Kayne Anderson BDC Inc

Previous wording

Investing in our shares of common stock involves a number of significant risks. Before you invest in our shares of common stock, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our NAV could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below are the principal risk factors associated with an investment in us as well as those factors generally associated with an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to ours.

Current wording

Investing in our shares of common stock involves a number of significant risks. Before you invest in our shares of common stock, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our business, operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our NAV and the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below are the principal risk factors associated with an investment in us as well as those factors generally associated with an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to ours.

Previous wording

We commenced operations in February 2021. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective, that we will not qualify or maintain our qualification to be treated as a RIC, and that the value of your investment could decline substantially.

Current wording

We commenced operations in February 2021 with private investors as shareholders, and then we completed our IPO in 2024. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective, that we will not qualify or maintain our qualification to be treated as a RIC, and that the value of your investment could decline substantially.

Previous wording

We use leverage pursuant to borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes and intend to further borrow under credit facilities and/or issue senior unsecured notes in the future in order to finance our investments. As a result, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow under credit facilities and senior unsecured notes and the rate at which we invest these funds. In addition, we anticipate that many of our debt investments and borrowings under credit facilities will have floating interest rates that reset on a periodic basis, and many of our investments will be subject to interest rate floors. As a result, a significant change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. See “Risks Relating to Our Investments—Rising interest rates could affect the value of our investments and make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans.”

Current wording

We use leverage pursuant to borrowings under credit facilities and issuances of senior unsecured notes and intend to further borrow under credit facilities and/or issue senior unsecured notes in the future in order to finance our investments. As a result, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow under credit facilities and senior unsecured notes and the rate at which we invest these funds. In addition, we anticipate that many of our debt investments and borrowings under credit facilities will have floating interest rates that reset on a periodic basis, and many of our investments will be subject to interest rate floors. As a result, a significant change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. See “Risks Relating to Our Investments—We are subject to risks associated with the current interest rate environment, and rising interest rates could affect the value of our investments and make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans.”

Previous wording

In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds will increase because we expect that the interest rates on the majority of amounts we borrow will be floating, which could reduce our net investment income to the extent any of our debt investments have fixed interest rates. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. These activities may limit our ability to benefit from lower interest rates with respect to hedged borrowings. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Risks Relating to Our Investments—We may be subject to risks under hedging transactions and our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.”

Current wording

In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds will increase because we expect that the interest rates on the majority of amounts we borrow will be floating, which could reduce our net investment income to the extent any of our debt investments have fixed interest rates. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. These activities may limit our ability to benefit from lower interest rates with respect to hedged borrowings. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Risks Relating to Our Investments—We are subject to risks under hedging transactions and our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.”

Previous wording

We do not have any internal management capacity or employees. We depend upon Kayne Anderson’s key personnel for our future success and upon their access to certain individuals and investment opportunities to execute on our investment objective. 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 manage a number of investment vehicles on behalf of Kayne Anderson and, as a result, do not devote all of their time to managing us, which could negatively impact our performance. Furthermore, 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. 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 our Advisor will remain our investment advisor or that we will continue to have access to Kayne Anderson’s industry contacts and deal flow. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

We do not have any internal management capacity or employees. We depend upon Kayne Anderson’s key personnel for our future success and upon their access to certain individuals and investment opportunities to execute on our investment objective. 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 manage a number of investment vehicles on behalf of Kayne Anderson and, as a result, do not devote all of their time to managing us, which could negatively impact our performance. Furthermore, 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. 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 our Advisor will remain our investment advisor or that we will continue to have access to Kayne Anderson’s industry contacts and deal flow. Furthermore, if the Advisor fails to maintain such relationships, or to develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities, we will not be able to grow our investment portfolio. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the professionals available to our Administrator to carry out the administrative functions necessary for us to operate, including the ability to select and engage sub-administrators and third-party service providers. We can offer no assurance, however, that the professionals of the Administrator will continue to provide administrative services to us. Furthermore, if the Advisor fails to maintain such relationships, or to develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities, we will not be able to grow our investment portfolio. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Current wording

We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of the professionals available to our Administrator to carry out the administrative functions necessary for us to operate, including the ability to select and engage sub-administrators and third-party service providers. We can offer no assurance, however, that the professionals of the Administrator will continue to provide administrative services to us. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Previous wording

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to manage our business and grow, which depends, in turn, on the Advisor’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment selection criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the Advisor’s structuring of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and our access to financing on acceptable terms. The management team of the Advisor has substantial responsibilities under our Investment Advisor Agreement. We can offer no assurance that any current or future employees of the Advisor will contribute effectively to the work of, or remain associated with, the Advisor. We caution you that the principals of our Advisor or Administrator may also be called upon to provide and currently do provide managerial assistance to portfolio companies and other investment vehicles, including other BDCs, which are managed by affiliates of the Advisor. Such demands on their time may distract them or slow our rate of investment. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to manage and grow our business, which depends, in turn, on the Advisor’s ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment selection criteria. Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the Advisor’s structuring of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us and our access to financing on acceptable terms. The management team of the Advisor has substantial responsibilities under our Investment Advisor Agreement. We can offer no assurance that any current or future employees of the Advisor will contribute effectively to the work of, or remain associated with, the Advisor. We caution you that the principals of our Advisor or Administrator may also be called upon to provide and currently do provide managerial assistance to portfolio companies and other investment vehicles, including other BDCs, which are managed by affiliates of the Advisor. Such demands on their time may distract them or slow our rate of investment. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We may make investments in, or loans to, companies which are not subject to public company reporting requirements including requirements regarding preparation of financial statements and our portfolio companies may utilize divergent reporting standards that may make it difficult for the Advisor to accurately assess the prior performance of a portfolio company. We will, therefore, depend upon the compliance by investment companies with their contractual reporting obligations. As a result, the evaluation of potential investments and our ability to perform due diligence on, and effectively monitor investments, may be impeded, and we may not realize the returns which we expect on any particular investment. In the event of fraud by any company in which we invest or with respect to which we make a loan, we may suffer a partial or total loss of the amounts invested in that company.

Current wording

We may make investments in, or loans to, companies that are not subject to public company reporting requirements including requirements regarding preparation of financial statements, and our portfolio companies may utilize divergent reporting standards that may make it difficult for the Advisor to accurately assess the prior performance of a portfolio company. We will, therefore, depend upon the compliance by investment companies with their contractual reporting obligations. As a result, the evaluation of potential investments and our ability to perform due diligence on and effectively monitor investments may be impeded, and we may not realize the returns that we expect on any particular investment. In the event of fraud by any company in which we invest or with respect to which we make a loan, we may suffer a partial or total loss of the amounts invested in that company.

Previous wording

We do not expect to invest in, or hold securities of, companies that are controlled by our affiliates’ other clients. If our affiliates’ other client or clients gain control over one of our portfolio companies, this may create conflicts of interest and subject us to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act. As a result of these conflicts and restrictions our Advisor may be unable to implement our investment strategies as effectively as they could have in the absence of such conflicts or restrictions. For example, as a result of a conflict or restriction, our Advisor may be unable to engage in certain transactions that they would otherwise pursue. In order to avoid these conflicts and restrictions, our Advisor may choose to exit these investments prematurely and, as a result, we may forgo positive returns associated with such investments. In addition, to the extent that another client holds a different class of securities than us as a result of such transactions, our interests may not be aligned. Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates may be restricted.

Current wording

We do not expect to invest in, or hold securities of, companies that are controlled by our affiliates’ other clients. If our affiliates’ other client or clients gain control over one of our portfolio companies, this may create conflicts of interest and subject us to certain restrictions under the 1940 Act. As a result of these conflicts and restrictions our Advisor may be unable to implement our investment strategies as effectively as it could have in the absence of such conflicts or restrictions. For example, as a result of a conflict or restriction, our Advisor may be unable to engage in certain transactions that it would otherwise pursue. In order to avoid these conflicts and restrictions, our Advisor may choose to exit these investments prematurely and, as a result, we may forgo positive returns associated with such investments. In addition, to the extent that another client holds a different class of securities than us as a result of such transactions, our interests may not be aligned. Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates may be restricted.

Previous wording

We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC.

Current wording

We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to continue to qualify as a RIC.

Previous wording

We have elected, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code; however, no assurance can be given that we will be able to qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment. In order to qualify, and maintain qualification, as a RIC under the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. The distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount generally at least equal to the sum of 90% of our investment company taxable income, which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of our net short-term capital gains in excess of our net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of our net tax-exempt interest income, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. We are subject, to the extent we use debt financing, to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to be subject to tax as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax. To qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our qualification as a RIC. Because a significant portion of our investments are in private or thinly traded public companies, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in substantial losses. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to corporate-level income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distributions to stockholders and the amount of our distributions and the amount of funds available for new investments. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders.

Current wording

We have elected, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code; however, no assurance can be given that we will be able to qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment. In order to qualify, and maintain qualification, as a RIC under the Code, we must meet certain source-of-income, asset diversification and distribution requirements. The distribution requirement for a RIC is satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes of an amount generally at least equal to the sum of 90% of our investment company taxable income, which is generally our net ordinary income plus the excess of our net short-term capital gains in excess of our net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid, and 90% of our net tax-exempt interest income, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. We are subject, to the extent we use debt financing, to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act and financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to continue to qualify as a RIC. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to be subject to tax as a RIC and, thus, may be subject to corporate-level income tax. To continue to qualify as a RIC, we must also meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our qualification as a RIC. Because a significant portion of our investments are in private or thinly traded public companies, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and may result in substantial losses. If we fail to qualify as a RIC for any reason and become subject to corporate-level income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distributions to stockholders and the amount of our distributions and the amount of funds available for new investments. Such a failure would have a material adverse effect on us and our stockholders.

Previous wording

We intend to operate so that we will be an appropriate investment for employee benefit plans subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). We will use reasonable efforts to conduct the Company’s affairs so that the assets of the Company will not be deemed to be “plan assets” for purposes of ERISA. Accordingly, there may be constraints on our ability to make or dispose of investments at optimal times (or to make certain investments at all).

Current wording

We intend to operate so that we will be an appropriate investment for employee benefit plans subject to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”). We will use reasonable efforts to conduct our affairs so that our assets will not be deemed to be “plan assets” for purposes of ERISA. Accordingly, there may be constraints on our ability to make or dispose of investments at optimal times (or to make certain investments at all).

Previous wording

Nevertheless, if the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this ratio. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to holders of our shares of common stock. If we issue senior securities, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. In addition, if the value of the Company’s assets decreases, leverage will cause the Company’s net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have without leverage or with lower leverage. Similarly, any decrease in the Company’s revenue would cause its net income to decline more sharply than it would have if the Company had not borrowed or had borrowed less under the credit facilities.

Current wording

Nevertheless, if the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this ratio. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to holders of our shares of common stock. If we issue senior securities, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss. In addition, if the value of our assets decreases, leverage will cause our net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have without leverage or with lower leverage. Similarly, any decrease in our revenue would cause its net income to decline more sharply than it would have if we had not borrowed or had borrowed less under the credit facilities.

Previous wording

Following the passage of Dodd-Frank 2010, many commercial banks and other financial institutions stopped lending or significantly curtailed their lending activity. In addition, in an effort to stem losses and reduce their exposure to segments of the economy deemed to be high risk, some financial institutions limited routine refinancing and loan modification transactions and even reviewed the terms of existing facilities to identify bases for accelerating the maturity of existing lending facilities. To the extent these circumstances arise again in the future, it may be difficult for us to finance the growth of our investments on acceptable economic terms, or at all, and one or more of our credit facilities could be accelerated by the lenders.

Current wording

Following the passage of Dodd-Frank, many commercial banks and other financial institutions stopped lending or significantly curtailed their lending activity. In addition, in an effort to stem losses and reduce their exposure to segments of the economy deemed to be high risk, some financial institutions limited routine refinancing and loan modification transactions and even reviewed the terms of existing facilities to identify bases for accelerating the maturity of existing lending facilities. To the extent these circumstances arise again in the future, it may be difficult for us to finance the growth of our investments on acceptable economic terms, or at all, and one or more of our credit facilities could be accelerated by the lenders.

Previous wording

In addition, the central banks and, in particular, the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken unprecedented steps since the financial crises of 2008-2009, the COVID-19 global pandemic and in response to inflationary pressures. On the other hand, recent governmental intervention could mean that the willingness of governmental bodies to take additional extraordinary action is diminished. It is impossible to predict if, how, and to what extent the United States and other governments would further intervene in credit markets. As a result, in the event of near-term major market disruptions, like those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there might be only limited additional government intervention, resulting in correspondingly greater market dislocation and materially greater market risk.

Current wording

In addition, the central banks and, in particular, the U.S. Federal Reserve, have taken unprecedented steps since the financial crises of 2008-2009 and the COVID-19 global pandemic and in response to inflationary pressures. On the other hand, recent governmental intervention could mean that the willingness of governmental bodies to take additional extraordinary action is diminished. It is impossible to predict if, how, and to what extent the United States and other governments would further intervene in credit markets. As a result, in the event of near-term major market disruptions, like those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there might be only limited additional government intervention, resulting in correspondingly greater market dislocation and materially greater market risk.

Previous wording

On May 24, 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act was enacted, which left the architecture and core features of Dodd-Frank intact but significantly recalibrated applicability thresholds, revised various post-crisis regulatory requirements, and provided targeted regulatory relief to certain financial institutions. Among the most significant of its amendments to Dodd-Frank were a substantial increase in the $50 billion asset threshold to $250 billion for automatic regulation of bank holding companies (“BHCs”) as “systemically important financial institutions” an exemption from the Volcker Rule for insured depository institutions with less than $10 billion in consolidated assets and lower levels of trading assets and liabilities, as well as amendments to the liquidity leverage ratio and supplementary leverage ratio requirements. In addition, effective October 1, 2020, the U.S. Federal Reserve, SEC and other federal agencies modified their regulations under the Volcker Rule to loosen the restrictions on financial institutions. The effects of these and any further rules or regulations that may be enacted by the Biden administration or future administrations, are and could be complex and far-reaching, and the change and any future laws or regulations or changes thereto could negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

On May 24, 2018, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act was enacted, which left the architecture and core features of Dodd-Frank intact but significantly recalibrated applicability thresholds, revised various post-crisis regulatory requirements, and provided targeted regulatory relief to certain financial institutions. Among the most significant of its amendments to Dodd-Frank were a substantial increase in the $50 billion asset threshold to $250 billion for automatic regulation of bank holding companies (“BHCs”) as “systemically important financial institutions,” an exemption from the Volcker Rule for insured depository institutions with less than $10 billion in consolidated assets and lower levels of trading assets and liabilities, and amendments to the liquidity leverage ratio and supplementary leverage ratio requirements. In addition, effective October 1, 2020, the U.S. Federal Reserve, SEC and other federal agencies modified their regulations under the Volcker Rule to loosen the restrictions on financial institutions. The effects of these and any further rules or regulations that may be enacted by the federal government are and could be complex and far-reaching, and the change and any future laws or regulations or changes thereto could negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We will incur significant costs as a result of being registered under the Exchange Act.

Current wording

We incur significant costs as a result of being registered under the Exchange Act.

Previous wording

We will incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules implemented by the SEC.

Current wording

We incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules implemented by the SEC.

Previous wording

Efforts to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will involve significant expenditures, and non-compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act would adversely affect us and the value of our shares of common stock.

Current wording

Efforts to comply with the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will involve significant expenditures, and non-compliance will adversely affect us and the value of our shares of common stock.

Previous wording

Upon registering our shares of common stock under the Exchange Act, we will be subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, and our management will be required to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to review on an annual basis our internal control over financial reporting, and on a quarterly and annual basis to evaluate and disclose changes in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, we expect to incur significant additional expenses that may negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to make distributions. This process will also result in a diversion of management’s time and attention. We do not know when our evaluation, testing and remediation actions will be completed or its impact on our operations. In addition, we may be unable to ensure that the process is effective or that our internal control over financial reporting is or will be effective. In the event that we are unable to come into and maintain compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, we and the value of our securities would be adversely affected.*** ***

Current wording

We have implemented procedures, processes, policies and practices for the purpose of addressing such standards and requirements applicable to public companies. Our management will be required to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We will be required to review on an annual basis our internal control over financial reporting, and on a quarterly and annual basis to evaluate and disclose changes in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, we expect to incur significant additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, expenses associated with corporate governance requirements, transfer agent fees, additional administrative expenses payable to the Administrator to compensate them for hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses. This process will also result in a diversion of management’s time and attention. We do not know when our evaluation, testing and remediation actions will be completed or its impact on our operations. In addition, we may be unable to ensure that the process is effective or that our internal control over financial reporting is or will be effective. In the event that we are unable to come into and maintain compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, we and the value of our securities would be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our business depends on the communications and information systems of our Advisor and its affiliates, our portfolio companies and third-party service providers. These systems are subject to potential cybersecurity attacks and incidents, including through adverse events that threaten the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources. Cyber hacking could also cause significant disruption and harm to the companies in which we invest. Additionally, digital and network technologies (collectively, “cyber networks”) might be at risk of cyberattacks that could potentially seek unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes such as misappropriating sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks might potentially be carried out by persons using techniques that could range from efforts to electronically circumvent network security or overwhelm websites to intelligence gathering and social engineering functions aimed at obtaining information necessary to gain access. These attacks could involve gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption and result in disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our business relationships, any of which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the value of our securities and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

Current wording

Our business depends on the communications and information systems of our Advisor and its affiliates, our portfolio companies and third-party service providers. These systems are subject to potential cybersecurity attacks and incidents, including through adverse events that threaten the confidentiality, integrity or availability of our information resources. Cyber hacking could also cause significant disruption and harm to the companies in which we invest. Additionally, digital and network technologies might be at risk of cyberattacks that could potentially seek unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes such as misappropriating sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks might potentially be carried out by persons using techniques that could range from efforts to electronically circumvent network security or overwhelm websites to intelligence gathering and social engineering functions aimed at obtaining information necessary to gain access. These attacks could involve gaining unauthorized access to our information systems for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption and result in disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to our business relationships, any of which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the value of our securities and our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders.

Previous wording

Rising interest rates could affect the value of our investments and make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans.

Current wording

We are subject to risks associated with the current interest rate environment, and rising interest rates could affect the value of our investments and make it more difficult for portfolio companies to make periodic payments on their loans.

Previous wording

In an effort to control inflation, the Federal Open Market Committee, the committee within the U.S. Federal Reserve that sets domestic monetary policy, raised the target range for the federal funds rate eleven times since March 2022 and to a current range of 5.25% to 5.50% as of January 2024. The U.S. Federal Reserve has signaled that further increases could continue to happen. Rising rates generally have a negative impact on income-oriented investments such as those in which we invest and could be adversely impacted by these actions. There is no assurance that the actions being taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve will improve the outlook for long-term inflation or whether they might result in a recession. A recession could lead to declined employment, global demand destruction and/or business failures, which may result in a decline in the value of our portfolio. In addition, increased interest rates could increase our cost of borrowing and reduce the return on leverage to common stockholders.

Current wording

In an effort to control inflation, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) has sharply raised interest rates in recent years, and they remain near their highest levels in over twenty years. Other central banks globally have implemented similar rate increases. A wide variety of factors can cause interest rates to rise (e.g., central bank monetary policies, inflation rates, or general economic conditions). Although recently both the Fed and other central banks globally have begun lowering rates, there is no certainty that further reductions will occur. There is no assurance that the actions being taken by the Fed will improve the outlook for long-term inflation or whether they might result in a recession. A recession could lead to declined employment, global demand destruction and/or business failures, which may result in a decline in the value of our portfolio. In addition, increased interest rates could increase our cost of borrowing and reduce the return on leverage to common stockholders.

Previous wording

In making the assessment and otherwise conducting customary due diligence, the Advisor will rely on the resources available to it and, in some cases, an investigation by third parties. This process is particularly important and highly subjective with respect to newly organized entities because there may be little or no information publicly available about the entities.

Current wording

In making the assessment and otherwise conducting customary due diligence, the Advisor will rely on the resources available to it and, in some cases, an investigation by third parties. This process is particularly important and highly subjective with respect to newly organized entities because there may be little or no information publicly available about those entities.

Previous wording

We may make investments in, or loans to, companies which are not subject to public company reporting requirements including requirements regarding preparation of financial statements and our portfolio companies may utilize divergent reporting standards that may make it difficult for the Advisor to accurately assess the prior performance of a portfolio company. We will, therefore, depend upon the compliance by investment companies with their contractual reporting obligations. As a result, the evaluation of potential investments and our ability to perform due diligence on, and effectively monitor investments, may be impeded, and we may not realize the returns which we expect on any particular investment. In the event of fraud by any company in which we invest or with respect to which we make a loan, we may suffer a partial or total loss of the amounts invested in that company.

Current wording

We may make investments in, or loans to, companies that are not subject to public company reporting requirements including requirements regarding preparation of financial statements, and our portfolio companies may utilize divergent reporting standards that may make it difficult for the Advisor to accurately assess the prior performance of a portfolio company. We will, therefore, depend upon the compliance by investment companies with their contractual reporting obligations. As a result, the evaluation of potential investments and our ability to perform due diligence on and effectively monitor investments may be impeded, and we may not realize the returns which we expect on any particular investment. In the event of fraud by any company in which we invest or with respect to which we make a loan, we may suffer a partial or total loss of the amounts invested in that company.

Previous wording

The debt that we invest in is typically not rated by any rating agency, but we believe that if such investments were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, lower than “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services), which under the guidelines established by these entities is an indication of having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Bonds that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “high yield bonds” or “junk bonds.” Therefore, our investments will result in an above average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal.

Current wording

The debt that we invest in is typically not rated by any rating agency, but we believe that if such investments were rated, they would be below investment grade (rated lower than “Baa3” by Moody’s Investors Service, lower than “BBB-” by Fitch Ratings or lower than “BBB-” by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services), which under the guidelines established by these rating entities is an indication of having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Bonds that are rated below investment grade are sometimes referred to as “high yield bonds” or “junk bonds.” Therefore, our investments will result in an above average amount of risk and volatility or loss of principal.

Previous wording

Further, in connection with the disposition of an investment in a portfolio company, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company, or may be responsible for the contents of disclosure documents under applicable securities laws. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment or underwriters to the extent that any such representations or disclosure documents turn out to be incorrect, inaccurate or misleading. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities, for which we may establish reserves or escrows. However, we can offer no assurance that we will adequately reserve for our contingent liabilities and that such liabilities will not have an adverse effect on us. Such contingent liabilities might ultimately have to be funded by proceeds, including the return of capital, from our other investments.

Current wording

Further, in connection with the disposition of an investment in a portfolio company, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company, or we may be responsible for the contents of disclosure documents under applicable securities laws. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment or underwriters to the extent that any such representations or disclosure documents turn out to be incorrect, inaccurate or misleading. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities, for which we may establish reserves or escrows. However, we can offer no assurance that we will adequately reserve for our contingent liabilities and that such liabilities will not have an adverse effect on us. Such contingent liabilities might ultimately have to be funded by proceeds, including the return of capital, from our other investments.

Previous wording

Our prospective portfolio companies may prepay loans, which may reduce our yields if capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.

Current wording

Our portfolio companies may prepay loans, which may reduce our yields if capital returned cannot be invested in transactions with equal or greater expected yields.

Previous wording

Our prospective portfolio companies may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity.

Current wording

Our portfolio companies may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity.

Previous wording

We have a maturity policy between three to six years for our debt investments. The portfolio companies in which we expect to invest may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity. This risk and the risk of default is increased to the extent that the loan documents do not require the portfolio companies to pay down the outstanding principal of such debt prior to maturity. As a result, once our investments mature, we will need to seek new investments for such capital.

Current wording

We have a maturity policy between three to six years for our debt investments. The portfolio companies in which we invest may be unable to repay or refinance outstanding principal on their loans at or prior to maturity. This risk and the risk of default are increased to the extent that the loan documents do not require the portfolio companies to pay down the outstanding principal of such debt prior to maturity. As a result, once our investments mature, we will need to seek new investments for such capital.

Previous wording

We may be subject to risks under hedging transactions and our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.

Current wording

We are subject to risks under hedging transactions and our ability to enter into transactions involving derivatives and financial commitment transactions may be limited.

Previous wording

We may engage in hedging transactions in the form of interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors, intended to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations to the limited extent such transactions are permitted under the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. Engaging in hedging transactions would entail additional risks to our stockholders.

Current wording

Although we do not engage in hedging transactions as a principal investment strategy, we may engage in hedging transactions in the form of interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors, intended to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations to the limited extent such transactions are permitted under the 1940 Act and applicable commodities laws. Engaging in hedging transactions would entail additional risks to our stockholders.

Previous wording

In addition, we are subject to legislation that may limit our ability to enter into such transactions. For example, in August 2022, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, regarding the ability of a BDC (or a registered investment company) to use derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions), became effective. Under the rule, BDCs that make significant use of derivatives are required to operate subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, adopt a derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager, and comply with various testing and board reporting requirements. These requirements apply unless the BDC qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined under the adopted rules. Under the rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. Though we do not engage in hedging transactions as a principal investment strategy, collectively, these requirements may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts.

Current wording

In addition, we are subject to legislation that may limit our ability to enter into such transactions. For example, in August 2022, Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, regarding the ability of a BDC (or a registered investment company) to use derivatives and other transactions that create future payment or delivery obligations (except reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions), became effective. Under the rule, BDCs that make significant use of derivatives are required to operate subject to a value-at-risk leverage limit, adopt a derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager, and comply with various testing and board reporting requirements. These requirements apply unless the BDC qualifies as a “limited derivatives user,” as defined under the adopted rules. Under the rule, a BDC may enter into an unfunded commitment agreement that is not a derivatives transaction, such as an agreement to provide financing to a portfolio company, if the BDC has, among other things, a reasonable belief, at the time it enters into such an agreement, that it will have sufficient cash and cash equivalents to meet its obligations with respect to all of its unfunded commitment agreements, in each case as it becomes due. We intend to operate under the limited derivatives user exemption of Rule 18f-4 and have adopted written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage our derivatives risk pursuant to Rule 18f-4. Collectively, these requirements may limit our ability to use derivatives and/or enter into certain other financial contracts. We qualify as a “limited derivatives user,” and as a result the requirements applicable to us under Rule 18f-4 may limit our ability to use derivatives and enter into certain other financial contracts. However, if we fail to qualify as a limited derivatives user and become subject to the additional requirements under Rule 18f-4, compliance with such requirements may increase cost of doing business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Future legislation or rules may modify how we treat derivatives and other financial arrangements for purposes of our compliance with the leverage limitations of the 1940 Act and, therefore, may increase or decrease the amount of leverage currently available to us under the 1940 Act, which may be materially adverse to us and our stockholders.

Previous wording

We do not currently have portfolio investments with direct exposure to the Middle East, China, Taiwan, Russia or Ukraine.

Current wording

We do not currently have portfolio investments with direct exposure to the Middle East, China, Taiwan, Russia or Ukraine, but because of the increasing interconnectedness of global economies and financial markets, events in these regions could negatively affect the value of our investments.

Previous wording

Political, social and economic uncertainty, including uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, creates and exacerbates risks.

Current wording

Political, social and economic uncertainty creates and exacerbates risks.

Previous wording

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) will occur that create uncertainty and have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which companies and their investments are exposed. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets, including in established markets such as the U.S. Such risks include the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia that began in February 2022, heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, the recent outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, or the effect on world leaders and governments of global health pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat. We do not currently have portfolio investments with direct exposure to the Middle East, China, Taiwan, Russia or Ukraine.

Current wording

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events (such as natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) will occur that create uncertainty and have significant impacts on issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets, to which companies and their investments are exposed. As global systems, economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, events that once had only local impact are now more likely to have regional or even global effects. Events that occur in one country, region or financial market will, more frequently, adversely impact issuers in other countries, regions or markets, including in established markets such as the U.S. Such risks include the large-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia that began in February 2022, heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, the recent outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, or the effect on world leaders and governments of global health pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These impacts can be exacerbated by failures of governments and societies to adequately respond to an emerging event or threat. We do not currently have portfolio investments with direct exposure to the Middle East, China, Taiwan, Russia or Ukraine, but because of the increasing interconnectedness of global economies and financial markets, events in these regions could negatively affect the value of our investments.

Previous wording

For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies. With respect to the U.S. credit markets (in particular for middle market loans), this outbreak resulted in the following among other things: (i) significant disruption to the businesses of many middle market loan borrowers including supply chains, demand and practical aspects of their operations, as well as lay-offs of employees; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iv) volatility and disruption of these markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which were not necessarily adequate to address the problems faced by the loan market and middle market businesses. Although many of these conditions have improved or resolved over the course of the pandemic, similar consequences could occur in the future as a result of new variants of the virus or other infectious diseases. The COVID-19 outbreak has had, and any future outbreaks could have, an adverse impact on the markets and the economy in general, which could have a material adverse impact on, among other things, the ability of lenders to originate loans, the volume and type of loans originated, and the volume and type of amendments and waivers granted to borrowers and remedial actions taken in the event of a borrower default, each of which could negatively impact the amount and quality of loans available for investment by us and returns to us, among other things. Recurring COVID-19 outbreaks, including as a result of new variants of the virus, have led to the re-introduction of public health restrictions in certain states in the United States and globally and could continue to lead to the re-introduction of such restrictions elsewhere. It is impossible to determine the scope of any future outbreaks, how long any such outbreak, market disruption or uncertainties may last, the effect any governmental actions will have or the full potential impact on us and our portfolio companies in which we invest.

Current wording

For example, the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in local, regional, national and global markets and economies. With respect to the U.S. credit markets (in particular for middle market loans), this outbreak resulted in the following among other things: (i) significant disruption to the businesses of many middle market loan borrowers including supply chains, demand and practical aspects of their operations, as well as lay-offs of employees; (ii) increased draws by borrowers on revolving lines of credit; (iii) increased requests by borrowers for amendments and waivers of their credit agreements to avoid default, increased defaults by such borrowers and/or increased difficulty in obtaining refinancing at the maturity dates of their loans; (iv) volatility and disruption of these markets including greater volatility in pricing and spreads and difficulty in valuing loans during periods of increased volatility, and liquidity issues; and (v) rapidly evolving proposals and/or actions by state and federal governments to address problems experienced by the markets and by businesses and the economy in general which were not necessarily adequate to address the problems faced by the loan market and middle market businesses. Although many of these conditions have resolved, similar consequences could occur in the future as a result of new variants of the virus or other infectious diseases. Any future outbreaks of infectious diseases could have an adverse impact on the markets and the economy in general, which could have a material adverse impact on, among other things, the ability of lenders to originate loans, the volume and type of loans originated, and the volume and type of amendments and waivers granted to borrowers and remedial actions taken in the event of a borrower default, each of which could negatively impact the amount and quality of loans available for investment by us and returns to us, among other things. It is impossible to determine the scope of any future outbreaks, how long any such outbreak, market disruption or uncertainties may last, the effect any governmental actions will have or the full potential impact on us and our portfolio companies in which we invest.