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American Capital Reports 2010 Earnings of $1 Billion, or $3.02 Per Share and Net Operating Income of $204 Million, or $0.62 Per Share
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BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- American Capital, Ltd. ("ACAS" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: ACAS) announced net operating income ("NOI") for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2010 of $67 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, and $204 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, respectively. Net earnings for the quarter and year were $381 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, and $998 million, or $3.02 per diluted share, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, net asset value ("NAV") per share was $10.71, a 12%, or $1.12 per share increase from the September 30, 2010 NAV per share of $9.59 and a 29%, or $2.42 per share increase from the December 31, 2009 NAV per share of $8.29.

Q4 2010 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

  • $67 million NOI
    • $8 million, or 14%, increase over Q3 2010
  • $376 million net unrealized appreciation of investments
    • $218 million, or 138%, improvement over Q3 2010
  • $5 million net realized earnings (net earnings less net unrealized appreciation)
    • $14 million improvement over Q3 2010
  • $381 million net earnings
    • $232 million, or 156%, improvement over Q3 2010
    • 44% annualized return on average equity ("ROE")
  • $474 million of cash proceeds from realizations
  • $258 million of debt repaid

2010 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

  • $204 million NOI
    • $69 million, or 51%, increase over 2009
  • $1,370 million net unrealized appreciation of investments
    • $1,602 million improvement over 2009
  • $(372) million net realized loss (net earnings less net unrealized appreciation)
    • $306 million improvement over 2009
  • $998 million net earnings
    • $1,908 million improvement over 2009
    • 34% ROE
  • $1,293 million of cash proceeds from realizations
  • $1,881 million of debt repaid
  • $10.71 NAV per share
    • $2.42 per share, or 29%, increase over Q4 2009
    • $1.12 per share, or 12%, increase over Q3 2010

"This past year was the year that many companies, including American Capital, emerged from the great recession, and the year we began rebuilding shareholder value," said Malon Wilkus, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We earned $1.0 billion in 2010 and repaid $1.9 billion of debt, while growing NAV per share $2.42 to $10.71, delivering a 34% return on equity. We believe this is just the beginning of a growth phase for the economy and American Capital, and we look forward to continuing the progress we made last year in 2011."

PORTFOLIO VALUATION

For the quarter ended December 31, 2010, net unrealized appreciation of investments totaled $376 million. The primary components of the net unrealized appreciation were:

  • $120 million appreciation in American Capital's investment in European Capital, excluding any impact of foreign currency translation on European Capital's cost basis or cumulative unrealized depreciation, primarily due to an increase in European Capital's NAV and a decrease to the implied discount to its NAV;
    • The equity investment in European Capital is valued at $608 million compared to European Capital's NAV of $842 million.
  • $82 million net appreciation from American Capital's private finance portfolio as a result of improved portfolio company performance and improved multiples;
  • $54 million net appreciation from structured products investments as a result of improved cash flow projections and improved pricing of comparable transactions;
  • $49 million appreciation in American Capital's investment in American Capital, LLC, its alternative fund management company, primarily due to an increase in its funds under management; and
  • $61 million of reversals of prior unrealized depreciation associated with net realized losses on portfolio investments.

"In 2010, we strengthened our balance sheet by reducing our debt to equity ratio to our stated goal of 0.6:1," said John Erickson, Chief Financial Officer. "We further reduced our secured debt due in 2013 by repaying another $150 million in the first quarter of 2011. With no amortization required on that debt until 2013, we have the flexibility to make capital allocation decisions based on the best risk adjusted returns. During 2010, we began to see the re-emergence of the M&A and refinancing markets for middle market companies. That allowed our seasoned portfolio to experience $1.3 billion of liquidity in 2010. We look forward to continuing to harvest mature investments and deploying the capital at attractive risk adjusted returns in 2011."

PORTFOLIO LIQUIDITY AND PERFORMANCE

In the fourth quarter of 2010, $474 million of cash proceeds were received from realizations of portfolio investments and exits. The Company made $35 million in new committed investments to existing portfolio companies during the quarter. The weighted average effective interest rate on the Company's private finance debt investments as of December 31, 2010 was 10.2%, which was 20 basis points higher than the September 30, 2010 rate of 10.0% and 30 basis points higher than the December 31, 2009 rate of 9.9%.

"We have produced a 44% return on equity since the low point of our book value in the middle of 2009," noted Gordon O'Brien, President, Specialty Finance and Operations. "We believe there are further opportunities for growth in our book value assuming the economy continues to improve in the U.S. and Europe. As of quarter end, the fair value of our equity investment in European Capital was $234 million less than its book value. We believe European Capital's book value will continue to grow as it retains earnings, as well as realizes a potential additional $176 million of value if its performing debt portfolio is repaid at cost. We also believe the value of American Capital's performing debt and equity portfolio will continue to grow. We could realize a potential additional $61 million of value if our existing performing debt assets are repaid at cost. In addition, we have $1.6 billion of private equity assets, excluding our investment in European Capital, that are forecast to grow at equity rates of return."

As of December 31, 2010, loans with a fair value of $239 million were on non-accrual, representing 7.8% of total loans at fair value, compared to $265 million fair value of non-accrual loans, representing 7.8% of total loans at fair value as of September 30, 2010.

                              AMERICAN CAPITAL, LTD.
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         As of December 31, 2010 and 2009
                     (in millions, except per share amounts)


                                                                 2010 Versus
                                                                     2009
                                                                 -----------
                                                  2010    2009        $    %
                                                  ----    ----       --   --
                                           (unaudited)
    Assets
    Investments at fair value (cost of
     $7,698 and $9,158, respectively)           $5,475  $5,575    $(100)  -2%
    Cash and cash equivalents                      269     835     (566) -68%
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents           185      96       89   93%
    Interest receivable                             37      38       (1)  -3%
    Derivative agreements at fair value              4       1        3  300%
    Other                                          114     127      (13) -10%
                                                   ---     ---      ---  ---
              Total assets                      $6,084  $6,672    $(588)  -9%
                                                ======  ======    =====   ==

    Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
    Debt                                        $2,259  $4,142  $(1,883) -45%
    Derivative agreements at fair value            106     102        4    4%
    Other                                           51      99      (48) -48%
                                                    --      --      ---  ---
              Total liabilities                  2,416   4,343   (1,927) -44%
                                                 -----   -----   ======  ===

    Shareholders' equity
         Undesignated preferred stock,
          $0.01 par value, 5.0 shares
          authorized, 0 issued and
          outstanding                               -       -        -    -
         Common stock, $0.01 par value,
          1,000.0 shares authorized, 352.7
          and 292.9 issued and 342.4 and
          280.9 outstanding, respectively            3       3        -    -
         Capital in excess of par value          7,131   6,735      396    6%
         Distributions in excess of net
          realized earnings                     (1,136)   (709)    (427) -60%
         Net unrealized depreciation of
          investments                           (2,330) (3,700)   1,370   37%
                                                ------  ------    -----   --
              Total shareholders' equity         3,668   2,329    1,339   57%
                                                 -----   -----    -----   --
              Total liabilities and shareholders'
               equity                           $6,084  $6,672    $(588)  -9%
                                                ======  ======    =====   ==

    Net asset value per common share
     outstanding                                $10.71   $8.29    $2.42   29%
                                                ======   =====    =====   ==




                                   AMERICAN CAPITAL, LTD.
                          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
             Three Months and Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
                            (in millions, except per share data)



                                                                  Three Months
                                                                      Ended
                                              Three Months        December 31,
                                                 Ended                2010
                                              December 31,         Versus 2009
                                              ------------          ----------
                                             2010         2009       $     %
                                             ----         ----     ---    ---
                                        (unaudited)  (unaudited)
    Operating Income
    Interest and dividend income             $133         $156    $(23)  -15%
    Fee income                                 10           13      (3)  -23%
                                               --           --      --   ---

        Total operating income                143          169     (26)  -15%
                                              ---          ---     ---   ---

    Operating Expenses
    Interest                                   28           59     (31)  -53%
    Salaries, benefits and stock-based
     compensation                              35           68     (33)  -49%
    General and administrative                 13           28     (15)  -54%
    Debt refinancing costs                      -            5      (5) -100%
                                               --           --      --  ----
        Total operating expenses               76          160     (84)  -53%
                                               --          ---     ---   ---

    Operating Income Before Income Taxes       67            9      58   644%
                                               --           --      --   ---

    Benefit for income taxes                    -           10     (10) -100%
                                               --           --     ---  ----

    Net Operating Income                       67           19      48   253%
                                               --           --      --   ---

    Net gain on extinguishment of debt          -            -       -     -
                                               --           --      --    --

    Net realized loss on investments
        Portfolio company investments         (47)        (282)    235    83%
        Foreign currency transactions           -           (1)      1   100%
        Derivative and option agreements      (15)         (19)      4    21%
                                              ---          ---       -    --
            Total net realized loss on
             investments                      (62)        (302)    240    79%
                                              ---         ----     ---    --

    Net Realized Earnings (Loss)                5         (283)    288    NM
                                               --         ----     ---    --

    Net unrealized appreciation
     (depreciation) of investments
        Portfolio company investments         388          410     (22)   -5%
        Foreign currency translation          (36)         (26)    (10)  -38%
        Derivative and option agreements       24            6      18   300%
                                               --           --      --   ---
            Total net unrealized
             appreciation (depreciation)
             of investments                   376          390     (14)   -4%
                                              ---          ---     ---    --
    Net Increase (Decrease) in Net
     Assets Resulting From Operations
     ("Net Earnings (Loss)")                 $381         $107    $274   256%
                                             ====         ====    ====   ===

    Net Operating Income Per Common Share
        Basic                               $0.19        $0.07   $0.12   171%
        Diluted                             $0.19        $0.07   $0.12   171%

    Net Realized Earnings (Loss) Per
     Common Share
        Basic                               $0.01       $(1.00)  $1.01    NM
        Diluted                             $0.01       $(1.00)  $1.01    NM

    Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
        Basic                               $1.11        $0.38   $0.73   192%
        Diluted                             $1.08        $0.38   $0.70   184%

    Weighted Average Shares of Common
     Stock Outstanding
        Basic                               344.6        283.2    61.4    22%
        Diluted                             353.1        284.3    68.8    24%

    Dividends Declared Per Common Share        $-           $-      $-     -




                                                                  Fiscal Year
                                                                     Ended
                                                Fiscal Year       December 31,
                                                   Ended              2010
                                                December 31,       Versus 2009
                                                ------------      ------------
                                              2010         2009      $      %
                                              ----         ----    ---    ---
                                          (unaudited)
    Operating Income
    Interest and dividend income             $546         $638    $(92)  -14%
    Fee income                                 54           59      (5)   -8%
                                               --           --      --    --

        Total operating income                600          697     (97)  -14%
                                              ---          ---     ---   ---

    Operating Expenses
    Interest                                  177          256     (79)  -31%
    Salaries, benefits and stock-based
     compensation                             134          215     (81)  -38%
    General and administrative                 64           91     (27)  -30%
    Debt refinancing costs                     21           20       1     5%
                                               --           --       -     -
        Total operating expenses              396          582    (186)  -32%
                                              ---          ---    ----   ---

    Operating Income Before Income Taxes      204          115      89    77%
                                              ---          ---      --    --

    Benefit for income taxes                    -           20     (20) -100%
                                               --           --     ---  ----

    Net Operating Income                      204          135      69    51%
                                              ---          ---      --    --

    Net gain on extinguishment of debt          -           12     (12) -100%
                                               --           --     ---  ----

    Net realized loss on investments
        Portfolio company investments        (499)        (716)    217    30%
        Foreign currency transactions          (2)          (3)      1    33%
        Derivative and option agreements      (75)        (106)     31    29%
                                              ---         ----      --    --
            Total net realized loss on
             investments                     (576)        (825)    249    30%
                                             ----         ----     ---    --

    Net Realized Earnings (Loss)             (372)        (678)    306    45%
                                             ----         ----     ---    --

    Net unrealized appreciation
     (depreciation) of investments
        Portfolio company investments       1,468         (340)  1,808    NM
        Foreign currency translation         (107)          28    (135)   NM
        Derivative and option agreements        9           80     (71)  -89%
                                               --           --     ---   ---
            Total net unrealized
             appreciation (depreciation)
             of investments                 1,370         (232)  1,602    NM
                                            -----         ----   -----    --
    Net Increase (Decrease) in Net
     Assets Resulting From Operations
     ("Net Earnings (Loss)")                 $998        $(910) $1,908    NM
                                             ====        =====  ======    ==

    Net Operating Income Per Common Share
        Basic                               $0.63        $0.56   $0.07    13%
        Diluted                             $0.62        $0.56   $0.06    11%

    Net Realized Earnings (Loss) Per
     Common Share
        Basic                              $(1.14)      $(2.81)  $1.67    59%
        Diluted                            $(1.12)      $(2.81)  $1.69    60%

    Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
        Basic                               $3.06       $(3.77)  $6.83    NM
        Diluted                             $3.02       $(3.77)  $6.79    NM

    Weighted Average Shares of Common
     Stock Outstanding
        Basic                               325.9        241.1    84.8    35%
        Diluted                             330.9        241.1    89.8    37%

    Dividends Declared Per Common Share        $-        $1.07   (1.07) -100%


    NM = Not meaningful.




                             AMERICAN CAPITAL, LTD.
                           OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
           Three Months Ended December 31, 2010 and September 30, 2010
                 and Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009
                                   (unaudited)
                      (in millions, except per share data)

                                                                   Q4 2010
                                                                   Versus
                                                                   Q3 2010
                                                               ------------
                                      Q4 2010      Q3 2010          $     %
                                    -----------  -----------       --    --

      Assets Under Management
          American Capital Assets at
           Fair Value                    $6,084       $5,972     $112     2%
          Externally Managed Assets
           at Fair Value(1)              16,561       12,429    4,132    33%
                                         ------       ------    -----    --
            Total                       $22,645      $18,401   $4,244    23%
                                        =======      =======   ======    ==

      New Investments
          Senior Debt                       $35          $41      $(6)  -15%
          Preferred Equity                    -           22      (22) -100%
          Subordinated Debt                   -            -        -     -
          Common Equity                       -            -        -     -
                                             --           --       --    --
            Total                           $35          $63     $(28)  -44%
                                            ===          ===     ====   ===

        Direct Investments                   $-           $-       $-     -
        Add-on Financing for
         Recapitalizations                    -            -        -     -
        Add-on Financing for
         Purchase of Debt of a
         Portfolio Company                   25           32       (7)  -22%
        Add-on Financing for
         Working Capital in
         Distressed Situations               10            8        2    25%
        Add-on Financing for
         Acquisitions                         -           22      (22) -100%
        Add-on Financing for
         Growth and Working Capital           -            1       (1) -100%
                                             --           --       --  ----
            Total                           $35          $63     $(28)  -44%
                                            ===          ===     ====   ===

      Realizations
        Principal Prepayments              $330         $181     $149    82%
        Sale of Equity Investments           97           75       22    29%
        Loan Syndications and Sales           -           25      (25) -100%
        Payment of Accrued Payment-
         in-Kind Notes and
         Dividends and Accreted
         Original Issue Discounts            33           17       16    94%
        Scheduled Principal
         Amortization                        14            7        7   100%
                                             --           --       --   ---
            Total                          $474         $305     $169    55%
                                           ====         ====     ====    ==

      Appreciation, Depreciation, Gain
       and Loss
        Gross Realized Gain                 $24          $11      $13   118%
        Gross Realized Loss                 (71)         (65)      (6)   -9%
                                            ---          ---       --    --
          Portfolio Net Realized
           Loss                             (47)         (54)       7    13%
        Foreign Currency                      -            -        -     -
        Derivative and Option
         Agreements                         (15)         (14)      (1)   -7%
                                            ---          ---       --    --
          Net Realized Loss                 (62)         (68)       6     9%
                                            ---          ---       --    --

        Gross Unrealized
         Appreciation of Private
         Finance Portfolio
         Investments                        163          135       28    21%
        Gross Unrealized
         Depreciation of Private
         Finance Portfolio
         Investments                        (81)        (145)      64    44%
                                            ---         ----       --    --
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of Private
         Finance Portfolio
         Investments                         82          (10)      92    NM
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation of European
         Capital Limited Investment         120           44       76   173%
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of European
         Capital Limited Foreign Currency
         Translation                         22          (88)     110    NM
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation of American
         Capital Agency Corp.                 -            -        -     -
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of American
         Capital, LLC                        49           26       23    88%
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of
         Structured Products                 54           12       42   350%
        Reversal of Prior Period
         Net Unrealized
         Depreciation Upon
         Realization                         61           44       17    39%
                                             --           --       --    --
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of
         Portfolio Investments              388           28      360    NM
        Foreign Currency
         Translation - European
         Capital Limited                    (34)         135     (169)   NM
        Foreign Currency
         Translation - Other                 (2)           6       (8)   NM
        Derivative Agreements and
         Other                               24          (11)      35    NM
        Reversal of Prior Period
         Net Unrealized
         Depreciation on Option
         Agreements                           -            -        -     -
                                             --           --       --    --
          Net Unrealized
           Appreciation of
           Investments                      376          158      218   138%
                                            ---          ---      ---   ---

            Net Gains, Losses,
             Appreciation and
             Depreciation                  $314          $90     $224   249%
                                           ====          ===     ====   ===

      Other Financial Data
        NAV per Share                    $10.71        $9.59    $1.12    12%
        Debt at Cost                     $2,259       $2,517    $(258)  -10%
        Debt at Fair Value               $2,208       $2,490    $(282)  -11%
        Market Capitalization            $2,588       $1,981     $607    31%
        Total Enterprise Value(2)        $4,579       $4,389     $190     4%
        Asset Coverage Ratio                262%         230%
        Debt to Equity Ratio                0.6x         0.8x
        Credit Quality
        Weighted Average Effective
         Interest Rate on Private
         Finance Debt Investments
         at Period End                     10.2%        10.0%     0.2%  2.0%
        Loans on Non-Accrual at
         Cost                              $702         $746     $(44)   -6%
        Loans on Non-Accrual at
         Fair Value                        $239         $265     $(26)  -10%
        Non-Accrual Loans at Cost
         as a Percentage of Total
         Loans at Cost                     19.6%        18.8%
        Non-Accrual Loans at Fair
         Value as a Percentage of
         Total Loans at Fair Value          7.8%         7.8%
        Past Due Loans at Cost              $58         $152     $(94)  -62%
        Debt to Equity Conversions
         at Cost                             $9           $-       $9   100%
        Return on Equity
        LTM Net Operating Income
         Return on Average Equity
         at Cost                            3.4%         2.6%
        LTM Net Realized Loss
         Return on Average Equity
         at Cost                           -6.2%       -10.9%
        LTM Net Earnings (Loss)
         Return on Average Equity
         at Fair Value                     33.5%        26.9%
        Current Quarter Net
         Operating Income Return on
         Average Equity at Cost
         Annualized                         4.5%         4.0%
        Current Quarter Net
         Realized Earnings (Loss)
         Return on Average Equity
         at Cost Annualized                 0.3%        -0.6%
        Current Quarter Net
         Earnings Return on Average
         Equity at Fair Value
         Annualized                        44.0%        18.7%



                                                                2010 Versus
                                                                   2009
                                                                -----------
                                           2010         2009        $     %
                                           ----         ----       --    --

      Assets Under Management
          American Capital Assets at
           Fair Value                    $6,084       $6,672    $(588)   -9%
          Externally Managed Assets
           at Fair Value(1)              16,561        7,350    9,211   125%
                                         ------        -----    -----   ---
            Total                       $22,645      $14,022   $8,623    61%
                                        =======      =======   ======    ==

      New Investments
          Senior Debt                      $123          $41      $82   200%
          Preferred Equity                   24           16        8    50%
          Subordinated Debt                  85           18       67   372%
          Common Equity                       2           34      (32)  -94%
                                             --           --      ---   ---
            Total                          $234         $109     $125   115%
                                           ====         ====     ====   ===

        Direct Investments                  $35           $-      $35   100%
        Add-on Financing for
         Recapitalizations                   80           20       60   300%
        Add-on Financing for
         Purchase of Debt of a
         Portfolio Company                   57            -       57   100%
        Add-on Financing for
         Working Capital in
         Distressed Situations               38           81      (43)  -53%
        Add-on Financing for
         Acquisitions                        22            4       18   450%
        Add-on Financing for
         Growth and Working Capital           2            4       (2)  -50%
                                              -            -       --   ---
            Total                          $234         $109     $125   115%
                                           ====         ====     ====   ===

      Realizations
        Principal Prepayments              $874         $316     $558   177%
        Sale of Equity Investments          266          323      (57)  -18%
        Loan Syndications and Sales          40          410     (370)  -90%
        Payment of Accrued Payment-
         in-Kind Notes and
         Dividends and Accreted
         Original Issue Discounts            77           48       29    60%
        Scheduled Principal
         Amortization                        36           46      (10)  -22%
                                             --           --      ---   ---
            Total                        $1,293       $1,143     $150    13%
                                         ======       ======     ====    ==

      Appreciation, Depreciation,
       Gain and Loss
        Gross Realized Gain                 $54         $122     $(68)  -56%
        Gross Realized Loss                (553)        (838)     285    34%
                                           ----         ----      ---    --
          Portfolio Net Realized
           Loss                            (499)        (716)     217    30%
        Foreign Currency                     (2)          (3)       1    33%
        Derivative and Option
         Agreements                         (75)        (106)      31    29%
                                            ---         ----       --    --
          Net Realized Loss                (576)        (825)     249    30%
                                           ----         ----      ---    --

        Gross Unrealized
         Appreciation of Private
         Finance Portfolio
         Investments                        611          297      314   106%
        Gross Unrealized
         Depreciation of Private
         Finance Portfolio
         Investments                       (289)        (970)     681    70%
                                           ----         ----      ---    --
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of Private
         Finance Portfolio
         Investments                        322         (673)     995    NM
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation of European
         Capital Limited Investment         371         (224)     595    NM
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of European
         Capital Limited Foreign Currency
         Translation                         97          (24)     121    NM
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation of American
         Capital Agency Corp.                 -           22      (22) -100%
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of American
         Capital, LLC                       111         (148)     259    NM
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of
         Structured Products                 50          (11)      61    NM
        Reversal of Prior Period
         Net Unrealized
         Depreciation Upon
         Realization                        517          718     (201)  -28%
                                            ---          ---     ----   ---
        Net Unrealized
         Appreciation
         (Depreciation) of
         Portfolio Investments            1,468         (340)   1,808    NM
        Foreign Currency
         Translation - European
         Capital Limited                   (104)          25     (129)   NM
        Foreign Currency
         Translation - Other                 (3)           3       (6)   NM
        Derivative Agreements and
         Other                                9           31      (22)  -71%
        Reversal of Prior Period
         Net Unrealized
         Depreciation on Option
         Agreements                           -           49      (49) -100%
                                             --           --      ---  ----
          Net Unrealized
           Appreciation of
           Investments                    1,370         (232)   1,602    NM
                                          -----         ----    -----    --

            Net Gains, Losses,
             Appreciation and
             Depreciation                  $794      $(1,057)  $1,851    NM
                                           ====      =======   ======    ==

      Other Financial Data
        NAV per Share                    $10.71        $8.29    $2.42    29%
        Debt at Cost                     $2,259       $4,142  $(1,883)  -45%
        Debt at Fair Value               $2,208       $3,929  $(1,721)  -44%
        Market Capitalization            $2,588         $685   $1,903   278%
        Total Enterprise Value(2)        $4,579       $3,992     $587    15%
        Asset Coverage Ratio                262%         156%
        Debt to Equity Ratio                0.6x         1.8x
        Credit Quality
        Weighted Average Effective
         Interest Rate on Private
         Finance Debt Investments
         at Period End                     10.2%         9.9%     0.3%  3.0%
        Loans on Non-Accrual at
         Cost                              $702         $811    $(109)  -13%
        Loans on Non-Accrual at
         Fair Value                        $239         $290     $(51)  -18%
        Non-Accrual Loans at Cost
         as a Percentage of Total
         Loans at Cost                     19.6%        18.1%
        Non-Accrual Loans at Fair
         Value as a Percentage of
         Total Loans at Fair Value          7.8%         7.8%
        Past Due Loans at Cost              $58          $88     $(30)  -34%
        Debt to Equity Conversions
         at Cost                            $86         $450    $(364)  -81%
        Return on Equity
        LTM Net Operating Income
         Return on Average Equity
         at Cost                            3.4%         2.1%
        LTM Net Realized Loss
         Return on Average Equity
         at Cost                           -6.2%       -10.7%
        LTM Net Earnings (Loss)
         Return on Average Equity
         at Fair Value                     33.5%       -37.3%
        Current Quarter Net
         Operating Income Return on
         Average Equity at Cost
         Annualized                         4.5%         1.2%
        Current Quarter Net
         Realized Earnings (Loss)
         Return on Average Equity
         at Cost Annualized                 0.3%       -18.4%
        Current Quarter Net
         Earnings Return on Average
         Equity at Fair Value
         Annualized                        44.0%        18.9%



         NM = Not meaningful
        (1) Includes total assets of American Capital Agency Corp., European
            Capital Limited, American Capital Equity I,
            American Capital Equity II and ACAS CLO-1 less American Capital's
            investment in the funds.
        (2) Enterprise value is calculated as debt at cost plus market
            capitalization less cash and cash equivalents on hand.




                                           Static Pool (1)
                                               ---------------
    Portfolio
     Statistics
    ($ in millions,
     unaudited)         Pre-2001      2001         2002         2003     2004
    ---------------     --------      ----         ----         ----     ----
      IRR at Fair
       Value of All
       Investments(2)       8.4%     18.1%         8.3%        20.3%    13.3%
      IRR of Exited
       Investments(5)       8.6%     20.3%         9.7%        23.3%    16.8%
      IRR at Fair
       Value of Equity
       Investments
       Only(2)(3)(4)        6.2%     46.9%        11.5%        27.4%    27.0%
      IRR of Exited
       Equity
       Investments
       Only(3)(4)(5)        8.5%     48.8%        18.3%        32.2%    43.0%
      Original
       Investments and
       Commitments       $1,065      $376         $962       $1,436    $2,266
      Total Exits and
       Prepayments of
       Original
       Investments and
       Commitments         $998      $353         $810       $1,098    $1,909
      Total Interest,
       Dividends and
       Fees Collected      $405      $148         $338         $415      $632
      Total Net
       Realized (Loss)
       Gain on
       Investments        $(128)      $(4)        $(90)        $143       $27
      Current Cost of
       Investments          $81       $23         $157         $327      $418
      Current Fair
       Value of
       Investments          $48        $3         $101         $412      $308
      Current Fair
       Value of
       Investments as
       a % of Total
       Investments at
       Fair Value           0.9%      0.1%         1.8%         7.5%      5.6%
      Net Unrealized
       Appreciation
       (Depreciation)       $(33)     $(20)        $(56)         $85    $(110)
      Non-Accruing
       Loans at Cost         $-       $14          $28           $-       $45
      Non-Accruing
       Loans at Fair
       Value                 $1        $2          $21           $-       $16
      Equity Interest
       at Fair
       Value(3)             $23        $-           $7         $193       $74
      Debt to
       EBITDA(6)(7)(8)
                            3.6      NM            8.6          4.3       5.9
      Interest
       Coverage(6)(8)       2.7      NM            1.6          2.8       2.3
      Debt Service
       Coverage(6)(8)       2.6      NM            1.5          2.7       1.7
      Average Age of
       Companies(8)      35 yrs     26 yrs       33 yrs       41 yrs   49 yrs
      Diluted
       Ownership
       Percentage(3)         53%       86%          45%          53%       51%
      Average
       Sales(8)(9)          $48        $6          $44         $196       $72
      Average
       EBITDA(8)(10)         $6       $(1)         $10          $37       $16
      Average EBITDA
       Margin              11.7%     -8.5%        22.1%        19.0%     22.8%
      Total
       Sales(8)(9)          $84      $305         $186       $1,317      $474
      Total
       EBITDA(8)(10)        $10        $6          $25         $193       $96
      % of Senior
       Loans(8)(11)          71%       33%          55%          59%       26%
      % of Loans with
       Lien(8)(11)          100%       68%         100%         100%       88%




    Portfolio
     Statistics
    ($ in millions,
     unaudited)             2005      2006         2007         2008
    ---------------         ----      ----         ----         ----
      IRR at Fair
       Value of All
       Investments(2)        8.5%      9.3%        -8.6%         5.9%
      IRR of Exited
       Investments(5)       21.9%     10.6%        -8.6%        12.9%
      IRR at Fair
       Value of Equity
       Investments
       Only(2)(3)(4)        -0.1%     14.3%       -13.5%        10.3%
      IRR of Exited
       Equity
       Investments
       Only(3)(4)(5)        47.2%     18.7%         8.3%        35.7%
      Original
       Investments and
       Commitments        $4,643    $5,198       $7,434       $1,036
      Total Exits and
       Prepayments of
       Original
       Investments and
       Commitments        $2,355    $3,743       $3,953         $238
      Total Interest,
       Dividends and
       Fees Collected     $1,040    $1,030       $1,010         $258
      Total Net
       Realized (Loss)
       Gain on
       Investments          $279     $(103)       $(764)        $(29)
      Current Cost of
       Investments        $2,056    $1,260       $2,670         $706
      Current Fair
       Value of
       Investments        $1,465    $1,082       $1,468         $588
      Current Fair
       Value of
       Investments as
       a % of Total
       Investments at
       Fair Value           26.8%     19.8%        26.8%        10.7%
      Net Unrealized
       Appreciation
       (Depreciation)      $(591)    $(178)     $(1,202)       $(118)
      Non-Accruing
       Loans at Cost         $41      $107         $445          $22
      Non-Accruing
       Loans at Fair
       Value                 $33       $26         $112          $28
      Equity Interest
       at Fair
       Value(3)             $985      $443         $326         $160
      Debt to
       EBITDA(6)(7)(8)
                             5.0       4.5          6.5          5.6
      Interest
       Coverage(6)(8)        3.5       2.9          1.9          1.7
      Debt Service
       Coverage(6)(8)        2.4       2.4          1.6          1.6
      Average Age of
       Companies(8)       30 yrs    37 yrs       34 yrs       26 yrs
      Diluted
       Ownership
       Percentage(3)          69%       43%          47%          41%
      Average
       Sales(8)(9)          $109      $147         $186         $106
      Average
       EBITDA(8)(10)         $21       $37          $39          $30
      Average EBITDA
       Margin               19.0%     25.0%        20.7%        28.5%
      Total
       Sales(8)(9)        $1,300    $4,433       $7,460       $1,324
      Total
       EBITDA(8)(10)        $237      $462       $1,398         $263
      % of Senior
       Loans(8)(11)           37%       34%          56%          17%
      % of Loans with
       Lien(8)(11)            91%       92%          91%          55%




    Portfolio
     Statistics                               Pre-2001 -
    ($ in millions,                             2010         2006 - 2010
     unaudited)             2009      2010    Aggregate       Aggregate
    ---------------         ----      ----   -----------      ---------
      IRR at Fair
       Value of All
       Investments(2)          -         -          6.6%         0.1%
      IRR of Exited
       Investments(5)          -         -         11.8%         2.5%
      IRR at Fair
       Value of Equity
       Investments
       Only(2)(3)(4)           -         -          5.9%         1.0%
      IRR of Exited
       Equity
       Investments
       Only(3)(4)(5)           -         -         26.4%        16.3%
      Original
       Investments and
       Commitments            $-        $-      $24,416      $13,668
      Total Exits and
       Prepayments of
       Original
       Investments and
       Commitments            $-        $-      $15,457       $7,934
      Total Interest,
       Dividends and
       Fees Collected         $-        $-       $5,276       $2,298
      Total Net
       Realized (Loss)
       Gain on
       Investments            $-        $-        $(669)       $(896)
      Current Cost of
       Investments            $-        $-       $7,698       $4,636
      Current Fair
       Value of
       Investments            $-        $-       $5,475       $3,138
      Current Fair
       Value of
       Investments as
       a % of Total
       Investments at
       Fair Value              -         -        100.0%        57.3%
      Net Unrealized
       Appreciation
       (Depreciation)         $-        $-      $(2,223)     $(1,498)
      Non-Accruing
       Loans at Cost          $-        $-         $702         $574
      Non-Accruing
       Loans at Fair
       Value                  $-        $-         $239         $166
      Equity Interest
       at Fair
       Value(3)               $-        $-       $2,211         $929
      Debt to
       EBITDA(6)(7)(8)
                               -         -          5.5          5.6
      Interest
       Coverage(6)(8)          -         -          2.5          2.2
      Debt Service
       Coverage(6)(8)          -         -          2.0          1.9
      Average Age of
       Companies(8)            -         -       35 yrs       35 yrs
      Diluted
       Ownership
       Percentage(3)           -         -           53%          53%
      Average
       Sales(8)(9)            $-        $-         $144         $157
      Average
       EBITDA(8)(10)          $-        $-          $32          $36
      Average EBITDA
       Margin                  -         -         20.9%        23.1%
      Total
       Sales(8)(9)            $-        $-      $16,883      $13,217
      Total
       EBITDA(8)(10)          $-        $-       $2,690       $2,123
      % of Senior
       Loans(8)(11)            -         -           42%          42%
      % of Loans with
       Lien(8)(11)             -         -           89%          85%


    (1) Static pool classification is based on the year the initial
        investment was made. Subsequent add-on investments are included in
        the static pool year of the original investment.
    (2) Assumes investments are exited at current fair value.
    (3) Excludes investments in Structured Products.
    (4) Excludes equity investments that are the result of conversions of
        debt and warrants received with the issuance of debt.
    (5) Includes exited securities of existing portfolio companies.
    (6) These amounts do not include investments in which we own only equity.
    (7) For portfolio companies with a nominal EBITDA amount, the portfolio
        company's maximum debt leverage is limited to 15 times EBITDA.
    (8) Excludes investments in Structured Products, managed funds and
        American Capital, LLC.
    (9) Sales of the most recent twelve months, or when appropriate, the
        forecasted twelve months.
    (10) EBITDA of the most recent twelve months, or when appropriate, the
         forecasted twelve months.
    (11) As a percentage of our total debt investments.




SHAREHOLDER CALL

American Capital invites shareholders, analysts and interested parties to attend the shareholder call on February 16, 2011 at 11:00 am ET. The shareholder call can be accessed through a live webcast, free of charge, at http://www.americancapital.com/ or by dialing (877) 569-8701 (U.S. domestic) or +1 (574) 941-7382 (international). All callers are asked to dial in 10-15 minutes prior to the call to register. Please provide the operator with the conference ID number 37368950. If you do not plan on asking a question on the call and have access to the internet, please take advantage of the webcast.

A slide presentation will accompany the shareholder call and will be available at http://www.americancapital.com/ in advance of the shareholder call. Select the Q4 2010 Earnings Presentation link to download and print the presentation in advance of the shareholder call.

An archived audio replay of the shareholder call combined with the slide presentation will be made available on our website after the call on February 16. In addition, there will be a phone recording available from 2:00 pm ETFebruary 16, 2011 until 11:59 pm ETMarch 2, 2011. If you are interested in hearing the recording of the presentation, please dial (800) 642-1687 (U.S. domestic) or +1 (706) 645-9291 (international). The access code for both domestic and international callers is 37368950.

ABOUT AMERICAN CAPITAL

American Capital is a publicly traded private equity firm and global asset manager. American Capital, both directly and through its asset management business, originates, underwrites and manages investments in middle market private equity, leveraged finance, real estate and structured products. Founded in 1986, American Capital has $23 billion in assets under management and eight offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. American Capital and its affiliates will consider investment opportunities from $10 million to $300 million. For further information, please refer to http://www.americancapital.com/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Persons considering an investment in American Capital should consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the Company carefully before investing. Such information and other information about the Company is available in the Company's annual reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and in the prospectuses the Company issues from time to time in connection with its offering of securities. Such materials are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and copies are available on the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. Prospective investors should read such materials carefully before investing. Performance data quoted above represents past performance of American Capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results and the investment return and principal value of an investment in American Capital will likely fluctuate. Consequently, an investor's shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Additionally, American Capital's current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted above.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions of management of the Company at the time of such statements and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with the timing of transaction closings, changes in interest rates, availability of transactions, changes in regional, national or international economic conditions or changes in the conditions of the industries in which American Capital has made investments. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements are included in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and the Company's subsequent periodic filings. Copies are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and are subject to change without notice. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements based on the occurrence of future events, the receipt of new information, or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Investors - (301) 951-5917

Media - (301) 968-9400

SOURCE: American Capital Ltd.

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