EX-99.4 8 v407653_ex99-4.htm EXHIBIT 99.4

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, but the information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer and sale is not permitted.

 

[FORM OF PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT — INSTITUTIONAL NOTES OFFERINGS]

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED      , 20

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

(to Prospectus dated          , 20 )

 

$

 

Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp.

 

                  % Notes Due

 

We are offering $         in aggregate principal amount of         % [Insert ranking/conversion information] notes due , which we refer to as the Notes. [Insert relevant information regarding interest payments, redemption, etc.] [We are not required to make any principal payments on the Notes until the maturity date of the Notes.]

 

We are offering $                   in aggregate principal amount of       % notes due                 , or the “Notes.” The Notes will mature on . We will pay interest on the Notes on          and           of each year, beginning on               , [ ]. In our sole discretion, we may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time on or after               , at the redemption price set forth under “Description of Notes - Optional Redemption” in this prospectus supplement. In addition, holders of the Notes can require us to repurchase the Notes at 100% of their principal amount upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined herein). The Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $[ ] and integral multiples of $[ ] in excess thereof.

 

The Notes will be our direct senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu with all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp.

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return by generating current income from our debt investments while seeking to preserve our capital. We intend to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien debt instruments, that pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, made to middle market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade and “junk,” which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We use the term “unitranche” to refer to debt instruments that combine both senior and subordinated debt into one debt instrument. We may also invest in senior unsecured loans issued by private middle market companies and, to a lesser extent, subordinated loans issued by private middle market companies and senior and subordinated loans issued by public companies. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes will be invested in floating rate senior loans. 

 

The companies in which we invest are typically highly leveraged, and, in most cases, our investments in such companies are not rated by any rating agency. If such investments were rated, we believe that they would likely receive a rating from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization of below investment grade, which is often referred to as “junk.” Exposure to below investment grade securities involves certain risks, and those securities are viewed as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.

 

A portion of our investment portfolio consists of debt investments for which issuers are not required to make principal payments until the maturity of the senior loans, which would result in a substantial loss to us if such issuers are unable to refinance or repay their debt at maturity. In addition, substantially all of our debt investments have variable interest rates that reset periodically based on benchmarks such as London-Interbank Offered Rate and the prime rate. As a result, significant increases in such benchmarks in the future would make it more difficult for these borrowers to service their obligations under the debt investments that we hold.

 

 
 

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk, and should be considered highly speculative. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page      to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our securities.

 

This prospectus together with an accompanying supplement to this prospectus contain important information about us that a prospective investor should know before investing in our securities. Please read this prospectus and any accompanying supplement to this prospectus before investing, and keep it for future reference. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 777 West Putnam Avenue, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830 or by telephone at (203) 681-3600 or on our website at fsfr.fifthstreetfinance.com. The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains such information. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any accompanying supplement to this prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus and any accompanying supplement to this prospectus. 

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

    Per Note     Total  
Initial offering price     %   $    
Sales load (underwriting discount)     %   $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to us (1)     %   $    

 

    Per Note     Total  
Initial offering price     %   $    
Sales load (underwriting discount)     %   $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to us (1)     %   $    

  

 

(1)We estimate that we will incur approximately $[ ] of expenses relating to this offering, resulting in net proceeds to us of approximately $         million, after sales load (underwriting discount) and expenses.

 

The public offering price set forth above does not include accrued interest, if any. Interest on the Notes will accrue from [ ] and must be paid by the purchaser if the Notes are delivered after [ ].

 

THE NOTES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

 

Delivery of the Notes in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company will be made on or about [ ].

 

Prospectus Supplement dated        , 20 .

 

 

(1)In addition to the sections outlined in this form of prospectus supplement, each prospectus supplement actually used in connection with an offering conducted pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached will be updated to include such other information as may then be required to be disclosed therein pursuant to applicable law or regulation as in effect as of the date of each such prospectus supplement, including, without limitation, information particular to the terms of each security offered thereby and any related risk factors or tax considerations pertaining thereto. This form of prospectus supplement is intended only to provide a rough approximation of the nature and type of disclosure that may appear in any actual prospectus supplement used for the purposes of offering securities pursuant to the registration statement to which this form of prospectus supplement is attached, and is not intended to and does not contain all of the information that would appear is any such actual prospectus supplement, and should not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities.

 

 
 

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

  Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT 4
SUMMARY 5
THE OFFERING 12
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 14
RISK FACTORS 15
USE OF PROCEEDS 18
CAPITALIZATION 19
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA 20
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 21
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION 22
SENIOR SECURITIES 23
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES 24
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS 35
UNDERWRITING 36
LEGAL MATTERS 39
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 39
AVAILABLE INFORMATION 39
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 40

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

[Copy from base prospectus]

 

 
 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering of the common stock and certain matters relating to us. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information about the securities which we and the selling stockholder may offer from time to time, some of which may not apply to the common stock offered by this preliminary prospectus supplement. For information about our common stock, see “Description of Our Capital Stock” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

If information varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on such information in this prospectus supplement. The information contained in this prospectus supplement supersedes any inconsistent information included in the accompanying prospectus. In various places in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we refer you to other sections of such documents for additional information by indicating the caption heading of such other sections. The page on which each principal caption included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus can be found is listed in the table of contents above. All such cross references in this prospectus supplement are to captions contained in this prospectus supplement and not in the accompanying prospectus, unless otherwise stated.

 

No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representations not contained in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus as if we had authorized 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 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 covers. Our financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. 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.

 

Suitability

 

Investing in the Notes involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of loss of principal. In addition, there is no assurance that an active trading market will develop for the Notes. See “Supplementary Risk Factors” in this prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” in the accompanying prospectus. Investors should not purchase the Notes unless they are able to bear the risk of loss of their principal. The Notes should only be purchased as part of a carefully considered investment program.

 

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SUMMARY

 

This summary highlights some of the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To understand the terms of the Notes offered pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should read the entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully. Together, these documents describe the specific terms of the Notes we are offering.

 

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “FSFR” refer to Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. In addition, the terms “Fifth Street Management” and “investment adviser” refer to Fifth Street Management LLC, our external investment adviser. The term “administrator” or “FSC CT” refers to FSC CT LLC, our administrator.

 

We also use the term “unitranche” to refer to debt instruments that combine both senior and subordinated debt into one debt instrument. Unitranche debt instruments typically pay a higher rate of interest than traditional senior debt instruments, but also pose greater risk associated with a lesser amount of asset coverage.

 

Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp.

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. Also, we are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or JOBS Act, and intend to take advantage of the exemption for emerging growth companies allowing us to temporarily forgo the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We do not intend to take advantage of other disclosure or reporting exemptions for emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act.

 

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return by generating current income from our debt investments while seeking to preserve our capital. We intend to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in senior secured loans, including first lien, unitranche and second lien debt instruments, that pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of a floating base lending rate, made to private middle market companies whose debt is rated below investment grade, which we refer to collectively as “senior loans.” We may also invest in senior unsecured loans issued by private middle market companies and, to a lesser extent, subordinated loans issued by private middle market companies and senior and subordinated loans issued by public companies. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the value of our net assets plus borrowings for investment purposes will be invested in floating rate senior loans. The remainder of our investment portfolio may include investments in other securities such as fixed rate loans, fixed and floating rate subordinated loans, or equity investments. This policy may be changed by our Board of Directors with at least 60 days’ prior written notice provided to stockholders to the extent such a change would not affect our ability to maintain our election as a BDC.

 

Senior loans typically pay interest at rates which are determined periodically on the basis of the London-Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, plus a premium. The senior loans in which we invest are typically made to U.S. and, to a limited extent, non-U.S. corporations, partnerships and other business entities which operate in various industries and geographical regions. Senior loans typically are rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” securities and “junk,” and may be considered a higher risk than debt instruments that are rated investment grade. We target senior loans that generally bear annual interest at a rate of LIBOR plus a 5.0% premium (with a LIBOR floor), and for our investments that are not considered senior loans, we target an annual interest rate of LIBOR plus a 9.0% premium (with a LIBOR floor). If the LIBOR floor is higher than current applicable LIBOR rate, the LIBOR floor will be the applicable LIBOR rate. We may make investments with interest rates that differ from our target rates and will periodically reassess our target rates in light of prevailing market conditions.

 

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We invest in senior loans made primarily to private leveraged middle market companies with approximately $20 million to $100 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA. Our business model is focused primarily on the direct origination of investments through portfolio companies or their financial sponsors. Our investments generally range between $3 million and $35 million each, although we expect that this investment size will vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. In addition, we may invest a portion of our portfolio in other types of investments, which we refer to as opportunistic investments, which are not our primary focus, but are intended to enhance our overall returns. These opportunistic investments may include, but are not limited to, direct investments in public companies that are not thinly traded and securities of leveraged companies located in select countries outside of the United States. We may invest up to 30% of our total assets in such opportunistic investments, including senior loans issued by non-U.S. issuers, subject to compliance with our regulatory obligations as a BDC under the 1940 Act. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.”

 

We are managed by Fifth Street Management and FSC CT provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate. We believe that our ability to leverage the existing investment management and administrative support platforms of Fifth Street Management and FSC CT, respectively, enables us to operate more efficiently and with lower overhead costs than other newly formed funds of comparable size.

 

From the time we commenced operations on June 29, 2013 through December 31, 2014, we originated $944.2 million of funded debt investments. As of December 31, 2014, our portfolio totaled $595.9 million at fair value and was comprised of 57 investments in operating companies. The 57 debt investments in our portfolio as of December 31, 2014 had a weighted average debt to EBITDA multiple of 4.26x calculated at the time of origination of the investment. The weighted average annual yield of our debt investments as of December 31, 2014 was approximately 7.15%, of which 7.06% represented cash payments and 0.09% represented other non-cash items. The weighted average annual yield of our debt investments is determined before, and therefore does not take into account, the payment of all of the Company’s and its consolidated subsidiaries’ expenses and the payment by an investor of any stockholder transaction expenses, and does not represent the return on investment for our stockholders.

 

As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements, including limitations on our use of debt. We are permitted to, and expect to, finance our investments through borrowings. However, as a BDC, we are only generally allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowing. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing, such as the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of the proposed borrowings, our ability to raise funds through the issuance of shares of our common stock and the risks of such borrowings within the context of our investment outlook. Ultimately, we only intend to use leverage if the expected returns from borrowing to make investments will exceed the cost of such borrowing. We are currently targeting a debt to equity ratio of 0.8x to 0.9x (i.e., we aim to have one dollar of equity for each $0.85 of debt outstanding).

 

We have also elected to be treated and qualified, and intend to continue to qualify, for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, or the Code. See “Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company.” As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or realized net capital gains that we distribute to our stockholders if we meet certain source-of-income, annual distribution and asset diversification requirements.

 

Our Investment Adviser

We are externally managed and advised by Fifth Street Management, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, or the Advisers Act, that is partially and indirectly owned by Fifth Street Asset Management Inc. (“FSAM”), a publicly-traded asset manager with over $6 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2014. Our administrator, FSC CT, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of our investment adviser and provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate. Our investment adviser serves pursuant to the investment advisory agreement in accordance with the Advisers Act, under which it receives from us a percentage of our gross assets as a management fee and a percentage of our ordinary income and capital gains as an incentive fee.

 

Leonard M. Tannenbaum, the chief executive officer of our investment adviser, has led the investment of over $6 billion in small and mid-sized companies and the origination of over 180 investment transactions since 1998. Our investment adviser also currently serves as the investment adviser to Fifth Street Finance Corp. (“FSC”), in addition to various other private fund vehicles. In focusing on senior loans that bear interest on the basis of a floating base lending rate, our primary investment focus differs from that of FSC, which focuses more generally on debt and equity investments in small and mid-sized companies. However, there may be overlap in terms of our targeted investments.

 

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We benefit from our investment adviser’s ability to identify attractive investment opportunities, conduct diligence on and value prospective investments, negotiate investments and manage a diversified portfolio of those investments. The principals of our investment adviser have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at investment funds, investment banks and other financial services companies and have developed a broad network of contacts within the private equity community. This network of contacts provides our principal source of investment opportunities.

 

The key principals and members of senior management of our investment adviser are Bernard D. Berman, our investment adviser’s president, Ivelin M. Dimitrov, our chief executive officer and the chief investment officer of our investment adviser, Alexander C. Frank, the chief operating officer and chief financial officer of our investment adviser, Todd G. Owens, our president, and Leonard M. Tannenbaum, our investment adviser’s chief executive officer.

 

Business Strategy

Our investment objective is to maximize our portfolio’s total return by generating current income from our debt investments while seeking to preserve our capital. We have adopted the following business strategy to achieve our investment objective. However, there can be no assurances that we will be able to successfully implement our business strategy and, as a result, meet our investment objective.

 

Concentrate on floating rate senior loans.  We concentrate on senior loans that bear interest based on a floating rate. We believe that senior loans, which are often supported by a pledge of collateral, provide us with adequate protection and attractive risk-adjusted returns. However, we can provide no assurance that any collateral will be sufficient to pay interest due or repay principal in the event of a default by a portfolio company. In addition, with interest rates at historically low levels, we believe that investing in floating rate loans provides us with positive exposure to any future period of rising interest rates.

 

Capitalize on our investment adviser’s strong relationships with private equity sponsors.  Our investment adviser has developed an extensive network of relationships with private equity sponsors that invest in middle market companies, which should serve as a significant source of investment opportunities for us. We believe that the strength of these relationships is due to a common investment philosophy, a consistent market focus, a rigorous approach to diligence and a reputation for delivering on commitments. Although our interests may not always be aligned with our private equity sponsors given their position as the equity holder and our position as the debt holder in our portfolio companies, we believe that private equity sponsors provide significant benefits including incremental due diligence, additional monitoring capabilities and a potential source of capital and operational expertise for our portfolio companies.

 

Focus on established middle market companies.  We believe that there are fewer finance companies focused on transactions involving middle market companies than finance companies focused on larger companies, and that this is one factor that allows us to negotiate favorable investment terms. Such favorable terms include higher debt yields and lower leverage levels, as well as more significant covenant protection than typical of transactions involving larger companies. We target companies with established market positions, seasoned management teams, proven products and services and strong regional or national operations. We believe that these companies possess better risk-adjusted return profiles than newer companies that are in the early stages of building management teams and/or a revenue base.

 

Make direct originations.  Over the last several years, the principals of our investment adviser have developed an origination strategy that we believe allows us to directly originate a significant portion of our investments. We believe that the benefits of direct originations include, among other things, our ability to control the structuring of investment protections and to generate origination and prepayment fees.

 

Benefit from the large pool of uninvested private equity capital likely to seek complementary senior debt financing.  We expect that private equity firms will continue to be active investors in middle market companies. These private equity funds generally seek to leverage their investments by combining their capital with senior secured loans and/or mezzanine debt provided by other sources, and we believe that our capital is well-positioned to partner with such equity investors. We expect such activity to be funded by the substantial amounts of private equity capital that have been raised in recent years.

 

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Selectively participate in a broad pipeline of capital market transactions.  In addition to making direct originations, we also acquire senior loans through assignments or participations of interests in such loans. To do so, we utilize our investment adviser’s extensive network of sponsor and bank relationships to review a wide variety of transactions. This robust pipeline should allow us to efficiently deploy capital and make investments in selected companies that align with our investment objective.

 

Employ disciplined underwriting policies and rigorous portfolio management.  Our investment adviser has developed an extensive underwriting process which includes a review of the prospects, competitive position, financial performance and industry dynamics of each potential portfolio company. In addition, we perform substantial diligence on potential investments and seek to invest alongside private equity sponsors who have proven capabilities in building value. As part of the monitoring process, our investment adviser analyzes monthly and quarterly financial statements versus previous periods and years, reviews financial projections, compliance certificates and covenants and meets with management.

 

Structure our investments to minimize risk of loss and achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns.  We seek to structure our aggregate investments on a basis that we believe presents reasonable risk with high cash yields and cash structuring fees. Our investments typically have strong protections, including default penalties, prepayment fees, information rights and affirmative, negative and financial covenants, such as lien protection and prohibitions against change of control. We believe that these protections, coupled with the other features of our investments described above, allow us to reduce our risk of capital loss and should enable us to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns; however, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully structure our investments to minimize risk of loss or achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns.

 

Leverage the skills and experience of our investment adviser.  The principals of our investment adviser have broad investment backgrounds, with prior experience at private investment funds, investment banks and other financial services companies and collectively they also have experience managing distressed companies. We believe that our investment adviser’s expertise in valuing, structuring, negotiating and closing transactions provides us with a competitive advantage by allowing us to provide financing solutions that meet the needs of our portfolio companies while adhering to our underwriting standards.

 

Risk Factors

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the information found in “Risk Factors” beginning on page    of the accompanying prospectus, including the following risks:

 

Economic recessions or downturns may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and could impair the ability of our portfolio companies to repay loans.

 

We have a limited operating history.

 

A significant portion of our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors and, as a result, there is uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.

 

Our business model depends to a significant extent upon strong referral relationships with private equity sponsors, and the inability of the principals of our investment adviser to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

 

There are significant potential conflicts of interest, including our investment adviser’s management of FSC and certain private investment funds, which could impact our investment returns; you will not be purchasing an investment in FSC.

 

We may face competition for investment opportunities, which could reduce returns and result in losses.

 

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

 

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Because we intend to distribute between 90% and 100% of our income to our stockholders in connection with our election to be treated as a RIC, we will continue to need additional capital to finance our growth. If additional funds are unavailable or not available on favorable terms, our ability to grow will be impaired.

 

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC and RIC affect our ability to raise, and the way in which we raise, additional capital or borrow for investment purposes, which may have a negative effect on our growth.

 

We will be subject to corporate-level income tax on all of our income if we are unable to maintain qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code or do not satisfy the annual distribution requirement.

 

We may not be able to pay you distributions, and if we are able to pay you distributions, our distributions may not grow over time and/or a portion of our distributions may be a return of capital.

 

Our investments in portfolio companies may be risky, including the risk that the collateral underlying our investments will not be sufficient to cover interest due and principal, and we could lose all or part of our investment.

 

Defaults by our portfolio companies would harm our operating results.

 

The inability of our portfolio companies to pay interest and principal when due may contribute to a reduction in the net asset value per share of our common stock, our ability to pay dividends and to service our contractual obligations, and may negatively impact the market price of our common stock and other securities that we may issue.

 

Changes in interest rates may increase our cost of capital, reduce the ability of our portfolio companies to service their debt obligations and decrease our net investment income.

 

A general increase in interest rates would likely have the effect of increasing our net investment income, which would make it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees.

 

Investors may lose all or part of their investment in us.

 

We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.

 

Shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, may trade at a discount to their net asset value.

 

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

 

We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from an offering on acceptable terms within an attractive timeframe.

 

The Notes will be unsecured and therefore will be effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we may incur.

 

The Notes will be subordinated structurally to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

 

The indenture governing the Notes will contain limited protection for holders of the Notes.

 

An active trading market for the Notes may not develop, which could limit the market price of the Notes or your ability to sell them.

 

The optional redemption provision may materially adversely affect your return on the Notes.

 

[Insert other Risk Factors applicable to debt securities.]

 

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Material Conflicts of Interest

 

Our executive officers and directors, and certain members of our investment adviser, serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that may operate in the same or a related line of business as us or as investment funds managed by our affiliates. For example, Fifth Street Management presently serves as investment adviser to FSC, a publicly-traded BDC with total assets of approximately $2.9 billion as of December 31, 2014, that invests in the debt and equity of small and mid-sized companies, primarily in connection with investments by private equity sponsors, including in middle market leveraged companies similar to those we target for investment. Specifically, FSC generally targets small and mid-sized companies with annual revenues between $25 million and $250 million and generally targets investment sizes ranging from $10 million to $100 million. In addition, though not the primary focus of its investment portfolio, FSC’s investments also include floating rate senior loans. In contrast, we target investments ranging from between $3 million and $35 million, and generally target private leveraged middle market companies with approximately $20 million to $100 million of EBITDA. Therefore, there may be certain investment opportunities that satisfy the investment criteria for both FSC and us. In addition, certain of our executive officers and three of our independent directors serve in substantially similar capacities for FSC. Fifth Street Management also manages private investment funds, and may manage other funds in the future, that have investment mandates that are similar, in whole or in part, to ours. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. For example, the principals of our investment adviser may face conflicts of interest in the allocation of investment opportunities to us and such other funds. The fact that our investment advisory fees are lower than those of certain other funds, such as FSC, could amplify this conflict of interest.

 

Fifth Street Management has adopted, and our Board of Directors has approved, an investment allocation policy that governs the allocation of investment opportunities among the investment funds managed by Fifth Street Management and its affiliates. To the extent an investment opportunity is appropriate for us or FSC or any other investment fund managed by our affiliates, Fifth Street Management will adere to its investment allocation policy in order to determine to which entity to allocate the opportunity. As a BDC, we were substantially limited in our ability to co-invest in privately negotiated transactions with affiliated funds until we obtained an exemptive order from the SEC on September 9, 2014. The exemptive relief permits us to participate in negotiated co-investment transactions with certain affiliates, each of whose investment adviser is Fifth Street Management, or an investment adviser controlling, controlled by or under common control with Fifth Street Management, in a manner consistent with our investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors, and pursuant to the conditions to the exemptive relief.

 

If we are unable to rely on our exemptive relief for a particular opportunity, such opportunity will be allocated first to the entity whose investment strategy is the most consistent with the opportunity being allocated, and second, if the terms of the opportunity are consistent with more than one entity’s investment strategy, on an alternating basis. Although our investment professionals will endeavor to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner, we and our common stockholders could be adversely affected to the extent investment opportunities are allocated among us and other investment vehicles managed or sponsored by, or affiliated with, our executive officers, directors and members of our investment adviser.

 

Fifth Street Management’s investment allocation policy is also designed to manage and mitigate the conflicts of interest associated with the allocation of investment opportunities if we are able to co-invest, either pursuant to SEC interpretive positions or our exemptive order, with other accounts managed by our investment adviser and its affiliates. Generally, under the investment allocation, co-investments will be allocated pursuant to the conditions of the exemptive order. Under the investment allocation policy, a portion of each opportunity that is appropriate for us and any affiliated fund will be offered to us and such other eligible accounts as determined by Fifth Street Management and generally based on asset class, fund size and liquidity, among other factors. If there is a sufficient amount of securities to satisfy all participants, the securities will be allocated among the participants in accordance with their order size and if there is an insufficient amount of securities to satisfy all participants, the securities will be allocated pro rata based on each participating party’s capital available for investment in the asset class being allocated, up to the amount proposed to be invested by each. In accordance with Fifth Street Management’s investment allocation policy, we might not participate in each individual opportunity, but will, on an overall basis, be entitled to participate equitably with other entities managed by Fifth Street Management and its affiliates. Fifth Street Management seeks to treat all clients fairly and equitably such that none receive preferential treatment vis-à-vis the others over time, in a manner consistent with its fiduciary duty to each of them; however, in some instances, especially in instances of limited liquidity, the factors may not result in pro rata allocations or may result in situations where certain funds receive allocations where others do not. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

 

10
 

 

Pursuant to the administration agreement with FSC CT, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of our investment adviser, FSC CT furnishes us with the facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct our day-to-day operations. We pay FSC CT its allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by FSC CT in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including a portion of the rent at market rates and the compensation of our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their respective staffs.

 

Corporate Information

 

Our principal executive office is located at 777 West Putnam Avenue, 3rd Floor, Greenwich, CT 06830 and our telephone number is (203) 681-3600. We maintain a website on the Internet at fsfr.fifthstreetfinance.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” within the meaning of the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we intend to take advantage of the exemption for emerging growth companies allowing us to temporarily forgo the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We do not intend to take advantage of other disclosure or reporting exemptions for emerging growth companies under the JOBS Act. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (a) the last day of the fiscal year: (i) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of this offering; (ii) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.0 billion; or (iii) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and (b) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

 

11
 

 

THE OFFERING

 

This prospectus supplement sets forth certain terms of the Notes that we are offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and supplements the accompanying prospectus that is attached to the back of this prospectus supplement. You should read this section together with the more general description of the Notes under the heading “Description of Notes” in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Our Debt Securities” before investing in the Notes.

 

  Issuer   Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp.
       
  Notes                      % Notes due                   .
       
  Initial aggregate principal amount being offered   $
  Initial public offering price Maturity Date   [   ]% of the aggregate principal amount.
       
  Interest Payment Dates                      and                    , commencing                   , [ ]. Interest will accrue from                     , [ ].
       
  Ranking of Notes   The Notes will be our general unsecured obligations that rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes. The Notes will rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior liabilities that are not so subordinated, effectively junior to any of our secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that we later secure) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities.
       
      As of [ ], our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $[ ] million principal amount. After giving effect to the issuance of the Notes our total consolidated indebtedness would have been approximately $                 principal amount as of [ ]. See “Capitalization.”
       
  Use of Proceeds   We intend to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities to make investments in middle-market companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement, and for general corporate purposes. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to reduce any of our outstanding borrowings. See “Use of Proceeds”
       
  Denominations   We will issue the Notes in denominations of $[ ] and integral multiples of $[ ] in excess thereof.
       
  Optional Redemption   We may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time, or from time to time, at a redemption price described in this prospectus supplement. See “Description of Notes - Optional Redemption.” [Before redeeming any Notes, we may have to comply with certain requirements under any credit facility that we may establish in the future, to the extent such requirements remain in effect at such time, or otherwise obtain consent from the lenders.]
       
  Sinking Fund   The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund.
       
  Defeasance and covenant defeasance  

The Notes are subject to defeasance by us.

The Notes are subject to covenant defeasance by us.

 

12
 

 

  Offer to Purchase upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event   If a Change of Control Repurchase Event, as defined in the indenture that governs the Notes, occurs prior to maturity, holders will have the right, at their option, to require us to repurchase for cash some or all of the Notes at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the repurchase date. [Before making any such repurchase of Notes, we may have to comply with certain requirements under any credit facility that we may establish in the future, to the extent such requirements remain in effect at such time, or otherwise obtain consent from the lenders.]
       
  Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Transfer Agent   [     ]
 

 

No Established Trading Market

 

 

The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. The Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or quoted on any automated dealer quotation system. Although certain of the underwriters have informed us that they intend to make a market in the Notes, they are not obligated to do so, and may discontinue any such market making at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid market for the Notes will develop or be maintained.

       
  Other Covenants  

·     We agree that for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, we will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, whether or not we continue to be subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act, but giving effect, in either case, to any exemptive relief granted to us by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Currently, these provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowings. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure—Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage,” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

·     We agree that for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, we will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, giving effect to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC. These provisions generally prohibit us from declaring any cash dividend or distribution upon any class of our capital stock, or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is below 200% at the time of the declaration of the dividend or distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase.

 

·     If, at any time, we are not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file any periodic reports with the SEC, we agree to furnish to holders of the Notes and the Trustee, for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, our audited annual consolidated financial statements, within 90 days of our fiscal year end, and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, within 45 days of our fiscal quarter end (other than our fourth fiscal quarter). All such financial statements will be prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable United States generally accepted accounting principles.

 

13
 

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Some of the statements in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus may include statements as to:

 

our future operating results and distribution projections;

 

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

 

the impact of the investments that we expect to make;

 

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

 

our expected financings and investments and the timing of our 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.

 

In addition, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “plan,” “should,” “estimate” and “intend” indicate a forward-looking statement, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include:

 

changes in the economy;

 

risks associated with possible disruption in our operations or the economy generally due to terrorism or natural disasters; and

 

future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities) and conditions in our operating areas, particularly with respect to BDCs and RICs.

 

We have based the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus on information available to us on the date of this prospectus and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you, in the form of a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the registration statement to which this prospectus relates, or through reports that we in the future may file with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and the forward looking statements that will be contained in our periodic reports are excluded from the safe-harbor protection provided by Section 21E of the Exchange Act.

 

14
 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in the Notes involves a high degree of risk. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should carefully consider the following supplementary risk factors together with the risk factors set forth in the accompanying prospectus before making an investment in the Notes. The risks set out below and in the accompanying prospectus are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us might also impair our operations and performance. If any of the events described herein or in the accompanying prospectus occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, our net asset value and the market price of the Notes could decline, and there is a possibility that you could lose part or all of your investment.

 

Risks Relating to the Notes

 

The Notes will be unsecured and therefore will be effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we have currently incurred or may incur in the future.

 

The Notes will not be secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, the Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we or our subsidiaries have outstanding as of the date of this prospectus supplement or that they may incur in the future (or any indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness in order to receive full payment of their indebtedness before the assets may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the Notes. As of [ ], we had $[ ] million in outstanding indebtedness that is senior to the Notes. Certain amounts of this indebtedness are secured by certain of our assets and the indebtedness thereunder is therefore effectively senior to the Notes to the extent of the value of such assets.

 

The Notes will be structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries.

 

The Notes are obligations exclusively of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the Notes and the Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Except to the extent we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, all claims of creditors, including trade creditors, and holders of preferred stock, if any, of our subsidiaries will have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we were recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, our claims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims. Consequently, the Notes will be structurally subordinated structurally to all indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish as financing vehicles or otherwise. All of the existing indebtedness of our subsidiaries would be structurally senior to the Notes. In addition, our subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, all of which would be structurally senior to the Notes.

 

The indenture under which the Notes will be issued will contain limited protection for holders of the Notes.

 

The indenture under which the Notes will be issued offers limited protection to holders of the Notes. The terms of the indenture and the Notes do not restrict our or any of our subsidiaries’ ability to engage in, or otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions, circumstances or events that could have a material adverse impact on your investment in the Notes. In particular, the terms of the indenture relating to the Notes and the Notes themselves will not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries’ ability to:

 

15
 

 

·issue securities or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, including (1) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be equal in right of payment to the Notes, (2) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be secured and therefore rank effectively senior in right of payment to the Notes to the extent of the values of the assets securing such debt, (3) indebtedness of ours that is guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries and which therefore is structurally senior to the Notes and (4) securities, indebtedness or obligations issued or incurred by our subsidiaries that would be senior to our equity interests in our subsidiaries and therefore rank structurally senior to the Notes with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries, in each case other than an incurrence of indebtedness or other obligation that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(A), as modified by Section 61(a)(1), of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, whether or not we continue to be subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act, but giving effect, in either case, to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC (currently, these provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowings);

 

·pay dividends on, or purchase or redeem or make any payments in respect of, capital stock or other securities ranking junior in right of payment to the Notes, including subordinated indebtedness, in each case other than dividends, purchases, redemptions or payments that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions giving effect to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC (these provisions generally prohibit us from declaring any cash dividend or distribution upon any class of our capital stock, or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is below 200% at the time of the declaration of the dividend or distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase);

 

·sell assets (other than certain limited restrictions on our ability to consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets);

 

·enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

·create liens (including liens on the shares of our subsidiaries) or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

 

·make investments; or

 

·create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries.

 

Furthermore, the terms of the indenture and the Notes do not protect holders of the Notes in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition, results of operations or credit ratings, as they do not require that we or our subsidiaries adhere to any financial tests or ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow or liquidity.

 

Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the Notes may have important consequences for you as a holder of the Notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Notes or negatively affecting the trading value of the Notes.

 

Certain of our current debt instruments include more protections for their holders than the indenture and the Notes. In addition, other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the indenture and the Notes, including additional covenants and events of default. The issuance or incurrence of any such debt with incremental protections could affect the market for and trading levels and prices of the Notes.

 

If an active trading market for the Notes does not develop, you may not be able to resell them.

 

The Notes will be a new issue of debt securities for which there currently is no trading market. [We do not intend to apply to list the Notes on any securities exchange or for quotation of the Notes on any automated dealer quotation system.] If no active trading market develops, you may not be able to resell your Notes at their fair market value or at all. If the Notes are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our credit ratings, if any, general economic conditions, our financial condition, performance and prospects and other factors. Certain of the underwriters have advised us that they may make a market in the Notes, but they are not obligated to do so. The underwriters may discontinue any market-making in the Notes at any time at their sole discretion. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid trading market will develop for the Notes, that you will be able to resell your Notes at a particular time or that the price you receive when you resell will be favorable. To the extent an active trading market does not develop, the liquidity and trading price for the Notes may be harmed. Accordingly, you may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Notes for an indefinite period of time.

 

16
 

 

If we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the Notes.

 

Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness could make us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and substantially decrease the market value of the Notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our indebtedness, we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under other debt we may incur in the future could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to seek to obtain waivers from the required holders of our other debt or debt that we may incur in the future to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our debt and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders or holders. If this occurs, we would be in default and our lenders or debt holders could exercise their rights as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If we are unable to repay debt, lenders having secured obligations, could proceed against the collateral securing the debt.

 

We may not be able to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event.

 

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Repurchase Event, as defined in the indenture that governs the Notes, as supplemented, subject to certain conditions, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The source of funds for that purchase of Notes will be our available cash or cash generated from our operations or other potential sources, including borrowings, investment repayments, sales of assets or sales of equity. We cannot assure you that sufficient funds from such sources will be available at the time of any Change of Control Repurchase Event to make required repurchases of Notes tendered. If we do not satisfy our obligation to the holders of the Notes to repurchase Notes in connection with a Change of Control Repurchase Event, the failure to repurchase Notes could cause a default under our future debt instruments, even if the Change of Control Repurchase Event itself would not cause a default. It is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of the Change of Control Repurchase Event to make the required repurchase of the Notes and/or our other debt.

 

[Insert other risk factors specific to institutional notes]

 

17
 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from the sale of the $    million aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering will be approximately $    million (or approximately $    million if the underwriters fully exercise their overallotment option), in each case assuming a public offering price of 100% of par, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of $    million (or approximately $    million if the underwriters fully exercise their overallotment option) payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $    million payable by us

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to make investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus and may use such funds for general corporate purposes, including for working capital requirements. We may also use a portion of the net proceeds to reduce any of our outstanding borrowings under our credit facilities. Pending such use, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in high quality, short-term debt securities consistent with our business development company election and our election to be taxed as a RIC.

 

We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds from this offering will be used as described above within    to      months, 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 the net proceeds primarily in high quality, short-term debt securities consistent with our business development company election and our election to be taxed as a RIC. See “Regulation—Business Development Company Regulations—Temporary Investments” in the accompanying prospsectus. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may be limited to the extent that the net proceeds from an offering, pending full investment, are held in interest-bearing deposits or other short-term instruments. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure— We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds from this offering, which could harm our financial condition and operating results” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding this matter.

 

18
 

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of       , 20    :

 

·on an actual basis; and

 

·on an as adjusted basis to reflect the sale of $             aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering (assuming no exercise of the overallotment option), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of $             payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $             payable by us.

 

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 
   Actual   Pro Forma (1) 
   (in thousands)   (in thousands) 
Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $    $  
Investments at fair value  $    $  
Other assets  $    $  
Total assets  $    $  
Liabilities:          
Notes payable  $    $  
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 share would increase (decrease) net proceeds to us from this offering by $          million, assuming the number of shares 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 shares 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.”

 

19
 

 

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

 

The following selected financial data should be read together with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes and the discussion under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which are included elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The financial information as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, [ ], [ ], [ ], [ ] and [ ], set forth below was derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. The financial information as of and for the three months ended [ ] and [ ] was derived from our unaudited financial statements and related notes. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for the fair presentation of financial statements for the interim periods, have been included. The historical financial information below may not be indicative of our future performance. Our results for the interim period may not be indicative of our results for the full year.

 

[Insert selected financial data table.]

 

20
 

 

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 

The following table contains our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated, computed as set forth below. You should read these ratios of earnings to fixed charges in connection with our Consolidated Financial Statements, including the notes to those statements, included in the accompanying prospectus.

 

    For The
Three
Months
Ended
December
31,
2013
  For The
Year
Ended
December
31,
2012
  For The
Year
Ended
December
31,
2011
  For The
Year
Ended
December
31,
2010
  For The
Year
Ended
December
31,
2009
 
Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)   [ ]   [ ]   [ ]   [ ]   [ ]  

  

 

(1)Earnings include net realized and unrealized gains or losses. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses can vary substantially from period to period.

 

For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent net increase in net assets resulting from operations plus (or minus) income tax expense (benefit) including excise tax expense plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest and other financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs.

 

21
 

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL

CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

[Insert from most recent periodic filing]

 

22
 

 

SENIOR SECURITIES

 

(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

 

Information about our senior securities is shown in the following tables as of the end of each fiscal year since our formation and for the period ended [ ]. The reports of our independent registered public accounting firm covering the total amount of senior securities outstanding as of     and    are attached as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

[Insert senior securities table.]

 

23
 

 

DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

 

The following description of the particular terms of the                   % Notes due                   supplements and, to the extent inconsistent with, replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus.

 

We will issue the Notes under a base indenture dated as of [ ], 20[ ], between us and [ ], as trustee (the “trustee”), as supplemented by a separate supplemental indenture to be dated as of the settlement date for the Notes. As used in this section, all references to the indenture mean the base indenture as supplemented by the supplemental indenture. The terms of the Notes include those expressly set forth in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, or the TIA.

 

This section includes a description of the material terms of the Notes and the indenture. Because this section is a summary, however, it does not describe every aspect of the Notes and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of the Notes.

 

For purposes of this description, references to “we,” “our” and “us” refer only to Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. and not to any of its current or future subsidiaries and references to “subsidiaries” refer only to our consolidated subsidiaries and exclude any investments held by Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. in the ordinary course of business which are not, under GAAP, consolidated on the financial statements of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. and its subsidiaries.

 

General

 

The Notes:

 

·will be our general unsecured, senior obligations;

 

·will initially be issued in an aggregate principal amount of $                   million;

 

·will mature on                   ,                   , unless earlier redeemed or repurchased, as discussed below;

 

·will bear cash interest from                   , [ ] at an annual rate of                   % payable semi-annually on                   and                   of each year, beginning on                   [ ];

 

·will be subject to redemption at our option as described under “- Optional Redemption;”

 

·will be subject to repurchase by us at the option of the holders following a Change of Control Repurchase Event (as defined below under “- Offer to Repurchase Upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event”), at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of repurchase;

 

·will be issued in denominations of $[ ] and integral multiples of $[ ] thereof; and

 

·will be represented by one or more registered Notes in global form, but in certain limited circumstances may be represented by Notes in definitive form. See “- Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance.”

 

The indenture does not limit the amount of debt that may be issued by us or our subsidiaries under the indenture or otherwise, but does contain a covenant regarding our asset coverage that would have to be satisfied at the time of our incurrence of additional indebtedness. See “Covenants - Other Covenants.” Other than the foregoing, the indenture does not contain any financial covenants and does not restrict us from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing our other securities. Other than restrictions described under “- Offer to Repurchase Upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event” and “- Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets” below, the indenture does not contain any covenants or other provisions designed to afford holders of the Notes protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction involving us or in the event of a decline in our credit rating as the result of a takeover, recapitalization, highly leveraged transaction or similar restructuring involving us that could adversely affect such holders.

 

We may, without the consent of the holders, issue additional Notes under the indenture with the same terms as the Notes offered hereby in an unlimited aggregate principal amount; provided that, if such additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes offered hereby (or any other tranche of additional Notes) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then such additional Notes will have different CUSIP numbers from the Notes offered hereby (and any such other tranche of additional Notes).

 

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We do not intend to list the Notes on any securities exchange or any automated dealer quotation system.

 

Payments on the Notes; Paying Agent and Registrar; Transfer and Exchange

 

We will pay the principal of, and interest on, the Notes in global form registered in the name of or held by DTC or its nominee in immediately available funds to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such Global Note (as defined below).

 

Payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and any such interest on the Notes will be made at the corporate trust office of the trustee in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts; provided, however, that at our option payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the security register.

 

A holder of the Notes may transfer or exchange Notes at the office of the registrar in accordance with the indenture. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents. No service charge will be imposed by us, the trustee or the registrar for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but we may require a holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other similar governmental charge required by law or permitted by the indenture.

 

The registered holder of a Note will be treated as its owner for all purposes.

 

Interest

 

The Notes will bear cash interest at a rate of                   % per year until maturity. Interest on the Notes will accrue from                   , [ ] or from the most recent date on which interest has been paid or duly provided for. Interest will be payable semiannually in arrears on                   and                   of each year, beginning on                   , [ ].

 

Interest will be paid to the person in whose name a Note is registered at 5:00 p.m. New York City time (the “close of business”) on                   or                   , as the case may be, immediately preceding the relevant interest payment date (each, a “regular record date”). Interest on the Notes will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months.

 

If any interest payment date, the maturity date or any earlier required repurchase date upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event (defined below) of a Note falls on a day that is not a business day, the required payment will be made on the next succeeding business day and no interest on such payment will accrue in respect of the delay. The term “business day” means, with respect to any Note, each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

 

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Ranking

 

The Notes will be our general unsecured obligations that rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes. The Notes will rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future liabilities that are not so subordinated. The Notes will effectively rank junior to any of our secured indebtedness (including unsecured indebtedness that we later secure) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Notes will rank structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our subsidiaries, financing vehicles or similar facilities. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up, our assets that secure secured debt will be available to pay obligations on the Notes only after all indebtedness under such secured debt has been repaid in full from such assets. We advise you that there may not be sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts due on any or all the Notes then outstanding.

 

As of [ ], our total consolidated indebtedness was approximately $[ ] million principal amount. After giving effect to the issuance of the Notes our total consolidated indebtedness would have been approximately $                   principal amount as of [ ]. See “Capitalization.”

  

Optional Redemption

 

We may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time, or from time to time. If we choose to redeem any Notes prior to maturity, we will pay a redemption price equal to the greater of the following amounts, plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date:

 

·100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, or

 

·the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (exclusive of accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption) on the Notes to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) using the applicable Treasury Rate plus                   basis points.

 

If we choose to redeem any Notes, we will deliver a notice of redemption to holders of Notes not less than 30 nor more than 60 days before the redemption date. If we are redeeming less than all of the Notes, the particular Notes to be redeemed will be selected in accordance with the applicable procedures of the trustee and, so long as the Notes are registered to DTC or its nominee, DTC; provided, however, that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Note not redeemed to less than $[ ]. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions of the Notes called for redemption.

 

Before redeeming any Notes, we may have to comply with certain requirements under any credit facility we may establish in the future, to the extent such requirements remain in effect at such time, or otherwise obtain consent from the lenders.

 

For purposes of calculating the redemption price in connection with the redemption of the Notes, on any redemption date, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

 

“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield-to-maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue (computed as of the third business day immediately preceding the redemption), assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date. The redemption price and the Treasury Rate will be determined by us.

 

“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by the Reference Treasury Dealer as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financing practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Notes being redeemed.

 

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“Comparable Treasury Price” means (1) the average of the remaining Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for the redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the Quotation Agent obtains fewer than four such reference treasury dealer quotations, the average of all such quotations.

 

“Quotation Agent” means a Reference Treasury Dealer selected by us.

 

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means each of (1) [ ], (2) [ ] and (3) [ ], or their respective affiliates which are primary U.S. government securities dealers and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing or their affiliates shall cease to be a primary U.S. government securities dealer in the United States (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”), we shall select another Primary Treasury Dealer.

 

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Quotation Agent by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 3:30 p.m. New York time on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

 

All determinations made by any Reference Treasury Dealer, including the Quotation Agent, with respect to determining the redemption price will be final and binding absent manifest error.

 

Offer to Repurchase Upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event

 

If a Change of Control Repurchase Event occurs, unless we have exercised our right to redeem the Notes in full, we will make an offer to each holder of Notes to repurchase all or any part (in minimum denominations of $[ ] and integral multiples of $[ ] principal amount) of that holder’s Notes at a repurchase price in cash equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes repurchased to the date of purchase. Within 30 days following any Change of Control Repurchase Event or, at our option, prior to any Change of Control, but after the public announcement of the Change of Control, we will mail a notice to each holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute or may constitute the Change of Control Repurchase Event and offering to repurchase Notes on the payment date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed. The notice shall, if mailed prior to the date of consummation of the Change of Control, state that the offer to purchase is conditioned on the Change of Control Repurchase Event occurring on or prior to the payment date specified in the notice. We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control Repurchase Event. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the Notes, we will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control Repurchase Event provisions of the Notes by virtue of such conflict.

 

On the Change of Control Repurchase Event payment date, subject to extension if necessary to comply with the provisions of the1940 Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, we will, to the extent lawful:

 

(1)accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to our offer;

 

(2)deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the aggregate purchase price in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered; and

 

(3)deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee the Notes properly accepted, together with an officers’ certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes being purchased by us.

 

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The paying agent will promptly remit to each holder of Notes properly tendered the purchase price for the Notes, and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of any Notes surrendered; provided that each new Note will be in a minimum principal amount of $[ ] or an integral multiple of $[ ] in excess thereof.

 

We will not be required to make an offer to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event if a third party makes an offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements for an offer made by us and such third party purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under its offer.

 

The source of funds that will be required to repurchase Notes in the event of a Change of Control Repurchase Event will be our available cash or cash generated from our operations or other potential sources, including funds provided by a purchaser in the Change of Control transaction, borrowings, sales of assets or sales of equity. Before redeeming any Notes, we may have to comply with certain requirements under any credit facility we may establish in the future, to the extent such requirements remain in effect at such time, or otherwise obtain consent from the lenders. The terms of our Credit Facilities also provide that certain change of control events will constitute an event of default thereunder entitling the lenders to accelerate any indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facilities at that time and to terminate the Credit Facilities. If we do not satisfy our obligation to the holders of the Notes to repurchase Notes in connection with a Change of Control Repurchase Event, the failure to repurchase Notes could cause a default under our future debt instruments, even if the Change of Control Repurchase Event itself would not cause a default. It is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at the time of the Change of Control Repurchase Event to make the required repurchase of the Notes and/or our other debt. See “Risk Factors - We may not be able to repurchase the Notes upon a Change of Control Repurchase Event” in this prospectus supplement. The definition of “Change of Control” includes a phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of “all or substantially all” of our properties or assets and those of our subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise, established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of Notes to require us to repurchase the Notes as a result of a sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries taken as a whole to another person or group may be uncertain.

 

For purposes of the Notes:

 

“Below Investment Grade Rating Event” means the Notes are downgraded below Investment Grade by both Rating Agencies on any date from the date of the public notice of an arrangement that results in a Change of Control until the end of the 60-day period following public notice of the occurrence of a Change of Control (which period shall be extended so long as the rating of the Notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either of the Rating Agencies); provided that a Below Investment Grade Rating Event otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular Change of Control (and thus shall not be deemed a Below Investment Grade Rating Event for purposes of the definition of Change of Control Repurchase Event hereunder) if the Rating Agencies making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply do not announce or publicly confirm or inform the trustee in writing at its request that the reduction was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised of or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable Change of Control (whether or not the applicable Change of Control shall have occurred at the time of the Below Investment Grade Rating Event).

 

“Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(1)the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation) in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. and its Controlled Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” or “group” (as those terms are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than to any Permitted Holders; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, a pledge of assets pursuant to any secured debt instrument of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. or its Controlled Subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be any such sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or disposition;

 

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(2)the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any “person” or “group” (as those terms are used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) (other than any Permitted Holders) becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the outstanding Voting Stock of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp., measured by voting power rather than number of shares;

 

(3)the approval by the stockholders of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. of any plan or proposal relating to the liquidation or dissolution of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp.

 

“Change of Control Repurchase Event” means the occurrence of a Change of Control and a Below Investment Grade Rating Event.

 

“Controlled Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp., 50% or more of the outstanding equity interests of which are owned by Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. and its direct or indirect subsidiaries and of which Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies, whether through the ownership of voting equity interests, by agreement or otherwise.

 

“Fitch” means Fitch, Inc., also known as Fitch Ratings, or any successor thereto.

 

“Investment Grade” means a rating of BBB- or better by Fitch (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of Fitch) and BBB- or better by S&P (or its equivalent under any successor rating categories of S&P) (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of our control, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any Rating Agency selected by us as a replacement Rating Agency).

 

“Permitted Holders” means (i) us, (ii) one or more of our Controlled Subsidiaries and (iii) Fifth Street Management LLC or any affiliate of Fifth Street Management LLC that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located in the United States of America and in the business of managing or advising clients.

 

“Rating Agency” means:

 

(1)each of Fitch and S&P; and

 

(2)if either of Fitch or S&P ceases to rate the Notes or fails to make a rating of the Notes publicly available for reasons outside of our control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” as defined in Section (3)(a)(62) of the Exchange Act selected by us as a replacement agency for Fitch or S&P, or both, as the case may be.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc., or any successor thereto.

 

“Voting Stock” as applied to stock of any person, means shares, interests, participations or other equivalents in the equity interest (however designated) in such person having ordinary voting power for the election of a majority of the directors (or the equivalent) of such person, other than shares, interests, participations or other equivalents having such power only by reason of the occurrence of a contingency.

 

Covenants

 

In addition to the covenants described in the base indenture, additional covenants as set forth in the supplemental indenture shall apply to the Notes. To the extent of any conflict or inconsistency between the base indenture and the covenants in the supplemental indenture, the covenants in the supplemental indenture shall govern. The following are certain of the covenants:

 

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Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets

 

Under the terms of the indenture, we are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We are also permitted to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. However, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:

 

·We are the continuing corporation or, if we merge out of existence or sell our assets, the resulting or transferee corporation must agree to be legally responsible for our obligations under the Notes;

 

·The merger or sale of assets must not cause a default on the Notes and we must not already be in default (unless the merger or sale would cure the default). For purposes of this no-default test, a default would include an Event of Default that has occurred and has not been cured, as described under “Events of Default” below. A default for this purpose would also include any event that would be an Event of Default if the requirements for giving us a notice of default or our default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded; and

 

·We must deliver certain certificates and documents to the trustee.

 

Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase “substantially all,” there is no precise, established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve “all or substantially all” of the properties or assets of a person. As a result, it may be unclear as to whether the merger, consolidation or sale of assets covenant would apply to a particular transaction as described above absent a decision by a court of competent jurisdiction. Although these types of transactions are permitted under the indenture, certain of the foregoing transactions could constitute a Change of Control that results in a Change of Control Repurchase Event permitting each holder to require us to repurchase the Notes of such holder as described above.

 

An assumption by any person of obligations under the Notes and the indenture might be deemed for U.S. federal income tax purposes to be an exchange of the Notes for new Notes by the holders thereof, resulting in recognition of gain or loss for such purposes and possibly other adverse tax consequences to the holders. Holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of such an assumption.

 

Other Covenants

 

·We agree that for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, we will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act or any successor provisions, whether or not we continue to be subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act, but giving effect, in either case, to any exemptive relief granted to us by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or any successor provisions. Currently, these provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 act, equals at least 200% after such borrowings.

 

·If, at any time, we are not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file any periodic reports with the SEC, we agree to furnish to holders of the Notes and the trustee, for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, our audited annual consolidated financial statements, within 90 days of our fiscal year end, and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, within 45 days of our fiscal quarter end (other than our fourth fiscal quarter). All such financial statements will be prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable United States generally accepted accounting principles.

 

Events of Default

 

The term “Event of Default” in respect of the Notes means any of the following:

 

(1)default in the payment of any interest upon any Note when due and payable and the default continues for a period of 30 days;

 

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(2)default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note when it becomes due and payable at its maturity including upon any redemption date or required repurchase date;

 

(3)we remain in breach of a covenant in respect of the Notes for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach (the notice must be sent by either the trustee or holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of the Notes);

 

(4)default by us or any of our significant subsidiaries, as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act (but excluding any subsidiary which is (a) a non-recourse or limited recourse subsidiary, (b) a bankruptcy remote special purpose vehicle or (c) is not consolidated with Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp. for purposes of GAAP), with respect to any mortgage, agreement or other instrument under which there may be outstanding, or by which there may be secured or evidenced, any indebtedness for money borrowed in excess of $50 million in the aggregate of us and/or any such subsidiary, whether such indebtedness now exists or shall hereafter be created (i) resulting in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable or (ii) constituting a failure to pay the principal or interest of any such debt when due and payable at its stated maturity, upon required repurchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise, unless, in either case, such indebtedness is discharged, or such acceleration is rescinded, stayed or annulled, within a period of 30 calendar days after written notice of such failure is given to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding; or

 

(5)certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization involving us occur and remain undischarged or unstayed for a period of 90 days.

 

If an event of default occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case (other than an event of default specified in item (5) above) the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare the entire principal amount of Notes to be due and immediately payable, by a notice in writing to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), and upon any such declaration such principal or specified portion thereof shall become immediately due and payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of the events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization described in item (5) above, 100% of the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, the Notes will automatically become due and payable.

 

At any time after a declaration of acceleration with respect to the Notes has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes, by written notice to us and the trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if (i) we have paid or deposited with the trustee a sum sufficient to pay all overdue installments of interest, if any, on all outstanding Notes, the principal of (and premium, if any, on) all outstanding Notes that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Notes, to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful interest upon overdue installments of interest at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Notes, and all sums paid or advanced by the trustee and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the trustee, its agents and counsel, and (ii) all events of default with respect to the Notes, other than the nonpayment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest on such Notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived. No such rescission will affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

No holder of Notes will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy under the indenture, unless

 

(i)such holder has previously given written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to the Notes,

 

(ii)the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes shall have made written request to the trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such event of default;

 

(iii)such holder or holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity, security or both against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

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(iv)the trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity and/or security has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

(v)no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the trustee during such 60-day period by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision in the indenture, the holder of any Note shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of (and premium, if any, on) and interest, if any, on such Note on the stated maturity or maturities expressed in such Note (or, in the case of redemption, on the redemption date or, in the case of repayment at the option of the holders, on the repayment date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such holder.

 

The trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the Notes unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction. Subject to the foregoing, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the Notes, provided that (i) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this indenture, (ii) the trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the trustee that is not inconsistent with such direction and (iii) the trustee need not take any action which might involve it in personal liability or be unjustly prejudicial to the holders of the Notes not consenting.

 

The holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may on behalf of the holders of all of the Notes waive any past default under the indenture with respect to the Notes and its consequences, except a default (i) in the payment of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Note, or (ii) in respect of a covenant or provision of the indenture which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Note affected. Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any event of default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or event of default or impair any right consequent thereto.

 

We are required to deliver to the trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer as to his or her the knowledge of the Company’s compliance with all conditions and covenants under the indenture.

 

Within 90 days after the occurrence of any default under the indenture with respect to the Notes, the trustee shall transmit notice of such default known to the trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) or interest, if any, on any Note, the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors of the trustee in good faith determines that withholding of such notice is in the interest of the holders of the Notes; and provided further that in the case of any default or breach specified in (3) above with respect to the Notes, no such notice shall be given until at least 60 days after the occurrence thereof.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge; Defeasance

 

We may satisfy and discharge our obligations under the indenture by delivering to the securities registrar for cancellation all outstanding Notes or by depositing with the trustee or delivering to the holders, as applicable, after the Notes have become due and payable, or otherwise, moneys sufficient to pay all of the outstanding Notes and paying all other sums payable under the indenture by us. Such discharge is subject to terms contained in the indenture.

 

In addition, the Notes are subject to defeasance and covenant defeasance, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

 

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Trustee

 

Bank of New York Mellon is the trustee, security registrar and paying agent. Bank of New York Mellon, in each of its capacities, including without limitation as trustee, security registrar and paying agent, assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning us or our affiliates or any other party contained in this document or the related documents or for any failure by us or any other party to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information, or for any information provided to it by us, including but not limited to settlement amounts and any other information.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture provides that it and the Notes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws that would cause the application of laws of another jurisdiction.

 

Book-Entry, Settlement and Clearance

 

Global Notes

 

The Notes will be initially issued in the form of one or more registered Notes in global form, without interest coupons (the “Global Notes”). Upon issuance, each of the Global Notes will be deposited with the trustee as custodian for DTC and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC.

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Note will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC (“DTC participants”) or persons who hold interests through DTC participants. We expect that under procedures established by DTC:

 

·upon deposit of a Global Note with DTC’s custodian, DTC will credit portions of the principal amount of the Global Note to the accounts of the DTC participants designated by the underwriters; and

 

·ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Note will be shown on, and transfer of ownership of those interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to interests of DTC participants) and the records of DTC participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the Global Note).

 

Beneficial interests in Global Notes may not be exchanged for Notes in physical, certificated form except in the limited circumstances described below.

 

Book-Entry Procedures for Global Notes

 

All interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the operations and procedures of DTC. We provide the following summary of those operations and procedures solely for the convenience of investors. The operations and procedures of DTC are controlled by that settlement system and may be changed at any time. Neither we nor the underwriters are responsible for those operations or procedures.

 

DTC has advised us that it is:

 

·a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York;

 

·a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York State Banking Law;

 

·a member of the Federal Reserve System;

 

·a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial Code; and

 

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·a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Exchange Act.

 

DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between its participants through electronic book-entry changes to the accounts of its participants. DTC’s participants include securities brokers and dealers, including the underwriters; banks and trust companies; clearing corporations and other organizations. Indirect access to DTC’s system is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies; these indirect participants clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC participant, either directly or indirectly. Investors who are not DTC participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through DTC participants or indirect participants in DTC.

 

So long as DTC’s nominee is the registered owner of a Global Note, that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the Notes represented by that Global Note for all purposes under the indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note:

 

·will not be entitled to have Notes represented by the Global Note registered in their names;

 

·will not receive or be entitled to receive physical, certificated Notes; and

 

·will not be considered the owners or holders of the Notes under the indenture for any purpose, including with respect to the giving of any direction, instruction or approval to the trustee under the indenture.

 

As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in a Global Note must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights of a holder of Notes under the indenture (and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the investor owns its interest).

 

Payments of principal and interest with respect to the Notes represented by a Global Note will be made by the trustee to DTC’s nominee as the registered holder of the Global Note. Neither we nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or liability for the payment of amounts to owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note, for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of those interests by DTC, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of DTC relating to those interests.

 

Payments by participants and indirect participants in DTC to the owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note will be governed by standing instructions and customary industry practice and will be the responsibility of those participants or indirect participants and DTC.

 

Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected under DTC’s procedures and will be settled in same-day funds.

 

Certificated Notes

 

Notes in physical, certificated form will be issued and delivered to each person that DTC identifies as a beneficial owner of the related Notes only if:

 

·DTC notifies us at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days;

 

·DTC ceases to be registered as a clearing agency under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed within 90 days; or

 

·an event of default with respect to the Notes has occurred and is continuing and such beneficial owner requests that its Notes be issued in physical, certificated form.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES

 

[Insert disclosure regarding material federal income tax consequences of an investment in the Notes to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

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UNDERWRITING

 

is acting as the representative of the underwriters of this offering and sole book-running manager of this offering. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the aggregate principal amount of Notes set forth opposite its name below.

 

Underwriter   Notes  
       
       
       
Total      

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the Notes sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these Notes are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that, under the circumstances, the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

 

The underwriters are offering the Notes, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the Notes, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

Commissions and Discounts

An underwriting discount of 2.5% per Note will be paid by us. This underwriting discount will also apply to any Notes purchased pursuant to the over-allotment option.

 

The following table shows the total underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.

 

    Per Note   [Without Option   With Option]
Public offering price            
Sales load (underwriting discount and commission) payable by us            
Proceeds, before expenses, to us            

 

The underwriters propose to offer some of the Notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the Notes to certain other Financial Industry Regulatory Authority members at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of 1.50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of 1.20% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. After the initial offering of the Notes to the public, the public offering price and such concessions may be changed. No such change shall change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.

 

The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $      and are payable by us.

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Over-allotment Option

We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional $            aggregate principal amount of the Notes offered hereby at the public offering price within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement solely to cover any over-allotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional Notes proportionate to that underwriter’s initial principal amount reflected in the table above.

 

No Sales of Similar Securities

Subject to certain exceptions, we have agreed not to directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or file any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing for a period of 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement without first obtaining the written consent of . This consent may be given at any time without public notice.

 

Listing

The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to list the Notes on the NYSE. We expect trading in the Notes on the NYSE to begin within 30 days after the original issue date under the trading symbol      . Currently there is no public market for the Notes.

 

We have been advised by certain of the underwriters that they presently intend to make a market in the Notes after completion of the offering as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a market in the Notes and any such market-making may be discontinued at any time in the sole discretion of the underwriters without any notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or development of a public trading market for, the Notes. If an active public trading market for the Notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected.

 

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell Notes in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment, covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Over-allotment involves sales of securities in excess of the aggregate principal amount of securities to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a short position for the underwriters. Covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of securities made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress.

 

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased Notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

 

Any of these activities may cause the price of the Notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may be affected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time without any notice relating thereto.

 

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Notes

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters and/or selling group members participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter or selling group member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a limited principal amount of the Notes for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriters on the same basis as other allocations.

 

Other than the prospectus in electronic format, information contained in any other web site maintained by an underwriter or selling group member is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been endorsed by us and should not be relied on by investors in deciding whether to purchase any Notes.

 

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Other Relationships

 

Certain underwriters may perform investment banking and advisory services for us, our investment adviser and our affiliates from time to time, for which they receive customary fees and expenses. Certain underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with or perform services for us, our investment adviser and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

 

The principal business address of is .

  

Sales Outside the U.S.

 

No action has been taken in any jurisdiction (except in the U.S.) that would permit a public offering of the securities, or the possession, circulation or distribution of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other material relating to us or the securities in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, and none of this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the securities may be distributed or published, in or from any country or jurisdiction except in compliance with any applicable rules and regulations of any such country or jurisdiction.

 

Each of the underwriters may arrange to sell securities offered hereby in certain jurisdictions outside the United States, either directly or through affiliates, where they are permitted to do so. In that regard, [ ] may arrange to sell securities in certain jurisdictions through an affiliate, [ ], or [ ]. [ ] is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of [ ] and an affiliate of [ ]. [ ] is a U.K. incorporated investment firm regulated by the Financial Services Authority. [ ] is the trade name for certain corporate and investment banking services of [ ] and its affiliates, including [ ] and [ ].

 

[Describe any other specific transactions and compensation related thereto to the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or regulation.]

 

[Describe if underwriters receiving proceeds of offering, if required by FINRA.]

 

[Insert principal business addresses of underwriters.]

 

[Insert applicable legends for jurisdictions in which offers and sales may be made.]

 

[Additional Underwriter Compensation

 

[to be provided as applicable]]

 

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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 underwriters by .

  

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

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

 

 

AVAILABLE 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 with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. 

 

39
 

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

[Insert financial statements.]

 

40
 

 

Fifth Street Senior Floating Rate Corp.

 

$ [ ]

 

% [Insert ranking/conversion information] Notes Due [ ]

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

, 20

 

41