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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 6, 2013

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

STEALTHGAS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

 

Republic of the Marshall Islands		Not Required
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

331 KIFISSIAS AVENUE

ERITHREA 14561

ATHENS, GREECE

011 30 210 625 0001

(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES

850 LIBRARY WAY

NEWARK, DELAWARE 19711

(302) 738-6680

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

STEPHEN P. FARRELL

FINN MURPHY

MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP

101 PARK AVENUE

NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10178

(212) 309-6000

(212) 309-6001 (facsimile)

 

 

Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale of the Securities to the Public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

 

 

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.  ¨

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box.  x

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box.  ¨

 

 

 

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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of each class of securities to be registered		Amount to be registered (1)		Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Unit (2)		Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price (3)		Amount of Registration Fee (3)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share (4)
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Warrants
Rights
Debt Securities
Purchase Contracts
Units
Total		$200,000,000				$200,000,000		$27,280

(1)

An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price or number of the securities of each identified class is being registered as may be sold from time to time at indeterminate prices, with any initial offering price not to exceed $200,000,000. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities or that are issued in units.

(2)

The proposed maximum aggregate offering price of each class of securities will be determined from time to time by the registrant in connection with the issuance by the registrant of the securities registered hereunder and is not specified as to each class of securities pursuant to the General Instruction II.C. of Form F-3 under the Securities Act of 1933.

(3)	Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933. In no event will the aggregate offering price of all securities sold by the registrant from time to time pursuant to this Registration Statement exceed $200,000,000.

(4)

Subject to the maximum aggregate offering price of all securities sold hereunder set forth above, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate number of shares of common stock as may from time to time be sold at indeterminate prices hereunder, and an indeterminate number of shares of common stock as may from time to time be issued upon conversion of convertible securities and upon exercise of warrants and rights, which may be sold hereunder. Pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act, to the extent additional shares of common stock may be issued or issuable as a result of a stock split or other distribution declared at any time by the board of directors while this Registration Statement is in effect, this Registration Statement is hereby deemed to cover all of such additional shares of common stock.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

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This information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 6, 2013

PROSPECTUS

$200,000,000

STEALTHGAS INC.

DEBT SECURITIES

WARRANTS

RIGHTS

PURCHASE CONTRACTS

UNITS

COMMON STOCK

PREFERRED STOCK

 

 

We may offer debt securities, warrants, rights, purchase contracts, units, common stock or preferred stock from time to time. We may also offer securities of the types listed above that are convertible or exchangeable into one or more of the other securities so listed. When we decide to sell a particular class or series of securities, we will provide specific terms of the offered securities in a prospectus supplement. The securities offered by us pursuant to this prospectus will have an aggregate public offering price of up to $200,000,000.

The securities covered by this prospectus may be offered and sold from time to time in one or more offerings, which may be through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers. The names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, if any, will be included in a supplement to this prospectus.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to these securities and the general manner in which they may be offered. The specific terms of any securities to be offered, and the specific manner in which they may be offered, will be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

 

 

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “GASS.”

Our principal executive offices are located at 331 Kifissias Avenue, Erithrea 14561 Athens, Greece. Our telephone number at such address is 011 30 210 625 0001.

 

 

Investing in our securities involves risks. See the section entitled “Risk Factors” on page 3 of this prospectus.

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state or other securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Prospectus dated                     , 2013.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			2
RISK FACTORS			3
SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF LIABILITIES			3
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			3
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY			4
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION			6
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE			6
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES			7
USE OF PROCEEDS			7
CAPITALIZATION			7
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER			8
DEBT SECURITIES			8
WARRANTS			15
RIGHTS			15
PURCHASE CONTRACTS			16
UNITS			16
CONVERTIBLE OR EXCHANGEABLE SECURITIES			17
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK			17
FORM, EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER			20
BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES AND SETTLEMENT			21
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			23
LEGAL MATTERS			26
EXPERTS			26

You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement, as well as the information incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any documents incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the applicable document.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated herein and therein by reference contain forward-looking statements based on beliefs of our management. Any statements contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or the documents incorporated herein and therein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, including:

 

•

future operating or financial results;

 

•

global and regional economic and political conditions;

 

•

pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending or operating expenses;

 

•

competition in the marine transportation industry;

 

•

shipping market trends, including charter rates, vessel values and factors affecting supply and demand and world fleet composition;

 

•

ability to employ our vessels profitably;

 

•

performance by the counterparties to our charter agreements;

 

•

future liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”), refined petroleum product and oil prices and production;

 

•

future supply and demand for oil and refined petroleum products and natural gas of which LPG is a byproduct;

 

•

our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to obtain financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate activities, the terms of such financing and our ability to comply with covenants set forth in our existing and future financing arrangements;

 

•

expectations regarding vessel acquisitions; and

 

•

other factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F.

The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “potential,” “should” and “will” and similar expressions as they relate to us are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and represent only our management’s belief as of the date of such statement, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and inversely from expectations expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may, and often do, vary from actual results and these differences can be material. There are a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, which affect our operations, performance, business strategy and results and could cause actual reported results and performance to differ materially from the performance and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, supply and demand for LPG carriers, crude oil carriers and product tankers, charter rates and vessel values, supply and demand for LPG, crude oil and petroleum products, accidents, collisions and spills, environmental and other government regulation, the availability of debt financing, fluctuation of currency exchange and interest rates and the other risks and uncertainties are discussed more fully under “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F most recently filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in our other filings with the SEC. We caution readers of this prospectus and any prospectus supplement not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the discussion of risks under the heading “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2012, and the other documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including the section entitled “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in future Annual Reports on Form 20-F that summarize the risks that may materially affect our business, before making an investment in our securities. Please see the sections of this prospectus entitled “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation Of Certain Information By Reference.”

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF LIABILITIES

We are a Marshall Islands corporation and our principal executive offices are located outside of the United States in Athens, Greece. All of our directors and officers and some of the experts in this prospectus reside outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of our directors, officers and experts are located outside of the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside of the United States, judgments you may obtain in U.S. courts against us or these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. Federal or state securities laws.

Furthermore, there is substantial doubt that the courts of the Marshall Islands or Greece would enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. Federal or state securities laws.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the SEC utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may sell from time to time any combination of the securities described in this prospectus having an aggregate public offering price of $200,000,000 in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. When we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find Additional Information” and “Incorporation Of Certain Information By Reference.”

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

As required by the Securities Act, we have filed a registration statement relating to the securities offered by this prospectus with the SEC. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement, which includes additional information.

We file annual and other reports and other information with the SEC. Such filings are available to the public from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any documents we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of these documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at that address. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with the SEC, by referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Any information that we file later with the SEC and that is deemed incorporated by reference will automatically update and supersede the information in this prospectus. In all such cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus or in any incorporated document. You should not assume that information in any document incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement is current as of any date other than the date of that document.

This prospectus will be deemed to incorporate by reference the following documents:

 

•

Our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on April 30, 2012*;

 

•

Our Report on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on February 6, 2013; and

 

•

The description of our common stock contained in our registration statement on Form 8-A (File No. 000-51559), filed with the SEC on October 4, 2005.

 

*

On May 29, 2012, we amended our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 to furnish interactive data files as Exhibit 101 thereto in accordance with Rule 405 of Regulation S-T. This amendment is not incorporated by reference herein.

We will also incorporate by reference any future filings made with the SEC under the Exchange Act after (i) the date of the initial registration statement and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (ii) the date of this prospectus and before the completion of the offering of the securities under the registration statement. In addition, we will incorporate by reference certain future materials furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K after the date of the initial registration statement, but only to the extent specifically indicated in those submissions or in a future prospectus supplement. Each subsequently filed Annual Report should be deemed to supersede entirely each earlier filed Annual Report and Quarterly Report and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, such earlier reports should not be deemed to be part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement and you should not rely upon statements made in those earlier periodic reports.

You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

StealthGas Inc.

331 Kifissias Avenue

Erithrea 14561

Athens, Greece

Attention: Secretary

011 30 210 625 0001

 

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table shows our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated, computed using amounts derived from our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

		(Unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended September 30,				Year Ended December 31,
		2012				2011				2010				2009				2008				2007
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges			3.91				1.96				2.32				—				3.94				3.34
Dollar amount of the coverage deficiency			n/a				n/a				n/a				13,912,205				n/a				n/a

For the purpose of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of net income (loss) plus interest expensed and capitalized, amortization and write off of capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness, and the interest portion of rental expense less capitalized interest. Fixed charges consist of interest expensed and capitalized, the interest portion of rental expense and amortization and write off of capitalized expenses relating to indebtedness.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Unless otherwise set forth in a prospectus supplement, we intend to use the net proceeds received from the sale of the securities we offer by this prospectus for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things:

 

•

the acquisition of vessels;

 

•

additions to working capital; and

 

•

the repayment of indebtedness.

We may raise additional funds from time to time through equity or debt financings not involving the issuance of securities described in this prospectus, including borrowings under credit facilities, to finance our business and operations and our new vessel acquisitions.

CAPITALIZATION

Our capitalization will be set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F or a Report on Form 6-K which is incorporated herein by reference, or in a prospectus supplement.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

DEBT SECURITIES

In this section, references to “holders” mean those who own debt securities registered in their own names on the books that StealthGas Inc. or the indenture trustee maintains for this purpose, and not those who own beneficial interests in debt securities registered in street name or in debt securities issued in book-entry form through one or more depositaries. Owners of beneficial interests in the debt securities should read the section below entitled “Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement.”

General

The debt securities offered by this prospectus will be either senior or subordinated debt. Senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities may be convertible or exchangeable into our common stock or other securities as described under “—Convertible or Exchangeable Securities” below. We will issue senior debt under a senior debt indenture, we will issue subordinated debt under a subordinated debt indenture and we will issue convertible debt securities under a convertible debt indenture. We sometimes refer to the senior debt indenture, the subordinated debt indenture and the convertible debt indenture individually as an indenture and collectively as the indentures. The indentures will be between us and a trustee. The terms of the indenture governing the convertible debt securities will be substantially similar to the terms of the indenture governing the senior debt securities described below, except that the indenture governing the convertible debt securities will include provisions with respect to the conversion of such convertible debt securities, omit certain provisions described under “—Defeasance” below, prohibit any modification to the terms of convertibility without the consent of the holders and permit any holder to institute action to enforce such terms of convertibility. The indentures are exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. You can obtain copies of the indentures by following the directions outlined in “Where You Can Find Additional Information” or by contacting the indenture trustee.

The following briefly summarizes the material provisions of the indentures and the debt securities, other than pricing and related terms which will be disclosed for a particular series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement. You should read the more detailed provisions of the applicable indenture, including the defined terms, for provisions that may be important to you. You should also read the particular terms of a series of debt securities, which will be described in more detail in a prospectus supplement. Wherever particular sections or defined terms of the applicable indenture are referred to, such sections or defined terms are incorporated into this prospectus by reference, and the statement in this prospectus is qualified by that reference.

The indentures provide that our debt securities may be issued in one or more series, with different terms, in each case as we authorize from time to time. We also have the right to reopen a previous issue of a series of debt securities by issuing additional debt securities of such series.

Information in the Prospectus Supplement

The prospectus supplement for any offered series of debt securities will describe the following terms, as applicable:

 

•

the title or designation of the offered debt securities;

 

•

whether the debt is senior or subordinated;

 

•

whether there is any collateral securing the debt securities;

 

•

whether the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable into other securities;

 

•

the aggregate principal amount offered and the authorized denominations;

 

•

the initial public offering price;

 

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•

the maturity date or dates;

 

•

any sinking fund or other provision for payment of the debt securities prior to their stated maturity;

 

•

whether the debt securities are fixed rate debt securities or floating rate debt securities or original issue discount debt securities;

 

•

if the debt securities are fixed rate debt securities, the yearly rate at which the debt securities will bear interest, if any;

 

•

if the debt securities are floating rate debt securities, the method of calculating the interest rate;

 

•

if the debt securities are original issue discount debt securities, their yield to maturity;

 

•

the date or dates from which any interest will accrue, or how such date or dates will be determined, and the interest payment dates and any related record dates;

 

•

if other than in U.S. Dollars, the currency or currency unit in which payment will be made;

 

•

any provisions for the payment of additional amounts for taxes;

 

•

the denominations in which the currency or currency unit of the securities will be issuable if other than denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof;

 

•

the terms and conditions on which the debt securities may be redeemed at the option of the Company;

 

•

any obligation of the Company to redeem, purchase or repay the debt securities at the option of a holder upon the happening of any event and the terms and conditions of redemption, purchase or repayment;

 

•

the names and duties of any co-indenture trustees, depositaries, authenticating agents, calculation agents, paying agents, transfer agents or registrars for the debt securities;

 

•

any material provisions of the applicable indenture described in this prospectus that do not apply to the debt securities;

 

•

the ranking of the specific series of debt securities relative to other outstanding indebtedness;

 

•

if the debt securities are subordinated, the aggregate amount of outstanding indebtedness, as of a recent date, that is senior to the subordinated securities, and any limitation on the issuance of additional senior indebtedness;

 

•

the place where we will pay principal and interest;

 

•

additional provisions, if any, relating to the defeasance of the debt securities;

 

•

any United States federal income tax consequences, if material;

 

•

the dates on which premium, if any, will be paid;

 

•

our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of this deferral period;

 

•

any listing of the debt securities on a securities exchange; and

 

•

any other specific terms of the debt securities.

We will issue the debt securities only in registered form. As currently anticipated, debt securities of a series will trade in book-entry form, and global notes will be issued in physical (paper) form, as described below under “Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement.”

Senior Debt

We will issue senior debt securities under the senior debt indenture. These senior debt securities will rank on an equal basis with all our other unsecured debt except subordinated debt.

 

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Subordinated Debt

We will issue subordinated debt securities under the subordinated debt indenture. Subordinated debt will rank subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the subordinated debt indenture, to all our senior debt (both secured and unsecured).

In general, the holders of all senior debt are first entitled to receive payment of the full amount unpaid on senior debt before the holders of any of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive a payment on account of the principal or interest on the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities in certain events.

If we default in the payment of any principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on any senior debt when it becomes due and payable after any applicable grace period, then, unless and until the default is cured or waived or ceases to exist, we cannot make a payment on account of or redeem or otherwise acquire the subordinated debt securities.

If there is any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar proceeding relating to us or our property, then all senior debt must be paid in full before any payment may be made to any holders of subordinated debt securities.

Furthermore, if we default in the payment of the principal of and accrued interest on any subordinated debt securities that is declared due and payable upon an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture, holders of all our senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash before holders of such subordinated debt can receive any payments.

Senior debt means:

 

•

the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other amounts owing in respect of indebtedness of the Company and/or of our subsidiaries that may guarantee our debt for money borrowed and indebtedness evidenced by securities, notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued by us, including the senior debt securities and letters of credit;

 

•

all capitalized lease obligations;

 

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all hedging obligations;

 

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all obligations representing the deferred purchase price of property; and

 

•

all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of obligations of the type referred to above;

but senior debt does not include:

 

•

subordinated debt securities; and

 

•

any indebtedness that by its terms is subordinated to, or ranks on an equal basis with, our subordinated debt securities.

Convertible Debt

We will issue convertible debt securities under the convertible debt indenture. Convertible debt securities will be convertible into common stock on the terms set forth in the convertible debt indenture. The convertible debt indenture will provide that the conversion price is subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments in connection with stock dividends, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications and other similar events.

 

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Covenants

Amalgamation and Sale of Assets. We may not, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions:

 

•

consolidate, amalgamate or merge with or into any other person; or

 

•

directly or indirectly, transfer, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets,

unless, in either such case:

 

•

in a transaction in which we do not survive or in which we sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets, the successor entity to us is organized under the laws of the United States, or any state thereof or the District of Columbia, Bermuda, the Republic of Liberia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Panama, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, a member state of the European Union or any other country recognized by the United States, and which expressly assumes, by a supplemental indenture executed and delivered to the indenture trustee in a form reasonably satisfactory to the indenture trustee, all of our obligations under the indenture;

 

•

immediately before and after giving effect to the transaction, no default on the debt securities exists; and

 

•

an officer’s certificate and an opinion of counsel setting forth certain statements are delivered to the indenture trustee.

Other Covenants. In addition, any offered series of debt securities may have additional covenants which will be described in the prospectus supplement, limiting or restricting, among other things:

 

•

our ability to incur indebtedness;

 

•

our ability to pay dividends, to repurchase or redeem our capital stock;

 

•

our ability to create dividend and other payment restrictions affecting our subsidiaries;

 

•

mergers and consolidations by us;

 

•

sales of assets by us;

 

•

our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

•

our ability to incur liens; and

 

•

our ability to enter into sale and leaseback transactions.

Modification of the Indentures

Under the indentures, we and the indenture trustee may amend the indentures, without the consent of any holder of the debt securities to:

 

•

cure ambiguities, defects or inconsistencies;

 

•

comply with the covenants described under “-Amalgamation and Sale of Assets”;

 

•

add to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of debt securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any rights or power conferred upon us;

 

•

add any additional events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or a series of debt securities;

 

•

establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series;

 

•

provide for uncertificated debt securities in addition to or in place of certificated debt securities;

 

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•

add guarantors of the debt securities;

 

•

secure the debt securities of one or more series;

 

•

evidence the succession of another person to the Company and the assumption of the covenants in the indentures and in the debt securities by such successor; or any co-issuer of the debt securities;

 

•

add or change any provision of the indentures to permit the issuance of the debt securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, with or without interest coupons;

 

•

appoint a successor indenture trustee under either indenture;

 

•

add to, change or eliminate any provision of the indentures so long as such addition, change or elimination does not affect the rights of the holders; or

 

•

conform any provision of the indentures to the description of securities contained in this prospectus or any similar provision in any prospectus supplement relating to an offer of a series of debt securities under the indentures.

We and the indenture trustee may, with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of a series, modify the applicable indenture or the rights of the holders of the securities of such series. However, no such modification may, without the consent of each holder of an affected debt security:

 

•

extend the fixed maturity of any such debt securities;

 

•

reduce the rate or change the time of payment of interest on such debt securities;

 

•

reduce the principal amount of such securities or the premium, if any, on such debt securities;

 

•

change or waive the redemption provisions of such debt securities;

 

•

change any obligation of ours to maintain an office or agency;

 

•

reduce the amount of the principal payable on acceleration of any debt securities issued originally at a discount;

 

•

adversely affect in any material respect the ranking on such debt securities;

 

•

adversely affect in any material respect the right, if any, to convert such debt securities;

 

•

adversely affect any right of repayment or repurchase at the option of the holder;

 

•

reduce or postpone any sinking fund or similar provision;

 

•

change the currency or currency unit in which any such debt securities are payable or the right of selection thereof;

 

•

impair the right to sue for the enforcement of any payment on such debt securities;

 

•

reduce the percentage of debt securities of a series whose holders need to consent to the modification or a waiver; or

 

•

with respect to subordinated debt securities, modify or change any provisions of the indenture or the related definitions affecting the subordination or ranking of any debt securities, in a manner which adversely affects the holders.

Defaults

Each indenture provides that events of default regarding any series of debt securities will be:

 

•

our failure to pay required interest on any debt security of such series for 30 days;

 

•

our failure to pay principal or premium, if any, on any debt security of such series when due;

 

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•

our failure to make any deposit of any sinking fund payment when due on debt securities of such series;

 

•

our failure to perform for 30 days after notice any other covenant in the relevant indenture other than a covenant included in the relevant indenture solely for the benefit of a series of debt securities other than such series;

 

•

a breach by us of the covenant with respect to amalgamation and sale of assets;

 

•

our failure to pay beyond any applicable grace period, or the acceleration of, indebtedness in excess of $35,000,000; and

 

•

certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency, whether voluntary or not.

If an event of default regarding debt securities of any series issued under the indentures should occur and be continuing, either the indenture trustee or the holders of 25% in the principal amount of outstanding debt securities of such series may declare each debt security of that series due and payable. If an event of default regarding debt securities results from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to us, such amount with respect to the debt securities will be due and payable immediately without any declaration or other act on the part of the holders of outstanding debt securities or the indenture trustee. We are required to file annually with the indenture trustee a statement of an officer as to the fulfillment by us of our obligations under the indenture during the preceding year.

No event of default regarding one series of debt securities issued under an indenture is necessarily an event of default regarding any other series of debt securities.

Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will be entitled to control certain actions of the indenture trustee under an indenture and to waive past defaults regarding such series. The indenture trustee generally cannot be required by any of the holders of debt securities to take any action, unless one or more of such holders shall have provided to the indenture trustee satisfactory security or indemnity.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing regarding a series of debt securities, the indenture trustee may use any sums that it holds under the relevant indenture for its own reasonable compensation and expenses incurred prior to paying the holders of debt securities of such series.

Before any holder of any series of debt securities may institute action for any remedy, the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the debt securities of that series outstanding must request the indenture trustee to take action. Holders must also offer and give satisfactory security and indemnity against liabilities incurred by the indenture trustee for taking such action, and the indenture trustee must have failed to institute any proceeding within 60 days after receiving such request and offer of indemnity. These limitations do not apply, however, to a suit by a holder of any series of debt securities to enforce payment of principal, interest or premium.

Defeasance

After we have deposited with the indenture trustee cash or government securities, in trust for the benefit of the holders, sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities of such series when due, and satisfied certain other conditions, including receipt of an opinion of counsel that holders will not recognize taxable gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, we may elect to have our obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding debt securities of any series (“defeasance and discharge”). Defeasance and discharge means that we will be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by the outstanding debt securities of such series under the applicable indenture, except for:

 

•

the rights of holders of the debt securities to receive principal, interest and any premium when due;

 

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•

our obligations with respect to the debt securities concerning issuing temporary debt securities, registration of transfer of debt securities, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment for security payments held in trust;

 

•

the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the indenture trustee; and

 

•

the defeasance provisions of the indenture.

Alternatively, we may elect to have our obligations released with respect to certain covenants in the applicable indenture (“covenant defeasance”). Any omission to comply with these obligations will not constitute a default or an event of default with respect to the debt securities of any series. In the event covenant defeasance occurs, certain events, not including non-payment, bankruptcy and insolvency events, described under “Events of Default” will no longer constitute an event of default for that series.

Governing Law

Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities and the indentures will be governed by New York law.

Payment and Paying Agents

Distributions on the debt securities other than those represented by global notes will be made in the designated currency against surrender of the debt securities at the corporate trust office of the indenture trustee. Payment will be made to the registered holder at the close of business on the record date for such payment. Interest payments will be made at the principal corporate trust office of the indenture trustee, or by a check mailed to the holder at his or her registered address. Payments in any other manner will be specified in the prospectus supplement applicable to the particular series of debt securities.

Transfer and Exchange

Debt securities may be presented for exchange, and debt securities other than a global security may be presented for registration of transfer, at the corporate trust office of the indenture trustee. Holders will not have to pay any service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with such registration of transfer or exchange of debt securities.

 

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WARRANTS

We may issue warrants to purchase our debt or equity securities or securities of third parties or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such securities. A series of warrants may be issued under a separate warrant indenture between us and a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a description of the material provisions of any applicable warrant indenture will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

 

•

the title of such warrants;

 

•

the aggregate number of such warrants;

 

•

the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;

 

•

the currency or currencies, in which the price of such warrants will be payable;

 

•

the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or securities based on the value, rate or price of one or more specified commodities, currencies, securities or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable upon exercise of such warrants;

 

•

the price at which and the currency or currencies, in which the securities or other rights purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

 

•

if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

 

•

if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;

 

•

if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

 

•

information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

 

•

if applicable, a discussion of any material United States Federal income tax considerations; and

 

•

any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

RIGHTS

We may issue rights to purchase our securities. These rights may be issued independently or together with any other security offered by this prospectus and may or may not be transferable by the person receiving the rights in the rights offering. In connection with any rights offering, we may enter into a standby underwriting agreement with one or more underwriters pursuant to which the underwriter will purchase any securities that remain unsubscribed for upon completion of the rights offering.

The applicable prospectus supplement relating to any rights will describe the terms of the offered rights, including, where applicable, the following:

 

•

the exercise price for the rights;

 

•

the number of rights issued to each securityholder;

 

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•

the extent to which the rights are transferable;

 

•

any other terms of the rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the rights;

 

•

the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the right will expire;

 

•

the amount of rights outstanding;

 

•

the extent to which the rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; and

 

•

the material terms of any standby underwriting arrangement entered into by us in connection with the rights offering.

PURCHASE CONTRACTS

We may issue purchase contracts for the purchase or sale of:

 

•

debt securities or equity securities issued by us or securities of third parties, a basket of such securities, an index or indices of such securities or any combination of the above as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement; or

 

•

currencies.

Each purchase contract will entitle its holder to purchase or sell, and obligate us to sell or purchase, on specified dates, such securities or currencies at a specified purchase price, which may be based on a formula, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. We may, however, satisfy our obligations, if any, with respect to any purchase contract by delivering the cash value of such purchase contract or the cash value of the property otherwise deliverable or, in the case of purchase contracts on underlying currencies, by delivering the underlying currencies, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will also specify the methods by which the holders may purchase or sell such securities or currencies and any acceleration, cancellation or termination provisions or other provisions relating to the settlement of a purchase contract.

The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders thereof or vice versa, which payments may be deferred to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, and those payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis. The purchase contracts may require the holders thereof to secure their obligations in a specified manner to be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Alternatively, purchase contracts may require holders to satisfy their obligations thereunder when the purchase contracts are issued. Our obligation to settle such pre-paid purchase contracts on the relevant settlement date may constitute indebtedness. Accordingly, pre-paid purchase contracts will be issued under either the senior indenture or the subordinated indenture.

UNITS

We may issue units consisting of one or more debt securities, purchase contracts, warrants, rights, shares of preferred stock, shares of common stock or any combination of such securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe:

 

•

the terms of the units and of the debt securities, purchase contracts, warrants, rights, preferred stock and common stock comprising the units, including whether and under what circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately;

 

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•

a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; and

 

•

a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer or exchange or the units.

CONVERTIBLE OR EXCHANGEABLE SECURITIES

We may issue securities of the types described in this prospectus that are convertible or exchangeable into other securities described herein. The terms of such convertible or exchangeable securities will be set forth in a prospectus supplement.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Under our articles of incorporation, our authorized capital stock consists of 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, and 5,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock, $.01 par value per share. All of our shares of stock are in registered form. As of January 31, 2013, there were 20,627,329 outstanding shares of common stock, including 74,761 restricted shares, and no outstanding options or shares of preferred stock.

The following briefly summarizes the material terms of our capital stock. You should read the more detailed provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for provisions that may be important to you. You can obtain copies of these documents by following the directions outlined in “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Common Stock

As of January 31, 2013, there were 20,627,329 outstanding shares of common stock, including 74,761 restricted shares, out of 100,000,000 shares authorized to be issued. Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Holders of common stock do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and the shares to be sold in this offering when issued and paid for will be, fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock which we may issue in the future.

Preferred Stock

Under our articles of incorporation, our board of directors has the authority, without any further vote or action by our stockholders, to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series, and to establish the terms and preferences of the shares of each series. The terms of any preferred stock that we issue will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. Holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. The rates and dates of payment of dividends will be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to each series of preferred stock. Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive distributions upon liquidation in the amount set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to such series of preferred stock, plus an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid dividends. Such distributions will be made before any distribution is made on any securities ranking junior in relation to preferred stock in liquidation, including common stock. As of January 31, 2013, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

 

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Dividends

Declaration and payment of any dividend is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors. The timing and amount of dividend payments will be dependent upon our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, restrictions in our loan agreements or other financing arrangements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of distributions to stockholders and other factors. In 2009, our Board of Directors suspended the payment of cash dividends as a result of market conditions at the time in the international shipping industry and the general uncertainties in the global economy. Nevertheless, our Board of Directors may determine to resume the payment of dividends at any time. Because we are a holding company with no material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends will depend on the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us. Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or while a company is insolvent or if it would be rendered insolvent upon the payment thereof.

Marshall Islands law and our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our stockholders. Under our bylaws, annual stockholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our Board of Directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings may be called by the Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors may set a record date between 15 and 60 days before the date of any meeting to determine the stockholders that will be eligible to receive notice and vote at the meeting.

Directors. Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of the stockholders by the holders of shares entitled to vote in the election. There is no provision for cumulative voting. The Board of Directors may change the number of directors by a vote of a majority of the entire board. Each director shall be elected to serve until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation, removal, or the earlier termination of his term of office. The Board of Directors has the authority to fix the amounts which shall be payable to the members of our Board of Directors for attendance at any meeting or for services rendered to us.

Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment. Under the Marshall Island’s Business Corporations Act (“BCA”), our stockholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including any merger or sale of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares. In the event of any further amendment of our articles of incorporation, a stockholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting stockholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we and any dissenting stockholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the circuit court in the judicial circuit in the Marshall Islands in which our Marshall Islands office is situated. The value of the shares of the dissenting stockholder is fixed by the court after reference, if the court so elects, to the recommendations of a court-appointed appraiser.

Stockholders’ Derivative Actions. Under the BCA, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.

Anti-takeover effects of provisions of our charter documents.

General Several provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our Board of Directors to maximize stockholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also

 

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discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, that a stockholder may consider in its best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Blank Check Preferred Stock Under the terms of our articles of incorporation, our Board of Directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our stockholders, to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. Our Board of Directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or the removal of our management.

Classified Board of Directors Our articles of incorporation provide for a Board of Directors serving staggered, three-year terms. Approximately one-third of our Board of Directors will be elected each year. This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of our company. It could also delay stockholders who do not agree with the policies of the Board of Directors from removing a majority of the Board of Directors for two years.

Election and Removal of Directors Our articles of incorporation and bylaws prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our bylaws require parties other than the Board of Directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. Our bylaws also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Calling of Special Meetings of Stockholders Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by resolution of our board of directors.

Advance Notice Requirements for Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations Our bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary.

Generally, to be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the date on which we first mailed our proxy materials for the previous year’s annual meeting. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a stockholder’s notice. These provisions may impede stockholders’ ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of stockholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of stockholders.

Business Combinations Although the BCA does not contain specific provisions regarding “business combinations” between companies organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands and “interested stockholders,” we have included these provisions in our articles of incorporation. Specifically, our articles of incorporation prohibit us from engaging in a “business combination” with certain persons for three years following the date the person becomes an interested stockholder. Interested stockholders generally include:

 

•

persons who are the beneficial owners of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation; and

 

•

persons who are affiliates or associates of the corporation and who hold 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock at any time within three years before the date on which the person’s status as an interested stockholder is determined.

Subject to certain exceptions, a business combination includes, among other things:

 

•

certain mergers or consolidations of the corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the company;

 

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•

the sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of assets having an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all assets of the corporation, determined on a consolidated basis, or the aggregate value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation;

 

•

certain transactions that result in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

 

•

any transaction involving the corporation that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of the stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the stock of any class or series, of the corporation that is owned directly or indirectly by the interested stockholder; and

 

•

any receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit (except as a stockholder) of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

These provisions of our articles of incorporation do not apply to a business combination if:

 

•

before a person becomes an interested stockholder, the board of directors of the corporation approves the business combination or transaction in which the stockholder became an interested stockholder;

 

•

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the interested stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, other than certain excluded shares; or

 

•

following a transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, the business combination is (a) approved by the board of directors of the corporation and (b) authorized at a regular or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting stock of the corporation not owned by the stockholder; or

 

•

the stockholder was or became an interested stockholder prior to the consummation of our initial public offering.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company serves as transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

FORM, EXCHANGE AND TRANSFER

We will issue securities only in registered form; no securities will be issued in bearer form. We will issue each security other than common stock in book-entry form only, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will issue common stock in both certificated and book-entry form, unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement. Securities in book-entry form will be represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary, which will be the holder of all the securities represented by the global security. Those who own beneficial interests in a global security will do so through participants in the depositary’s system, and the rights of these indirect owners will be governed solely by the applicable procedures of the depositary and its participants. Only the depositary will be entitled to transfer or exchange a security in global form, since it will be the sole holder of the security. These book-entry securities are described below under “Book-Entry Procedures and Settlement.”

If any securities are issued in non-global form or cease to be book-entry securities (in the circumstances described in the next section), the following will apply to them:

 

•

The securities will be issued in fully registered form in denominations stated in the prospectus supplement. You may exchange securities for securities of the same series in smaller denominations or combined into fewer securities of the same series of larger denominations, as long as the total amount is not changed.

 

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•

You may exchange, transfer, present for payment or exercise securities at the office of the relevant indenture trustee or agent indicated in the prospectus supplement. You may also replace lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated securities at that office. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or we may perform them ourselves.

 

•

You will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange your securities, but you may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange, and any replacement, will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with your proof of legal ownership. The transfer agent may also require an indemnity before replacing any securities.

 

•

If we have the right to redeem, accelerate or settle any securities before their maturity or expiration, and we exercise that right as to less than all those securities, we may block the transfer or exchange of those securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of exercise and ending on the day of that mailing, in order to freeze the list of holders to prepare the mailing. We may also refuse to register transfers of or exchange any security selected for early settlement, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unsettled portion of any security being partially settled.

 

•

If fewer than all of the securities represented by a certificate that are payable or exercisable in part are presented for payment or exercise, a new certificate will be issued for the remaining amount of securities.

BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES AND SETTLEMENT

Most offered securities will be book-entry (global) securities. Upon issuance, all book-entry securities will be represented by one or more fully registered global securities, without coupons. Each global security will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, or DTC, a securities depositary, and will be registered in the name of Cede & Co. or another nominee of DTC. DTC, Cede & Co., or such nominee, will thus be the only registered holder of these securities. Except as set forth below, the registered global securities may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to Cede & Co., another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee.

Purchasers of securities may only hold interests in the global securities through DTC if they are participants in the DTC system. Individual certificates in respect of the securities will not be issued in exchange for the registered global securities, except in very limited circumstances. Purchasers may also hold interests through a securities intermediary—banks, brokerage houses and other institutions that maintain securities accounts for customers—that has an account with DTC or its nominee. DTC will maintain accounts showing the security holdings of its participants, and these participants will in turn maintain accounts showing the security holdings of their customers. Some of these customers may themselves be securities intermediaries holding securities for their customers. Thus, each beneficial owner of a book-entry security will hold that security indirectly through a hierarchy of intermediaries, with DTC at the top and the beneficial owner’s own securities intermediary at the bottom.

The securities of each beneficial owner of a book-entry security will be evidenced solely by entries on the books of the beneficial owner’s securities intermediary. The actual purchaser of the securities will generally not be entitled to have the securities represented by the global securities registered in its name and will not be considered the owner under the declaration. In most cases, a beneficial owner will also not be able to obtain a paper certificate evidencing the holder’s ownership of securities. The book-entry system for holding securities eliminates the need for physical movement of certificates and is the system through which most publicly traded common stock is held in the United States. However, the laws of some jurisdictions require some purchasers of securities to take physical delivery of their securities in definitive form. These laws may impair the ability to transfer book-entry securities.

 

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Title to book-entry interests in the securities will pass by book-entry registration of the transfer within the records of DTC in accordance with its procedures.

If DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a clearing system in connection with the registered global securities or ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and a successor clearing system is not appointed by us within 90 days after receiving that notice from DTC or upon becoming aware that DTC is no longer so registered, we will issue or cause to be issued individual certificates in registered form on registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, book-entry interests in the securities represented by registered global securities upon delivery of those registered global securities for cancellation. We may also permit beneficial owners of book-entry securities represented by a global security to exchange their beneficial interests for definitive (paper) securities if, in our sole discretion, we decide to allow some or all book-entry securities to be exchangeable for definitive securities in registered form.

Unless we indicate otherwise, any global security that is exchangeable will be exchangeable in whole for definitive securities in registered form, with the same terms and of an equal aggregate principal amount. Definitive securities will be registered in the name or names of the person or persons specified by DTC in a written instruction to the registrar of the securities. DTC may base its written instruction upon directions that it receives from its participants.

In this prospectus, for book-entry securities, references to actions taken by security holders will mean actions taken by DTC upon instructions from its participants, and references to payments and notices of redemption to security holders will mean payments and notices of redemption to DTC as the registered holder of the securities for distribution to participants in accordance with DTC’s procedures.

Initial settlement for the securities offered on a global basis through DTC will be made in immediately available funds. Secondary market trading between DTC’s participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with DTC’s rules and will be settled in immediately available funds using DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System.

Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of interests in the securities among participants thereof, it is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform the foregoing procedures and these procedures may be changed or discontinued at any time.

DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a clearing agency registered under section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

We will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership interest in the book-entry securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

We may offer the offered securities in one or more of the following ways from time to time:

 

•

to or through underwriters or dealers;

 

•

by ourselves directly;

 

•

through agents; or

 

•

through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

In compliance with the guidelines of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, the maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker dealer may not exceed 8% of the aggregate principal amount of securities offered pursuant to this prospectus. We anticipate, however, that the maximum commission or discount to be received in any particular offering of securities will be significantly less than this amount.

The prospectus supplement relating to a particular offering of securities will set forth the terms of such offering, including:

 

•

the type of securities to be offered;

 

•

the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents and the amounts of securities underwritten or purchased by each of them;

 

•

the purchase price of the offered securities and the proceeds to us from such sale;

 

•

any underwriting discounts and commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation, which in the aggregate will not exceed 8% of the gross proceeds of the offering;

 

•

the initial public offering price;

 

•

any discounts or concessions to be allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and

 

•

any securities exchanges on which such offered securities may be listed.

Any initial public offering prices, discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers may be changed from time to time.

The distribution of the offered securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

If underwriters are used in an offering of offered securities, such offered securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. The securities may be either offered to the public through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or by one or more underwriters without a syndicate. Unless otherwise set forth in the prospectus supplement, the underwriters will not be obligated to purchase offered securities unless specified conditions are satisfied, and if the underwriters do purchase any offered securities, they will purchase all offered securities.

In connection with underwritten offerings of the offered securities and in accordance with applicable law and industry practice, underwriters may over-allot or effect transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of the offered securities at levels above those that might otherwise prevail in the open

 

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market, including by entering stabilizing bids, effecting syndicate covering transactions or imposing penalty bids, each of which is described below.

 

•

A stabilizing bid means the placing of any bid, or the effecting of any purchase, for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of a security.

 

•

A syndicate covering transaction means the placing of any bid on behalf of the underwriting syndicate or the effecting of any purchase to reduce a short position created in connection with the offering.

 

•

A penalty bid means an arrangement that permits the managing underwriter to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member in connection with the offering when offered securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in syndicate covering transactions.

These transactions may be effected on an exchange or automated quotation system, if the securities are listed on that exchange or admitted for trading on that automated quotation system, or in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

If a dealer is utilized in the sales of offered securities, we will sell such offered securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell such offered securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Any such dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, of the offered securities so offered and sold. The name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction will be set forth in the related prospectus supplement.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, such third parties (or their affiliates) may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, such persons may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of securities, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of securities. Such persons will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).

Sales to or through one or more underwriters or agents in at-the-market offerings will be made pursuant to the terms of a distribution agreement with the underwriters or agents. Such underwriters or agents may act on an agency basis or on a principal basis. During the term of any such agreement, shares may be sold on a daily basis on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the common stock are traded, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise as agreed with the underwriters or agents. The distribution agreement will provide that any common stock sold will be sold at negotiated prices or at prices related to the then prevailing market prices for our common stock. Therefore, exact figures regarding proceeds that will be raised or commissions to be paid cannot be determined at this time and will be described in a prospectus supplement. Pursuant to the terms of the distribution agreement, we may also agree to sell, and the relevant underwriters or agents may agree to solicit offers to purchase, blocks of our common stock or other securities. The terms of each such distribution agreement will be described in a prospectus supplement.

We may sell our common stock pursuant to dividend reinvestment, share purchase plans and similar plans in which our stockholders as well as other investors may participate. Purchasers of shares under such plans may, upon resales, be deemed to be underwriters. These shares may be resold in market transactions (including coverage of short positions), in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Common stock sold under any such plans may be issued at a discount to the market price of the common stock. The difference between the price owners who may be deemed to be underwriters pay us for our common stock acquired under any such plan, after deduction of the applicable discount from the market price, and the price at which such shares are resold, may be deemed to constitute underwriting commissions or fees received by these owners in connection with such transactions.

 

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We may also issue our common stock to officers, directors, employees, consultants, agents or other persons pursuant to awards made under our equity incentive plans. Such common stock may be resold by our officers and directors under this prospectus as indicated in a prospectus supplement.

We may loan common stock to underwriters, agents and others, pursuant to share lending agreements, which may be offered for sale in transactions, including block sales, on any securities exchange, market or trading facility.

We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus. Such financial institution or third party may transfer its short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a simultaneous offering of other securities offered by this prospectus.

Offered securities may be sold directly by us to one or more institutional purchasers, or through agents designated by us from time to time, at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the Securities Act. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent will be set forth, in the prospectus supplement relating to that offering. Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase offered securities from us at the public offering price set forth in such prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.

In addition, common stock may be issued upon conversion of or in exchange for debt securities or preferred stock.

Each series of offered securities, other than the common stock which is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom offered securities are sold for public offering and sale may make a market in such offered securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. The offered securities may or may not be listed on a national securities exchange. No assurance can be given that there will be a market for the offered securities.

One or more firms, referred to as “remarketing firms,” may also offer or sell the securities, if the prospectus supplement so indicates, in connection with a remarketing arrangement upon their purchase. Remarketing firms will act as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. These remarketing firms will offer or sell the securities in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to the terms of the securities. The prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and the terms of its agreement, if any, with us and will describe the remarketing firm’s compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities they remarket. Remarketing firms may be entitled under agreements that may be entered into with us to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms may be entitled, under agreements with us, to indemnification by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act relating to material misstatements and omissions, or to contribution with respect to payments which the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make in respect thereof. Underwriters, dealers, agents and remarketing firms may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered hereby is being passed upon for us by Reeder & Simpson P.C. Certain matters of New York law are being passed on by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of StealthGas Inc. have been audited by Deloitte Hadjipavlou, Sofianos & Cambanis S.A., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

EXPENSES

The following table sets forth the expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions or agency fees and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation, if any) expected to be incurred by us in connection with a possible offering of $100 million of the securities registered under this registration statement. All amounts other than the SEC registration fee and FINRA filing fee are estimates.

 

SEC Registration Fee		$	13,640
Printing and Engraving Expenses				*
Legal Fees and Expenses				*
Accountants’ Fees and Expenses				*
NYSE Fees				*
FINRA Filing Fee		$	15,250
Trustee’s fees and expenses				*
Miscellaneous Costs				*
Total		$		*

 

*	To be provided by a prospectus supplement or as an exhibit to a Report on Form 6-K that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

ITEM 8.

INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

The Registrant is a Marshall Islands corporation. Section 60 of the BCA provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of no contest, or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

A Marshall Islands corporation also has the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

 

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To the extent that a director or officer of a Marshall Islands corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in the preceding paragraph, or in the defense of a claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the board of directors in the specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized under Section 60 of the BCA.

Section 60 of the BCA also permits a Marshall Islands corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in such capacity whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of Section 60 of the BCA.

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, Section 60 of the BCA are not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification and advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person’s official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. In this regard, the Registrant’s Bylaws provide that such expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by former directors and officers may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the Registrant deems appropriate, and the board of directors may authorize the Registrant’s legal counsel to represent a present or former director or officer in any action, suit or proceeding, whether or not the Registrant is a party to such action, suit or proceeding. The Registrant’s Bylaws further provide for indemnification of directors and officers on the basis described above as being permitted by Section 60 of the BCA and provide, to the extent authorized from time to time by the board of directors of the Registrant, rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the corporation similar to those conferred to directors and officers of Registrant.

The Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation provide that no director shall have personal liability to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, but the liability of a director is not limited or eliminated (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not undertaken in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; or (iii) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper benefit.

 

ITEM 9.

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.		Description
1.1		Form of underwriting agreement (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1		Form of senior indenture, with respect to the senior debt securities of StealthGas Inc. (filed herewith)
4.2		Form of subordinated indenture, with respect to the subordinated debt securities of StealthGas Inc. (filed herewith)
4.3		Form of convertible indenture, with respect to the convertible debt securities of StealthGas Inc. (filed herewith)
4.4		Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-127905)).
4.5		Form of warrant agreement (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).

 

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Exhibit No.		Description
4.6		Form of rights agreement (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7		Form of senior debt security of StealthGas Inc. (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.8		Form of subordinated debt security of StealthGas Inc. (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9		Form of convertible debt security of StealthGas Inc. (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.10		Specimen preferred stock certificate (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.11		Certificate of Designations (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.12		Form of warrant (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13		Form of rights certificate (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
5.1		Opinion of Reeder & Simpson P.C. (Marshall Islands counsel to the Company) (filed herewith).
5.2		Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (United States counsel to the Company) (filed herewith).
12.1		Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges (filed herewith).
23.1		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
23.2		Consent of Reeder & Simpson P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.3		Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2).
24.1		Power of Attorney*
25.1		Form T-1 Statements of Eligibility for Senior Indenture, Subordinated Indenture and Convertible Indenture (to be filed in accordance with Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended).

 

*	Included on the signature pages herein.

 

ITEM 10.

UNDERTAKINGS

StealthGas Inc. hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities

 

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offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information set forth in the registration statement;

provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i), (1)(ii) and (1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act need not be furnished, provided, that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act or Rule 3-19 of Regulation S-X if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this registration statement.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i) Each prospectus filed by each registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in this registration statement or a prospectus that is part of this registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into this registration statement or a prospectus that is part of this registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a

 

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time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in this registration statement or a prospectus that was part of this registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of a registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of an undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of an undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of an undersigned registrant or used or referred to by an undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about an undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of an undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by an undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by the underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed securities to be purchased by the underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of the prospectus, a post-effective amendment will be filed to set forth the terms of such offering.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions set forth or described in Item 8 of this registration statement, or otherwise, each registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by a registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, each registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under section 305(b)2 of the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Athens, Greece, on February 6, 2013.

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints each of Harry N. Vafias and Konstantinos Sistovaris his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments or supplements to this Registration Statement, whether pre-effective or post-effective and any and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same with all exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or appropriate to be done with respect to this Registration Statement or any amendments or supplements hereto or any and all additional registration statements pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

 

Signature		Title
/s/ Harry N. Vafias Harry N. Vafias		President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)		February 6, 2013
/s/ Michael G. Jolliffe Michael G. Jolliffe		Chairman of the Board and Director		February 6, 2013
/s/ Lambros Babilis Lambros Babilis		Deputy Chairman and Director		February 6, 2013
/s/ Markos Drakos Markos Drakos		Director		February 6, 2013
/s/ John Kostoyannis John Kostoyannis		Director		February 6, 2013
/s/ Konstantinos Sistovaris Konstantinos Sistovaris		Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)		February 6, 2013

 

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AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of the aforementioned Registrant, has signed this Registration Statement on February 6, 2013.

 

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INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.		Description
1.1		Form of underwriting agreement (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1		Form of senior indenture, with respect to the senior debt securities of StealthGas Inc. (filed herewith)
4.2		Form of subordinated indenture, with respect to the subordinated debt securities of StealthGas Inc. (filed herewith)
4.3		Form of convertible indenture, with respect to the convertible debt securities of StealthGas Inc. (filed herewith)
4.4		Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-127905)).
4.5		Form of warrant agreement (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.6		Form of rights agreement (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.7		Form of senior debt security of StealthGas Inc. (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.8		Form of subordinated debt security of StealthGas Inc. (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.9		Form of convertible debt security of StealthGas Inc. (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.10		Specimen preferred stock certificate (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.11		Certificate of Designations (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.12		Form of warrant (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
4.13		Form of rights certificate (to be filed as an exhibit to a report on Form 6-K and incorporated herein by reference).
5.1		Opinion of Reeder & Simpson P.C. (Marshall Islands counsel to the Company) (filed herewith).
5.2		Opinion of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (United States counsel to the Company) (filed herewith).
12.1		Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges (filed herewith).
23.1		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).
23.2		Consent of Reeder & Simpson P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.3		Consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP (included in Exhibit 5.2).
24.1		Power of Attorney*
25.1		Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility for Senior Indenture, Subordinated Indenture and Convertible Indenture (to be filed in accordance with Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended).

 

*	Included on the signature pages herein.