UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ----------------------------------- FORM 8-K Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): February 17, 2004 ALLIED CAPITAL CORPORATION (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Maryland 0-22832 52-1081052 (State or other (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) jurisdiction of incorporation) 1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington D.C. 20006 (Address of principal executive offices and zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (202) 331-1112 Item 5. Other Events. On February 17, 2004, Allied Capital Corporation issued a press release announcing that a definitive agreement has been signed to sell The Hillman Companies, Inc. to an affiliate of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, a Chicago-based private equity firm. The text of the press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K. On February 18, 2004, Allied Capital Corporation issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2003. The text of the press release is included as Exhibit 99.2 to this Form 8-K. Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (a) Not applicable. (b) Not applicable. (c) Exhibits. Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press release dated February 17, 2004 99.2 Press release dated February 18, 2004 Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition. On February 17, 2004, Allied Capital Corporation issued a press release announcing that a definitive agreement has been signed to sell The Hillman Companies, Inc. to an affiliate of Code Hennessy & Simmons LLC, a Chicago-based private equity firm. The text of the press release is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K. On February 18, 2004, Allied Capital Corporation issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2003. The text of the press release is included as Exhibit 99.2 to this Form 8-K. 2 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. Date: February 18, 2004 ALLIED CAPITAL CORPORATION By: /s/ Penni F. Roll ----------------------- Penni F. Roll Chief Financial Officer 3 EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Description 99.1 Press release dated February 17, 2004 99.2 Press release dated February 18, 2004 4