Sixth Street Specialty Lending Inc

Previous wording

Our portfolio companies in some cases may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in those companies and we may be exposed to special risks associated with bankruptcy cases.

Current wording

Our portfolio companies may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in those companies and we may be exposed to special risks associated with bankruptcy cases.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had $1,837.2 million principal amount of outstanding indebtedness, which had an annualized interest cost of 7.8% under the terms of our debt, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of upfront fees) and giving effect to the swap-adjusted interest rates on our 2024 Notes, 2026 Notes and 2028 Notes.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had $1,954.1 million principal amount of outstanding indebtedness, which had an annualized interest cost of 7.5% under the terms of our debt, excluding fees (such as fees on undrawn amounts and amortization of upfront fees) and giving effect to the swap-adjusted interest rates on our 2026 Notes, 2028 Notes and 2029 Notes.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, as adjusted to give effect to the interest rate swaps, the interest rate on the 2024 Notes was three-month SOFR plus 2.54% (on a weighted-average basis), the interest rate on the 2026 Notes was three-month SOFR plus 2.17%, and the interest rate on the 2028 Notes was three-month SOFR plus 2.99%.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, as adjusted to give effect to the interest rate swaps, the interest rate on the 2026 Notes was three-month SOFR plus 2.17%, the interest rate on the 2028 Notes was three-month SOFR plus 2.99%, and the interest rate on the 2029 Notes was three-month SOFR plus 2.44%.

Previous wording

For us to cover these annualized interest payments on indebtedness, we must achieve annual returns on our investments of at least 4.4%. Since we generally pay interest at a floating rate on our debt, an increase in interest rates will generally increase our borrowing costs. We expect that our annualized interest cost and returns required to cover interest will increase if we issue additional debt securities.

Current wording

For us to cover these annualized interest payments on indebtedness, we must achieve annual returns on our investments of at least 3.9%. Since we generally pay interest at a floating rate on our debt, an increase in interest rates will generally increase our borrowing costs. We expect that our annualized interest cost and returns required to cover interest will increase if we issue additional debt securities.

Previous wording

In order to compute the “Corresponding return to stockholder,” the “Assumed Return on Our Portfolio” is multiplied by the total value of our assets at December 31, 2023 to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense (calculated by multiplying the weighted average annualized stated interest rate of 7.79% by the approximately $1,837.2 million of principal debt outstanding) is subtracted to determine the return available to stockholders. The return available to stockholders is then divided by the total value of our net assets as of December 31, 2023 to determine the “Corresponding return to stockholder.”

Current wording

In order to compute the “Corresponding return to stockholder,” the “Assumed Return on Our Portfolio” is multiplied by the total value of our assets at December 31, 2024 to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense (calculated by multiplying the weighted average annualized stated interest rate of 7.5% by the approximately $1,954.1 million of principal debt outstanding) is subtracted to determine the return available to stockholders. The return available to stockholders is then divided by the total value of our net assets as of December 31, 2024 to determine the “Corresponding return to stockholder.”

Previous wording

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial conditions or results of operations.

Current wording

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Previous wording

We will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC.

Current wording

We will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, including as a result of our failure to satisfy the RIC distribution requirements.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we elected to retain approximately $91.6 million and $62.8 million of taxable income and capital gains, respectively, in order to provide us with additional liquidity and we recorded an expense of $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively, for U.S. federal excise tax as a result. We can be expected to retain some income and capital gains in the future, including for purposes of providing us with additional liquidity, which amounts would similarly be subject to the 4% U.S. federal excise tax. In that event, we will be liable for the tax on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement. See “ITEM 1. BUSINESS—Regulation as a Business Development Company—Regulated Investment Company Classification” for more information.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we elected to retain approximately $116.2 million and $91.6 million of taxable income and capital gains, respectively, in order to provide us with additional liquidity and we recorded an expense of $3.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, for U.S. federal excise tax as a result. We can be expected to retain some income and capital gains in the future, including for purposes of providing us with additional liquidity, which amounts would similarly be subject to the 4% U.S. federal excise tax. In that event, we will be liable for the tax on the amount by which we do not meet the foregoing distribution requirement. See “ITEM 1. BUSINESS—Regulation as a Business Development Company—Regulated Investment Company Classification” for more information.

Previous wording

U.S. dollar borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate derived from SOFR. SOFR is a relatively new reference rate and has a very limited history. The future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on its limited historical performance. Since the initial publication of SOFR in April 2018, changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than changes in other benchmark or market rates, such as U.S. dollar LIBOR. The use of SOFR is relatively new, and there could be unanticipated difficulties or disruptions with the calculation and publication of SOFR. Additionally, any successor rate to SOFR under our revolving credit facility may not have the same characteristics as SOFR or LIBOR. As a result, the amount of interest we may pay on our revolving credit facility is difficult to predict.

Current wording

U.S. dollar borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate derived from SOFR. SOFR is a relatively new reference rate and has a very limited history. The future performance of SOFR cannot be predicted based on its limited historical performance. Since the initial publication of SOFR in April 2018, changes in SOFR have, on occasion, been more volatile than changes in other benchmark or market rates. The use of SOFR is relatively new, and there could be unanticipated difficulties or disruptions with the calculation and publication of SOFR. Additionally, any successor rate to SOFR under our revolving credit facility may not have the same characteristics as SOFR. As a result, the amount of interest we may pay on our revolving credit facility is difficult to predict.

Previous wording

On December 16, 2014, we were granted an exemptive order from the SEC that, if certain conditions are met, allows us to co-invest with certain of our affiliates (including affiliates of Sixth Street) in middle-market loan origination activities for companies domiciled in the United States and certain “follow-on” investments in companies in which we have already co-invested pursuant to the order and remain invested. On January 16, 2020, we filed a further application for co-investment exemptive relief with the SEC, which was most recently amended on June 29, 2022, in order to better align our existing co-investment relief with more recent SEC exemptive orders, including flexibility to allow certain private funds affiliated with us to participate in “follow-on” investments in issuers in which the we are invested, but such private affiliated funds are not invested. On August 3, 2022, the SEC granted the new order in response to our application. The new order provides us with greater flexibility to participate in co-investment transactions with certain proprietary accounts that are majority-owned by our Adviser or its affiliates, to participate in “follow-on” investments in so-called “pre-boarding” investments in which we or an affiliated fund acquired a prior position not in reliance on the prior SEC exemptive order, and to participate in certain “follow-on” investments and pro rata distributions of existing co-investment positions without seeking approval by a majority of our Independent Directors. Our Board has established certain criteria to describe the characteristics of potential co-investment transactions in which we are permitted to participate and regarding which the Adviser should be notified. We and our affiliates, including investment funds managed by our affiliates, are only permitted to co-invest in accordance with the terms of the exemptive order or in the limited circumstances otherwise currently permitted by regulatory guidance.

Current wording

On December 16, 2014, we were granted an exemptive order from the SEC that, if certain conditions are met, allows us to co-invest with certain of our affiliates (including affiliates of Sixth Street) in middle-market loan origination activities for companies domiciled in the United States and certain “follow-on” investments in companies in which we have already co-invested pursuant to the order and remain invested. On January 16, 2020, we filed a further application for co-investment exemptive relief with the SEC, which was most recently amended on June 29, 2022, in order to better align our existing co-investment relief with more recent SEC exemptive orders, including flexibility to allow certain private funds affiliated with us to participate in “follow-on” investments in issuers in which we are invested, but such private affiliated funds are not invested. On August 3, 2022, the SEC granted the new order in response to our application. The new order provides us with greater flexibility to participate in co-investment transactions with certain proprietary accounts that are majority-owned by our Adviser or its affiliates, to participate in “follow-on” investments in so-called “pre-boarding” investments in which we or an affiliated fund acquired a prior position not in reliance on the prior SEC exemptive order, and to participate in certain “follow-on” investments and pro rata distributions of existing co-investment positions without seeking approval by a majority of our Independent Directors. Our Board has established certain criteria to describe the characteristics of potential co-investment transactions in which we are permitted to participate and regarding which the Adviser should be notified. We and our affiliates, including investment funds managed by our affiliates, are only permitted to co-invest in accordance with the terms of the exemptive order or in the limited circumstances otherwise currently permitted by regulatory guidance. We cannot assure you when or whether we will apply for any other exemptive relief in the future and whether such orders will be obtained.

Previous wording

The Adviser’s liability is limited under the Investment Advisory Agreement, and we are required to indemnify the Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier manner.

Current wording

The Adviser’s liability is limited under the Investment Advisory Agreement, and we are required to indemnify the Adviser against certain liabilities, which may lead the Adviser to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Previous wording

Investment companies registered under the 1940 Act are restricted from acquiring directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition), unless these funds comply with an exemption under the 1940 Act as well as other limitations under the 1940 Act that would restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” either pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940

Current wording

Investment companies registered under the 1940 Act are restricted from acquiring directly or through a controlled entity more than 3% of our total outstanding voting stock (measured at the time of the acquisition), unless these funds comply with an exemption under the 1940 Act as well as other limitations under the 1940 Act that would restrict the amount that they are able to invest in our securities. Private funds that are excluded from the definition of “investment company” either pursuant to Section 3(c)(1) or 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act are also subject to this restriction. As a result, certain investors may be precluded from acquiring additional shares at a time that they might desire to do so.

Previous wording

Additionally, the continuing trade dispute between the United States and China, pursuant to which both countries have, among other things, imposed tariffs on one another, has had an adverse economic effect on U.S. markets and international trade more broadly. This adverse economic effect is likely to become more pronounced if the dispute remains unresolved, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company's portfolio investments. For example, existing and any additional supply chain and other laws, regulations, or executive orders by either country that restrict or prohibit transactions or impose requirements or limitations on business could impair the ability of U.S.-based companies (in which the Company is likely to invest) to expand into markets in China and the ability of such companies’ to produce or obtain component parts necessary for production. Also, for the foreseeable future, the trade dispute will likely continue to be an ongoing source of instability, resulting in significant currency fluctuations, increased capital markets volatility, and other adverse effects on international markets, international trade agreements, and other existing cross-border cooperation arrangements (whether economic, tax, fiscal, legal, regulatory or otherwise), which could present similar and additional potential risks and consequences for the Company and is portfolio investments.

Current wording

In light of the presidential transition in 2025, global trade disputes may be magnified, including the continuing trade dispute between the United States and China, pursuant to which both countries have, among other things, imposed tariffs on one another, has had an adverse economic effect on U.S. markets and international trade more broadly. This adverse economic effect is likely to become more pronounced if the dispute remains unresolved, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company's portfolio investments. For example, existing and any additional supply chain and other laws, regulations, or executive orders by either country that restrict or prohibit transactions or impose requirements or limitations on business could impair the ability of U.S.-based companies (in which the Company is likely to invest) to expand into markets in China and the ability of such companies’ to produce or obtain component parts necessary for production. Also, for the foreseeable future, the trade dispute will likely continue to be an ongoing source of instability, resulting in significant currency fluctuations, increased capital markets volatility, and other adverse effects on international markets, international trade agreements, and other existing cross-border cooperation arrangements (whether economic, tax, fiscal, legal, regulatory or otherwise), which could present similar and additional potential risks and consequences for the Company and is portfolio investments.

Previous wording

The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years, following the spread of COVID-19 in the United States and globally. Disruptions in the capital markets have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. The federal government and the Federal Reserve, as well as foreign governments and central banks, have implemented, and may in the future implement, significant fiscal and monetary policies in response to these disruptions, and additional government and regulatory responses may be possible. These actions, future market disruptions and illiquidity could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations and our ability to grow, and could have a material negative impact on our operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.

Current wording

The U.S. capital markets have experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years. Disruptions in the capital markets have increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. The federal government and the Federal Reserve, as well as foreign governments and central banks, have implemented, and may in the future implement, significant fiscal and monetary policies in response to these disruptions, and additional government and regulatory responses may be possible. These actions, future market disruptions and illiquidity could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations and our ability to grow, and could have a material negative impact on our operating results and the fair values of our debt and equity investments.

Previous wording

The U.S. and global capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years, leading to periods of recessionary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending. For instance, monetary policies of the Federal Reserve and political uncertainty resulting from recent events, including changes to U.S. trade policies, the impact of the end of the transition period following United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union in January 2020 (“Brexit”), the provisional application of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas and related responses, has led to, from time to time, disruption and instability in the global markets. Disruptions in the capital markets increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. We cannot assure you that these conditions will not worsen. If conditions worsen, a prolonged period of market illiquidity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results.

Current wording

The U.S. and global capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption in recent years, leading to periods of recessionary conditions and depressed levels of consumer and commercial spending. For instance, monetary policies of the Federal Reserve and political uncertainty resulting from recent events, including changes to U.S. trade policies, the impact of the end of the transition period following United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union in January 2020 (“Brexit”), the provisional application of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and in the Middle East and related responses, has led to, from time to time, disruption and instability in the global markets. Disruptions in the capital markets increased the spread between the yields realized on risk-free and higher risk securities, resulting in illiquidity in parts of the capital markets. We cannot assure you that these conditions will not worsen. If conditions worsen, a prolonged period of market illiquidity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could limit our investment originations, limit our ability to grow and negatively impact our operating results.

Previous wording

After raising the target range for the federal funds rate in 2017 and 2018, the Federal Reserve lowered the target rate three times in 2019 and two times in 2020. Following recent heightened inflation, the Federal Reserve raised the target rate four times in 2023, raising the fed funds rate by about three percentage points in a six month period. In 2024, it is possible that the Federal Reserve will raise the interest rates further. Further changes in key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate or inflation, could lead to additional changes to the target range for the federal funds rate that may cause instability or may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms.

Current wording

After raising the target range for the federal funds rate in 2017 and 2018, the Federal Reserve lowered the target rate three times in 2019 and two times in 2020. Following recent heightened inflation, the Federal Reserve raised the target rate four times in 2023, raising the fed funds rate by about three percentage points in a six month period. However, in 2024, the Federal Reserved lowered the target rate three times. In 2025, it is possible that the Federal Reserve will lower the interest rates further. Further changes in key economic indicators, such as the unemployment rate or inflation, could lead to additional changes to the target range for the federal funds rate that may cause instability or may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms.

Previous wording

As a result of the 2022 U.S. election, the Democratic Party currently controls the executive branch of government and the Senate, while the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives. The divided U.S. Congress makes passage of legislation that could significantly affect the regulation of U.S. financial markets less likely. Despite the reduced likelihood of congressional action with respect to financial services, areas subject to potential change or amendment include the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, and the authority of the Federal Reserve and the Financial Stability Oversight Council. Additionally, under the divided control of the Congress, the likelihood of a failure to increase the debt ceiling and a default by the federal government is increased. The United States may also potentially withdraw from, renegotiate or enter into various trade agreements and take other actions that would change current trade policies of the United States. We cannot predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the financial stability of the United States. Such actions could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The election of a new U.S. president for a term that commenced in 2025, coupled with a consolidation of party control of both chambers of Congress, has led to new legislative and regulatory initiatives and the roll-back of certain initiatives of the previous presidential administration, which may impact our business and our clients’ businesses in unpredictable ways. Areas subject to potential change or amendment include the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, and the authority of the Federal Reserve and the Financial Stability Oversight Council. Additionally, under the narrowly divided control of the Congress, the likelihood of a failure to increase the debt ceiling and a default by the federal government is increased. The United States may also increase tariffs and potentially withdraw from, renegotiate or enter into various trade agreements and take other actions that would change current trade policies of the United States. We cannot predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the financial stability of the United States. Such actions could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.

Current wording

Our portfolio may be focused on a limited number of portfolio companies or industries, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments or if there is a downturn in a particular industry.

Previous wording

Because we generally do not hold controlling interests in our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over those portfolio companies or prevent decisions by management of those portfolio companies.

Current wording

Because we generally do not hold controlling interests in our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over those portfolio companies or prevent decisions by management of those portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.

Previous wording

Our portfolio companies in some cases may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in those companies.

Current wording

Our portfolio companies may incur debt or issue equity securities that rank equally with, or senior to, our investments in those companies.

Previous wording

Our investment strategy may include potential investments in foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, U.S. trade policy, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. Uncertainty in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, among other current events, could have negative impacts on the economies of countries in Europe and elsewhere. In addition, interest income derived from loans to foreign companies is not eligible to be distributed to our non-U.S. stockholders free from withholding taxes.

Current wording

Our investment strategy may include potential investments in foreign companies. Investing in foreign companies may expose us to additional risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These risks include changes in exchange control regulations, U.S. trade policy, political and social instability, expropriation, imposition of foreign taxes (potentially at confiscatory levels), less liquid markets, less available information than is generally the case in the United States, higher transaction costs, less government supervision of exchanges, brokers and issuers, less developed bankruptcy laws, difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards and greater price volatility. Uncertainty in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East, among other current events, could also have negative impacts on the economies of countries in Europe and elsewhere. In addition, interest income derived from loans to foreign companies is not eligible to be distributed to our non-U.S. stockholders free from withholding taxes.

Previous wording

For a variety of reasons, we may not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the positions being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. Income derived from hedging transactions also is not eligible to be distributed to non-U.S. stockholders free from withholding taxes. Changes to the regulations applicable to the financial instruments we use to accomplish our hedging strategy could affect the effectiveness of that strategy. For additional information on these regulatory changes, see “—Risks Related to Our Portfolio Company Investments—The new market structure applicable to derivatives imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act may affect our ability to use over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives for hedging purposes.” See also “—Risks Related to Our Portfolio Company Investments—We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates” and “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Results of Operations—Hedging.”

Current wording

For a variety of reasons, we may not seek to (or be able to) establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the positions being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations. Income derived from hedging transactions also is not eligible to be distributed to non-U.S. stockholders free from withholding taxes. Changes to the regulations applicable to the financial instruments we use to accomplish our hedging strategy could affect the effectiveness of that strategy. For additional information on these regulatory changes, see “—Risks Related to Our Portfolio Company Investments—The market structure applicable to derivatives imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act may affect our ability to use over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives for hedging purposes.” See also “—Risks Related to Our Portfolio Company Investments—We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates” and “ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS—Results of Operations—Hedging.”

Previous wording

Finally, the SEC has recently adopted Rule 18f-4, which constrains our ability to use swaps and other derivatives. Among other requirements, the rule would force us to reduce our use of derivatives, unless we were to qualify as a limited derivatives user under the rule, if the value-at-risk of our investment portfolio including our swap or derivative positions, exceeds 200 percent of a “designated reference portfolio,” which is a designated index that is unleveraged and reflects the market or asset classes in which we invest or our securities portfolio. If we could not identify a suitable reference portfolio, our value-at-risk would not be permitted to exceed 20% of our net assets. In addition, we are required under the final rule to establish a risk management program for our use of swaps or other derivative positions. Based on our current use of derivatives primarily for interest rate hedging purposes, we believe that we qualify, and will continue to qualify, as a limited derivatives user under the rule. However, we cannot assure you that we will be treated as a limited derivatives user or that our approach to our use of derivatives will not change.

Current wording

Finally, Rule 18f-4 constrains our ability to use swaps and other derivatives. Among other requirements, the rule would force us to reduce our use of derivatives, unless we were to qualify as a limited derivatives user under the rule, if the value-at-risk of our investment portfolio including our swap or derivative positions, exceeds 200 percent of a “designated reference portfolio,” which is a designated index that is unleveraged and reflects the market or asset classes in which we invest or our securities portfolio. If we could not identify a suitable reference portfolio, our value-at-risk would not be permitted to exceed 20% of our net assets. In addition, we are required under the final rule to establish a risk management program for our use of swaps or other derivative positions. Based on our current use of derivatives primarily for interest rate hedging purposes, we believe that we qualify, and will continue to qualify, as a limited derivatives user under the rule. However, we cannot assure you that we will be treated as a limited derivatives user or that our approach to our use of derivatives will not change.

Previous wording

the impact of public health epidemics on the global economy, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its worldwide impact;

Current wording

the impact of public health epidemics on the global economy;

Previous wording

The ongoing armed conflicts as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas may have a material adverse impact on us and our portfolio companies.

Current wording

The ongoing armed conflicts as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East may have a material adverse impact on us and our portfolio companies.

Previous wording

On February 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced a full-scale invasion of Russia’s pre-positioned forces into Ukraine, which could have a negative impact on the economy and business activity globally (including in the countries in which the Company invests), and therefore could adversely affect the performance of the Company’s investments. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East have led, are currently leading, and for an unknown period of time may continue to lead to disruptions in local, regional, national, and global markets and economies affected thereby. Furthermore, the aforementioned conflicts and the varying involvement of the United States and other NATO countries could preclude prediction as to their ultimate adverse impact on global economic and market conditions, and, as a result, presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to the Company and the performance of its investments or operations, and the ability of the Company to achieve its investment objectives. Additionally, to the extent that third parties, investors, or related customer bases have material operations or assets in such conflict zones, they may have adverse consequences related to the ongoing conflict.

Current wording

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East have led, are currently leading, and for an unknown period of time may continue to lead to disruptions in local, regional, national, and global markets and economies affected thereby and could have a negative impact on the economy and business activity globally (including in the countries in which the Company invests), and therefore could adversely affect the performance of the Company’s investments. Furthermore, the aforementioned conflicts and the varying involvement of the United States and other NATO countries could preclude prediction as to their ultimate adverse impact on global economic and market conditions, and, as a result, presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to the Company and the performance of its investments or operations, and the ability of the Company to achieve its investment objectives. Additionally, to the extent that third parties, investors, or related customer bases have material operations or assets in such conflict zones, they may have adverse consequences related to the ongoing conflict.

Previous wording

Further, significant physical effects of climate change including extreme weather events such as hurricanes or floods, can also have an adverse impact on certain of our portfolio companies and investments, especially our portfolio companies that rely locations in the affected areas. As the effects of climate change increase, we expect the frequency and impact of weather and climate related events and conditions to increase as well. For example, unseasonal or violent weather events can have a material impact to businesses that focus on tourism or recreational travel. Additionally, the needs of customers of energy companies vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of any changes. Increases in the cost of energy could adversely affect the cost of operations of our portfolio companies if the use of energy products or services is material to their business. A decrease in energy use due to weather changes may affect some of our portfolio companies’ financial condition, through decreased revenues. Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions.

Current wording

Further, significant physical effects of climate change including extreme weather events such as hurricanes or floods, can also have an adverse impact on certain of our portfolio companies and investments, especially our portfolio companies that rely on locations in the affected areas. As the effects of climate change increase, we expect the frequency and impact of weather and climate related events and conditions to increase as well. For example, unseasonal or violent weather events can have a material impact to businesses that focus on tourism or recreational travel. Additionally, the needs of customers of energy companies vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of any changes. Increases in the cost of energy could adversely affect the cost of operations of our portfolio companies if the use of energy products or services is material to their business. A decrease in energy use dueto weather changes may affect some of our portfolio companies’ financial condition, through decreased revenues. Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions.