Filed Pursuant to Rule 497
Securities Act File No. 333-216138

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(to Prospectus dated April 3, 2017)

$42,500,000

Stellus Capital Investment Corporation

5.75% Notes due 2022

 

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to maximize the total return to our stockholders in the form of current income and capital appreciation through debt and related equity investments in middle-market companies.

We are offering $42.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% notes due 2022, which we refer to as the Notes. The Notes will mature on September 15, 2022. We will pay interest on the Notes on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning December 15, 2017. We may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at any time or from time to time on or after September 15, 2019, at the redemption price of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest, as discussed under the caption “Specific Terms of the Notes and the Offering — Optional redemption” in this prospectus supplement. The Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

The Notes will be our direct unsecured obligations and rank pari passu with, which means equal to, all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by us, including our 6.50% Notes due 2019 (the “6.50% Notes”). Because the Notes will not be secured by any of our assets, they will be effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries and financing vehicles, including under our credit facility, since the Notes are obligations exclusively of Stellus Capital Investment Corporation and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the Notes and the Notes will not be required to be guaranteed by any subsidiary we may acquire or create in the future. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness in order to receive full payment of their indebtedness before the assets may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the Notes, and any assets of our subsidiaries will not be directly available to satisfy the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Notes.

As of the offering date of the Notes, the Notes will rank pari passu with, which means equal to, $25.0 million principal amount of our 6.50% Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Notes will also rank pari passu with, which means equal to, our general liabilities. In total, these general liabilities were approximately $30.3 million as of June 30, 2017. We currently do not have outstanding debt that is subordinated to the Notes and do not currently intend to issue indebtedness that expressly provides that it is subordinated to the Notes. Therefore, the Notes will not be senior to any indebtedness or obligations.

We intend to list the Notes on the New York Stock Exchange and we expect trading to commence thereon within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading symbol “SCA.” The Notes are expected to trade “flat.” This means that purchasers will not pay, and sellers will not receive, any accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes that is not included in the trading price. Currently, there is no public market for the Notes and there can be no assurance that one will develop.

This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, contain important information you should know before investing in the Notes. Please read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before you invest and keep it for future reference. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information. This information is also available free of charge by contacting us at 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Suite 2200, Houston, Texas 77027, Attention: Investor Relations, or by calling us collect at (713) 292-5400 or on our website at www.stelluscapital.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus supplement, and the accompanying prospectus.

We are an “emerging growth company” under the federal securities laws and are subject to reduced public company reporting requirements.

Investing in the Notes involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any Notes, you should read the discussion of the material risks of investing in the Notes in “Supplementary Risk Factors” beginning on page S-17 in this prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” on page 17 of the accompanying prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state 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.

	Per Note		Total
Public offering price	$	25.00	$	42,500,000
Underwriting discount (sales load)	$	0.75	$	1,275,000
Proceeds to us before expenses(1)	$	24.25	$	41,225,000

(1) Before deducting expenses payable by us related to this offering, estimated at $250,000.

The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional $6,375,000 total aggregate principal amount of Notes offered hereby, to cover over-allotments, if any, within 30 days of the date of this prospectus supplement. If the underwriters exercise this option in full, the total public offering price will be $48,875,000, the total underwriting discount (sales load) paid by us will be $1,446,250, and total proceeds, before expenses, will be $47,408,750.

THE NOTES ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

Delivery of the Notes in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company will be made on or about August 21, 2017.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

                                        A Stifel Company

Janney Montgomery Scott	Ladenburg Thalmann

BB&T Capital Markets	Oppenheimer & Co.

The date of this prospectus supplement is August 16, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT		S-1
SUMMARY OF THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE NOTES AND THE OFFERING		S-2
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		S-7
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		S-8
SUPPLEMENTARY RISK FACTORS		S-17
USE OF PROCEEDS		S-21
CAPITALIZATION		S-22
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA		S-23
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES		S-24
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		S-25
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES		S-40
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS		S-51
UNDERWRITING		S-58
CUSTODIAN AND NOTES TRUSTEE		S-61
LEGAL MATTERS		S-61
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM		S-61
AVAILABLE INFORMATION		S-61
INDEX TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		SF-1

Prospectus

	Page
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY		1
THE OFFERING		9
FEES AND EXPENSES		13
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA		16
RISK FACTORS		17
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS		46
USE OF PROCEEDS		47
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS		48
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES		51
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS		52
SENIOR SECURITIES		68
THE COMPANY		69
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES		82
MANAGEMENT		91
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS		100

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	Page
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS		109
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS		111
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE		113
SALES OF COMMON STOCK BELOW NET ASSET VALUE		116
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN		121
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS		123
DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON STOCK		130
DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK		136
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS		137
DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES		139
DESCRIPTION OF OUR WARRANTS		152
REGULATION		154
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION		159
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR		160
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES		160
LEGAL MATTERS		160
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM		161
AVAILABLE INFORMATION		161
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS		F-1

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of the Notes we are offering and certain other matters relating to us. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information about the securities which we may offer from time to time, some of which may not apply to the Notes offered by this prospectus supplement. For information about the Notes, see “Summary of the Specific Terms of the Notes and the Offering” and “Description of the Notes” in this prospectus supplement and “Description of Our Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.

If information varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely only on such information in this prospectus supplement. The information contained in this prospectus supplement supersedes any inconsistent information included in the accompanying prospectus. In various places in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, we refer you to other sections of such documents for additional information by indicating the caption heading of such other sections. The page on which each principal caption included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus can be found is listed in the table of contents above. All such cross references in this prospectus supplement are to captions contained in this prospectus supplement and not in the accompanying prospectus, unless otherwise stated.

YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS. WE HAVE NOT, AND THE UNDERWRITERS HAVE NOT, AUTHORIZED ANY OTHER PERSON TO PROVIDE YOU WITH DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. IF ANYONE PROVIDES YOU WITH DIFFERENT OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON IT. WE ARE NOT, AND THE UNDERWRITERS ARE NOT, MAKING AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. YOU SHOULD ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION APPEARING IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE ONLY AS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DATES, REGARDLESS OF THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS OR ANY SALES OF THE SECURITIES. OUR BUSINESS, FINANCIAL CONDITION, RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND PROSPECTS MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE THOSE DATES.

S-1

SUMMARY OF THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THE NOTES AND THE OFFERING

This summary sets forth certain terms of the Notes that we are offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus that is attached to the back of this prospectus supplement. This section and the “Description of the Notes” section in this prospectus supplement outline the specific legal and financial terms of the Notes. You should read this section and the “Description of the Notes” section in this prospectus supplement together with the more general description of the Notes in the accompanying prospectus under the heading “Description of Our Debt Securities” before investing in the Notes. Capitalized terms used in this prospectus supplement and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the accompanying prospectus or in the indenture governing the Notes.

Issuer

Stellus Capital Investment Corporation

Title of the securities

5.75% Notes due 2022

Initial aggregate principal amount being offered

$42,500,000

Over-allotment option

The underwriters may also purchase from us up to an additional $6,375,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes to cover over-allotments, if any, within 30 days of the date of this prospectus supplement.

Initial public offering price

100% of the aggregate principal amount

Principal payable at maturity

100% of the aggregate principal amount; the principal amount of each Note will be payable on its stated maturity date at the office of the Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Transfer Agent for the Notes or at such other office in New York City as we may designate.

Type of Note

Fixed rate note

Listing

We intend to list the Notes on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading symbol “SCA.”

Interest Rate

5.75% per year

Day count basis

360-day year of twelve 30-day months

Original issue date

August 21, 2017

Stated maturity date

September 15, 2022

Date interest starts accruing

August 21, 2017

Interest payment dates

Every March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 commencing December 15, 2017. If an interest payment date falls on a non-business day, the applicable interest payment will be made on the next business day and no additional interest will accrue as a result of such delayed payment.

Interest periods

The initial interest period will be the period from and including August 21, 2017, to, but excluding, the initial interest payment date, and the subsequent interest periods will be the periods from and including an interest payment date to, but excluding, the next interest payment date or the stated maturity date, as the case may be.

Regular record dates for interest

Every March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 commencing December 1, 2017

S-2

Specified currency

U.S. Dollars

Place of payment

New York City

Ranking of Notes

The Notes will be our direct unsecured obligations and will rank:

•

pari passu, or equal, with our future unsecured indebtedness, including our 6.50% Notes, of which $25.0 million in aggregate principal amount was outstanding as of August 14, 2017;

•

senior to any of our future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the Notes;

•

effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, including without limitation, borrowings under our $195.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, or the Credit Facility, of which $71.5 million was outstanding as of August 14, 2017; and

•

structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries.

Denominations

We will issue the Notes in denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

Business Day

Each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or required by law or executive order to close.

Optional redemption

The Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after September 15, 2019 upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days written notice by mail prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof, at a redemption price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable thereon for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to the date fixed for redemption. Before redeeming any Notes, we would have to comply with certain requirements under our Credit Facility, to the extent such requirements remain in effect at such time, or otherwise obtain consent from the lenders.

You may be prevented from exchanging or transferring the Notes when they are subject to redemption. In case any Notes are to be redeemed in part only, the redemption notice will provide that, upon surrender of such Note, you will receive, without a charge, a new Note or Notes of authorized denominations representing the principal amount of your remaining unredeemed Notes.

Any exercise of our option to redeem the Notes will be done in compliance with the 1940 Act.

S-3

If we redeem only some of the Notes, the trustee will determine the method for selection of the particular Notes to be redeemed, in accordance with the indenture and in accordance with the rules of any national securities exchange or quotation system on which the Notes are listed. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes called for redemption.

Sinking fund

The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund.

Repayment at option of holders

Holders will not have the option to have the Notes repaid prior to the stated maturity date.

Defeasance

The Notes are subject to defeasance by us. “Defeasance” means that, by depositing with a trustee an amount of cash and/or government securities sufficient to pay all principal and interest, if any, on the Notes when due and satisfying any additional conditions required under the indenture relating to the Notes, we will be deemed to have been discharged from our obligations under the Notes.

Covenant Defeasance

The Notes are subject to covenant defeasance by us. In the event of a “covenant defeasance,” upon depositing such funds and satisfying conditions similar to those for defeasance we would be released from certain covenants under the indenture relating to the Notes. The consequences to the holders of the Notes would be that, while they would no longer benefit from certain covenants under the indenture, and while the Notes could not be accelerated for any reason, the holders of the Notes nonetheless would be guaranteed to receive the principal and interest owed to them.

Form of Notes

The Notes will be represented by global securities that will be deposited and registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, or its nominee. This means that, except in limited circumstances, you will not receive certificates for the Notes. Beneficial interests in the Notes will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants in DTC. Investors may elect to hold interests in the Notes through either DTC, if they are a participant, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in DTC.

Trustee, Paying Agent, Registrar and Transfer Agent

U.S. Bank National Association

Other covenants

In addition to any covenants described elsewhere in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, the following covenants shall apply to the Notes:

•

We agree that for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, we will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, whether or not we continue to be subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act, but giving effect, in either case, to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC. Currently,

S-4

these provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowings. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to our Business and Structure — Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage” in the accompanying prospectus.

•

We agree that for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, we will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by (i) Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions and (ii) the exception set forth below, despite the fact that we are not currently subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act and will not be subject to such provisions as a result of this offering, except that we will be permitted to declare a cash dividend or distribution notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act, but only up to such amount as is necessary in order for us to maintain our status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and, provided that, any such prohibition will not apply until such time as our asset coverage has been below the minimum asset coverage required pursuant to clause (i) above for more than six consecutive months. If Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act were currently applicable to us in connection with this offering, these provisions would generally prohibit us from declaring any cash dividend or distribution upon any class of our capital stock, or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, were below 200% at the time of the declaration of the dividend or distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase.

•

If, at any time, we are not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, to file any periodic reports with the SEC, we agree to furnish to holders of the Notes and the Trustee, for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, our audited annual consolidated financial statements, within 90 days of our fiscal year end, and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, within 45 days of our fiscal quarter end (other than our fourth fiscal quarter). All such financial statements will be prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable United States generally accepted accounting principles.

S-5

Events of default

You will have rights if an Event of Default occurs with respect to the Notes. The term “Event of Default” in respect of the Notes means any of the following:

•

We do not pay the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note within five days of its due date.

•

We do not pay interest on any Note when due, and such default is not cured within 30 days.

•

We remain in breach of any other covenant with respect to the Notes for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach. The notice must be sent by either the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of the Notes.

•

We file for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur and in the case of certain orders or decrees entered against us under any bankruptcy law, such order or decree remains undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days.

•

On the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months, the Notes have an asset coverage of less than 100%, after giving effect to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC.

Further issuances

We have the ability to issue additional debt securities under the indenture with terms different from the Notes and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen the Notes and issue additional Notes.

Use of proceeds

We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from the sale of the $42,500,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering will be approximately $40,975,000 (or approximately $47,158,750 if the underwriters fully exercise their over-allotment option), in each case assuming a public offering price of 100% of par, after deducting the underwriting discount of $1,275,000 (or approximately $1,466,250 if the underwriters fully exercise their over-allotment option) payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $250,000 payable by us.

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to redeem all of the outstanding 6.50% Notes. As of August 14, 2017, we had outstanding 6.50% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million plus accrued and unpaid interest. If there are any remaining net proceeds after redeeming the 6.50% Notes, we will use such remaining net proceeds to repay borrowings under our Credit Facility. As of August 14, 2017, we had $71.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility has a maturity date of October 1, 2018. Borrowings under the Credit Facility currently bear interest on a per annum basis equal to LIBOR plus 2.625% with no LIBOR floor. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus supplement for more information.

S-6

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Some of the statements in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus constitute forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may include, but are not limited to, statements as to:

• our future operating results;

• our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies;

• the effect of investments that we expect to make;

• our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

• actual and potential conflicts of interest with Stellus Capital Management;

• the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its effect on the industries in which we invest;

• the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

• the use of borrowed money to finance a portion of our investments;

• the adequacy of our financing sources and working capital;

• the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies;

• the ability of Stellus Capital Management to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments;

• the ability of Stellus Capital Management to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

• our ability to qualify and maintain our qualification as a RIC and as a business development company; and

• the effect of future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities) and conditions in our operating areas, particularly with respect to business development companies or RICs.

Such forward-looking statements may include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “may,” “might,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan” or similar words.

We have based the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus on information available to us on the date of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements, and future results could differ materially from historical performance. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by law or SEC rule or regulation. You are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you, including in the form of a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment to the registration statement to which this prospectus relates, or through reports that we in the future may file with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

You should understand that, under Sections 27A(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Act and Section 21E(b)(2)B of the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to statements made in connection with any offering of securities pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, if any.

S-7

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights some of the information in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It is not complete and may not contain all of the information that you may want to consider. You should read the more detailed information set forth under “Risk Factors” and the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully. Except as otherwise indicated, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and the “Company” refer to Stellus Capital Investment Corporation; and “Stellus Capital Management” refers to our investment adviser and administrator, Stellus Capital Management, LLC.

Stellus Capital Investment Corporation

We are an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We originate and invest primarily in private middle-market companies (typically those with $5.0 million to $50.0 million of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)) through first lien, second lien, unitranche and mezzanine debt financing, with corresponding equity co-investments. Unitranche debt is typically structured as first lien loans with certain risk characteristics of second lien debt. Mezzanine debt includes senior unsecured and subordinated loans.

Our investment activities are managed by our investment adviser, Stellus Capital Management, an investment advisory firm led by Robert T. Ladd and its other senior investment professionals. We source investments primarily through the extensive network of relationships that the senior investment professionals of Stellus Capital Management have developed with financial sponsor firms, financial institutions, middle-market companies, management teams and other professional intermediaries. The companies in which we invest are typically highly leveraged, and, in most cases, our investments in such companies will not be rated by national rating agencies. If such investments were rated, we believe that they would likely receive a rating which is often referred to as “junk.”

Our investment objective is to maximize the total return to our stockholders in the form of current income and capital appreciation. We seek to achieve our investment objective by:

• accessing the extensive origination channels that have been developed and established by the Stellus Capital Management investment team that include long-standing relationships with private equity firms, commercial banks, investment banks and other financial services firms;

• investing in what we believe to be companies with strong business fundamentals, generally within our core middle-market company focus;

• focusing on a variety of industry sectors, including business services, energy, general industrial, government services, healthcare, software and specialty finance;

• focusing primarily on directly originated transactions;

• applying the disciplined underwriting standards that the Stellus Capital Management investment team has developed over their extensive investing careers; and

• capitalizing upon the experience and resources of the Stellus Capital Management investment team to monitor our investments.

In addition, we received exemptive relief from the SEC to co-invest with investment funds managed by Stellus Capital Management where doing so is consistent with our investment strategy as well as applicable law (including the terms and conditions of the exemptive order issued by the SEC). Under the terms of the relief permitting us to co-invest with other funds managed by Stellus Capital Management, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors must make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our investment objectives and strategies. We intend to co-invest, subject to the conditions included in the exemptive order we received from the SEC, with private credit funds managed by Stellus Capital Management that have an investment strategy

S-8

that is identical to our investment strategy. We believe that such co-investments may afford us additional investment opportunities and an ability to achieve greater diversification.

As a BDC, we are required to comply with regulatory requirements, including limitations on our use of debt. We are permitted to, and expect to continue to, finance our investments through borrowings. However, as a BDC, we are only generally allowed to borrow amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowing. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing, such as the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of the proposed borrowings, our ability to raise funds through the issuance of our securities and the risks of such borrowings within the context of our investment outlook. Ultimately, we only intend to use leverage if the expected returns from borrowing to make investments will exceed the cost of such borrowings.

We have elected and qualified to be treated for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, or the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level federal income taxes on any net ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute (or that we are deemed to distribute) to our stockholders if we meet certain source-of-income, distribution and asset diversification requirements.

SBIC License

Our wholly owned subsidiary holds a license from the Small Business Administration, or SBA, to operate as a small business investment company, or SBIC. Our wholly-owned SBIC subsidiary’s SBIC license allows it to obtain leverage by issuing SBA-guaranteed debentures (the “SBA Debentures”) up to a maximum of $150 million under current SBIC regulations, subject to required capitalization of the SBIC subsidiary and other requirements. As of June 30, 2017, the SBIC subsidiary had $38.0 million of regulatory capital as such term is defined by the SBA, and has received commitments from the SBA of $65.0 million. As of June 30, 2017, the SBIC subsidiary had $65 million of SBA Debentures outstanding. The principal amount of SBA Debentures is not required to be paid prior to maturity but may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The interest rate of SBA Debentures is fixed at the time of issuance at a market-driven spread over U.S. Treasury Notes with ten-year maturities. We believe that the SBA Debentures are an attractive source of debt capital.

We have received exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the debt of our SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the definition of senior securities in the 200% asset coverage ratio we are required to maintain under the 1940 Act. The exemptive relief provides us with increased flexibility under the 200% asset coverage test by permitting us to borrow up to $117.0 million (based on current regulatory capital, as such term is defined by the SBA, of $58.5 million) more than we would otherwise be able to absent the receipt of this exemptive relief.

Portfolio Composition

Our investments generally range in size from $5 million to $30 million, and we may also selectively invest in larger positions, and we generally expect that the size of our positions will increase in proportion to the size of our capital base. Pending such investments, we may reduce our outstanding indebtedness or invest in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality debt investments with a maturity of one year or less. In the future, we may adjust opportunistically the percentage of our assets held in various types of loans, our principal loan sources and the industries to which we have greatest exposure, based on market conditions, the credit cycle, available financing and our desired risk/return profile.

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The following table provides a summary of our portfolio investments as of June 30, 2017:

	As of June 30, 2017 ($ in millions)
Number of portfolio companies		46
Fair value(a)		$337.4
Cost		$330.3
% of portfolio at fair value – first lien debt		23.6%
% of portfolio at fair value – second lien debt		46.1%
% of portfolio at fair value – mezzanine debt		22.9%
% of portfolio at fair value – equity		7.4%
Weighted-average annual yield(b)		11.3%

(a) As of June 30, 2017, $215.5 million of our debt investments at fair value were at floating interest rates, which represented approximately 69% of our total portfolio of debt investments at fair value. As of June 30, 2017, $97.0 million of our debt investments at fair value were at fixed interest rates, which represented approximately 31% of our total portfolio of debt investments at fair value.

(b) The weighted average yield on all of our debt investments as of June 30, 2017, was approximately 11.3%, of which approximately 10.8% was current cash interest. The weighted average yield of our debt investments is not the same as a return on investment for our stockholders but, rather, relates to a portion of our investment portfolio and is calculated before the payment of all of our and our subsidiaries’ fees and expenses. The weighted average yield was computed using the effective interest rates for all of our debt investments, which represents the interest rate on our debt investment restated as an interest rate payable annually in arrears and is computed including cash and payment in kind, or PIK interest, as well as accretion of original issue discount. There can be no assurance that the weighted average yield will remain at their current level.

Leverage

Credit Facility.  On November 7, 2012, we entered into a revolving credit facility, or the Credit Facility, with various lenders. SunTrust Bank, one of the lenders, serves as administrative agent under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility, as amended on November 21, 2014 and August 31, 2016, provides for borrowings in an aggregate amount of $120.0 million on a committed basis with an accordion feature that allows us to increase the aggregate commitments up to $195.0 million, subject to new or existing lenders agreeing to participate in the increase and other customary conditions. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, subject to our election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) LIBOR plus 2.625% with no LIBOR floor or (ii) 1.625% plus an alternate base rate based on the highest of the Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or one month LIBOR plus 1.0%. We pay unused commitment fees of 0.50% per annum on the unused lender commitments under the Credit Facility. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. Any amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on October 1, 2018. As of June 30, 2017, we had approximately $38.4 million outstanding under the Credit Facility.

6.50% Notes.  On May 5, 2014, we closed a public offering of $25.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Notes, or the Notes. The Notes mature on April 30, 2019, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after April 30, 2016. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per year payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, of each year. As of June 30, 2017, we had $25.0 million of the Notes outstanding. We intend to redeem all outstanding 6.50% Notes with the net proceeds of this offering. See “Use of Proceeds.”

SBA Debentures.  Due to the SBIC subsidiary’s status as a licensed SBIC, we have the ability to issue SBA Debentures at favorable interest rates. As of June 30, 2017, the SBIC subsidiary had $65.0 million of SBA Debentures outstanding.

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Stellus Capital Management

Stellus Capital Management manages our investment activities and is responsible for analyzing investment opportunities, conducting research and performing due diligence on potential investments, negotiating and structuring our investments, originating prospective investments and monitoring our investments and portfolio companies on an ongoing basis.

The senior investment professionals of Stellus Capital Management have an average of over 27 years of investing, corporate finance, restructuring, consulting and accounting experience and have worked together at several companies. The Stellus Capital Management investment team has a wide range of experience in middle-market investing, including originating, structuring and managing loans and debt securities through market cycles. The Stellus Capital Management investment team continues to provide investment sub-advisory services to D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P. and its associated investment funds, or the D. E. Shaw group, with respect to an approximately $150.0 million investment portfolio as of June 30, 2017 in middle-market companies pursuant to sub-advisory arrangements.

In addition to serving as our investment adviser and the sub-advisor to the D. E. Shaw group as noted above, Stellus Capital Management currently manages a private credit fund that has an investment strategy that is identical to our investment strategy and energy private equity funds. We received exemptive relief from the SEC to co-invest with investment funds managed by Stellus Capital Management (other than the D. E. Shaw group funds) where doing so is consistent with our investment strategy as well as applicable law (including the terms and conditions of the exemptive order issued by the SEC). We believe that such co-investments may afford us additional investment opportunities and an ability to achieve greater diversification. We will not co-invest with the energy private equity funds, as the energy private equity funds focus on predominantly equity-related investments, and we focus on predominantly credit-related investments.

Stellus Capital Management is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and also maintains offices in the Washington, D.C. area and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Market Opportunity

We originate and invest primarily in private middle-market companies through first lien, second lien, unitranche and mezzanine debt financing, often times with a corresponding equity investment. We believe the environment for investing in middle-market companies is attractive for several reasons, including:

Robust Demand for Debt Capital.  We believe that private equity firms have significant committed but uncalled capital, a large portion of which is still available for investment in the United States. We expect the large amount of uninvested capital commitments will drive buyout activity over the next several years, which should, in turn, create lending opportunities for us. In addition to increased buyout activity, a high volume of senior secured and high yield debt was originated in the calendar years 2004 through 2007 and will come due in the near term and, accordingly, we believe that new financing opportunities will increase as many companies seek to refinance this indebtedness.

Reduced Availability of Capital for Middle-Market Companies.  We believe there are fewer providers of, and less capital available for financing to middle-market companies, as compared to the time period prior to the recent economic downturn. We believe that, as a result of that downturn, many financing providers have chosen to focus on large, liquid corporate loans and managing capital markets transactions rather than lending to middle-market businesses. In addition, we believe recent regulatory changes, including the adoption of the Dodd-Frank Act and the introduction of the international capital and liquidity requirements under the Basel III Accords have caused banks to curtail their lending to middle-market-companies. As a result, we believe that less competition will facilitate higher quality deal flow and allow for greater selectivity throughout the investment process.

Attractive Deal Pricing and Structures.  We believe that the pricing of middle-market debt investments is higher, and the terms of such investments are more conservative, compared to larger liquid, public debt financings, due to the more limited universe of lenders as well as the highly negotiated nature of these financings. These transactions tend to offer stronger covenant packages, higher interest rates, lower leverage

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levels and better call protection compared to larger financings. In addition, middle-market loans typically offer other investor protections such as default penalties, lien protection, change of control provisions and information rights for lenders.

Specialized Lending Requirements.  Lending to middle-market companies requires in-depth diligence, credit expertise, restructuring experience and active portfolio management. We believe that several factors render many U.S. financial institutions ill-suited to lend to middle-market companies. For example, based on the experience of Stellus Capital Management’s investment team, lending to middle-market companies in the United States (a) is generally more labor intensive than lending to larger companies due to the smaller size of each investment and the fragmented nature of the information available with respect to such companies, (b) requires specialized due diligence and underwriting capabilities, and (c) may also require more extensive ongoing monitoring by the lender. We believe that, through Stellus Capital Management, we have the experience and expertise to meet these specialized lending requirements.

Competitive Strengths

We believe that the following competitive strengths will allow us to achieve positive returns for our investors:

Experienced Investment Team.  Through our investment adviser, Stellus Capital Management, we have access to the experience and expertise of the Stellus Capital Management investment team, including its senior investment professionals who have an average of over 27 years of investing, corporate finance, restructuring, consulting and accounting experience and have worked together at several companies. The Stellus Capital Management investment team has a wide range of experience in middle-market investing, including originating, structuring and managing loans and debt securities through market cycles. We believe the members of Stellus Capital Management’s investment team are proven and experienced, with extensive capabilities in leveraged credit investing, having participated in these markets for the predominant portion of their careers. We believe that the experience and demonstrated ability of the Stellus Capital Management investment team to complete transactions enhances the quantity and quality of investment opportunities available to us.

Established, Rigorous Investment and Monitoring Process.  The Stellus Capital Management investment team has developed an extensive review and credit analysis process. Each investment that is reviewed by Stellus Capital Management is brought through a structured, multi-stage approval process. In addition, Stellus Capital Management takes an active approach in monitoring all investments, including reviews of financial performance on at least a quarterly basis and regular discussions with management. Stellus Capital Management’s investment and monitoring process and the depth and experience of its investment team should allow it to conduct the type of due diligence and monitoring that enables it to identify and evaluate risks and opportunities.

Demonstrated Ability to Structure Investments Creatively.  Stellus Capital Management has the expertise and ability to structure investments across all levels of a company’s capital structure. Furthermore, we believe that current market conditions will allow us to structure attractively priced debt investments and may allow us to incorporate other return-enhancing mechanisms such as commitment fees, original issue discounts, early redemption premiums, PIK, interest or some form of equity securities.

Resources of Stellus Capital Management Platform.  We have access to the resources and capabilities of Stellus Capital Management, which has 18 investment professionals, including Robert T. Ladd, Dean D’Angelo, Joshua T. Davis and Todd A. Overbergen, who are supported by six managing directors, two principals, two vice presidents and three analysts. These individuals have developed long-term relationships with middle-market companies, management teams, financial sponsors, lending institutions and deal intermediaries by providing flexible financing throughout the capital structure. We believe that these relationships provide us with a competitive advantage in identifying investment opportunities in our target market. We also expect to benefit from Stellus Capital Management’s due diligence, credit analysis, origination and transaction execution experience and capabilities, including the support provided with respect to those functions by Mr. Huskinson, who serves as our chief financial officer and chief compliance officer, and his staff of eight finance and operations professionals.

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Risk Factors

An investment in our securities is subject to risks. The following is a summary of the principal risks that you should carefully consider before investing in our securities. In addition, see “Supplementary Risk Factors” beginning on page S-17 of this prospectus supplement and “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of the accompanying prospectus to read about factors you should consider before deciding to invest in our securities.

• We are dependent upon key personnel of Stellus Capital Management for our future success. If Stellus Capital Management were to lose any of its key personnel, our ability to achieve our investment objective could be significantly harmed.

• Our business model depends to a significant extent upon strong referral relationships. Any inability of Stellus Capital Management to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

• Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows will depend on our ability to manage our business effectively.

• There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could negatively affect our investment returns.

• The incentive fee structure we have with Stellus Capital Management may create incentives that are not fully aligned with the interests of our stockholders.

• We will be subject to corporate-level income tax and may default under the Credit Facility if we are unable to maintain our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

• Regulations governing our operation as a BDC affect our ability to and the way in which we raise additional capital and, as a BDC, the necessity of raising additional capital may expose us to risks, including the typical risks associated with leverage.

• Because we finance our investments with borrowed money, the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested in us is magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us.

• Because we use debt to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income.

• Adverse developments in the credit markets may impair our ability to borrow money.

• Most of our portfolio investments are recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of directors and, as a result, there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.

• Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates will be restricted, which may limit the scope of investments available to us.

• The involvement of our interested directors in the valuation process may create conflicts of interest.

• There are conflicts related to other arrangements with Stellus Capital Management.

• If we fail to maintain our status as a BDC, our business and operating flexibility could be significantly reduced.

• Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage.

• The effect of global climate change may impact the operations of our portfolio companies.

• Existing stockholders may incur dilution if, in the future, we sell shares of our common stock in one or more offerings at prices below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock.

• The Notes will be unsecured and therefore will be effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we have currently incurred or may incur in the future and rank pari passu, which means equal to, all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by us or our general liabilities.

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• The Notes will be structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of any future subsidiaries.

• The indenture under which the Notes will be issued contains limited protection for holders of the Notes.

• An active trading market for the Notes may not develop, which could limit the market price of the Notes or your ability to sell them. Moreover, the Notes are not expected to be rated, which may subject them to greater volatility than rated notes and particularly, greater than similar securities with an investment grade rating.

• We may choose to redeem the Notes when prevailing interest rates are relatively low.

• Our amount of debt outstanding will increase as a result of this offering, and if we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the Notes.

• Until we redeem the 6.50% Notes on or after the date of the closing of this offering, we may invest the proceeds from this offering in temporary investments, which are expected to provide a lower net return than we hope to achieve from our target investments.

• Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage.

Conflicts of Interests

We may have conflicts of interest arising out of the investment advisory activities of Stellus Capital Management, including those described below.

Our investment strategy includes investments in secured debt (including first lien, second lien and unitranche) and mezzanine debt (including senior unsecured and subordinated debt), as well as related equity securities of private middle-market companies. Stellus Capital Management also manages, and in the future may manage, other investment funds, accounts or investment vehicles that invest or may invest in assets eligible for purchase by us. For example, Stellus Capital Management currently manages private credit funds that have an investment strategy that is identical to our investment strategy. Stellus Capital Management also provides non-discretionary advisory services to the D. E. Shaw group, pursuant to sub-advisory arrangements, with respect to a private investment fund and a strategy of a private multi-strategy investment fund (collectively with the D. E. Shaw group fund, the “D. E. Shaw group funds”) to which the D. E. Shaw group serves as investment adviser that have an investment strategy similar to our investment strategy. Our investment policies, fee arrangements and other circumstances may vary from those of other investment funds, accounts or investment vehicles managed by Stellus Capital Management.

We have received exemptive relief from the SEC to co-invest with investment funds managed by Stellus Capital Management (other than the D. E. Shaw group funds, where doing so is consistent with our investment strategy as well as applicable law (including the terms and conditions of the exemptive order issued by the SEC). Under the terms of the relief permitting us to co-invest with other funds managed by Stellus Capital Management, a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors must make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our investment objectives and strategies. We intend to co-invest, subject to the conditions included in the exemptive order we received from the SEC, with the private credit funds managed by Stellus Capital Management that have an investment strategy that is identical to our investment strategy. We believe that such co-investments may afford us additional investment opportunities and an ability to achieve greater diversification.

In the course of our investing activities, we pay management and incentive fees to Stellus Capital Management. We have entered into an investment advisory agreement with Stellus Capital Management that provides that these fees are based on the value of our gross assets. Because these fees are based on the value of our gross assets, Stellus Capital Management will benefit when we incur debt or use leverage. This fee structure may encourage Stellus Capital Management to cause us to borrow money to finance additional

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investments. Our board of directors is charged with protecting our interests by monitoring how Stellus Capital Management addresses these and other conflicts of interests associated with its management services and compensation. While our board of directors is not expected to review or approve each investment decision, borrowing or incurrence of leverage, our independent directors will periodically review Stellus Capital Management’s services and fees as well as its portfolio management decisions and portfolio performance. See “Risk Factors — The incentive fee structure we have with Stellus Capital Management may create incentives that are not fully aligned with the interests of our stockholders” in the accompanying prospectus.

Stellus Capital Management may from time to time incur expenses in connection with investments to be made on our behalf and on behalf of other investment funds, accounts and investment vehicles managed by Stellus Capital Management. Stellus Capital Management will allocate such expenses on a pro rata basis according to the participation in a transaction, subject to oversight by our board of directors.

Corporate Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Suite 2200, Houston, Texas 77027, and our telephone number is (713) 292-5400. We maintain a website located at www.stelluscapital.com (under the Public Investors section). Information on our website is not incorporated into or a part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. As an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of specified reduced disclosure and other requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (a) the last day of the fiscal year (i) following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our initial public offering on November 13, 2012, (ii) in which we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (iii) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30^th, and (b) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.

Recent Developments

Investment Portfolio

On July 3, 2017, we invested an additional $0.06 million in the equity of Apex Environmental Resources Holdings LLC.

On July 7, 2017, we received full repayment on the second lien term loan of Atkins Nutritionals Holdings II, Inc. for proceeds of $8.0 million.

On July 14, 2017, we received full repayment on the unsecured term loan of OG Systems LLC for proceeds of $4.0 million.

On July 26, 2017, we invested $22.5 million in the first lien term loan of Resolute Industrial, LLC, a provider of water and air-cooled services and manufacturer. We also committed to fund a $2.5 million revolver and a $5.75 million delayed draw term loan. Additionally, we invested $0.75 million in the equity of the company.

Credit Facility

The outstanding balance under the Credit Facility as of August 14, 2017 was $71.5 million.

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Dividend Declared

On July 7, 2017, our board of directors declared a regular monthly dividend for each of July 2017, August 2017 and September 2017 as follows:

Declared	Ex-Dividend Date		Record Date		Payment Date		Amount per Share
7/7/2017		7/27/2017		7/31/2017		8/15/2017	$	0.1133
7/7/2017		8/29/2017		8/31/2017		9/15/2017	$	0.1133
7/7/2017		9/28/2017		9/29/2017		10/13/2017	$	0.1133

On July 10, 2017, The New York Stock Exchange announced a change beginning with record date of September 7, 2017, going forward. Ex-dividend dates were changed from two to one business day prior to the record date. Based on this change, the correct ex-dividend date for the September 29, 2017 record date is September 28, 2017, instead of September 27, 2017 as reported in our July 10, 2017 press release.

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SUPPLEMENTARY RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. Before you invest in our securities, you should be aware of various risks, including those described below and those set forth in the accompanying prospectus. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before you decide whether to make an investment in our securities. The risks set out below are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or not presently deemed material by us may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected, and consequently, our ability to repay principal and pay interest on the Notes could be materially affected. In such case, our net asset value and the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The risk factors described below, together with those set forth in the accompanying prospectus, are the principal risk factors associated with an investment in us as well as those factors generally associated with an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure, or trading markets similar to ours.

The Notes will be unsecured and therefore will be effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we have incurred or may incur in the future and rank pari passu with, which means equal to, all outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness issued by us and our general liabilities.

The Notes will not be secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of any of current subsidiaries or subsidiaries we may form in the future and will rank equally in right of payment of our future unsubordinated, unsecured senior indebtedness. As a result, the Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness we or our current subsidiaries or subsidiaries we may form in the future have currently incurred as of the date of this prospectus supplement and may incur in the future (or any indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our current subsidiaries or of any future subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness in order to receive full payment of their indebtedness before the assets may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the Notes. As of August 14, 2017 we had $71.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. The indebtedness under the Credit Facility is effectively senior to the Notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness.

As of the offering date of the Notes, the Notes will rank pari passu with, which means equal to, approximately $54.6 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6.50% Notes, plus accrued interest. The Notes will also rank pari passu with our general liabilities. In total, these general liabilities were approximately $30.3 million as of June 30, 2017. We currently do not have outstanding debt that is subordinated to the Notes and do not currently intend to issue indebtedness that expressly provides that it is subordinated to the Notes. Therefore, the Notes will not be senior to any indebtedness or obligations.

The Notes will be structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our current subsidiaries or any future subsidiaries.

The Notes are obligations exclusively of Stellus Capital Investment Corporation and not of our current subsidiaries or any that we may have in the future. None of our current or future subsidiaries will be a guarantor of the Notes and the Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Except to the extent we are a creditor with recognized claims against our subsidiaries, all claims of creditors, including claims under our SBA Debentures, claims of trade creditors and holders of preferred stock, of our current subsidiaries or future subsidiaries will have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of one or more of our current subsidiaries or future subsidiaries, our claims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims. Consequently, the Notes will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness, including any future SBA Debentures, claims or trade creditors and holders of preferred stock, and other liabilities of any of our current subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish. In addition, our current

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subsidiaries or future subsidiaries may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, all of which would be structurally senior to the Notes.

The indenture under which the Notes will be issued contains limited protection for holders of the Notes.

The indenture under which the Notes will be issued offers limited protection to holders of the Notes. The terms of the indenture and the Notes do not restrict our or any of our subsidiaries’ ability to engage in, or otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions, circumstances or events that could have an adverse impact on your investment in the Notes. In particular, the terms of the indenture and the Notes will not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries’ ability to:

• issue securities or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, including (1) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be equal in right of payment to the Notes, (2) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be secured and therefore rank effectively senior in right of payment to the Notes to the extent of the values of the assets securing such debt, (3) indebtedness of ours that is guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries and which therefore is structurally senior to the Notes and (4) securities, indebtedness or obligations issued or incurred by our subsidiaries or that would be senior to our equity interests in those entities and therefore rank structurally senior to the Notes with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries, in each case other than an incurrence of indebtedness or other obligation that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, whether or not we continue to be subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act, but giving effect, in each case, to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC. Currently, these provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowings;

• pay dividends on, or purchase or redeem or make any payments in respect of, capital stock or other securities ranking junior in right of payment to the Notes, including subordinated indebtedness, in each case other than dividends, purchases, redemptions or payments that would cause a violation of Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by (i) Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions and (ii) the exception set forth below, despite the fact that we are not currently subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act in connection with the offer and sale of the Notes, except that we will be permitted to declare a cash dividend or distribution notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act, but only up to such amount as is necessary in order for us to maintain our status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and, provided that, any such prohibition will not apply until such time as our asset coverage has been below the minimum asset coverage required pursuant to clause (i) above for more than six consecutive months. If Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act were currently applicable to us in connection with this offering, these provisions would generally prohibit us from declaring any cash dividend or distribution upon any class of our capital stock, or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, were below 200% at the time of the declaration of the dividend or distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase;

• sell assets (other than certain limited restrictions on our ability to consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets);

• enter into transactions with affiliates;

• create liens (including liens on the shares of our subsidiaries) or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;

• make investments; or

• create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries.

In addition, the indenture governing the Notes will not require us to make an offer to purchase the Notes in connection with a change of control or any other event.

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Furthermore, the terms of the indenture and the Notes do not protect holders of the Notes in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition, results of operations or credit ratings, as they do not require that we or our current or any future subsidiaries adhere to any financial tests or ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow, or liquidity other than as described under “Description of the Notes — Events of Default.”

Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt (including additional debt that matures sooner than the Notes) and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the Notes may have important consequences for you as a holder of the Notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Notes or negatively affecting the trading value of the Notes.

Other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the indenture and the Notes, including additional covenants and events of default. For example, the indenture under which the Notes will be issued does not contain cross-default provisions that are contained in the Credit Facility. The issuance or incurrence of any such debt with incremental protections could affect the market for and trading levels and prices of the Notes.

There is no existing trading market for the Notes, and even if NYSE approves the listing of the Notes, an active trading market for the Notes may not develop, which could limit the market price of the Notes or your ability to sell them. Moreover, the Notes are not expected to be rated, which may subject them to greater volatility than rated notes and particularly, greater than similar securities with an investment grade rating.

The Notes are a new issue of debt securities for which there currently is no trading market. We intend to list the Notes on the NYSE within 30 days of the original issue date under the symbol “SCA.” Although we expect the Notes to be listed on the NYSE, we cannot provide any assurances that the listing will be approved, and even if the listing is approved, that an active trading market will develop or be maintained for the Notes or that you will be able to sell your Notes. If the Notes are traded after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our credit ratings, general economic conditions, our financial condition, performance and prospects and other factors. The Notes are not currently expected to be rated which would impact their trading and subject them to greater price volatility. To the extent they are rated and received a non-investment grade rating, their price and trading activity could be negatively impacted. Moreover, if a rating agency assigns the Notes a non-investment grade rating, the Notes may be subject to greater price volatility than securities of similar maturity with an investment grade rating. Certain of the underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the Notes, but they are not obligated to do so. The underwriters may discontinue any market-making in the Notes at any time at their sole discretion. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that the Notes will be approved for listing on the NYSE, that a liquid trading market will develop for the Notes, that you will be able to sell your Notes at a particular time or that the price you receive when you sell will be favorable. To the extent an active trading market does not develop, the liquidity and trading price for the Notes may be harmed. Accordingly, you may be required to bear the financial risk of an investment in the Notes for an indefinite period of time.

We may choose to redeem the Notes when prevailing interest rates are relatively low.

On or after September 15, 2019 we may choose to redeem the Notes from time to time, especially when prevailing interest rates are lower than the rate borne by the Notes. If prevailing rates are lower at the time of redemption, and we were to redeem the Notes, you would not be able to reinvest the redemption proceeds in a comparable security at an effective interest rate as high as the interest rate on the Notes being redeemed. Our redemption right also may adversely impact your ability to sell the Notes as the optional redemption date or period approaches.

Our amount of debt outstanding may increase as a result of this offering, and if we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the Notes.

As of August 14, 2017, we had approximately $71.5 million of indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Facility. Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under the Credit Facility or other indebtedness to which we may be a party that is not waived by the required lenders, and the

S-19

remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness could make us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and substantially decrease the market value of the Notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our indebtedness (including the Credit Facility), we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under the Credit Facility or other debt we may incur in the future could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow in the future is, to some extent, subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors as well as other factors that are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our business will generate cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under the Credit Facility or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to enable us to meet our payment obligations under the Notes and our other debt and to fund other liquidity needs.

If our operating performance declines and we are not able to generate sufficient cash flow to service our debt obligations, we may in the future need to refinance or restructure our debt, including any Notes sold, sell assets, reduce or delay capital investments, seek to raise additional capital or seek to obtain waivers from the required lenders under the Credit Facility or other debt that we may incur in the future to avoid being in default. If we are unable to implement one or more of these alternatives, we may not be able to meet our payment obligations under the Notes and our other debt. If we breach our covenants under the Credit Facility or other debt and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under the Credit Facility or other debt, the lenders could exercise their rights as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If we are unable to repay debt, lenders having secured obligations could proceed against the collateral securing the debt. Because the Credit Facility has, and any future credit facilities will likely have, customary cross-default provisions, if the indebtedness under the Notes, the Credit Facility or under any future credit facility is accelerated, we may be unable to repay or finance the amounts due.

Until we redeem the 6.50% Notes on or after the date of the closing of this offering, we may invest the proceeds from this offering in temporary investments, which are expected to provide a lower net return than we hope to achieve from our target investments.

We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering to redeem all of the outstanding indebtedness under the 6.50% Notes, which, as of August 14, 2017, amounts to $25.0 million plus accrued and unpaid interest. We may invest the proceeds from this offering in temporary investments (including cash, cash equivalents, and U.S. government securities and other high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less) until we redeem the 6.50% Notes. Such temporary investments are expected to provide a lower net return than we hope to achieve from our target investments. The management fee payable by us to our Adviser will not be reduced while our assets are invested in such temporary investments.

Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage.

As a BDC, under the 1940 Act we generally are not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 200% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 50% of the value of our total assets or we may borrow an amount equal to 100% of net assets).

The Financial CHOICE Act of 2017, which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in June 2017, would modify this section of the 1940 Act and increase the amount of debt that BDCs may incur by modifying the asset coverage percentage from 200% to 150%. As a result, we may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future and therefore your risk of an investment in us may increase.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that the net proceeds we will receive from the sale of the $42,500,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering will be approximately $40,975,000 (or approximately $47,158,750 if the underwriters fully exercise their over-allotment option), in each case, assuming a public offering price of 100% of par, after deducting the underwriting discount of $1,275,000 (or approximately $1,466,250 if the underwriters fully exercise their over-allotment option) payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $250,000 payable by us. We may change the size of this offering based on demand and market conditions.

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to redeem all of the outstanding 6.50% Notes. As of August 14, 2017, we had outstanding 6.50% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $25.0 million plus accrued and unpaid interest. If there are any remaining net proceeds after redeeming the 6.50% Notes, we will use such remaining net proceeds to repay borrowings under our Credit Facility. As of August 14, 2017, we had $71.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility has a maturity date of October 1, 2018. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, subject to our election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) LIBOR plus 2.625% with no LIBOR floor or (ii) 1.625% plus an alternate base rate based on the highest of the Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or one month LIBOR plus 1.0%. We pay unused commitment fees of 0.50% per annum on the unused lender commitments under the Credit Facility. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. An affiliate of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. is a lender under our Credit Facility. Accordingly, the affiliate of such underwriter will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering. See “Underwriting.” Pending such use, we will invest the net proceeds of this offering primarily in short-term securities consistent with our BDC election and our qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Regulation — Temporary Investments” in the accompanying prospectus.

We anticipate that substantially all of the net proceeds from this offering of our securities will be used as described above within three to six months, depending on market conditions. We anticipate that the remainder will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including potential payments or distributions to shareholders. Pending such use, we will invest a portion of the net proceeds of this offering in short-term investments, such as cash and cash equivalents, which we expect will earn yields substantially lower than the interest income that we anticipate receiving in respect of investments in accordance with our investment objective.

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2017:

• on an actual basis; and

• on an as adjusted basis to reflect the sale of $42.5 million aggregate principal amount of Notes in this offering (assuming no exercise of the overallotment option), after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions of $1,275,000 payable by us and estimated offering expenses of approximately $250,000 payable by us and to reflect the use of proceeds from this offering.

This table should be read in conjunction with our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and notes thereto included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

	As of June 30, 2017
	Actual			As Adjusted
	(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,953,303		$	6,953,303
Investments, at fair value	$	337,370,312		$	337,370,312
Other assets	$	4,318,889		$	4,318,889
Total assets	$	348,642,504		$	348,642,504
Liabilities:
Credit Facility (net of deferred financing costs)(1)	$	38,418,389		$	22,098,136
6.50% Notes Payable (net of deferred financing costs)	$	24,654,747		$	—
Notes Payable (net of deferred financing costs)(2)	$	—		$	40,975,000
SBA Debentures (net of deferred financing costs)	$	63,503,349		$	63,503,349
Other liabilities	$	5,612,846		$	5,612,846
Total liabilities	$	132,189,331		$	132,189,331
Stockholder’s equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001 per share (200,000,000 shares authorized; 15,642,457 shares issued and outstanding, actual; 12,479,959 shares issued and outstanding, as adjusted)	$	15,642		$	15,642
Paid-in capital	$	224,052,179		$	224,052,179
Accumulated net realized loss	$	(13,801,668	)	$	(13,801,668	)
Distributions in excess of net investment income	$	(912,456	)	$	(912,456	)
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and cash equivalents, net of provision for taxes of $0	$	7,099,476		$	7,099,476
Total stockholders’ equity	$	216,453,173		$	216,453,173
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	348,642,504		$	348,642,504
Net asset value per share	$	13.84		$	13.84

(1) As of August 14, 2017, we had approximately $71.5 million outstanding under the Credit Facility. This table has not been adjusted to reflect the change in our outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility subsequent to June 30, 2017.

(2) Excludes up to $6,375,000 Notes issuable by us upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

S-22

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following selected financial data for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and the period from Inception (May 18, 2012) through December 31, 2012 was derived from our financial statements which have been audited by Grant Thornton, LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, and the selected financial data for the six-months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 is derived from our unaudited financial statements but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are necessary to present fairly the financial condition and operating results for such interim periods. Interim results as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017. The data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

Statement of Operations Data:	For the six-months ended June 30, 2017		For the six-months ended June 30, 2016		For the year ended December 31, 2016		For the year ended December 31, 2015		For the year ended December 31, 2014		For the year ended December 31, 2013		For the period from Inception (May 18, 2012) through December 31, 2012
Total investment income	$	20,258,345	$	19,091,002	$	39,490,197	$	35,158,559	$	32,324,847	$	29,400,736	$	3,696,432
Total expenses, net of fee waiver	$	11,176,259	$	11,046,610	$	22,177,996	$	18,611,431	$	15,812,750	$	13,389,007	$	2,392,076
Net investment income	$	9,082,086	$	8,044,392	$	17,312,201	$	16,547,128	$	16,512,097	$	16,011,729	$	1,304,356
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations	$	12,069,518	$	7,553,769	$	23,199,062	$	7,670,536	$	10,179,142	$	17,544,997	$	1,298,424
Per Share Data:
Net asset value	$	13.84	$	13.12	$	13.69	$	13.19	$	13.94	$	14.54	$	14.45
Net investment income	$	0.65	$	0.64	$	1.39	$	1.33	$	1.34	$	1.33	$	0.11
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations	$	0.87	$	0.61	$	1.86	$	0.61	$	0.83	$	1.45	$	0.11
Distributions declared	$	0.68	$	0.68	$	1.36	$	1.36	$	1.36	$	1.43	$	0.18

Balance Sheet Data:	At June 30, 2017			At June 30, 2016			At December 31, 2016			At December 31, 2015			At December 31, 2014			At December 31, 2013			At December 31, 2012
Investments at fair value	$	337,370,312		$	350,809,617		$	365,625,891		$	349,017,697		$	315,965,434		$	277,504,510		$	195,451,256
Cash and cash equivalents	$	6,953,303		$	10,834,194		$	9,194,129		$	10,875,790		$	2,046,563		$	13,663,542		$	62,131,686
Total assets(2)	$	348,642,504		$	366,138,817		$	379,878,729		$	365,368,412		$	323,776,402		$	296,541,900		$	260,595,157
Total liabilities(2)	$	132,189,331		$	202,418,316		$	208,996,944		$	200,717,308		$	149,826,950		$	120,650,386		$	86,749,202
Total net assets	$	216,453,173		$	163,720,501		$	170,881,785		$	164,651,104		$	173,949,452		$	175,891,514		$	173,845,955
Other Data:
Number of portfolio companies at period end		46			42			45			39			32			26			15
Weighted average yield on debt investments at period end(1)		11.3	%		10.7	%		11.0	%		10.6	%		10.9	%		11.4	%		12.5	%

(1) Computed using the effective interest rates for all of our debt investments, including accretion of original issue discount.

(2) ASU No. 2015-03 — Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs was effective for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Total assets and total liabilities for the periods prior to the effective date have been modified from their respective filings to conform to this presentation.

S-23

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table contains our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated, computed as set forth below. You should read these ratios of earnings to fixed charges in connection with our Consolidated Financial Statements, including the notes to those statements, included in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2017		For The Year Ended December 31, 2016		For The Year Ended December 31, 2015		For The Year Ended December 31, 2014		For The Year Ended December 31, 2013		For The Year Ended December 31, 2012
Earning to Fixed Charges(1)		4.1		4.0		2.2		2.8		6.6		5.6

(1) Earnings include net realized and unrealized gains or losses. Net realized and unrealized gains or losses can vary substantially from period to period.

For purposes of computing the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent net increase in net assets resulting from operations plus (or minus) income tax expense (benefit) including excise tax expense plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest and credit facility fees expense and amortization of debt issuance costs.

S-24

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

We were organized as a Maryland corporation on May 18, 2012, and formally commenced operations on November 7, 2012. Our investment objective is to maximize the total return to our stockholders in the form of current income and capital appreciation through debt and related equity investments in middle-market companies.

We are an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end investment management company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The Company’s investment activities are managed by its investment advisor, Stellus Capital Management, LLC. As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements.

For instance, as a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than “qualifying assets” specified in the 1940 Act unless, at the time the acquisition is made, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. Qualifying assets include investments in “eligible portfolio companies.” Under the relevant SEC rules, the term “eligible portfolio company” includes private operating companies, operating companies whose securities are not listed on a national securities exchange, and certain public operating companies that have listed their securities on a national securities exchange and have a market capitalization of less than $250 million, in each case organized and with their principal of business in the United States.

We have elected to be treated for U.S. federal tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. As of June 30, 2017, we were in compliance with the RIC requirements. As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any income we distribute to our stockholders.

Portfolio Composition and Investment Activity

Portfolio Composition

We originate and invest primarily in privately-held middle-market companies (typically those with $5.0 million to $50.0 million of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization)) through first lien, second lien, unitranche and mezzanine debt financing, often times with a corresponding equity investment.

As of June 30, 2017, we had $337.4 million (at fair value) invested in 46 portfolio companies. As of June 30, 2017, our portfolio included approximately 24% of first lien debt, 46% of second lien debt, 23% of mezzanine debt and 7% of equity investments at fair value. The composition of our investments at cost and fair value as of June 30, 2017 was as follows:

	Cost		Fair Value
Senior Secured – First Lien(a)	$	79,199,390	$	79,569,800
Senior Secured – Second Lien		155,692,613		155,707,188
Unsecured Debt		77,029,784		77,273,279
Equity		18,349,050		24,820,045
Total Investments	$	330,270,837	$	337,370,312

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As of December 31, 2016, we had $365.6 million (at fair value) invested in 45 portfolio companies. As of December 31, 2016, our portfolio included approximately 31% of first lien debt, 45% of second lien debt, 19% of mezzanine debt and 5% of equity investments at fair value. The composition of our investments at cost and fair value as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:

	Cost		Fair Value
Senior Secured – First Lien(a)	$	113,264,200	$	113,482,205
Senior Secured – Second Lien		163,112,172		162,486,388
Unsecured Debt		70,919,986		70,725,412
Equity		14,920,893		18,931,886
Total Investments	$	362,217,251	$	365,625,891

Our investment portfolio may contain loans that are in the form of lines of credit or revolving credit facilities, which require us to provide funding when requested by portfolio companies in accordance with the terms and conditions of the underlying loan agreements. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had three and two such investments, respectively, with aggregate unfunded commitments of $2.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

The following is a summary of geographical concentration of our investment portfolio as of June 30, 2017:

	Cost		Fair Value		% of Total Investments
Texas		79,383,012		79,231,241		23.48	%
New York		49,402,400		49,674,931		14.72	%
Colorado		27,909,605		30,150,000		8.94	%
Massachusetts		22,499,812		22,777,850		6.75	%
California		22,562,866		22,550,357		6.68	%
New Jersey		20,908,609		20,867,420		6.19	%
North Carolina		12,851,355		12,925,000		3.83	%
Tennessee		12,324,273		12,350,000		3.66	%
Ohio		9,938,681		10,443,640		3.10	%
Missouri		9,138,777		9,500,000		2.82	%
Puerto Rico		8,716,485		8,139,833		2.41	%
Pennsylvania		7,834,071		8,040,937		2.38	%
Georgia		5,924,872		7,900,000		2.34	%
Arkansas		7,446,768		7,603,807		2.25	%
Illinois		6,699,238		7,463,750		2.21	%
Canada		6,775,432		6,841,739		2.03	%
Minnesota		5,690,178		5,670,800		1.68	%
Washington		4,165,519		4,332,500		1.28	%
Virginia		4,036,449		4,108,288		1.22	%
Arizona		3,321,055		3,386,969		1.00	%
Alabama		1,206,682		1,850,000		0.55	%
Utah		1,292,394		1,191,250		0.35	%
Florida		242,304		370,000		0.11	%
	$	330,270,837	$	337,370,312		100.00	%

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The following is a summary of geographical concentration of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2016:

	Cost		Fair Value		% of Total Investments
Texas	$	74,433,626	$	73,576,277		20.13	%
New York		42,102,392		41,930,666		11.47	%
Colorado		27,855,053		28,979,651		7.93	%
California		28,298,845		28,606,727		7.82	%
Massachusetts		22,467,254		22,944,663		6.28	%
Georgia		20,626,735		22,469,217		6.15	%
New Jersey		20,710,728		20,804,704		5.69	%
Illinois		17,554,821		17,590,281		4.81	%
Alabama		16,191,841		16,584,379		4.54	%
Missouri		14,096,725		14,441,599		3.95	%
Tennessee		12,310,883		12,045,701		3.29	%
Arkansas		9,912,815		10,102,283		2.76	%
Pennsylvania		8,035,182		8,301,104		2.27	%
Puerto Rico		8,712,537		8,229,054		2.25	%
Florida		7,453,847		7,431,820		2.03	%
Canada		6,765,448		6,692,648		1.83	%
Minnesota		6,362,834		6,374,800		1.74	%
North Carolina		4,920,321		5,000,000		1.37	%
Washington		4,158,696		4,211,990		1.15	%
Virginia		4,029,530		4,060,519		1.11	%
Arizona		3,408,099		3,410,583		0.93	%
Utah		1,291,083		1,311,789		0.36	%
Ohio		517,956		525,436		0.14	%
	$	362,217,251		365,625,891		100	%

The following is a summary of industry concentration of our investment portfolio as of June 30, 2017:

	Cost		Fair Value		% of Total Investments
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals	$	51,622,001		53,209,273		15.77	%
Finance		45,901,277		47,240,000		14.00	%
Software		36,251,622		36,840,350		10.92	%
Chemicals, Plastics, & Rubber		20,793,627		21,050,480		6.24	%
Construction & Building		20,375,055		20,406,045		6.05	%
Retail		18,802,798		18,612,777		5.52	%
Education		17,342,544		17,375,000		5.15	%
Consumer Goods: Durable		16,549,631		16,780,036		4.97	%
High Tech Industries		16,507,158		15,823,750		4.69	%
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription		14,439,189		15,655,886		4.64	%
Beverage, Food, & Tobacco		11,901,499		11,891,250		3.52	%
Services: Business		9,407,872		11,440,000		3.39	%
Automotive		7,834,071		8,040,937		2.38	%
Telecommunications		7,962,247		7,590,000		2.25	%
Transportation: Cargo		6,775,432		6,841,739		2.03	%
Capital Equipment		6,728,348		6,759,532		2.00	%
Energy: Oil & Gas		6,758,305		6,730,000		1.99	%
FIRE: Insurance		5,403,312		5,475,000		1.62	%
Services: Government		4,036,449		4,108,288		1.22	%
Hotel, Gaming, & Leisure		3,321,055		3,386,969		1.00	%
Environmental Industries		615,042		1,120,000		0.33	%
Services: Consumer		942,304		993,000		0.29	%
	$	330,270,837	$	337,370,312		100.00	%

S-27

The following is a summary of industry concentration of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2016:

	Cost		Fair Value		% of Total Investments
Finance	$	56,663,586	$	57,504,930		15.73	%
Software		36,199,915		36,730,618		10.05	%
Media: Broadcasting & Subscription		36,001,876		36,637,803		10.02	%
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals		35,002,051		35,583,505		9.73	%
Services: Business		24,105,217		25,884,879		7.08	%
Chemicals, Plastics, & Rubber		20,763,612		21,165,542		5.79	%
Consumer goods: Durable		18,957,486		19,146,954		5.24	%
Retail		18,973,041		19,095,787		5.22	%
Education		17,325,046		17,498,701		4.79	%
Telecommunications		16,403,791		16,009,390		4.38	%
High Tech Industries		16,486,738		15,382,000		4.21	%
Consumer Goods: Non-durable		12,437,795		12,700,000		3.47	%
Beverage, Food, & Tobacco		11,881,630		11,991,250		3.28	%
Automotive		8,035,182		8,301,104		2.27	%
Services: Consumer		8,453,847		8,153,879		2.23	%
Transportation: Cargo		6,765,448		6,692,648		1.83	%
Energy: Oil & Gas		7,320,058		6,654,662		1.82	%
Services: Government		4,029,530		4,060,519		1.11	%
Hotel, Gaming, & Leisure		3,408,099		3,410,583		0.93	%
Construction & Building		2,485,347		2,495,701		0.68	%
Environmental Industries		517,956		525,436		0.14	%
	$	362,217,251		365,625,891		100.00	%

At June 30, 2017, our average portfolio company investment at amortized cost and fair value was approximately $7.2 million and $7.3 million, respectively, and our largest portfolio company investment at amortized cost and fair value was approximately $22.5 million and $22.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2016, our average portfolio company investment at amortized cost and fair value was approximately $8.0 million and $8.1 million, respectively, and our largest portfolio company investment at amortized cost and fair value was approximately $22.5 million and $22.9 million, respectively.

At June 30, 2017, 69% of our debt investments bore interest based on floating rates (subject to interest rate floors), such as LIBOR, and 31% bore interest at fixed rates. At December 31, 2016, 77% of our debt investments bore interest based on floating rates (subject to interest rate floors), such as LIBOR, and 23% bore interest at fixed rates.

The weighted average yield on all of our debt investments as of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was 11.3% and 11.0%, respectively. The weighted average yield was computed using the effective interest rates for all of our debt investments, including accretion of original issue discount. Approximately 10.8% of our weighted average yield was current cash interest.

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $7.0 million and $9.2 million, respectively.

Investment Activity

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we made an aggregate of $48.0 million of investments in six new portfolio companies and three existing portfolio companies. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we received an aggregate of $80.0 million in proceeds from repayments of our investments, including $5.0 million from amortization of certain investments. In addition, we realized a $0.8 million loss on conversion of our term loan in Glori Energy Production, Inc. to equity, which has a cost basis of $1.0 million at June 30, 2017.

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Our level of investment activity can vary substantially from period to period depending on many factors, including the amount of debt and equity capital required by middle-market companies, the level of merger and acquisition activity, the general economic environment and the competitive environment for the types of investments we make.

Asset Quality

In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, Stellus Capital uses an investment rating system to characterize and monitor the credit profile and expected level of returns on each investment in our investment portfolio. This investment rating system uses a five-level numeric scale. The following is a description of the conditions associated with each investment category:

• Investment Category 1 is used for investments that are performing above expectations, and whose risks remain favorable compared to the expected risk at the time of the original investment.

• Investment Category 2 is used for investments that are performing within expectations and whose risks remain neutral compared to the expected risk at the time of the original investment. All new loans are initially rated 2.

• Investment Category 3 is used for investments that are performing below expectations and that require closer monitoring, but where no loss of return or principal is expected. Portfolio companies with a rating of 3 may be out of compliance with financial covenants.

• Investment Category 4 is used for investments that are performing substantially below expectations and whose risks have increased substantially since the original investment. These investments are often in work out. Investments with a rating of 4 are those for which some loss of return but no loss of principal is expected.

• Investment Category 5 is used for investments that are performing substantially below expectations and whose risks have increased substantially since the original investment. These investments are almost always in work out. Investments with a rating of 5 are those for which some loss of return and principal is expected.

	As of June 30, 2017							As of December 31, 2016
	(dollars in millions)							(dollars in millions)
Investment Category	Fair Value		% of Total Portfolio			Number of Portfolio Companies		Fair Value		% of Total Portfolio			Number of Portfolio Companies
1	$	57.5		17	%		9	$	73.5		20	%		6
2		236.9		70	%		30		239.8		66	%		32
3		41.4		13	%		5		50.7		14	%		5
4		1.0		—	%		1		0.9		—	%		1
5		0.6		—	%		1		1		—	%		1
Total	$	337.4		100	%		46	$	365.6		100	%		45

Loans and Debt Securities on Non-Accrual Status

We will not accrue interest on loans and debt securities if we have reason to doubt our ability to collect such interest. As of June 30, 2017, we had one loan on non-accrual status which represented approximately 2.1% of our loan portfolio at cost and 1.9% at fair value. As of December 31, 2016, we had two loans on non-accrual status, which represented approximately 0.7% of our loan portfolio at cost and 0.4% at fair value.

Results of Operations

An important measure of our financial performance is net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations, which includes net investment income (loss), net realized gain (loss) and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Net investment income (loss) is the difference between our income from interest, dividends, fees and other investment income and our operating expenses including interest on borrowed funds. Net realized gain (loss) on investments is the difference between the proceeds received from dispositions of

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portfolio investments and their amortized cost, except for loans booked at a discount to account for origination fees. Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments is the net change in the fair value of our investment portfolio.

Comparison of the Three Months and Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 and 2016

Revenues

We generate revenue in the form of interest income on debt investments and capital gains and distributions, if any, on investment securities that we may acquire in portfolio companies. Our debt investments typically have a term of five to seven years and bear interest at a fixed or floating rate. Interest on our debt securities is generally payable quarterly. Payments of principal on our debt investments may be amortized over the stated term of the investment, deferred for several years or due entirely at maturity. In some cases, our debt investments may pay payment in-kind, or PIK interest. Any outstanding principal amount of our debt securities and any accrued but unpaid interest will generally become due at the maturity date. The level of interest income we receive is directly related to the balance of interest-bearing investments multiplied by the weighted average yield of our investments. We expect that the total dollar amount of interest and any dividend income that we earn to increase as the size of our investment portfolio increases. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of prepayment fees, commitment, loan origination, structuring or due diligence fees.

The following shows the breakdown of investment income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions).

	Three months ended June 30,				Six months ended June 30,
	(dollars in millions)				(dollars in millions)
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest income	$	9.5	$	9.2	$	19.0	$	18.6
PIK interest		0.1		0.1		0.2		0.1
Miscellaneous fees		0.8		0.3		1.1		0.4
Total	$	10.4	$	9.6	$	20.3	$	19.1

The increases in total income from the respective periods were due to the growth in the overall investment portfolio as well as prepayment premiums from the early repayment of certain investments.

Expenses

Our primary operating expenses include the payment of fees to Stellus Capital under the investment advisory agreement, our allocable portion of overhead expenses under the administration agreement and other operating costs described below. We bear all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, which may include:

• organization and offering;

• calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm);

• fees and expenses payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors, in monitoring financial and legal affairs for us and in monitoring our investments and performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies or otherwise relating to, or associated with, evaluating and making investments;

• interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments and expenses related to unsuccessful portfolio acquisition efforts;

• offerings of our common stock and other securities;

• base management and incentive fees;

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• administration fees and expenses, if any, payable under the administration agreement (including our allocable portion of Stellus Capital’s overhead in performing its obligations under the administration agreement, including rent and the allocable portion of the cost of our chief compliance officer, chief financial officer and their respective staffs);

• transfer agent, dividend agent and custodial fees and expenses;

• U.S. federal and state registration fees;

• all costs of registration and listing our shares on any securities exchange;

• U.S. federal, state and local taxes;

• independent directors’ fees and expenses;

• costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents required by the SEC or other regulators;

• costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to stockholders, including printing costs;

• costs and fees associated with any fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;

• direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone, copying, secretarial and other staff, independent auditors and outside legal costs;

• proxy voting expenses; and

• all other expenses incurred by us or Stellus Capital in connection with administering our business.

The following shows the breakdown of operating expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (in millions).

	Three months ended June 30,				Six months ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	(dollars in millions)				(dollars in millions)
Operating Expenses
Management fees	$	1.5	$	1.6	$	3.1	$	3.1
Valuation Fees		—		0.1		0.2		0.2
Administrative services expenses		0.3		0.3		0.6		0.5
Incentive fees		1.2		1.0		2.3		2.0
Professional fees		0.2		0.1		0.5		0.4
Directors’ fees		0.1		0.1		0.2		0.2
Insurance expense		0.1		0.1		0.2		0.2
Interest expense and other fees		1.9		2.0		3.8		3.9
Deferred offering costs		—		0.3		—		0.3
Other general and administrative		0.2		0.1		0.3		0.2
Total Operating Expenses	$	5.5	$	5.7	$	11.2	$	11.0

Net Investment Income

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, net investment income was $4.9 million, or $0.32 per common share (based on 15,347,814 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2017).

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, net investment income was $3.9 million, or $0.32 per common share (based on 12,479,959 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2016).

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net investment income was $9.1 million, or $0.65 per common share (based on 13,921,808 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2017).

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, net investment income was $8.0 million, or $0.64 per common share (based on 12,479,959 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2016).

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Net Realized Gains and Losses

We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale or disposition and the amortized cost basis of the investment, using the specific identification method, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized.

Repayments and sales of investments and amortization of other certain investments for the three months ended June 30, 2017 totaled $40.7 million, there were no realized losses and realized gains were de minimis.

Repayments and sales of investments and amortization of other certain investments for the three months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $15.4 million and net realized gains totaled $1.0 thousand.

Repayments and sales of investments and amortization of other certain investments and a noncash conversion of debt to equity for the six months ended June 30, 2017 totaled $80.0 million, and net realized losses totaled $0.7 million.

Repayments and sales of investments and amortization of other certain investments for the six months ended June 30, 2016 totaled $16.0 million and net realized gains totaled $2 thousand.

Net Change in Unrealized Depreciation of Investments

Net change in unrealized depreciation primarily reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.

Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments and cash equivalents for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 totaled $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and cash equivalents for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 totaled $3.7 million and ($0.8) million, respectively.

The increase in the change in unrealized appreciation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 was due primarily to general tightening of market interest rate spreads. The increase in the change in unrealized appreciation for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was due to general tightening of market interest rate spreads. The increase in the change in unrealized depreciation for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was due primarily to additional depreciation on our one non-accrual loan and additional depreciation due to general widening of market interest rate spreads.

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, net increase in net assets resulting from operations totaled $6.0 million, or $0.39 per common share (based on 15,347,814 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2017).

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, net increase in net assets resulting from operations totaled $5.0 million, or $0.41 per common share (based on 12,479,959 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2016).

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net increase in net assets resulting from operations totaled $12.1 million, or $0.87 per common share (based on 13,921,808 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2017).

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, net increase in net assets resulting from operations totaled $7.6 million, or $0.61 per common share (based on 12,479,959 weighted-average common shares outstanding at June 30, 2016).

The increase in net assets resulting from operations was primarily the result of (i) an increase in net investment income and (ii) an increase in the net change in unrealized appreciation of investments.

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Financial condition, liquidity and capital resources

Cash Flows from Operating and Financing Activities

Our operating activities provided net cash of $40.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, primarily in connection with the repayment of our investments, some of which was offset by the purchase and origination of new portfolio investments. Our financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2017 used cash of $43.1 million due to distributions to stockholders and net repayments of our Credit Facility during the period some of which offset by net proceeds from the issuance of common stock.

Our operating activities provided cash of $7.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, primarily in connection with cash interest received and repayments of our investments, which was offset by the purchase and origination of portfolio investments. Our financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2016 used cash of $8.0 million due to distributions to stockholders during the period.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity and capital resources are derived from the Credit Facility, SBA Debentures, the offering of securities and cash flows from operations, including investment sales and repayments, and income earned. Our primary use of funds from operations includes investments in portfolio companies and other operating expenses we incur, as well as the payment of dividends to the holders of our common stock. A proposal, approved by our stockholders at our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, authorizes us to sell shares equal to up to 25% of our outstanding common stock below the then current net asset value per share in one or more offerings. This offer will expire in 2018 on the one year anniversary of our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We would need similar future approval from our stockholders to issue shares below the then current net asset value per share any time after the expiration of the current approval. We may use, and expect to continue to use, these capital resources as well as proceeds from turnover within our investment portfolio and from public and private offerings of securities to finance our investment activities.

Although we expect to fund the growth of our investment portfolio through the net proceeds from future public and private equity offerings and issuances of senior securities or future borrowings to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, our plans to raise capital may not be successful. In this regard, if our common stock trades at a price below our then-current net asset value per share, we may be limited in our ability to raise equity capital given that we cannot sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share unless our stockholders approve such a sale and our board of directors makes certain determinations in connection therewith. In addition, we intend to distribute between 90% and 100% of our taxable income to our stockholders in order to satisfy the requirements applicable to RICs under Subchapter M of the Code. Consequently, we may not have the funds or the ability to fund new investments, to make additional investments in our portfolio companies, to fund our unfunded commitments to portfolio companies or to repay borrowings. In addition, the illiquidity of our portfolio investments may make it difficult for us to sell these investments when desired and, if we are required to sell these investments, we may realize significantly less than their recorded value.

Also, as a BDC, we generally are required to meet a coverage ratio of total assets, less liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to total senior securities, which include all of our borrowings and any outstanding preferred stock, of at least 200%. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. We have received exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the debt of our SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from the definition of senior securities in the 200% asset coverage test under the 1940 Act. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our asset coverage ratio was 438% and 221%, respectively. At all times during the six months ended June 30, 2017 and year ended December 31, 2016, we were in compliance with the asset coverage requirements. The amount of leverage that we employ will depend on our assessment of market conditions and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing, such as the maturity, covenant package and rate structure of the proposed borrowings, our ability to raise funds through the issuance of shares of our common stock and the risks of such borrowings within the context of our investment outlook. Ultimately, we only intend to use leverage if the expected returns from borrowing to make investments will exceed the cost of such borrowing. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents of $7.0 million and $9.2 million, respectively.

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Credit Facility

On November 7, 2012, the Company entered the Credit Facility with various lenders. SunTrust Bank, one of the lenders, serves as administrative agent under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility, as amended on November 21, 2014 and August 31, 2016, provides for borrowings in an aggregate amount of $120.0 million on a committed basis with an accordion feature that allows the Company to increase the aggregate commitments up to $195.0 million, subject to new or existing lenders agreeing to participate in the increase and other customary conditions. There can be no assurances that existing lenders will agree to such an increase, or that additional lenders will join the Credit Facility to increase available borrowings.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, subject to the Company’s election, on a per annum basis equal to (i) LIBOR plus 2.625% with no LIBOR floor or (ii) 1.625% plus an alternate base rate based on the highest of the Prime Rate, Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or one month LIBOR plus 1.0%. The Company pays unused commitment fees of 0.50% per annum on the unused lender commitments under the Credit Facility. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears. Any amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on October 1, 2018.

The Company’s obligations to the lenders are secured by a first priority security interest in its portfolio of securities and cash not held at the SBIC subsidiary, but excluding short term investments. The Credit Facility contains certain affirmative and negative covenants, including but not limited to: (i) maintaining a minimum liquidity test of at least 85% of adjusted borrowing base, (ii) maintaining an asset coverage ratio of at least 2.0 to 1.0, and (iii) maintaining a minimum shareholder’s equity. As of June 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with these covenants. Additionally, the Credit Facility requires that the Company meet certain conditions in connection with incurring additional indebtedness under the Credit Facility, including that the Company have a minimum asset coverage ratio of 2.20 to 1.0 immediately after giving effect to such borrowing. As of June 30, 2017, the Company’s asset coverage ratio was 4.38 to 1.0. As of June 30, 2017, these conditions were met.

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the outstanding balance under the Credit Facility was $39.0 million and $116.0 million, respectively. The carrying amount of the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility approximates its fair value. The Company incurred total costs of $3.1 million in connection with obtaining, amending, and maintaining the Credit Facility, which are being amortized over the life of the Credit Facility. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $0.6 million and $0.8 million of such prepaid loan structure fees and administration fees had yet to be amortized, respectively. These prepaid loan fees are presented on our consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as a deduction from the debt liability attributable to the Credit Facility as required by ASU No. 2015-3. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, the weighted average effective interest rate under the Credit Facility was approximately 3.7% (approximately 5.1% including commitment fees and other loan fees). Interest is paid quarterly in arrears. The Company recorded interest and fee expense on the Credit Facility of $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, of which $0.5 million was interest expense, $0.1 million was amortization of loan fees paid on the Credit Facility, and the remainder related to commitment fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility and loan administration fees. The Company paid $0.7 million in interest expense and unused commitment fees for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The average borrowings under the Credit Facility for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $58.6 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the weighted average effective interest rate under the Credit Facility was approximately 3.6% (approximately 4.4% including commitment fees and other loan fees). Interest is paid quarterly in arrears. The Company recorded interest and fee expense on the Credit Facility of $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, of which $1.4 million was interest expense, $0.2 million was amortization of loan fees paid on the Credit Facility, and the remainder related to commitment fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility and loan administration fees. The Company paid $1.6 million in interest expense and unused commitment fees for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The average borrowings under the Credit Facility for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were $81.6 million.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, the weighted average effective interest rate under the Credit Facility was approximately 3.1% (approximately 3.7% including commitment and other loan fees).

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Interest is paid quarterly in arrears. The Company recorded interest and fee expense on the Credit Facility of $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, of which $0.8 million was interest expense, $0.1 million was amortization of loan fees paid on the Credit Facility, and the remainder related to commitment fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility and loan administration fees. The Company paid $0.9 million in interest expense and unused commitment fees for the three months ended June 30, 2016. The average borrowings under the Credit Facility for the three months ended June 30, 2016 were $106.6 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the weighted average effective interest rate under the Credit Facility was approximately 3.1% (approximately 3.7% including commitment and other loan fees). Interest is paid quarterly in arrears. The Company recorded interest and fee expense of $2.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, of which $1.7 million was interest expense, $0.2 million was amortization of loan fees paid on the Credit Facility, and the remainder related to commitment fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility and loan administration fees. The Company paid $1.7 million in interest expense and unused commitment fees for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The average borrowings under the Credit Facility for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $108.0 million.

6.50% Notes

On May 5, 2014, the Company closed a public offering of $25.0 million. The 6.50% Notes mature on April 30, 2019, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after April 30, 2016. The 6.50% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per year payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, of each year. The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the 6.50% Notes, after underwriting discounts and offering expenses, were approximately $24.1 million. The Company used all of the net proceeds from the offering of 6.50% Notes to repay a portion of the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility. On both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying amount of the 6.50% Notes was $25.0 million and the fair value of the 6.50% Notes was approximately $26.0 million and $25.2 million, respectively. The 6.50% Notes are listed on New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “SCQ”. The fair value of the 6.50% Notes is based on the closing price of the security, which is a Level 2 input under ASC 820 due to sufficient trading volume.

In connection with the issuance of the 6.50% Notes, we incurred $0.9 million of fees which are being amortized over the term of the 6.50% Notes, of which $0.3 million remains to be amortized. These financing costs are presented on the consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as a deduction from the debt liability as required by ASU No. 2015-3.

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company incurred interest and fee expense on the 6.50% Notes of $0.5 million, of which $0.4 million was interest expense and the remainder was amortization of loan fees paid on the 6.50% Notes and administration fees. The Company paid $0.4 million in interest expense on the 6.50% Notes during the period.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company incurred interest and fee expense on the 6.50% Notes of $0.9 million, of which $0.8 million was interest expense and the remainder was amortization of loan fees paid on the 6.50% Notes and administration fees. The Company paid $0.8 million in interest expense on the 6.50% Notes during the period.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company incurred interest and fee expense on the 6.50% Notes of $0.5 million, of which $0.4 million was interest expense and the remainder was amortization of loan fees paid on the 6.50% Notes and administration fees. The Company paid $0.4 million in interest expense on the 6.50% Notes during the period.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company incurred interest and fee expense on the 6.50% Notes of $0.9 million, of which $0.8 million was interest expense and the remainder was amortization of loan fees paid on the 6.50% Notes and administration fees. The Company paid $0.8 million in interest expense on the 6.50% Notes during the period.

The indenture and supplements thereto relating to the 6.50% Notes contain certain covenants, including but not limited to (i) a requirement that the Company comply with the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, and (ii) a requirement to provide financial information to the holders of

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the notes and the trustee under the indenture if the Company should no longer be subject to the reporting requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

SBA Debentures

Due to the SBIC subsidiary’s status as a licensed SBIC, we have the ability to issue SBA Debentures at favorable interest rates. Under the regulations applicable to SBIC funds, an SBIC can have outstanding SBA Debentures subject to a regulatory leverage limit, up to two times the amount of regulatory capital. As of both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the SBIC subsidiary had $38.0 million in regulatory capital, as such term is defined by the SBA.

As a BDC, we are only allowed to employ leverage to the extent that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after giving effect to such leverage. The amount of leverage that we employ at any time depends on our assessment of the market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing.

On August 12, 2014, we obtained exemptive relief from the SEC to permit us to exclude the debt of the SBIC subsidiary guaranteed by the SBA from our 200% asset coverage test under the 1940 Act. The exemptive relief provides us with increased flexibility under the 200% asset coverage test by permitting us to borrow up to $117.0 million more than we would otherwise be able to absent the receipt of this exemptive relief.

On a stand-alone basis, the SBIC subsidiary held $108.3 million and $106.3 million in assets at June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, which accounted for approximately 31.0% and 28.0% of our total consolidated assets, respectively.

SBA Debentures have fixed interest rates that equal prevailing 10-year Treasury Note rates plus a market spread and have a maturity of ten years with interest payable semi-annually. The principal amount of the debentures is not required to be paid before maturity, but may be pre-paid at any time with no prepayment penalty. As of both June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the SBIC subsidiary had $65.0 million of SBA Debentures outstanding, which mature ten years from issuance. The first maturity related to the SBA Debentures does not occur until 2025, and the remaining weighted average duration of all of our outstanding SBA Debentures is approximately 8.4 years as of June 30, 2017.

As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying amount of the SBA Debentures approximated their fair value. The fair values of the SBA Debentures are determined in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value in terms of the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value of the SBA Debentures are estimated based upon market interest rates for our own borrowings or entities with similar credit risk, adjusted for nonperformance risk, if any. At June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 the SBA Debentures would be deemed to be Level 3, as defined in Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.

As of June 30, 2017, the Company has incurred $2.2 million in financing costs related to the SBA Debentures. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $1.5 million and $1.7 million of prepaid financing costs had yet to be amortized, respectively. These prepaid loan fees are presented on our consolidated statement of assets and liabilities as a deduction from the debt liability as required by ASU No. 2015-3.

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, the weighted average effective interest rate for the SBA Debentures was approximately 3.1% (approximately 3.6% including loan fees). Interest is paid semi-annually. The Company recorded interest and fee expense on the SBA Debentures of $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, of which $0.5 million was interest expense, and the remainder was amortization of loan fees. The Company paid no interest expense during the three months ended June 30, 2017. The average borrowings of SBA Debentures for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $65.0 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the weighted average effective interest rate for the SBA Debentures was approximately 3.1% (approximately 3.6% including loan fees). Interest is paid semi-annually. The Company recorded interest and fee expense on the SBA Debentures of $1.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, of which $1.0 million was interest expense, and the remainder was amortization of loan

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fees. The Company paid $1.0 million of interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2017. The average borrowings of SBA Debentures for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $65.0 million.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016, the weighted average effective interest rate for the SBA Debentures was approximately 3.1% (approximately 3.6% including loan fees). Interest is paid semi-annually. The Company recorded interest and fee expense on the SBA Debentures of $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, of which $0.5 million was interest expense, and the remainder was amortization of loan fees. The Company paid no interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The average borrowings of SBA Debentures for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $65.0 million.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016, the weighted average effective interest rate for the SBA Debentures was approximately 2.7% (approximately 3.2% including loan fees). Interest is paid semi-annually. The Company recorded interest and fee expense on the SBA Debentures of $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, of which $0.9 million was interest expense, and the remainder was amortization of loan fees. The Company paid $0.6 million of interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The average borrowings of SBA Debentures for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $65.0 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We may be a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of our portfolio companies. As of June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, our off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of unfunded commitments to provide debt financing to three and two of our portfolio companies respectively totaling $2.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively. The Company maintains sufficient liquidity to fund such unfunded loan commitments (through cash on hand and available borrowings under the Credit Facility) should the need arise.

Regulated Investment Company Status and Dividends

We have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. So long as we maintain our status as a RIC, we will not be taxed on our investment company taxable income or realized net capital gains, to the extent that such taxable income or gains are distributed, or deemed to be distributed, to stockholders on a timely basis.

Taxable income generally differs from net income for financial reporting purposes due to temporary and permanent differences in the recognition of income and expenses, and generally excludes net unrealized appreciation or depreciation until realized. Dividends declared and paid by us in a year may differ from taxable income for that year as such dividends may include the distribution of current year taxable income or the distribution of prior year taxable income carried forward into and distributed in the current year. Distributions also may include returns of capital.

To qualify for RIC tax treatment, we must, among other things, distribute, with respect to each taxable year, at least 90% of our investment company net taxable income (i.e., our net ordinary income and our realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any). If we maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must also satisfy certain distribution requirements each calendar year in order to avoid a federal excise tax on or undistributed earnings of a RIC.

We intend to distribute to our stockholders between 90% and 100% of our annual taxable income (which includes our taxable interest and fee income). However, the covenants contained in the Credit Facility may prohibit us from making distributions to our stockholders, and, as a result, could hinder our ability to satisfy the distribution requirement. In addition, we may retain for investment some or all of our net taxable capital gains (i.e., realized net long-term capital gains in excess of realized net short-term capital losses) and treat such amounts as deemed distributions to our stockholders. If we do this, our stockholders will be treated as if they received actual distributions of the capital gains we retained and then reinvested the net after-tax proceeds in our common stock. Our stockholders also may be eligible to claim tax credits (or, in certain circumstances, tax refunds) equal to their allocable share of the tax we paid on the capital gains deemed distributed to them. To the extent our taxable earnings for a fiscal taxable year fall below the total amount of our dividends for that fiscal year, a portion of those dividend distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders.

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We may not be able to achieve operating results that will allow us to make distributions at a specific level or to increase the amount of these distributions from time to time. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions due to the asset coverage test for borrowings applicable to us as a business development company under the 1940 Act and due to provisions in Credit Facility. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions or distributions at a particular level.

In accordance with certain applicable Treasury regulations and published guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service, a publicly offered RIC may treat a distribution of its own stock as counting towards its RIC distribution requirements if each stockholder may elect to receive his or her entire distribution in either cash or stock of the RIC, subject to a limitation that the aggregate amount of cash available to be distributed to all stockholders must be at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution must be allocated among the shareholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any stockholder electing to receive cash, receive less than the lesser of (a) the portion of the distribution such shareholder has elected to receive in cash or (b) an amount equal to his or her entire distribution times the percentage limitation on cash available for distribution. If these and certain other requirements are met, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in stock will be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of stock. We have no current intention of paying dividends in shares of our stock in accordance with the Treasury regulations or published guidance.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained herein for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, if any, including the expected dates of adoption and the anticipated impact on the financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained herein for a description of critical accounting policies.

Subsequent Events

Investment Portfolio

On July 3, 2017, the Company invested an additional $0.06 million in the equity of Apex Environmental Resources Holdings LLC.

On July 7, 2017, the Company received full repayment on the second lien term loan of Atkins Nutritionals Holdings II, Inc. for proceeds of $8.0 million.

On July 14, 2017, the Company received full repayment on the unsecured term loan of OG Systems LLC for proceeds of $4.0 million.

On July 26, 2017, the Company invested $22.5 million in the first lien term loan of Resolute Industrial, LLC, a provider of water and air-cooled services and manufacturer. We also committed to fund a $2.5 million revolver and a $5.75 million delayed draw term loan. Additionally, the Company invested $0.75 million in the equity of the company.

SBIC Subsidiary

On July, 25, 2017, the Company contributed additional equity of $20.5 million to the SBIC subsidiary, bringing total regulatory capital contributed to $58.5 million.

Credit Facility

The outstanding balance under the Credit Facility as of August 14, 2017 was $71.5 million.

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Dividend Declared

On July 7, 2017, the Company’s board of directors declared a regular monthly dividend for each of July 2017, August 2017 and September 2017 as follows:

Declared	Ex-Dividend Date		Record Date		Payment Date		Amount per Share
7/7/2017		7/27/2017		7/31/2017		8/15/2017	$	0.1133
7/7/2017		8/29/2017		8/31/2017		9/15/2017	$	0.1133
7/7/2017		9/28/2017		9/29/2017		10/13/2017	$	0.1133

On July 10, 2017, the New York Stock Exchange announced a charge beginning with record date September 7, 2017, going forward. Ex-dividend dates were changed from two to one business day prior to the record date. Based on this change, the correct ex-dividend date for September 29, 2017 record date is September 28, 2017, instead of September 27, 2017 as reported in the Company’s July 10, 2017 press release.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

The Notes will be issued under an indenture, dated as of May 5, 2014, and the second supplemental indenture thereto, to be entered into between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. We refer to the indenture, as well as any supplements thereto, as the indenture and to U.S. Bank National Association as the trustee. The Notes are governed by the indenture, as required by federal law for all bonds and notes of companies that are publicly offered. An indenture is a contract between us and the financial institution acting as trustee on your behalf, and is subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The trustee has two main roles. First, the trustee can enforce your rights against us if we default. There are some limitations on the extent to which the trustee acts on your behalf, described in the second paragraph under “— Events of Default — Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs.” Second, the trustee performs certain administrative duties for us with respect to our Notes.

This section includes a description of the material terms of the Notes and the indenture. Because this section is a summary, however, it does not describe every aspect of the Notes and the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as a holder of the Notes. The indenture has been attached as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and filed with the SEC. See “Available Information” for information on how to obtain a copy of the indenture.

We are permitted, under specific conditions, to issue multiple classes of indebtedness if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance after giving effect to any exemptive relief granted by the SEC. See “Risk Factors — Risk Relating to Our Business and Structure — Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage” in the accompanying prospectus. In addition, while any indebtedness and senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit distributions to our stockholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares in certain cases, unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary purposes without regard to asset coverage.

General

The Notes will mature on September 15, 2022. The principal payable at maturity will be 100% of the aggregate principal amount. The interest rate of the Notes is 5.75% per year and will be paid every March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15, beginning December 15, 2017, and the regular record dates for interest payments will be every March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning December 1, 2017. If an interest payment date falls on a non-business day, the applicable interest payment will be made on the next business day and no additional interest will accrue as a result of such delayed payment. The initial interest period will be the period from and including August 21, 2017, to, but excluding, the initial interest payment date, and the subsequent interest periods will be the periods from and including an interest payment date to, but excluding, the next interest payment date or the stated maturity date, as the case may be.

We will issue the Notes in denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof. The Notes will not be subject to any sinking fund and holders of the Notes will not have the option to have the Notes repaid prior to the stated maturity date.

The indenture does not contain any provisions that give you protection in the event we issue a large amount of debt or we are acquired by another entity.

We have the ability to issue indenture securities with terms different from the Notes and, without the consent of the holders thereof, to reopen the Notes and issue additional Notes.

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Optional Redemption

The Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after September 15, 2019 upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days written notice by mail prior to the date fixed for redemption thereof, at a redemption price of 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest payments otherwise payable thereon for the then-current quarterly interest period accrued to the date fixed for redemption.

You may be prevented from exchanging or transferring the Notes when they are subject to redemption. In case any Notes are to be redeemed in part only, the redemption notice will provide that, upon surrender of such Note, you will receive, without a charge, a new Note or Notes of authorized denominations representing the principal amount of your remaining unredeemed Notes. Any exercise of our option to redeem the Notes will be done in compliance with the 1940 Act.

If we redeem only some of the Notes, the trustee will determine the method for selection of the particular Notes to be redeemed, in accordance with the indenture and in accordance with the rules of any national securities exchange or quotation system on which the Notes are listed. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the date of redemption, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes called for redemption.

Global Securities

Each Note will be issued in book-entry form and represented by a global security that we deposit with and register in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, known as DTC, or its nominee. A global security may not be transferred to or registered in the name of anyone other than the depositary or its nominee, unless special termination situations arise. As a result of these arrangements, the depositary, or its nominee, will be the sole registered owner and holder of all the Notes represented by a global security, and investors will be permitted to own only beneficial interests in a global security. For more information about these arrangements, see “— Book-Entry Procedures” below.

Termination of a Global Security

If a global security is terminated for any reason, interests in it will be exchanged for certificates in non-book-entry form (certificated securities). After that exchange, the choice of whether to hold the certificated Notes directly or in street name will be up to the investor. Investors must consult their own banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in a global security transferred on termination to their own names, so that they will be holders.

Payment and Paying Agents

We will pay interest to the person listed in the trustee’s records as the owner of the Notes at the close of business on a particular day in advance of each due date for interest, even if that person no longer owns the Note on the interest due date. That day, usually about two weeks in advance of the interest due date, is called the “record date.” Because we will pay all the interest for an interest period to the holders on the record date, holders buying and selling the Notes must work out between themselves the appropriate purchase price. The most common manner is to adjust the sales price of the Notes to prorate interest fairly between buyer and seller based on their respective ownership periods within the particular interest period. This prorated interest amount is called “accrued interest.”

Payments on Global Securities

We will make payments on the Notes so long as they are represented by a global security in accordance with the applicable policies of the depositary as in effect from time to time. Under those policies, we will make payments directly to the depositary, or its nominee, and not to any indirect holders who own beneficial interests in the global security. An indirect holder’s right to those payments will be governed by the rules and practices of the depositary and its participants, as described under “— Book-Entry Procedures.”

Payments on Certificated Securities

In the event the Notes become represented by certificated securities, we will make payments on the Notes as follows. We will pay interest that is due on an interest payment date to the holder of the Notes as shown

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on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date. We will make all payments of principal and premium, if any, by check at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee in New York, New York and/or at other offices that may be specified in the indenture or in a notice to holders against surrender of the Note.

Alternatively, at our option, we may pay any cash interest that becomes due on the Notes by mailing a check to the holder at his, her or its address shown on the trustee’s records as of the close of business on the regular record date or by transfer to an account at a bank in the United States, in either case, on the due date.

Payment When Offices Are Closed

If any payment is due on the Notes on a day that is not a business day, we will make the payment on the next day that is a business day. Payments made on the next business day in this situation will be treated under the indenture as if they were made on the original due date. Such payment will not result in a default under the Notes or the indenture, and no interest will accrue on the payment amount from the original due date to the next day that is a business day.

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how they will receive payments on the Notes.

Events of Default

You will have rights if an Event of Default occurs in respect of the Notes, as described later in this subsection. The term “Event of Default” in respect of the Notes means any of the following:

• We do not pay the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note within five days of its due date.

• We do not pay interest on any Note when due, and such default is not cured within 30 days.

• We remain in breach of any other covenant with respect to the Notes for 60 days after we receive a written notice of default stating we are in breach. The notice must be sent by either the Trustee or holders of at least 25% of the principal amount of the Notes.

• We file for bankruptcy or certain other events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization occur and in the case of certain orders or decrees entered against us under any bankruptcy law, such order or decree remains undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days.

• On the last business day of each of twenty-four consecutive calendar months, the Notes have an asset coverage of less than 100%, after giving effect to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC.

An Event of Default for the Notes does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of debt securities issued under the same or any other indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the Notes of any default, except in the payment of principal or interest, if it in good faith considers the withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the holders.

Remedies if an Event of Default Occurs

If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in principal amount of the Notes may declare the entire principal amount of all the Notes to be due and immediately payable. This is called a declaration of acceleration of maturity. In certain circumstances, a declaration of acceleration of maturity may be canceled by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes if (1) we have deposited with the trustee all amounts due and owing with respect to the Notes (other than principal that has become due solely by reason of such acceleration) and certain other amounts, and (2) any other Events of Default have been cured or waived.

The trustee is not required to take any action under the indenture at the request of any holders unless the holders offer the trustee protection from expenses and liability reasonably satisfactory to it (called an “indemnity”). If indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the trustee is provided, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any lawsuit or other formal legal action seeking any remedy available to the trustee. The trustee may refuse to follow those directions in certain circumstances. No delay or omission in exercising any right or remedy will be treated as a waiver of that right, remedy or Event of Default.

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Before you are allowed to bypass the trustee and bring your own lawsuit or other formal legal action or take other steps to enforce your rights or protect your interests relating to the Notes, the following must occur:

• you must give the trustee written notice that an Event of Default has occurred and remains uncured;

• the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of all the Notes must make a written request that the trustee take action because of the default and must offer reasonable indemnity to the trustee against the costs, expenses and other liabilities of taking that action;

• the trustee must not have taken action for 60 days after receipt of the above notice and offer of indemnity; and

• the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes must not have given the trustee a direction inconsistent with the above notice during that 60-day period.

However, you are entitled at any time to bring a lawsuit for the payment of money due on your Notes on or after the due date.

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how to give notice or direction to or make a request of the trustee and how to declare or cancel an acceleration of maturity.

Each year, we will furnish to the trustee a written statement of certain of our officers certifying that to their knowledge we are in compliance with the indenture and the Notes, or else specifying any default.

Waiver of Default

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may waive any past defaults other than a default:

• the payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest; or

• in respect of a covenant that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of each holder.

Merger or Consolidation

Under the terms of the indenture, we are generally permitted to consolidate or merge with another entity. We are also permitted to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. However, we may not take any of these actions unless all the following conditions are met:

• where we merge out of existence or convey or transfer our assets substantially as an entirety, the resulting entity must agree to be legally responsible for our obligations under the Notes;

• the merger or sale of assets must not cause a default on the Notes and we must not already be in default (unless the merger or sale would cure the default). For purposes of this no-default test, a default would include an Event of Default that has occurred and has not been cured, as described under “Events of Default” above. A default for this purpose would also include any event that would be an Event of Default if the requirements for giving us a notice of default or our default having to exist for a specific period of time were disregarded; and

• we must deliver certain certificates and documents to the trustee.

Modification or Waiver

There are three types of changes we can make to the indenture and the Notes issued thereunder.

Changes Requiring Your Approval

First, there are changes that we cannot make to your Notes without your specific approval. The following is a list of those types of changes:

• change the stated maturity of the principal of or interest on the Notes;

• reduce any amounts due on the Notes;

• reduce the amount of principal payable upon acceleration of the maturity of a Note following a default;

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• change the place or currency of payment on a Note;

• impair your right to sue for payment;

• adversely affect any rights to convert or exchange any note in accordance with its terms;

• reduce the percentage of holders of Notes whose consent is needed to modify or amend the indenture;

• reduce the percentage of holders of Notes whose consent is needed to waive compliance with certain provisions of the indenture or to waive certain defaults; and

• modify any other material aspect of the indenture dealing with supplemental indentures, modification and waiver of past defaults, reduction of the quorum or voting requirements or the waiver of certain covenants.

Changes Not Requiring Approval

The second type of change does not require any vote by the holders of the Notes. This type is limited to clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the Notes in any material respect.

Changes Requiring Majority Approval

Any other change to the indenture and the Notes would require the following approval:

• if the change affects only the Notes, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes; and

• if the change affects more than one series of debt securities issued under the same indenture, it must be approved by the holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series affected by the change, with all affected series voting together as one class for this purpose.

In each case, the required approval must be given by written consent.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of all of the series of debt securities issued under an indenture, voting together as one class for this purpose, may waive our compliance with some of our covenants in that indenture. However, we cannot obtain a waiver of a payment default or of any of the matters covered by the bullet points included above under “— Changes Requiring Your Approval.”

Further Details Concerning Voting

When taking a vote, we will use the principal amount that would be due and payable on the voting date if the maturity of the Notes were accelerated to that date because of a default, to decide how much principal to attribute to the Notes:

The Notes will not be considered outstanding, and therefore not eligible to vote, if we have deposited or set aside in trust money for their payment or redemption. The Notes will also not be eligible to vote if they have been fully defeased as described later under “— Defeasance — Full Defeasance.”

We will generally be entitled to set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the holders of the Notes that are entitled to vote or take other action under the indenture. However, the record date may not be more than 30 days before the date of the first solicitation of holders to vote on or take such action. If we set a record date for a vote or other action to be taken by holders of the Notes, that vote or action may be taken only by persons who are holders of the Notes on the record date and must be taken within eleven months following the record date.

Book-entry and other indirect holders should consult their banks or brokers for information on how approval may be granted or denied if we seek to change the indenture or the Notes or request a waiver.

Defeasance

The following defeasance provisions will be applicable to the Notes. “Defeasance” means that, by depositing with a trustee an amount of cash and/or government securities sufficient to pay all principal and interest, if any, on the Notes when due and satisfying any additional conditions noted below, we will be

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deemed to have been discharged from our obligations under the Notes. In the event of a “covenant defeasance,” upon depositing such funds and satisfying similar conditions discussed below we would be released from certain covenants under the indenture relating to the Notes. The consequences to the holders of the Notes would be that, while they would no longer benefit from certain covenants under the indenture, and while the Notes could not be accelerated for any reason, the holders of Notes nonetheless would be guaranteed to receive the principal and interest owed to them.

Covenant Defeasance

Under current U.S. federal tax law and the indenture, we can make the deposit described below and be released from some of the restrictive covenants in the indenture under which the Notes were issued. This is called “covenant defeasance.” In that event, you would lose the protection of those restrictive covenants but would gain the protection of having money and government securities set aside in trust to repay your Notes. If we achieve covenant defeasance and your Notes were subordinated as described under “Indenture Provisions — Ranking” below, such subordination would not prevent the trustee under the indenture from applying the funds available to it from the deposit described in the first bullet below to the payment of amounts due in respect of such debt securities for the benefit of the subordinated debtholders. In order to achieve covenant defeasance, we must do the following:

• Since the Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars, we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of the Notes a combination of cash and U.S. government or U.S. government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the Notes on their various due dates;

• we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel confirming that, under current U.S. federal income tax law, we may make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the Notes any differently than if we did not make the deposit;

• we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to covenant defeasance have been complied with;

• defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or result in a default under, the indenture or any of our other material agreements or instruments; and

• no default or event of default with respect to the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing and no defaults or events of default related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur during the next 90 days.

If we accomplish covenant defeasance, you can still look to us for repayment of the Notes if there were a shortfall in the trust deposit or the trustee is prevented from making payment. In fact, if one of the remaining Events of Default occurred (such as our bankruptcy) and the Notes became immediately due and payable, there might be a shortfall. Depending on the event causing the default, you may not be able to obtain payment of the shortfall.

Full Defeasance

If there is a change in U.S. federal tax law, as described below, we can legally release ourselves from all payment and other obligations on the Notes (called “full defeasance”) if we put in place the following other arrangements for you to be repaid:

• Since the Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars, we must deposit in trust for the benefit of all holders of the Notes a combination of money and U.S. government or U.S. government agency notes or bonds that will generate enough cash to make interest, principal and any other payments on the Notes on their various due dates;

• we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion confirming that there has been a change in current U.S. federal tax law or an IRS ruling that allows us to make the above deposit without causing you to be taxed on the Notes any differently than if we did not make the deposit;

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• we must deliver to the trustee a legal opinion of our counsel stating that the above deposit does not require registration by us under the 1940 Act, and a legal opinion and officers’ certificate stating that all conditions precedent to defeasance have been complied with;

• defeasance must not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, of the indenture or any of our other material agreements or instruments; and

• no default or event of default with respect to the Notes shall have occurred and be continuing and no defaults or events of default related to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization shall occur during the next 90 days.

If we ever did accomplish full defeasance, as described above, you would have to rely solely on the trust deposit for repayment of the Notes. You could not look to us for repayment in the unlikely event of any shortfall. Conversely, the trust deposit would most likely be protected from claims of our lenders and other creditors if we ever became bankrupt or insolvent. If your Notes were subordinated as described later under “— Indenture Provisions — Ranking,” such subordination would not prevent the trustee under the Indenture from applying the funds available to it from the deposit referred to in the first bullet of the preceding paragraph to the payment of amounts due in respect of such Notes for the benefit of the subordinated debtholders.

Other Covenants

In addition to any other covenants described in this prospectus, as well as standard covenants relating to payment of principal and interest, maintaining an office where payments may be made or securities can be surrendered for payment, payment of taxes by the Company and related matters, the following covenants will apply to the Notes:

• We agree that for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, we will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions, whether or not we continue to be subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act, but giving effect, in either case, to any exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC. Currently, these provisions generally prohibit us from making additional borrowings, including through the issuance of additional debt or the sale of additional debt securities, unless our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such borrowings. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to our Business and Structure — Pending legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage” in the accompanying prospectus.

• We agree that for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, we will not violate Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by (i) Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act or any successor provisions and (ii) the exception set forth below, despite the fact that we are not currently subject to such provisions of the 1940 Act and will not be subject to such provisions as a result of this offering, except that we will be permitted to declare a cash dividend or distribution notwithstanding the prohibition contained in Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act, but only up to such amount as is necessary in order for us to maintain our status as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and, provided that, any such prohibition will not apply until such time as our asset coverage has been below the minimum asset coverage required pursuant to clause (i) above for more than six consecutive months. If Section 18(a)(1)(B) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the 1940 Act were currently applicable to us in connection with this offering, these provisions would generally prohibit us from declaring any cash dividend or distribution upon any class of our capital stock, or purchasing any such capital stock if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, were below 200% at the time of the declaration of the dividend or distribution or the purchase and after deducting the amount of such dividend, distribution or purchase.

• If, at any time, we are not subject to the reporting requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, to file any periodic reports with the SEC, we agree to furnish to holders of the Notes and the Trustee, for the period of time during which the Notes are outstanding, our audited annual consolidated financial statements, within 90 days of our

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fiscal year end, and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, within 45 days of our fiscal quarter end (other than our fourth fiscal quarter). All such financial statements will be prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with applicable United States generally accepted accounting principles.

Form, Exchange and Transfer of Certificated Registered Securities

If registered Notes cease to be issued in book-entry form, they will be issued:

• only in fully registered certificated form;

• without interest coupons; and

• unless we indicate otherwise, in denominations of $25 and amounts that are multiples of $25.

Holders may exchange their certificated securities for Notes of smaller denominations or combined into fewer Notes of larger denominations, as long as the total principal amount is not changed and as long as the denomination is equal to or greater than $25.

Holders may exchange or transfer their certificated securities at the office of the trustee. We have appointed the trustee to act as our agent for registering Notes in the names of holders transferring Notes. We may appoint another entity to perform these functions or perform them ourselves.

Holders will not be required to pay a service charge to transfer or exchange their certificated securities, but they may be required to pay any tax or other governmental charge associated with the transfer or exchange. The transfer or exchange will be made only if our transfer agent is satisfied with the holder’s proof of legal ownership.

We may appoint additional transfer agents or cancel the appointment of any particular transfer agent. We may also approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts.

If any certificated securities of a particular series are redeemable and we redeem less than all the debt securities of that series, we may block the transfer or exchange of those debt securities during the period beginning 15 days before the day we mail the notice of redemption 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 or exchanges of any certificated securities selected for redemption, except that we will continue to permit transfers and exchanges of the unredeemed portion of any debt security that will be partially redeemed.

If a registered debt security is issued in book-entry form, only the depositary will be entitled to transfer and exchange the debt security as described in this subsection, since it will be the sole holder of the debt security.

Resignation of Trustee

The trustee may resign or be removed with respect to the Notes provided that a successor trustee is appointed to act with respect to the Notes. In the event that two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of indenture securities under the indenture, each of the trustees will be a trustee of a trust separate and apart from the trust administered by any other trustee.

Indenture Provisions — Ranking

The Notes will be designated as Senior Securities and, therefore, Senior Indebtedness under the indenture. Senior Indebtedness is defined in the indenture as the principal of (and premium, if any) and unpaid interest on:

• our indebtedness (including indebtedness of others guaranteed by us), whenever created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed, for money borrowed, that we have designated as “Senior Indebtedness” for purposes of the indenture and in accordance with the terms of the indenture (including any indenture securities designated as Senior Indebtedness), and

• renewals, extensions, modifications and refinancings of any of this indebtedness.

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As unsecured obligations of the Company designated as Senior Indebtedness under the indenture, the Notes will rank

• pari passu, or equal, with our future senior unsecured indebtedness;

• senior to any of our future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the Notes;

• effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness (including indebtedness that is initially unsecured to which we subsequently grant security), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, including without limitation, borrowings under our $195.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, or the Credit Facility, of which $71.5 million was outstanding as of August 14, 2017; and

• structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries.

In particular, as designated Senior Indebtedness under the indenture, the Notes will rank senior to any future securities we issue under the indenture that are designated as subordinated debt securities. Any such indenture securities designated as subordinated debt securities will be subordinated in right of payment of the principal of (and premium if any) and interest, if any, on such subordinated debt securities to the prior payment in full of the Notes, and all other Senior Indebtedness under the indenture, upon any distribution of our assets upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization. In addition, no payment on account of principal (or premium, if any), sinking fund or interest, if any, may be made on such subordinated debt securities at any time unless full payment of all amounts due in respect of the principal (and premium, if any), sinking fund and interest on the Notes, and all other Senior Indebtedness, has been made or duly provided for in money or money’s worth.

In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment by us is received by the trustee in respect of subordinated debt securities or by the holders of any of such subordinated debt securities, upon our dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization before the Notes, and all other Senior Indebtedness, are paid in full, the payment or distribution must be paid over to the holders of our Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes, or on their behalf for application to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes, remaining unpaid until all Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes, have been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of our Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes. Subject to the payment in full of the all Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes, upon this distribution by us, the holders of such subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of the holders of our Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes, to the extent of payments made to the holders of our Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes, out of the distributive share of such subordinated debt securities.

By reason of this subordination, in the event of a distribution of our assets upon our insolvency, our Senior Indebtedness, including the Notes, and certain of our senior creditors, may recover more, ratably, than holders of any subordinated debt securities or the holders of any indenture securities that are not Senior Indebtedness. The indenture provides that these subordination provisions will not apply to money and securities held in trust under the defeasance provisions of the indenture.

Book-Entry Procedures

The Notes will be represented by global securities that will be deposited and registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) or its nominee. This means that, except in limited circumstances, you will not receive certificates for the Notes. Beneficial interests in the Notes will be represented through book-entry accounts of financial institutions acting on behalf of beneficial owners as direct and indirect participants in DTC. Investors may elect to hold interests in the Notes through either DTC, if they are a participant, or indirectly through organizations that are participants in DTC.

The Notes will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC’s partnership nominee) or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. One fully-registered certificate will be issued for each issuance of the Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will be deposited with DTC. Interests in the Notes will trade in DTC’s Same Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such Notes will, therefore, be

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required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. None of the Company, the Trustee or the Paying Agent will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, 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 pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 3.5 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments from over 100 countries that DTC’s participants (“Direct Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”).

DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly (“Indirect Participants”). DTC has Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services’ highest rating: AAA. The DTC Rules applicable to its participants are on file with the SEC. More information about DTC can be found at www.dtcc.com and www.dtc.org.

Purchases of the Notes under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Notes on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each security, or the “Beneficial Owner,” is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the Notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the Notes, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Notes is discontinued.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Notes deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co. or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of the Notes with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not affect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Notes; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts the Notes are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

Redemption notices shall be sent to DTC. If less than all of the Notes within an issue are being redeemed, DTC’s practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such issue to be redeemed.

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Redemption proceeds, distributions, and interest payments on the Notes will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit Direct Participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us or the Trustee on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of DTC nor its nominee, the Trustee, or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions, and interest payments to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC) is the responsibility of us or the Trustee, but disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants will be the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners will be the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the Notes at any time by giving reasonable notice to us or to the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, certificates are required to be printed and delivered. We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry-only transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depository). In that event, certificates will be printed and delivered to DTC.

The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for the accuracy thereof.

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CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary describes generally certain U.S. federal income tax considerations (and, in the case of a non-U.S. holder (as defined below), certain U.S. federal estate tax consequences) applicable to an investment in the Notes. This summary does not purport to be a complete description of the income tax considerations applicable to such an investment. The summary is based upon the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), U.S. Treasury Regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations, each as of the date of this prospectus supplement and all of which are subject to change, potentially with retroactive effect, or to different interpretations. Investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to tax considerations that pertain to their investment in the Notes.

This summary discusses only Notes held as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment purposes) and does not purport to address persons in special tax situations, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies and regulated investment companies (and shareholders of such corporations), dealers in securities or currencies, traders in securities, former citizens of the United States, persons holding the Notes as a hedge against currency risks or as a position in a “straddle,” “hedge,” “constructive sale transaction” or “conversion transaction” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, entities that are tax-exempt for U.S. federal income tax purposes, retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, tax-deferred accounts, persons subject to the alternative minimum tax, pass-through entities (including partnerships and entities and arrangements classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) and beneficial owners of pass-through entities, or persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar (as defined in Section 985 of the Code). It also does not address beneficial owners of the Notes other than original purchasers of the Notes who acquire the Notes in this offering for a price equal to their original issue price (i.e., the first price at which a substantial amount of the Notes are sold other than to bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers).

For purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of a Note that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

• an individual who, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a citizen or resident of the United States;

• a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia;

• a trust (a) subject to the control of one or more U.S. persons and the primary supervision of a court in the United States, or (b) that existed on August 20, 1996 and has made a valid election (under applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations) to be treated as a domestic trust;

• an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source.

The term “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of a Note that is neither a U.S. holder nor a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes). An individual may, subject to exceptions, be deemed to be a resident alien, as opposed to a non-resident alien, by, among other ways, being present in the United States (i) on at least 31 days in the calendar year, and (ii) for an aggregate of at least 183 days during a three-year period ending in the current calendar year, counting for such purposes all of the days present in the current year, one-third of the days present in the immediately preceding year, and one-sixth of the days present in the second preceding year. Resident aliens are subject to U.S. federal income tax as if they were United States citizens.

If a partnership (including an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds any Notes, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner of the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. Partnerships holding Notes, and persons holding interests in such partnerships, should each consult their own tax advisors as to the consequences of investing in the Notes in their individual circumstances.

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Investors considering purchasing the Notes should consult their own tax advisors concerning the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to their individual circumstances, as well as any consequences to such investors relating to purchasing, owning and disposing of the Notes under the laws of any other taxing jurisdiction.

Taxation of Note Holders

Taxation of U.S. Holders.

Payments of Interest

Payments or accruals of interest on a Note generally will be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary interest income at the time they are received (actually or constructively) or accrued, in accordance with the U.S. holder’s regular method of tax accounting.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, Retirement or Other Taxable Disposition of a Note

Upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a Note, a U.S. holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition (excluding amounts representing accrued and unpaid interest, which are treated as ordinary income to the extent not previously included in income) and the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the Note. A U.S. holder’s tax basis in a Note generally will equal the U.S. holder’s initial investment in the Note. Capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period in the Note was more than one year. Long-term capital gains generally are taxed at reduced rates for individuals and certain other non-corporate U.S. holders. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Unearned Income Medicare Contribution

A tax of 3.8% will be imposed on certain “net investment income” (or “undistributed net investment income”, in the case of estates and trusts) received by certain taxpayers with modified adjusted gross incomes (or adjusted gross incomes, in the case of estates and trusts) above certain threshold amounts. “Net investment income” as defined for U.S. federal Medicare contribution purposes generally includes interest payments and gain recognized from the sale or other disposition of the Notes. Tax-exempt trusts, which are not subject to income taxes generally, and foreign individuals will not be subject to this tax. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on their ownership and disposition of the Notes.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

In general, a U.S. holder that is not an “exempt recipient” will be subject to U.S. federal backup withholding tax at the applicable rate (currently 28%) with respect to payments on the Notes and the proceeds of a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of the Notes, unless the U.S. holder provides its taxpayer identification number to the paying agent and certifies, under penalty of perjury, that it is not subject to backup withholding on an IRS Form W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) or a suitable substitute form (or other applicable certificate) and otherwise complies with the applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. holder may be allowed as a credit against such U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such U.S. holder to a refund, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner. In addition, payments on the Notes made to, and the proceeds of a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition by, a U.S. holder generally will be subject to information reporting requirements, unless such U.S. holder is an exempt recipient and appropriately establishes that exemption.

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Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders.

Payments of Interest

Subject to the discussions below under “— Information Reporting and Backup Withholding” and “— Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on interest paid on the Notes as long as that interest is not “effectively connected” with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States and:

• the non-U.S. holder does not, directly or indirectly, actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote;

• the non-U.S. holder is not a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is related to us, actually or by attribution, through stock ownership;

• the non-U.S. holder is not a bank receiving the interest pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of the non-U.S. holder’s trade or business; and

• either (i) the non-U.S. holder certifies under penalties of perjury on IRS Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Individuals)) or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (Certificate of Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (Entities)), as applicable, or a suitable substitute form (or other applicable certificate) that it is not a U.S. person, and provides its name, address and certain other required information or (ii) a securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers’ securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and holds the Notes on behalf of the non-U.S. holder, certifies under penalties of perjury that the certification referred to in clause (i) has been received from the non-U.S. holder or an intermediate financial institution and furnishes to us a copy thereof.

A non-U.S. holder that does not qualify for exemption from withholding as described above generally will be subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% on payments of interest on the Notes (except as described below with respect to effectively connected income). A non-U.S. holder may be entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty under which interest on the Notes is subject to a reduced rate of withholding tax or is exempt from U.S. withholding tax, provided the non-U.S. holder furnishes us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or a suitable substitute form (or other applicable certificate) claiming the reduction or exemption and the non-U.S. holder complies with any other applicable procedures.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, Retirement or Other Taxable Disposition of a Note

Generally, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding taxes on any amount that constitutes capital gain upon the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a Note, provided that:

• the gain is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States by the non-U.S. holder (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is not attributable to a U.S. “permanent establishment” maintained by the non-U.S. holder); and

• the non-U.S. holder is not an individual who is present in the U.S. for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale, exchange, or other taxable disposition and meets certain other conditions (unless such holder is eligible for relief under an applicable income tax treaty).

Certain other exceptions may be applicable, and non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors with regard to whether taxes will be imposed on capital gain in their individual circumstances.

Effectively Connected Income

If interest or gain recognized by a non-U.S. holder on a note is “effectively connected” with the non-U.S. holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States, generally, the non-U.S. holder will be exempt from the withholding tax on interest previously discussed if the non-U.S. holder provides us with a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8ECI (Certificate of Foreign Person’s Claim That Income Is

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Effectively Connected With the Conduct of a Trade or Business in the United States) or a suitable substitute or successor form or such other form as the IRS may prescribe, but the Non-U.S. Holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on such interest or gain as if it were a “United States person” (as defined in the Code). In addition to such U.S. federal income tax, if the non-U.S. holder is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such income may be subject to an additional branch profits tax (which is generally imposed on a non-U.S. corporation on the actual or deemed repatriation from the United States of earnings and profits attributable to a United States trade or business) at a 30% rate, or such lower rate provided by an applicable income tax treaty.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

Under current U.S. Treasury regulations, we must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of interest paid to the non-U.S. holder and the amount of tax withheld, if any, from those payments. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether U.S. withholding tax on such payments was reduced or eliminated by any applicable tax treaty or otherwise. Copies of the information returns reporting those payments and the amounts withheld may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country where a non-U.S. holder is a resident under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or agreement.

Under some circumstances, U.S. Treasury regulations require backup withholding and additional information reporting on payments of interest and other “reportable payments.” Such backup withholding and additional information reporting will not apply to payments on the Notes made by us or our paying agent to a non-U.S. holder if the certification described above under “— Payments of Interest” is received from the non-U.S. holder.

Backup withholding and information reporting generally will not apply to payments of proceeds from the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a Note made to a non-U.S. holder by or through the foreign office of a broker. However, information reporting requirements, and possibly backup withholding, will apply if such broker is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a “United States person” (as defined in the Code) or has certain other enumerated connections with the United States, unless such broker has documentary evidence in its records that the non-U.S. holder is not a “U.S. person” (as defined in the Code) and certain other conditions are met, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Payments of proceeds from the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a Note made to a non-U.S. holder by or through the U.S. office of a broker are subject to information reporting and backup withholding at the applicable rate unless the non-U.S. holder certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a “United States person” (as defined in the Code) and it satisfies certain other conditions, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a non-U.S. holder may be allowed as a credit against such non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such non-U.S. holder to a refund, provided the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of information reporting and backup withholding in their particular situations, the availability of an exemption therefrom, and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption, if available.

Estate Tax

A Note that is held by an individual who, at the time of death, is not a citizen or resident of the United States (as specially defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) generally will not be subject to the U.S. federal estate tax, unless, at the time of death, (i) such individual directly or indirectly, actually or constructively, owns ten percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder or (ii) such individual’s interest in the Notes is effectively connected with the individual’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business.

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Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act

Legislation commonly referred to as the “Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act,” or “FATCA,” generally imposes a 30% withholding tax on payments of certain types of income to foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”) unless such FFIs either (i) enter into an agreement with the U.S. Treasury to report certain required information with respect to accounts held by U.S. persons (or held by foreign entities that have U.S. persons as substantial owners) or (ii) reside in a jurisdiction that has entered into an intergovernmental agreement (“IGA”) with the United States to collect and share such information and are in compliance with the terms of such IGA and any enabling legislation or regulations. The types of income subject to the tax include U.S. source interest (including interest on a Note) and dividends and, after December 31, 2018, the gross proceeds from the sale of any property that could produce U.S. source interest (such as a Note) or dividends. The information required to be reported includes the identity and taxpayer identification number of each account holder that is a U.S. person and transaction activity within the holder’s account. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, this legislation also imposes a 30% withholding on payments to foreign entities that are not FFIs unless the foreign entity certifies that it does not have a greater than 10% U.S. owner or provides the withholding agent with identifying information on each greater than 10% U.S. owner. Depending on the status of a beneficial owner and the status of the intermediary through which it holds the Notes, a beneficial owner could be subject to this 30% withholding tax with respect to interest paid on the Notes and proceeds from the sale of the Notes. Under certain circumstances, a beneficial owner might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.

Holders and beneficial owners should consult their own tax advisors regarding FATCA and whether it may be relevant to their acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Notes.

Investors should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the particular tax consequences of an investment in the Notes in their individual circumstances, including the possible effect of any pending legislation or proposed regulations.

Taxation as a Regulated Investment Company

For any taxable year in which we:

• qualify as a RIC; and

• satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement,

we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of our income that we distribute (or are deemed to distribute) to stockholders. We will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at the regular corporate rates on any income or capital gains not distributed (or deemed distributed) to our stockholders.

We will be subject to a 4% nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary income for each calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years and on which we paid no corporate-level U.S. federal income tax (the “Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement”). We generally will endeavor in each taxable year to make sufficient distributions to our stockholders to avoid any U.S. federal excise tax on our earnings.

In order to qualify as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must, among other things:

• continue to qualify as a BDC under the 1940 Act at all times during each taxable year;

• derive in each taxable year at least 90% of our gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of certain securities, gains from the sale of stock or other securities, net income from certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships,” or other income derived with respect to our business of investing in such stock or securities (the “90% Income Test”); and

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• diversify our holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the taxable year:

o at least 50% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities if such other securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer; and

o no more than 25% of the value of our assets is invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain “qualified publicly traded partnerships” (the “Diversification Tests”).

Qualified earnings may exclude such income as management fees received in connection with our SBIC subsidiaries or other potential outside managed funds and certain other fees.

To meet the Annual Distribution Requirement, we must annually distribute to our stockholders, as dividends, at least 90% of our net ordinary taxable income and net realized short-term capital gains in excess of our net realized long-term capital losses, if any.

We may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive cash. For example, if we hold debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or issued with warrants), we must include in income each year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same taxable year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as PIK interest, deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock, or certain income with respect to equity investments in foreign corporations. Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our stockholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount.

Gain or loss realized by us from the sale or exchange of warrants acquired by us as well as any loss attributable to the lapse of such warrants generally will be treated as capital gain or loss. Such gain or loss generally will be long-term or short-term, depending on how long we held a particular warrant.

Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell assets in order to satisfy distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our stockholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain “asset coverage” tests are met. Moreover, our ability to dispose of assets to meet our distribution requirements may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous. If we are prohibited from making distributions or are unable to obtain cash from other sources to make the distributions, we may fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC, which would result in us becoming subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.

In addition, we will be partially dependent on our SBIC subsidiaries for cash distributions to enable us to meet the RIC distribution requirements. Our SBIC subsidiaries may be limited by the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and SBA regulations governing SBICs, from making certain distributions to us that may be necessary to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC. We may have to request a waiver of the SBA’s restrictions for our SBIC subsidiaries to make certain distributions to maintain our RIC status. We cannot assure you that the SBA will grant such waiver. If our SBIC subsidiaries are unable to obtain a waiver, compliance with the SBA regulations may cause us to fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC, which would result in us becoming subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.

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Failure to Qualify as a Regulated Investment Company

If we fail to satisfy the 90% Income Test or the Diversification Tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless continue to qualify as a RIC for such year if certain relief provisions are applicable (which may, among other things, require us to pay certain corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes or to dispose of certain assets).

If we were unable to qualify for treatment as a RIC and the foregoing relief provisions are not applicable, distributions to our stockholders would not be required, and we would be subject to tax on all of our taxable income at regular corporate rates, regardless of whether we make any distributions to our stockholders. To requalify as a RIC in a subsequent taxable year, we would be required to satisfy the RIC qualification requirements for that year and dispose of any earnings and profits from any year in which we failed to qualify as a RIC. Subject to a limited exception applicable to RICs that qualified as such under the Code for at least one year prior to disqualification and that requalify as a RIC no later than the second year following the nonqualifying year, we could be subject to tax on any unrealized net built-in gains in the assets held by us during the period in which we failed to qualify as a RIC that are recognized within the subsequent five years, unless we made a special election to pay corporate-level tax on such built-in gain at the time of our requalification as a RIC.

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UNDERWRITING

Keefe Bruyette & Woods, Inc. is acting as the representative of the underwriters of this offering and sole book-running manager of this offering. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the aggregate principal amount of Notes set forth opposite its name below.

Underwriters	Principal Amount of Notes
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.	$	18,700,000
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC	$	8,075,000
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.	$	8,075,000
BB&T Capital Markets, a division of BB&T Securities, LLC	$	4,462,500
Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.	$	3,187,500
Total	$	42,500,000

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the Notes sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these Notes are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that, under the circumstances, the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

The underwriters are offering the Notes, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the Notes, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Commissions and Discounts

An underwriting discount of 3.00% per Note will be paid by us. This underwriting discount will also apply to any Notes purchased pursuant to the over-allotment option.

The following table shows the total underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.

	Per Note		Without Option		With Option
Public offering price	$	25.00	$	42,500,000	$	48,875,000
Sales load (underwriting discount and commission) payable by us	$	0.75	$	1,275,000	$	1,446,250
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$	24.25	$	41,225,000	$	47,408,750

The underwriters propose to offer some of the Notes to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the Notes to certain other Financial Industry Regulatory Authority members at the public offering price less a concession not in excess of 2.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of 0.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes. After the initial offering of the Notes to the public, the public offering price and such concessions may be changed. No such change shall change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement.

The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $250,000 and are payable by us.

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Over-allotment Option

We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to an additional $6,375,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes offered hereby at the public offering price within 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement solely to cover any over-allotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional Notes proportionate to that underwriter’s initial principal amount reflected in the table above.

No Sales of Similar Securities

Subject to certain exceptions, we have agreed not to directly or indirectly, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or file any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of the foregoing for a period of 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement without first obtaining the written consent of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. This consent may be given at any time without public notice.

Listing

The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to list the Notes on the NYSE. We expect trading in the Notes on the NYSE to begin within 30 days after the original issue date under the trading symbol “SCA.” Currently there is no public market for the Notes.

We have been advised by certain of the underwriters that they presently intend to make a market in the Notes after completion of the offering as permitted by applicable laws and regulations. The underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a market in the Notes and any such market-making may be discontinued at any time in the sole discretion of the underwriters without any notice. Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or development of a public trading market for, the Notes. If an active public trading market for the Notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the Notes may be adversely affected.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell Notes in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment, covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. Over-allotment involves sales of securities in excess of the aggregate principal amount of securities to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a short position for the underwriters. Covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of certain bids or purchases of securities made for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress.

The underwriters also may impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased Notes sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Any of these activities may cause the price of the Notes to be higher than the price that otherwise would exist in the open market in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may be affected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time without any notice relating thereto.

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Notes

A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the Internet sites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters and/or selling group members participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter or selling group member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a limited principal amount of the Notes for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the underwriters on the same basis as other allocations.

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Other than the prospectus in electronic format, information contained in any other web site maintained by an underwriter or selling group member is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been endorsed by us and should not be relied on by investors in deciding whether to purchase any Notes.

Other Relationships

An affiliate of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. is a lender under our Credit Facility. Accordingly, the affiliate of such underwriter will receive a portion of the net proceeds from this offering. Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have provided in the past and may provide from time to time in the future in the ordinary course of their business certain commercial banking, financial advisory, investment banking and other services to us, our portfolio companies or our affiliates for which they have received or will be entitled to receive separate fees. In particular, the underwriters or their affiliates may execute transactions with us, on behalf of us, any of our portfolio companies or our affiliates. In addition, the underwriters or their affiliates may act as arrangers, underwriters or placement agents for companies whose securities are sold to or whose loans are syndicated to us, our portfolio companies or our affiliates.

The underwriters or their affiliates may also trade in our securities, securities of our portfolio companies or other financial instruments related thereto for their own accounts or for the account of others and may extend loans or financing directly or through derivative transactions to us, any of our portfolio companies or our affiliates.

After the date of this prospectus supplement, the underwriters and their affiliates may from time to time obtain information regarding specific portfolio companies or us that may not be available to the general public. Any such information is obtained by the underwriters and their affiliates in the ordinary course of its business and not in connection with the offering of the Notes. In addition, after the offering period for the sale of the Notes, the underwriters or their affiliates may develop analyses or opinions related to us or our portfolio companies and buy or sell interests in one or more of our portfolio companies on behalf of their proprietary or client accounts and may engage in competitive activities. There is no obligation on behalf of these parties to disclose their respective analyses, opinions or purchase and sale activities regarding any portfolio company or regarding us to our noteholders or any other persons.

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates that have a lending relationship with us routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, such underwriters and their affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions that consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the Notes offered hereby. Any such short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the Notes offered hereby. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

The principal business address of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. is 787 Seventh Avenue, 4^th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

Other Jurisdictions

The Notes offered by this prospectus supplement may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus supplement or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such Notes be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus supplement comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restriction relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

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CUSTODIAN AND NOTES TRUSTEE

Our securities are held by State Street Bank and Trust Company pursuant to a custody agreement. The principal business address of State Street Bank and Trust Company is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. U.S. Bank National Association, our trustee under an indenture and the second supplemental indenture thereto relating to the Notes, is the paying agent, registrar and transfer agent relating to the Notes. The corporate trust office address of our trustee is One Federal Street, 10^th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, unless otherwise specified in the indenture.

LEGAL MATTERS

Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP, Washington, DC 20001. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, New York, New York.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The financial statements, financial highlights and senior securities table of Stellus Capital Investment Corporation included in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so included in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, as stated in their reports appearing herein. Grant Thornton LLP’s principal business address is 171 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60601.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form N-2, together with all amendments and related exhibits, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the Notes offered by this prospectus supplement. The registration statement contains additional information about us and the Notes being offered by this prospectus supplement.

We also file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. You may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as the registration statement and related exhibits and schedules, at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

We maintain a website at www.stelluscapital.com and make all of our annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other publicly filed information available, free of charge, on or through our website. Information contained on our website is not incorporated into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus, and you should not consider information on our website to be part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. You may also obtain such information by contacting us in writing at 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Suite 2200, Houston, TX 77027, Attention: Investor Relations. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of these reports, proxy and information statements and other information may also be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference Section, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.

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INDEX TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016		SF-2
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)		SF-3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)		SF-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)		SF-5
Schedules of Investments as of June 30, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016		SF-6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)		SF-20

SF-1

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
STELLUS CAPITAL INVESTMENT CORPORATION
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

	June 30, 2017 (unaudited)		December 31, 2016
ASSETS
Non-controlled, affiliated investments, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,052,185 and $0, respectively)	$	980,000