EX-99.4 7 d149015dex994.htm EXHIBIT 99.4 Exhibit 99.4

Exhibit 99.4

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus supplement is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

[FORM OF PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO BE USED IN

CONJUNCTION WITH FUTURE RIGHTS OFFERINGS]

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectus dated             , 20    )

 

$                

 

LOGO

TICC Capital Corp.

 

Up to             Shares of

Common Stock

Issuable Upon

Exercise of Rights

 

 

 

We are a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. We are principally engaged in providing capital to primarily non-public small to mid-size companies. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return.

 

We are issuing [transferable/non-transferable] rights to our stockholders of record, or record date stockholders, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 20        , or the record date. The rights entitle holders of rights, or rights holders, to subscribe for an aggregate of up to             shares of our common stock. Record date stockholders will receive one right for each share of common stock owned on the record date. The rights entitle the holder to purchase one new share of common stock for every [    ] rights held, which we refer to as the basic subscription right[, and record date stockholders who fully exercise their rights will be entitled to subscribe, subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocation, for additional shares that remain unsubscribed as a result of any unexercised rights.] [In addition, any non-record date stockholder who exercises rights will be entitled to subscribe, subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocation, for any remaining shares that are not otherwise subscribed for by record date stockholders.]

 

The subscription price per share will be [describe means of computing subscription price]. Because the subscription price will be determined on the expiration date, stockholders who elect to exercise their rights will not know the subscription price per share at the time they exercise such rights. The rights will expire if they are not exercised by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                 , 20        , the expiration date of this offering, unless extended. We, in our sole discretion, may extend the period for exercising the rights. You will have no right to rescind your subscription after receipt of your payment of the estimated subscription price or a notice of guaranteed delivery except as described in this prospectus supplement or accompanying prospectus.

 

This offering will dilute the ownership interest and voting power of the common stock owned by stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights. Stockholders who do not fully exercise their subscription rights should expect, upon completion of the offering, to own a smaller proportional interest in us than before the offering. Further, if the net proceeds per share from the offering are at a discount to our net asset value per share, this offering will reduce our net asset value per share.

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “TICC.” On             , 20    , the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our common stock was $             per share. We are required to determine the net asset value per share of our common stock on a quarterly basis. Our net asset value per share of our common stock as of [                    ] was $[    ].

 

 

 

An investment in our common stock is subject to significant risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. In addition, the companies in which we invest are subject to special risks. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page [        ] of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our common stock.

 

Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before investing in our securities and keep each for future reference. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor ought to know before investing in our securities. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830 or by telephone at (203) 983-5275, or on our website at http://www.ticc.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by referenced into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider information contained on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains information about us.

 

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 the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

     Per Share      Total(4)  

Estimated subscription price(1)

   $                $            

Estimated sales load (underwriting discounts and commissions) [(2)](3)

   $                $            

Proceeds to us, before estimated expenses(1)(3)

   $                $            

 

 (1)   Estimated on the basis of [describe means of computing subscription price]. See “The Offer—Subscription Price.”
[(2)   In connection with this offering,            , the dealer manager for this offering, will receive a fee for its financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services equal to         % of the subscription price per share for each share issued pursuant to the exercise of rights[, including pursuant to the over-subscription privilege].]
 (3)   We estimate that we will incur offering expenses of approximately $        in connection with this offering. We estimate that net proceeds to us after expenses will be $            assuming all of the rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price.
 (4)   Assumes all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price.

 

 

 

Prospectus Supplement dated                     , 20    .


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

      Page  

About this Prospectus Supplement

     S-3   

Summary

     S-4   

The Rights Offering

     S-7   

Fees and Expenses

     S-11   

Risk Factors

     S-13   

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     S-15   

Capitalization

     S-16   

Use of Proceeds

     S-17   

Dilution

     S-18   

Price Range of Common Stock

     S-19   

The Offer

     S-21   

Legal Matters

     S-33   

Experts

     S-33   

Where You Can Find Additional Information

     S-33   

 

PROSPECTUS

 

      Page  

Summary

     1   

Offering

     8   

Fees and Expenses

     11   

Selected Financial and Other Data

     13   

Selected Quarterly Data

     14   

Risk Factors

     15   

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     37   

Use of Proceeds

     38   

Price Range of Common Stock and Distributions

     39   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     40   

Senior Securities

     72   

Business

     73   

Portfolio Companies

     84   

Determination of Net Asset Value

     91   

Management

     93   

Portfolio Management

     102   

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

     110   

Regulation as a Business Development Company

     117   

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

     122   

Control Persons and Principal Stockholders

     123   

Certain Relationships and Transactions

     124   

Description of Securities

     125   

Description of Our Capital Stock

     125   

Description of Our Preferred Stock

     132   

Description of Our Subscription Rights

     133   

Plan of Distribution

     134   

Legal Matters

     136   

Custodian, Transfer and Distribution Paying Agent and Registrar

     136   

Experts

     136   

Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices

     136   

Where You Can Find Additional Information

     137   

Index to Financial Statements

     F-1   


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement, which describes the terms of this offering of [transferable/non-transferable] rights to our stockholders of record and also adds to and updates information contained in the accompanying prospectus. The second part is the accompanying prospectus, which gives more general information and disclosure. To the extent the information contained in this prospectus supplement differs from or is additional to the information contained in the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. Please carefully read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus together with the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, respectively, before investing in our common stock.

 

We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do they constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of the dates on their respective covers. Our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. To the extent required by law, we will amend or supplement the information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes subsequent to the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and prior to the completion of any offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

 

S-3


SUMMARY

 

The following summary contains basic information about this offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of this offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and the documents to which we have referred in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of this offering. You should carefully read the section entitled “Risk Factors” included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Except where the context requires otherwise, the terms “TICC,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to TICC Capital Corp. together with its subsidiaries, TICC Capital Corp. 2011-1 Holdings (“Holdings”) and TICC LLO LLC (“Securitization Issuer” or “TICC CLO”); “TICC Management” refers to TICC Management, LLC; and “BDC Partners” refers to BDC Partners, LLC.

 

Overview

 

We are a specialty finance company principally providing capital to primarily non-public small- to medium-sized companies. Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return. Our primary focus is to seek current income by investing primarily in corporate debt securities. Our debt investments may include bilateral loans (loans where we hold the entirety of a particular loan) and syndicated loans (those where multiple investors hold portions of that loan). We have and may continue to invest in structured finance investments, including collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) investment vehicles, that own debt securities. We may also seek to provide our stockholders with long-term capital growth through the appreciation in the value of warrants or other equity instruments that we may receive when we make debt investments or equity investments. We may also invest in publicly traded debt and/or equity securities. As a business development company (“BDC”), we may not acquire any asset other than “qualifying assets” unless, at the time we make the acquisition, the value of our qualifying assets represents at least 70% of the value of our total assets.

 

Our capital is generally used by our portfolio companies to finance organic growth, acquisitions, recapitalizations and working capital. Our investment decisions are based on extensive analysis of potential portfolio companies’ business operations supported by an in-depth understanding of the quality of their recurring revenues and cash flow, variability of costs and the inherent value of their assets, including proprietary intangible assets and intellectual property.

 

We expect that our investments will generally range from $5 million to $30 million each, although this investment size may vary proportionately as the size of our capital base changes and market conditions warrant, and accrue interest at fixed or variable rates.

 

While the structures of our investments vary, we seek to invest in the debt of middle-market companies. We seek to invest in entities that, as a general matter, have operated for at least one year prior to the date of our investment and that will, at the time of our investment, have employees and revenues, and are cash flow positive. Many of these companies have financial backing provided by private equity or venture capital funds or other financial or strategic sponsors at the time we make an investment.

 

On August 10, 2011, we completed a $225.0 million debt securitization financing transaction. The Class A Notes offered in the debt securitization were issued by TICC CLO LLC, a subsidiary of TICC Capital Corp. 2011-1 Holdings, LLC, a direct subsidiary of TICC, and the notes are secured by the assets held by the Securitization

 

 

S-4


Issuer. The securitization was executed through a private placement of $101.25 million of Aaa/AAA Class A Notes of the Securitization Issuer. Holdings retained all of the subordinated notes, which totaled $123.75 million (the “Subordinated Notes”), and retained all the membership interests in the Securitization Issuer.

 

We may have historically and in the future may continue to borrow funds to make investments. As a result, we may be exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested, and therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition, the costs associated with our borrowings, including any increase in the management fee payable to our investment adviser, TICC Management, will be borne by our stockholders.

 

Our investment activities are managed by TICC Management. TICC Management is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”). TICC Management is owned by BDC Partners, its managing member, and Charles M. Royce, who holds a minority, non-controlling interest in TICC Management. Jonathan H. Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer, and Saul B. Rosenthal, our President and Chief Operating Officer, are the members of BDC Partners. Under our investment advisory agreement with TICC Management (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”), we have agreed to pay TICC Management an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Portfolio Management — Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

We were founded in July 2003 and completed an initial public offering of shares of our common stock in November 2003. We are a Maryland corporation and a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As a business development company, we are required to meet certain regulatory tests, including the requirement to invest at least 70% of our total assets in eligible portfolio companies. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company” in the accompanying prospectus. In addition, we have elected to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”).

 

Our Corporate Information

 

Our headquarters are located at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255 Greenwich, Connecticut and our telephone number is (203) 983-5275.

 

Summary Risk Factors

 

The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our common stock, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in us. Investing in our common stock involves other risks, including those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15 of the accompanying prospectus. In addition, the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. Some of these risks include:

 

   

We are dependent upon TICC Management’s key management personnel for our future success, particularly Jonathan H. Cohen and Saul B. Rosenthal.

 

   

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities.

 

   

Because our investments are generally not in publicly traded securities, there is uncertainty regarding the fair value of our investments, which could adversely affect the determination of our net asset value.

 

 

S-5


   

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

 

   

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

 

   

Economic recessions and downturns could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.

 

   

We are permitted to borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us.

 

   

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to, and the way in which we raise additional capital, which may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

 

   

A change in interest rates may adversely affect our profitability.

 

   

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

 

   

Our investment portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies, which will subject us to a risk of significant loss if any of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt securities that we hold or if the sectors in which we invest experience a market downturn.

 

   

The sectors in which we invest are subject to many risks, including volatility, intense competition, decreasing life cycles and periodic downturns.

 

   

Our investments in the companies that we are targeting may be extremely risky and we could lose all or part of our investments.

 

   

Our incentive fee may induce TICC Management to make speculative investments.

 

   

Our investments in CLO vehicles may be riskier and less transparent than direct investments in portfolio companies.

 

   

Our common stock price may be volatile.

 

   

Our shares of common stock have traded at a discount from net asset value and may do so in the future.

 

   

You may not receive dividends or our dividends may decline or may not grow over time.

 

   

The impact of recent financial reform legislation on us is uncertain.

 

   

The recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating and uncertainty about the financial stability of several countries in the European Union (EU) could have a significant adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

   

If we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common stock may become more volatile.

 

   

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of the board of directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

 

   

We are subject to risks associated with the debt securitization financing transaction.

 

   

The market price of our common stock may decline following this offering and our shares of common stock may trade at discounts from net asset value.

 

   

[There is no established trading market for the rights, which could make it more difficult for you to sell rights and could adversely affect their price.]

 

   

We may terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, and neither we nor the subscription agent will have any obligation to you except to return your subscription payments, without interest.

 

   

[Your economic and voting interest in us, as well as your proportionate interest in our net asset value, may be diluted as a result of this rights offering.]

 

 

S-6


THE RIGHTS OFFERING

 

The Offer

 

We are issuing to stockholders of record, or record date stockholders, on            ,            , or the record date, one [transferable/non-transferable] right for each share of our common stock held on the record date. Each holder of the rights, or rights holder, is entitled to subscribe for one share of our common stock for every             rights held [            , which we refer to as the primary subscription right]. We will not issue fractional shares of our common stock upon the exercise of rights; accordingly, rights may be exercised only in multiples of         .

 

[The rights are transferable and will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “            ” during the course of this offer. See “The Offer.”]

 

Subscription Price

 

The subscription price per share will be [describe means of computing subscription price]. [Because the subscription price will be determined on the expiration date, rights holders who decide to acquire shares pursuant to the primary subscription right or pursuant to the over-subscription privilege will not know the actual purchase price of those shares when they make that decision.] See “The Offer—Subscription Price.”

 

[Over-Subscription Privilege

 

Record date stockholders who fully exercise all rights issued to them (other than those rights which cannot be exercised because they represent the right to acquire less than one share) are entitled to subscribe for additional shares of our common stock which were not subscribed for by other stockholders, which we refer to as the remaining shares. If sufficient remaining shares of our common stock are available, all record date stockholders’ over-subscription requests will be honored in full. In addition, any non-record date stockholder who exercises rights is entitled to subscribe for remaining shares that are not otherwise subscribed for by record date stockholders. Shares acquired pursuant to the over-subscription privilege are subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocations. See “The Offer—Over-Subscription Privilege.”]

 

Purpose of the Offer

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that it would be in the best interest of TICC Capital Corp. and its stockholders to increase the capital available for making additional investments, as well as to pay operating expenses, temporarily repay debt and generally enhance our liquidity. We believe that we must have sufficient liquidity available to remain a credible source of capital. This offering will increase the capital available for us to make additional investments. This offering gives existing stockholders the right to purchase additional shares at a price that is expected to be below market without incurring any commission or charge, while providing us access to additional capital resources. In connection with the approval of this rights offering, our board of directors considered, among other things, the following factors:

 

   

the subscription price relative to the market price and to our net asset value per share, including the likelihood that the subscription price will be below our net asset value per share;

 

   

the increased capital to be available upon completion of this rights offering for us to make additional investments consistent with our investment objective;

 

   

the dilution to be experienced by non-exercising stockholders;

 

   

the dilutive effect the offering will have on the dividends per share we distribute subsequent to completion of the offering;

 

   

[the terms and expenses in connection with the offering relative to other alternatives for raising capital, including fees payable to the dealer manager;]

 

 

S-7


   

the size of the offering in relation to the number of shares outstanding;

 

   

[the fact that the rights will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market during the subscription period;]

 

   

the market price of our common stock, both before and after the announcement of the rights offering;

 

   

the general condition of the securities markets; and

 

   

any impact on operating expenses associated with an increase in capital, including an increase in fees payable to TICC Management.

 

There can be no assurance of the amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience or that the rights offering will be successful.

 

[The purpose of setting the determination of the subscription price upon the expiration of the offer is to attract the maximum participation of stockholders in the offer, with minimum dilution to non-participating stockholders.]

 

[The transferable rights will allow non-participating stockholders the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for the dilution of their interests.]

 

We cannot assure you that this offering will be successful, or that by increasing the amount of our available capital, our aggregate expenses and, correspondingly, our expense ratio will be lowered. In addition, the management fee we pay to TICC Management is based upon our gross assets, which include any cash or cash equivalents that we have not yet invested in the securities of portfolio companies.

 

[In determining that this offer is in our best interest and in the best interests of our stockholders, we have retained            , the dealer manager for this offer, to provide us with financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services relating to this offer, including advice with respect to the structure, timing and terms of the offer. In this regard, our board of directors considered, among other things, using a fixed pricing versus variable pricing mechanism, the benefits and drawbacks of conducting a non-transferable versus a transferable rights offering, the effect on us if this offer is not fully subscribed and the experience of the dealer manager in conducting rights offerings.]

 

[Although we have no present intention to do so, we may, in the future and in our discretion, choose to make additional rights offerings from time to time for a number of shares and on terms which may or may not be similar to this offer, provided that our Board of Directors must determine that each subsequent rights offering is in the best interest of our stockholders. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act.]

 

[Sale of Rights

 

The rights are evidenced by a subscription certificate and are transferable until            ,            (or if the offer is extended, until the extended expiration date). The rights will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “            ”. We and the dealer manager will use our best efforts to ensure that an adequate trading market for the rights will exist. However, no assurance can be given that a market for the rights will develop. Trading in the rights on The NASDAQ Global Select Market may be conducted until close of trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on            ,             (or, if the offer is extended, until the extended expiration date). See “The Offer—Sale of Rights.”]

 

 

S-8


Use of Proceeds

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering for the origination of new investments in accordance with our investment objective, working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Amendments and Termination

 

We reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions of this offering, whether the amended terms are more or less favorable to you. We will comply with all applicable laws, including the federal securities laws, in connection with any such amendment. In addition, we may, in our sole discretion, terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, if the subscription price is less than [        ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC. If this rights offering is terminated, all rights will expire without value and the subscription agent will return as soon as practicable all exercise payments, without interest. [No amounts paid to acquire rights on [insert name of any applicable exchange on which rights are listed] or otherwise will be returned.]

 

Dilutive Effects

 

Any stockholder who chooses not to participate in the offering should expect to own a smaller interest in us upon completion of the offering. The offering will dilute the ownership interest and voting power of stockholders who do not fully exercise their basic subscription rights. Further, because the net proceeds per share from the offering may be lower than our net asset value per share, the offering may reduce our net asset value per share. The amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience could be substantial.

How to Obtain Subscription Information

 

   

Contact your broker-dealer, trust company, bank or other nominee where your rights are held, or

 

   

Contact the information agent,            , at            . Broker-dealers and nominees may call         .

 

How to Subscribe

 

   

Deliver a completed subscription certificate and payment to the subscription agent by the expiration date of the rights offering, or

 

   

If your shares are held in an account with your broker-dealer, trust company, bank or other nominee, which qualifies as an Eligible Guarantor Institution under Rule 17Ad-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), have your Eligible Guarantor Institution deliver a notice of guaranteed delivery to the subscription agent by the expiration date of the rights offering.

 

Subscription Agent

 

             will act as the subscription agent in connection with this offer.

 

Information Agent

 

             will act as the information agent in connection with this offer. You may contact            toll-free with questions at             . Broker-dealers and nominees may call         .

 

 

S-9


[Distribution Arrangements

 

             will act as dealer manager for the offer. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the dealer manager agreement, the dealer manager will provide financial advisory services and marketing assistance in connection with the offer and will solicit the exercise of rights and participation in the over-subscription privilege by our stockholders. The offer is not contingent upon any number of rights being exercised. We have agreed to pay the dealer manager a fee for its financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services equal to         % of the subscription price per share for shares issued pursuant to the exercise of rights, including pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. The dealer manager may reallow a portion of its fees to other broker-dealers that have assisted in soliciting the exercise of rights.]

 

Important Dates to Remember

 

Record Date

  

Subscription Period

     (1 )

Measurement Period for Subscription Price(2)

     (1 )

Expiration Date

     (1 )

Deadline for Delivery of Subscription Certificates and Payment for Shares(3)

     (1 )

Deadline for Delivery of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery(3)

     (1 )

Deadline for Delivery of Subscription Certificates and Payment for Shares pursuant to Notice of Guaranteed Delivery

     (1 )

Confirmations Mailed to Participants

     (1 )

Final Payment for Shares

     (1 )

 

(1)   Unless the offer is extended.
(2)   The subscription price will be [describe means of computing subscription price].
(3)   Participating rights holders must, by the expiration date of the offer (unless the offer is extended), either (a) deliver a subscription certificate and payment for shares or (b) cause to be delivered on their behalf a notice of guaranteed delivery.

 

 

S-10


FEES AND EXPENSES

 

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “TICC,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in TICC.

 

Stockholder transaction expenses:

  

Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)

          %(1)   

Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)

          %(2)   

Dividend reinvestment plan expenses

     None    (3)   
  

 

 

 

Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)

         %   
  

 

 

 

Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):

  

Base management fee

     [     ]%(4)   

Incentive fees payable under our investment advisory agreement

     [     ]%(5)   

Interest payments on borrowed funds

     [     ]%(6)   

Acquired fund fees and expenses

     [     ]%(7)   

Other expenses (estimated)

     [     ]%(8)   
  

 

 

 

Total annual expenses (estimated)

     [     ]%(9)   
  

 

 

 

 

EXAMPLE

 

The following example, required by the SEC, demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in us. In calculating the following expense amounts, we assumed we would maintain the current amount of leverage, that our operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above, that we pay the transaction expenses set forth in the table above, including a sales load of         % paid by you (the commission to be paid by us with respect to common stock sold by us in this offering).

 

     1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years  

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return

   $                $                $                $            

 

The example and the expenses in the tables above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, while the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5% annual return, would either not be payable or have a de minimis effect, is not included in the example. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our expenses, and returns to our investors, would be higher. In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan may receive shares valued at the market price in effect at that time. This price may be at, above or below net asset value. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

(1)   Represents the commission with respect to this offering. There is no guaranty that there will be any sales pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
(2)   The offering expenses of this offering are estimated to be approximately $            .
(3)   The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan are included in “other expenses.”

 

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(4)   Assumes gross assets of [$420.7] million and [$101.25] million of leverage, and assumes net assets of [$305.8] million. Our base management fee payable under the Investment Advisory Agreement is based on our gross assets, which is defined as all the assets of TICC, including those acquired using borrowings for investment purposes. Because we use borrowings for investment purposes, it has the effect of increasing our gross assets upon which our base management fee is calculated, while our net assets remain unchanged. See “Portfolio Management—Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.
(5)   Assumes that annual incentive fees earned by TICC Management remain consistent with the incentive fees earned by TICC Management during the nine-month period ended [September 30, 2011]. In subsequent periods, incentive fees would increase if, and to the extent that, we earn greater interest income through our investments in portfolio companies and realize additional capital gains upon the sale of warrants or other equity investments in such companies. The incentive fee consists of two parts. The first part, which is payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20.0% of the excess, if any, of pre-incentive fee net investment income over an annual hurdle rate (equal to the interest rate payable on a five-year U.S. Treasury Note plus 5%, up to a maximum of 10%). The second part of the incentive fee equals 20.0% of our net realized capital gains for the calendar year less any unrealized capital losses for such year and will be payable at the end of each calendar year. For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of this fee, see “Portfolio Management—Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus.
(6)   Assumes that we maintain our current level of [$101.25] million of outstanding borrowings as of [September 30, 2011]. Interest payments on borrowed funds represents the Company’s annualized interest expense as of [September 30, 2011] and includes interest payable on the notes issued by the Securitization Issuer. For the three months ended [September 30, 2011], the effective annualized average interest rate, which includes all interest and amortization of discount and debt issuance costs on the debt securitization financing transaction, was 3.0%. Debt issuance costs represent fees and other direct incremental costs incurred in connection with the debt securitization financing transaction. We may also issue preferred stock, which may be considered a form of leverage, pursuant to our current shelf registration statement. In the event we were to issue preferred stock, our borrowing costs, and correspondingly our total annual expenses, including our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets, would increase. For example, if we were to issue [$100,000,000] of preferred stock with a annual interest rate equal to [8.0]%, our base management fee as a percentage of our net assets and our interest payments on borrowed funds would be approximately [3.41]% and [3.61]%, respectively, and our total annual expenses would be approximately [9.93]%.
(7)   Reflects the estimated annual base collateral manager fees that will be indirectly incurred by us in connection with our investments in CLO equity tranches based upon the CLO equity investments held as of [September 30, 2011]. Base collateral manager fees are charged on the total assets of the CLO vehicle, including the assets acquired with borrowed funds, but are assumed to be paid from the residual cash flows after interest payments to the senior debt tranches. Therefore, these base collateral manager fees (which are generally 0.50% to 0.55% of total assets) are effectively much higher when allocated only to the equity tranches. The calculation does not include any other operating expense ratios of the CLO vehicles, as these amounts are not routinely reported to shareholders on a basis consistent with this methodology; however, it is estimated that additional operating expenses of approximately 0.5% to 1.0% could be incurred. As a result of our investments in such CLO equity investments, our stockholders will be required to pay two levels of fees and expenses in connection with their investment in our common stock, including fees payable under our Investment Advisory Agreement and fees and expenses charged to us on the CLO equity tranches in which we are invested.
(8)   Assumes that the amount of operating expenses payable by TICC remains consistent with the operating expenses incurred by TICC during the nine-month period ended [September 30, 2011].
(9)   The holders of shares of our common stock (and not the holders of our debt securities or preferred stock, if any) indirectly bear the cost associated with our annual expenses.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in our common stock involves a number of significant risks. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below and those set forth in the accompanying prospectus. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before you decide whether to make an investment in our common stock. 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 net asset value and the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below, together with those set forth in the accompanying prospectus, 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.

 

The market price of our common stock may decline following this offering and our shares of common stock may trade at discounts from net asset value.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. It is not possible to predict whether any shares of common stock or rights will trade at, above, or below net asset value. The risk of loss associated with this characteristic of closed-end investment companies may be greater for investors expecting to sell shares of common stock purchased in the offering soon after this offering.

 

[There is no established trading market for the rights, which could make it more difficult for you to sell rights and could adversely affect their price.

 

There can be no assurances that an active public market for the rights will develop as a result of the offering of the rights by any selling holder or that, if such a market develops, it will be maintained. [The rights will be listed on              under the symbol “            .”] Future trading prices of the rights will depend on many factors, including our operating results, the market for similar securities, the performance of our common stock (including the requirement that we suspend the offering under certain circumstances) and our ability to terminate the offering of the rights if the subscription price is less than [        ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC.]

 

We may terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, and neither we nor the subscription agent will have any obligation to you except to return your subscription payments, without interest.

 

We may, in our sole discretion, terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby, if the subscription price is less than [ ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC. If the rights offering is terminated, all rights will expire without value and the subscription agent will return as soon as practicable all exercise payments, without interest. [No amounts paid to acquire rights on [insert name of any applicable exchange on which rights are listed] or otherwise will be returned.]

 

Your economic and voting interest in us, as well as your proportionate interest in our net asset value, may be diluted as a result of this rights offering.

 

Stockholders who do not fully exercise their rights should expect that they will, at the completion of the offer, own a smaller proportional interest in us, including with respect to voting rights, than would otherwise be

 

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the case if they fully exercised their rights. We cannot state precisely the amount of any such dilution in share ownership because we do not know at this time what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of the offer.

 

In addition, if the subscription price is less than our net asset value per share, then our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of their shares as a result of the offer. The amount of any decrease in net asset value is not predictable because it is not known at this time what the subscription price and net asset value per share will be on the expiration date of the rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of the offer. Such dilution could be substantial.

 

This offering will also cause dilution in the dividends per share we are able to distribute subsequent to completion of the offering. In addition, our reported earnings per share will be retroactively adjusted to reflect the dilutive effects of this offering. See “Dilution.”

 

[Insert any additional relevant risk factors not included in the base prospectus.]

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our company, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

 

   

our future operating results;

 

   

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

   

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

 

   

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

 

   

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest;

 

   

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

   

our expected financings and investments;

 

   

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital; and

 

   

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies.

 

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

 

   

an economic downturn could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

 

   

a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets could impair our lending and investment activities;

 

   

interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly if we elect to use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

 

   

currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than U.S. dollars; and

 

   

the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and in our filings with the SEC.

 

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus and elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the respective dates of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. However, we will update this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus to reflect any material changes to the information contained herein. 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 (“Securities Act”).

 

S-15


CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth:

 

   

the actual capitalization of TICC Capital Corp. at             , 20            ; and

 

   

the pro forma capitalization of TICC Capital Corp. to give effect to the sale of shares of our common stock in this offering, assuming all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price of $            and our receipt of the estimated net proceeds from that sale.

 

This table should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds” included in this prospectus supplement and our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and financial statements and notes thereto included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

     As of             , 20          
     TICC Capital
Corp.
     TICC Capital
Corp.
 
     Actual      Pro Forma(1)  
     (in thousands)      (in thousands)  

Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $                    $                

Investments at fair value

   $         $     

Other assets

   $         $     

Total assets

   $         $     

Liabilities:

     

Notes payable net of discount

   $         $     

Other Liabilities

   $         $     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $         $     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share;             shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding,             shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted, respectively

      $     

Capital in excess of par value

      $     
     

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

      $     
     

 

 

 

 

(1)   We may change the size of this offering based on demand and market conditions. A $0.50 increase (decrease) in the assumed offering price per right would increase (decrease) net proceeds to us from this offering by $[            ] million, assuming the number of rights offered by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement remains the same, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses payable by us. Any additional proceeds to us resulting from an increase in the public offering price or the number of rights offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement will increase our cash and cash equivalents on an as adjusted basis and will be used as described in “Use of Proceeds.”

 

S-16


USE OF PROCEEDS

 

If shares of our common stock are sold at the estimated subscription price of $[            ], the net proceeds of the offer will be approximately $[            ], after deducting dealer manager fees of approximately $[            ] and other expenses related to this offer payable by us estimated at approximately $[            ]. There can be no assurance that all the rights will be exercised in full.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement for general corporate purposes, which may include investing in debt or equity securities in primarily privately negotiated transactions, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.

 

We estimate that it will take [            ] to [            ] months for us to substantially invest the net proceeds of any offering made pursuant to this prospectus supplement, depending on the availability of attractive opportunities and market conditions. However, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to achieve this goal.

 

Pending these uses, we will invest such net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less, which are consistent with maintaining our election as a RIC. These temporary investments are expected to provide a lower net return than we hope to achieve from our target investments. The management fee payable by us to our investment adviser will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such securities

 

S-17


DILUTION

 

As of         ,            , our net assets were $        million, or approximately $        per share. After giving effect to the sale of         shares of our common stock in this offering, assuming all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price of $        per share, and our receipt of the estimated net proceeds from that sale, our pro forma net asset value would have been approximately $        million, or approximately $        per share, representing an immediate dilution of approximately $        per share to our existing stockholders.

 

The following table illustrates the dilutive effects of this offering on a per share basis, assuming all rights are exercised at the estimated subscription price of $        per share:

 

     As of                         ,  
     Actual     As Adjusted  

Net asset value per common share

   $               $            
     Months Ended                          ,  
     Actual     As Adjusted  

Net increase in net assets resulting from net investment income per common share

   $          (1)   $          (2)

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations per common share

   $          (1)   $          (2)

Distributions per common share

   $        $          (3)

 

(1)   Basic and diluted, weighted average number of shares outstanding is                     .
(2)   Assumes that on        ,        , the beginning of the indicated period, (a) all rights were exercised at the estimated subscription price of $     per share and (b)        shares of our common stock were issued upon exercise of such rights.
(3)   Assumes actual cash distributions divided by adjusted shares, including shares issued upon exercise of rights.

 

S-18


PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

 

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “TICC.” The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter during the last two fiscal years and the current fiscal year, the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of our common stock, the high and low sales prices for our common stock, such sales prices as a percentage of NAV per share and quarterly distributions per share.

 

     NAV(1)      Price Range     High Sales
Price as a
Percentage
of NAV(2)
    Low Sales
Price as a
Percentage
of NAV(2)
    Cash
Distributions
Per Share(3)
 
            High     Low                    

Fiscal 2012

             

First Quarter (through         , 20    )

     *         $[                 $[                 *        *        *   

Fiscal 2011

             

Fourth Quarter

     *         9.24        7.29        *        *      $ 0.25   

Third Quarter

   $ 9.34         10.04        7.71        107 %     83 %     0.25   

Second Quarter

     9.85         11.75        9.17        119 %     93 %     0.25   

First Quarter

     9.97         13.11        9.43        131 %     95 %     0.24   

Fiscal 2010

             

Fourth Quarter

     9.85         11.62        9.90        118 %     101 %     0.24   

Third Quarter

     9.27         10.70        7.88        115 %     85 %     0.22   

Second Quarter

     9.03         8.70        6.50        96 %     72 %     0.20   

First Quarter

     8.87         7.05        5.62        79 %     63 %     0.15   

 

(1)   Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low sales prices. The net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period.
(2)   Calculated as the respective high or low sales price divided by NAV.
(3)   Represents the cash distribution declared in the specified quarter.
*   Not determinable at the time of filing.

 

On [            ], 20    , the last reported sales price of our common stock was $[ ] per share. As of [            ], 20    , we had [            ] stockholders of record.

 

Shares of business development companies may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from net asset value or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. Since 2008 through the [        ] quarter of 20    , our shares of common stock have traded both at a premium and a discount to the net assets attributable to those shares. As of [            ], 20    , our shares of common stock traded at a discount equal to approximately [            ]% of the net assets attributable to those shares based upon our net asset value as of [                    ]. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered hereby will trade at, above, or below net asset value.

 

We currently intend to distribute a minimum of 90% of our ordinary income and net realized short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, on a quarterly basis to our stockholders. The amount of our quarterly dividends is determined by our Board of Directors. To the extent our taxable earnings for any fiscal year fall below the total amount of our distributions for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a tax return of capital to our stockholders. There can be no assurance that we will achieve investment results or maintain a tax status that will permit any particular level of dividend payment. Our ability to make distributions is limited by the asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act. For a more detailed discussion, see “Regulation as a Business Development Company” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

S-19


We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan. If your shares of common stock are registered in your own name, your distributions will automatically be reinvested under our dividend reinvestment plan in additional whole and fractional shares of common stock, unless you opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan by delivering a written notice to our dividend paying agent. If your shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, you should contact the broker or nominee for details regarding opting out of our dividend reinvestment plan.

 

S-20


THE OFFER

 

Purpose of the Offer

 

Our Board of Directors has determined that it would be in the best interests of TICC Capital Corp. and its stockholders to increase the capital available for making additional investments, as well as to pay operating expenses and generally enhance our liquidity. We believe that we must have sufficient liquidity available to remain a credible source of capital. The offering will increase the capital available for us to make additional investments. The current offering gives existing stockholders the right to purchase additional shares at a price that is expected to be below market without incurring any commission or charge, while providing us access to such additional capital resources. In connection with the approval of this rights offering, our Board of Directors considered, among other things, the following factors:

 

   

the subscription price relative to the market price and to our net asset value per share, including the likelihood that the subscription price will be below our net asset value per share;

 

   

the increased capital to be available upon completion of the rights offering for us to make additional investments consistent with our investment objective;

 

   

the dilution to be experienced by non-exercising stockholders;

 

   

the dilutive effect the offering will have on the dividends per share we distribute subsequent to completion of the offering;

 

   

[the terms and expenses in connection with the offering relative to other alternatives for raising capital, including fees payable to the dealer manager;]

 

   

the size of the offering in relation to the number of shares outstanding;

 

   

[the fact that the rights will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market during the subscription period;]

 

   

the market price of our common stock, both before and after the announcement of the rights offering;

 

   

the general condition of the securities markets; and

 

   

any impact on operating expenses associated with an increase in capital, including an increase in fees payable to TICC Management.

 

There can be no assurance of the amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience or that the rights offering will be successful.

 

The purpose of setting the determination of the subscription price upon the expiration of the offer is to attract the maximum participation of stockholders in the offer, with minimum dilution to non-participating stockholders.

 

[The transferable rights will allow non-participating stockholders the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of the rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for the dilution of their interests.]

 

We cannot assure you that the current offering will be successful, or that by increasing the size of our available equity capital, our aggregate expenses and, correspondingly, our expense ratio will be lowered. In addition, the management fee we pay to TICC Management is based upon our gross assets, which include any cash or cash equivalents that we have not yet invested in the securities of portfolio companies.

 

[In determining that this offer was in our best interest and in the best interests of our stockholders, we have retained             , the dealer manager for this offering, to provide us with financial advisory, marketing and

 

S-21


soliciting services relating to this offer, including advice with respect to the structure, timing and terms of the offer. In this regard, our Board of Directors considered, among other things, using a fixed pricing versus variable pricing mechanism, the benefits and drawbacks of conducting a non-transferable versus a transferable rights offering, the effect on us if this offer is not fully subscribed and the experience of the dealer manager in conducting rights offerings.]

 

[Although we have no present intention to do so, we may, in the future and in our discretion, choose to make additional rights offerings from time to time for a number of shares and on terms which may or may not be similar to this offer, provided that our board of directors must determine that each subsequent rights offering is in the best interest of our stockholders. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act.]

 

Terms of the Offer

 

We are issuing to record date stockholders [transferable/non-transferable] rights to subscribe for up to approximately             shares. Each record date stockholder is being issued one [transferable/non-transferable] right for each whole share owned on the record date. The rights entitle each holder, or rights holder, to acquire at the subscription price one share for every            rights held [, which we refer to as the primary subscription right]. Rights may be exercised at any time during the subscription period, which commences on            ,             , the record date, and ends at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on            ,                 , the expiration date, unless extended by us.

 

The rights are [transferable and will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “            ” during the course of the offer/non-transferable]. The shares of our common stock issued pursuant to an exercise of rights will be listed on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “TICC.” The rights will be evidenced by subscription certificates which will be mailed to stockholders, except as discussed below under “—Foreign Stockholders.”

 

We will not issue fractional shares upon the exercise of rights; accordingly, rights may be exercised only in multiples of .

 

The rights are [transferable/non-transferable]. [Rights holders who are not record date stockholders may purchase shares as described above, which we refer to as the primary subscription, and may be entitled to subscribe for shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege (as described below).]

 

[Shares for which there is no subscription during the primary subscription will be offered, by means of the over-subscription privilege, first to record date stockholders who fully exercise the rights issued to them pursuant to this offering (other than those rights that cannot be exercised because they represent in the aggregate the right to acquire less than one share) and who wish to acquire more than the number of shares they are entitled to purchase pursuant to the exercise of their rights. In addition, any non-record date rights holder who exercises rights is entitled to subscribe for remaining shares that are not otherwise subscribed for by record date stockholders. Shares acquired pursuant to the over-subscription privilege are subject to certain limitations and pro-rata allocations. See “—Over-Subscription Privilege” below.]

 

For purposes of determining the number of shares a record date stockholder may acquire pursuant to the offer, broker-dealers, trust companies, banks or others whose shares are held of record by Cede & Co. (“Cede”) or by any other depository or nominee will be deemed to be the holders of the rights that are issued to Cede or the other depository or nominee on their behalf.

 

There is no minimum number of rights which must be exercised in order for the offer to close.

 

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[Over-Subscription Privilege

 

Shares not subscribed for by rights holders, which we refer to as remaining shares, will be offered, by means of the over-subscription privilege, first to record date stockholders who have fully exercised the rights issued to them and who wish to acquire more than the number of shares they are entitled to purchase pursuant to the basic subscription. Rights holders should indicate on the subscription certificate that they submit with respect to the exercise of the rights issued to them how many additional shares they are willing to acquire pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. If there are sufficient remaining shares, all record date stockholders’ over-subscription requests will be honored in full. If record date stockholder requests for shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege exceed the remaining shares available, the available remaining shares will be allocated pro-rata among record date stockholders who over-subscribe based on the number of shares held on the record date. The percentage of remaining shares each over-subscribing stockholder may acquire will be rounded down to result in delivery of whole shares. The allocation process may involve a series of allocations to assure that the total number of remaining shares available for over-subscriptions is distributed on a pro-rata basis. The formula to be used in allocating the remaining shares is as follows:

 

Stockholder’s Record Date  Position

     ×         Remaining Shares   

Total Record Date Position of All Over-Subscribers

     

 

Any rights holder, other than a record date stockholder, who exercises rights is entitled to subscribe for remaining shares that are not otherwise over-subscribed for by record date stockholders. These non-record date rights holders should indicate in the subscription certificate submitted with respect to the exercise of any rights how many shares they are willing to acquire pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. We cannot assure non-record date rights holders that they will receive shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege.

 

If sufficient remaining shares are available after the over-subscription privileges for the record date stockholders have been allotted, then all over-subscriptions by non-record date rights holders will be honored in full. If the remaining shares are insufficient to permit such allocation, the remaining shares will be allocated pro-rata among the non-record date rights holders who wish to exercise their over-subscription privilege, based on the number of rights held by such rights holders on the expiration date. However, if this pro-rata allocation results in any holder being allocated a greater number of shares than the holder subscribed for pursuant to the exercise of the over-subscription privilege, then such holder will be allocated only such number of shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege as such holder subscribed for. The formula to be used in allocating the shares available to non-record date rights holders exercising their over-subscription privilege is as follows:

 

Non-Record Date Rights Holder’s Rights

Ownership as of the Expiration Date

    ×      Shares Available for Non-Record Date Rights Holders Exercising Their Over-Subscription Privilege

Total Rights Ownership as of the Expiration Date of Non-Record

Date Rights Holders Exercising Their Over-Subscription Privilege

   

 

Banks, brokers, trustees and other nominee holders of rights will be required to certify to the subscription agent, before any over-subscription privilege may be exercised with respect to any particular beneficial owner, as to the aggregate number of rights exercised pursuant to the primary subscription and the number of shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege by such beneficial owner and that such beneficial owner’s primary subscription was exercised in full. We will not offer or sell in connection with this offer any shares that are not subscribed for pursuant to the primary subscription or the over-subscription privilege.]

 

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Subscription Price

 

The subscription price for the shares to be issued pursuant to the offer will be [describe means of computing subscription price]. [Since the expiration date will be            ,            (unless we extend the subscription period), rights holders will not know the subscription price at the time of exercise and will be required initially to pay for both the shares subscribed for pursuant to the primary subscription right and, if eligible, any additional shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege at the estimated subscription price of $            per share.] See “—Payment for Shares” below. Rights holders who exercise their rights will have no right to rescind a purchase after receipt of their completed subscription certificates together with payment for shares by the subscription agent. We do not have the right to withdraw the rights or cancel this offer after the rights have been distributed.

 

Expiration of the Offer

 

The offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on              , 20    , the expiration date, unless extended by us. The rights will expire on the expiration date of the rights offering and may not be exercised thereafter.

 

Our Board of Directors may determine to extend the subscription period, and thereby postpone the expiration date, to the extent our board of directors determines that doing so is in the best interest of our stockholders. For example, our Board of Directors may elect to extend the subscription period in the event there is substantial instability or volatility in the trading price of our common stock or the rights on The NASDAQ Global Select Market at or near the expiration date, or if any event occurs which causes trading to cease or be suspended on The NASDAQ Global Select Market or the financial markets generally. The foregoing are not the only circumstances under which this offer may be extended, and our Board of Directors is free to extend the subscription period at its discretion, provided it determines that doing so is in the best interests of our stockholders.

 

Any extension of the offer will be followed as promptly as practicable by announcement thereof, and in no event later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day following the previously scheduled expiration date. Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make such announcement, we will not, unless otherwise required by law, have any obligation to publish, advertise or otherwise communicate any such announcement other than by issuing a press release or such other means of announcement as we deem appropriate.

 

Amendments and Waivers; Termination

 

We reserve the right to amend the terms and conditions of the offering, whether the amended terms are more or less favorable to you. We will comply with all applicable laws, including the federal securities laws, in connection with any such amendment.

 

We will decide all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including times of receipt, beneficial ownership and compliance with other procedural matters) in our sole discretion, and our determination shall be final and binding. The acceptance of subscription certificates and the subscription price also will be determined by us. Alternative, conditional or contingent subscriptions will not be accepted. We reserve the right to reject any exercise if such exercise is not in accordance with the terms of the offering or not in proper form or if the acceptance thereof or the issuance of shares of our common stock thereto could be deemed unlawful. We, in our sole discretion, may waive any defect or irregularity, or permit a defect or irregularity to be corrected within such time as we may determine, or reject the purported exercise of any right. Subscriptions will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as we determine in our sole discretion. We will not be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription certificates or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

 

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We may, in our sole discretion, terminate the rights offering at any time prior to delivery of the shares of our common stock offered hereby if the subscription price is less than [        ]% of the net asset value attributable to a share of common stock disclosed in the most recent periodic report we filed with the SEC by giving oral or written notice thereof to the subscription agent and making a public announcement thereof. If the offering is terminated, all rights will expire without value and we will promptly arrange for the refund, without interest, of all funds received from holders of rights. All monies received by the subscription agent in connection with the offering will be held by the subscription agent, on our behalf, in a segregated interest-bearing account at a negotiated rate. All such interest shall be payable to us even if we determine to terminate the offering and return your subscription payment. [In addition, no amounts paid to acquire rights on [insert name of any applicable exchange on which rights are listed] or otherwise will be returned.]

 

Dilutive Effects

 

Any stockholder who chooses not to participate in the offering should expect to own a smaller interest in us upon completion of the offering. The offering will dilute the ownership interest and voting power of stockholders who do not fully exercise their basic subscription rights. Further, because the net proceeds per share from the offering may be lower than our net asset value per share, the offering may reduce our net asset value per share. The amount of dilution that a stockholder will experience could be substantial.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies have in the past frequently traded at discounts to their net asset values. This characteristic of closed-end investment companies is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value per share may decline. We cannot predict whether our shares will trade above, at or below our net asset value.

 

[The transferable feature of the rights will afford non-participating stockholders the potential of receiving cash payment upon the sale of rights, receipt of which may be viewed as partial compensation for the dilution of their interests.]

 

Information Agent

 

             will act as the information agent in connection with the offering. The information agent will receive for its services a fee estimated to be approximately $            plus reimbursement of all out-of-pocket expenses related to the offering.              can be contacted at the below address:

 

Subscription Agent

 

             will act as the subscription agent in connection with this offer. The subscription agent will receive for its administrative, processing, invoicing and other services a fee estimated to be approximately $            , plus reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses related to the offer.

 

Completed subscription certificates must be sent together with full payment of the subscription price for all shares subscribed for in the primary subscription and pursuant to over-subscription privilege to the subscription agent by one of the methods described below. Alternatively, an Eligible Guarantor Institution may send notices of guaranteed delivery by facsimile to            which must be received by the subscription agent at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the rights offering. Facsimiles should be confirmed by telephone at            . We will accept only properly completed and duly executed subscription certificates actually received at any of the addresses listed below, at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date of the rights offering or by the close of business on the third business day after the expiration date of the rights offering following timely receipt of a notice of guaranteed delivery. See “—Payment for Shares” below. In this prospectus, close of business means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the relevant date.

 

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Subscription Certificate

Delivery Method

  

Address/Number

By Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:

   Contact an Eligible Guarantor Institution, which may include a commercial bank or trust company, a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or a savings bank or credit union, to notify us of your intent to exercise the rights.
By First Class Mail Only (Not Overnight /Express Mail):   

By Overnight Delivery:

  

 

Delivery to an address other than one of the addresses listed above will not constitute valid delivery.

 

Any questions or requests for assistance concerning the method of subscribing for shares or for additional copies of this prospectus or subscription certificates or notices of guaranteed delivery may be directed to the information agent at its telephone number and address listed below:

 

Stockholders may also contact their broker-dealers or nominees for information with respect to the offer.

 

[Sale of Rights

 

The Rights are Transferable

 

The rights will be listed for trading on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “            ” subject to notice of issuance. We and the dealer manager will use our best efforts to ensure that an adequate trading market for the rights will exist, although no assurance can be given that a market for the rights will develop. Trading in the rights on The NASDAQ Global Select Market is expected to be conducted beginning on or about             ,             , and continuing until             ,              (or if the offer is extended, until the extended expiration date). Rights holders are encouraged to contact their broker-dealer, bank, trustee or other nominees for more information about trading of the rights.

 

Sales Through Subscription Agent and Dealer Manager

 

Stockholders who do not wish to exercise any or all of their rights may instruct the subscription agent to sell any rights they do not intend to exercise themselves through or to the dealer manager. Subscription certificates representing the rights to be sold through or to the dealer manager must be received by the subscription agent on or before            ,            (or if the offer is extended, on or before two business days prior to the extended expiration date). Upon the timely receipt by the subscription agent of appropriate instructions to sell rights, the subscription agent will ask the dealer manager either to purchase or to use its best efforts to complete the sale and the subscription agent will remit the proceeds of the sale to the selling stockholders. If the rights can be sold, sales of such rights will be deemed to have been effected at the weighted-average price received by the dealer manager on the day such rights are sold. The sale price of any rights sold to the dealer manager will be based upon the then current market price for the rights. The dealer manager will also attempt to sell all rights which remain unclaimed as a result of subscription certificates being returned by the postal authorities to the subscription agent as undeliverable as of the fourth business day prior to the expiration date of the rights offering. The subscription agent will hold the proceeds from those sales for the benefit of such non-claiming stockholders until such proceeds are either claimed or revert to the state pursuant to applicable state law. There can be no assurance that the dealer manager will purchase or be able to complete the sale of any such rights, and neither we nor the dealer manager has guaranteed any minimum sales price for the rights. If a stockholder does not utilize the services of the subscription agent and chooses to use another broker-dealer or other financial institution to sell rights, then the other broker-dealer or financial institution may charge a fee to sell the rights.

 

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Other Transfers

 

The rights evidenced by a subscription certificate may be transferred in whole by endorsing the subscription certificate for transfer in accordance with the accompanying instructions. A portion of the rights evidenced by a single subscription certificate (but not fractional rights) may be transferred by delivering to the subscription agent a subscription certificate properly endorsed for transfer, with instructions to register such portion of the rights evidenced thereby in the name of the transferee and to issue a new subscription certificate to the transferee evidencing such transferred rights. In such event, a new subscription certificate evidencing the balance of the rights, if any, will be issued to the stockholder or, if the stockholder so instructs, to an additional transferee. The signature on the subscription certificate must correspond to the name as written upon the face of the subscription certificate in every particular, without alteration or enlargement, or any change. A signature guarantee must be provided by an Eligible Guarantor Institution as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, subject to the standards and procedures adopted by us.

 

Stockholders wishing to transfer all or a portion of their rights should allow at least five business days prior to the expiration date of the rights offering for (1) the transfer instructions to be received and processed by the subscription agent, (2) a new subscription certificate to be issued and transmitted to the transferee or transferees with respect to transferred rights, and to the transferor with respect to retained rights, if any, and (3) the rights evidenced by such new subscription certificate to be exercised or sold by the recipients thereof. Neither we nor the subscription agent nor the dealer manager shall have any liability to a transferee or transferor of rights if subscription certificates are not received in time for exercise or sale prior to the expiration date (or if the offer is extended, on or before two business days prior to the extended expiration date) of the rights offering.

 

Except for the fees charged by the subscription agent [and dealer manager], which will be paid by us, all commissions, fees and other expenses (including brokerage commissions and transfer taxes) incurred or charged in connection with the purchase, sale or exercise of rights will be for the account of the transferor of the rights, and none of those commissions, fees or expenses will be paid by us, the subscription agent or the dealer manager.

 

We anticipate that the rights will be eligible for transfer through, and that the exercise of the primary subscription and the over-subscription privilege may be effected through, the facilities of the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”). Holders of DTC exercised rights may exercise the over-subscription privilege in respect of such DTC exercised rights by properly completing and duly executing and delivering to the subscription agent, at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day prior to the expiration date of the rights offering, a nominee holder over-subscription certificate or a substantially similar form satisfactory to the subscription agent, together with payment of the subscription price for the number of shares for which the over-subscription privilege is to be exercised.]

 

Methods for Exercising Rights

 

Rights are evidenced by subscription certificates that, except as described below under “—Foreign Stockholders,” will be mailed to record date stockholders or, if a record date stockholder’s shares are held by Cede or any other depository or nominee on their behalf, to Cede or such depository or nominee. Rights may be exercised by completing and signing the subscription certificate that accompanies this prospectus and mailing it in the envelope provided, or otherwise delivering the completed and duly executed subscription certificate to the subscription agent, together with payment in full for the shares at the estimated subscription price by the expiration date of the rights offering. Rights may also be exercised by contacting your broker, trustee or other nominee, who can arrange, on your behalf, to guarantee delivery of payment and delivery of a properly completed and duly executed subscription certificate pursuant to a notice of guaranteed delivery by the close of business on the third business day after the expiration date. A fee may be charged for this service. Completed subscription certificates and related payments must be received by the subscription agent prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on or before the expiration date (unless payment is effected by means of a notice of guaranteed delivery as described below under “—Payment for Shares”) at the offices of the subscription agent at the address set forth above. Fractional shares will not be issued upon the exercise of rights.

 

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[Exercise of the Over-Subscription Privilege

 

Record date stockholders who fully exercise all rights issued to them and rights holders other than record date stockholders, may both participate in the over-subscription privilege by indicating on their subscription certificate the number of shares they are willing to acquire. If sufficient remaining shares are available after the primary subscription, all over-subscriptions will be honored in full; otherwise remaining shares will be allocated first to record date stockholders and then (if any remaining shares are still available) to non-record date rights holders, and the number of remaining shares issued to some or all rights holders participating in the over-subscription privilege may be reduced as described under “—Over-Subscription Privilege” above. ]

 

Record Date Stockholders Whose Shares Are Held By a Nominee

 

Record date stockholders whose shares are held by a nominee, such as a bank, broker-dealer or trustee, must contact that nominee to exercise their rights. In that case, the nominee will complete the subscription certificate on behalf of the record date stockholder and arrange for proper payment by one of the methods set forth under “—Payment for Shares” below.

 

Nominees

 

Nominees, such as brokers, trustees or depositories for securities, who hold shares for the account of others, should notify the respective beneficial owners of the shares as soon as possible to ascertain the beneficial owners’ intentions and to obtain instructions with respect to the rights. If the beneficial owner so instructs, the nominee should complete the subscription certificate and submit it to the subscription agent with the proper payment as described under “—Payment for Shares” below.

 

All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including times of receipt and matters pertaining to beneficial ownership) and the acceptance of subscription forms and the subscription price will be determined by us, which determinations will be final and binding. No alternative, conditional or contingent subscriptions will be accepted. We reserve the right to reject any or all subscriptions not properly submitted or the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful.

 

We reserve the right to reject any exercise if such exercise is not in accordance with the terms of this rights offering or not in proper form or if the acceptance thereof or the issuance of shares of our common stock thereto could be deemed unlawful. We reserve the right to waive any deficiency or irregularity with respect to any subscription certificate. Subscriptions will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as we determine in our sole discretion. We will not be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription certificates or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

 

Foreign Stockholders

 

Subscription certificates will not be mailed to foreign stockholders. Foreign stockholders will receive written notice of this offer. The subscription agent will hold the rights to which those subscription certificates relate for these stockholders’ accounts until instructions are received to exercise the rights, subject to applicable law. If no instructions have been received by the expiration date, such rights will expire.

 

Payment for Shares

 

Participating rights holders may choose between the following methods of payment:

 

  (1)  

A participating rights holder may send the subscription certificate together with payment for the shares acquired in the primary subscription and any additional shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege to the subscription agent based on the estimated subscription price of

 

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$            per share [(             % of $            , the last reported sale price of a share on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on            ,            )]. To be accepted, the payment, together with a properly completed and executed subscription certificate, must be received by the subscription agent at one of the subscription agent’s offices set forth above, at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

 

  (2)   A participating rights holder may request an Eligible Guarantor Institution as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act to send a notice of guaranteed delivery by facsimile or otherwise guaranteeing delivery of (a) payment of the full subscription price for the shares subscribed for in the primary subscription and any additional shares subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege and (b) a properly completed and duly executed subscription certificate. The subscription agent will not honor a notice of guaranteed delivery unless a properly completed and duly executed subscription certificate and full payment for the shares is received by the subscription agent at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , (or, if the offer is extended, by the close of business on the third business day after the extended expiration date).

 

All payments by a participating rights holder must be in U.S. dollars by money order or check or bank draft drawn on a bank or branch located in the U.S. and payable to TICC Capital Corp. The subscription agent will deposit all funds received by it prior to the final payment date into a segregated account pending pro-ration and distribution of the shares.

 

The method of delivery of subscription certificates and payment of the subscription price to us will be at the election and risk of the participating rights holders, but if sent by mail it is recommended that such certificates and payments be sent by registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested, and that a sufficient number of days be allowed to ensure delivery to the subscription agent and clearance of payment prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date or the date guaranteed payments are due under a notice of guaranteed delivery (as applicable). Because uncertified personal checks may take at least five business days to clear, you are strongly urged to pay, or arrange for payment, by means of certified or cashier’s check or money order.

 

On a date within            business days following the expiration date, the subscription agent will send to each participating rights holder (or, if rights are held by Cede or any other depository or nominee, to Cede or such other depository or nominee) a confirmation showing (1) the number of shares purchased pursuant to the primary subscription, (2) the number of shares, if any, acquired pursuant to the over-subscription privilege, (3) the per share and total purchase price for the shares, and (4) any additional amount payable to us by the participating rights holder or any excess to be refunded by us to the participating rights holder, in each case based on the subscription price as determined on the expiration date. Any additional payment required from a participating rights holder must be received by the subscription agent within ten business days after the confirmation date. Any excess payment to be refunded by us to a participating rights holder will be mailed by the subscription agent to the rights holder as promptly as practicable. No interest will be paid on any amounts refunded.

 

Whichever of the two methods described above is used, issuance of the shares purchased is subject to collection of checks and actual payment. If a participating rights holder who subscribes for shares pursuant to the primary subscription or over-subscription privilege does not make payment of any amounts due by the expiration date, the date guaranteed payments are due under a notice of guaranteed delivery or within ten business days of the confirmation date, as applicable, the subscription agent reserves the right to take any or all of the following actions: (1) reallocate the shares to other participating rights holders in accordance with the over-subscription privilege; (2) apply any payment actually received by it from the participating rights holder toward the purchase of the greatest whole number of shares which could be acquired by such participating rights holder upon exercise of the primary subscription and/or the over-subscription privilege; and/or (3) exercise any and all other rights or remedies to which it may be entitled, including the right to set off against payments actually received by it with respect to such subscribed for shares.

 

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All questions concerning the timeliness, validity, form and eligibility of any exercise of rights will be determined by us, whose determinations will be final and binding. We in our sole discretion may waive any defect or irregularity, or permit a defect or irregularity to be corrected within such time as we may determine, or reject the purported exercise of any right. Subscriptions will not be deemed to have been received or accepted until all irregularities have been waived or cured within such time as we determine in our sole discretion. The subscription agent will not be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity in connection with the submission of subscription certificates or incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

 

Participating rights holders will have no right to rescind their subscription after receipt of their payment for shares by the subscription agent, except as provided below under “—Notice of Net Asset Value Decline.”

 

Notice of Net Asset Value Decline

 

We will suspend the offer until we amend this prospectus if, subsequent to the effective date of this prospectus, our net asset value declines more than 10% from our net asset value as of that date. Accordingly, the expiration date would be extended and we would notify record date stockholders of the decline and permit participating rights holders to cancel their exercise of rights.

 

Delivery of Stock Certificates

 

Participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will have any shares that they acquire pursuant to the offer credited to their stockholder dividend reinvestment accounts in the plan. Stockholders whose shares are held of record by Cede or by any other depository or nominee on their behalf or their broker-dealers’ behalf will have any shares that they acquire credited to the account of Cede or the other depository or nominee. With respect to all other stockholders, stock certificates for all shares acquired will be mailed after payment for all the shares subscribed for has cleared, which may take up to 15 days from the date of receipt of the payment.

 

Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Offer

 

For federal income tax purposes, neither the receipt nor the exercise of the rights by record date stockholders will result in taxable income to such stockholders, and no loss will be realized if the rights expire without exercise.

 

A record date stockholder’s basis in a right will be zero unless either (1) the fair market value of the right on the date of distribution is 15% or more of the fair market value of the shares with respect to which the right was distributed or (2) the record date stockholder elects, in his or her federal income tax return for the taxable year in which the right is received, to allocate part of the basis of the shares to the right. If either of clauses (1) or (2) is applicable, then if the right is exercised, the record date stockholder will allocate his or her basis in the shares with respect to which the right was distributed between the shares and the right in proportion to the fair market values of each on the date of distribution.

 

The holding period of a right received by a record date stockholder includes the holding period of the shares with regard to which the right is issued. If the right is exercised, the holding period of the shares acquired begins on the date the right is exercised.

 

[If a right is sold, a gain or loss will be realized by the rights holder in an amount equal to the difference between the basis of the right sold and the amount realized on its disposition.]

 

A record date stockholder’s basis for determining gain or loss upon the sale of a share acquired upon the exercise of a right will be equal to the sum of the record date stockholder’s basis in the right, if any, and the subscription price per share. A record date stockholder’s gain or loss recognized upon a sale of a share acquired

 

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upon the exercise of a right will be capital gain or loss (assuming the share was held as a capital asset at the time of sale) and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the share is held for more than one year.

 

The foregoing is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the offer under the provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations in effect as of the date of the prospectus that are generally applicable to record date stockholders who are U.S. persons within the meaning of the Code, and does not address any foreign, state or local tax consequences. The Code and Treasury regulations are subject to change or differing interpretations by legislative or administrative action, which may be retroactive. Participating rights holders should consult their tax advisors regarding specific questions as to foreign, federal, state or local taxes.

 

ERISA Considerations

 

Stockholders who are employee benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA (including corporate savings and 401(k) plans), Keogh or H.R. 10 plans of self-employed individuals and individual retirement accounts should be aware that additional contributions of cash to a retirement plan (other than rollover contributions or trustee-to-trustee transfers from other retirement plans) in order to exercise rights would be treated as contributions to the retirement plan and, when taken together with contributions previously made, may result in, among other things, excise taxes for excess or nondeductible contributions. In the case of retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and certain other retirement plans, additional cash contributions could cause the maximum contribution limitations of Section 415 of the Code or other qualification rules to be violated. It may also be a reportable distribution and there may be other adverse tax and ERISA consequences if rights are sold or transferred by a retirement plan.

 

Retirement plans and other tax exempt entities, including governmental plans, should also be aware that if they borrow in order to finance their exercise of rights, they may become subject to the tax on unrelated business taxable income under Section 511 of the Code. If any portion of an individual retirement account is used as security for a loan, the portion so used is also treated as distributed to the IRA depositor. ERISA contains fiduciary responsibility requirements, and ERISA and the Code contain prohibited transaction rules that may impact the exercise of rights. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties for noncompliance, retirement plans should consult with their counsel and other advisers regarding the consequences of their exercise of rights under ERISA and the Code.

 

[Distribution Arrangements

 

                , which is a broker-dealer and member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, will act as dealer manager for this offer. Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the dealer management agreement, the dealer manager will provide financial advisory and marketing services in connection with this offer and will solicit the exercise of rights and participation in the over-subscription privilege. This offer is not contingent upon any number of rights being exercised. We have agreed to pay the dealer manager a fee for its financial advisory, marketing and soliciting services equal to % of the aggregate subscription price for shares issued pursuant to this offer. In addition, we have agreed to reimburse the dealer manager an aggregate amount up to $            for its expenses incurred in connection with this offer.

 

The dealer manager will reallow to other broker-dealers that have executed and delivered a soliciting dealer agreement and have solicited the exercise of rights, solicitation fees equal to % of the subscription price per share for each share issued pursuant to the exercise of rights as a result of their soliciting efforts, subject to a maximum fee based on the number of shares held by each broker-dealer through DTC on the record date. Fees will be paid by us to the broker-dealer designated on the applicable portion of the subscription certificates or, in the absence of such designation, to the dealer manager.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the dealer manager for, or contribute to losses arising out of, certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The dealer manager agreement also provides that the dealer

 

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manager will not be subject to any liability to us in rendering the services contemplated by the dealer manager agreement except for any act of bad faith, willful misfeasance, or gross negligence of the dealer manager or reckless disregard by the dealer manager of its obligations and duties under the dealer manager agreement. We have also agreed not to directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, enter into any agreement to sell, or otherwise dispose of, any of our equity or equity related securities or securities convertible into such securities, other than the rights, the shares and the common stock issued in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or distributions, for a period of days from the date hereof without the prior consent of the dealer manager.

 

The principal business address of the dealer manager is                     .

 

Prior to the expiration of this offer, the dealer manager may independently offer for sale shares, including shares acquired through purchasing and exercising the rights, at prices it sets. The dealer manager may realize profits or losses independent of any fees described in this prospectus.

 

This offering is being conducted in compliance with Rule 5110 of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. ]

 

Additional Dealer Manager Compensation

 

The dealer manager and/or its affiliates have from time to time performed and may in the future perform various commercial banking, financial advisory and investment banking services for us and our affiliates for which they have received or will receive customary compensation. [Describe any specific transactions and compensation related thereto required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

Certain Effects of this Offer

 

TICC Management will benefit from this offer because a portion of the investment advisory fee we pay to TICC Management is based on our gross assets. See “Management—Investment Advisory Agreement” in the accompanying prospectus. It is not possible to state precisely the amount of additional compensation TICC Management will receive as a result of this offer because it is not known how many shares will be subscribed for and because a substantial portion of the proceeds of the offer are expected to be used to repay outstanding indebtedness. However, assuming (1) all rights are exercised, (2) the average value of our gross assets, excluding proceeds from this offer, remains at approximately $            million, (3) the estimated subscription price is $            per share, and (4) all of the proceeds from the offer are invested in additional portfolio companies, and after giving effect to dealer manager fees and other expenses related to this offer, TICC Management would receive additional annualized advisory fees of approximately $            , and the amount of the administrative fee received by TICC Management would not change.                 of our directors who voted to authorize this offer are interested persons of TICC Management. The other                directors who approved this offer are not affiliated with TICC Management.

 

As a result of the terms of this offer, stockholders who do not fully exercise their rights will own, upon completion of this offer, a smaller proportional interest in us than they owned prior to the offer, including with respect to voting rights. [In addition, because the subscription price per share will likely be less than the net asset value per share, based on our current market price, the offer will likely result in an immediate dilution of net asset value per share for all of our stockholders. If the subscription price per share is substantially less than the current net asset value per share, such dilution could be substantial. Any such dilution will disproportionately affect non-exercising stockholders. If the subscription price is less than our net asset value per share, then all stockholders will experience a decrease in the net asset value per share held by them, irrespective of whether they exercise all or any portion of their rights. This offering will also cause dilution in the dividends per share we are able to distribute subsequent to completion of the offering. See “Dilution.”]

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP, Washington, DC. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the dealer manager by                     .

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements as of [                    ] and [        ] and for each of the three years in the period ended [                    ] included in this prospectus supplement have been so included in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2 together with all amendments and related exhibits under the Securities Act. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the securities being offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can inspect any materials we file with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. The information we file with the SEC is available free of charge by contacting us at 8 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 255, Greenwich, CT 06830 or by telephone at (203) 983-5275 or on our website at http://www.ticc.com. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding registrants, including us, that file such information electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC’s web site is http://www.sec.gov. Information contained on our website or on the SEC’s web site about us is not incorporated into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus and you should not consider information contained on our website or on the SEC’s website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.

 

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TICC Capital Corp.

 

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