EXHIBIT A
CURRENT FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF AMERITRANS
Ameritrans Investment Policies
Ameritrans' only fundamental policies, that is, policies that cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of Ameritrans' outstanding voting securities, as defined under the 1940 Act, are the restrictions described below. A "majority of Ameritrans' outstanding voting securities" as defined under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares. The other policies and investment restrictions referred to in this annual report on form 10-K, including Ameritrans' investment objectives, are not fundamental policies of Ameritrans and may be changed by the Board of Directors of Ameritrans without stockholder approval. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation states a maximum percentage of Ameritrans' assets that may be invested in any security or ot her asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards, such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and as a result of Ameritrans' acquisition of such security or other asset. Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, assets, or other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the investment complies with Ameritrans' investment policies and limitations. Ameritrans' fundamental policies are as follows:
(a) Ameritrans will at all times conduct its business so as to retain its status as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In order to retain that status, Ameritrans may not acquire any assets (other than non-investment assets necessary and appropriate to its operations as a BDC) if, after giving effect to such acquisition, the value of its "Qualifying Assets," amount to less than 70% of the value of its total assets. Ameritrans believes that the temporary investments it makes with its funds will generally be Qualifying Assets.
(b) Ameritrans may borrow funds and issue "senior securities" to the maximum extent permitted under the 1940 Act. As a BDC, Ameritrans may issue senior securities if, immediately after such issuance, the senior securities will have an asset coverage of at least 200%. Under the 1940 Act, subordinated debentures issued to or guaranteed by the SBA, the preferred stock issued to the SBA by Elk and Elk's bank borrowings may be considered senior securities issued by Ameritrans requiring asset coverage of 200%; however, pursuant to an Exemptive Order issued by the SEC on December 7, 1999, such debentures, preferred stock and bank borrowings are exempt from the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act. Ameritrans may, and currently does, when consolidating, exclude Elk borrowings for purposes of the asset coverage rules.
(c) Ameritrans will not (i) underwrite securities issued by others (except to the extent that it may be considered an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act in the disposition of restricted securities), (ii) engage in short sales of securities, (iii) purchase securities on margin (except to the extent that it may purchase securities with borrowed money), (iv) write or buy put or call options, or (v) engage in the purchase or sale of commodities or commodity contracts, including futures contracts (except where necessary in working out distressed loan or investment situations). Ameritrans and Elk may purchase swaps covering up to 100% of their variable rate debt. In addition, Ameritrans may sponsor the securitization of loan portfolios.
(d) Ameritrans may originate loans and loans with equity features. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. Ameritrans may also make loans as permitted (i) under its existing stock option plans, (ii) under plans providing for options for disinterested directors that might be adopted by Ameritrans in the future, and (iii) to officers and directors for the purchase of Ameritrans Common Stock.
(e) Ameritrans holds all of the outstanding common stock of Elk and Elk Capital and may organize additional subsidiaries in the future. Ameritrans may acquire restricted securities of small businesses.
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