PROXY VOTING POLICY OF APOLLO CREDIT MANAGEMENT, LLC
SEC registered advisers that have the authority to vote client proxies (which authority may be implied from a general grant of investment discretion) are required to adopt policies and procedures (i) reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interests of its clients and (ii) that include how the adviser addresses material conflicts that may arise between the adviser’s interests and those of its clients. It is expected that, in most cases, Apollo Credit Management, LLC (the “adviser”) will invest the assets of its clients in securities that do not generally carry voting rights. When a client account does have voting rights in a security, it follows the proxy voting policies and procedures summarized below:
In determining how to vote, officers of the adviser will consult with each other and other investment professionals affiliated with the adviser, taking into account the interests of the adviser’s clients and investors as well as any potential conflicts of interest. The adviser will consult with legal counsel to identify potential conflicts of interest. Where a potential conflict of interest exists, the adviser may, if it so elects, resolve it by following the recommendation of a disinterested third party, including by seeking the direction of the independent directors of the client or, in extreme cases, by abstaining from voting. While the adviser may retain an outside service to provide voting recommendations and to assist in analyzing votes, the adviser does not expect to delegate its voting authority to any third party.
An officer of the adviser will keep a written record of how all such proxies are voted. The adviser will retain records of (1) proxy voting policies and procedures, (2) all proxy statements received (or it may rely on proxy statements filed on the SEC’s EDGAR system in lieu thereof), (3) all votes cast, (4) investor requests for voting information, and (5) any specific documents prepared or received in connection with a decision on a proxy vote. If it uses an outside service, the adviser may rely on such service to maintain copies of proxy statements and records, so long as such service will provide a copy of such documents promptly upon request.
The adviser’s proxy voting policies are not exhaustive and are designed to be responsive to the wide range of issues that may be subject to a proxy vote. In general, the adviser will vote proxies in accordance with these guidelines unless: (1) it has determined otherwise due to the specific and unusual facts and circumstances with respect to a particular vote, (2) the subject matter of the vote is not covered by these guidelines, (3) a material conflict of interest is present, or (4) it is necessary to vote contrary to the general guidelines to maximize shareholder value or the best interests of the adviser’s clients. In reviewing proxy issues, the adviser generally uses the following guidelines:
Elections of Directors: In general, the adviser will vote in favor of the management-proposed slate of directors. If there is a proxy fight for seats on a portfolio company’s board of directors, or the adviser determines that there are other compelling reasons for withholding a vote, it will determine the appropriate vote on the matter. The adviser may withhold votes for directors that fail to act on key issues, such as failure to: (1) implement proposals to declassify a board, (2) implement a majority vote requirement, (3) submit a rights plan to a shareholder vote or (4) act on tender offers where a majority of shareholders have tendered their shares. Finally, the adviser may withhold votes for directors of non-U.S. issuers where there is insufficient information about the nominees disclosed in the proxy statement or where, in the adviser’s discretion, the cost of voting will outweigh the perceived benefit.
Appointment of Auditors: The adviser believes that the board of an issuer remains in the best position to choose its independent auditors and the adviser will generally support management’s recommendation in this regard.
Changes in Capital Structure: Changes in an issuer’s charter or by-laws may be required by state or federal regulation. In general, the adviser will cast client votes in accordance with management on such proposals. However, the adviser will consider carefully any proposal regarding a change in corporate structure that is not required by state or federal regulation.
Corporate Restructurings, Mergers and Acquisitions: The adviser believes proxy votes dealing with corporate reorganizations are an extension of the investment decision. Accordingly, the adviser will analyze such proposals on a case-by-case basis and vote in accordance with its perception of client interests.
Proposals Affecting Shareholder Rights: The adviser generally will vote in favor of proposals that give shareholders a greater voice in the affairs of an issuer and oppose any measure that seeks to limit such rights. However, when analyzing such proposals, the adviser will balance the financial impact of the proposal against any impairment of shareholder rights as well as of a client’s investment in the issuer.
Corporate Governance: The adviser recognizes the importance of good corporate governance. Accordingly, the adviser generally will favor proposals that promote transparency and accountability within an issuer.
Anti-Takeover Measures: The adviser will evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, any proposals regarding antitakeover measures to determine the measure’s likely effect on shareholder value dilution.
Stock Splits: The adviser generally will vote with management on stock split matters.
Limited Liability of Directors: The adviser generally will vote with management on matters that could adversely affect the limited liability of directors.
Social and Corporate Responsibility: The adviser will review proposals related to social, political and environmental issues to determine whether they may adversely affect shareholder value. The adviser may abstain from voting on such proposals where they do not have a readily determinable financial impact on shareholder value.
