an MLP were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, such MLP would be obligated to pay federal income tax on its income at the corporate tax rate. If an MLP were classified as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, the amount of cash available for distribution by

the MLP would likely be reduced and distributions received by us would be taxed under federal income tax laws applicable to corporate distributions (as dividend income, return of capital, or capital gain). As a result, treatment of an MLP as a corporation for federal income tax purposes would likely result in a reduction in the after-tax return to us, likely causing a reduction in the value of our common stock.

 

New legislative efforts to change tax laws to simplify the tax code and increase corporate tax receipts could result in proposals to eliminate “pass through entities” for tax purposes. We cannot predict the likelihood of any such changes. Such legislation, if approved by Congress, could result in MLPs no longer being treated as partnerships for tax purposes and instead being taxed as corporations.

 

Non-Diversification Risk

 

We are a non-diversified, closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act and will not be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. Accordingly, there are no regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act or the Code on the minimum number or size of securities we hold. As of January 31, 2012, we held investments in approximately 67 issuers.

 

As of January 31, 2012, substantially all of our total assets were invested in publicly traded securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. As of January 31, 2012, there were 78 publicly traded MLPs (partnerships) which manage and operate energy assets. We primarily select our investments in publicly traded securities from securities issued by MLPs in this small pool, together with securities issued by newly public MLPs, if any. We also invest in publicly traded securities issued by other Midstream Energy Companies.

 

As a result of selecting our investments from this small pool of publicly traded securities, a change in the value of the securities of any one of these publicly traded MLPs could have a significant impact on our portfolio. In addition, as there can be a correlation in the valuation of the securities of publicly traded MLPs, a change in value of the securities of one such MLP could negatively influence the valuations of the securities of other publicly traded MLPs that we may hold in our portfolio.

 

As we may invest up to 15% of our total assets in any single issuer, a decline in value of the securities of such an issuer could significantly impact the value of our portfolio.

 

Affiliated Party Risk

 

Certain MLPs are dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their revenues. Any failure by an MLP’s parents or sponsors to satisfy their payments or obligations would impact the MLP’s revenues and cash flows and ability to make interest payments and distributions.

 

Dependence on Limited Number of MLP Customers and Suppliers

 

Certain MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies in which we may invest depend upon a limited number of customers for a majority of their revenue. Similarly, certain MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies in which we may invest 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 MLPs’ and other Midstream Companies’ results of operation and cash flow, and their ability to make distributions to stockholders could therefore be materially adversely affected.

 

Delay in Use of Proceeds

 

Although we intend to invest the proceeds of this offering in accordance with our investment objective as soon as practicable, such investments may be delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the time. The trading market and volumes for securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may, at

times, be less liquid than the market for other securities. Pending such investment, the proceeds of the offering may temporarily be invested in cash, cash equivalents, short-term securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities or in high quality, short-term or long-term debt obligations or money market instruments. Income we received from these securities would likely be less than returns and yields sought pursuant to our investment objective and policies. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Inflation/Deflation Risk

 

Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investment will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of our securities and distributions that we pay declines. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with our use of leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to our common stockholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the our portfolio.

 

Cash Flow Risk

 

A substantial portion of the cash flow received by us is derived from our investment in equity securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. The amount of cash that an MLP or other Midstream Energy Company has available to pay its debt and equity holders depends upon the amount of cash flow generated from the company’s operations. Cash flow from operations will vary from quarter to quarter and is largely dependent on factors affecting the company’s operations and factors affecting the energy industry in general. In addition to the risk factors described herein, other factors which may reduce the amount of cash an MLP or other Midstream Energy Company has available to pay its debt and equity holders include increased operating costs, maintenance capital expenditures, acquisition costs, expansion or construction costs and borrowing costs. Further, covenants in debt instruments issued by MLPs and other Midstream Energy Company in which we intend to invest may restrict distributions to equity holders or, in certain circumstances, may not allow distributions to be made to equity holders.

 

Capital Markets Risk

 

Global financial markets and economic conditions have been, and continue to be, volatile due to a variety of factors. As a result, the cost of raising capital in the debt and equity capital markets has increased. The cost of raising capital from the credit markets generally has increased as many lenders and institutional investors have increased interest rates, enacted tighter lending standards, refused to refinance debt on existing terms or at all and reduced, or in some cases ceased to provide, funding to borrowers. In addition, lending counterparties under existing revolving credit facilities and other debt instruments may be unwilling or unable to meet their funding obligations. Further, some shipping companies in which we invest may be more exposed to European banks’ abilities to fulfill their lending obligations and, as a result, could be disproportionately impacted by the European sovereign debt crisis. Due to these factors, MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may be unable to obtain new debt or equity financing on acceptable terms or at all. If funding is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may not be able to meet their obligations as they come due. Moreover, without adequate funding, MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may be unable to execute their growth strategies, complete future acquisitions, take advantage of other business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on their revenues and results of operations.

 

Equity Securities Risk

 

A substantial percentage of our assets will be invested in equity securities of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. Such securities may be subject to general movements in the stock market and a significant drop in the stock market may depress the price of securities to which we have exposure. Equity

securities prices fluctuate for several reasons, including changes in the financial condition of a particular issuer, investors’ perceptions of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies, the general condition of the relevant stock market, or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, the prices of MLP units and other Midstream Energy Company equity securities may be sensitive to rising interest rates given their yield-based nature. In addition, MLP and other Midstream Energy Company equity securities held by the Company 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.

 

Small Capitalization Risk

 

Certain of the MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies in which we invest may have comparatively smaller capitalizations than other companies whose securities are included in major benchmarked indexes. Investing in the securities of smaller MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies presents some unique investment risks. These MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may have limited product lines and markets, as well as shorter operating histories, less experienced management and more limited financial resources than larger MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies and may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments. Stocks of smaller MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies may be less liquid than those of larger MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies and may experience greater price fluctuations than larger MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. In addition, small-cap securities may not be widely followed by the investment community, which may result in reduced demand. This means that we could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time and price that we would like.

 

Debt Securities Risks

 

Debt securities in which we invest are subject to many of the risks described elsewhere in this section. In addition, they are subject to credit risk and other risks, depending on the quality and other terms of the debt security.

 

Credit Risk.  An issuer of a debt security may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. We 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 by rating agencies may further decrease its value. Additionally, a portfolio company may issue to us a debt security that has payment-in-kind interest, which represents contractual interest added to the principal balance and due at the maturity date of the debt security in which we invest. It is possible that by effectively increasing the principal balance payable to us or deferring cash payment of such interest until maturity, the use of payment-in-kind features will increase the risk that such amounts will become uncollectible when due and payable.

 

Below Investment Grade and Unrated Debt Securities Risk.  Below investment grade debt securities (commonly referred to as “junk bonds” or high yield bonds”) in which we may invest are rated from B3 to Ba1 by Moody’s, from B-to BB+ by Fitch or Standard & Poor’s, or comparably rated by another rating agency. Below investment grade and unrated debt securities generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or debt securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following: greater yield and price volatility; greater credit risk and risk of default; potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions; potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default.

 

In addition, the prices of these below investment grade and other unrated debt securities in which we may invest are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or profitability or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. Below investment grade and unrated debt securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities and the market for

below investment grade and unrated debt securities could contract further under adverse market or economic conditions. In such a scenario, it may be more difficult for us to sell these securities in a timely manner or for as high a price as could be realized if such securities were more widely traded. The market value of below investment grade and unrated debt securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. In the event of a default by a below investment grade or unrated debt security held in our portfolio in the payment of principal or interest, we may incur additional expense to the extent we are required to seek recovery of such principal or interest. For a further description of below investment grade and unrated debt securities and the risks associated therewith, see “Investment Objective and Policies”

 

Prepayment Risk.  Certain debt instruments, particularly below investment grade securities, may contain call or redemption provisions which would allow the issuer thereof to prepay principal prior to the debt instrument’s stated maturity. This is 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 instruments with lower yielding debt instruments. An issuer may also elect to refinance their debt instruments with lower yielding debt instruments if the credit standing of the issuer improves. To the extent debt securities in our portfolio are called or redeemed, we may be forced to reinvest in lower yielding securities.

 

Risks Associated with an Investment in Initial Public Offerings (“IPOs”)

 

Securities purchased in IPOs are often subject to the general risks associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations, and, at times magnified. 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, we 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 us. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in IPOs. Our investment performance during periods when we are unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during periods when we are able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and we cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful. As we grow in size, the positive effect of IPO investments on the Company may decrease.

 

Risks Associated with a Private Investment in a Public Entity (“PIPE”) Transaction

 

PIPE investors 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 we can sell such securities into the public markets, our holdings will be less liquid and any sales will need to be made pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act.

 

Privately Held Company Risk

 

Investing in privately held companies involves risk. For example, privately held 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, our Adviser may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the privately held companies in which we invest. In addition, the securities of privately held companies are generally illiquid, and entail the risks described under “— Liquidity Risk” below.

Liquidity Risk

 

Securities with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements. Kayne Anderson is one of the largest investors in MLPs and Midstream Energy Companies. Thus, it may be more difficult for us to buy and sell significant amounts of such securities without an unfavorable impact on prevailing market prices. Larger purchases or sales of these securities by us in a short period of time may cause abnormal movements in the market price of these securities. As a result, these securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when we believe it is desirable to do so. These securities are also more difficult to value, and Kayne Anderson’s judgment as to value will often be given greater weight than market quotations, if any exist. Investment of our capital in securities that are less actively traded or over time experience decreased trading volume may restrict our ability to take advantage of other market opportunities.

 

We also invest in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities. The term “restricted securities” refers to securities that are unregistered or are held by control persons of the issuer and securities that are subject to contractual restrictions on their resale. Unregistered securities are securities that cannot be sold publicly in the United States without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), unless an exemption from such registration is available. Restricted securities may be more difficult to value and we may have difficulty disposing of such assets either in a timely manner or for a reasonable price. In order to dispose of an unregistered security, we, where we have contractual rights to do so, may have to cause such security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the time the security is registered so that we could sell it. Contractual restrictions on the resale of securities vary in length and scope and are generally the result of a negotiation between the issuer and acquiror of the securities. We would, in either case, bear the risks of any downward price fluctuation during that period. The difficulties and delays associated with selling restricted securities could result in our inability to realize a favorable price upon disposition of such securities, and at times might make disposition of such securities impossible.

 

Our investments in restricted securities may include investments in private companies. Such securities are not registered under the Securities Act until the company becomes a public company. Accordingly, in addition to the risks described above, our ability to dispose of such securities on favorable terms would be limited until the portfolio company becomes a public company.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk

 

We anticipate that our annual portfolio turnover rate will range between 10% and 20%, but the rate may vary greatly from year to year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in our Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. A higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by us. See “Investment Objective and Policies — Investment Practices — Portfolio Turnover” and “Tax Matters.”

 

Derivatives Risk

 

We may purchase and sell derivative investments such as exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, equity, fixed income, interest rate and currency indices, and other financial instruments, enter into total return swaps and various interest rate transactions such as swaps or credit default swaps. We also may purchase derivative investments that combine features of these instruments. The use of derivatives has risks, including the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the other party to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative investments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use these techniques depends on our ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of derivatives may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require us to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation we can realize on an

investment or may cause us to hold a security that we might otherwise sell. Additionally, amounts paid by us as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to derivative transactions are not otherwise available to us for investment purposes.

 

During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011, we purchased put options and wrote covered call options. The fair value of these derivative instruments, measured on a weekly basis, was less than 1% of our total assets during fiscal 2011. In prior years, we have sold covered call options and entered into interest rate swaps. We expect to continue to utilize derivative instruments in a manner similar to our activity during fiscal 2011. We will not allow the fair value of our derivative instruments to exceed 25% of total assets.

 

We currently expect to write covered call options. As the writer of a covered call option, during the option’s life we give up 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 we retain 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. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when we seek to close out an option position. If trading were suspended in an option purchased by us, we would not be able to close out the option. If we were unable to close out a covered call option that we had written on a security, we would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise.

 

Depending on whether we would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on a swap, which in turn would depend on the general state of short-term interest rates at that point in time, a default by a counterparty could negatively impact the performance of our common stock. In addition, at the time an interest rate transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that we would not be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement would not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the performance of our common stock. If we fail to maintain any required asset coverage ratios in connection with any use by us of Leverage Instruments, we may be required to redeem or prepay some or all of the Leverage Instruments. Such redemption or prepayment would likely result in our seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transactions. Early termination of a swap could result in a termination payment by or to us.

 

We segregate liquid assets against or otherwise cover our future obligations under such swap transactions, in order to provide that our future commitments for which we have not segregated liquid assets against or otherwise covered, together with any outstanding Borrowings, do not exceed 331/3% of our total assets less liabilities (other than the amount of our Borrowings). In addition, such transactions and other use of Leverage Instruments by us are subject to the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, which generally restrict us from engaging in such transactions unless the value of our total assets less liabilities (other than the amount of our Borrowings) is at least 300% of the principal amount of our Borrowings and the value of our total assets less liabilities (other than the amount of our Leverage Instruments) are at least 200% of the principal amount of our Leverage Instruments.

 

The use of interest rate and commodity swaps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. Depending on market conditions in general, our use of swaps could enhance or harm the overall performance of our common stock. For example, we may use interest rate swaps in connection with any use by us of Leverage Instruments. To the extent interest rates decline, the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, and could result in a decline in the net asset value of our common stock. In addition, if short-term interest rates are lower than our fixed rate of payment on the interest rate swap, the swap will reduce common stock net earnings. As of January 31, 2012, we had no interest rate swaps outstanding.

 

Interest rate swaps 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 we are contractually obligated to make. If the counterparty defaults, we would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the swap to offset any declines in the value of our portfolio assets being hedged or the increase in our cost of Leverage Instruments. Depending on whether we would be entitled to receive net payments from the counterparty on the swap, which in turn would depend on the general state of the market rates at that point in time, such a default could negatively impact the performance of our common stock.

 

Short Sales Risk

 

Short selling involves selling securities which may or may not be owned and borrowing the same securities for delivery to the purchaser, with an obligation to replace the borrowed securities at a later date. Short selling allows the short seller to profit from declines in market prices to the extent such declines exceed the transaction costs and the costs of borrowing the securities. A short sale creates the risk of an unlimited loss, in that the price of the underlying security could theoretically increase without limit, thus increasing the cost of buying those securities to cover the short position. There can be no assurance that the securities necessary to cover a short position will be available for purchase. Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss.

 

Our obligation to replace a borrowed security is secured by collateral deposited with the broker-dealer, usually cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities similar to those borrowed. We also are required to segregate similar collateral to the extent, if any, necessary so that the value of both collateral amounts in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold short. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which we borrowed the security regarding payment over of any payments received by us on such security, we may not receive any payments (including interest) on the collateral deposited with such broker-dealer.

 

Risks Related to Our Business and Structure

 

Use of Leverage

 

We currently utilize Leverage Instruments and intend to continue to do so. Under normal market conditions, our policy is to utilize Leverage Instruments in an amount that represents approximately 30% of our total assets, including proceeds from such Leverage Instruments (which equates to approximately 50.1% of our net asset value as of January 31, 2012). However, based on market conditions at the time, we may use Leverage Instruments in amounts that represent greater than 30% leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. As of January 31, 2012, our Leverage Instruments represented approximately 27.9% of our total assets. Leverage Instruments have seniority in liquidation and distribution rights over our common stock.

 

As of January 31, 2012, we had $775 million of Senior Notes outstanding, and had $60 million borrowed under our revolving credit facility. As of January 31, 2012, we had outstanding 4,400,000 shares of Series A MRP Shares ($110 million aggregate liquidation preference), 320,000 shares of Series B MRP Shares ($8 million aggregate liquidation preference), 1,680,000 shares of Series C MRP Shares ($42 million aggregate liquidation preference) and 4,000,000 shares of Series D MRP Shares ($100 million aggregate liquidation preference). Our revolving credit facility has a term of three years and matures on June 11, 2013. Our Senior Notes and MRP Shares have maturity dates and mandatory redemption dates ranging from 2012 to 2022. If we are unable to renew or refinance our credit facility prior to maturity or if we are unable to refinance our Senior Notes or MRP Shares as they mature, we may be forced to sell securities in our portfolio to repay debt as it matures. If we are required to sell portfolio securities to repay outstanding debt, such sales may be at prices lower than what we would otherwise realize if were not required to sell such securities at such time. Additionally, we may be unable to refinance our debt or sell a sufficient amount of portfolio securities to repay debt as it matures, which could cause an event of default on our debt securities.

 

Leverage Instruments constitute a substantial lien and burden by reason of their prior claim against our income and against our net assets in liquidation. The rights of lenders to receive payments of interest on

and repayments of principal of any Borrowings are senior to the rights of holders of common stock and preferred stock, with respect to the payment of distributions or upon liquidation. We may not be permitted to declare dividends and distributions with respect to common stock or preferred stock or purchase common stock or preferred stock unless at such time, we meet certain asset coverage requirements and no event of default exists under any Borrowing. In addition, we may not be permitted to pay distributions on common stock unless all dividends on the preferred stock and/or accrued interest on Borrowings have been paid, or set aside for payment.

 

In an event of default under any Borrowing, the lenders have the right to cause a liquidation of collateral (i.e., sell MLP units and other of our assets) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well. If an event of default occurs or in an effort to avoid an event of default, we may be forced to sell securities at inopportune times and, as a result, receive lower prices for such security sales.

 

Certain types of leverage, including the Senior Notes, subject us to certain affirmative covenants relating to asset coverage and our portfolio composition and may impose special restrictions on our use of various investment techniques or strategies or in our ability to pay distributions on common stock and preferred stock in certain instances. In addition, we are subject to certain negative covenants relating to transactions with affiliates, mergers and consolidation, among others. We are also subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which issue ratings for Leverage Instruments issued by us. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. Kayne Anderson does not believe that these covenants or guidelines will impede it from managing our portfolio in accordance with our investment objective and policies.

 

Our Series N, P and U Notes pay interest expense based on short-term interest rates and our interest expense on borrowings under our credit facility is based on short-term interest rates. If short-term interest rates rise, interest rates on our debt securities, collectively referred to as “senior securities,” may rise so that the amount of interest payable to holders of our senior securities would exceed the amount of income from our portfolio securities. This might require us to sell portfolio securities at a time when we otherwise would not do so, which may affect adversely our future earnings ability. While we may manage this risk through interest rate transactions, there is no guarantee that we will implement these strategies or that we will be successful in reducing or eliminating interest rate risk. In addition, rising market interest rates could impact negatively the value of our investment portfolio, reducing the amount of assets serving as asset coverage for our senior securities.

 

Interest Rate Hedging Risk

 

We hedge against interest rate risk resulting from our leveraged capital structure. We do not intend to hedge interest rate risk of portfolio holdings. Interest rate transactions that we may use for hedging purposes will expose us to certain risks that differ from the risks associated with our portfolio holdings. There are economic costs of hedging reflected in the price of interest rate swaps and similar techniques, the cost of which can be significant. In addition, our success in using hedging instruments is subject to our Adviser’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedging instruments to our leverage risk, and there can be no assurance that our Adviser’s judgment in this respect will be accurate. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of interest rate swaps could decline, and result in a decline in the net asset value of our common stock. In addition, if the counterparty to an interest rate swap or cap defaults, we would not be able to use the anticipated net receipts under the interest rate swap to offset our cost of financial leverage.

 

Tax Risks

 

In addition to other risk considerations, an investment in our securities will involve certain tax risks, including, but not limited to, the risks summarized below and discussed in more detail in this prospectus. The federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of an investment in and holding of our securities will depend

on the facts of each investor’s situation. Investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisers regarding the specific tax consequences that may affect them.

 

We cannot assure you what percentage of the distributions paid on our common stock, if any, will be treated as qualified dividend income or return of capital or what the tax rates on various types of income or gain will be in future years. New legislation could negatively impact the amount and tax characterization of distributions received by our common stockholders. Under current law, qualified dividend income received by individual stockholders is taxed at a maximum federal tax rate of 15% for individuals, provided a holding period requirement and certain other requirements are met. This reduced rate of tax on qualified dividend income is currently scheduled to revert to ordinary income rates, and the maximum 15% federal income tax rate for long-term capital gain is scheduled to revert to 20% (or 18% for assets held more than five years) for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. In addition, certain recent proposals have called for the elimination of tax incentives widely used by oil, gas and coal companies and the imposition of new fees on certain energy producers. The elimination of such tax incentives and imposition of such fees could adversely affect MLPs in which we invest and the energy sector generally.

 

Deferred Tax Risks.  As a limited partner in the MLPs in which we invest, we will be allocated our distributive share of income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits from those MLPs. Historically, a significant portion of income from such MLPs has been offset by tax deductions. We will incur a current tax liability on our distributive share of an MLP’s income and gains that is not offset by tax deductions, losses, and credits, or our capital or net operating loss carryforwards or other applicable deductions, if any. The percentage of an MLP’s income and gains which is offset by tax deductions, losses, and credits will fluctuate over time for various reasons. A significant slowdown in acquisition activity or capital spending by MLPs held in our portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in increased current tax liability to us.

 

We 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 capital or deferred taxes. Such estimates are made in good faith. From time to time, as new information becomes available, we modify our estimates or assumptions regarding our deferred taxes. See “Tax Matters.”

 

Deferred Tax Risks of Investing in our Securities.  A reduction in the return of capital portion of the distributions that we receive from our portfolio investments or an increase in our earnings and profits and portfolio turnover may reduce that portion of our distribution treated as a tax-deferred return of capital and increase that portion treated as a dividend, resulting in lower after-tax distributions to our common and preferred stockholders. See “Tax Matters.”

 

Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares Accounting Designation Risk

 

We believe that because our mandatory redeemable preferred shares have a fixed term, under generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to classify those outstanding preferred shares as debt securities on our financial statements.

 

Management Risk; Dependence on Key Personnel of Kayne Anderson

 

Our portfolio is subject to management risk because it is actively managed. Our Adviser applies investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for us, but there can be no guarantee that they will produce the desired results.

 

We depend upon Kayne Anderson’s key personnel for our future success and upon their access to certain individuals and investments in the MLP and Midstream Energy industries. In particular, we depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of our portfolio managers, who evaluate, negotiate, structure, close and monitor our investments. These individuals do not have long-term employment contracts

with Kayne Anderson, although they do have equity interests and other financial incentives to remain with Kayne Anderson. For a description of Kayne Anderson, see “Management — Investment Adviser.” We also depend on the senior management of Kayne Anderson. The departure of any of our portfolio managers or the senior management of Kayne Anderson could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective. In addition, we can offer no assurance that KAFA will remain our investment adviser or that we will continue to have access to Kayne Anderson’s industry contacts and deal flow.

 

Conflicts of Interest of Kayne Anderson

 

Conflicts of interest may arise because Kayne Anderson and its affiliates generally carry on substantial investment activities for other clients in which we will have no interest. Kayne Anderson or its affiliates may have financial incentives to favor certain of such accounts over us. Any of their proprietary accounts and other customer accounts may compete with us for specific trades. Kayne Anderson or its affiliates may buy or sell securities for us which differ from securities bought or sold for other accounts and customers, even though their investment objectives and policies may be similar to ours. Situations may occur when we could be disadvantaged because of the investment activities conducted by Kayne Anderson or its affiliates for their other accounts. Such situations may be based on, among other things, legal or internal restrictions on the combined size of positions that may be taken for us and the other accounts, thereby limiting the size of our position, or the difficulty of liquidating an investment for us and the other accounts where the market cannot absorb the sale of the combined position.

 

Our investment opportunities may be limited by affiliations of Kayne Anderson or its affiliates with MLPs or other Midstream Energy Companies. In addition, to the extent that Kayne Anderson sources and structures private investments in MLPs, certain employees of Kayne Anderson may become aware of actions planned by MLPs, such as acquisitions, that may not be announced to the public. It is possible that we could be precluded from investing in an MLP about which Kayne Anderson has material non-public information; however, it is Kayne Anderson’s intention to ensure that any material non-public information available to certain Kayne Anderson employees not be shared with those employees responsible for the purchase and sale of publicly traded MLP securities.

 

KAFA also manages Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment company listed on the NYSE under the ticker “KYE,” Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company, a closed-end investment company listed on the NYSE under the ticker “KED,” Kayne Anderson Midstream/Energy Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment company listed on the NYSE under the ticker “KMF,” and two private investment funds, KA First Reserve, LLC and KA First Reserve XII, LLC, which together had approximately $0.9 billion in combined total assets as of January 31, 2012, and KACALP manages several private investment funds (collectively, “Affiliated Funds”). Some of the Affiliated Funds have investment objectives that are similar to or overlap with ours. In particular, certain Affiliated Funds invest in MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. Further, Kayne Anderson may at some time in the future, manage other investment funds with the same investment objective as ours.

 

Investment decisions for us are made independently from those of Kayne Anderson’s other clients; however, from time to time, the same investment decision may be made for more than one fund or account. When two or more clients advised by Kayne Anderson or its affiliates seek to purchase or sell the same publicly traded securities, the securities actually purchased or sold are allocated among the clients on a good faith equitable basis by Kayne Anderson in its discretion in accordance with the clients’ various investment objectives and procedures adopted by Kayne Anderson and approved by our Board of Directors. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the price or size of the position we may obtain. In other cases, however, our ability to participate in volume transactions may produce better execution for us.

 

We and our affiliates, including Affiliated Funds, may be precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities, including in any portfolio companies that we control. Except as permitted by law, Kayne Anderson will not co-invest its other clients’ assets in the private transactions in which we invest.

Kayne Anderson will allocate private investment opportunities among its clients, including us, based on allocation policies that take into account several suitability factors, including the size of the investment opportunity, the amount each client has available for investment and the client’s investment objectives. These allocation policies may result in the allocation of investment opportunities to an Affiliated Fund rather than to us. The policies contemplate that Kayne Anderson will exercise discretion, based on several factors relevant to the determination, in allocating the entirety, or a portion, of such investment opportunities to an Affiliated Fund, in priority to other prospectively interested advisory clients, including us. In this regard, when applied to specified investment opportunities that would normally be suitable for us, the allocation policies may result in certain Affiliated Funds having greater priority than us to participate in such opportunities depending on the totality of the considerations, including, among other things, our available capital for investment, our existing holdings, applicable tax and diversification standards to which we may then be subject and the ability to efficiently liquidate a portion of our existing portfolio in a timely and prudent fashion in the time period required to fund the transaction.

 

The investment management fee paid to our Adviser is based on the value of our assets, as periodically determined. A significant percentage of our assets may be illiquid securities acquired in private transactions for which market quotations will not be readily available. Although we will adopt valuation procedures designed to determine valuations of illiquid securities in a manner that reflects their fair value, there typically is a range of prices that may be established for each individual security. Senior management of our Adviser, our Board of Directors and its Valuation Committee, and a third-party valuation firm participate in the valuation of our securities. See “Net Asset Value.”

 

Risk of Owning Securities of Affiliates

 

From time to time, we may “control” or may be an “affiliate” of one or more of our portfolio companies, each as defined in the 1940 Act. In general, under the 1940 Act, we would “control” a portfolio company if we owned 25% or more of its outstanding voting securities and would be an “affiliate” of a portfolio company if we 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 our investment adviser), principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters.

 

We believe that there is significant ambiguity in the application of existing SEC staff interpretations of the term “voting security” to complex structures such as limited partnership interests of the kind in which we invest. As a result, it is possible that the SEC staff may consider that the certain securities investments in limited partnerships are voting securities under the staff’s prevailing interpretations of this term. If such determination is made, we may be regarded as a person affiliated with and controlling the issuer(s) of those securities for purposes of Section 17 of the 1940 Act.

 

In light of the ambiguity of the definition of voting securities, we do not intend to treat any class of limited partnership interests we hold as “voting securities” unless the security holders of such class currently have the ability, under the partnership agreement, to remove the general partner (assuming a sufficient vote of such securities, other than securities held by the general partner, in favor of such removal) or we have an economic interest of sufficient size that otherwise gives us the de facto power to exercise a controlling influence over the partnership. We believe this treatment is appropriate given that the general partner controls the partnership, and without the ability to remove the general partner or the power to otherwise exercise a controlling influence over the partnership due to the size of an economic interest, the security holders have no control over the partnership.

 

We consider Plains All American GP LLC (“PAA GP”) and Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (“PAA”) to be affiliates. This affiliation is a result of (i) our and other affiliated Kayne Anderson funds’ ownership of PAA GP and (ii) the participation of Robert V. Sinnott, the CEO of Kayne Anderson, on the board of PAA GP. We must abide by the 1940 Act restrictions on transactions with affiliates and, as a result, our ability to purchase and sell securities of PAA GP and PAA is more limited.

There is no assurance that the SEC staff will not consider that other limited partnership securities that we own and do not treat as voting securities are, in fact, voting securities for the purposes of Section 17 of the 1940 Act. If such determination were made, we will be required to abide by the restrictions on “control” or “affiliate” transactions as proscribed in the 1940 Act. We or any portfolio company that we control, and our affiliates, may from time to time engage in certain of such joint transactions, purchases, sales and loans in reliance upon and in compliance with the conditions of certain exemptive rules promulgated by the SEC. We cannot assure you, however, that we would be able to satisfy the conditions of these rules with respect to any particular eligible transaction, or even if we were allowed to engage in such a transaction that the terms would be more or as favorable to us or any company that we control as those that could be obtained in arms length transaction. As a result of these prohibitions, restrictions may be imposed on the size of positions that may be taken for us or on the type of investments that we could make.

 

Certain Affiliations

 

We are affiliated with KA Associates, Inc., a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) member broker-dealer. Absent an exemption from the SEC or other regulatory relief, we are generally precluded from effecting certain principal transactions with affiliated brokers, and our ability to utilize affiliated brokers for agency transactions is subject to restrictions. This could limit our ability to engage in securities transactions and take advantage of market opportunities.

 

Valuation Risk

 

Market prices may not be readily available for certain of our investments in restricted or unregistered investments in public companies or investments in private companies. The value of such investments will ordinarily be determined based on fair valuations determined by the Board of Directors or its designee pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. Restrictions on resale or the absence of a liquid secondary market may adversely affect our ability to determine our net asset value. The sale price of securities that are not readily marketable may be lower or higher than our most recent determination of their fair value. Additionally, the value of these securities typically requires more reliance on the judgment of our Adviser than that required for securities for which there is an active trading market. Due to the difficulty in valuing these securities and the absence of an active trading market for these investments, we may not be able to realize these securities’ true value or may have to delay their sale in order to do so.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions

 

Our Charter, Bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation Law include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of us, to convert us to open-end status, or to change the composition of our Board of Directors. We also have adopted other measures that may make it difficult for a third party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our Charter classifying our Board of Directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and provisions authorizing our Board of Directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, and to amend our Charter, without stockholder approval, to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock that we have the authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our Charter and Bylaws, could have the effect of discouraging, delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. As a result, these provisions may deprive our common stockholders of opportunities to sell their common stock at a premium over the then current market price of our common stock. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

Additional Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

Market Discount From Net Asset Value Risk

 

Our common stock has traded both at a premium and at a discount to our net asset value. The last reported sale price, as of January 31, 2012 was $31.35 per share. Our net asset value per share and percentage premium to net asset value per share of our common stock as of January 31, 2012 were $28.97 and 8.2%, respectively. There is no assurance that this premium will continue after the date of this prospectus or that our common stock will not again trade at a discount. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value could decrease as a result of our investment activities and may be greater for investors expecting to sell their shares in a relatively short period following completion of this offering. Although the value of our net assets is generally considered by market participants in determining whether to purchase or sell shares, whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of our common stock depends upon whether the market price of our common stock at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price for our common stock. Because the market price of our common stock is affected by factors such as net asset value, dividend or distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply of and demand for our common stock, stability of distributions, trading volume of our common stock, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict whether our common stock will trade at, below or above net asset value or at, below or above the offering price.

 

Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders

 

The issuance of Leverage Instruments represents the leveraging of our common stock. Leverage is a technique that could adversely affect our common stockholders. Unless the income and capital appreciation, if any, on securities acquired with the proceeds from Leverage Instruments exceed the costs of the leverage, the use of leverage could cause us to lose money. When leverage is used, the net asset value and market value of our common stock will be more volatile. There is no assurance that our use of leverage will be successful.

 

Our common stockholders bear the costs of leverage through higher operating expenses. Our common stockholders also bear management fees, whereas, holders of senior notes or preferred stock, do not bear management fees. Because management fees are based on our total assets, our use of leverage increases the effective management fee borne by our common stockholders. In addition, the issuance of additional senior securities by us would result in offering expenses and other costs, which would ultimately be borne by our common stockholders. Fluctuations in interest rates could increase our interest or dividend payments on Leverage Instruments and could reduce cash available for distributions on common stock. Certain Leverage Instruments are subject to covenants regarding asset coverage, portfolio composition and other matters, which may affect our ability to pay distributions to our common stockholders in certain instances. We may also be required to pledge our assets to the lenders in connection with certain other types of borrowing.

 

Leverage involves other risks and special considerations for common stockholders including: the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of our common stock than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk of fluctuations in dividend rates or interest rates on Leverage Instruments; that the dividends or interest paid on Leverage Instruments may reduce the returns to our common stockholders or result in fluctuations in the distributions paid on our common stock; the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of our common stock than if we were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of our common stock; and when we use financial leverage, the investment management fee payable to Kayne Anderson may be higher than if we did not use leverage.

 

While we may from time to time consider reducing leverage in response to actual or anticipated changes in interest rates in an effort to mitigate the increased volatility of current income and net asset value associated with leverage, there can be no assurance that we will actually reduce leverage in the future or that

any reduction, if undertaken, will benefit our common stockholders. Changes in the future direction of interest rates are very difficult to predict accurately. If we were to reduce leverage based on a prediction about future changes to interest rates, and that prediction turned out to be incorrect, the reduction in leverage would likely result in a reduction in income and/or total returns to common stockholders relative to the circumstance if we had not reduced leverage. We may decide that this risk outweighs the likelihood of achieving the desired reduction to volatility in income and the price of our common stock if the prediction were to turn out to be correct, and determine not to reduce leverage as described above.

 

Finally, the 1940 Act provides certain rights and protections for preferred stockholders which may adversely affect the interests of our common stockholders. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

 

Additional Risks Related to Our Preferred Stock

 

An investment in our preferred stock is subject to the following additional risks:

 

Ratings and Asset Coverage Risk.  Rating agencies have in the past, and may in the future, downgrade the ratings assigned to our senior securities, which may make your securities less liquid in the secondary market. In December 2010, Moody’s downgraded its ratings on our outstanding Series  I, K, M and N Senior Notes from “Aaa” to “Aal”. Fitch assigned each of these series of notes, as well as our outstanding Series O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W Senior Notes, a rating of “AAA”. Fitch has also assigned a rating of “AA” to our outstanding MRP Shares.

 

A rating may not fully or accurately reflect all of the risks associated with a senior security. If a rating agency downgrades the ratings assigned to our senior securities, we may be required to alter our portfolio or redeem our senior securities. We may voluntarily redeem our securities under certain circumstances to the extent permitted under the terms of such securities, which may require that we meet specified asset maintenance tests and other requirements.

 

To the extent that shares of preferred stock offered hereby are rated of similar or the same ratings as those respectively assigned to outstanding MRP Shares and Senior Notes, the ratings do not eliminate or necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our senior securities.

 

We have issued Senior Notes, which constitute or will constitute senior securities representing indebtedness, as defined in the 1940 Act. Accordingly, the value of our total assets, less all our liabilities and indebtedness not represented by such Senior Notes and debt securities, must be at least equal to 300% of the aggregate principal value of such Senior Notes and debt securities. Upon the issuance of our preferred stock, the value of our total assets, less all our liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities must be at least equal, immediately after the issuance of preferred stock, to 200% of the aggregate principal value of the Senior Notes, any debt securities and our preferred stock.

 

We may issue senior securities with asset coverage or portfolio composition provisions in addition to, and more stringent than, those required by the 1940 Act. In addition, restrictions have been and may be imposed by the rating agencies on certain investment practices in which we may otherwise engage. Any lender with respect to any additional Borrowings by us may require additional asset coverage and portfolio composition provisions as well as restrictions on our investment practices.

 

Senior Leverage Risk to Preferred Stockholders.  Because we have outstanding Borrowings and may issue additional debt securities, which are senior to our preferred stock, we are prohibited from declaring, paying or making any dividends on our preferred stock unless we satisfy certain conditions.

 

We are also prohibited from declaring, paying or making any distributions on common stock unless we satisfy certain conditions. See “Description of Capital Stock — Preferred Stock — Limitations on Distributions.”

Our Borrowings may constitute a substantial burden on our preferred stock by reason of their prior claim against our income and against our net assets in liquidation. We may not be permitted to declare dividends or other distributions, including with respect to our preferred stock, or purchase or redeem shares, including preferred stock, unless (1) at the time thereof we meet certain asset coverage requirements and (2) there is no event of default under our Borrowings that is continuing. See “Description of Capital Stock — Preferred Stock — Limitations on Distributions.” In the event of a default under our Borrowings, the holders of our debt securities have the right to accelerate the maturity of debt securities and the trustee may institute judicial proceedings against us to enforce the rights of holders of debt securities.

 

We have paid distributions to common stockholders every fiscal quarter since inception. The following table sets forth information about distributions we paid to our common stockholders, percentage participation by common stockholders in our dividend reinvestment program and reinvestments and related issuances of additional shares of common stock as a result of such participation (the information in the table is unaudited):

 

 

 

 

We intend to continue to pay quarterly distributions to our common stockholders, funded in part by the net distributable income generated from our portfolio investments. The net distributable income generated from our portfolio investments is the amount received by us as cash or paid-in-kind distributions from equity securities owned by us, interest payments received on debt securities owned by us, other payments on securities owned by us, net premiums received from the sale of covered call options and income tax benefits, if any, less current or anticipated operating expenses, income tax expense, if any, and our leverage costs (including dividends on preferred stock issued by us but excluding non-cash amortization of costs to issue

leverage). We expect that a significant portion of our future distributions will be treated as a return of capital to stockholders for tax purposes.

 

Our quarterly distributions to common stockholders, if any, will be determined by our Board of Director and will be subject to meeting the covenants of our debt securities, our revolving credit facilities and other borrowings, and the terms of our preferred stock and asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act. There is no assurance we will continue to pay regular distributions or that we will do so at a particular rate.

 

We pay dividends on the MRP Shares in accordance with the terms thereof. The holders of the Series A MRP Shares, the Series B MRP Shares, the Series C MRP Shares and the Series D MRP Shares shall be entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors from funds legally available for distribution at a rate equal to 5.57% per annum, 4.53% per annum, 5.20% per annum and 4.95% per annum, respectively. Dividend payment dates with respect to the Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares, Series C MRP Shares and Series D MRP Shares shall be, with respect to each dividend period, the first business day of the month next following each dividend period. Dividends on Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares and Series C MRP Shares are payable quarterly and dividends on Series D MRP Shares are payable monthly.

 

The 1940 Act generally limits our long-term capital gain distributions to one per year. This limitation does not apply to that portion of our distributions that is not characterized as long-term capital gain (e.g., return of capital or distribution of interest income). Although we have no current plans to do so, we may in the future apply to the SEC for an exemption from Section 19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder permitting us to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains provided that our distribution policy with respect to our common stock calls for periodic (e.g., quarterly) distributions in an amount equal to a fixed percentage of our average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price per common share at or about the time of distribution or pay-out of a level dollar amount. The exemption also would permit us to make distributions with respect to any shares of preferred stock that we may offer hereby in accordance with such shares’ terms. We cannot assure you that if we apply for this exemption, the requested relief will be granted by the SEC in a timely manner, if at all.

 

Because the cash distributions received from the MLPs in our portfolio are expected to exceed the earnings and profits associated with owning such MLPs, we expect that a significant portion of our distributions will be paid from sources other than our current or accumulated earnings and profits. The portion of the distribution which exceeds our current or accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of a stockholder’s basis in our common stock, then as capital gain. See “Tax Matters.”

 

We have adopted a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) that provides that, unless you elect to receive your dividends or distributions in cash, they will be automatically reinvested by the Plan Administrator, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“AST”), in additional shares of our common stock. If you elect to receive your dividends or distributions in cash, you will receive them in cash paid by check mailed directly to you by the Plan Administrator.

 

No action is required on the part of a registered stockholder to have their cash distribution reinvested in shares of our common stock. Unless you or your brokerage firm decides to opt out of the Plan, the number of shares of common stock you will receive will be determined as follows:

 

 

You may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Plan Administrator, or by telephone in accordance with such reasonable requirements as we and the Plan Administrator may agree upon. If you withdraw or the Plan is terminated, you will receive a certificate for each whole share in your account under the Plan and you will receive a cash payment for any fractional shares in your account. If you wish, the Plan Administrator will sell your shares and send the proceeds to you, less brokerage commissions. The Plan Administrator is authorized to deduct a $15 transaction fee plus a $0.10 per share brokerage commission from the proceeds.

 

The Plan Administrator maintains all common stockholders’ accounts in the Plan and gives written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information you may need for tax records. Common stock in your account will be held by the Plan Administrator in non-certificated form. The Plan Administrator will forward to each participant any proxy solicitation material and will vote any shares so held only in accordance with proxies returned to us. Any proxy you receive will include all common stock you have received under the Plan.

 

There is no brokerage charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in common stock. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Administrator when it makes open market purchases.

 

Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not avoid a taxable event or the requirement to pay income taxes due upon the receipt of dividends and distributions, even though you have not received any cash with which to pay the resulting tax. See “Tax Matters.”

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

 

The Plan Administrator’s fees under the Plan will be borne by us. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, we reserve the right to amend or terminate the Plan, including amending the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants, if in the judgment of the Board of Directors the change is warranted. Any amendment to the Plan, except amendments necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules and policies of the SEC or any other regulatory authority, require us to provide at least 30 days written notice to each participant. Additional information about the Plan may be obtained from American Stock Transfer & Trust Company at 6201 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219.

 

Our investment objective is to obtain high after-tax total return by investing at least 85% of our total assets in public and private investments in MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. Our investment objective is considered a fundamental policy and therefore may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a “majority of the outstanding” voting securities. When used with respect to our voting securities, a “majority of the outstanding” voting securities means (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the shares, whichever is less. There can be no assurance that we will achieve our investment objective.

 

The following investment policies are considered non-fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Directors without the approval of the holders of a “majority of the outstanding” voting securities, provided that the holders of such voting securities receive at least 60 days’ prior written notice of any change:

 

 

Unless otherwise stated, all investment restrictions apply at the time of purchase and we will not be required to reduce a position due solely to market value fluctuations.

 

Description of MLPs

 

Master limited partnerships are entities that are publicly traded and are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. Master limited partnerships are typically structured as limited partnerships or as limited liability companies treated as partnerships. The units for these entities are listed and traded on a U.S. securities exchange. To qualify as a master limited partnership, the entity must receive at least 90% of its

income from qualifying sources as set forth in Section 7704(d) of the Code. These qualifying sources include natural resource-based activities such as the exploration, development, mining, production, gathering, processing, refining, transportation, storage, distribution and marketing of mineral or natural resources. Limited partnerships have two classes of interests: general partner interests and limited partner interests. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the partnership through an equity interest in the partnership (typically up to 2% of total equity). Limited partners own the remainder of the partnership and have a limited role in the partnership’s operations and management.

 

Master limited partnerships organized as limited partnerships generally have two classes of limited partner interests—common units and subordinated units. 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”) in addition to its general partner interest in the master limited partnership.

 

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 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 receives 48% of every incremental dollar paid to partners. These IDRs encourage the general partner to streamline costs, make investments and acquire assets in order to increase the partnership’s cash flow and raise the quarterly cash distribution in order to reach higher tiers. Such results benefit all security holders of the master limited partnership.

 

The MLPs in which we invest are currently classified by us as midstream MLPs, propane MLPs, coal MLPs, upstream MLPs and other MLPs. As described below, we further sub-categorized into the following groups:

 

 

 

For purposes of our investment objective, the term “MLPs” includes affiliates of MLPs that own general partner interests or, in some cases, subordinated units, registered or unregistered common units, or other limited partner units in an MLP.

 

Description of Other Midstream Energy Companies

 

Other Midstream Energy Companies are companies, other than midstream MLPs, that own and operate assets used in transporting, storing, gathering, processing, distributing or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined products. These companies are not structured as Master Limited Partnerships and are taxed as corporations.

 

Our Portfolio

 

At any given time, we expect that our portfolio will have some or all of the types of the following types of investments: (i) equity securities of MLPs, (ii) equity securities of other Midstream Energy Companies, (iii) equity securities of private companies and (iv) debt securities. A description of our investment policies and restrictions and more information about our portfolio investments are contained in this prospectus and our SAI.

 

Investment Practices

 

Covered Calls.  We currently expect to write call options with the purpose of generating realized gains or reducing our ownership of certain securities. We will only write call options on securities that we hold in our portfolio (i.e., covered calls). A call option on a security is a contract that gives the holder of such call option the right to buy the security underlying the call option from the writer of such call option at a specified price at any time during the term of the option. At the time the call option is sold, the writer of a call option receives a premium (or call premium) from the buyer of such call option. If we write a call option on a security, we have the obligation upon exercise of such call option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price. When we write a call option, an amount equal to the premium received by us will be recorded as a liability and will be subsequently adjusted to the current fair value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by us as realized gains from investments on the expiration date. If we repurchase a written call option prior to its exercise, the difference between the premium received and the amount paid to repurchase the option is treated as a realized gain or

realized loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether we have realized a gain or loss. We, as the writer of the option, bear the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

 

Interest Rate Swaps.  We currently expect to utilize hedging techniques such as interest rate swaps to mitigate potential interest rate risk on a portion of our Leverage Instruments. Such interest rate swaps would principally be used to protect us against higher costs on our Leverage Instruments resulting from increases in short-term interest rates. We anticipate that the majority of our interest rate hedges will be interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions.

 

Use of Arbitrage and Other Derivative-Based Strategies.  We may use short sales, arbitrage and other strategies to try to generate additional return. As part of such strategies, we may (i) engage in paired long-short trades to arbitrage pricing disparities in securities held in our portfolio; (ii) purchase call options or put options, (iii) enter into total return swap contracts; or (iv) sell securities short. Paired trading consists of taking a long position in one security and concurrently taking a short position in another security within the same or an affiliated issuer. With a long position, we purchase a stock outright; whereas with a short position, we would sell a security that we do not own and must borrow to meet our settlement obligations. We will realize a profit or incur a loss from a short position depending on whether the value of the underlying stock decreases or increases, respectively, between the time the stock is sold and when we replace the borrowed security. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Investments and Investment Techniques—Short Sales Risk.” A total return swap is a contract between two parties designed to replicate the economics of directly owning a security. We may enter into total return swaps with financial institutions related to equity investments in certain master limited partnerships.

 

Value of Derivative Instruments.  For purposes of determining compliance with the requirement that we invest 80% of our total assets in MLPs, we value derivative instruments based on their respective current fair market values.

 

Other Risk Management Strategies.  To a lesser extent, we may use various hedging and other risk management strategies to seek to manage market risks. Such hedging strategies would be utilized to seek to protect against possible adverse changes in the market value of securities held in our portfolio, or to otherwise protect the value of our portfolio. We may execute our hedging and risk management strategy by engaging in a variety of transactions, including buying or selling options or futures contracts on indexes. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Investments and Investment Techniques—Derivatives Risk.”

 

Portfolio Turnover.  We anticipate that our annual portfolio turnover rate will range between 10% and 20%, but the rate may vary greatly from year to year. Portfolio turnover rate is not considered a limiting factor in the Adviser’s execution of investment decisions. The types of MLPs in which we intend to invest historically have made cash distributions to limited partners that would not be taxed as income to us in that tax year but rather would be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of our basis. As a result, the tax related to such distribution would be deferred until subsequent sale of our MLP units, at which time we would pay any required tax on capital gain. Therefore, the sooner we sell such MLP units, the sooner we would be required to pay tax on resulting capital gains, and the cash available to us to pay distributions to our common stockholders in the year of such tax payment would be less than if such taxes were deferred until a later year. In addition, the greater the number of such MLP units that we sell in any year, i.e., the higher our turnover rate, the greater our potential tax liability for that year. These taxable gains may increase our current and accumulated earnings and profits, resulting in a greater portion of our common stock distributions being treated as dividend income to our common stockholders. In addition, a higher portfolio turnover rate results in correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transactional expenses that are borne by us. See “Tax Matters.”

 

We generally will seek to enhance our total returns through the use of financial leverage, which may include the issuance of Leverage Instruments. Under normal market conditions, our policy is to utilize Leverage Instruments in an amount that represents approximately 30% of our total assets, including proceeds from such Leverage Instruments (which equates to 50.1% of our net asset value as of January 31, 2012). However, based on market conditions at the time, we may use Leverage Instruments in amounts that represent greater than 30% leverage to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. As of January 31, 2012, our Leverage Instruments represented approximately 27.9% of our total assets. At January 31, 2012, our asset coverage ratios under the 1940 Act were 393% and 299% for debt and total leverage (debt plus preferred stock), respectively. We currently target an asset coverage ratio with respect to our debt of 375%, but at times may be above or below our target depending on market conditions. Depending on the type of Leverage Instruments involved, our use of financial leverage may require the approval of our Board of Directors. Leverage creates a greater risk of loss, as well as potential for more gain, for our common stock than if leverage is not used. Our common stock is junior in liquidation and distribution rights to our Leverage Instruments. We expect to invest the net proceeds derived from any use of Leverage Instruments according to the investment objective and policies described in this prospectus.

 

Leverage creates risk for our common stockholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of our common stock, and the risk of fluctuations in dividend rates or interest rates on Leverage Instruments which may affect the return to the holders of our common stock or will result in fluctuations in the distributions paid by us on our common stock. To the extent the return on securities purchased with funds received from Leverage Instruments exceeds their cost (including increased expenses to us), our total return will be greater than if Leverage Instruments had not been used. Conversely, if the return derived from such securities is less than the cost of Leverage Instruments (including increased expenses to us), our total return will be less than if Leverage Instruments had not been used, and therefore, the amount available for distribution to our common stockholders will be reduced. In the latter case, our Adviser in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain our leveraged position if it expects that the long-term benefits of so doing will outweigh the near-term impact of the reduced return to our common stockholders.

 

The management fees paid to our Adviser will be calculated on the basis of our total assets including proceeds from Leverage Instruments. During periods in which we use financial leverage, the management fee payable to our Adviser may be higher than if we did not use a leveraged capital structure. Consequently, we and our Adviser may have differing interests in determining whether to leverage our assets. Our Board of Directors monitors our use of Leverage Instruments and this potential conflict. The use of leverage creates risks and involves special considerations. See “Risk Factors—Additional Risks Related to Our Common Stock—Leverage Risk to Common Stockholders.”

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law authorizes us, without prior approval of our common stockholders, to borrow money. In this regard, we may obtain proceeds through Borrowings and may secure any such Borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets. In connection with such Borrowings, we 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 such Borrowing over its stated interest rate.

 

Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, we, immediately after issuing any senior securities representing indebtedness, must have an asset coverage of at least 300% after such issuance. With respect to such issuance, asset coverage means the ratio which the value of our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness issued by us.

 

The rights of our lenders to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any Borrowings will be senior to those of our common stockholders, and the terms of any such Borrowings may contain provisions

which limit certain of our activities, including the payment of distributions to our common stockholders in certain circumstances. Under the 1940 Act, we may not declare any dividend or other distribution on any class of our capital stock, or purchase any such capital stock, unless our aggregate indebtedness has, at the time of the declaration of any such dividend or distribution, or at the time of any such purchase, an asset coverage of at least 300% after declaring the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase price, as the case may be. Further, the 1940 Act does (in certain circumstances) grant our lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal.

 

Certain types of Leverage Instruments subject us to certain affirmative covenants relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition and may impose special restrictions on our use of various investment techniques or strategies or on our ability to pay distributions on common stock in certain circumstances. In addition, we are subject to certain negative covenants relating to transactions with affiliates, mergers and consolidations among others. We are also subject to certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies, which issue ratings for the Leverage Instruments issued by us. These 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 our Adviser from managing our portfolio in accordance with our investment objective and policies.

 

In an event of default under any Borrowing, the lenders have the right to cause a liquidation of collateral (i.e. sell securities in our portfolio and other assets) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well. If an event of default occurs or in an effort to avoid an event of default, we may be forced to sell securities at inopportune times and, as a result, receive lower prices for such security sales.

 

Under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to issue preferred stock unless immediately after such issuance the value of our total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities is at least 200% of the sum of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred stock plus the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. In addition, we are not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on our common stock unless, at the time of such declaration, our preferred stock has an asset coverage of at least 200%. Further, we have agreed, while the MRP Shares are outstanding, to maintain asset coverage of at least 225%. If necessary, we will purchase or redeem our preferred stock to maintain the applicable asset coverage ratio. In addition, as a condition to obtaining ratings on the preferred stock, the terms of any preferred stock include asset coverage maintenance provisions which will require the redemption of the preferred stock in the event of non-compliance by us and may also prohibit distributions on our common stock in such circumstances. In order to meet redemption requirements, we may have to liquidate portfolio securities. Such liquidations and redemptions would cause us to incur related transaction costs and could result in capital losses to us. If we have preferred stock outstanding, two of our directors will be elected by the holders of preferred stock as a class. Our remaining directors will be elected by holders of our common stock and preferred stock voting together as a single class. In the event we fail to pay dividends on our preferred stock for two years, holders of preferred stock would be entitled to elect a majority of our directors.

 

To the extent that we use additional Leverage Instruments, the Borrowings that we anticipate issuing will have maturity dates ranging from 1 to 10 years from the date of issuance. The preferred stock we anticipate issuing is a mandatory redeemable preferred that must be redeemed within 5 to 10 years from the date of issuance. If we are unable to refinance such Leverage Instruments when they mature, we may be forced to sell securities in our portfolio to repay such Leverage Instruments. Further, if we do not repay the Leverage Instruments when they mature, we will trigger an event of default on our Borrowings (which will increase the interest rate on such Borrowings and give the holders of such Borrowings certain rights) and will trigger a higher dividend rate on our preferred stock.

 

We may also borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which otherwise might require

untimely dispositions of our securities. See “Investment Objective and Policies—Our Portfolio—Temporary Defensive Position.”

 

Effects of Leverage

 

As of January 31, 2012, we had thirteen series of Senior Notes outstanding with a total principal amount of $775 million. Ten of the series of the Senior Notes have fixed interest rates and three series have floating interest rates. The following Senior Notes have fixed interest rates: Series I Notes—5.847% ($60 million outstanding); Series K Notes—5.991% ($125 million outstanding); Series M Notes—4.560% ($60 million outstanding); Series O—4.21% ($65 million outstanding); Series Q Notes—3.23% ($15 million outstanding); Series R Notes—3.73% ($25 million outstanding); Series S Notes—4.40% ($60 million outstanding); Series T Notes—4.50% ($40 million outstanding); Series V Notes—3.71% ($70 million outstanding); and Series W Notes—4.31% ($100 million outstanding). The Series N, Series P and Series U Senior Notes are floating rate notes whose interest payments are based on 3-month LIBOR plus 1.85% ($50 million outstanding), 3-month LIBOR plus 1.60% ($45 million outstanding) and 3-month LIBOR plus 1.45% ($60 million outstanding), respectively.

 

The interest rates payable by us on our borrowings made under our revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., UBS AG, Citibank, N.A., the Bank of Nova Scotia, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and Royal Bank of Canada may vary between LIBOR plus 1.75% and LIBOR plus 3.00%, depending on asset coverage ratios. Outstanding loan balances will accrue interest daily at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.75% per annum based on current asset coverage ratios. As of January 31, 2012, we had $60 million borrowed under our revolving credit facility. We pay a commitment fee equal to a rate of 0.40% per annum on any unused amounts of the $175 million commitment for the revolving credit facility. As of January 31, 2012, the dividend rates for the Series A MRP Shares, the Series B MRP Shares, the Series C MRP Shares and the Series D MRP Shares were 5.57%, 4.53%, 5.20% and 4.95%, respectively. Assuming that our leverage costs remain as described above, our average annual cost of leverage would be 4.53%. Income generated by our portfolio as of January 31, 2012 must exceed 1.65% in order to cover such leverage costs. These numbers are merely estimates used for illustration; actual dividend or interest rates on the Leverage Instruments will vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above.

 

The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on common stock total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of income and changes in the value of securities held in our portfolio) of minus 10% to plus 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by us. See “Risk Factors.” Further, the assumed investment portfolio total returns are after all of our expenses other than expenses associated with leverage, but such leverage expenses are included when determining the common stock total return. The table further reflects the issuance of Leverage Instruments representing 27.9% of our total assets (actual leverage at January 31, 2012), and our estimated leverage costs of 4.53%. The cost of leverage is expressed as a blended interest/dividend rate and represents the weighted average cost on our Leverage Instruments.

 

 

Common stock total return is composed of two elements: common stock distributions paid by us (the amount of which is largely determined by our net distributable income after paying dividends or interest on our Leverage Instruments) and gains or losses on the value of the securities we own. As required by SEC rules, the table above assumes that we are more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0% we must assume that the distributions we receive on our investments is entirely offset by losses in the value of those securities.

 

Directors and Officers

 

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Directors, including supervision of the duties performed by our Adviser. Our Board of Directors currently consists of five directors. The Board of Directors consists of a majority of directors who are not “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. We refer to these individuals as our “Independent Directors.” The Board of Directors elects our officers, who serve at the Board’s discretion, and are responsible for our day-to-day operations. Additional information regarding our Board and its committees is set forth under “Management” in our SAI.

 

Investment Adviser

 

KAFA is our investment adviser and is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). KAFA also is responsible for managing our business affairs and providing certain clerical, bookkeeping and other administrative services. KAFA is a Delaware limited liability company. The managing member of KAFA is KACALP, an investment adviser registered with the SEC under the Advisers Act. Kayne Anderson has one general partner, Kayne Anderson Investment Management, Inc., and a number of individual limited partners. Kayne Anderson Investment Management, Inc. is a Nevada corporation controlled by Richard A. Kayne. Kayne Anderson’s predecessor was established as an independent investment advisory firm in 1984.

 

KAFA’s management of our portfolio is led by two of its Senior Managing Directors, Kevin S. McCarthy and J.C. Frey, who have each served as our portfolio managers since our inception in 2004. Our portfolio managers draw on the research and analytical support of David L. LaBonte, a Senior Managing Director of Kayne Anderson, as well as the experience and expertise of other professionals at Kayne Anderson, including its Chairman, Richard Kayne, and its President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert V. Sinnott, as well as James C. Baker and Jody C. Meraz.

 

Kevin S. McCarthy is our Chief Executive Officer and he has served as the Chief Executive Officer and co-portfolio manager of Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund since May 2005, of Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company since September 2006 and of Kayne Anderson Midstream/Energy Fund, Inc. since August 2010. Mr. McCarthy has served as a Senior Managing Director at KACALP since June 2004 and of KAFA since 2006. Prior to that, Mr. McCarthy was global head of energy at UBS Securities LLC. In this role, Mr. McCarthy had senior responsibility for all of UBS’ energy investment banking activities. Mr. McCarthy was with UBS Securities from 2000 to 2004. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. McCarthy led the energy investment banking activities of Dean Witter Reynolds and then PaineWebber Incorporated. Mr. McCarthy began his investment banking career in 1984. Mr. McCarthy earned a BA degree in Economics and Geology from Amherst College in 1981, and an MBA degree in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1984.

 

J.C. Frey is a Senior Managing Director of Kayne Anderson. Mr. Frey serves as portfolio manager of Kayne Anderson’s funds investing in MLP securities, including service as a co-portfolio manager, Executive Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer of Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company, Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company and Kayne Anderson Midstream/Energy Fund, Inc. Mr. Frey began investing in MLPs on behalf of Kayne Anderson in 1998 and has served as portfolio manager of Kayne Anderson’s MLP funds since their inception in 2000. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 1997, Mr. Frey was a CPA and audit manager in KPMG Peat Marwick’s financial services group, specializing in banking and finance clients, and loan securitizations. Mr. Frey graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a BS degree in Accounting in 1990. In 1991, he received a Master’s degree in Taxation from the University of Southern California.

Richard A. Kayne is Chairman of Kayne Anderson and its affiliated broker-dealer, KA Associates, Inc. Mr. Kayne began his career in 1966 as an analyst with Loeb, Rhodes & Co. in New York. Prior to forming Kayne Anderson’s predecessor in 1984, Mr. Kayne was a principal of Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Inc., where he managed private accounts, a hedge fund and a portion of the firm’s capital. Mr. Kayne is a trustee of and the former Chairman of the Investment Committee of the University of California at Los Angeles Foundation, and is a trustee and Co-Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles. Mr. Kayne earned a BS degree in Statistics from Stanford University in 1966 and an MBA degree from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management in 1968.

 

Robert V. Sinnott is President and Chief Executive Officer of Kayne Anderson. Mr. Sinnott is a member of the Board of Directors of Plains All American Pipeline, LP and Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company. He joined Kayne Anderson in 1992. From 1986 to 1992, Mr. Sinnott was Vice President and senior securities officer of Citibank’s Investment Banking Division, concentrating in high-yield corporate buyouts and restructuring opportunities. From 1981 to 1986, Mr. Sinnott served as Director of corporate finance for United Energy Resources, a pipeline company. Mr. Sinnott began his career in the financial industry in 1976 as a Vice President and debt analyst for Bank of America in its oil and gas finance department. Mr. Sinnott graduated from the University of Virginia in 1971 with a BA degree in Economics. In 1976, Mr. Sinnott received an MBA degree in Finance from Harvard University.

 

David L. LaBonte is a Senior Managing Director of Kayne Anderson, responsible for coordinating and providing research and analytical support in the MLP industry. Mr. LaBonte joined Kayne Anderson from Citigroup’s Smith Barney unit, where he was a Managing Director in the U.S. Equity Research Division responsible for providing research coverage of MLPs and other Midstream Energy Companies. Mr. LaBonte worked at Smith Barney from 1998 until March 2005. Prior thereto, Mr. LaBonte was a Vice President in the Investment Management Group of Wells Fargo Bank, where he was responsible for research coverage of the natural gas pipeline industry and managing equity and fixed-income portfolios. In 1993, Mr. LaBonte received his BS degree in Corporate Finance from California Polytechnic University—Pomona.

 

James C. Baker is a Senior Managing Director of Kayne Anderson, providing analytical support for investments in the MLP area. He also serves as our Executive Vice President and as Executive Vice President of Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company and Kayne Anderson Midstream/Energy Fund, Inc. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2004, Mr. Baker was a Director in the energy investment banking group at UBS Securities LLC. At UBS, Mr. Baker focused on securities underwriting and mergers and acquisitions in the MLP industry. Prior to joining UBS in 2000, Mr. Baker was an Associate in the energy investment banking group at PaineWebber Incorporated. Mr. Baker received a BBA degree in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin in 1995 and an MBA degree in Finance from Southern Methodist University in 1997.

 

Ron M. Logan, Jr. is a Managing Director of Kayne Anderson and a Senior Vice President of Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2006, Mr. Logan was an independent consultant to several leading energy firms. From 2003 to 2005, he served as Senior Vice President of Ferrellgas Inc. with responsibility for the firm’s supply, wholesale, transportation, storage, and risk management activities. Before joining Ferrellgas, Mr. Logan was employed for six years by Dynegy Midstream Services where he was Vice President of the Louisiana Gulf Coast Region and also headed the company’s business development activities. Mr. Logan began his career with Chevron Corporation in 1984, where he held positions of increasing responsibility in marketing, trading and commercial development through 1997. Mr. Logan earned a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1983 and an MBA degree from the University of Chicago in 1994.

 

Kurt Prohl is a Managing Director of Kayne Anderson. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2007, Mr. Prohl was a Vice President in the energy investment banking group at BMO Capital Markets. At BMO, he focused on securities underwriting and mergers and acquisitions across the energy sector, including the MLP industry. Prior to joining BMO in 2005, Mr. Prohl was a Director in the energy investment banking group at

UBS Securities LLC and Paine Webber Incorporated, focusing on the MLP industry. He began his finance career with the IBM Credit Corporation in 1989. Mr. Prohl earned a BA degree in both Business and Political Science from Lafayette College in 1989 and an MBA degree from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College in 1996.

 

Jody C. Meraz is a Senior Vice President for Kayne Anderson. He also serves as our Vice President and as Vice President of Kayne Anderson Energy Total Return Fund, Kayne Anderson Energy Development Company and Kayne Anderson Midstream/Energy Fund. He is responsible for providing analytical support for investments in MLPs, Midstream Energy Companies and other energy companies. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2005, Mr. Meraz was a member of the energy investment banking group at Credit Suisse First Boston, where he focused on securities underwriting transactions and mergers and acquisitions. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Meraz was in the Merchant Energy group at El Paso Corporation. Mr. Meraz earned a BA degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001 and an MBA degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago in 2010.

 

Barrett Blaschke is a research analyst for Kayne Anderson. He is responsible for providing research coverage of energy-related master limited partnerships. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2011, Mr. Blaschke was a midstream MLP associate and then an analyst at RBC Capital Markets from 2005 to 2011. From 2004 to 2005, Mr. Blaschke provided private client services for high net worth families. Mr. Blaschke earned a B.S. in Business from Washington and Lee University in 1998 and an MBA from Texas Christian University in 2004.

 

Justin Campeau is a research analyst for Kayne Anderson. He is responsible for providing equity and high yield bond analysis for the coal sector and energy-related master limited partnerships. Mr. Campeau earned a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University in 2006.

 

David Dunning is a research analyst for Kayne Anderson. He is responsible for providing research coverage of Canadian energy infrastructure companies and marine transportation companies. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2008, Mr. Dunning held internships with John S. Herold, Quintana Energy Partners, Quintana Maritime and Neuberger Berman. Mr. Dunning earned a BA degree in History from the University of Pennsylvania in 2008.

 

Marc A. Minikes is a research analyst for Kayne Anderson. He is responsible for providing research coverage of the electric utility industry and marine transportation industry. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2006, Mr. Minikes was a member of the electric utility equity research team at Citigroup Investment Research. Between 2002 and 2004 he worked as a research analyst at GE Asset Management where he focused on high-yield securities in the utility, merchant power and pipeline sectors. Mr. Minikes earned a BA degree in History from the University of Michigan in 1992, an MA degree in Latin American Studies from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1996 and an MBA degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Chicago in 2002. Mr. Minikes is a Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder.

 

Michael E. Schimmel is a research analyst for Kayne Anderson. He is responsible for co-managing the high yield bond and bank loan allocations within several Kayne Anderson funds. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2005, Mr. Schimmel was a credit analyst and convertible bond trader at Akanthos Capital Management, LLC, a Los Angeles based hedge fund that specializes in convertible arbitrage and capital structure arbitrage. From 1994 to 1999 and from 2001 to 2003, he worked as a high-yield credit analyst at Trust Company of the West, where he followed several industries, including industrials and cyclicals. Mr. Schimmel earned a BA degree in Economics from Pomona College in 1993 and an MBA degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2001.

 

David O. Schumacher is a research analyst for Kayne Anderson. He is responsible for providing high-yield security analysis. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2007, Mr. Schumacher was a high-yield analyst at Trust Company of the West following the chemical, refining, paper/packaging, industrial and service

industries. From 2003 to 2005, he worked as a high-yield analyst at Caywood-Scholl Capital Management, a San Diego based high-yield bond manager. Mr. Schumacher earned a BA degree in Public Policy Analysis and Chemistry at Pomona College in 1994 and an MBA degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management in 2003.

 

Aaron P. Terry is a research analyst for Kayne Anderson. He is responsible for providing analytical support for Kayne Anderson’s investments in income trusts and other upstream energy companies. Prior to joining Kayne Anderson in 2011, Mr. Terry was an associate director in the global energy investment banking group at UBS, where he focused on securities underwriting transactions and mergers and acquisitions. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Terry was in the corporate restructuring group at Alvarez & Marsal, specializing in energy turnarounds. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Terry was in the investment banking group at Bear Stearns. Mr. Terry earned his B.B.A. in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of Oklahoma in 1999, and an MBA degree from the University from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006.

 

Our SAI provides information about our portfolio managers’ compensation, other accounts managed by them, and their ownership of securities issued by us.

 

The principal office of our Adviser is located at 717 Texas Avenue, Suite 3100, Houston, Texas 77002. KACALP’s principal office is located at 1800 Avenue of the Stars, Second Floor, Los Angeles, California 90067. For additional information concerning our Adviser, including a description of the services to be provided by our Adviser, see “—Investment Management Agreement” below.

 

Investment Management Agreement

 

Pursuant to an investment management agreement between us and our Adviser, effective for periods commencing on or after December 12, 2006 (the “Investment Management Agreement”), we pay a management fee, computed and paid quarterly at an annual rate of 1.375% of our average quarterly total assets. During the fiscal year ended November 30, 2011, our management fee was 2.4% of our average net assets.

 

For purposes of calculating the management fee, the “average total assets” for each quarterly period are determined by averaging the total assets at the last day of that quarter with the total assets at the last day of the prior quarter. Our total assets shall be equal to our average quarterly gross asset value (which includes assets attributable to or proceeds from our use of Leverage Instruments and excludes any deferred tax assets), minus the sum of our accrued and unpaid distribution on any outstanding common stock and accrued and unpaid dividends on any outstanding preferred stock and accrued liabilities (other than liabilities associated with Leverage Instruments issued by us and any accrued taxes). Liabilities associated with Leverage Instruments include the principal amount of any Borrowings that we issue, the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock, and other liabilities from other forms of borrowing or leverage such as short positions and put or call options held or written by us.

 

In addition to our Adviser’s management fee, we pay all other costs and expenses of our operations, such as compensation of our directors (other than those employed by Kayne Anderson), custodian, transfer agency, administrative, accounting and distribution disbursing expenses, legal fees, leverage expenses, expenses of independent auditors, expenses of personnel including those who are affiliates of Kayne Anderson reasonably incurred in connection with arranging or structuring portfolio transactions for us, expenses of repurchasing our securities, expenses of preparing, printing and distributing stockholder reports, notices, proxy statements and reports to governmental agencies, and taxes, if any.

 

The Investment Management Agreement will continue in effect from year to year after its current one-year term commencing on June 15, 2011, so long as its continuation is approved at least annually by our Board of Directors including a majority of Independent Directors or by the vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities. The Investment Management Agreement may be terminated at any time without

the payment of any penalty upon 60 days’ written notice by either party, or by action of the Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of our outstanding voting securities, accompanied by appropriate notice. It also provides that it will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment, within the meaning of the 1940 Act. This means that an assignment of the Investment Management Agreement to an affiliate of Kayne Anderson would normally not cause a termination of the Investment Management Agreement.

 

Because our Adviser’s fee is based upon a percentage of our total assets, our Adviser’s fee will be higher to the extent we employ financial leverage. As noted, we have issued Leverage Instruments in a combined amount equal to approximately 27.9% of our total assets as of January 31, 2012.

 

A discussion regarding the basis for approval by the Board of Directors of our Investment Management Agreement with our Adviser is available in our November 30, 2011 Annual Report to Stockholders.

 

We determine our net asset value as of the close of regular session trading on the NYSE no less frequently than as of the last business day of each month, and make our net asset value available for publication monthly. Currently, we calculate our net asset value on a weekly basis and such calculation is made available on our website, http://www.kaynefunds.com. Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of all of our assets (including accrued interest and distributions and current and deferred income tax assets), less all of our liabilities (including accrued expenses, distributions payable, current and deferred accrued income taxes, and any Borrowings) and the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock, by the total number of shares outstanding.

 

Publicly traded securities with a readily available market price listed on any exchange other than the NASDAQ are valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined. If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked prices on such day. Securities admitted to trade on the NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for such securities.

 

Equity securities traded in the over-the-counter market, but excluding securities admitted to trading on the NASDAQ, are valued at the closing bid prices. Debt securities that are considered bonds are valued by using the mean of the bid and ask prices provided by an independent pricing service. For debt securities that are considered bank loans, the fair market value is determined by using the mean of the bid and ask prices provided by the agent or syndicate bank or principal market maker. When price quotes are not available, fair market value will be based on prices of comparable securities. In certain cases, we may not be able to purchase or sell debt securities at the quoted prices due to the lack of liquidity for these securities.

 

Any derivative transaction that we enter into may, depending on the applicable market environment, have a positive or negative value for purposes of calculating our net asset value. Exchange-traded options and futures contracts are valued at the last sales price at the close of trading in the market where such contracts are principally traded or, if there was no sale on the applicable exchange on such day, at the mean between the quoted bid and ask price as of the close of such exchange.

 

We may hold a substantial amount of securities that are privately issued or otherwise restricted as to resale. For these securities, as well as any other portfolio security held by us for which reliable market quotations are not readily available, valuations are determined in a manner that most fairly reflects fair value of the security on the valuation date. Unless otherwise determined by our Board of Directors, the following valuation process is used for such securities:

 

 

 

Unless otherwise determined by our Board of Directors, securities that are convertible into or otherwise will become publicly traded (e.g., through subsequent registration or expiration of a restriction on trading) are valued through the process described above, using a valuation based on the market value of the publicly traded security less a discount. The discount is initially equal in amount to the discount negotiated at the time the purchase price is agreed to. To the extent that such securities are convertible or otherwise become publicly traded within a time frame that may be reasonably determined, this discount will be amortized on a straight line basis over such estimated time frame.

 

Because we are a corporation that is obligated to pay income taxes, we accrue income tax liabilities and assets. As with any other asset or liability, our tax assets and liabilities increase or decrease our net asset value.

 

We 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 our portfolio and to estimate the associated deferred tax liability (or deferred tax asset). Such estimates will be made in good faith. From time to time we will modify our estimates and/or assumptions regarding our deferred tax liability (or deferred tax asset) as new information becomes available. To the extent we modify our estimates and/or assumptions, our net asset value would likely fluctuate.

 

We invest our assets primarily in MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a limited partner in the MLPs, we include our allocable share of the MLP’s taxable income or loss in computing our taxable income or loss.

 

Deferred income taxes reflect taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) which are attributable to the difference between the fair market value and tax basis of our investments and the tax benefit of accumulated capital or net operating losses. We will accrue a net deferred tax liability if our future tax liability on our unrealized gains exceeds the tax benefit of our accumulated capital or net operating losses, if any. We will accrue a net deferred tax asset if our future tax liability on our unrealized gains is less than the tax benefit of our accumulated capital or net operating losses or if we have net unrealized losses on our investments.

 

To the extent we have a net deferred tax asset, consideration is given as to whether or not a valuation allowance is required. The need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on the criterion established by the Statement of Financial Standards, Accounting for Income Taxes (ASC 740) that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In our 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 capital or net operating loss carryforwards may expire unused.

 

If a valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax asset in the future, it could have a material impact on our net asset value and results of operations in the period it is recorded.

 

The following description is based on relevant portions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and on our Charter and Bylaws. This summary is not necessarily complete, and we refer you to the Maryland General Corporation Law and our Charter and Bylaws for a more detailed description of the provisions summarized below.

 

Capital Stock

 

As of January 31, 2012, our authorized capital consists of 189,600,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 4,400,000 shares of Series A MRP Shares ($110 million aggregate liquidation preference); 320,000 shares of Series B MRP Shares ($8 million aggregate liquidation preference); 1,680,000 shares of Series C MRP Shares ($42 million aggregate liquidation preference); and 4,000,000 shares of Series D MRP Shares ($100 million aggregate liquidation preference). As of January 31, 2012, there are no outstanding options or warrants to purchase our stock and no stock has been authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plans. Under Maryland law, our stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations.

 

Our Board of Directors may, without any action by our stockholders, amend our Charter from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of any class or series that we have authority to issue under our Charter and under the 1940 Act. Additionally, our Charter authorizes the Board of Directors to classify and reclassify any unissued common stock into other classes or series of preferred stock ranking on parity with the MRP Shares from time to time by setting or changing the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption for each class or series. Although we have no present intention of doing so, we could issue a class or series of stock that could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or change in control of us that might otherwise be in the stockholders’ best interest.

 

Common Stock

 

General.  As of January 31, 2012, we had approximately 75.4 million shares of common stock outstanding. Shares of our common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “KYN.”

 

All common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement will be, upon issuance, duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. All common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement will be of the same class and will have identical rights, as described below. Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive distributions when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us out of assets legally available for the payment of distributions. Holders of common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, sinking fund, redemption or appraisal rights and have no preemptive rights to subscribe for any of our securities. Shares of common stock are freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by federal and state securities laws or by contract. All shares of common stock have equal earnings, assets, distribution, liquidation and other rights.

 

Distributions.  Distributions may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us out of funds legally available therefor.

 

The yield on our common stock will likely vary from period to period depending on factors including the following:

 

 

 

Consequently, we cannot guarantee any particular yield on our common stock, and the yield for any given period is not an indication or representation of future yield on the common stock.

 

Limitations on Distributions.  So long as our MRP Shares are outstanding, holders of common stock or other shares of stock, if any, ranking junior to our MRP Shares as to dividends or upon liquidation will not be entitled to receive any distributions from us unless (1) we have paid all accumulated dividends due on the MRP Shares on or prior to the date of such distribution, (2) we have redeemed the full number of MRP Shares required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption contained in the articles supplementary of such MRP Shares, (3) our asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to outstanding debt securities and preferred stock would be at least 225%, (4) the assets in our portfolio have a value, discounted in accordance with guidelines set forth by each applicable rating agency, at least equal to the basic maintenance amount required by such rating agency under its specific rating agency guidelines, in each case, after giving effect to distributions and (5) there is no event of default existing under the terms of the Senior Notes, in each case, after giving effect to such distributions. See “Leverage.”

 

So long as senior securities representing indebtedness, including the Senior Notes, are outstanding, holders of shares of common stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions from us unless (1) there is no event of default existing under the terms of our Borrowings, including the Senior Notes, (2) our asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to any outstanding senior securities representing indebtedness would be at least 300% and (3) the assets in our portfolio have a value, discounted in accordance with guidelines set forth by each applicable rating agency, at least equal to the basic maintenance amount required by such rating agency under its specific rating agency guidelines, in each case, after giving effect to such distribution.

 

Liquidation Rights.  Common stockholders are entitled to share ratably in our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders in the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after payment of or adequate provision for all known debts and liabilities, including any outstanding debt securities or other borrowings and any interest thereon. These rights are subject to the preferential rights of any other class or series of our stock, including the preferred stock. The rights of common stockholders upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up are subordinated to the rights of holders of outstanding Senior Notes and the MRP Shares.

 

Voting Rights.  Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of the common stockholders, including the election of directors. The presence of the holders of shares of common stock entitled to cast a majority of the votes entitled to be cast shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of stockholders. Our Charter provides that, except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws, directors shall be elected by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon. There is no cumulative voting in the election of directors. Consequently, at each annual meeting of stockholders, the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of

stock entitled to vote will be able to elect all of the successors of the class of directors whose terms expire at that meeting, except that holders of preferred stock have the right to elect two directors at all times. Pursuant to our Charter and Bylaws, the Board of Directors may amend the Bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.

 

Under the rules of the NYSE applicable to listed companies, we normally will be required to hold an annual meeting of stockholders in each fiscal year. If we are converted into an open-end company or if for any reason the shares are no longer listed on the NYSE (or any other national securities exchange the rules of which require annual meetings of stockholders), we may amend our Bylaws so that we are not otherwise required to hold annual meetings of stockholders.

 

Issuance of Additional Shares.  The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price of common stock of a closed-end investment company (less underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV of such company’s common stock (calculated within 48 hours of pricing), unless such sale is made with the consent of a majority of the company’s outstanding common stockholders. Any sale of common stock by us will be subject to the requirement of the 1940 Act.

 

At our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company’s stockholders approved a proposal that authorizes us to sell shares of our common stock at a net price less than net asset value per share, so long as the gross price (before underwriting fees and offering expenses) is above our net asset value per share, subject to certain conditions. This approval lasts for one year and expires on the date of our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We intend to set forth a similar proposal at our annual meetings of stockholders in subsequent years.

 

Preferred Stock

 

General.  As of January 31, 2012, there were 4,400,000 issued and outstanding shares of Series A MRP Shares, 320,000 issued and outstanding shares of Series B MRP Shares, 1,680,000 issued and outstanding shares of Series C MRP Shares and 4,000,000 issued and outstanding shares of Series D MRP Shares, each with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The terms of preferred stock that may be issued pursuant to this registration statement will be described in a related prospectus supplement and will include the following:

 

 

Terms of the MRP Shares and the Preferred Stock That We May Issue

 

Preference.  Preferred Stock (including the outstanding MRP Shares) ranks junior to our debt securities (including the Senior Notes), and senior to all common stock. Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior equity securities, which in the aggregate may represent no more than 50% of our total assets. So long as any MRP Shares are outstanding, additional issuances of preferred stock must be considered to be of the same class as any MRP Shares under the 1940 Act and interpretations thereunder and must rank on a parity with the MRP Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or the distribution of

assets upon our liquidation or winding up (“Parity Shares”). We may issue Parity Shares if, upon issuance (1) we meet the asset coverage test of at least 225%, (2) we maintain assets in our portfolio that have a value, discounted in accordance with current applicable rating agency guidelines, at least equal to the basic maintenance amount required under such rating agency guidelines, (3) all accrued and unpaid dividends on the MRP Shares have been paid and (4) all redemptions required in respect of the MRP Shares have been effectuated. The Series A MRP Shares, the Series B MRP Shares and the Series C MRP Shares shall have the benefit of any rights substantially similar to certain mandatory redemption and voting provisions in the articles supplementary for the Parity Shares which are additional or more beneficial than the rights of the holders of the MRP Shares. Such rights incorporated by reference into the articles supplementary for each series of MRP Shares shall be terminated when and if terminated with respect to the other Parity Shares and shall be amended and modified concurrently with any amendment or modification of such other Parity Shares.

 

Dividends and Dividend Periods

 

General.  Holders of the MRP Shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us, out of funds legally available therefor, on the initial dividend payment date with respect to the initial dividend period and, thereafter, on each dividend payment date with respect to a subsequent dividend period at the rate per annum (the “Dividend Rate”) equal to the applicable rate (or the default rate) for each dividend period. The applicable rate is computed on the basis of a 360 day year. Dividends so declared and payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under Maryland law and to the extent available and in preference to and priority over any distributions declared and payable on our common stock.

 

Fixed Dividend Rate, Payment of Dividends and Dividend Periods.  The applicable rate for each of the Series A MRP Shares, the Series B MRP Shares, the Series C MRP Shares and the Series D MRP Shares is 5.57% per annum, 4.53% per annum, 5.20% per annum and 4.95% per annum, respectively, and may be adjusted upon a change in the credit rating of such series of MRP Shares. Dividends on Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares and Series C MRP Shares will be payable quarterly and dividends on the Series D MRP Shares will be payable monthly. Dividend periods for each series of the Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares and Series C MRP Shares will end on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 and dividend period for the Series D MRP Shares will end at the end of each month. Dividends will be paid on the first business day following the last day of each dividend period and upon redemption of such series of the MRP Shares.

 

Adjustment to MRP Shares Fixed Dividend Rate—Ratings.  So long as each series of MRP Shares are rated on any date no less than “A” by Fitch (and no less than an equivalent of such ratings by some other rating agency), then the Dividend Rate will be equal to the applicable rate for such series of MRP Shares. As of June 30, 2011, Fitch has assigned each of our outstanding series of MRP Shares a rating of “AA”. If the lowest credit rating assigned on any date to the then outstanding Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares or Series C MRP Shares by Fitch (or any other rating agency) is equal to one of the ratings set forth in the table below (or its equivalent by some other rating agency), the Dividend Rate applicable to such outstanding MRP Shares for such date will be adjusted by adding the respective enhanced dividend amount (which shall not be cumulative) set opposite such rating to the applicable rate.

 

 

If the highest credit rating assigned by Fitch (or any other rating agency) on any date to the then outstanding Series D MRP Shares is equal to one of the ratings set forth in the table below (or its equivalent by some other rating agency), the Dividend Rate applicable to such outstanding shares for such date will be

adjusted by adding the respective enhanced dividend amount (which shall not be cumulative) set forth opposite such rating to the applicable rate.

 

 

If no rating agency is rating our MRP Shares, the Dividend Rate (so long as no rating exists) applicable to such series of MRP Shares for such date shall be the rate equal to the applicable rate plus 4.0%, unless the Dividend Rate is the default rate (namely, the applicable rate in effect on such calendar day, without adjustment for any credit rating change on such MRP Shares, plus 5% per annum), in which case the Dividend Rate shall remain the default rate.

 

Default Rate—Default Period.  The Dividend Rate will be the default rate in the following circumstances. Subject to the cure provisions below, a “Default Period” with respect to MRP Shares will commence on a date we fail to pay directly or deposit irrevocably in trust in same-day funds, with the paying agent by 1:00 p.m. (or 3:00 p.m. for the Series D MRP Shares), New York City time, (i) the full amount of any dividends on the MRP Shares payable on the dividend payment date (a “Dividend Default”) or (ii) the full amount of any redemption price payable on a mandatory redemption date (a “Redemption Default” and, together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter referred to as a “Default”).

 

In the case of a Dividend Default, the Dividend Rate for each day during the Default Period will be equal to the default rate. The “default rate” for any calendar day shall be equal to the applicable rate in effect on such day plus five percent (5%) per annum. Subject to the cure period discussed in the following paragraph, a default period with respect to a Dividend Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the business day on which by 12 noon, New York City time, all unpaid dividends and any unpaid and any unpaid redemption price shall have directly paid.

 

No Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or Redemption Default will be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any redemption price due (if such default is not solely due to our willful failure) is paid within three business days (the “Default Rate Cure Period”) after the applicable dividend payment date or redemption date, together with an amount equal to the default rate applied to the amount of such non-payment based on the actual number of days within the Default Rate Cure Period divided by 360.

 

Upon failure to pay dividends for two years or more, the holders of MRP Shares will acquire certain additional voting rights. See “Description of Securities—Preferred Stock—Voting Rights” herein. Such rights shall be the exclusive remedy of the holders of MRP Shares upon any failure to pay dividends on the MRP Shares.

 

Distributions.  Distributions declared and payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under Maryland law and to the extent available and in preference to and priority over any distribution declared and payable on the common stock. Because the cash distributions received from the MLPs in our portfolio are expected to exceed the earnings and profits associated with owning such MLPs, it is possible that a portion of a distribution payable on our preferred stock will be paid from sources other than our current or accumulated earnings and profits. The portion of such distribution which exceeds our current or accumulated earnings and profits would be treated as a return of capital to the extent of the stockholder’s basis in our preferred stock, then as capital gain.

Redemption

 

Term Redemption.  We are required to redeem all of the Series A MRP Shares on May 7, 2017, all of the Series B MRP Shares on November 9, 2017, all of the Series C MRP Shares on November 9, 2020 and all of the Series D MRP Shares on June 1, 2018 (each such date, a “Term Redemption Date”).

 

Series A, B and C MRP Shares—Optional Redemption.  To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, we may, at our option, redeem Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares and Series C MRP Shares, in whole or in part, out of funds legally available therefor, at any time and from time to time, upon not less than 20 calendar days nor more than 40 calendar days prior notice. The optional redemption price per MRP Share shall be the $25.00 per share (the “Liquidation Preference Amount”) plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions on such series of MRP Shares (whether or not earned or declared by us, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, plus an amount determined in accordance with the applicable articles supplementary for each such series of MRP Shares which compensates the holders of such series of MRP Shares for certain losses resulting from the early redemption of such series of MRP Shares (the “Make-Whole Amount”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may, at our option, redeem the Series A MRP Shares, the Series B MRP Shares or the Series C MRP Shares within 180 days prior to the applicable Term Redemption Date for such series of MRP Shares, at the Liquidation Preference Amount plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions thereon (whether of not earned or declared by us but excluding interest thereon) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption.

 

In addition to the rights to optionally redeem the Series A MRP Shares, the Series B MRP Shares and the Series C MRP Shares as described above, if the asset coverage with respect to outstanding debt securities and preferred stock is greater than 225%, but less than or equal to 235%, for any five business days within a ten business day period determined in accordance with the terms of the articles supplementary for such series of MRP Shares, we, upon notice (as provided below) of not less than 20 days in the case of Series A MRP Shares or Series D MRP Shares, or 12 days in the case of Series B MRP Shares or Series C MRP Shares nor more than 40 days notice, in any case, may redeem such series of MRP Shares at the Liquidation Preference Amount plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, plus a redemption amount equal to 2% of the liquidation preference amount. The amount of the Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares and Series C MRP Shares that may be so redeemed shall not exceed an amount of such series of MRP Shares which results in a asset coverage of more than 250% pro forma for such redemption.

 

We shall not give notice of or effect any optional redemption unless (in the case of any partial redemption of a series of MRP Shares) on the date of such notice and on the date fixed for the redemption, we would satisfy the basic maintenance amount set forth in current applicable rating agency guidelines and the asset coverage with respect to outstanding debt securities and preferred stock is greater than or equal to 225% immediately subsequent to such redemption, if such redemption were to occur on such date.

 

Series D MRP Shares—Optional Redemption.  To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, we may, at our option, redeem Series D MRP Shares, in whole or in part, out of funds legally available therefor, at any time and from time to time, upon not more than 40 calendar days’ prior notice. This optional redemption is limited during the first year the Series D MRP Shares are outstanding to situations in which the asset coverage with respect to outstanding debt securities and preferred stock is greater than 225%, but less than 235% for any five business days within a 10 business day period. The amount of Series D MRP Shares that may be redeemed during the first year may not exceed an amount that results in an asset coverage of more than 250% pro forma for such redemption. At any time on or prior to May 10, 2012, subject to the foregoing conditions, we may redeem Series D MRP Shares at a price per share equal to 102% of the liquidation preference per share, plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared but excluding interest thereon) to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption. After May 10, 2012, subject to the foregoing conditions, we may redeem the Series D MRP Shares at the Optional Redemption Price per share. The “Optional Redemption Price” shall equal the product of the

percentage provided below, as applicable, and the liquidation preference per share, plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared but excluding interest thereon) to (but excluding) the date fixed for redemption:

 

 

If fewer than all of the outstanding Series D MRP Shares are to be redeemed in an optional redemption, we shall allocate the number of shares required to be redeemed pro rata among the holders of Series D MRP Shares in proportion to the number of shares they hold, by lot or by such other method as we shall deem fair and equitable.

 

We shall not effect any optional redemption unless (i) on the date of such notice and on the date fixed for redemption we have available either (A) cash or cash equivalents or (B) any other Deposit Securities (as defined in the articles supplementary for the applicable series of MRP Shares) with a maturity or tender date not later than one day preceding the applicable redemption date, or any combination thereof, having an aggregate value not less than the amount, including any applicable premium, due to holders of the Series D MRP Shares by reason of the redemption of the Series D MRP Shares on such date fixed for the redemption and (ii) we would satisfy the basic maintenance amount for the Series D MRP Shares.

 

We also reserve the right, but have no obligation, to repurchase Series D MRP Shares in market or other transactions from time to time in accordance with applicable law and our charter and at a price that may be more or less than the liquidation preference of the Series D MRP Shares.

 

Mandatory Redemption.  If, while any Series A MRP Shares are outstanding, we fail to satisfy the asset coverage as of the last day of any month or the basic maintenance amount as of any valuation date (any such day, an “Series A Asset Coverage Cure Date”), the Series A MRP Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption out of funds legally available therefor at the Liquidation Preference Amount plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions thereon (whether or not earned or declared by us, but excluding interest thereon) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, plus a redemption amount equal to 1% of the Liquidation Preference Amount.

 

If, while any Series B MRP Shares, Series C MRP Shares or Series D MRP Shares are outstanding, we fail to satisfy the asset coverage as of the last day of any month or the basic maintenance amount as of any valuation date, and such failure is not cured as of the close of business on the date this 30 days from such business day (any such day, an “Series B, C & D Asset Coverage Cure Date”) or to the extent that a redemption of the Series A MRP Shares is required under the provisions set forth in the immediately preceding paragraph, the Series B MRP Shares, the Series C MRP Shares and the Series D MRP Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption out of funds legally available therefor at the Liquidation Preference Amount plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and distributions thereon (whether or not earned or declared by us, but excluding interest thereon) to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, plus, in the case of Series B MRP Shares or Series C MRP Shares, a redemption amount equal to 1% of the Liquidation Preference Amount.

 

The number of MRP Shares to be redeemed under these circumstances will be equal to the product of (1) the quotient of the number of outstanding MRP Shares of each series divided by the aggregate number of outstanding shares of preferred stock (including the MRP Shares) which have an asset coverage test greater than or equal to 225% times (2) the minimum number of outstanding shares of preferred stock (including the MRP Shares) the redemption of which, would result in us satisfying the asset coverage and basic maintenance amount as of the Series A Asset Coverage Cure Date or Series B, C & D Asset Coverage Cure Date, as

applicable (provided that, if there is no such number of MRP Shares of such series the redemption of which would have such result, we shall, subject to certain limitation set forth in the next paragraph, redeem all MRP Shares of such series then outstanding).

 

We are required to effect such mandatory redemptions not later than 40 days after the Series A Asset Coverage Cure Date and Series B, C & D Asset Coverage Cure Date, respectively (each a “Mandatory Redemption Date”), except (1) if we do not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or (2) such redemption is not permitted under our credit facility, any agreement or instrument consented to or agreed to by the applicable preferred stock holders pursuant to the applicable articles supplementary or the note purchase agreements relating to the Senior Notes to redeem or (3) if we are not otherwise legally permitted to redeem the number of MRP Shares which we would be required to redeem under the articles supplementary of such series of MRP Shares if sufficient funds were available, together with shares of other preferred stock which are subject to mandatory redemption under provisions similar to those contained in the articles supplementary for such series of MRP Shares, we shall redeem those MRP Shares, and any other preferred stock which we were unable to redeem, on the earliest practical date on which we will have such funds available, and we are otherwise not prohibited from redeeming pursuant to the credit facility or the note purchase agreements relating to the Senior Notes or other applicable laws. In addition, our ability to make a mandatory redemption may be limited by the provisions of the 1940 Act or Maryland law.

 

If fewer than all of the outstanding MRP Shares of any series are to be redeemed in an optional or mandatory redemption, we shall allocate the number of shares required to be redeemed pro rata among the holders of such series of MRP Shares in proportion to the number of shares they hold.

 

Redemption Procedure.  In the event of a redemption, we will file a notice of our intention to redeem any MRP Shares with the SEC under Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act or any successor provision to the extent applicable. We also shall deliver a notice of redemption to the paying agent and the holders of MRP Shares to be redeemed as specified above for an optional or mandatory redemption (“Notice of Redemption”).

 

If Notice of Redemption has been given, then upon the deposit with the paying agent sufficient to effect such redemption, dividends on such shares will cease to accumulate and such shares will be no longer deemed to be outstanding for any purpose and all rights of the holders of the shares so called for redemption will cease and terminate, except the right of the holders of such shares to receive the redemption price, but without any interest or additional amount.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions for redemption described above, but subject to provisions on liquidation rights described below no MRP Shares may be redeemed unless all dividends in arrears on the outstanding MRP Shares and any of our outstanding shares ranking on a parity with the MRP Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, have been or are being contemporaneously paid or set aside for payment. However, at any time, we may purchase or acquire all the outstanding MRP Shares pursuant to the successful completion of an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to, and accepted by, holders of all outstanding MRP Shares.

 

Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained in the articles supplementary for each series of MRP Shares limits our legal right to purchase or otherwise acquire any MRP Shares at any price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with an optional or mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, (1) there is no arrearage in the payment of dividends on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with respect to, any MRP Shares for which a Notice of Redemption has been given, (2) we are in compliance with the asset coverage with respect to our outstanding debt securities and preferred stock of 225% and the basic maintenance amount set forth in the current applicable rating agency guidelines after giving effect to such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof and (3), only with respect to a purchase of Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares or Series C MRP Shares, we make an offer to purchase or otherwise acquire any Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares or

Series C MRP Shares pro rata to the holders of all such MRP Shares at the time outstanding upon the same terms and conditions.

 

Any shares purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired by us shall be returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of common stock.

 

Series D MRP Shares—Term Redemption Liquidity Account.  On or prior to February 1, 2018 (the “Liquidity Account Initial Date”), we will cause our custodian to segregate, by means of appropriate identification on its books and records or otherwise in accordance with the custodian’s normal procedures, from our other assets (the “Term Redemption Liquidity Account”) Deposit Securities (each a “Liquidity Account Investment” and collectively, the “Liquidity Account Investments”) with an aggregate market value equal to at least 110% of the Term Redemption Amount (as defined below) with respect to such Series D MRP Shares.

 

The “Term Redemption Amount” for Series D MRP Shares is equal to the Redemption Price to be paid on the Series D MRP Shares Term Redemption Date, based on the number of Series D MRP Shares then outstanding, assuming for this purpose that the Dividend Rate for the Series D MRP Shares in effect at the Liquidity Account Initial Date will be the Dividend Rate in effect until the Term Redemption Date. If, on any date after the Liquidity Account Initial Date, the aggregate market value of the Liquidity Account Investments included in the Term Redemption Liquidity Account for Series D MRP Shares as of the close of business on any business day is less than 110% of the Term Redemption Amount, then we will cause the custodian to take all such necessary actions, including segregating our assets as Liquidity Account Investments, so that the aggregate market value of the Liquidity Account Investments included in the Term Redemption Liquidity Account is at least equal to 110% of the Term Redemption Amount not later than the close of business on the next succeeding business day.

 

We may instruct the custodian on any date to release any Liquidity Account Investments from segregation with respect to the Series D MRP Shares and to substitute therefor other Liquidity Account Investments not so segregated, so long as the assets segregated as Liquidity Account Investments at the close of business on such date have a market value equal to 110% of the Term Redemption Amount. We will cause the custodian not to permit any lien, security interest or encumbrance to be created or permitted to exist on or in respect of any Liquidity Account Investments included in the Term Redemption Liquidity Account, other than liens, security interests or encumbrances arising by operation of law and any lien of the custodian with respect to the payment of its fees or repayment for its advances.

 

The Liquidity Account Investments included in the Term Redemption Liquidity Account may be applied by us, in our sole discretion, towards payment of the redemption price for the Series D MRP Shares. The Series D MRP Shares shall not have any preference or priority claim with respect to the Term Redemption Liquidity Account or any Liquidity Account Investments deposited therein. Upon the deposit by us with the Series D MRP Shares paying agent of Liquidity Account Investments having an initial combined Market Value sufficient to effect the redemption of the Series D MRP Shares on the Term Redemption Date, the requirement to maintain the Term Redemption Liquidity Account as described above will lapse and be of no further force and effect.

 

Limitations on Distributions.  So long as we have senior securities representing indebtedness (including Senior Notes) outstanding, holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to receive any distributions from us unless (1) asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to outstanding debt securities and preferred stock would be at least 225%, (2) the assets in our portfolio that have a value, discounted in accordance with guidelines set forth by each applicable rating agency, at least equal to the basic maintenance amount required by such rating agency under its specific rating agency guidelines, in each case, after giving effect to such distributions, (3) full cumulative dividends on the MRP Shares due on or prior to the date of such distribution have been declared and paid, (4) we have redeemed the full number of MRP Shares required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption applicable to the MRP Shares and

(5) there is no event of default under the terms of the Senior Notes, in each case, after giving effect to such distribution.

 

Liquidation Rights.  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of preferred stock would be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution, which is expected to equal the liquidation preference per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not earned or declared, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of common stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of our assets. If, upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, our assets available for distribution among the holders of all outstanding preferred stock shall be insufficient to permit the payment in full to such holders of the amounts to which they are entitled, then available assets shall be distributed among the holders of all outstanding preferred stock ratably in that distribution of assets according to the respective amounts which would be payable on all such shares if all amounts thereon were paid in full. Preferred stock ranks junior to our debt securities upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

 

Voting Rights.  Except as otherwise indicated in our Charter or Bylaws, or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred stock have one vote per share and vote together with holders of common stock as a single class.

 

The 1940 Act requires that the holders of any preferred stock, voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at least two directors at all times. The remaining directors will be elected by holders of common stock and preferred stock, voting together as a single class. In addition, the holders of any shares of preferred stock have the right to elect a majority of the directors at any time two years’ accumulated dividends on any preferred stock are unpaid. The 1940 Act also requires that, in addition to any approval by stockholders that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of shares of any outstanding preferred stock, voting separately as a class, would be required to (i) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely affect the preferred stock, and (ii) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in our subclassification as a closed-end investment company or changes in our fundamental investment restrictions. See “Certain Provisions in Our Charter and Bylaws.” As a result of these voting rights, our ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent that any shares of our preferred stock are outstanding.

 

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred stock determined with reference to a 1940 Act Majority, voting as a separate class, will be required to (1) approve any plan of reorganization (as such term is used in the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares or any action requiring a vote of our security holders under Section 13(a) of the 1940 Act and (2) amend, alter or repeal any of the preferences, rights or powers of holders of preferred stock so as to affect materially and adversely such preferences, rights or powers. The class vote of holders of preferred stock described above will in each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.

 

Repurchase Rights.  We will have the right (to the extent permitted by applicable law) to purchase or otherwise acquire any preferred stock, other than the MRP Shares, so long as (1) asset coverage (as defined in the 1940 Act) with respect to outstanding debt securities and preferred stock would be at least 225%, (2) the assets in our portfolio have a value, discounted in accordance with guidelines set forth by each applicable rating agency, at least equal to the basic maintenance amount required by such rating agency under its specific rating agency guidelines, in each case after giving effect to such transactions, (3) full cumulative dividends on the MRP Shares due on or prior to the date of such purchase or acquisition have been declared and paid and (4) we have redeemed the full number of MRP Shares required to be redeemed by any provision for mandatory redemption applicable to the MRP Shares.

Market.  Our Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares and Series C MRP Shares are not listed on an exchange or an automated quotation system. Our Series D MRP Shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “KYN Pr D”.

 

The details on how to buy and sell newly-issued preferred stock, along with other terms of such preferred stock, will be described in a related prospectus supplement. We cannot assure you that any secondary market will exist or that if a secondary market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity.

 

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form.  Unless otherwise indicated in the related prospectus supplement, newly-issued preferred stock will be issued in book-entry form and will be represented by one or more share certificates in registered global form. The global certificates will be held by The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. DTC will maintain the certificates in specified denominations per share through its book-entry facilities.

 

We may treat the persons in whose names any global certificates are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payments and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Therefore, so long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of the global certificates, DTC or such nominee will be considered the sole holder of outstanding preferred stock.

 

A global certificate may not be transferred except as a whole by DTC, its successors or their respective nominees, subject to the provisions restricting transfers of shares contained in the related articles supplementary.

 

Transfer Agent, Registrar, Dividend Paying Agent and Redemption Agent.  The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., 601 Travis Street, 16th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, serves as the transfer agent, registrar, dividend paying agent and redemption agent with respect to our Series A MRP Shares, Series B MRP Shares and Series C MRP Shares. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company serves as the transfer agent, registrar, dividend paying agent and redemption agent with respect to our Series D MRP Shares.

 

Debt Securities

 

Under Maryland law and our Charter, we may borrow money, without prior approval of holders of common and preferred stock to the extent permitted by our investment restrictions and the 1940 Act. We may issue debt securities, including additional Senior Notes, or other evidence of indebtedness (including bank borrowings or commercial paper) and may secure any such notes or borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security our assets to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or rating agency guidelines. Any borrowings, including without limitation the Senior Notes, will rank senior to the preferred stock and the common stock.

 

General

 

As of January 31, 2012, the Company had $775 million, aggregate principal amount, of senior unsecured fixed and floating rate notes (the “Senior Notes”) outstanding. The Senior Notes are subordinated in right of payment to any of our secured indebtedness or other secured obligations to the extent of the value of the assets that secure the indebtedness or obligation. The Senior Notes may be prepaid prior to their maturity at our option, in whole or in part, under certain circumstances and are subject to mandatory prepayment upon an event of default.

The table below set forth the key terms of each series of the Senior Notes.

 

 

Interest.  The fixed rate Senior Notes will bear interest from the date of issuance at the fixed or floating rate shown above. Holders of our floating rate Senior Notes are entitled to receive quarterly cash interest payments at an annual rate that may vary for each rate period. Holders of our fixed rate Senior Notes are entitled to receive semi-annual cash interest payments at an annual rate per the terms of such notes. If we do not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default and we will be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to our common stock and preferred stock. As of January 31, 2012, each series of Senior Notes were rated “AAA” by Fitch and Series I, K, M and N Notes were rated “Aa1” by Moody’s. In the event the credit rating on any series of Senior Notes falls below “A-” (Fitch) or “A3” (Moody’s) or the equivalent rating from a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization, the interest rate (including any applicable default rate) on such series will increase by 1% during the period of time such series is rated below “A-” or “A3” or the equivalent rating from a nationally recognized statistical ratings organization.

 

Limitations.  Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, immediately after issuing any senior securities representing indebtedness, we must have an asset coverage of at least 300%. Asset coverage means the ratio which the value of our total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Under the 1940 Act, we may only issue one class of senior securities representing indebtedness. So long as any Senior Notes are outstanding, additional debt securities must rank on a parity with Senior Notes with respect to the payment of interest and upon the distribution of our assets. We are subject to certain restrictions imposed by guidelines of two rating agencies that issued ratings for the Senior Notes (Moody’s and Fitch for the Series I, K, M and N Notes and Fitch for the Series O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V and W Notes), including restrictions related to asset coverage and portfolio composition. Borrowings also may result in our being subject to covenants in credit agreements that may be more stringent than the restrictions imposed by the 1940 Act. For a description of limitations with respect to our preferred stock, see “Capital Stock—Preferred Stock—Limitations on Distributions.”

 

Prepayment.  To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, we may, at our option, prepay the Senior Notes, in whole or in part in the amounts set forth in the purchase agreements relating to such Senior Notes, at any time from time to time, upon advance prior notice. The amount payable in connection with prepayment of the fixed rate notes, which are the Series I, K, M, O, Q, R, S, T, V and W Notes, is equal to 100% of the amount being repurchased, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of

such prepayment and the Make-Whole Amount determined for the prepayment date with respect to such principal amount. The amount payable in connection with prepayment of the floating rate notes, which are the Series N, P and U Notes, is equal to 100% of the amount being repurchased, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of such prepayment and a prepayment premium, if any, and any LIBOR breakage amount, in each case, determined for the prepayment date with respect to such principal amount. In the case of each partial prepayment, the principal amount of a series of Senior Notes to be prepaid shall be allocated among all of such series of Senior Notes at the time outstanding in proportion, as nearly as practicable, to the respective unpaid principal amounts thereof not theretofore called for prepayment. If our asset coverage is greater than 300%, but less than 325%, for any five business days within a ten business day period, in certain circumstances, we may prepay all or any part of the Series Q, R, S, T, V or W Senior Notes at par plus 2%.

 

Events of Default and Acceleration of Senior Notes; Remedies.  Any one of the following events will constitute an “event of default” under the terms of the Senior Notes:

 

 

Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of outstanding Senior Notes may declare the principal amount of that series of Senior Notes immediately due and payable upon written notice to us. Upon an event of default relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar laws, acceleration of maturity occurs automatically with respect to all series of Senior Notes. At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to a series of Senior Notes has been made, and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes of that series, by written notice to us, may rescind and annul the declaration of acceleration and its consequences if all events of default with respect to that series of Senior Notes, other than the non-payment of the principal of, and interest and certain other premiums relating to, that series of Senior Notes which has become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived and other conditions have been met.

 

Liquidation Rights.  In the event of (a) any insolvency or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding in connection therewith, relative to us or to our creditors, as such, or to our assets, or (b) any liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of us, whether voluntary or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, or (c) any assignment for the benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of ours, then (after any payments with respect to any secured creditor of ours outstanding at such time) and in any such event the holders of our Senior Notes shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due or to become due on or in respect of all debt securities (including any interest accruing thereon after the commencement of any such case or proceeding), or provision shall be made for such payment in cash or cash equivalents or otherwise in a manner satisfactory to the holders of our Senior Notes, before the holders of any of our common or preferred stock are entitled to receive any payment on account of any redemption proceeds, liquidation preference or dividends from such shares. The holders of our Senior Notes shall be entitled to receive, for application to the payment thereof, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of ours being subordinated to the payment of our Senior Notes, which may be payable or deliverable in respect of our Senior Notes in any such case, proceeding, dissolution, liquidation or other winding up event.

 

Unsecured creditors of ours may include, without limitation, service providers including our Adviser, custodian, administrator, broker-dealers and the trustee, pursuant to the terms of various contracts with us. Secured creditors of ours may include without limitation parties entering into any interest rate swap, floor or cap transactions, or other similar transactions with us that create liens, pledges, charges, security interests, security agreements or other encumbrances on our assets.

 

A consolidation, reorganization or merger of us with or into any other company, or a sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of our assets in consideration for the issuance of equity securities of another company shall not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us.

 

Voting Rights.  Our Senior Notes have no voting rights, except to the extent required by law or as otherwise provided in the terms of the Senior Notes relating to the acceleration of maturity upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default. In connection with any other borrowings (if any), the 1940 Act does in certain circumstances grant to the lenders certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of principal.

 

Market.  Our Senior Notes are not listed on an exchange or automated quotation system.

 

Paying Agent.  The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., 601 Travis Street, 16th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, shall serve as the paying agent with respect to all of our Senior Notes.

Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and our Charter and Bylaws

 

The Maryland General Corporation Law and our Charter and Bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a potential acquiror to acquire us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. These provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our Board of Directors. We believe the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms. We have not elected to become subject to the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act.

 

Classified Board of Directors.  Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes of directors serving staggered three-year terms. The current terms for the first, second and third classes will expire in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Upon expiration of their current terms, directors of each class will be elected to serve for three-year terms and until their successors are duly elected and qualify and each year one class of directors will be elected by the stockholders. A classified board may render a change in control of us or removal of our incumbent management more difficult. We believe, however, that the longer time required to elect a majority of a classified Board of Directors will help to ensure the continuity and stability of our management and policies.

 

Election of Directors.  Our Charter and Bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote in the election of directors will be required to elect a director. As noted above, pursuant to our Charter, our Board of Directors may amend the Bylaws to alter the vote required to elect directors.

 

Number of Directors; Vacancies; Removal.  Our Charter provides that the number of directors will be set only by the Board of Directors in accordance with our Bylaws. Our Bylaws provide that a majority of our entire Board of Directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of directors. However, unless our Bylaws are amended, the number of directors may never be less than the minimum number required by the Maryland General Corporation Law or more than fifteen. Our Charter provides that, at such time as we have at least three independent directors and our common stock is registered under the Exchange Act, we elect to be subject to the provision of Subtitle 8 of Title 3 of the Maryland General Corporation Law regarding the filling of vacancies on the Board of Directors. Accordingly, except as may be provided by the Board of Directors in setting the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, any and all vacancies on the Board of Directors may be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy will serve for the remainder of the full term of the directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act.

 

Our Charter provides that, subject to the rights of one or more classes or series of preferred stock to elect or remove one or more directors, a director may be removed only for cause, as defined in the Charter, and then only by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast in the election of directors.

 

Action by Stockholders.  Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, stockholder action can be taken only at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or, unless the charter provides for stockholder action by less than unanimous written consent (which is not the case for our Charter), by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting. These provisions, combined with the requirements of our Bylaws regarding the calling of a stockholder-requested special meeting of stockholders discussed below, may have the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next annual meeting.

 

Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals.  Our Bylaws provide that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only

(1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by the Board of Directors or (3) by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures of the Bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by the Board of Directors or (3) provided that the Board of Directors has determined that directors will be elected at the meeting, by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the Bylaws.

 

Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders.  Our Bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by our Board of Directors and certain of our officers. Additionally, our Bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational requirements by the stockholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of stockholders will be called by the secretary of the corporation upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at such meeting.

 

Approval of Extraordinary Corporate Action; Amendment of Charter and Bylaws.  Under Maryland law, a Maryland corporation generally cannot dissolve, amend its charter, merge, sell all or substantially all of its assets, engage in a share exchange or engage in similar transactions outside the ordinary course of business, unless approved by the affirmative vote of stockholders entitled to cast at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. However, a Maryland corporation may provide in its charter for approval of these matters by a lesser percentage, but not less than a majority of all of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter generally provides for approval of Charter amendments and extraordinary transactions by the stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. Our Charter also provides that certain Charter amendments, including but not limited to any charter amendment that would make our stock a redeemable security (within the meaning of the 1940 Act) or would cause us, whether by merger or otherwise, to convert from a closed-end company to an open-end company, and any proposal for our liquidation or dissolution, requires the approval of the stockholders entitled to cast at least 80% of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter. However, if such amendment or proposal is approved by at least 80% of our continuing directors (in addition to approval by our Board of Directors), such amendment or proposal may be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on such a matter. The “continuing directors” are defined in our Charter as our current directors as well as those directors whose nomination for election by the stockholders or whose election by the directors to fill vacancies is approved by a majority of the continuing directors then on the Board of Directors. Our Charter and Bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will have the exclusive power to adopt, alter or repeal any provision of our Bylaws and to make new Bylaws.

 

Rating agencies that assign ratings to our senior securities and preferred stock (each a “Rating Agency” and, collectively, the “Rating Agencies”), impose asset coverage requirements, which may limit our ability to engage in certain types of transactions and may limit our ability to take certain actions without confirming that such action will not impair the ratings.

 

We may, but are not required to, adopt any modifications to the guidelines that may hereafter be established by any Rating Agency. Failure to adopt any modifications, however, may result in a change in the ratings described above or a withdrawal of ratings altogether. In addition, any Rating Agency may, at any time, change or withdraw any rating. Our Board of Directors may, without stockholder approval, modify, alter or repeal certain of the definitions and related provisions which have been adopted pursuant to each rating agency’s guidelines (as they may be amended from time to time, “Rating Agency Guidelines”) only in the event we receive written confirmation from a Rating Agency that any amendment, alteration or repeal would not impair the ratings then assigned to the senior securities.

 

We are required to satisfy two separate asset maintenance requirements with respect to outstanding debt securities and with respect to outstanding preferred stock: (1) we must maintain assets in our portfolio that have a value, discounted in accordance with guidelines set forth by each Rating Agency, at least equal to amounts specified in Rating Agency Guidelines with respect to our senior securities (the “Basic Maintenance Amounts”); and (2) we must satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements.

 

Basic Maintenance Amounts.  We must maintain, as of each valuation date on which senior securities are outstanding, eligible assets having an aggregate discounted value at least equal to the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount, which is calculated separately for debt securities and preferred stock for each Rating Agency that is then rating the senior securities and so requires. If we fail to maintain eligible assets having an aggregated discounted value at least equal to the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount as of any valuation date and such failure is not cured, we will be required in certain circumstances to redeem certain of the senior securities.

 

The applicable Basic Maintenance Amount is defined in the Rating Agency’s Guidelines. Each Rating Agency may amend the definition of the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount from time to time. The market value of our portfolio securities (used in calculating the discounted value of eligible assets) is calculated using readily available market quotations when appropriate, and in any event, consistent with our valuation procedures. For the purpose of calculating the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount, portfolio securities are valued in the same manner as we calculate our net asset value. See “Net Asset Value.”

 

Each Rating Agency’s discount factors, the criteria used to determine whether the assets held in our portfolio are eligible assets, and the guidelines for determining the discounted value of our portfolio holdings for purposes of determining compliance with the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount are based on Rating Agency Guidelines established in connection with rating the senior securities. The discount factor relating to any asset, the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount requirement, the assets eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the discounted value of our portfolio and certain definitions and methods of calculation relating thereto may be changed from time to time by the applicable Rating Agency, without our approval, or the approval of our Board of Directors or stockholders.

 

A Rating Agency’s Rating Agency Guidelines will apply to the senior securities or preferred stock only so long as that Rating Agency is rating such senior securities or preferred stock, respectively. We will pay certain fees to Moody’s, Fitch and any other rating agency that may provide a rating for the senior securities or preferred stock.

The ratings assigned to the senior securities or preferred stock are not recommendations to buy, sell or hold the senior securities or preferred stock. Such ratings may be revised or withdrawn by the assigning Rating Agency at any time.

 

1940 Act Asset Coverage.  Under the purchase agreements governing our Senior Notes, we are required to maintain, with respect to senior securities, as of the last business day on any month in which any senior securities are outstanding, asset coverage of at least 300% for debt securities and 200% for debt securities and preferred stock. If we fail to maintain the applicable 1940 Act asset coverage as of the last business day of any month and either (i) such failure is not cured or (ii) we have not given notice of an optimal redemption of the Senior Notes in an amount sufficient to cure such default as of the last business day of the following month, we will be required to redeem certain senior securities.

 

If we do not have asset coverage of at least 225% for debt securities and preferred stock as of the last day of any month on which any MRP Shares are outstanding, we must redeem certain of the MRP Shares.

 

Notices.  Under the current Rating Agency Guidelines, in certain circumstances, we are required to deliver to any Rating Agency then rating the senior securities (1) a certificate with respect to the calculation of the applicable Basic Maintenance Amount; and (2) a certificate with respect to the calculation of the applicable 1940 Act asset coverage and the value of our portfolio holdings.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Rating Agency Guidelines, as they may be amended from time to time by each Rating Agency will be reflected in a written document and may be amended by each Rating Agency without our vote, consent or approval, and without the approval of our Board of Directors or any of our stockholders.

 

A copy of the current Rating Agency Guidelines will be provided to any holder of senior securities promptly upon request made by such holder by writing to us at 717 Texas Avenue, Suite 3100, Houston, Texas 77002.

 

Closed-End Structure

 

Closed-end funds differ from open-end management investment companies (commonly referred to as “mutual funds”). Closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a securities exchange and do not redeem their shares at the option of the stockholder. In contrast, mutual funds issue securities redeemable at net asset value at the option of the stockholder 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. Accordingly, closed-end funds have greater flexibility than open-end funds to make certain types of investments, including investments in illiquid securities.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies listed for trading on a securities exchange frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value, but in some cases trade at a premium. See “Market and Net Asset Value Information” for a summary of our trading history. The market price may be affected by net asset value, dividend or distribution levels (which are dependent, in part, on expenses), supply of and demand for the shares, stability of distributions, 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 our common stock being greater than, less than or equal to net asset value. The Board of Directors has reviewed our structure in light of our investment objective and policies and has determined that the closed-end structure is in the best interests of our stockholders. However, the Board of Directors may review periodically the trading range and activity of our shares with respect to our net asset value and may take certain actions to seek to reduce or eliminate any such discount (if such discount exists). Such actions may include open market repurchases or tender offers for our common stock at net asset value or our possible conversion to an open-end mutual fund. There can be no assurance that the Board will decide to undertake any of these actions or that, if undertaken, such actions would result in our common stock trading at a price equal to or close to net asset value per share of our common stock. Based on the determination of the Board of Directors in connection with our initial public offering of our common stock that the closed-end structure is desirable in light of our investment objective and policies and the trading history of our common stock relative to our net asset value since our IPO, it is highly unlikely that the Board would vote to convert us to an open-end investment company.

 

Repurchase of Common Stock and Tender Offers

 

In recognition of the possibility that our common stock might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any such discount may not be in the interest of our common stockholders, the Board of Directors, in consultation with our Adviser, from time to time may, but is not required to, review possible actions to reduce any such discount. The Board of Directors also may, but is not required to, consider from time to time open market repurchases of and/or tender offers for our common stock, as well as other potential actions, to seek to reduce any market discount from net asset value that may develop. After any consideration of potential actions to seek to reduce any significant market discount, the Board may, subject to its applicable duties and compliance with applicable state and federal laws, authorize the commencement of a share-repurchase program or tender offer. The size and timing of any such share repurchase program or tender offer will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of the market discount of our common stock, trading volume of our common stock, information presented to the Board of Directors regarding the potential impact of any such share repurchase program or tender offer, general market and economic conditions and applicable law. There can be no assurance that we will in fact effect repurchases of or tender offers for any of our common stock. We may, subject to our investment limitation with respect to Borrowings, incur debt to finance such repurchases or a tender offer or for other valid purposes. Interest on any such Borrowings would increase our expenses and reduce our net income.

There can be no assurance that repurchases of our common stock or tender offers, if any, will cause our common stock to trade at a price equal to or in excess of its net asset value. Nevertheless, the possibility that a portion of our outstanding common stock may be the subject of repurchases or tender offers may reduce the spread between market price and net asset value that might otherwise exist. Sellers may be less inclined to accept a significant discount in the sale of their common stock if they have a reasonable expectation of being able to receive a price of net asset value for a portion of their common stock in conjunction with an announced repurchase program or tender offer for our common stock.

 

Although the Board of Directors believes that repurchases or tender offers generally would have a favorable effect on the market price of our common stock, the acquisition of common stock by us will decrease our total assets and therefore will have the effect of increasing our expense ratio and decreasing the asset coverage with respect to any Leverage Instruments outstanding. Because of the nature of our investment objective, policies and portfolio, particularly our investment in illiquid or otherwise restricted securities, it is possible that repurchases of common stock or tender offers could interfere with our ability to manage our investments in order to seek our investment objective. Further, it is possible that we could experience difficulty in borrowing money or be required to dispose of portfolio securities to consummate repurchases of or tender offers for common stock.

 

Possible Conversion to Open-End Fund Status

 

Our Charter provides that any proposal for our conversion from a closed-end company to an open-end company requires the approval of our Board of Directors and the stockholders entitled to cast at least 80 percent of the votes entitled to be cast on such matter. However, if such proposal is also approved by at least 80 percent of our continuing directors (in addition to the approval by our Board of Directors), such proposal may be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on the matter. See “Description of Capital Stock” for a discussion of voting requirements applicable to our conversion to an open-end investment company. If we converted to an open-end investment company, we would be required to redeem all preferred stock then outstanding (requiring in turn that we liquidate a portion of our investment portfolio) and our common stock would no longer be listed on the NYSE. Conversion to open-end status could also require us to modify certain investment restrictions and policies. Stockholders of an open-end investment company may require the investment company to redeem their shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or permitted under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of redemption. In order to avoid maintaining large cash positions or liquidating favorable investments to meet redemptions, open-end investment companies typically engage in a continuous offering of their shares. Open-end investment companies are thus subject to periodic asset in-flows and out-flows that can complicate portfolio management. Our Board of Directors may at any time propose our conversion to open-end status, depending upon its judgment regarding the advisability of such action in light of circumstances then prevailing.

 

The following discussion of federal income tax matters is based on the advice of our counsel, Paul Hastings LLP.

 

This section and the discussion in our SAI summarize certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of owning our securities for U.S. taxpayers. This section is current as of the date of this prospectus. Tax laws and interpretations change frequently, and this summary does not describe all of the tax consequences to all taxpayers. Except as otherwise provided, this summary generally does not describe your situation if you are a non-U.S. person, a broker-dealer, or other investor with special circumstances. In addition, this section does not describe any state, local or foreign tax consequences. Investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of investing in us.

 

Federal Income Taxation of Kayne Anderson MLP Investment Company

 

We are treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Thus, we are obligated to pay federal income tax on our net taxable income. We are also obligated to pay state income tax on our net taxable income, either because the states follow the federal treatment or because the states separately impose a tax on us. We invest our assets principally in MLPs, which generally are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes. As a partner in the MLPs, we report our allocable share of the MLP’s taxable income, loss, deduction, and credits in computing our taxable income. Based upon our review of the historic results of the type of MLPs in which we invest, we expect that the cash flow received by us with respect to our MLP investments generally will exceed the taxable income allocated to us. There is no assurance that our expectation regarding the tax character of MLP distributions will be realized. If this expectation is not realized, there will be greater tax expense borne by us and less cash available to distribute to stockholders. In addition, we will take into account in our taxable income amounts of gain or loss recognized on the sale of MLP units. Currently, the maximum regular federal income tax rate for a corporation is 35%, but we may be subject to a 20% alternative minimum tax on our alternative minimum taxable income to the extent that the alternative minimum tax exceeds our regular income tax.

 

Deferred income taxes reflect (1) taxes on unrealized gains/(losses) which are attributable to the difference between the fair market value and tax basis of our investments and (2) the tax benefit of accumulated capital or net operating losses. We will accrue a net deferred tax liability if our future tax liability on our unrealized gains exceeds the tax benefit of our accumulated capital or net operating losses, if any. We will accrue a net deferred tax asset if our future tax liability on our unrealized gains is less than the tax benefit of our accumulated capital or net operating losses or if we have net unrealized losses on our investments.

 

To the extent we have a net deferred tax asset, consideration is given as to whether or not a valuation allowance is required. The need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on the criteria established by the Statement of Financial Standards, Accounting for Income Taxes (ASC 740) that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In our 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 capital or net operating loss carryforwards may expire unused.

 

If a valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax asset in the future, it could have a material impact on our net asset value and results of operations in the period it is recorded.

 

Our earnings and profits are calculated using accounting methods that may differ from tax accounting methods used by an entity in which we invest. For instance, to calculate our earnings and profits we will use

the straight-line depreciation method rather than the accelerated depreciation method. This treatment may, for example, affect our earnings and profits if an MLP in which we invest calculates its income using the accelerated depreciation method. Our earnings and profits would not be increased solely by the income passed through from the MLP, but we would also have to include in our earnings and profits the amount by which the accelerated depreciation exceeded straight-line depreciation.

 

Because of the differences in the manner in which earnings and profits and taxable income are calculated, we may make distributions out of earnings and profits, treated as tax dividends, in years in which we have no taxable income.

 

In addition, in calculating our alternative minimum taxable income, certain percentage depletion deductions and intangible drilling costs may be treated as items of tax preference. Items of tax preference increase alternative minimum taxable income and increase the likelihood that we may be subject to alternative minimum tax.

 

We have not elected and have no current intention to elect to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Code. The Code generally provides that a regulated investment company does not pay an entity level income tax, provided that it distributes all or substantially all of its income and satisfies certain source of income and asset diversification requirements. The regulated investment company taxation rules have no current application to us or to our stockholders.

 

Federal Income Taxation of Holders of Our Common Stock

 

Unlike a holder of a direct interest in MLPs, a stockholder will not include its allocable share of our gross income, gains, losses, deductions, or credits in computing its own taxable income. Our distributions are treated as a tax dividend to the stockholder to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits. If the distribution exceeds our earnings and profits, the distribution will be treated as a return of capital to our common stockholder to the extent of the stockholder’s basis in our common stock, and then as capital gain. Common stockholders will receive a Form 1099 from us (rather than a Schedule K-1 from each MLP if the stockholder had invested directly in the MLPs) and will recognize dividend income only to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits.

 

Generally, a corporation’s earnings and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain specified adjustments. As explained above, based upon the historic performance of the MLPs, we anticipate that the distributed cash from an MLP will exceed our share of such MLP’s income. Thus, we anticipate that only a portion of distributions of cash and other income from investments will be treated as dividend income to our common stockholders. As a corporation for tax purposes, our earnings and profits will be calculated using (i) straight-line depreciation rather than accelerated depreciation, and cost rather than a percentage depletion method, and (ii) intangible drilling costs and exploration and development costs amortized over a five-year and ten-year period, respectively. Because of the differences in the manner in which earnings and profits and taxable income are calculated, we may make distributions out of earnings and profits, treated as dividends, in years in which we have no taxable income.