$300,000,000

Please read this prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, before investing, and keep it for future reference. It contains important information about the Company.

To learn more about the Company, you may want to look at the Statement of Additional Information dated April 10, 2002 (known as the “SAI”). For a free copy of the SAI, contact us at:

The Company has filed the SAI with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and has incorporated it by reference into this prospectus. The SAI’s table of contents appears on page 75 of this prospectus.

The Commission maintains an Internet website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the SAI, material incorporated by reference and other information about the Company.

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ALD.” As of April 10, 2002, the last reported sales price on the New York Stock Exchange for the common stock was $27.27.

We may offer, from time to time, up to $300,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, or debt securities in one or more offerings. All shares of common stock, preferred stock, and debt securities that are offered under this prospectus are collectively referred to herein as the “Securities.”

The Securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. In the case of our common stock, the offering price per share less any underwriting commissions or discounts will not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering.

We are an internally managed closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

Our investment objective is to achieve current income and capital gains. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing primarily in private businesses in a variety of industries throughout the United States. No assurances can be given that we will continue to achieve our objective.

April 10, 2002

      We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any accompanying supplement to this prospectus. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the accompanying prospectus supplement as if we had authorized it. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement 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 and any prospectus supplement is accurate as of the dates on their covers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(i)

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

      The following summary contains basic information about this offering. It may not contain all the information that is important to an investor. For a more complete understanding of this offering, we encourage you to read this entire document and the documents to which we have referred.

      In this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement, unless otherwise indicated, the “Company”, “ACC”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to Allied Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries.

THE COMPANY (Page 13)

      We are a business development company and provide long-term debt and equity investment capital to support the expansion of growing businesses in a variety of industries in diverse geographic locations throughout the United States. We have been investing in growing businesses for over 40 years and have financed thousands of companies nationwide. Our investment and lending activity is focused in two areas:

Our investment portfolio includes:

      We identify loans and investments through our numerous relationships with:

In order to increase our sourcing and origination activities, we have two regional offices in New York and Chicago. We centralize our credit approval process and service our loans through an experienced staff of professionals at our headquarters in Washington, DC.

      We have an advantageous tax structure, as compared to operating companies, that allows for the “pass-through” of income to our shareholders through dividends without the imposition of a corporate level of taxation. See “Tax Status.”

      We are an internally managed diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). Our investment objective is to achieve current income and capital gains. We seek to achieve our investment objective by investing in growing businesses in a variety of industries throughout the United States. As a BDC, we are required to meet regulatory tests, the most significant relating to our investments and borrowings. A BDC is required to invest at least 70% of its assets in private or thinly traded public, U.S.-based companies. A BDC must maintain a coverage ratio of assets to senior securities of at least 200%. See “Business — Certain Government Regulations.”

      We are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol “ALD.”

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THE OFFERING (Page 72)

      We may offer, from time to time, up to $300,000,000 of our Securities, on terms to be determined at the time of offering.

      Securities may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. In the case of the offering of our common stock, the offering price per share less any underwriting commission or discount will not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering.

      Our Securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The supplement to this prospectus relating to the offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our Securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee and commission or discount arrangement between our agents and us or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated.

      We may not sell Securities without delivering a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of our Securities.

USE OF PROCEEDS (Page 13)

      Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we intend to use the net proceeds from selling Securities for general corporate purposes, which may include investments in growing businesses or CMBS, repayment of indebtedness, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.

DISTRIBUTIONS (Page 14)

      We pay quarterly dividends to holders of our common stock. The amount of our quarterly dividends is determined by the Board of Directors. Other types of Securities will likely pay distributions in accordance with their terms.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (Page 67)

      We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP plan”) for our common stockholders. Under the DRIP plan, if your shares of common stock are registered in your name, your dividends will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock unless you “opt out” of the DRIP plan. After May 1, 2002, our DRIP plan will convert to an “opt-in” plan.

PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS (Page 8)

      Investment in Securities involves certain risks relating to our structure and our investment objective that you should consider before purchasing Securities.

      As a BDC, our consolidated portfolio includes securities primarily issued by privately held companies. These investments may involve a high degree of business and financial risk, and they are generally illiquid. A large number of entities and individuals compete for the same kind of investment opportunities as we do.

      We borrow funds to make investments in private businesses. As a result, we are exposed to the risks of leverage, which may be considered a speculative investment technique. Borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain and loss on amounts invested and, therefore increase the risks associated with investing in our securities.

      Also, we are subject to certain risks associated with investing in non-investment grade CMBS, valuing our portfolio, changing interest rates, accessing additional capital, fluctuating quarterly results,

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CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER

      Our charter and bylaws, as well as certain statutory and regulatory requirements, contain certain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from making an acquisition proposal for the Company. These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change in control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common stock the opportunity to realize a premium over the market price for our common stock.

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FEES AND EXPENSES

     This table describes the various costs and expenses that an investor in our Securities will bear directly or indirectly.

(2) The expenses of the Company’s DRIP plan are included in “Operating expenses.” The Company has no cash purchase plan. The participants in the DRIP plan will bear a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to open market purchases, if any. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

(3) “Consolidated net assets attributable to common stock” equals net assets (i.e., total assets less total liabilities and preferred stock) at December 31, 2001.

(4) “Operating expenses” represent the operating expenses of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2001 excluding interest on indebtedness. This percentage for the year ended December 31, 2000 was 3.4%.

(5) The “Interest payments on borrowed funds” represents the interest expenses of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2001. The Company had outstanding borrowings of $1,020.8 million at December 31, 2001. This percentage for the year ended December 31, 2000 was 5.6%. See “Risk Factors.”

(6) “Total annual expenses” as a percentage of consolidated net assets attributable to common stock are higher than the total annual expenses percentage would be for a company that is not leveraged. The Company borrows money to leverage its net assets and increase its total assets. The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that “Total annual expenses” percentage be calculated as a percentage of net assets, rather than the total assets, including assets that have been funded with borrowed monies. If the “Total annual expenses” percentage were calculated instead as a percentage of consolidated total assets, “Total annual expenses” for the Company would be 4.5% of consolidated total assets.

Example

     The following example, required by the Commission, demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in the Company. In calculating the following expense amounts, we assumed we would have no additional leverage and that our operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above. In the event that shares to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will restate this example to reflect the applicable sales load.

     Although the example assumes (as required by the Commission) a 5.0% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return of greater or less than 5.0%. In addition, while the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value, participants in the DRIP plan may receive shares of common stock that we issue at or above net asset value or are purchased by the administrator of the DRIP plan, at the market price in effect at the time, which may be higher than, at, or below net asset value. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses, and the actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

      You should read the consolidated financial information below with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in this prospectus. Financial information for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 and 1997 has been derived from audited financial statements. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on page 15 for more information.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND

      We have filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form N-2 together with all amendments and related exhibits under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The registration statement contains additional information about us and the registered securities being offered by this prospectus. You may inspect the registration statement and the exhibits without charge at the Securities and Exchange Commission at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain copies from the Commission at prescribed rates.

      We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. You can inspect, without charge, at the public reference facilities of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. The Commission also maintains a web site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding public companies, including the Company. You can also obtain copies of these materials from the public reference section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549, at prescribed rates. Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Copies may also be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request to publicinfo@sec.gov or by written request to Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-0102. You can also inspect reports and other information we file at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, and you are able to inspect those at 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

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RISK FACTORS

      Investing in the Company involves a number of significant risks and other factors relating to the structure and investment objective of the Company. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Company will achieve its investment objective. In addition to the information contained in this prospectus, you should consider carefully the following information before making investments in the Securities.

      Investing in Private Companies Involves a High Degree of Risk. Our portfolio consists primarily of long-term loans to and investments in private companies. Investments in private businesses involve a high degree of business and financial risk, which can result in substantial losses and accordingly should be considered speculative. There is generally no publicly available information about the companies in which we invest, and we rely significantly on the diligence of our employees and agents to obtain information in connection with our investment decisions. In addition, some smaller businesses have narrower product lines and market shares than their competition, and may be more vulnerable to customer preferences, market conditions or economic downturns, which may adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, our investment in such businesses.

      Our Portfolio of Investments is Illiquid. We acquire most of our investments directly from the issuer in privately negotiated transactions. The majority of the investments in our portfolio are subject to restrictions on resale or otherwise have no established trading market. The illiquidity of our investments may adversely affect our ability to dispose of loans and securities at times when it may be advantageous for us to liquidate such investments. In addition, if we were required to liquidate some or all of the investments in the portfolio, the proceeds of such liquidation would be significantly less than the current value of such investments.

      Our Portfolio Investments Are Recorded at Fair Value As Determined in Good Faith by the Board of Directors in Absence of Readily Ascertainable Public Market Values. Pursuant to the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”), the Company values its securities at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company’s Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. Since there is typically no ready market for the investments in our portfolio, our Board of Directors estimates the fair value of these investments pursuant to a written valuation policy and a consistently applied valuation process. Unlike banks, we are not permitted to provide a general reserve for anticipated loan losses; we are instead required by the 1940 Act to specifically value each individual investment and record an unrealized loss for an asset that we believe has become impaired. Without a readily ascertainable market value, the estimated value of our portfolio of investments may differ significantly from the values that would be placed on the portfolio if there existed a ready market for the investments. We adjust quarterly the valuation of our portfolio to reflect the Board of Directors’ estimate of the current fair value of each investment in our portfolio. Any changes in estimated fair value are recorded in the Company’s statement of operations as “Net unrealized gains (losses).”

      Economic Recessions or Downturns Could Impair Our Portfolio Companies and Harm Our Operating Results. Although our investment strategy focuses on investment in companies in less cyclical industries, some of the companies in which we have made or will make investments may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions. An economic slowdown may affect the ability of a company to engage in a liquidity event or repay our loans. These conditions could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in our revenues, net income and assets.

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      Our business of making private equity investments and positioning them for liquidity events also may be affected by current and future market conditions. The absence of a robust senior lending environment may slow the amount of private equity investment activity generally. As a result, the pace of our investment activity may slow. In addition, significant changes in the capital markets could have an effect on the valuations of private companies and on the potential for liquidity events involving such companies. This could affect the amount and timing of gains realized on our investments.

      Our Borrowers May Default on Their Payments. We make unsecured, subordinated loans and invest in equity securities, which may involve a higher degree of repayment risk. We primarily invest in companies that may have limited financial resources and that may be unable to obtain financing from traditional sources. Numerous factors may affect a borrower’s ability to repay its loan, including the failure to meet its business plan, a downturn in its industry or negative economic conditions. Deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition and prospects may be accompanied by deterioration in any related collateral.

      Our Private Finance Investments May Not Produce Current Returns or Capital Gains. Private finance investments are typically structured as debt securities with a relatively high fixed rate of interest and with equity features such as conversion rights, warrants or options. As a result, private finance investments are generally structured to generate interest income from the time they are made, and may also produce a realized gain from an accompanying equity feature. We cannot be sure that our portfolio will generate a current return or capital gains.

      Our Financial Results Could Be Negatively Affected If BLX Fails to Perform As Expected. Business Loan Express, Inc. (“BLX”) is our largest portfolio investment. Our financial results could be negatively affected if BLX, as a portfolio company, fails to perform as expected or if regulations related to the SBA 7(a) Guaranteed Loan Program change. At December 31, 2001, the investment totaled $227.4 million, or 9% of total assets. In addition, as controlling shareholder of BLX, we have provided an unconditional guaranty to BLX’s credit facility lenders in an amount equal to 50% of BLX’s total obligations on its $124.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility. The amount we have guaranteed at December 31, 2001 was $51.4 million. This guaranty can only be called in the event of a default by BLX.

      Investments in Non-Investment Grade Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities May Be Illiquid and May Have a Higher Risk of Default. The commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) in which we invest are non-investment grade, which means that nationally recognized statistical rating organizations rate them below the top four investment-grade rating categories (i.e., “AAA” through “BBB”), and are sometimes referred to as “junk bonds.” The non-investment grade CMBS tend to be less liquid, may have a higher risk of default and may be more difficult to value. Non-investment grade securities usually provide a higher yield than do investment-grade bonds, but with the higher return comes greater risk. Non-investment grade securities are considered speculative, and their capacity to pay principal and interest in accordance with the terms of their issue is not ensured.

      We May Not Borrow Money Unless We Maintain Asset Coverage for Indebtedness of At Least 200% Which May Affect Returns to Shareholders. We must maintain asset coverage for a class of senior security representing indebtedness of at least 200%. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may depend in part on our continued ability to

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      We Borrow Money Which Magnifies the Potential for Gain or Loss on Amounts Invested and May Increase the Risk of Investing in Our Company. Although we maintain a conservatively leveraged capital structure, borrowings, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increase the risks associated with investing in our securities. We borrow from, and issue senior debt securities to, banks, insurance companies and other lenders. Lenders of these senior securities have fixed dollar claims on our consolidated assets that are superior to the claims of our common shareholders. If the value of our consolidated assets increases, then leveraging would cause the net asset value attributable to the Company’s common stock to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, if the value of our consolidated assets decreases, leveraging would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not leveraged. Similarly, any increase in our consolidated income in excess of consolidated interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in our consolidated income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make common stock dividend payments. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique.

      At December 31, 2001, the Company had $1,020.8 million of outstanding indebtedness, bearing a weighted annual interest cost of 7.0%. In order for us to cover these annual interest payments on indebtedness, we must achieve annual returns on our assets of at least 2.9%.

      Illustration. The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below. The calculation assumes (i) $2,460.7 million in total assets, (ii) an average cost of funds of 7.0%, (iii) $1,020.8 million in debt outstanding and (iv) $1,352.1 million of shareholders’ equity.

Assumed Return on the Company’s Portfolio

      Changes in Interest Rates May Affect Our Cost of Capital and Net Operating Income. Because we borrow money to make investments, our net operating income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest these funds. As a result, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our interest income. In periods of sharply rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which would reduce our net operating income before net realized and unrealized gains. We use a

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      Because We Must Distribute Income, We Will Continue to Need Additional Capital to Grow. We will continue to need capital to fund incremental growth in our investments. Historically, we have borrowed from financial institutions and have issued equity securities. A reduction in the availability of new capital could limit our ability to grow. We must distribute at least 90% of our taxable ordinary income, which excludes net realized long-term capital gains, to our stockholders to maintain our regulated investment company (“RIC”) status. As a result, such earnings will not be available to fund investment originations. We expect to continue to borrow from financial institutions and sell additional equity securities. If we fail to obtain funds from such sources or from other sources to fund our investments, it could limit our ability to grow, which could have a material adverse effect on the value of the Company’s common stock. In addition, as a BDC, we are generally required to maintain a ratio of at least 200% of total assets to total borrowings, which may restrict our ability to borrow in certain circumstances.

      Loss of Pass-Through Tax Treatment Would Substantially Reduce Net Assets and Income Available for Dividends. We have operated the Company so as to qualify to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”). If we meet source of income, diversification and distribution requirements, the Company qualifies for effective pass-through tax treatment. The Company would cease to qualify for such pass-through tax treatment if it were unable to comply with these requirements. We also could be subject to a 4% excise tax and/or corporate level income tax if we fail to make required distributions as a RIC. If the Company ceased to qualify as a RIC, the Company would become subject to federal income tax, which would substantially reduce our net assets and the amount of income available for distribution to our shareholders.

      We Operate in a Competitive Market for Investment Opportunities. We compete for investments with many other companies and individuals, some of whom have greater resources than we do. Increased competition would make it more difficult for us to purchase or originate investments at attractive prices. As a result of this competition, sometimes we may be precluded from making otherwise attractive investments.

      Changes in the Law or Regulations That Govern the Company Could Have a Material Impact on the Company or Our Operations. We are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the SBA. In addition, changes in the laws or regulations

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      Results May Fluctuate and May Not Be Indicative of Future Performance. The Company’s operating results will fluctuate and, therefore, you should not rely on current period results to be indicative of the Company’s performance in future reporting periods. Factors that could cause operating results to fluctuate include, among others, variations in the investment origination volume and fee income earned, variation in timing of prepayments, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

      Information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, may contain “forward-looking statements” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations or similar words or phrases. The matters described in “Risk Factors” and certain other factors noted throughout this prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, and in any exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus, and the accompanying prospectus supplement, if any, is a part, constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to any such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements.

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THE COMPANY

      Allied Capital is principally engaged in providing long-term debt and equity investment capital to support the expansion of growing businesses. The Company is organized in the State of Maryland and is an internally managed closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (as defined above, a “BDC”) under the 1940 Act.

      Our executive offices are located at 1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20006 and our telephone number is (202) 331-1112. In addition, we have two regional offices in New York and Chicago. We also have an office in Frankfurt, Germany.

USE OF PROCEEDS

      Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we intend to use the net proceeds from selling Securities for general corporate purposes, which may include investment in growing businesses or commercial mortgage-backed securities, repayment of indebtedness, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.

      We raise equity from time to time using a shelf registration statement. We raise new equity when we have a clear use of proceeds for attractive investment opportunities. Historically, this process has enabled us to raise equity on an accretive basis for existing shareholders of our common stock.

      We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds of any offering of Securities will be used, as described above, within six months, but in no event longer than two years. Pending investment, we intend to invest the net proceeds of any offering of Securities in time deposits, income-producing securities with maturities of three months or less that are issued or guaranteed by the federal government or an agency of the federal government, and high quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may be limited to the extent that the net proceeds of any offering, pending full investment, are held in time deposits and other short-term instruments.

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

      Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ALD.” The following table lists the high and low closing sales prices for the Company’s common stock. On April 10, 2002, the last reported closing sale price of the common stock was $27.27 per share.

      Our common stock continues to trade in excess of net asset value. There can be no assurance, however, that we will maintain a premium to net asset value.

      We pay quarterly dividends to stockholders of our common stock. The amount of our quarterly dividends is determined by the Board of Directors. The Company’s Board has established a dividend policy to review the dividend rate quarterly and to adjust the quarterly dividend rate as the Company’s earnings momentum builds. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Equity Capital and Dividends” and “Tax Status.” We cannot assure that we will achieve investment results or maintain a tax status that will permit any particular level of dividend payment.

      Our credit facilities limit our ability to declare dividends if we default under certain provisions.

      We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP plan”) for our common stockholders. Under the DRIP plan, if your shares of our common stock are registered in your name, your dividends will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of common stock unless you “opt out” of the DRIP plan. Beginning on May 1, 2002, our DRIP plan will convert to an “opt-in” plan. Thereafter, any new shares registered in your name to a new account will automatically receive cash dividends, unless you specifically “opt in” to the DRIP plan to reinvest your dividends and receive additional shares of common stock.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

      The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the Selected Consolidated Financial Data and the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto.

OVERVIEW

      The Company is a business development company (“BDC”) that provides long-term debt and equity investment capital to support the expansion of growing businesses in a variety of industries and in diverse geographic locations. Our lending and investment activity is focused in private finance and commercial real estate finance, or the investment in non-investment grade commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”).

PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION

      The Company’s earnings depend primarily on the level of interest and related portfolio income and net realized and unrealized gains earned on the Company’s investment portfolio after deducting interest paid on borrowed capital and operating expenses. Interest income results from the stated interest rate earned on a loan and the amortization of loan origination points and discounts. The level of interest income is directly related to the balance of the interest-bearing investment portfolio multiplied by the weighted average yield. The Company’s ability to generate interest income is dependent on economic, regulatory and competitive factors that influence new investment activity, and the Company’s ability to secure debt and equity capital for its investment activities.

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

      Total portfolio investment activity and yields as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 were as follows:

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Private Finance

      The private finance portfolio, investment activity and yields as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 were as follows:

      Private finance new investment activity across the industry was slow during 2001, largely due to a lack of available senior debt capital. Since equity-focused buyout firms generally need both senior and subordinated debt to leverage new private equity investments, merger and acquisition activity was significantly less than activity in previous years. As a result, the Company’s investment activity for 2001 was also at a slower pace.

      Investments funded during 2001 consisted of a variety of types of private finance transactions, including $117.3 million in new mezzanine investments, $74.6 million in control buyout transactions, $88.9 million of growth, acquisition and other financings, and $6.9 million to fund existing investment commitments. Investments funded during 2000 and 1999 consisted of $480.0 million and $334.6 million in new mezzanine investments, $95.2 million and $0 in control buyout transactions, $15.6 million and $10.3 million of growth, acquisition and other financings, and $10.1 million and $1.8 million to fund existing investment commitments, respectively. The Company funds new investments using cash, through the issuance of its common equity, the reinvestment of previously accrued interest and dividends in debt or equity securities, or the current reinvestment of interest and dividend income through the receipt of a debt or equity security. From time to time the Company may opt to reinvest accrued interest receivable in a new debt or equity security, in lieu of receiving such interest in cash and providing a subsequent growth investment.

      Key investment characteristics for new mezzanine investments were as follows:

      The average investment and portfolio company characteristics above are computed using simple averages based upon underwriting data for investment activity for that year. As a result, any one investment may have had individual investment characteristics that may vary significantly from the stated simple average. In addition, average investment characteristics may vary from year to year.

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      The weighted average yield on new mezzanine investments will fluctuate over time depending on the equity “kicker” or warrants received with each debt financing. The yield on new mezzanine investments is computed as the (a) annual stated interest rate earned on new interest-bearing investments divided by (b) total new mezzanine investments. Private finance mezzanine investments are generally structured such that equity kickers may provide an additional future investment return of up to 10%.

      In addition to private finance mezzanine investment activities, the Company may acquire more than 50% of the common stock of a company in a control buyout transaction. Control investments are generally structured such that the Company earns a current return through a combination of interest income on senior loans and subordinated debt, dividends on preferred and common stock, and management or transaction services fees to compensate the Company for the management assistance that is provided to the controlled portfolio company. The Company’s most significant investments acquired through control buyout transactions at December 31, 2001 were SunSource Inc. and Business Loan Express, Inc.

      During 2001, the Company acquired 93.2% of the common equity of SunSource Inc. for $71.5 million in cash. Subsequently, SunSource completed the sale of its STS business unit and distributed $16.5 million in cash to the Company, reducing the Company’s common stock cost basis to $57.2 million at December 31, 2001. As part of the STS sale, the Company invested $3.2 million in the new STS. During the third quarter of 2001, the Company received fees from SunSource of $2.8 million related to transaction assistance for the SunSource sale and STS sale, and $1.6 million for the syndication of SunSource’s senior credit facilities. In addition, the Company realized a gain of $2.5 million from the sale of warrants prior to the buyout transaction. SunSource is a leading manufacturer of key making equipment and distributor of key blanks, fasteners, signage and other small hardware components to hardware retailers. SunSource’s primary operations are located in Cincinnati, Ohio.

      On December 31, 2000, the Company acquired 94.9% of BLC Financial Services, Inc. in a “going private” buyout transaction for $95.2 million. The Company issued approximately 4.1 million shares, or $86.1 million of new equity, and paid $9.1 million in cash to acquire BLC, which thereafter changed its name to Business Loan Express, Inc. (“BLX”).

      As part of the transaction, the Company recapitalized its Allied Capital Express operations as an independently managed private portfolio company and merged it into BLX. The Company contributed certain assets, including its online rules-based underwriting technology and fixed assets, and transferred 37 employees to the private portfolio company. Upon completion of the transaction, the Company’s investment in BLX totaled $204.1 million and consisted of $74.5 million of subordinated debt, $25.1 million of preferred stock, and $104.5 million of common stock, including capitalized costs.

      At December 31, 2001, BLX had a 3-year $124.0 million revolving credit facility (“BLX Credit Facility”). As the controlling shareholder of BLX, the Company has provided an unconditional guaranty to the BLX Credit Facility lenders in an amount of up to 50% of the total obligations (consisting of principal, accrued interest and other fees) of BLX on the line of credit. The amount guaranteed by the Company at December 31, 2001 was $51.4 million. This guaranty can be called by the lenders only in the event of a default by BLX. BLX was in compliance with the terms of the BLX Credit Facility at December 31, 2001.

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      BLX is the nation’s second largest government guaranteed lender utilizing the Small Business Administration’s 7(a) Guaranteed Loan Program. BLX has offices in 32 cities and is headquartered in New York, NY.

      During the second quarter of 2000, the Company began an initiative to invest in and strategically partner with select private equity funds focused on venture capital investments. The strategy for these fund investments is to provide solid investment returns and build strategic relationships with the fund managers and their portfolio companies. The Company believes that it will have opportunities to co-invest with the funds as well as finance their portfolio companies as they mature.

      The Company believes that the fund investment strategy is an effective means of participating in private equity investing through a diverse pooled investment portfolio. The fund concept allows the Company to participate in a pooled investment return without exposure to the risk of any single investment. Since the beginning of 2000, the Company has committed a total of $44.5 million to eight private equity funds. The Company funded $4.4 million and $7.0 million of these commitments during the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Commercial Real Estate Finance

      The commercial real estate finance portfolio, investment activity and yields as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 were as follows:

      During 1998, the Company reduced its commercial mortgage loan origination activity for its own portfolio due to declining interest rates and began to sell its loans to other lenders. Then, beginning in the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company began to take advantage of a unique market opportunity to acquire non-investment grade CMBS at significant discounts from the face amount of the bonds. Turmoil in the capital markets at that time created a lack of liquidity for the traditional buyers of non-investment grade bonds. As a result, yields on these collateralized bonds increased, thus providing an attractive investment opportunity. The Company believes that CMBS is an attractive asset class because of the yields that can be earned on a security that is secured by commercial mortgage loans, and ultimately commercial properties. The Company plans to continue its CMBS investment activity, however, in order to maintain a balanced portfolio, the Company expects that CMBS will continue to represent approximately 20% to 25% of total assets. The Company’s CMBS investment activity level will be dependent upon its ability to invest in CMBS at attractive yields.

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      The non-investment grade CMBS bonds in which the Company invests are junior in priority for payment of principal to the more senior tranches of the related CMBS bond issuance. Cash flow from the underlying mortgages generally is allocated first to the senior tranches, with the most senior tranches having a priority right to the cash flow. Then, any remaining cash flow is allocated, generally, among the other tranches in order of their relative seniority. To the extent there are defaults and unrecoverable losses on the underlying mortgages resulting in reduced cash flows, the Company’s most subordinate tranch will bear this loss first. At December 31, 2001, the Company’s CMBS bonds were subordinate to 91% to 97% of the tranches of various CMBS bond issuances.

      Given that the non-investment grade CMBS bonds in which the Company invests are junior in priority for payment of principal, the Company invests in these CMBS at an approximate discount of 50% from the face amount of the bonds. During 2001, the Company invested $365.8 million in CMBS bonds with a face value of $661.4 million and a weighted average yield to maturity of 14.0%. In 2001, the Company also purchased $24.6 million in non-investment grade preferred shares related to a collateralized debt obligation issuance secured by CMBS and investment grade REIT bonds. The Company acts as the collateral disposition consultant for this issuance. During 2000 and 1999, the Company invested $124.3 million and $245.9 million in CMBS bonds, with a face amount of $244.6 million and $507.9 million, and a weighted average yield to maturity of 14.7% and 14.6%, respectively.

      The underlying pools of mortgage loans that are collateral for the Company’s new CMBS bond investments for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 had respective underwritten loan to value (“LTV”) and underwritten debt service coverage ratios (“DSCR”) as follows: