exceed $87.7 million plus 100 percent of the amount of private capital over $35.1 million, up to a maximum of $105.2 million. These private capital brackets are adjusted annually for increases in the Consumer Price Index. To obtain leverage, regular SBICs issue their debentures or participating securities which are guaranteed by SBA. Pools of the SBA-guaranteed debentures or participating securities are formed, and SBA-guaranteed participation certificates, representing an undivided interest in the pools, are sold to investors through a public offering. Under current procedures, regular SBIC debentures have a term of 10 years, and they provide for semi-annual interest payments and a lump-sum principal payment at maturity. Debentures may be prepaid with a penalty during the first five years of their term or without penalty thereafter. The debenture rate is determined by market conditions at the time of the sale. SSBICs may issue their debentures on the same terms as regular SBICs, for inclusion in the aforementioned guaranteed debenture pools and public offerings of the guaranteed participation certificates. As with debentures, the rate on participating securities is based on the 10-year Treasury-yield curve. However, the participating security provides for payment of dividends or interest and profit participation to SBA only when an SBIC has earnings, as defined by regulation. A unique feature of the participating securities is
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