Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(c) under the
Securities Act of 1933, As Amended
File no. 333-146095

 

Subject to Completion
Preliminary Prospectus Supplement Dated December 8, 2009

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(To prospectus dated May 8, 2009)

$     

 

Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation

 

Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares

Liquidation Preference $10.00 per share

Mandatorily Redeemable December 31, 2019

 

 

Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (the “Company,” “we”, “us” or “our”) is a nondiversified, closed-end management investment company. Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders.

 

We are offering our mandatory redeemable preferred stock (referred to as “Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares” or “MRP Shares”) with an aggregate liquidation preference of $      in this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement is not complete and should be read in conjunction with our prospectus dated May 8, 2009 (the “prospectus”), which accompanies this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement does not include all information that you should consider before purchasing any MRP Shares. You should read this prospectus supplement and the prospectus prior to purchasing any MRP Shares.

 

Investors in MRP Shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends at an annual rate of     % per annum. Dividends on the MRP Shares will be payable monthly. The initial dividend period for the MRP Shares will commence on the issue date and end on January 31, 2010. Each subsequent dividend period will be a calendar month (or the portion thereof occurring prior to the redemption of such MRP Shares). Dividends will be paid on the first business day of the month next following a dividend period and upon redemption of the MRP Shares. Dividends with respect to any monthly dividend period will be declared and paid to holders of record of MRP Shares as their names appear on our books and records at the close of business on the 15th day of such monthly dividend period (or if such day is not a business day, the next preceding business day).

 

We are required to redeem the MRP Shares on December 31, 2019. In addition, MRP Shares are subject to optional and mandatory redemption by us in certain circumstances described in this prospectus supplement.

 

Application has been made to list the MRP Shares on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “TYG Pr A” so that trading on such exchange will begin within 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, subject to notice of issuance. Prior to the expected commencement of trading on the NYSE, the underwriters do not intend to make a market in the MRP Shares and a market for the MRP Shares is not expected to develop. Consequently, it is anticipated that, prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE, an investment in MRP Shares will be illiquid.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of MRP Shares, along with borrowings under our credit facility, to redeem all of our outstanding auction rate preferred stock (“Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares”). Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates or their customers may own or be obligated to repurchase in the future Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares and, as a result, may benefit from any such partial redemption. See “Prospectus Supplement Summary — The Offering.”

 

Investing in MRP Shares involves certain risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 of the prospectus and “Risks of Investing in Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares” beginning on page S-23 of this prospectus supplement.

 

 

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

 

The underwriters expect to deliver the MRP Shares in book-entry form, through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, to broker-dealers on or about          , 2009.

 

 

 

 

Joint Book-Running Managers

 

Sole Structuring Coordinator

Co-Managers

RBC Capital Markets

Oppenheimer & Co.

Stifel Nicolaus

 

 

 

 

          , 2009

 

The offering is conditioned upon the MRP Shares receiving a rating of not less than “A1” from Moody’s and “AA” from Fitch.

 

This prospectus supplement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Additional copies of this prospectus supplement, the prospectus or the statement of additional information dated May 8, 2009, as supplemented from time to time, are available by calling 1-866-362-9331 or by writing to us, or you may obtain copies (and other information regarding us) from the SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov). You also may e-mail requests for these documents to the SEC at publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549.

 

This prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering, also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in the prospectus. The prospectus gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this prospectus supplement shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Articles Supplementary setting forth the rights and preferences of the MRP Shares (the “Articles Supplementary”). The Articles Supplementary are available from us upon request.

 

If the description of this offering varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement.

 

The MRP Shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus

 

 

 

 

 

You should rely on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement in making an investment decision. Neither we nor the Underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the Underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these MRP Shares in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information in this prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus supplement, and that our business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since this date. We will amend or supplement this prospectus supplement to reflect material changes to the information contained in this prospectus supplement to the extent required by applicable law.

 

This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the statement of additional information contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “may,” “will,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “anticipate,” and similar terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this prospectus supplement, as well as in the accompanying prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other markets, the price at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC.

 

Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus accompanying this prospectus supplement. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus are made as of the date of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).

 

Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus accompanying this prospectus supplement as well as in the “Risks of Investing in Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares” section of this prospectus supplement. We urge you to review carefully those sections for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in MRP Shares.

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

MRP Shares Offered		MRP Shares, $10.00 liquidation preference per share ($     aggregate liquidation preference). The MRP Shares are being offered by the underwriters (the “Underwriters”) listed under “Underwriting,” for which Banc of America Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are acting as representatives. We have granted the Underwriters the right to purchase up to an additional           MRP Shares to cover over-allotments. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the information throughout this prospectus supplement does not take into account the possible issuance to the Underwriters of additional MRP Shares pursuant to their right to purchase additional MRP Shares to cover over-allotments. Certain of the Underwriters and their affiliates may currently own or may be obligated to repurchase in the future outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares. In addition, customers of certain Underwriters and their affiliates may currently own outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares. Upon the successful completion of this offering, these outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares will be redeemed by us with the net proceeds of this offering as set forth in “Use of Proceeds.” Although such a redemption will be done in accordance with the 1940 Act in a manner that does not favor these Underwriters, affiliates or customers, the Underwriters or their affiliates may nonetheless be deemed to obtain a material benefit from the offering of the MRP Shares due to such redemption including, for certain of the Underwriters and their affiliates, potentially substantial financial relief and/or relief related to legal and regulatory matters associated with currently illiquid Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares.
Dividend Rate		MRP Shares will pay a monthly cash dividend at a rate of     % per annum. The dividend rate is subject to adjustment (but will not in any event be lower than     %) in certain circumstances. See “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Dividends and Dividend Periods — Fixed Dividend Rate,” “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Dividends and Dividend Periods — Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate — Ratings” and “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Dividends and Dividend Periods — Default Rate — Default Period.”
Dividend Payments		The holders of MRP Shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends when, as and if, authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us, out of funds legally available therefore. Dividends on the MRP Shares will be payable monthly. The initial dividend period for the MRP Shares will commence on the Original Issue Date and end on January 31, 2010 and each subsequent dividend period will be a calendar month (or the portion thereof occurring prior to the redemption of such MRP Shares) (each dividend period a “Dividend Period”). Dividends will be paid on the first Business Day of the month next following a Dividend Period and upon redemption of the MRP Shares (each payment date a “Dividend Payment Date”). Dividends with respect

		to any monthly Dividend Period will be declared and paid to holders of record of the MRP Shares as their names appear on our books and records at the close of business on the 15th day of such monthly Dividend Period (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day). See “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Dividends and Dividend Periods.”
Term Redemption		We are required to redeem all outstanding MRP Shares on December 31, 2019 at a redemption price equal to $10.00 per share plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends thereon (whether or not earned or declared but excluding interest thereon) to (but excluding) the redemption date (the “Redemption Price”). See “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Redemption — Term Redemption.”
Mandatory Redemption for Asset Coverage, Effective Leverage Ratio and MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount		Asset Coverage.  If we fail to maintain asset coverage of at least 225% as of the close of business on the last Business Day of any week, and such failure is not cured as of the close of business on the date that is 30 days following such Business Day, the MRP Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption at the Redemption Price. See “Asset Coverage Requirements” and “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Redemption — Mandatory Redemption.”
		Effective Leverage Ratio.  If our Effective Leverage Ratio (as defined below) exceeds 50% as of the close of business on the last Business Day of any week, and such failure is not cured as of the close of business on the date that is 30 days following such Business Day, the MRP Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption at the Redemption Price. See “Effective Leverage Ratio Requirement” and “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Redemption — Mandatory Redemption.”
		MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount.  If we fail to maintain assets in our portfolio that have a value equal to the MRP Share Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined below) as of the close of business on the last Business Day of any week, and such failure is not cured as of the close of business on the date that is 30 days following such Business Day, the MRP Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption at the Redemption Price. See “Asset Coverage Requirements” and “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Redemption — Mandatory Redemption.”
Optional Redemption		We may redeem the MRP shares at any time after December 31, 2012 at a redemption price equal to the Redemption Price plus an optional redemption premium per share. See “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Redemption — Optional Redemption.”
Use of Proceeds		We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering after expenses will be approximately $      million or $      million if the

		underwriters exercise the overallotment option in full. If the underwriters do not exercise the overallotment option, we intend to use all of the net proceeds of this offering, along with funds borrowed under our credit facility, to redeem all $70.0 million of our outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares and maintain our leveraged capital structure. If the underwriters exercise the overallotment option in full, we intend to use the net proceeds of this offering to (i) redeem all $70.0 million of our outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares and maintain our leveraged capital structure and (ii) either retire a portion of our short-term debt outstanding under our credit facility or acquire securities in pursuit of our investment objective and policies.
NYSE Listing		Application has been made to list the MRP Shares on the NYSE under the symbol “TYG Pr A” so that trading on such exchange will begin within 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, subject to notice of issuance. Prior to the expected commencement of trading on the NYSE, the underwriters do not intend to make a market in the MRP Shares and a market for the MRP Shares is not expected to develop. Consequently, it is anticipated that, prior to the commencement of trading on the NYSE, an investment in MRP Shares will be illiquid.
Ratings		It is a condition of the Underwriters’ obligation to purchase the MRP Shares offered hereby that the MRP Shares will be rated no less than “A1” by Moody’s and “AA” by Fitch (each a “Rating Agency”), respectively, as of the Original Issue Date. There can be no assurance that such ratings will be maintained at the level originally assigned through the term of the MRP Shares. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Moody’s and Fitch by us and the Adviser. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn in the Rating Agencies’ discretion. We, however, will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause at least one of Moody’s or Fitch to publish a credit rating with respect to MRP Shares for so long as MRP Shares are outstanding. The dividend rate payable on the MRP Shares will be subject to an increase in the event that the ratings of the MRP Shares by Moody’s and Fitch are each downgraded below A1 and AA, respectively, or if no Rating Agency is then rating the MRP Shares. See “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Dividends and Dividend Periods — Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate — Ratings.” The Board of Directors has the right to terminate the designation of either Moody’s or Fitch as a Rating Agency for purposes of the MRP Shares, provided that at least one Rating Agency continues to maintain a rating with respect to the MRP Shares. In such event, any rating of such terminated Rating Agency, to the extent it would have been taken into account in any of the provisions of the MRP Shares which are described in this prospectus supplement or included in the Articles Supplementary, will be disregarded, and only the ratings of the then-designated Rating Agency will be taken into account.
Federal Income Tax Matters		Under present law, we believe that the MRP Shares will constitute equity, and thus distributions with respect to the MRP Shares will

		generally constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Such dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders but are expected to be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is generally subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.”
Redemption and Paying Agent		Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Risk Factors		See “Risk Factors” and other information included in the accompanying prospectus, as well as “Risks of Investing in Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares” in this prospectus supplement, for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in MRP Shares.

 

Information contained in the table below under the heading “Per Common Share Data” and “Supplemental Data and Ratios” shows our per common share operating performance. Except when noted, the information in this table is derived from our financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report on such financial statements is contained in our 2008 Annual Report and incorporated by reference into the statement of additional information, both of which are available from us upon request. The information as of August 31, 2009 and for the period from December 1, 2008 through August 31, 2009 appears in our unaudited interim financial statements as filed with the SEC in our most recent stockholder report for the period ended August 31, 2009. See “Where You Can Find More Information” in this prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

 

The net proceeds of the offering of the MRP Shares will be approximately $     , after payment of the Underwriters’ discount and estimated offering expenses or $      if the underwriters exercise the overallotment option in full.

 

If the underwriters do not exercise the overallotment option, we intend to use all of the net proceeds of this offering, along with funds borrowed under our credit facility, to redeem all $70.0 million of our outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares and maintain our leveraged capital structure. If the underwriters exercise the overallotment option in full, we intend to use the net proceeds of this offering to (i) redeem all $70.0 million of our outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares and maintain our leveraged capital structure and (ii) either retire a portion of our short-term debt outstanding under our credit facility or acquire securities in pursuit of our investment objective and policies.

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization: (i) as of August 31, 2009; (ii) pro forma to reflect the subsequent borrowing under our credit facility through the date of this prospectus supplement, and the issuance of 243,100 shares of common stock under our at-the-market offering program during the period from September 1, 2009 through the date of this prospectus supplement and the issuance of 134,593 shares of common stock pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan on September 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009; and (iii) pro forma as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the MRP Shares offered hereby and the redemption of all of our outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares with the proceeds of such offering. As indicated below, common stockholders will bear the offering costs associated with this offering.

 

 

 

 

The 1940 Act and each Rating Agency impose asset coverage requirements that may limit our ability to engage in certain types of transactions and may limit our ability to take certain actions without confirming with each Rating Agency that such action will not impair the ratings.

 

We are required to satisfy two separate asset maintenance requirements with respect to outstanding Tortoise Preferred Shares: (1) we must maintain assets in our portfolio that have a value, discounted in accordance with guidelines set forth by each Rating Agency, at least equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of the Tortoise Preferred Shares, plus specified liabilities, payment obligations and other amounts sufficient to maintain a rating equal to or greater than AA from Fitch and A1 from Moody’s (the “MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount”); and (2) we must satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements. Further details about the components of the MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount can be found in the Articles Supplementary. Each Rating Agency may amend its guidelines from time to time.

 

In order to meet the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements, we must maintain, with respect to outstanding Tortoise Preferred Shares, asset coverage of at least 200%. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we have agreed, while the MRP Shares are outstanding, to maintain asset coverage of at least 225% (the “MRP Shares Asset Coverage”). We estimate that based on the composition of our portfolio as of August 31, 2009, including the issuance of 243,100 shares of common stock under our at-the-market offering program from September 1, 2009 through the date of this prospectus supplement and the issuance of 134,593 shares of our common stock pursuant to our dividend reinvestment plan on September 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009, assuming the issuance of all MRP Shares offered hereby, the application of all the proceeds received in this offering to redeem all of our outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares and giving effect to the deduction of the sales load and estimated offering expenses related thereto estimated at $     , our asset coverage would be:

 

Value of Company assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities				$
		=				=		%
Senior securities representing indebtedness, plus the				$
aggregate liquidation preference of Tortoise Preferred Shares

 

A copy of the current Rating Agency Guidelines will be provided to any holder of MRP Shares promptly upon written request by such holder to the Company at 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211, attention: Connie J. Savage. See “Rating Agency Guidelines” in the accompanying prospectus for a more detailed description of our asset maintenance requirements.

 

If our Effective Leverage Ratio exceeds 50% as of the close of business on any Business Day (the “Effective Leverage Ratio Requirement”), the MRP Shares are subject to mandatory redemption as provided below. The “Effective Leverage Ratio” on any date means the quotient of the sum of (A) the aggregate liquidation preference of our “senior securities” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) that are stock for purposes of the 1940 Act, excluding, without duplication, (1) any such senior securities for which we have issued a notice of redemption and either have delivered Deposit Securities or sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of such senior securities) to the Paying Agent for such senior securities or otherwise have adequate Deposit Securities or sufficient funds on hand for the purpose of such redemption and (2) any such senior securities that are to be redeemed with net proceeds from the sale of the MRP Shares, for which we have delivered Deposit Securities or sufficient funds (in accordance with the terms of such senior securities) to the Paying Agent or otherwise have adequate Deposit Securities or sufficient funds on hand for the purpose of such redemption; and (B) the aggregate principal amount of our “senior securities representing indebtedness” (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act); divided by the market value (determined in accordance with our valuation procedures) of our total assets (including amounts attributable to senior securities), less the amount of our accrued liabilities (other than liabilities for the aggregate principal amount of senior securities representing indebtedness).

 

The following is a brief description of the terms of the MRP Shares. This description does not purport to be complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed description of the Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares in the Articles Supplementary, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to our registration statement.

 

General

 

Our Charter authorizes the issuance of up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, with preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption as determined by the Board of Directors without the approval of common stockholders. In addition, the Board of Directors, without any action by our stockholders, may amend our Charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of any class or series of stock that we have authority to issue. The MRP Shares have a liquidation preference of $10.00 per share, plus all accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) to the date of final distribution. The MRP Shares when issued and sold through this offering (1) will be fully paid and non-assessable, (2) will not be convertible into shares of our common stock or any other security, and (3) will have no preemptive rights. The MRP Shares will be subject to optional and mandatory redemption as described below under “— Redemption.”

 

Holders of MRP Shares will not receive certificates representing their ownership interest in such shares. The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) will initially act as Securities Depository with respect to the MRP Shares.

 

Computershare Trust Company, N.A. will act as the transfer agent, registrar, and paying agent (“Paying Agent”) for the MRP Shares. Furthermore, the Paying Agent will send notices to holders of MRP Shares of any meeting at which holders of MRP Shares have the right to vote. See “Description of Securities — Preferred Stock — Voting Rights” in the accompanying prospectus. However, the Paying Agent generally will serve merely as our agent, acting in accordance with our instructions.

 

We will have the right (to the extent permitted by applicable law) to purchase or otherwise acquire any MRP Shares, so long as we are current in the payment of dividends on the MRP Shares and on any of our other Tortoise Preferred Shares.

 

Dividends and Dividend Periods

 

General. Holders of MRP Shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if authorized by the Board of Directors and declared by us, out of funds legally available therefor, on the initial Dividend Payment Date with respect to the initial Dividend Period and, thereafter, on each Dividend Payment Date with respect to a subsequent Dividend Period at the rate per annum (the “Dividend Rate”) equal to the Applicable Rate (or the Default Rate) for each Dividend Period. The Applicable Rate is computed on the basis of a 360 day year consisting of twelve 30 day months. Dividends so declared and payable shall be paid to the extent permitted under Maryland law and to the extent available and in preference to and priority over any distribution declared and payable on our common stock. For a description of the tax treatment of distributions paid on the MRP Shares, see “Federal Income Tax Matters” in this prospectus supplement.

 

Fixed Dividend Rate. The Applicable Rate is an annual rate of     % for MRP Shares and may be adjusted upon a change in the credit rating of the MRP Shares.

 

Payment of Dividends and Dividend Periods. Dividends on the MRP Shares will be payable monthly. The initial Dividend Period for the MRP Shares will commence on the Original Issue Date and end on January 31, 2010 and each subsequent Dividend Period will be a calendar month (or the portion thereof occurring prior to the redemption of such MRP Shares). Dividends will be paid on the Dividend Payment Date — the first Business Day following the last day of the Dividend Period and upon redemption of the MRP Shares. Dividends with respect to any monthly Dividend Period will be declared and paid to holders of record

of MRP Shares as their names shall appear on our books and record at the close of business on the 15th day of such monthly Dividend Period (or if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day). Dividends payable on any MRP Shares for any period of less than a full monthly Dividend Period, including in connection with the first Dividend Period for such shares or upon any redemption of such shares on any redemption date other than on a Dividend Payment Date, will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months and the actual number of days elapsed for any period of less than one month.

 

Adjustment to Fixed Dividend Rate — Ratings. So long as MRP Shares are rated on any date no less than “A1” by Moody’s or “AA” by Fitch, then the Dividend Rate will be equal to the Applicable Rate. If the highest credit rating assigned on any date to outstanding MRP Shares by Moody’s or Fitch is equal to one of the ratings set forth in the table below, the Dividend Rate applicable to such outstanding MRP Shares for such date will be adjusted by multiplying the Applicable Rate by the applicable percentage (expressed as a decimal) set forth opposite the applicable highest credit rating so assigned on such date to such outstanding MRP Shares by any such Rating Agency as set forth in the table below.

 

Dividend Rate Adjustment Schedule

 

 

If no Rating Agency is rating outstanding MRP Shares, the Dividend Rate applicable to the MRP Shares for such date shall be the rate obtained by multiplying the Applicable Rate by 200%, unless the Dividend Rate is the Default Rate, in which case the Dividend Rate shall remain the Default Rate.

 

The Board of Directors has the right to terminate the designation of either Moody’s or Fitch as a Rating Agency for purposes of the MRP Shares, provided that at least one Rating Agency continues to maintain a rating with respect to the MRP Shares. In such event, any rating of such terminated Rating Agency, to the extent it would have been taken into account in any of the provisions of the MRP Shares which are described in this prospectus supplement or included in the Articles Supplementary, will be disregarded, and only the ratings of the then-designated Rating Agency will be taken into account. If a Rating Agency replaces any credit rating used in the determination of the Dividend Rate with a replacement credit rating, references to the replaced credit rating shall thereafter refer to the replacement credit rating. No adjustment to the Dividend Rate shall result in the Dividend Rate being less than the Applicable Rate.

 

Default Rate — Default Period. The Dividend Rate will be the Default Rate in the following circumstances. Subject to the cure provisions below, a “Default Period” with respect to MRP Shares will commence on a date we fail to deposit irrevocably in trust in same-day funds, with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, (i) the full amount of any dividends on the MRP Shares payable on the Dividend Payment Date (a “Dividend Default”) or (ii) the full amount of any redemption price payable on such Redemption Date (a “Redemption Default” and, together with a Dividend Default, hereinafter referred to as a “Default”).

 

Subject to the cure provisions in the next paragraph below, a Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or a Redemption Default shall end on the Business Day on which, by 12:00 noon, New York City time, an amount equal to all unpaid dividends and any unpaid redemption price shall have been deposited irrevocably in trust in same-day funds with the Paying Agent. In the case of a Dividend Default, the Dividend Rate for each day during the Default Period will be equal to the Default Rate. The “Default Rate” for any calendar day shall be equal to the Applicable Rate in effect on such day plus 5% per annum.

 

No Default Period with respect to a Dividend Default or Redemption Default will be deemed to commence if the amount of any dividend or any redemption price due (if such default is not solely due to our

willful failure) is deposited irrevocably in trust, in same-day funds with the Paying Agent by 12:00 noon, New York City time, within three Business Days after the applicable Dividend Payment Date or Redemption Date, together with an amount equal to the Default Rate applied to the amount and period of such non-payment based on the number of days comprising such period divided by 360.

 

Mechanics of Payment of Dividends. Not later than 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Business Day next preceding each Dividend Payment Date, we are required to deposit with the Paying Agent sufficient funds for the payment of dividends. We do not intend to establish any reserves for the payment of dividends. All amounts paid to the Paying Agent for the payment of dividends will be held in trust for the payment of such dividends to the holders of MRP Shares. Dividends will be paid by the Paying Agent to the holders of MRP Shares as their names appear on our books and records. Dividends that are in arrears for any past Dividend Period may be declared and paid at any time, without reference to any regular Dividend Payment Date. Such payments are made to holders of MRP Shares as their names appear on our books and records on a date not exceeding 15 calendar days preceding the payment date thereof, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors. Any payment of dividends in arrears will first be credited against the earliest accumulated but unpaid dividends. No interest or sum of money in lieu of interest will be payable in respect of any dividend payment or payments on any MRP Shares which may be in arrears. See “— Default Rate — Default Period.”

 

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

 

Redemption

 

Term Redemption. We are required to redeem all of the MRP Shares on December 31, 2019 (the “Term Redemption Date”), at the Redemption Price.

 

Optional Redemption. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and Maryland law, we may, at our option, redeem MRP Shares, in whole or in part, out of funds legally available therefor, at any time and from time to time following December 31, 2012, upon not more than 40 calendar days’ prior notice. The optional redemption price per MRP Share shall be the Redemption Price, plus the applicable Optional Redemption Premium per share (as calculated below) (the “Optional Redemption Price”). The “Optional Redemption Premium” with respect to each MRP Share will be an amount equal to:

 

 

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

 

We shall not effect any optional redemption unless on the date of such notice and on the date fixed for the redemption, (i) we have available certain Deposit Securities with maturity or tender dates not later than the day preceding the applicable redemption date and having a value not less than the amount (including any applicable premium) due to holders of MRP Shares by reason of the redemption of MRP Shares on such date fixed for the redemption, and (ii) we would satisfy the MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and Effective Leverage Ratio Requirement immediately subsequent to such redemption, if such redemption were to occur on such date.

We also reserve the right to repurchase MRP Shares in market or other transactions from time to time in accordance with applicable law and at a price that may be more or less than the liquidation preference of the MRP Shares, but we are under no obligation to do so.

 

Mandatory Redemption. If, while any MRP Shares are outstanding, we fail to satisfy the MRP Shares Asset Coverage, MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or Effective Leverage Ratio Requirement as of the close of business on the last Business Day of any week, and such failure is not cured as of the close of business on the date that is 30 days from such Business Day (a “Cure Date”), the MRP Shares will be subject to mandatory redemption out of funds legally available therefor at the Redemption Price. See “Rating Agency Guidelines — 1940 Act Asset Coverage” in the accompanying prospectus, but note that we have agreed, while the MRP Shares are outstanding, to maintain asset coverage of at least 225% instead of 200%.

 

The number of MRP Shares to be redeemed under these circumstances will be equal to the lesser of (1) the minimum number of MRP Shares the redemption of which, if deemed to have occurred immediately prior to the opening of business on the Cure Date, would result in our satisfying the MRP Shares Asset Coverage, MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or Effective Leverage Ratio Requirement, as the case may be, in each case as of the relevant Cure Date (provided that, if there is no such minimum number of shares the redemption of which would have such result, all MRP Shares then outstanding will be redeemed), and (2) the maximum number of MRP Shares that can be redeemed out of funds expected to be available therefor on the Mandatory Redemption Date (as defined below) at the Redemption Price.

 

We shall allocate the number of shares required to be redeemed to satisfy the MRP Shares Asset Coverage, MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount or the Effective Leverage Ratio Requirement, as the case may be, pro rata among the Holders of MRP Shares in proportion to the number of shares they hold, by lot or by such other method as we shall deem fair and equitable, subject to any mandatory redemption provisions.

 

We are required to effect such a mandatory redemption not later than 30 days after the Cure Date, (the “Mandatory Redemption Date”), except that if we do not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or are not otherwise legally permitted to redeem, all of the required number of MRP Shares of a series that are subject to mandatory redemption, or we otherwise are unable to effect such redemption on or prior to such Mandatory Redemption Date, we will redeem those MRP Shares on the earliest practicable date on which we will have such funds available, upon notice to record owners of MRP Shares to be redeemed and the Paying Agent. Our ability to make a mandatory redemption may be limited by the provisions of the 1940 Act or Maryland law.

 

Redemption Procedure. Pursuant to Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act, we will file a notice of our intention to redeem any MRP Shares with the SEC so as to provide at least the minimum notice required by such rule or any successor provision (notice currently must be filed with the SEC generally at least 30 days prior to the redemption date).

 

We shall deliver a notice of redemption to the Paying Agent and the Holders of MRP Shares to be redeemed not more than 40 days prior to the applicable redemption date (“Notice of Redemption”). The Notice of Redemption will be addressed to the registered owners of the MRP Shares at their addresses appearing on our books or records. Such notice will set forth (1) the redemption date, (2) the number and identity of MRP Shares to be redeemed, (3) the redemption price (specifying the amount of accumulated dividends to be included therein and the amount of the redemption premium, if any), (4) that dividends on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, and (5) the provision under the Articles Supplementary by which redemption shall be made. No defect in the Notice of Redemption or in the transmittal or mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by applicable law.

 

If less than all of the MRP Shares are redeemed on any date, the shares per Holder to be redeemed on such date will be selected by us on a pro rata basis in proportion to the number of shares held by such Holder, by lot or by such other method as is determined by us to be fair and equitable.

 

If Notice of Redemption has been given, then upon the deposit with the Paying Agent of Deposit Securities sufficient to effect such redemption, dividends on such shares will cease to accumulate and such

shares will be no longer deemed to be outstanding for any purpose and all rights of the Holders of the shares so called for redemption will cease and terminate, except the right of the Holders of such shares to receive the redemption price, but without any interest or additional amount. Upon written request, we shall be entitled to receive from the Paying Agent, promptly after the date fixed for redemption, any cash deposited with the Paying Agent in excess of (1) the aggregate redemption price of the MRP Shares called for redemption on such date and (2) such other amounts, if any, to which Holders of MRP Shares called for redemption may be entitled. Any funds so deposited that are unclaimed two years after such redemption date will be paid, to the extent permitted by law, by the Paying Agent to us upon our request. Subsequent to such payment, Holders of MRP Shares called for redemption may look only to us for payment.

 

So long as any MRP Shares are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, the redemption price for such shares will be paid on the redemption date to the nominee of the Securities Depository. The Securities Depository’s normal procedures provide for it to distribute the amount of the redemption price to its agent members who, in turn, are expected to distribute such funds to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions for redemption described above, no MRP Shares may be redeemed unless all dividends in arrears on the outstanding MRP Shares, and any of our shares ranking on a parity with the MRP Shares with respect to the payment of dividends or upon liquidation, have been or are being contemporaneously paid or set aside for payment, except in connection with our liquidation, in which case all MRP Shares and all shares ranking in parity with the MRP Shares must receive proportionate amounts. At any time we may purchase or acquire all the outstanding MRP Shares pursuant to the successful completion of an otherwise lawful purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to, and accepted by, Holders of all outstanding MRP Shares of the same series.

 

Except for the provisions described above, nothing contained in the Articles Supplementary limits any legal right of ours to purchase or otherwise acquire any MRP Shares at any price, whether higher or lower than the price that would be paid in connection with an optional or mandatory redemption, so long as, at the time of any such purchase, there is no arrearage in the payment of dividends on, or the mandatory or optional redemption price with respect to, any MRP Shares for which Notice of Redemption has been given and we are in compliance with the MRP Shares Asset Coverage, MRP Shares Basic Maintenance Amount and Effective Leverage Ratio Requirement after giving effect to such purchase or acquisition on the date thereof. Any shares purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired by us shall be returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares. If less than all outstanding MRP Shares are redeemed or otherwise acquired by us, we shall give notice of such transaction to the Paying Agent, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by the Board of Directors.

 

Term Redemption Liquidity Account

 

On or prior to August 30, 2019 ( the “Liquidity Account Initial Date”), we will cause the custodian to segregate, by means of appropriate identification on its books and records or otherwise in accordance with the custodian’s normal procedures, from our other assets (the “Term Redemption Liquidity Account”) Deposit Securities or any other security or investment owned by us rated not less than A3 by Moody’s or A− by Fitch or an equivalent rating by any Other Rating Agency (each a “Liquidity Account Investment” and collectively the “Liquidity Account Investments”) with a Market Value equal to at least 110% of the Term Redemption Amount (as defined below) with respect to such MRP Shares. The “Term Redemption Amount” for MRP Shares is equal to the Redemption Price to be paid on the Term Redemption Date, based on the number of MRP Shares then outstanding, assuming for this purpose that the Dividend Rate in effect at the Liquidity Account Initial Date will be the Dividend Rate in effect until the Term Redemption Date. If, on any date after the Liquidity Account Initial Date, the aggregate Market Value of the Liquidity Account Investments included in the Term Redemption Liquidity Account for MRP Shares as of the close of business on any Business Day is less than 110% of the Term Redemption Amount, then we will cause the custodian to take all such necessary actions, including segregating our assets as Liquidity Account Investments, so that the aggregate Market Value of the Liquidity Account Investments included in the Term Redemption Liquidity

Account is at least equal to 110% of the Term Redemption Amount not later than the close of business on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

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

 

The Deposit Securities included in the Term Redemption Liquidity Account may be applied by us, in our discretion, towards payment of the Redemption Price. Upon the deposit by us with the Paying Agent of Deposit Securities having an initial combined Market Value sufficient to effect the redemption of the MRP Shares on the Term Redemption Date, the requirement to maintain the Term Redemption Liquidity Account as described above will lapse and be of no further force and effect.

 

The following is a general summary of the material federal income tax considerations of the ownership and disposition of MRP Shares. This discussion is based on the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), the applicable Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and current administrative rulings and practice, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein, and we have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, a ruling from the IRS with respect to such consequences. This discussion does not purport to be complete or to deal with all aspects of federal income taxation that may be relevant to holders in light of their particular circumstances or who are subject to special rules, such as banks, thrift institutions and certain other financial institutions, real estate investment trusts, regulated investment companies, insurance companies, brokers and dealers in securities or currencies, certain securities traders, tax-exempt investors, individual retirement accounts, certain tax-deferred accounts, and foreign investors. Tax matters are very complicated, and the tax consequences of an investment in and holding of MRP Shares will depend on the particular facts of each investor’s situation. Investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to the application to their own circumstances of the general federal income taxation rules described below and with respect to other federal, state, local or foreign tax consequences to them before making an investment in MRP Shares. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes that investors are U.S. persons for federal income tax purposes and hold MRP Shares as capital assets. For more detailed information regarding the federal income tax consequences of investing in our securities see “Certain Federal Income Tax Matters” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

If an entity that is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes is a beneficial owner of MRP Shares, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Partnerships and other entities that are classified as partnerships for federal income tax purposes and persons holding MRP Shares through a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes are urged to consult their own tax advisors.

 

Federal Income Tax Treatment of Holders of MRP Shares

 

Under present law, we believe that the MRP Shares will constitute equity, and thus distributions with respect to the MRP Shares (other than distributions in redemption of MRP Shares subject to Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code) will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our allocable current or accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes. Such dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders but are expected to be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is generally subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code. Generally, a corporation’s earnings and profits are computed based upon taxable income, with certain specified adjustments. Based upon the historic performance of the MLPs, we anticipate that the distributed cash from the MLPs will exceed our share of the MLPs’ income and our gain on the sale of MLP interests.

 

Earnings and profits are generally treated, for federal income tax purposes, as first being used to pay distributions on MRP Shares, and then to the extent remaining, if any, to pay distributions on the common stock. Distributions in excess of the Company’s earnings and profits, if any, will first reduce a stockholder’s adjusted tax basis in his or her MRP Shares and, after the adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to a stockholder.

 

Distributions constituting dividends generally will be taxable as ordinary income to holders but are expected to be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is generally subject to reduced rates of federal income taxation for noncorporate investors and are also expected to be eligible for the dividends received deduction available to corporate stockholders under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under federal income tax law, qualified dividend income received by individual and other noncorporate stockholders is taxed at long-term capital gain rates, which currently reach a maximum of 15%. Qualified dividend income

generally includes dividends from domestic corporations and dividends from non-U.S. corporations that meet certain criteria. To be treated as qualified dividend income, the stockholder must hold the MRP Shares paying otherwise qualifying dividend income more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the ex-dividend date. A stockholder’s holding period may be reduced for purposes of this rule if the stockholder engages in certain risk reduction transactions with respect to the MRP Shares. The provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to qualified dividend income are effective through 2010. Thereafter, higher federal income tax rates will apply unless further legislative action is taken.

 

Corporate holders should be aware that certain limitations apply to the availability of the dividends received deduction, including limitations on the aggregate amount of the deduction that may be claimed and limitations based on the holding period of the MRP Shares on which the dividend is paid, which holding period may be reduced if the holder engages in risk reduction transactions with respect to its shares. Corporate holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of these limitations to their particular situation.

 

Sale, Exchange or Redemption of MRP Shares. The sale or exchange of MRP Shares by holders will generally be a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. Holders of shares of stock who sell or exchange such shares will generally recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the net proceeds of the sale or exchange and their adjusted tax basis in the shares sold or exchanged. The gain or loss from the sale or exchange of MRP Shares will generally be capital gain or loss. Similarly, a redemption by us (including a redemption resulting from our liquidation), if any, of all the shares actually and constructively held by a stockholder generally will give rise to capital gain or loss under Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, except to the extent that the redemption proceeds represent declared but unpaid dividends. Other redemptions may also give rise to capital gain or loss, but certain conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code must be satisfied as to the redeeming stockholder to achieve such treatment. If a redemption by us does not satisfy the conditions imposed by Section 302(b) of the Internal Revenue Code for a redeeming stockholder, the redemption will constitute a distribution on the MRP Shares to the stockholder subject to the rules set forth above.

 

Capital gain or loss will generally be long-term capital gain or loss if the shares were held for more than one year and will be short-term capital gain or loss if the disposed shares were held for one year or less. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a noncorporate holder generally will be subject to federal income tax at a lower rate (currently a maximum rate of 15%) than net short-term capital gain or ordinary income (currently a maximum rate of 35%). Under current law, the maximum federal income tax rate on long-term capital gain for noncorporate holders is scheduled to increase to 20% for taxable years after 2010. For corporate holders, capital gain is generally taxed at the same rate as ordinary income, that is, currently at a maximum rate of 35%. A holder’s ability to deduct capital losses may be limited.

 

Backup Withholding. We may be required to withhold, for federal income tax purposes, a portion of all distributions (including redemption proceeds) payable to stockholders who fail to provide us with their correct taxpayer identification number, who fail to make required certifications or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding (or if we have been so notified). Certain corporate and other stockholders specified in the Internal Revenue Code and the applicable Treasury regulations are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the stockholder’s federal income tax liability provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

 

Other Taxation. Foreign stockholders, including stockholders who are nonresident alien individuals, may be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income taxes on certain distributions at a rate of 30% or such lower rates as may be prescribed by any applicable income tax treaty. Our distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes.

 

Investing in any of our securities involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment. Therefore, before investing in MRP Shares you should consider carefully the following risks, as well as the risk factors set forth under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 of the accompanying prospectus.

 

Interest Rate Risk — MRP Shares. MRP Shares pay dividends at a fixed dividend rate. Prices of fixed income investments vary inversely with changes in market yields. The market yields on intermediate term securities comparable to MRP Shares may increase, which would likely result in a decline in the secondary market price of MRP Shares prior to their term redemption.

 

Secondary Market and Delayed Listing Risk. Because we have no prior trading history for exchange-listed preferred shares, it is difficult to predict the trading patterns of MRP Shares, including the effective costs of trading MRP Shares. Moreover, MRP Shares will not be listed on a stock exchange until up to 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement and during this time period an investment in MRP Shares will be illiquid. Even after the MRP Shares are listed on the NYSE as anticipated, there is a risk that the market for MRP Shares may be thinly traded and relatively illiquid compared to the market for other types of securities, with the spread between the bid and asked prices considerably greater than the spreads of other securities with comparable terms and credit ratings.

 

Early Redemption Risk. We may voluntarily redeem MRP Shares or may be forced to redeem MRP Shares to meet regulatory requirements or asset coverage requirements. Such redemptions may be at a time that is unfavorable to holders of MRP Shares. See “Asset Coverage Requirements” and “Description of Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares — Redemption.”

 

Reinvestment Risk. Given the ten-year term and potential for early redemption of MRP Shares, holders of MRP Shares may face an increased reinvestment risk, which is the risk that the return on an investment purchased with proceeds from the sale or redemption of MRP Shares may be lower than the return previously obtained from an investment in MRP Shares.

 

MRP Shares Accounting Designation Risk. We believe that because the MRP Shares have a fixed term, under generally accepted accounting principles we will need to classify the outstanding MRP Shares as debt securities on our financial statements.

 

Credit Crisis and Liquidity Risk. General market uncertainty and extraordinary conditions in the credit markets may impact the liquidity of our investment portfolio, which in turn, during extraordinary circumstances, could impact our distributions and/or the liquidity of the Term Redemption Liquidity Account. Furthermore, there may be market imbalances of sellers and buyers of MRP Shares during periods of extreme illiquidity and volatility. Such market conditions may lead to periods of thin trading in any secondary market for MRP Shares and may make valuation of MRP Shares uncertain. As a result, the spread between bid and asked prices is likely to increase significantly such that an MRP Shares investor may have greater difficulty selling his or her MRP Shares. Less liquid and more volatile trading environments could result in sudden and significant valuation increases or declines in market price for MRP Shares.

 

Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement, the Underwriters named below, for whom Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Banc of America Securities LLC are acting as representatives, have severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to them, severally, the number of MRP Shares indicated below:

 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several Underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the MRP Shares offered by this prospectus supplement are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The Underwriters are severally obligated to take and pay for all of the MRP Shares offered by this prospectus supplement if any such MRP Shares are taken.

 

The Underwriters initially propose to offer part of the MRP Shares directly to the public at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and part to certain dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $0.12 per MRP Share under the public offering price. Any Underwriter may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a concession not in excess of $0.10 per MRP Share to certain other dealers. After the initial offering of the MRP Shares, the offering price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by the representatives. Investors must pay for any MRP Shares purchased on or before          , 2009.

 

We have granted the Underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to an aggregate of           additional MRP Shares at the public offering price listed on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, less an underwriting discount. The Underwriters may exercise this option solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, made in connection with the offering of the MRP Shares offered by this prospectus supplement. To the extent the option is exercised, each Underwriter will become obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase the same percentage of the additional MRP Shares as the number listed next to the Underwriter’s name in the preceding table bears to the total number of MRP Shares listed in the preceding table. If the Underwriters’ option is exercised in full, the total price to the public would be $     , the total underwriting discount would be $      and total proceeds to us would be $     .

 

The following table shows the underwriting discount we will pay in connection with this offering. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the Underwriters of their overallotment option. However, the Underwriters are not required to take or pay for the MRP Shares covered by the Underwriters’ over-allotment option described below.

 

 

Application has been made to list the MRP Shares, subject to official notice of issuance, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TYG Pr A.” Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for MRP Shares. It is anticipated that trading on the New York Stock Exchange will begin within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement. If a secondary market does develop prior to the commencement of trading on the New York Stock Exchange, holders of MRP Shares may be able to sell such shares only at substantial discounts from liquidation preference.

We and our Advisor have each agreed that, without the prior written consent of the representatives, on behalf of the Underwriters, we will not, during the period ending 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement:

 

 

whether any such transaction described above is to be settled by delivery of MRP Shares or such other securities, in cash or otherwise; or file any registration statement with the SEC relating to the offering of any MRP Shares or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for MRP Shares.

 

In order to facilitate the offering of the MRP Shares, the Underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the MRP Shares. Specifically, the Underwriters may over-allot in connection with the offering, creating a short position in the MRP Shares for their own account. In addition, to cover over-allotments or to stabilize the price of the MRP Shares, the Underwriters may bid for, and purchase, MRP Shares in the open market. Finally, the underwriting syndicate may reclaim selling concessions allowed to an Underwriter or a dealer for distributing the MRP Shares in the offering, if the syndicate repurchases previously distributed MRP Shares in transactions to cover syndicate short positions, in stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities may stabilize or maintain the market price of the MRP Shares above independent market levels. The Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end any of these activities at any time without notice.

 

We anticipate that the representatives and certain other Underwriters may from time to time act as brokers and dealers in connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions after they have ceased to be Underwriters and, subject to certain restrictions, may act as such brokers while they are Underwriters. From time to time, certain Underwriters have provided, and continue to provide, investment banking services to us, the Advisor and its affiliates for which they have received customary fees and expenses. The Underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, the Advisor and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

 

Certain of the Underwriters and their affiliates may currently own or be obligated to repurchase in the future outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares. In addition, customers of certain Underwriters and their affiliates may currently own outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares. Upon the successful completion of this offering, these outstanding Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares will be redeemed by us with the net proceeds of the offering as set forth in “Use of Proceeds.” Although such a redemption will be done in accordance with the 1940 Act in a manner that does not favor these Underwriters, affiliates or customers, the Underwriters or their affiliates may nonetheless be deemed to obtain a material benefit from the offering of the MRP Shares due to such redemption including, for certain of the Underwriters and their affiliates, potentially substantial financial relief and/or relief related to legal and regulatory matters associated with currently illiquid Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares.

 

We and the Adviser have agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain liabilities relating to this offering, including liabilities under the 1933 Act and to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be required to make for those liabilities.

 

The principal business address of Banc of America Securities LLC is One Bryant Park, New York, New York 10036. The principal business address of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is One Wachovia Center, 6th Floor, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288.

 

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and the 1940 Act and are required to file reports, including annual and semi-annual reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We voluntarily file quarterly stockholder reports. Our most recent annual stockholder report filed with the SEC is for the period ended November 30, 2008 and our most recent quarterly stockholder report filed with the SEC is for the period ended August 31, 2009. Both reports, along with our quarterly reports filed with the SEC for the periods ended February 28, 2009 and May 31, 2009, are incorporated by reference into our statement of additional information. These documents are available on the SEC’s EDGAR system and can be inspected and copied for a fee at the SEC’s public reference room, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Additional information about the operation of the public reference room facilities may be obtained by calling the SEC at (202) 551-5850.

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information in our registration statement, including amendments, exhibits, and schedules. Statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus about the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete and in each instance reference is made to the copy of the contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by this reference.

 

Additional information about us can be found on our Adviser’s website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com and in our registration statement (including amendments, exhibits, and schedules) on Form N-2 filed with the SEC. Information included on our Adviser’s website does not form part of this prospectus supplement. The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains our registration statement, other documents incorporated by reference, and other information we have filed electronically with the SEC, including proxy statements and reports filed under the 1934 Act.

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP, Kansas City, Missouri (“HBS”). HBS may rely on the opinion of Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, on certain matters of Maryland law. Andrews Kurth, LLP, New York, New York, is serving as counsel to the Underwriters.

 

$375,000,000
Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Debt Securities

 

Tortoise Energy Infrastructure Corporation (the “Company,” “we” or “our”) is a nondiversified, closed-end management investment company. Our investment objective is to seek a high level of total return with an emphasis on current distributions paid to stockholders. We seek to provide our stockholders with an efficient vehicle to invest in a portfolio of publicly traded master limited partnerships (“MLPs”) in the energy infrastructure sector. Under normal circumstances, we invest at least 90% of our total assets (including assets obtained through leverage) in securities of energy infrastructure companies and invest at least 70% of our total assets in equity securities of MLPs. We cannot assure you that we will achieve our investment objective. Unlike most investment companies, we have not elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.

 

We may offer, on an immediate, continuous or delayed basis, including through a rights offering to existing stockholders, up to $375,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of our common stock ($0.001 par value per share), preferred stock ($0.001 par value per share) or debt securities, which we refer to in this prospectus collectively as our securities, in one or more offerings. We may offer our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities separately or together, in amounts, at prices and on terms set forth in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. In addition, from time to time, certain of our stockholders may offer our common stock in one or more offerings. The sale of such stock by certain of our stockholders may involve shares of common stock that were issued to the stockholders in one or more private transactions and will be registered by us for resale. The identity of any selling stockholder, the number of shares of our common stock to be offered by such selling stockholder, the price and terms upon which our shares of common stock are to be sold from time to time by such selling stockholder, and the percentage of common stock held by any selling stockholder after the offering, will be set forth in a prospectus supplement to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the related prospectus supplement carefully before you decide to invest in any of our securities.

 

We may offer our securities, or certain of our stockholders may offer our common stock, directly to one or more purchasers through agents that we or they designate from time to time, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to the particular offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us or any selling stockholder and such agents or underwriters or among the underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. For more information about the manner in which we may offer our securities, or a selling stockholder may offer our common stock, see “Plan of Distribution” and “Selling Stockholders.” Our securities may not be sold through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus supplement.

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TYG.” As of April 28, 2009, the last reported sale price for our common stock was $23.86.

 

Investing in our securities involves certain risks.  You could lose some or all of your investment. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 31 of this prospectus. You should consider carefully these risks together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement before making a decision to purchase our securities.

 

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

 

Prospectus dated May 8, 2009

This prospectus, together with any prospectus supplement, sets forth concisely the information that you should know before investing. You should read the prospectus and prospectus supplement, which contain important information, before deciding whether to invest in our securities. You should retain the prospectus and prospectus supplement for future reference. A statement of additional information, dated May 8, 2009, as supplemented from time to time, containing additional information, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this prospectus. You may request a free copy of the statement of additional information, the table of contents of which is on page 66 of this prospectus, request a free copy of our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports, request other information or make stockholder inquiries, by calling toll-free 1-866-362-9331 or by writing to us at 11550 Ash Street, Suite 300, Leawood, Kansas 66211. Our annual, semi-annual and quarterly reports and the statement of additional information also are available on our investment adviser’s website at www.tortoiseadvisors.com. Information included on our website does not form part of this prospectus. You can review and copy documents we have filed at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Call 1-202-551-5850 for information. The SEC charges a fee for copies. You can get the same information free from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also e-mail requests for these documents to publicinfo@sec.gov or make a request in writing to the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549.

 

Our securities do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any related prospectus supplement in making your investment decisions. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. The information appearing in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the dates on their covers. Our business, financial condition and prospects may have changed since such dates. We will advise investors of any material changes to the extent required by applicable law.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement and the statement of additional information contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words “may,” “will,” “intend,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “anticipate,” and similar terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this prospectus as well as in any accompanying prospectus supplement. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other markets, the price at which our shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

Although we believe that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement are made as of the date of this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”).

 

Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus. We urge you to review carefully that section for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in our securities.

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

	•	We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in restricted securities, primarily through direct placements. Subject to this policy, we may invest without limitation in illiquid securities. The types of restricted securities that we may purchase include securities of private energy infrastructure companies and privately issued securities of publicly traded energy infrastructure companies. Restricted securities, whether issued by public companies or private companies, are generally considered illiquid. Investments in private companies that do not have any publicly traded shares or units are limited to 5% of total assets.
	•	We may invest up to 25% of our total assets in debt securities of energy infrastructure companies, including securities rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”). Below investment grade debt securities will be rated at least B3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and at least B- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group (“S&P”) at the time of purchase, or comparably rated by another statistical rating organization or if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
	•	We will not invest more than 10% of total assets in any single issuer.
	•	We will not engage in short sales.

 

The following table and example contain information about the costs and expenses that common stockholders will bear directly or indirectly. In accordance with SEC requirements, the table below shows our expenses, including leverage costs, as a percentage of our net assets as of November 30, 2008, and not as a percentage of gross assets or Managed Assets. By showing expenses as a percentage of net assets, expenses are not expressed as a percentage of all of the assets we invest. The table and example are based on our capital structure as of November 30, 2008. As of that date, we had $280 million in senior securities outstanding, including two series designated as “Tortoise Auction Preferred Shares” (the “Tortoise Preferred Shares”) with an aggregate liquidation preference of $70 million and $60 million of Auction Rate Senior Notes, and $150 million of privately-placed Senior Notes (collectively with the Auction Rate Senior Notes, the “Tortoise Notes”). Such senior securities represented 40% of total assets as of November 30, 2008.

 

Stockholder Transaction Expense

 

 

 

Example:

 

The following example illustrates the expenses that common stockholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in common stock, assuming (1) total annual expenses of 6.33% of net assets attributable to common shares; (2) a 5% annual return; and (iii) all distributions are reinvested at NAV:

 

 

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, our actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

 

 

 

 

 

(a) Leverage Costs are calculated as described in Note 3 above.

 

(b) Other Expenses are based on amounts incurred for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2008.

 

 

The purpose of the table and the example above is to help investors understand the fees and expenses that they, as common stockholders, would bear directly or indirectly. For additional information with respect to our expenses, see “Management of the Company.”

 

Information contained in the table below under the heading “Per Common Share Data” and “Supplemental Data and Ratios” shows our per common share operating performance. The information in this table is derived from our financial statements audited by Ernst & Young LLP, whose report on such financial statements is contained in our 2008 Annual Report and is incorporated by reference into the statement of additional information, both of which are available from us upon request. See “Available Information” in this prospectus. The unaudited Financial Highlights contained in our 2009 1st Quarter Report for the period from December 1, 2008 through February 28, 2009 is herein incorporated by reference.

 

 

 

 

The following table sets forth information about our outstanding senior securities as of each fiscal year ended November 30 since our inception:

 

 

 

 

 

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “TYG.” Shares of our common stock commenced trading on the NYSE on February 25, 2004.

 

Our common stock has traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to NAV. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to NAV. The provisions of the 1940 Act generally require that the public offering price of common stock (less any underwriting commissions and discounts) must equal or exceed the NAV per share of a company’s additional common stock (calculated within 48 hours of pricing). However, at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 21, 2008, our common stockholders granted to us the authority to sell shares of our common stock for less than NAV, subject to certain conditions. Our issuance of additional common stock may have an adverse effect on prices in the secondary market for our common stock by increasing the number of shares of common stock available, which may put downward pressure on the market price for our common stock. The continued development of alternatives as vehicles for investing in a portfolio of energy infrastructure MLPs, including other publicly traded investment companies and private funds, may reduce or eliminate any tendency of our shares of common stock to trade at a premium in the future. Shares of common stock of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from NAV. See “Risk Factors — Additional Risks to Common Stockholders — Market Discount Risk.”

The following table sets forth for each of the periods indicated the high and low closing market prices for our shares of common stock on the NYSE, the NAV per share and the premium or discount to NAV per share at which our shares of common stock were trading. NAV is generally determined on the last business day of each calendar month. See “Determination of Net Asset Value” for information as to the determination of our NAV.