As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 19, 2019

Securities Act File No. 333-230336

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-2

 

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 þ

(Check appropriate box or boxes)

x Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1

o Post-Effective Amendment No.  

 

CAPITALA FINANCE CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

4201 Congress St., Suite 360
Charlotte, NC 28209

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code: (704) 376-5502
Joseph B. Alala, III
Chief Executive Officer and President
Capitala Finance Corp.
4201 Congress St., Suite 360
Charlotte, NC 28209

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

COPIES TO:

Steven B. Boehm, Esq.
Vlad M. Bulkin, Esq.
Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
700 Sixth Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 383-0100
Fax: (202) 637-3593

 

Approximate date of proposed public offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box. x

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

o when declared effective pursuant to section 8(c).

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Title of Securities Being Registered		Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)				Amount of Registration Fee(1)
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share(3)(4)
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share(3)
Subscription Rights(3)
Warrants(5)
Debt Securities(6)
Total(7)		$	500,000,000			$	0	(2)

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

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

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 19, 2019

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

Capitala Finance Corp.

$500,000,000
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Subscription Rights
Warrants
Debt Securities

We are an externally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Both directly and through our subsidiaries that are licensed under the Small Business Investment Company Act (“SBIC”), we offer customized financing to business owners, management teams and financial sponsors for change of ownership transactions, recapitalizations, strategic acquisitions, business expansion and other growth initiatives. We are managed by Capitala Investment Advisors, LLC, and Capitala Advisors Corp. provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings or series, up to $500,000,000 of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock, or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, which we refer to, collectively, as the “securities”. The preferred stock, subscription rights, warrants and debt securities offered hereby may be convertible or exchangeable into shares of common stock. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be described in one or more supplements to this prospectus.

In the event we offer common stock, the offering price per share of our common stock less any underwriting discounts or commissions will generally not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering. However, we may issue shares of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus at a price per share that is less than our net asset value per share (i) in connection with a rights offering to our existing stockholders, (ii) with the prior approval of the majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of our common stockholders or (iii) under such other circumstances as the Securities and Exchange Commission may permit.

The securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, or through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. Each prospectus supplement relating to an offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of the securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, discount or commissions arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution”. We may not sell any of the securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such securities.

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CPTA”. On April 16, 2019, the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our common stock was $8.70 per share. Our 6.0% notes due 2022 are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CPTAL”. On April 16, 2019, the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our 6.0% notes due 2022 was $25.15. Our 5.75% convertible notes due 2022 are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “CPTAG”. On April 16, 2019, the last reported sales price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market for our 5.75% convertible notes due 2022 was $25.03.

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks and involves a heightened risk of total loss of investment. In addition, the companies in which we invest are subject to special risks. For example, we invest in securities that are rated below investment grade by rating agencies or that would be rated below investment grade if they were rated. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as “high yield” or “junk,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 24 of this prospectus, and in, or incorporated by reference into, the applicable prospectus supplement and in any free writing prospectuses we may authorize for use in connection with a specific offering, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, to read about factors you should consider, including the risk of leverage, before investing in our securities.

Neither the SEC 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.

This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

This prospectus describes some of the general terms that may apply to an offering of our securities. We will provide the specific terms of these offerings and securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you in connection with these offerings. The prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement, and any related free writing prospectus, and the documents incorporated by reference, before buying any of the securities being offered. We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information about us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). This information is available free of charge by contacting us by mail at 4201 Congress St., Suite 360, Charlotte, NC 28209, by telephone at (704) 376-5502 or on our website at http://www.capitalagroup.com. The SEC also maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains such information. Information contained on our website or on the SEC’s website about us is not incorporated into this prospectus or any supplement hereto and you should not consider information contained on our website or on the SEC’s website to be part of this prospectus or any supplement hereto.

The date of this prospectus is           , 2019.

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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized any dealer, salesman or other person to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. You must not rely upon any information or representation not contained in this prospectus, any such prospectus supplements or any free writing prospectuses as if we had authorized it. This prospectus, any such prospectus supplements or any free writing prospectuses do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any security other than the registered securities to which they relate, nor do they constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information contained in, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus, any such prospectus supplements or any free writing prospectuses is accurate as of the dates on their covers. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since then.

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		Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS			1
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY			2
THE OFFERING			14
FEES AND EXPENSES			19
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA			22
SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA			23
RISK FACTORS			24
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS			58
USE OF PROCEEDS			59
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS			60
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS			63
SENIOR SECURITIES			88
BUSINESS			90
PORTFOLIO COMPANIES			108
MANAGEMENT			113
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT			120
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT			122
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT			130
LICENSE AGREEMENT			130
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS			131
CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS			133
REGULATION AS A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY			135
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE			141
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN			144
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS			145
SALES OF COMMON STOCK BELOW NET ASSET VALUE			153

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		Page
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES			159
DESCRIPTION OF OUR CAPITAL STOCK			159
DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED STOCK			166
DESCRIPTION OF OUR SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS			167
DESCRIPTION OF OUR WARRANTS			169
DESCRIPTION OF OUR DEBT SECURITIES			171
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION			186
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DISTRIBUTION PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR			188
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES			188
LEGAL MATTERS			188
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM			188
AVAILABLE INFORMATION			188
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE			189
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS			F-1

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), using the “shelf” registration process. Under the shelf registration process, which constitutes a delayed offering in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Company may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, up to $500,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock, or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, on terms to be determined at the time of the offering. The securities may be offered at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the offerings of securities that we may conduct pursuant to this prospectus. Each time we use this prospectus to offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering.

We may also authorize one or more free writing prospectuses to be provided to you that may contain material information relating to these offerings. In a prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, we may also add, update, or change any of the information contained in this prospectus or in the documents we incorporate by reference into this prospectus. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus, and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, will include all material information relating to the applicable offering. Before buying any of the securities being offered, you should carefully read both this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, together with any exhibits and the additional information described in the sections titled “Available Information,” “Incorporation of Certain Information By Reference,” “Prospectus Summary” and “Risk Factors.”

This prospectus includes summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described in this prospectus, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed, or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described in the section titled “Available Information.”

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

The following summary contains basic information about offerings pursuant to this prospectus. It may not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of offerings pursuant to this prospectus, we encourage you to read this entire prospectus and the documents to which we have referred in this prospectus, together with any accompanying prospectus supplements or free writing prospectuses, including the risks set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement and any related free writing prospectus, and under similar headings in any other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and the information set forth under the caption “Available Information” in this prospectus.

Immediately prior to the pricing of Capitala Finance Corp.’s initial public offering (“IPO”) on September 24, 2013, we acquired, through a series of transactions (the “Formation Transactions”), an investment portfolio (the “Legacy Portfolio”) from the following entities:

After the Formation Transactions, the Legacy Portfolio consisted of: (1) approximately $326.3 million in investments; (2) an aggregate of approximately $67.1 million in cash, interest receivable and other assets; and (3) liabilities of approximately $202.2 million of SBA-guaranteed debt payable. We issued an aggregate of approximately 9.0 million shares of our common stock to acquire the Legacy Portfolio. Fund II, Fund III, and Florida Sidecar Fund and their respective general partners became our wholly owned subsidiaries. Fund II and Fund III have elected to be regulated as BDCs under the 1940 Act.

Except where the context suggests otherwise:

In this prospectus, we use the term “lower and traditional middle-market” to refer to companies generating between $10 million and $200 million in annual revenue and having at least $4.5 million to $30.0 million in annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”).

Capitala Finance Corp.

We are an externally managed non-diversified closed-end management investment company incorporated in Maryland that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. We commenced operations on May 24, 2013 and completed our IPO on September 30, 2013. We are managed by Capitala Investment Advisors, an investment adviser that is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), and Capitala Advisors Corp. provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated, and intend to comply with the requirements to continue to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

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Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Both directly and through our subsidiaries that are licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) Act, we offer customized financing to business owners, management teams and financial sponsors for change of ownership transactions, recapitalizations, strategic acquisitions, business expansion and other growth initiatives. We invest in first lien loans, second lien loans and subordinated loans, and, to a lesser extent, equity securities issued by lower middle-market companies and traditional middle-market companies.

Our Investment Strategy

Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. We expect the companies in which we invest will generally have between $4.5 million and $30.0 million in trailing twelve month EBITDA. We believe our focus on direct lending to private companies enables us to receive higher interest rates and more substantial equity participation. As part of that strategy, we may invest in first-lien loans, which have a first priority security interest in all or some of the borrower’s assets. In addition, our first lien loans may include positions in “stretch” senior secured loans, also referred to as “unitranche” loans, which combine characteristics of traditional first-lien senior secured loans and second lien loans, providing us with greater influence and security in the primary collateral of a borrower and potentially mitigating loss of principal should a borrower default. We also may invest in second lien loans, which have a second priority security interest in all or substantially all of the borrower’s assets. In addition to first and second lien loans, we invest in subordinated loans, which may include mezzanine and other types of junior debt investments. Like second lien loans, our subordinated loans typically have a second lien on all or substantially all of the borrower’s assets; however, the principal difference between subordinated loans and second lien loans is that in a subordinated loan, we may be subject to the interruption of cash interest payments, at the discretion of the first lien lender, upon certain events of default. In addition to debt securities, we may acquire equity or detachable equity-related interests (including warrants) from a borrower. Typically, the debt in which we invest is not initially rated by any rating agency; however, we believe that if such investments were rated, they would be rated below investment grade. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as “high yield” or “junk,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. We intend to target investments that mature in four to six years from our investment.

We typically will not limit the size of our loan commitments to a specific percentage of a borrower’s assets that serve as collateral for our loan, although we attempt to protect against risk of loss on our debt investments by structuring, underwriting and pricing loans based on anticipated cash flows of our borrowers. As of December 31, 2018, our investment adviser underwrote investments in 134 lower middle-market and traditional middle-market companies totaling more than $1.4 billion of invested capital since 2000, and we believe that a continuation of this strategy allows us to make structured investments with more attractive pricing and greater opportunities for meaningful equity participation than traditional asset-based, senior secured loans. Further, we believe that we benefit from our investment adviser’s long-standing relationships with many private equity fund sponsors, whose participation in portfolio companies, we believe, makes repayment from refinancing, asset sales and/or sales of the borrowers themselves more likely than a strategy whereby we consider investments only in founder-owned or non-sponsored borrowers.

Capitala Investment Advisors

We are managed by Capitala Investment Advisors, whose investment team members have significant and diverse experience financing, advising, operating and investing in lower middle-market and traditional middle-market companies. Moreover, our investment adviser’s investment team has refined its investment strategy by sourcing, reviewing, acquiring and monitoring 134 portfolio companies totaling more than $1.4 billion of invested capital from 2000 through December 31, 2018. Capitala Investment Advisors’ investment team also manages CapitalSouth Partners SBIC Fund IV, L.P. (“Fund IV”), a private investment limited partnership providing financing solutions to smaller and lower middle-market companies. Fund IV had its first closing in March 2013 and obtained SBA approval for its SBIC license in April 2013. In addition to Fund IV, affiliates of the Investment Advisor may manage several affiliated funds whereby institutional limited partners in Fund IV have the opportunity to co-invest with Fund IV in portfolio investments. An affiliate of the Investment Advisor also manages Capitala Private Credit Fund V, L.P. (“Fund V”), a private investment

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limited partnership, and a private investment vehicle (referred to herein as “Capitala Specialty Lending Corp.” or “CSLC”), both of which provide financing solutions to lower middle-market and traditional middle-market companies. The Investment Advisor and its affiliates may also manage other funds in the future that may have investment mandates that are similar, in whole and in part, with ours. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and interpretation of the staff of the SEC, the Investment Advisor and its affiliates may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for one or more of those other funds. In such event, depending on the availability of such investment and other appropriate factors, the Investment Advisor or its affiliates may determine that we should invest side-by-side with one or more other funds. Any such investments will be made only to the extent permitted by applicable law and interpretive positions of the SEC and its staff, and consistent with the Investment Advisor’s allocation procedures. We do expect to make, and have made, co-investments with Fund V and/or CSLC given their similar investment strategies.

On June 1, 2016, the SEC issued an exemptive order (the “Order”), which permits the Company to co-invest in portfolio companies with certain funds or entities managed by the Investment Advisor or its affiliates in certain negotiated transactions where co-investing would otherwise be prohibited under the 1940 Act, subject to the conditions of the Order. Pursuant to the Order, the Company is permitted to co-invest with its affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of the Company’s independent directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including, but not limited to, that (1) the terms of the potential co-investment transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to the Company and its stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of the Company or its stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (2) the potential co-investment transaction is consistent with the interests of the Company’s stockholders and is consistent with its then-current objectives and strategies.

Our Investment Advisor is led by Joseph B. Alala, III, our chief executive officer, chairman of our Board of Directors, and the managing partner and chief investment officer of our Investment Advisor, M. Hunt Broyhill, a member of the Board of Directors and a partner of our Investment Advisor, Stephen A. Arnall, our chief financial officer and chief operating officer, and John F. McGlinn, a managing director of our Investment Advisor. Messrs. Alala, Broyhill and McGlinn serve as our Investment Advisor’s investment committee. They are assisted by nineteen investment professionals.

Our investment adviser’s investment committee, as well as certain key investment team members that are involved in screening and underwriting portfolio transactions, have worked together for more than 15 years. These investment professionals have an average of over 20 years of experience in various finance-related fields, including operations, corporate finance, investment banking, business law and merchant banking, and have collectively developed a broad network of contacts that can offer us investment opportunities. Much of our investment adviser’s investment team has worked together screening opportunities, underwriting new investments and managing a portfolio of investments in lower middle-market and traditional middle-market companies through two recessions, a credit crunch, the dot-com boom and bust and a historic, leverage-fueled asset valuation bubble.

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Corporate Structure and History

Set forth below is a diagram of our current organizational structure:

On May 26, 2017, we issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% fixed-rate convertible notes due on May 31, 2022 (the “2022 Convertible Notes”). On June 26, 2017, we issued an additional $2.1 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Convertible Notes pursuant to a partial exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. Interest is payable quarterly beginning August 31, 2017. The 2022 Convertible Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the trading symbol “CPTAG” with a par value $25.00 per share.

On May 16, 2017, we issued $70.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.0% fixed-rate notes due May 31, 2022 (the “2022 Notes”). On May 25, 2017, we issued an additional $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes pursuant to a partial exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option. The 2022 Notes will mature on May 31, 2022, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after May 31, 2019 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the outstanding principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Interest is payable quarterly beginning August 31, 2017. The 2022 Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “CPTAL” with a par value $25.00 per share.

On October 17, 2014, the Company entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with ING Capital, LLC, as administrative agent, arranger, and bookrunner, and the lenders party thereto. The Credit Facility was amended on May 22, 2015, June 16, 2017, July 19, 2018, (the “Amendments”). The Amendments were affected, among other things, in order to increase the total borrowings allowed under the Credit Facility, allow for stock repurchases, extend the maturity date, and to reduce the minimum required interest coverage ratio. The Credit Facility currently provides for borrowings up to $114.5 million and may be increased up to $200.0 million pursuant to its “accordion” feature. The Credit Facility matures on June 16, 2021. As of December 31, 2018, we had $10.0 million outstanding and $104.5 million available under the Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at our election, at a rate per annum equal to (i) the one, two, three or six month LIBOR as applicable, plus 3.00% or (ii) 2.00% plus the highest of (A) a prime rate, (B) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5% and (C) three-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. Our ability to elect LIBOR indices with various tenors (e.g., one, two, three or six-month LIBOR) on which the interest rates for borrowings under the Credit Facility are based provides us with increased flexibility to manage interest rate risks as compared to a borrowing arrangement that does not provide for such optionality. Once a particular LIBOR rate has been selected, the interest rate on the applicable amount borrowed will reset after the applicable tenor period and be based on the then applicable selected LIBOR rate (e.g., borrowings for which

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we have elected the one-month LIBOR rate will reset on the one-month anniversary of the period based on the then selected LIBOR rate). For any given borrowing under the Credit Facility, we intend to elect what we believe to be an appropriate LIBOR rate taking into account our needs at the time as well as our view of future interest rate movements. We will also pay an unused commitment fee at a rate of 2.50% per annum on the amount (if positive) by which 40% of the aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility exceeds the outstanding amount of loans under the Credit Facility and 0.50% per annum on any remaining unused portion of the Credit Facility.

Our Portfolio

As of December 31, 2018, the investments in our portfolio were comprised of approximately $343.2 million in debt investments and $105.7 million in equity investments and warrants across 44 portfolio companies. The debt investments in our portfolio had a weighted average annualized yield of approximately 11.9% as of December 31, 2018, which includes a cash component of approximately 11.4% and a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest component of approximately 0.5%. PIK interest represents contractually deferred interest added to the investment balance that is generally due at the end of the investment term and recorded as income on an accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected.

As of December 31, 2018, the debt investments in our portfolio had a weighted average time to maturity of 2.4 years. Our debt investments have structural protections, including default penalties, information rights, affirmative, negative and financial covenants, such as lien protection and prohibitions against change of control and, as needed, intercreditor agreements to protect second lien positions.

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The following charts summarize our portfolio mix of investments by security type, industry and region based on fair value as of December 31, 2018.

Mix of Investments by Security Type

Mix of Investments by Industry

Mix of Investments by Region

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Recent Developments

Distributions

On January 2, 2019 our Board of Directors declared the following distributions:

Date Declared

Record Date

Payment Date

Distributions per Share

January 2, 2019

January 24, 2019

January 30, 2019

$

0.0833

January 2, 2019

February 20, 2019

February 27, 2019

$

0.0833

January 2, 2019

March 21, 2019

March 28, 2019

$

0.0833

On April 1, 2019 our Board declared the following distributions:

Date Declared

Record Date

Payment Date

Distributions per Share

April 1, 2019

April 22, 2019

April 29, 2019

$

0.0833

April 1, 2019

May 23, 2019

May 30, 2019

$

0.0833

April 1, 2019

June 20, 2019

June 27, 2019

$

0.0833

Portfolio Activity

On January 4, 2019, the Company invested $9.2 million in first lien debt and $0.9 million in membership units of Reliant Account Management, LLC.

On February 1, 2019, the Company invested $3.8 million in second lien debt of AAE Acquisition, LLC.

On February 27, 2019, the Company sold its warrants in B&W Quality Growers, LLC for $5.9 million.

Borrowings

On February 22, 2019, the Company completed an amendment to its Credit Facility that reduced its minimum net asset value to $150.0 million and reduced the minimum required asset coverage ratio to 2:1 debt-to-equity.

On March 1, 2019, the Company prepaid $15.7 million in outstanding SBA debentures for Fund II and relinquished the related SBIC license.

Market Opportunity

We believe that the current credit environment provides significant opportunities to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns on the types of cash flow-based loans to lower and traditional middle-market companies that we intend to make. In particular, we believe that due to factors affecting lending institutions (including but not limited to consolidation, capital constraints and regulatory changes) and the failure of non-bank financing vehicles during and immediately following the 2008 – 2009 recession, demand for financing from lower and traditional middle-market companies exceeds, and will continue to exceed, the investment capacity of lenders that have traditionally served this market. We review investment opportunities throughout the United States. Based on our location and the 20-year track record of our investment adviser’s investment team, we target our business development efforts in the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic capital markets.

We believe that the following characteristics of the current credit markets combined with certain long-term trends associated with lending to lower and traditional middle-market companies provide a strong market environment.

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Further, the withdrawal of many traditional senior lenders from the market, combined with reduced leverage levels and a restoration of prudent loan conditions and covenant levels, allows for specialty finance companies making unitranche and cash flow-based senior or subordinated loans to charge premium risk-adjusted pricing, while subordinated only to a modest amount of senior asset-based debt (if not maintaining first lien senior secured positions over the loan collateral provided by the borrowers).

Our Competitive Advantages

We believe that we are well positioned to take advantage of investment opportunities in lower and traditional middle-market companies due to the following competitive advantages:

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Summary Risk Factors

An investment in our securities involves risk, including the risk of leverage and the risk that our operating policies and strategies may change without prior notice to our stockholders or prior stockholder approval. See “Risk Factors” and the other information included in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our securities. The value of our assets, as well as the market price of our securities, will fluctuate. Our investments may be risky, and you may lose all or part of your investment in Capitala Finance. We primarily invest in securities that are rated below investment grade, or would be rated below investment grade if they were rated, and these securities are commonly referred to as “junk bonds” and have predominantly speculative investment characteristics. Investing in Capitala Finance involves other risks, including the following:

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Operating and Regulatory Structure

Capitala Finance is a Maryland corporation that is an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Capitala Finance’s wholly owned SBIC subsidiaries, Fund II and Fund III, have also elected to be treated as BDCs under the 1940 Act. As a BDC, we are required to meet regulatory tests, including the requirement to invest at least 70% of our gross assets in “qualifying assets.” Qualifying assets generally include securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies and cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company.” In addition to our existing SBA-guaranteed debentures, we may, if permitted by regulation, seek to issue additional SBA-guaranteed debentures as well as other forms of leverage and borrow funds to make investments. In addition, we have elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually thereafter, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. See “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

Our investment activities are managed by Capitala Investment Advisors and supervised by our Board of Directors. Capitala Investment Advisors is an investment adviser that is registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or the Advisers Act. Under our investment advisory agreement, which we refer to as the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to pay Capitala Investment Advisors an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as an incentive fee based on our performance. See “Investment Advisory Agreement.” We have also entered into an administration agreement, which we refer to as the Administration Agreement, under which we have agreed to reimburse our administrator for our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by our administrator in performing its obligations

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under the Administration Agreement, including furnishing us with office facilities, equipment and clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services at such facilities, as well as providing us with other administrative services. See “Administration Agreement.”

Joseph B. Alala, III, our chief executive officer and chairman of our Board of Directors, is the managing partner and chief investment officer of Capitala Investment Advisors and is the chief executive officer, president and a director of our administrator.

Our Corporate Information

Our executive offices are located at 4201 Congress Street, Suite 360, Charlotte, North Carolina 28209, our telephone number is (704) 376-5502 and our website may be found at http://www.capitalagroup.com. Information contained on our website or on the SEC’s website about us is not incorporated into this prospectus and you should not consider information contained on our website or on the SEC’s website to be part of this prospectus.

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THE OFFERING

We may offer, from time to time, up to $500,000,000 of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock, or warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock or debt securities, on terms to be determined at the time of each offering. We will offer our securities at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The offering price per share of our securities, less any underwriting commissions or discounts, generally will not be less than the net asset value per share of our securities at the time of an offering. However, we may issue securities pursuant to this prospectus at a price per share that is less than our net asset value per share (i) in connection with a rights offering to our existing stockholders, (ii) with the prior approval of the majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of our common stockholders or (iii) under such other circumstances as the SEC may permit. Any such issuance of shares of our common stock below net asset value may be dilutive to the net asset value of our common stock. See “Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Offerings Pursuant to this Prospectus”.

Our securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, including existing stockholders in a rights offering, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution”. We may not sell any of our securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of this prospectus and a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of securities.

Set forth below is additional information regarding offerings of securities pursuant to this prospectus:

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FEES AND EXPENSES

The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “you”, “Capitala Finance”, or “us” or that “we” or “Capitala Finance” will pay fees or expenses, Capitala Finance will pay such fees and expenses out of our net assets and, consequently, you will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as an investor in Capitala Finance. However, you will not be required to deliver any money or otherwise bear personal liability or responsibility for such fees or expenses.

Stockholder transaction expenses:
Sales load (as a percentage of offering price)			N/A	(1)
Offering expenses borne by us (as a percentage of offering price)			N/A	(2)
Dividend reinvestment plan fees (per sales transaction fee)		$	15.00	(3)
Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price)			—	%
Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock):
Base management fee			4.29	%(4)
Incentive fees payable from Net Investment Income			0.12	%(5)
Incentive fee payable from Capital Gains			—	%(5)
Interest payments on borrowed funds			6.76	%(6)
Other expenses			2.23	(7)
Acquired funds fees and expenses			0.03	%(8)
Total annual expenses			13.43	%(9)

On January 4, 2016, Capitala Investment Advisors voluntarily agreed to waive all or such portion of the quarterly incentive fees earned by Capitala Investment Advisors that would otherwise cause the Company’s quarterly net investment income to be less than the distribution payments declared by the Company’s Board of Directors. Quarterly incentive fees are earned by Capitala Investment Advisors pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement. Incentive fees subject to the waiver cannot exceed the amount of incentive fees earned during the period, as calculated on a quarterly basis. Capitala Investment

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Advisors will not be entitled to recoup any amount of incentive fees that it waives. This waiver was effective in the fourth quarter of 2015 and will continue unless otherwise publicly disclosed by the Company. However, because this is a voluntary waiver that is not guaranteed to last indefinitely, the incentive fee reflected in the above table is presented on a gross basis and does not take into account the voluntary fee waiver. For more detailed information about the incentive fee calculations, see the “Investment Advisory Agreement” section of this prospectus.

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Example

The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our borrowings and annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above. In the event that shares to which this prospectus relates are sold to or through underwriters, a corresponding prospectus supplement will restate this example to reflect the applicable sales load and offering expenses. See Note 6 above for additional information regarding certain assumptions regarding our level of leverage.

		1 Year				3 Years				5 Years				10 Years
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5.0% annual return		$	133			$	367			$	564			$	929

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

While the example assumes, as required by the applicable rules of the SEC, a 5.0% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.0%. The incentive fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement, which, assuming a 5.0% annual return, would either not be payable or would have an insignificant impact on the expense amounts shown above, is not included in the above example. The above illustration assumes that we will not realize any capital gains (computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation) in any of the indicated time periods. If we achieve sufficient returns on our investments, including through the realization of capital gains, to trigger an incentive fee of a material amount, our expenses and returns to our investors would be higher. For example, if we assumed that we received our 5.0% annual return completely in the form of net realized capital gains on our investments, computed net of all cumulative unrealized depreciation on our investments, the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses set forth in the above illustration would be as follows:

		1 Year				3 Years				5 Years				10 Years
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5.0% annual return		$	143			$	390			$	594			$	958

The example assumes no sales load. However, in the event that the securities to which this prospectus relates are sold with a sales load, a corresponding prospectus supplement will provide a revised expense example that will include the effect of the sales load. In addition, while the examples assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at net asset value, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, generally determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the dividend payable to a participant by the market price per share of our common stock at the close of trading on the dividend payment date, which may be at, above or below net asset value. See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan” for additional information regarding the dividend reinvestment plan.

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following selected consolidated financial data of the Company is as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Financial information for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 has been derived from our consolidated financial statements that have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. This consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section which follows (dollars in thousands except share and per share data):

		For the year ended December 31, 2018				For the year ended December 31, 2017				For the year ended December 31, 2016				For the year ended December 31, 2015				For the year ended December 31, 2014
Consolidated statements of operations data:
Total investment income		$	47,293			$	51,089			$	68,312			$	63,976			$	49,528
Total expenses, net of fee waivers			31,271				35,565				39,272				38,649				29,562
Net investment income			16,022				15,524				29,040				25,327				19,966
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments			(34,804	)			(24,189	)			(22,766	)			5,436				832
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and written call option			840				2,970				2,878				(16,913	)			(24,238	)
Tax (provision) benefit			1,916				(1,289	)			—				—				—
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	(16,026	)		$	(6,984	)		$	9,152			$	13,850			$	(3,440	)
Per share data:
Net investment income		$	1.00			$	0.98			$	1.84			$	1.67			$	1.54
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	(1.00	)		$	(0.44	)		$	0.58			$	0.91			$	(0.27	)
Distributions declared		$	1.00			$	1.42			$	1.80			$	2.38			$	1.88
Net asset value per share		$	11.88			$	13.91			$	15.79			$	17.04			$	18.56
Consolidated statements of assets and liabilities data:
Total assets		$	493,165			$	534,595			$	584,415			$	632,818			$	539,864
Total net assets		$	190,644			$	221,887			$	250,582			$	268,802			$	240,837
Other data:
Total return(1)			12.14	%			(35.68	)%			24.07	%			(20.43	)%			(0.85	)%
Number of portfolio company investments at period end			44				47				53				57				52
Total portfolio investments for the period		$	107,802			$	82,750			$	120,844			$	260,640			$	216,276
Investment repayments for the period		$	123,517			$	115,810			$	163,564			$	142,713			$	80,197

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SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables set forth certain quarterly financial information for each of the quarters for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. This information was derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for the past fiscal year or for any future quarter.

		For the quarter ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		December 31, 2018				September 30, 2018				June 30, 2018				March 31, 2018
Total investment income		$	11,308			$	11,530			$	11,882			$	12,572
Net investment income		$	3,501			$	3,851			$	4,231			$	4,438
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	(9,201	)		$	(11,916	)		$	4,948			$	141
Net investment income per share(1)		$	0.22			$	0.24			$	0.26			$	0.28
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per share(1)		$	(0.57	)		$	(0.74	)		$	0.31			$	0.01
Net asset value per share at end of period		$	11.88			$	12.71			$	13.71			$	13.66

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)		For the quarter ended
		December 31, 2017				September 30, 2017				June 30, 2017				March 31, 2017
Total investment income		$	11,600			$	12,312			$	12,362			$	14,815
Net investment income		$	4,220			$	4,410			$	703			$	6,191
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations		$	(587	)		$	(5,753	)		$	(5,525	)		$	4,881
Net investment income per share(1)		$	0.26			$	0.28			$	0.04			$	0.39
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations per share(1)		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.36	)		$	(0.35	)		$	0.31
Net asset value per share at end of period		$	13.91			$	14.21			$	14.97			$	15.71

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RISK FACTORS

Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus, and any documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in our securities. The risks described in these documents and 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. 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 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.

Risks Relating to Our Business and Structure

We have a limited operating history as a BDC.

Capitala Finance was formed in February 2013 and has only operated as a BDC since September 2013. As a result, we are subject to many of the business risks and uncertainties associated with recently formed businesses, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objective and that the value of your investment could decline substantially. As a BDC, we are subject to the regulatory requirements of the SEC, in addition to the specific regulatory requirements applicable to BDCs under the 1940 Act and RICs under the Code. Our management and that of our investment adviser, Capitala Investment Advisors, did not have any prior experience operating under this regulatory framework, and we incur substantial costs, and expend significant time or other resources, to operate under this regulatory framework. From time to time, Capitala Investment Advisors may pursue investment opportunities in which it has more limited experience. We may also be unable to replicate the historical performance of prior investment funds managed by our management team. In addition, we may be unable to generate sufficient revenue from our operations to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders.

Our investment portfolio is recorded at fair value, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, its estimate of fair value and, as a result, there may be uncertainty as to the value of our portfolio investments.

Under the 1940 Act, we are required to carry our portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined by us, with our Board of Directors having final responsibility for overseeing, reviewing and approving, in good faith, our estimate of fair value. Typically, there will not be a public market for the securities of the privately held companies in which we invest. As a result, we value these securities quarterly at fair value based on input from management, a third-party independent valuation firm and our audit committee, and with the oversight, review and approval of our Board of Directors.

The determination of fair value and consequently, the amount of unrealized gains and losses in our portfolio, are to a certain degree, subjective and dependent on a valuation process approved by our Board of Directors. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include external events, such as private mergers, sales and acquisitions involving comparable companies. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. Our fair value determinations may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. Due to this uncertainty, our fair value determinations may cause our net asset value on a given date to materially understate or overstate the value that we may ultimately realize on one or more of our investments. As a result, investors purchasing our common stock based on an overstated net asset value would pay a higher price than the value of our investments might warrant. Conversely, investors selling shares during a period in which the net asset value understates the value of our investments would receive a lower price for their shares than the value of our investments might warrant. In addition, we may not be able to realize the values on our investments needed to pay interest on our borrowings.

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Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our ability to effectively manage and deploy capital.

Our ability to achieve our investment objective depends on our ability to effectively manage and deploy capital, which depends, in turn, on our investment adviser’s ability to identify, evaluate and monitor, and our ability to finance and invest in, companies that meet our investment criteria.

Accomplishing our investment objective on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of our investment adviser’s handling of the investment process, its ability to provide competent, attentive and efficient services and our access to investments offering acceptable terms. In addition to monitoring the performance of our existing investments, our investment adviser’s investment team may also be called upon, from time to time, to provide managerial assistance to some of our portfolio companies as well as other funds that they manage. These demands on their time may distract them or slow our rate of investment. See also “— There are significant potential conflicts of interest that could negatively affect our investment returns.”

Even if we are able to grow and build upon our investment operations, any failure to manage our growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. The results of our operations depend on many factors, including the availability of opportunities for investment, readily accessible short and long-term funding alternatives in the financial markets and economic conditions. Furthermore, if we cannot successfully operate our business or implement our investment policies and strategies as described in this prospectus, it could negatively impact our ability to make distributions.

We depend upon Capitala Investment Advisors’ key personnel for our future success.

We depend on the diligence, skill and network of business contacts of Joseph B. Alala, III, M. Hunt Broyhill and John F. McGlinn, who serve as the members of the investment committee of Capitala Investment Advisors and lead Capitala Investment Advisors’ investment team. Our success depends on the continued service of these individuals and the other senior investment professionals available to Capitala Investment Advisors. We cannot assure you that unforeseen business, medical, personal or other circumstances would not lead Messrs. Alala, Broyhill or McGlinn or any other such individual to terminate his relationship with us. Additionally, we cannot assure you that a reduction in revenue to Capitala Investment Advisors, including as a result of fee waivers or a decrease in our assets, would not lead to a loss of investment professionals in the future. Such loss of members of Capitala Investment Advisors’ investment committee and other investment professionals could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objective as well as on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we can offer no assurance that Capitala Investment Advisors will continue indefinitely as our investment adviser.

The members of Capitala Investment Advisors’ investment team are and may in the future become affiliated with entities engaged in business activities similar to those intended to be conducted by us, and may have conflicts of interest in allocating their time. For example, an affiliate of the Investment Advisor also manages Fund IV, and Fund V, which are private investment limited partnerships and CSLC, a private investment vehicle, all of which provide financing solutions to lower middle-market and traditional middle-market companies. Mr. Alala dedicates a significant portion of his time to the activities of Capitala Finance; however, he may become engaged in other business activities that could divert his time and attention in the future.

We operate in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, which could reduce returns and result in losses.

We compete for investments with other BDCs with similar investment strategies, private equity funds with similar investment strategies, venture lending funds, finance companies with venture lending units and banks focused on venture lending. Many of our potential competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we have. For example, some competitors may have a lower cost of capital and access to funding sources that are not available to us. In addition, some of our competitors have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we have. These characteristics might allow our competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships or offer better pricing and more flexible structuring than we are able to offer. We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors’ pricing, terms or structure. If we are forced to

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match our competitors’ pricing, terms or structure, we may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on our investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. We believe a significant part of our competitive advantage stems from the fact that the market for investments in lower and traditional middle-market companies is underserved by traditional commercial banks and other financing sources. A significant increase in the number and/or the size of our competitors in this target market could force us to accept less attractive investment terms. Furthermore, many of our potential competitors have greater experience operating under, or will not be subject to, the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act impose on us as a BDC.

Any inability of Capitala Investment Advisors to maintain or develop strong referral relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

We depend upon our investment adviser to maintain its relationships with venture capital and private equity firms, placement agents, investment banks, management groups and other financial institutions, and we expect to rely to a significant extent upon these relationships to provide us with potential investment opportunities. If our investment adviser fails to maintain such relationships, or to develop new relationships with other sources of investment opportunities, we will not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom our investment adviser has relationships are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities, and we can offer no assurance that these relationships will generate investment opportunities for us in the future.

Our success depends on the ability of Capitala Investment Advisors to attract and retain qualified personnel in a competitive environment.

Our growth requires that Capitala Investment Advisors retain and attract new investment and administrative personnel in a competitive market. Its ability to attract and retain personnel with the requisite credentials, experience and skills depends on several factors including, but not limited to, its ability to offer competitive wages, benefits and professional growth opportunities. Many of the entities with which our investment advisor competes for experienced personnel, including investment funds (such as private equity funds, credit funds and mezzanine funds) and traditional financial services companies, have greater resources than our investment advisor will has. We cannot assure you that a reduction in revenue to Capitala Investment Advisors, including as a result of fee waivers or a decrease in our assets, would not lead to a loss of investment professionals in the future.

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

The members of Capitala Investment Advisors’ investment team also monitor and service other affiliated investment funds. In addition, our executive officers and directors, as well as the current and future members of our investment adviser’s investment team may serve as officers, directors or principals of other entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which obligations may not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders.

In the course of our investing activities, we pay management and incentive fees to Capitala Investment Advisors and reimburse Capitala Investment Advisors for certain expenses it incurs. As a result, investors in our common stock invest on a “gross” basis and receive distributions on a “net” basis after expenses, resulting in a lower rate of return than an investor might achieve through direct investments. Accordingly, there may be times when the management team of Capitala Investment Advisors will have interests that differ from those of our stockholders, giving rise to a conflict. Capitala Investment Advisors will not be reimbursed for any performance-related compensation for its employees. We have entered into a royalty-free license agreement with our investment adviser, pursuant to which Capitala Investment Advisors grants us a non-exclusive royalty-free license to use the name “Capitala.” Under the license agreement, we have the right to use the “Capitala” name for so long as Capitala Investment Advisors or one of its affiliates remains our investment adviser. In addition, we pay our administrator our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by our administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent, the fees and expenses associated with performing compliance functions, and our allocable portion of the compensation of our chief financial officer, chief compliance officer and their respective administrative support staff. These arrangements create conflicts of interest that our Board of Directors must monitor.

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In addition, an affiliate of the Investment Advisor also manages Fund IV, a private investment limited partnership providing financing solutions to smaller and lower middle-market companies that had its first closing in March 2013 and obtained SBA approval for its SBIC license in April 2013. In addition to Fund IV, affiliates of the Investment Advisor may manage several affiliated funds whereby institutional limited partners in Fund IV have the opportunity to co-invest with Fund IV in portfolio investments. An affiliate of the Investment Advisor also manages Fund V, a private investment limited partnership, and CSLC, both of which provide financing solutions to lower middle-market and traditional middle-market companies. The Investment Advisor and its affiliates may also manage other funds in the future that may have investment mandates that are similar, in whole or in part, to ours. To the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and interpretation of the SEC staff, the Investment Advisor and its affiliates may determine that an investment is appropriate for us and for one or more of those other funds. In such event, depending on the availability of such investment and other appropriate factors, the Investment Advisor or its affiliates may determine that we should invest side-by-side with one or more other funds. Any such investments will be made only to the extent permitted by applicable law and interpretive positions of the SEC and its staff, and consistent with the Investment Advisor’s allocation procedures. We expect to make, and have made, co-investments with Fund IV, Fund V and/or CSLC, to the extent their respective investment strategies align with ours.

As a BDC, we are substantially limited in our ability to co-invest in privately negotiated transactions with affiliated funds unless we obtain an exemptive order from the SEC. On June 1, 2016, the SEC issued the Order. Subject to satisfaction of certain conditions to the Order, we and certain of our affiliates are now permitted, together with any future BDCs, registered closed-end funds and certain private funds, each of whose investment adviser is our investment adviser or an investment adviser controlling, controlled by, or under common control with our investment adviser, to co-invest in negotiated investment opportunities where doing so would otherwise be prohibited under the 1940 Act, providing our stockholders with access to a broader array of investment opportunities. Pursuant to the Order, we are permitted to co-invest in such investment opportunities with our affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including, but not limited to, that (1) the terms of the potential co-investment transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (2) the potential co-investment transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our then-current investment objective and strategies.

In the ordinary course of business, we may enter into transactions with portfolio companies that may be considered related party transactions. In order to ensure that we do not engage in any prohibited transactions with any persons affiliated with us, we have implemented certain written policies and procedures whereby our executive officers screen each of our transactions for any possible affiliations between the proposed portfolio investment and us, companies controlled by us or our executive officers and directors. We will not enter into any agreements unless and until we are satisfied that doing so will not raise concerns under the 1940 Act or, if such concerns exist, we have taken appropriate actions to seek review and approval by our Board of Directors or exemptive relief for such transaction. Our Board of Directors will review these procedures on an annual basis.

The investment committee and other investment professionals of Capitala Investment Advisors may, from time to time, possess material non-public information about or related to our portfolio companies, limiting our investment discretion.

Members of our investment adviser’s investment committee and other investment professionals of Capitala Investment Advisors may serve as directors of, or in a similar capacity to, portfolio companies in which we invest. In the event that material nonpublic information is obtained with respect to such companies, or we become subject to trading restrictions under the internal trading policies of those companies or as a result of applicable law or regulations, we could be prohibited for a period of time from purchasing or selling the securities of such companies, and this prohibition may have an adverse effect on us.

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

We make many of our portfolio investments in the form of loans and securities that are not publicly traded and for which no market-based price quotation is available. As a result, our Board of Directors determines the fair value of these loans and securities in good faith as described in the section titled “Business — Valuation Procedures” included in this prospectus. In connection with that determination, investment professionals from Capitala Investment Advisors may provide our Board of Directors with valuations based upon the most recent portfolio company financial statements available and projected financial results of each portfolio company. While the valuation for certain portfolio investments is reviewed by an independent valuation firm quarterly, the ultimate determination of fair value is made by our Board of Directors, including our interested directors, and not by such third-party valuation firm. The participation of Capitala Investment Advisors’s investment professionals in our valuation process could result in conflicts of interest as Capitala Investment Advisors’s management fee is based, in part, on the value of our gross assets, and its incentive fees will be based, in part, on realized and unrealized gains and depreciation.

The terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement with Capitala Investment Advisors and the Administration Agreement with our administrator were not negotiated on an arm’s length basis and may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third-party including an incentive fee structure that may induce Capitala Investment Advisors to pursue speculative investments, and to use leverage when it may be unwise to do so.

The Investment Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement were negotiated between related parties. Consequently, their terms, including fees payable to Capitala Investment Advisors and our administrator, may not be as favorable to us as if they had been negotiated with an unaffiliated third-party.

The incentive fee payable by us to Capitala Investment Advisors may create an incentive for Capitala Investment Advisors to pursue investments on our behalf that are riskier or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The incentive fee payable to our investment adviser is calculated based on a percentage of our return on invested capital. This may encourage our investment adviser to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would impair the value of our common stock. In addition, our investment adviser receives the incentive fee based, in part, upon net capital gains realized on our investments. Unlike that portion of the incentive fee based on income, there is no hurdle rate applicable to the portion of the incentive fee based on net capital gains. As a result, the investment adviser may have a tendency to invest more capital in investments that are likely to result in capital gains as compared to income-producing securities. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be the case, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during economic downturns.

Although we currently do not anticipate doing so, we may invest, to the extent permitted by law, in the securities and instruments of other investment companies, including private funds, and, to the extent we so invest, will bear our ratable share of any such investment company’s expenses, including management and performance fees. We also remain obligated to pay management and incentive fees to our investment adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities and instruments of other investment companies. With respect to each of these investments, each of our stockholders will bear his or her share of the management and our investment adviser’s incentive fee as well as indirectly bearing the management and performance fees and other expenses of any investment companies in which we invest.

Capitala Investment Advisors’ liability is limited under the Investment Advisory Agreement, and we have agreed to indemnify Capitala Investment Advisors against certain liabilities, which may lead Capitala Investment Advisors to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Capitala Investment Advisors has not assumed any responsibility to us other than to render the services called for under that agreement. It is not responsible for any action of our Board of Directors in following or declining to follow Capitala Investment Advisors’ advice or recommendations. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Capitala Investment Advisors, its officers,

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members and personnel, and any person controlling or controlled by Capitala Investment Advisors is not liable to us, any subsidiary of ours, our directors, our stockholders or any subsidiary’s stockholders or partners for acts or omissions performed in accordance with and pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, except those resulting from acts constituting gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of the duties that Capitala Investment Advisors owes to us under the Investment Advisory Agreement. In addition, as part of the Investment Advisory Agreement, we have agreed to indemnify Capitala Investment Advisors and each of its officers, directors, members, managers and employees from and against any claims or liabilities, including reasonable legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred, arising out of or in connection with our business and operations or any action taken or omitted on our behalf pursuant to authority granted by the Investment Advisory Agreement, except where attributable to gross negligence, willful misfeasance, bad faith or reckless disregard of such person’s duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. These protections may lead Capitala Investment Advisors to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

A general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to receive incentive fees, without necessarily resulting in an increase in our net earnings.

Under the structure of our Investment Advisory Agreement with our investment adviser, any general increase in interest rates will likely have the effect of making it easier for our investment adviser to meet the quarterly hurdle rate for payment of income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement without any additional increase in relative performance on the part of our investment adviser. In addition, in view of the catch-up provision applicable to income incentive fees under the Investment Advisory Agreement, our investment adviser could potentially receive a significant portion of the increase in our investment income attributable to such a general increase in interest rates. If that were to occur, our increase in net earnings, if any, would likely be significantly smaller than the relative increase in our investment adviser’s income incentive fee resulting from such a general increase in interest rates.

PIK interest payments we receive will increase our assets under management and, as a result, will increase the amount of base management fees and incentive fees payable by us to Capitala Investment Advisors.

Certain of our debt investments contain provisions providing for the payment of contractual PIK interest. Because PIK interest results in an increase in the size of the loan balance of the underlying loan, the receipt by us of PIK interest will have the effect of increasing our assets under management. As a result, because the base management fee that we pay to Capitala Investment Advisors is based on the value of our gross assets, the receipt by us of PIK interest will result in an increase in the amount of the base management fee payable by us. In addition, any such increase in a loan balance due to the receipt of PIK interest will cause such loan to accrue interest on the higher loan balance, which will result in an increase in our pre-incentive fee net investment income and, as a result, an increase in incentive fees that are payable by us to Capitala Investment Advisors.

Capitala Investment Advisors has the right to resign on 60 days’ notice, and we may not be able to find a suitable replacement within such time, resulting in a disruption in our operations that could adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

Our investment adviser has the right, under the Investment Advisory Agreement, to resign at any time on 60 days’ written notice, whether we have found a replacement or not. If our investment adviser resigns, we may not be able to find a new investment adviser or hire internal management with similar expertise and ability to provide the same or equivalent services on acceptable terms within 60 days, or at all. If we are unable to do so quickly, our operations are likely to experience a disruption, our financial condition, business and results of operations as well as our ability to pay distributions are likely to be adversely affected and the market price of our shares may decline. In addition, the coordination of our internal management and investment activities is likely to suffer if we are unable to identify and reach an agreement with a single institution or group of executives having the expertise possessed by our investment adviser and its affiliates. Even if we are able to retain comparable management, whether internal or external, the integration of such management and their lack of familiarity with our investment objective may result in additional costs and time delays that may adversely affect our financial condition, business and results of operations.

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Capitala Investment Advisors may not be able to achieve the same or similar returns as those achieved for other funds it currently manages or by its investment team while they were employed at prior positions.

Capitala Investment Advisors manages other funds and may manage other entities in the future. The track record and achievements of these other entities are not necessarily indicative of future results that will be achieved by Capitala Investment Advisors because these other entities may have investment objectives and strategies that differ from ours. Additionally, although in the past Mr. Alala and other members of Capitala Investment Advisors’ investment team have held senior positions at a number of investment firms, including the Legacy Funds, their track record and achievements are not necessarily indicative of future results that will be achieved by Capitala Investment Advisors. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve the results realized by prior vehicles managed by Capitala Investment Advisors’ investment team, including the Legacy Funds.

Any failure on our part to maintain our status as a BDC would reduce our operating flexibility.

We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act imposes numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs. For example, BDCs are required to invest at least 70% of their gross assets in specified types of securities, primarily in private companies or thinly traded U.S. public companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. Furthermore, any failure to comply with the requirements imposed on BDCs by the 1940 Act could cause the SEC to bring an enforcement action against us and/or expose us to claims of private litigants. In addition, upon approval of a majority of our stockholders, we may elect to withdraw our status as a BDC. If we decide to withdraw our election, or if we otherwise fail to qualify, or maintain our qualification, as a BDC, we may be subject to the substantially greater regulation under the 1940 Act as a closed-end investment company. Compliance with such regulations would significantly decrease our operating flexibility and could significantly increase our costs of doing business.

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

We may issue debt securities or preferred stock and/or borrow money from banks or other financial institutions, which we refer to collectively as “senior securities,” up to the maximum amount permitted by the 1940 Act. Under the provisions of the 1940 Act, we are permitted, as a BDC, to issue senior securities in amounts such that our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150% if certain conditions are met, after November 1, 2019) of gross assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, after each issuance of senior securities. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy this test. If that happens, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our leverage, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous. Also, any amounts that we use to service our indebtedness would not be available for distributions to our common stockholders. Furthermore, as a result of issuing senior securities, we would also be exposed to typical risks associated with leverage, including an increased risk of loss.

As of December 31, 2018, we had $165.7 million of outstanding SBA-guaranteed debentures, $75.0 million of the 2022 Notes outstanding, $52.1 million of the 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding, and $10.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility that provides for borrowings of up to $114.5 million on a revolving basis and may be increased up to $200.0 million pursuant to its “accordion” feature. We have received an exemptive order from the SEC granting relief from the asset coverage requirements for certain indebtedness issued by Fund II and Fund III as SBICs. If we issue preferred stock, the preferred stock would rank “senior” to common stock in our capital structure, preferred stockholders would have separate voting rights on certain matters and might have other rights, preferences, or privileges more favorable than those of our common stockholders, and the issuance of preferred stock could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in your best interest.

We generally may not issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price

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below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if our Board of Directors determines that such sale is in our best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders, and our stockholders approve such sale. In any such case, the price at which our securities are to be issued and sold may not be less than a price that, in the determination of our Board of Directors, closely approximates the market value of such securities (less any commission or discount). If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, then the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time will decrease, and you may experience dilution.

At our 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our Board, we will ask our stockholders to approve our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 2, 2019 and expiring on the earlier of the one year anniversary of the date of the 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2020 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in April 2020.

In certain limited circumstances, pursuant to an SEC staff interpretation, we may also issue shares at a price below net asset value in connection with a transferable rights offering so long as: (1) the offer does not discriminate among stockholders; (2) we use our best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market exists for the rights; and (3) the ratio of the offering does not exceed one new share for each three rights held. If we raise additional funds by issuing more common stock or senior securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, the percentage ownership of our stockholders at that time would decrease and they may experience dilution. Moreover, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to issue and sell additional equity securities in the future, on favorable terms or at all.

We borrow money, which magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and may increase the risk of investing in us, and the calculation of our base management fee, which is based upon our gross assets, may have the effect of encouraging our investment adviser to utilize leverage when it may not be advisable to do so.

The use of leverage magnifies the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. In addition to the existing SBA-guaranteed debentures, the 2022 Notes, the 2022 Convertible Notes and the Credit Facility, we may borrow from and issue senior debt securities to banks, insurance companies and other lenders in the future. Holders of these senior securities will have fixed dollar claims on our assets that are superior to the claims of our common stockholders, and we would expect such lenders to seek recovery against our assets in the event of a default. If the value of our assets decreases, leverage would cause net asset value to decline more sharply than it otherwise would have had we not been leveraged. Similarly, any decrease in our income would cause net income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could also negatively affect our ability to make distributions on our common stock. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. Our ability to service any debt that we incur will depend largely on our financial performance and will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and competitive pressures. Moreover, as the management fee payable to our investment adviser will be payable based on our gross assets, including those assets acquired through the use of leverage, our investment adviser will have a financial incentive to incur leverage that may not be consistent with our stockholders’ interests. In addition, our common stockholders will bear the burden of any increase in our expenses as a result of leverage, including any increase in the management fee payable to our investment adviser.

The Credit Facility, and any other credit facility into which we may enter, imposes financial and operating covenants that restrict our business activities, including limitations that could hinder our ability to finance additional loans and investments or to make the distributions required to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC under the Code. Even though our Board has approved a resolution permitting the Company to be subject to a 150% asset coverage ratio to be effective on November 1, 2019, contractual leverage limitations under our existing Credit Facility or future borrowings may limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness.

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Illustration.   The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common stock assuming various annual returns, net of expenses. The calculations in the table below are hypothetical and actual returns may be higher or lower than those appearing below.

Assumed Return on Our Portfolio(1) (net of expenses)		(10.0)%				(5.0)%				0.0%				5.0%				10.0%
Corresponding net return to common stockholder			(33.3	)%			(20.4	)%			(7.5	)%			5.5	%			18.4	%

To the extent we borrow money to finance our investments, changes in interest rates will affect our cost of capital and net investment income.

To the extent we borrow money to finance our investments, our net investment income will depend, in part, upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest those funds. As a result, we can offer no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income in the event we borrow money to finance our investments. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income. We expect that our long-term fixed-rate investments will be financed primarily with equity and long-term debt. We may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to limit our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Such techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Our investment adviser does not have significant experience with utilizing these techniques and did not implement these techniques to any significant extent with our portfolio. If we do not implement these techniques properly, we could experience losses on our hedging positions, which could be material.

A disruption in the capital markets and the credit markets could impair our ability to raise capital and negatively affect our business.

As a BDC, we have to maintain our ability to raise additional capital for investment purposes. Without sufficient access to the capital markets or credit markets, we may be forced to curtail our business operations or we may not be able to pursue new business opportunities.

In the past, the capital markets and the credit markets have experienced periods of extreme volatility and disruption and, accordingly, there has been and may continue to be uncertainty in the financial markets in general. Continuing U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns, including automatic spending cuts stemming from sequestration, together with signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe, have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns, or a recession in the U.S. The impact of this or any further downgrades to the U.S. government’s sovereign credit rating or its perceived creditworthiness could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. These developments, along with the European sovereign debt crisis, could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to access the debt markets on favorable terms. Continued adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any further disruptive conditions in the financial industry and the impact of new legislation in response to those conditions could restrict our business operations and could adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

If the fair value of our assets declines substantially, we may fail to satisfy the asset coverage ratios imposed upon us by the 1940 Act. Any such failure would affect our ability to issue senior securities, including borrowings, and pay dividends, which could materially impair our business operations. Our liquidity could be impaired further by an inability to access the capital markets or to consummate new borrowing facilities to provide capital for normal operations, including new originations. In recent years, reflecting concern about the stability of the financial markets, many lenders and institutional investors have reduced or ceased providing funding to borrowers.

We have fully drawn on our SBA-guaranteed debentures and, absent changes to legislation or regulation, may not make borrowings in excess of their aggregate $165.7 million of SBA-guaranteed debentures

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outstanding as of December 31, 2018. We also had approximately $75.0 million and $52.1 million, respectively, of the 2022 Notes and 2022 Convertible Notes outstanding as of December 31, 2018. In addition, as of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $10.0 million outstanding under the Credit Facility that provides for borrowings of up to $114.5 million on a revolving basis and may be increased up to $200.0 million pursuant to its “accordion” feature. If we are unable to secure additional debt financing on commercially reasonable terms, our liquidity could be reduced significantly. If we are unable to repay amounts outstanding under any debt facilities we may obtain and are declared in default or are unable to renew or refinance these facilities, we may not be able to operate our business in the normal course. These situations may arise due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as lack of access to the credit markets, a severe decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, another economic downturn or an operational problem that affects third parties or us, and could materially damage our business.

You should also be aware that a rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to our debt investments. Accordingly, an increase in interest rates would make it easier for us to meet or exceed the incentive fee hurdle rate and may result in a substantial increase of the amount of incentive fees payable to our investment adviser with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income.

Global economic, political and market conditions may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, including our revenue growth and profitability.

The current worldwide financial market situation, as well as various social and political tensions in the U.S. and around the world, may contribute to increased market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause economic uncertainties or deterioration in the United States and worldwide. The U.S. and global capital markets experienced extreme volatility and disruption during the economic downturn that began in mid-2007, and the U.S. economy was in a recession for several consecutive calendar quarters during the same period. In 2010, a financial crisis emerged in Europe, triggered by high budget deficits and rising direct and contingent sovereign debt, which created concerns about the ability of certain nations to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations. Risks resulting from such debt crisis, including any austerity measures taken in exchange for bailout of certain nations, and any future debt crisis in Europe or any similar crisis elsewhere could have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, sovereign and non-sovereign debt in certain countries and the financial condition of financial institutions generally. In June 2016, the United Kingdom held a referendum in which voters approved an exit from the European Union (“Brexit”), and, accordingly, on March 1, 2017, the U.K. Parliament voted in favor of allowing the U.K. government to begin the formal process of Brexit. The initial negotiations on Brexit commenced in June 2017. Brexit created political and economic uncertainty and instability in the global markets (including currency and credit markets), and especially in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and this uncertainty and instability may last indefinitely. Because the U.K. Parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s proposed Brexit deal with the European Union in March 2019, there is increased uncertainty on the outcome of Brexit. There is continued concern about national-level support for the Euro and the accompanying coordination of fiscal and wage policy among European Economic and Monetary Union member countries. In addition, the fiscal policy of foreign nations, such as Russia and China, may have a severe impact on the worldwide and U.S. financial markets.

The Republican Party currently controls the executive branch and the Senate portion of the legislative branch of the U.S. government, which increases the likelihood that legislation may be adopted that could significantly affect the regulation of U.S. financial markets. Areas subject to potential change, amendment or repeal include the Dodd-Frank Act and the authority of the Federal Reserve and the Financial Stability Oversight Council. For example, in March 2018, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that eased financial regulations and reduced oversight for certain entities. The United States may also potentially withdraw from or renegotiate various trade agreements and take other actions that would change current trade policies of the United States. We cannot predict which, if any, of these actions will be taken or, if taken, their effect on the financial stability of the United States. Such actions could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict the effects of these or similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on our investments. We monitor developments and seek

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to manage our investments in a manner consistent with achieving our investment objective, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.

Further downgrades of the U.S. credit rating, impending automatic spending cuts, another government shutdown or a failure to raise the statutory debt limit of the United States could negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and earnings.

Recent U.S. debt ceiling and budget deficit concerns have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns, or a recession in the U.S. In the future, the U.S. government may not be able to meet its debt payments unless the federal debt ceiling is raised. If legislation increasing the debt ceiling is not enacted, as needed, and the debt ceiling is reached, the U.S. federal government may stop or delay making payments on its obligations, which could negatively impact the U.S. economy and our portfolio companies. Any default by the U.S. government on its obligations or any prolonged U.S. government shutdown could negatively impact the U.S. economy and our portfolio companies. In addition, disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time. Continued adverse political and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results.

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly and annual operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability or inability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, any sales, dispositions or liquidity events of our portfolio companies, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, the level of portfolio dividend and fee income, the level of our expenses, variations in and the timing of the recognition of realized and unrealized gains or losses, the degree to which we encounter competition in our markets and general economic conditions. Given that the portfolio is concentrated, distributions, dispositions or liquidity events affecting a portfolio company in which we own a significant position may adversely affect our net asset value and results of operations. As a result of these factors, results for any period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.

Our Board of Directors may change our investment objective, operating policies and strategies without prior notice or stockholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to modify or waive our investment objective, operating policies, investment criteria and strategies without prior notice and without stockholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategies would have on our business, net asset value, operating results and value of our stock. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to make distributions and cause you to lose all or part of your investment.

We will be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax if we are unable to qualify or maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code.

Although we have elected to be treated as a RIC beginning with our taxable year ended August 31, 2014, no assurance can be given that we will be able to continue to qualify for and maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code. To continue to maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code, we must meet the following source-of-asset diversification, and distribution requirements.

The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our income for each year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities or similar sources. The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our taxable year. Failure to meet those requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of our RIC tax treatment under the Code. Because most of our investments will be in private companies, and therefore will be relatively illiquid, any such dispositions could be made at disadvantageous prices and could result in substantial losses.

The annual distribution requirement for a RIC will be satisfied if we distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90% of our net ordinary income and net short-term capital gains in excess of our net

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long-term capital losses, if any. Because we may use debt financing, we are subject to certain asset coverage ratio requirements under the 1940 Act, as well as future financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the distribution requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC under the Code.

If we fail to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC under the Code for any reason and remain or become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on all of our income, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution or reinvestment and the amount of our distributions.

We cannot predict how tax reform legislation will affect us, our investments, or our stockholders, and any such legislation could adversely affect our business.

Legislative or other actions relating to taxes could have a negative effect on us. The rules dealing with U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. We cannot predict with certainty how any changes in the tax laws might affect us, our stockholders, or our portfolio investments. New legislation and any U.S. Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions interpreting such legislation could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC or the U.S. federal income tax consequences to us and our stockholders of such qualification, or could have other adverse consequences. Stockholders are urged to consult with their tax advisor regarding tax legislative, regulatory, or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on an investment in our securities.

We may not be able to pay our stockholders distributions, our distributions may not grow over time and a portion of our distributions may be a return of capital.

We intend to pay distributions to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be adversely affected by, among other things, the impact of one or more of the risk factors described herein. In addition, the inability to satisfy the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC can limit our ability to pay distributions. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will pay distributions to our stockholders in the future. In the event we liquidate or dispose of a significant equity position in our portfolio, we may distribute a special dividend relating to the realized capital gains from such investment in order to minimize to the greatest extent possible our U.S. federal income or excise tax liability.

When we make distributions, we will be required to determine the extent to which such distributions are paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital, which is a return of a portion of a stockholder’s original investment in our common stock, to the extent of an investor’s basis in our stock and, assuming that an investor holds our stock as a capital asset, thereafter as a capital gain. Generally, a non-taxable return of capital will reduce an investor’s basis in our stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which will result in higher tax liability when the stock is sold.

We may have difficulty paying our required distributions if we recognize income before or without receiving cash representing such income.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we include in our taxable income certain amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as PIK interest or original issue discount, which may arise if we receive warrants in connection with the origination of a loan or possibly in other circumstances. Such original issue discount or increases in loan balances as a result of contractual PIK arrangements are included in our taxable income before we receive any corresponding cash payments. We also may be required to include in our taxable income certain other amounts that we will not receive in cash.

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Since, in certain cases, we may recognize taxable income before or without receiving corresponding cash payments, we may have difficulty meeting the annual distribution requirement necessary to maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code. Accordingly, to satisfy our RIC distribution requirements, we may have to sell some of our investments at times and/or at prices we would not consider advantageous, raise additional debt or equity capital or forgo new investment opportunities. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify as a RIC for tax treatment under the Code and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax, please see “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations — Taxation as a RIC.”

Capitala Investment Advisors is not obligated to reimburse us for any part of the incentive fee it receives that is based on accrued income that we never receive.

Part of the incentive fee payable by us to our investment adviser that relates to our net investment income is computed and paid on income that may include interest that has been accrued but not yet received in cash, such as market discount, debt instruments with PIK interest, preferred stock with PIK dividends and zero coupon securities. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously used in the calculation of the incentive fee will become uncollectible. Our investment adviser will not be under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the incentive fees it received that was based on accrued income that we never receive as a result of a default by an entity on the obligation that resulted in the accrual of such income.

We may in the future choose to pay dividends in our own stock, in which case you may be required to pay tax in excess of the cash you receive.

We may distribute taxable dividends that are payable in part in our stock. In accordance with certain applicable Treasury regulations and guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), a RIC may treat a distribution of its own stock as fulfilling the 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 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 stockholders 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 stockholder 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. Taxable stockholders receiving such dividends (whether received in cash, our stock, or a combination thereof) will be required to include the full amount of the dividend as ordinary income (or as long-term capital gain to the extent such distribution is properly reported as a capital gain dividend) to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, a U.S. stockholder may be required to pay tax with respect to such dividends in excess of any cash received. If a U.S. stockholder sells the stock it receives as a dividend in order to pay this tax, the sales proceeds may be less than the amount included in income with respect to the dividend, depending on the market price of our stock at the time of the sale. Furthermore, with respect to non-U.S. stockholders, we may be required to withhold U.S. tax with respect to such dividends, including in respect of all or a portion of such dividend that is payable in stock. In addition, if a significant number of our stockholders determine to sell shares of our stock in order to pay taxes owed on dividends, it may put downward pressure on the trading price of our stock.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, stockholders and noteholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business.

Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. In addition, any testing by us conducted in connection with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), or the subsequent testing by

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our independent registered public accounting firm (when undertaken, as noted below), may reveal deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses or that may require prospective or retroactive changes to our consolidated financial statements or identify other areas for further attention or improvement. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on our business.

We are required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures over financial reporting on a quarterly basis and our management is required to assess the effectiveness of these controls annually. Our independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. An independent assessment of the effectiveness of our internal controls could detect problems that our management’s assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our internal controls could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation. As a public company, may incur significant additional expenses in the near term, which may negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. This process also will result in a diversion of management’s time and attention. We cannot be certain as to the timing of completion of any evaluation, testing and remediation actions or the impact of the same on our operations, and we may not be able to ensure that the process is effective or that our internal controls over financial reporting are or will be effective in a timely manner. In the event that we are unable to maintain or achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected.

Recent legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage.

The 1940 Act generally prohibits us from incurring 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). However, on March 23, 2018, the Small Business Credit Availability Act (the “SBCA”) was signed into law, which included various changes to regulations under the federal securities laws that impact BDCs. The SBCA included changes to the 1940 Act to allow BDCs to decrease their asset coverage requirement from 200% to 150% (i.e. the amount of debt may not exceed 66.7% of the value of our total assets), if certain requirements are met. On November 1, 2018, the Board, including a “required majority” (as such term is defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) approved the application of the modified asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act, as amended by the SBCA. As a result, our asset coverage requirements for senior securities will be changed from 200% to 150%, effective November 1, 2019. The Board may also recommend the submission of a proposal for stockholders to approve the application of the 150% minimum asset coverage ratio to the Company at an annual or special meeting of stockholders. The Board has not recommended the submission of any such proposal. If any such stockholder proposal is approved by the required votes of the Company’s stockholders at such meeting of stockholders, the Company would become subject to the 150% minimum asset coverage ratio the day after such stockholder approval. Changing the asset coverage ratio would permit the Company to double its leverage, which would result in increased leverage risk and increased expenses.

Changes in laws or regulations governing our operations may adversely affect our business or cause us to alter our business strategy.

We and our portfolio companies will be subject to applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. New legislation may be enacted or new interpretations, rulings or regulations could be adopted, including those governing the types of investments we are permitted to make, any of which could harm us and our stockholders, potentially with retroactive effect. Additionally, any changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations relating to permitted investments may cause us to alter our investment strategy in order to avail ourselves of new or different opportunities. Such changes could result in material differences to the strategies and plans set forth herein and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of our investment adviser’s investment team to other types of investments in which the investment team may have less expertise or little or no experience. Thus, any such changes, if they occur, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and the value of your investment. In addition, any change to the SBA’s current debenture SBIC program could have a significant impact on our ability to obtain lower-cost financing and, therefore, our competitive advantage over other finance companies.

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Over the last several years, there has been an increase in regulatory attention to the extension of credit outside of the traditional banking sector, raising the possibility that some portion of the non-bank financial sector will be subject to new regulation. While it cannot be known at this time whether these regulations will be implemented or what form they will take, increased regulation of non-bank credit extension could negatively impact our operations, cash flows or financial condition, impose additional costs on us, intensify the regulatory supervision of us or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Two of our wholly owned subsidiaries are licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and as a result, we are subject to SBA regulations.

Fund II and Fund III, became our wholly owned subsidiaries after the completion of the Formation Transactions. Fund II was licensed to act as an SBIC and was regulated by the SBA until March 1, 2019, when we prepaid all remaining SBIC debts related to Fund II and relinquished Fund II’s license to act as an SBIC. Fund III is currently licensed to act as an SBIC and is regulated by the SBA. As of December 31, 2018, Fund II and Fund III portfolio companies accounted for 65.3% of the fair value of our aggregate portfolio. An SBIC license allows an SBIC to borrow funds by issuing SBA-guaranteed debentures, subject to the issuance of a capital commitment by the SBA and other customary procedures. The SBA regulations require, among other things, that a licensed SBIC be examined periodically and audited by an independent auditor to determine the SBIC’s compliance with the relevant SBA regulations.

Under current SBA regulations, a licensed SBIC may provide capital to those entities that have a tangible net worth not exceeding $19.5 million and an average annual net income after U.S. federal income taxes not exceeding $6.5 million for the two most recent fiscal years. In addition, a licensed SBIC must devote 25.0% of its investment activity to those entities that have a tangible net worth not exceeding $6.0 million and an average annual net income after U.S. federal income taxes not exceeding $2.0 million for the two most recent fiscal years. The SBA regulations also provide alternative size standard criteria to determine eligibility, which depend on the industry in which the business is engaged and are based on factors such as the number of employees and gross sales. The SBA regulations permit licensed SBICs to make long term loans to small businesses, invest in the equity securities of such businesses and provide them with consulting and advisory services. The SBA also places certain limitations on the financing terms of investments by SBICs in portfolio companies and prohibits SBICs from providing funds for certain purposes or to businesses in a few prohibited industries. Compliance with SBA requirements may cause a Legacy Fund to forego attractive investment opportunities that are not permitted under SBA regulations.

The SBA also prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a “change of control” of an SBIC or transfers that would result in any person (or a group of persons acting in concert) owning 10.0% or more of a class of capital stock of a licensed SBIC. Each of Fund II and Fund III was in compliance with the terms of the SBA’s leverage requirements as of December 31, 2018 as a result of having sufficient capital as defined under the SBA regulations. If, in the future, Fund III fails to comply with applicable SBA regulations, Fund III could, depending on the severity of the violation, limit or prohibit Fund III’s use of debentures, declare outstanding debentures immediately due and payable, and/or limit Fund III from making new investments. Such actions by Fund III would, in turn, negatively affect us because Fund III is our wholly owned subsidiary.

On June 10, 2014, we received an exemptive order from the SEC exempting us, Fund II and Fund III from certain provisions of the 1940 Act (including an exemptive order granting relief from the asset coverage requirements for certain indebtedness issued by Fund II and Fund III as SBICs) and from certain reporting requirements mandated by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) with respect to Fund II and Fund III. We intend to comply with the conditions of the order. As a result, we will generally be permitted to incur a greater amount of leverage relative to our total assets and net asset value, which may expose us to a greater degree of risk.

Our wholly owned SBIC subsidiaries may be unable to make distributions to us that will enable us to meet or maintain RIC tax treatment, which could result in the imposition of a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.

In order for us to continue to qualify for RIC tax treatment under the Code and to minimize corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes, we will be required to distribute substantially all of our net ordinary income and net capital gain income, including income from certain of our subsidiaries, which includes the income

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from our SBIC subsidiaries. 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 tax treatment. We cannot assure you that the SBA will grant such waiver and if our SBIC subsidiaries are unable to obtain a waiver, compliance with the SBA regulations may result in loss of RIC tax treatment and a consequent imposition of a corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on all of our income.

Our business is subject to increasingly complex corporate governance, public disclosure and accounting requirements that are costly and could adversely affect our business and financial results.

As a publicly traded company, we incur legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with the periodic reporting requirements applicable to a company whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, as well as additional corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other rules implemented by the SEC. Also, we are subject to changing rules and regulations of federal and state government as well as the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed. These entities, including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the SEC and the NASDAQ Stock Market, have issued a significant number of new and increasingly complex requirements and regulations over the course of the last several years and continue to develop additional regulations and requirements in response to laws enacted by Congress. Our efforts to comply with these existing requirements, or any revised or amended requirements, have resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, an increase in expenses and a diversion of management’s time from other business activities.

We are highly dependent on information systems and systems failures could significantly disrupt our business, which may, in turn, negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Our business is highly dependent on the communications and information systems of the Investment Advisor. Certain of these systems are provided to the Investment Advisor by third-party service providers. Any failure or interruption of such systems, including as a result of the termination of an agreement with any such third-party service provider, sudden electrical or telecommunications outages, natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes, events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist attacks, and cyber-attacks could cause delays or other problems in our activities. Any of the above, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and negatively affect the market price of our common stock and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.

Internal and external cyber threats, as well as other disasters, could impair our ability to conduct business effectively.

The occurrence of a disaster, such as a cyber-attack against us or against a third-party that has access to our data or networks, a natural catastrophe, an industrial accident, failure of our disaster recovery systems, or consequential employee error, could have an adverse effect on our ability to communicate or conduct business, negatively impacting our operations and financial condition. This adverse effect can become particularly acute if those events affect our electronic data processing, transmission, storage, and retrieval systems, or impact the availability, integrity, or confidentiality of our data.

We depend heavily upon computer systems to perform necessary business functions. Despite our implementation of a variety of security measures, our computer systems, networks, and data, like those of other companies, could be subject to cyber-attacks and unauthorized access, use, alteration, or destruction, such as from physical and electronic break-ins or unauthorized tampering. If one or more of these events occurs, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary, and other information processed, stored in, and transmitted through our computer systems and networks. Such an attack could cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations, which could result in financial losses, litigation, regulatory penalties, client dissatisfaction or loss, reputational damage, and increased costs associated with mitigation of damages and remediation. If unauthorized parties gain access to such information and technology systems, they may be able to steal, publish, delete or modify private and sensitive information, including nonpublic personal information

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related to stockholders (and their beneficial owners) and material nonpublic information. The systems we have implemented to manage risks relating to these types of events could prove to be inadequate and, if compromised, could become inoperable for extended periods of time, cease to function properly or fail to adequately secure private information. Breaches such as those involving covertly introduced malware, impersonation of authorized users and industrial or other espionage may not be identified even with sophisticated prevention and detection systems, potentially resulting in further harm and preventing them from being addressed appropriately. The failure of these systems or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could cause significant interruptions in our and our Investment Advisor’s operations and result in a failure to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information relating to stockholders, material nonpublic information and other sensitive information in our possession.

A disaster or a disruption in the infrastructure that supports our business, including a disruption involving electronic communications or other services used by us or third parties with whom we conduct business, or directly affecting our headquarters, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to continue to operate our business without interruption. Our disaster recovery programs may not be sufficient to mitigate the harm that may result from such a disaster or disruption. In addition, insurance and other safeguards might only partially reimburse us for our losses, if at all.

Third parties with which we do business may also be sources of cybersecurity or other technological risk. We outsource certain functions and these relationships allow for the storage and processing of our information, as well as client, counterparty, employee, and borrower information. While we engage in actions to reduce our exposure resulting from outsourcing, ongoing threats may result in unauthorized access, loss, exposure, destruction, or other cybersecurity incident that affects our data, resulting in increased costs and other consequences as described above.

Terrorist attacks, acts of war or natural disasters may affect the market for our common stock, impact the businesses in which we invest and harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Terrorist acts, acts of war or natural disasters may disrupt our operations, as well as the operations of the businesses in which we invest. Such acts have created, and continue to create, economic and political uncertainties and have contributed to global economic instability. Future terrorist activities, military or security operations, or natural disasters could further weaken the domestic/global economies and create additional uncertainties, which may negatively impact the businesses in which we invest directly or indirectly and, in turn, could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition. Losses from terrorist attacks and natural disasters are generally uninsurable.

To the extent original issue discount and PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we will be exposed to typical risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash representing such income.

Our investments may include original issue discount (“OID”) instruments and contractual PIK, interest, which represents contractual interest added to a loan balance and due at the end of such loan’s term. To the extent OID or PIK interest constitute a portion of our income, we are exposed to typical risks associated with such income being required to be included in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:

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If we cannot obtain additional capital because of either regulatory or market price constraints, we could be forced to curtail or cease our new lending and investment activities, our net asset value could decrease and our level of distributions and liquidity could be affected adversely.

Our ability to secure additional financing and satisfy our financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon our future operating performance, which is subject to the prevailing general economic and credit market conditions, including interest rate levels and the availability of credit generally, and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The prolonged continuation or worsening of current economic and capital market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure financing on favorable terms, if at all.

If we are unable to obtain additional debt capital, then our equity investors will not benefit from the potential for increased returns on equity resulting from leverage to the extent that our investment strategy is successful and we may be limited in our ability to make new commitments or fundings to our portfolio companies.

Efforts to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act involve significant expenditures, and non-compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act may adversely affect us and the market price of our common stock.

We are subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. Under current SEC rules, our management is required to prepare an annual report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting and is required to obtain an audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting performed by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder. We are required to review on an annual basis our internal control over financial reporting, and on a quarterly and annual basis to evaluate and disclose changes in our internal control over financial reporting. As a result, we expect to continue to incur additional expenses, which may negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. This process also may result in a diversion of management’s time and attention. We cannot be certain as to the timing of completion of any evaluation, testing and remediation actions or the impact of the same on our operations, and we are not able to ensure that the process is effective or that our internal control over financial reporting is or will continue to be effective in a timely manner. In the event that we are unable to maintain or achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, we and, consequently, the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected.

Our Board of Directors is authorized to reclassify any unissued shares of common stock into one or more classes of preferred stock, which could convey special rights and privileges to its owners.

Under Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter, our Board of Directors is authorized to classify and reclassify any authorized but unissued shares of stock into one or more classes of stock, including preferred stock. Prior to the issuance of shares of each class or series, our Board of Directors will be required by Maryland law and our charter to set the terms, preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends or other distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption for each class or series. Thus, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. The cost of any such reclassification would be borne by our common stockholders. Certain matters under the 1940 Act require the separate vote of the holders of any issued and outstanding preferred stock. For example, holders of preferred stock would vote separately from the holders of common stock on a proposal to cease operations as a BDC. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that holders of preferred stock are entitled to vote separately from holders of common stock to elect two preferred stock directors. We currently have no plans to issue preferred stock. The issuance of preferred shares convertible into shares of common stock may also reduce the net income and net asset value per share of our common stock upon conversion, provided, that we will only be permitted to issue such convertible preferred stock to the extent we comply with the requirements of Section 61 of the 1940 Act, including obtaining common stockholder approval. These effects, among others, could have an adverse effect on your investment in our common stock.

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Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and of our charter and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock.

The Maryland General Corporation Law and our charter and bylaws contain provisions that may discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control of Capitala Finance or the removal of our directors. We are subject to the Maryland Business Combination Act, subject to any applicable requirements of the 1940 Act. Our Board of Directors has adopted a resolution exempting from the Maryland Business Combination Act any business combination between us and any other person, subject to prior approval of such business combination by our board, including approval by a majority of our independent directors. If the resolution exempting business combinations is repealed or our board does not approve a business combination, the Maryland Business Combination Act may discourage third parties from trying to acquire control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such an offer. Our bylaws exempt from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act acquisitions of our stock by any person. If we amend our bylaws to repeal the exemption from the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act also may make it more difficult for a third-party to obtain control of us and increase the difficulty of consummating such a transaction. It is the position of the staff of the SEC’s Division of Investment Management that if a BDC fails to opt-out of the Maryland Control Share Acquisition Act, it acts in a manner inconsistent with Section 18(i) of the 1940 Act.

We have also adopted measures that may make it difficult for a third-party to obtain control of us, including provisions of our charter classifying our Board of Directors in three classes serving staggered three-year terms, and authorizing our Board of Directors to classify or reclassify shares of our stock in one or more classes or series, to cause the issuance of additional shares of our stock, to amend our charter without stockholder approval and to increase or decrease the number of shares of stock that we have authority to issue. These provisions, as well as other provisions of our charter and bylaws, may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change in control that might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.

The foregoing provisions are expected to discourage certain coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to negotiate first with our Board of Directors. However, these provisions may deprive a shareholder of the opportunity to sell such shareholder’s shares at a premium to a potential acquirer. We believe that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the potential disadvantages of discouraging any such acquisition proposals because, among other things, the negotiation of such proposals may improve their terms. Our Board of Directors has considered both the positive and negative effects of the foregoing provisions and determined that they are in the best interest of our shareholders. See “Description of Our Capital Stock — Certain Provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law and Our Charter and Bylaws.”

Risks Related to Our Investments

Our investments are very risky and highly speculative.

We invest primarily in first lien loans, second lien loans, subordinated debt investments and select equity investments issued by leveraged companies, each of which carries with it a significant degree of risk.

First Lien Loans.  There is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of the portfolio company to raise additional capital, and, in some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. In addition, deterioration in a portfolio company’s financial condition and prospects, including its inability to raise additional capital, may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the collateral for the loan. Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the loan’s terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies.

Second Lien Loans.  Our second lien loans have a second priority security interest in all or substantially all of the assets of the borrower. As such, other creditors may rank senior to us in the event of an insolvency, which could likely in many cases result in a substantial or complete loss on such investment in the case of such insolvency. This may result in an above average amount of risk and loss of principal.

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Subordinated Debt Investments.  Our subordinated debt investments are generally subordinated to first lien loans and may be unsecured. As such, other creditors may rank senior to us in the event of an insolvency, which could likely in many cases result in a substantial or complete loss on such investment in the case of such insolvency. This may result in an above average amount of risk and loss of principal.

Equity Investments.  When we invest in loans, we may acquire equity securities as well. In addition, we may invest directly in the equity securities of portfolio companies. The equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. The portfolio currently has several significant equity positions. Distributions, dispositions, or liquidity events of these investments may affect our results of operations and cause us to have to pay a special dividend relating to the realized gains from such investment in order to minimize to the greatest extent possible our U.S. federal income or excise tax liability.

In addition, investing in lower and traditional middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks, including:

An investment strategy focused primarily on smaller privately held companies involves a high degree of risk and presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies, a dependence on the talents and efforts of only a few key portfolio company personnel and a greater vulnerability to economic downturns.

Our portfolio consists primarily of debt and equity investments in smaller privately owned venture capital-backed companies. Investing in venture capital-backed companies involves a number of significant risks. Typically, the debt in which we will invest is not initially rated by any rating agency; however, we believe that if such investments were rated, they would be rated below investment grade. Below investment grade securities, which are often referred to as “high yield” or “junk,” have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Compared to larger publicly owned companies, these venture capital-backed companies may be in a weaker financial position and experience wider variations in their operating results, which may make them more vulnerable to economic downturns. Typically, these companies need more capital to compete; however, their access to capital is limited and their cost of capital is often higher than that of their competitors. Our portfolio companies often face intense competition from larger companies with greater financial, technical and marketing resources and their success typically depends on the managerial talents and efforts of an individual or a small group of persons. Therefore, any loss of its key employees could affect a portfolio company’s ability to compete

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effectively and harm its financial condition. Further, some of these companies conduct business in regulated industries that are susceptible to regulatory changes. These factors could impair the cash flow of our portfolio companies and result in other events, such as bankruptcy. These events could limit a portfolio company’s ability to repay its obligations to us, which may have an adverse effect on the return on, or the recovery of, our investment in these businesses. Deterioration in a borrower’s financial condition and prospects may be accompanied by deterioration in the value of the loan’s collateral.

Generally, little public information exists about these companies, and we are required to rely on the ability of our investment adviser’s investment team to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential returns from investing in these companies. If we are unable to uncover all material information about these companies, we may not make a fully informed investment decision, and we may lose money on our investments. Also, privately held companies frequently have less diverse product lines and smaller market presence than larger competitors. These factors could adversely affect our investment returns as compared to companies investing primarily in the securities of public companies.

Many of our loans are not fully amortizing and if a borrower cannot repay or refinance such loans at maturity, our results will suffer.

Most of the loans in which we invest are not structured to fully amortize during their lifetime. Accordingly, a significant portion of the principal amount of such a loan may be due at maturity. As of December 31, 2018, all debt instruments in our portfolio, on a fair value basis, will not fully amortize prior to maturity. In order to create liquidity to pay the final principal payment, borrowers typically must raise additional capital. If they are unable to raise sufficient funds to repay us or we have not elected to enter into a new loan agreement providing for an extended maturity, the loan will go into default, which will require us to foreclose on the borrower’s assets, even if the loan was otherwise performing prior to maturity. This will deprive Capitala Finance from immediately obtaining full recovery on the loan and prevent or delay the reinvestment of the loan proceeds in other, more profitable investments.

Our investments in leveraged portfolio companies may be risky, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Investment in leveraged companies involves a number of significant risks. Leveraged companies in which we invest may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet their obligations under their loans and debt securities that we hold. Such developments may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of our realizing any guarantees that we may have obtained in connection with our investment. Smaller leveraged companies also may have less predictable operating results and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance their expansion or maintain their competitive position.

Our portfolio companies may incur debt that ranks equally with, or senior to, our investments in such companies.

Our portfolio companies may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt that ranks equally with, or in some cases senior to, the debt in which we invest. By their terms, such debt instruments may entitle the holders to receive payment of interest or principal on or before the dates on which we are entitled to receive payments with respect to the debt instruments in which we invest. Also, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of a portfolio company, holders of debt instruments ranking senior to our investment in that portfolio company would typically be entitled to receive payment in full before we receive any distribution. After repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have sufficient remaining assets to repay its obligation to us. In the case of debt ranking equally with debt instruments in which we invest, we would have to share on an equal basis any distributions with other creditors holding such debt in the event of an insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or bankruptcy of the relevant portfolio company.

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Second priority liens on collateral securing loans that we make to our portfolio companies may be subject to control by senior creditors with first priority liens. If there is a default, the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to repay in full both the first priority creditors and us.

Certain loans that we make are secured by a second priority security interest in the same collateral pledged by a portfolio company to secure senior debt owed by the portfolio company to commercial banks or other traditional lenders. Often the senior lender has procured covenants from the portfolio company prohibiting the incurrence of additional secured debt without the senior lender’s consent. Prior to and as a condition of permitting the portfolio company to borrow money from us secured by the same collateral pledged to the senior lender, the senior lender may require assurances that it will control the disposition of any collateral in the event of bankruptcy or other default. In many such cases, the senior lender requires us to enter into an “intercreditor agreement” prior to permitting the portfolio company to borrow from us. Typically the intercreditor agreements we are requested to execute expressly subordinate our debt instruments to those held by the senior lender and further provide that the senior lender shall control: (i) the commencement of foreclosure or other proceedings to liquidate and collect on the collateral; (ii) the nature, timing and conduct of foreclosure or other collection proceedings; (iii) the amendment of any collateral document; (iv) the release of the security interests in respect of any collateral; and (v) the waiver of defaults under any security agreement. Because of the control we may cede to senior lenders under intercreditor agreements we may enter, we may be unable to realize the proceeds of any collateral securing some of our loans.

If we make subordinated investments, the obligors or the portfolio companies may not generate sufficient cash flow to service their debt obligations to us.

We have made, and may make, subordinated investments that rank below other obligations of the obligor in right of payment. Subordinated investments are subject to greater risk of default than senior obligations as a result of adverse changes in the financial condition of the obligor or economic conditions in general. If we make a subordinated investment in a portfolio company, the portfolio company may be highly leveraged, and its relatively high debt-to-equity ratio may create increased risks that its operations might not generate sufficient cash flow to service all of its debt obligations.

The disposition of our investments may result in contingent liabilities.

Substantially all of our investments involve loans and private securities. In connection with the disposition of an investment in loans and private securities, we may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of the portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. We may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations turn out to be inaccurate or with respect to potential liabilities. These arrangements may result in contingent liabilities that ultimately result in funding obligations that we must satisfy through our return of distributions previously made to us.

There may be circumstances where our debt investments could be subordinated to claims of other creditors or we could be subject to lender liability claims.

Even though we may have structured most of our investments as secured loans, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, and based upon principles of equitable subordination as defined by existing case law, a bankruptcy court could subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors and transfer any lien securing such subordinated claim to the bankruptcy estate. The principles of equitable subordination defined by case law have generally indicated that a claim may be subordinated only if its holder is guilty of misconduct or where the senior loan is re-characterized as an equity investment and the senior lender has actually provided significant managerial assistance to the bankrupt debtor. We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a borrower’s business or instances where we exercise control over the borrower. It is possible that we could become subject to a lender’s liability claim, including as a result of actions taken in rendering significant managerial assistance or actions to compel and collect payments from the borrower outside the ordinary course of business. Such risk of equitable subordination may be potentially heightened with respect to various portfolio investments that we may be deemed to control. See also “— Because we will not hold controlling

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equity interests in most of our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.”

Economic recessions could impair our portfolio companies and harm our operating results.

Certain of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to an economic downturn and may be unable to repay our loans during this period. Therefore, assets may become non-performing and the value of our portfolio may decrease during this period. The adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments. A recession could lead to financial losses in our portfolio and a decrease in our revenues, net income and the value of our assets.

Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the value of collateral securing some of our loans and the value of our equity investments at fair value. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results.

A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize the portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold. We may incur additional expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provided significant managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might re-characterize our debt holdings and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors.

These portfolio companies may face intense competition, including competition from companies with greater financial resources, more extensive research and development, manufacturing, marketing and service capabilities and greater number of qualified and experienced managerial and technical personnel. They may need additional financing which they are unable to secure and which we are unable or unwilling to provide, or they may be subject to adverse developments unrelated to the technologies they acquire.

The health and performance of our portfolio companies could be adversely affected by political and economic conditions in the countries in which they conduct business.

Some of the products of our portfolio companies are developed, manufactured, assembled, tested or marketed outside the U.S. Any conflict or uncertainty in these countries, including due to natural disasters, public health concerns, political unrest or safety concerns, could harm their business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if the government of any country in which their products are developed, manufactured or sold sets technical or regulatory standards for products developed or manufactured in or imported into their country that are not widely shared, it may lead some of their customers to suspend imports of their products into that country, require manufacturers or developers in that country to manufacture or develop products with different technical or regulatory standards and disrupt cross-border manufacturing, marketing or business relationships which, in each case, could harm their businesses.

The lack of liquidity in our investments may adversely affect our business.

We generally invest in companies whose securities are not publicly traded, and whose securities will be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or will otherwise be less liquid than publicly traded securities. There is no established trading market for the securities in which we invest. The illiquidity of these investments may make it difficult for us to sell these investments when desired. In addition, if we are required to liquidate all or a portion of our portfolio quickly, we may realize significantly less than the value at which we had previously recorded these investments. As a result, we do not expect to achieve liquidity in our investments in the near-term. Further, we may face other restrictions on our ability to liquidate an investment in a portfolio company to the extent that we have material non-public information regarding such portfolio company.

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Our failure to make follow-on investments in our portfolio companies could impair the value of our portfolio.

Following an initial investment in a portfolio company, we may make additional investments in that portfolio company as “follow-on” investments, in order to: (i) increase or maintain in whole or in part our equity ownership percentage; (ii) exercise warrants, options or convertible securities that were acquired in the original or a subsequent financing; or (iii) attempt to preserve or enhance the value of our investment. We may elect not to make follow-on investments or otherwise lack sufficient funds to make those investments. We will have the discretion to make any follow-on investments, subject to the availability of capital resources. The failure to make follow-on investments may, in some circumstances, jeopardize the continued viability of a portfolio company and our initial investment, or may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation. Even if we have sufficient capital to make a desired follow-on investment, we may elect not to make a follow-on investment because we do not want to increase our concentration of risk, we prefer other opportunities, we are subject to BDC requirements that would prevent such follow-on investments, or the follow-on investment would affect our qualification as a RIC. For example, we may be prohibited under the 1940 Act from making follow-on investments in our portfolio companies that we may be deemed to “control” or in which affiliates of our investment adviser are also invested.

Our ability to enter into new transactions with our affiliates, and to restructure or exit our investments in portfolio companies that we are deemed to “control” under the 1940 Act, will be restricted by the 1940 Act, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities available to us.

We are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with our affiliates without the prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. Any person that owns, directly or indirectly, 5% or more of our outstanding voting securities will be our affiliate for purposes of the 1940 Act and we are generally prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such affiliate without the prior approval of our independent directors. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain “joint” transactions with certain of our affiliates, which could include concurrent investments in the same company, without prior approval of our independent directors and, in some cases, the SEC. We are prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to any person that controls us or who owns more than 25% of our voting securities or certain of that person’s affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons, absent the prior approval of the SEC. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security (other than any security of which we are the issuer) from or to any company that is advised or managed by our investment adviser or its affiliates without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.

In the future, we may co-invest with investment funds, accounts and vehicles managed by our Investments Advisor or its affiliates when doing so is consistent with our investment strategy as well as applicable law and SEC staff interpretations. We generally will only be permitted to co-invest with such investment funds, accounts and vehicles where the only term that is negotiated is price. On June 1, 2016, the SEC issued the Order. Subject to satisfaction of certain conditions to the Order, we and certain of our affiliates are now permitted, together with any future BDCs, registered closed-end funds and certain private funds, each of whose investment adviser is our investment adviser or an investment adviser controlling, controlled by, or under common control with our investment adviser, to co-invest in negotiated investment opportunities where doing so would otherwise be prohibited under the 1940 Act, providing our stockholders with access to a broader array of investment opportunities. Pursuant to the Order, we are permitted to co-invest in such investment opportunities with our affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including, but not limited to, that (1) the terms of the potential co-investment transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching in respect of us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (2) the potential co-investment transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our then-current investment objective and strategies.

In addition, within our portfolio there are investments that may be deemed to be “controlled” investments under the 1940 Act. To the extent that our investments in such portfolio companies need to be restructured or that we choose to exit these investments in the future, our ability to do so may be limited if

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such restructuring or exit also involves the affiliates of our investment adviser because such a transaction could be considered a joint transaction prohibited by the 1940 Act in the absence of our receipt of relief from the SEC in connection with such transaction. For example, if an affiliate of our investment adviser were required to approve a restructuring of an investment in the portfolio and the affiliate of our investment adviser was deemed to be our affiliate, such a restructuring transaction may constitute a prohibited joint transaction under the 1940 Act.

Our portfolio may lack diversification among portfolio companies, which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if one or more of these companies defaults on its obligations under any of its debt instruments.

Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of portfolio companies. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our RIC tax treatment under the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification, and our investments may be concentrated in relatively few companies. As our portfolio is less diversified than the portfolios of some larger funds, we are more susceptible to failure if a single loan fails. The disposition or liquidity of a significant investment may also adversely impact our net asset value and our results of operations. Similarly, the aggregate returns we realize may be significantly adversely affected if a small number of investments perform poorly or if we need to write down the value of any one investment.

We are a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, and therefore we are not limited with respect to the proportion of our assets that may be invested in securities of a single issuer.

We are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, which means that we are not limited by the 1940 Act with respect to the proportion of our assets that we may invest in securities of a single issuer. Beyond the asset diversification requirements associated with our RIC tax treatment under the Code, we do not have fixed guidelines for diversification. To the extent that we assume large positions in the securities of a small number of issuers or our investments are concentrated in relatively few industries, our net asset value may fluctuate to a greater extent than that of a diversified investment company as a result of changes in the financial condition or the market’s assessment of the issuer. We may also be more susceptible to any single economic or regulatory occurrence than a diversified investment company.

Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of industries, which may subject us to a risk of significant loss if there is a downturn in a particular industry in which a number of our investments are concentrated.

Our portfolio may be concentrated in a limited number of industries. A downturn in any particular industry in which we are invested could significantly impact the aggregate returns we realize. If an industry in which we have significant investments suffers from adverse business or economic conditions, as these industries have to varying degrees, a material portion of our investment portfolio could be affected adversely, which, in turn, could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

Because we will not hold controlling equity interests in most of our portfolio companies, we may not be in a position to exercise control over our portfolio companies or to prevent decisions by management of our portfolio companies that could decrease the value of our investments.

We currently hold controlling equity positions in six portfolio companies. Although we may do so in the future, we expect that we will not hold controlling equity positions in most of our portfolio companies. If we do not hold a controlling equity position in a portfolio company, we are subject to the risk that the portfolio company may make business decisions with which we disagree, and that the management and/or stockholders of the portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to our interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of the debt and equity investments that we typically hold in our portfolio companies, we may not be able to dispose of our investments in the event we disagree with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of our investments.

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Our equity ownership in a portfolio company may represent a control investment. Our ability to exit a control investment in a timely manner could result in a realized loss on the investment.

We currently have, and may acquire in the future, control investments in portfolio companies. Our ability to divest ourselves from a debt or equity investment in a controlled portfolio company could be restricted due to illiquidity in a private stock, limited trading volume on a public company’s stock, inside information on a company’s performance, insider blackout periods, or other factors that could prohibit us from disposing of the investment as we would if it were not a control investment. Additionally, we may choose not to take certain actions to protect a debt investment in a control investment portfolio company. As a result, we could experience a decrease in the value of our portfolio company holdings and potentially incur a realized loss on the investment.

If the assets securing the loans that we make decrease in value, then we may lack sufficient collateral to cover losses.

To attempt to mitigate credit risks, we will typically take a security interest in the available assets of our portfolio companies. There is no assurance that we will obtain or properly perfect our liens.

There is a risk that the collateral securing our loans may decrease in value over time, may be difficult to sell in a timely manner, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based upon the success of the business and market conditions, including as a result of the inability of a portfolio company to raise additional capital. In some circumstances, our lien could be subordinated to claims of other creditors. Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the loan’s terms, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies.

In addition, because we may invest in technology-related companies, a substantial portion of the assets securing our investment may be in the form of intellectual property, if any, inventory and equipment and, to a lesser extent, cash and accounts receivable. Intellectual property, if any, that is securing our loan could lose value if, among other things, the company’s rights to the intellectual property are challenged or if the company’s license to the intellectual property is revoked or expires, the technology fails to achieve its intended results or a new technology makes the intellectual property functionally obsolete. Inventory may not be adequate to secure our loan if our valuation of the inventory at the time that we made the loan was not accurate or if there is a reduction in the demand for the inventory.

Similarly, any equipment securing our loan may not provide us with the anticipated security if there are changes in technology or advances in new equipment that render the particular equipment obsolete or of limited value, or if the company fails to adequately maintain or repair the equipment. Any one or more of the preceding factors could materially impair our ability to recover principal in a foreclosure.

Defaults by our portfolio companies will harm our operating results.

A portfolio company’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company. Any extension or restructuring of our loans could adversely affect our cash flows. In addition, if one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, even though we may have structured our interest as senior debt, depending on the facts and circumstances, including the extent to which we actually provided managerial assistance to that portfolio company, a bankruptcy court might recharacterize our debt holding and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. If any of these occur, it could materially and adversely affect our operating results and cash flows.

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If our portfolio companies are unable to protect their proprietary, technological and other intellectual property rights, our business and prospects could be harmed, and if portfolio companies are required to devote significant resources to protecting their intellectual property rights, the value of our investment could be reduced.

Our future success and competitive position will depend in part upon the ability of our portfolio companies to obtain, maintain and protect proprietary technology used in their products and services. The intellectual property held by our portfolio companies often represents a substantial portion of the collateral securing our investments and/or constitutes a significant portion of the portfolio companies’ value that may be available in a downside scenario to repay our loans. Our portfolio companies will rely, in part, on patent, trade secret and trademark law to protect that technology, but competitors may misappropriate their intellectual property, and disputes as to ownership of intellectual property may arise. Portfolio companies may, from time to time, be required to institute litigation to enforce their patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights, protect their trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend against claims of infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources. Similarly, if a portfolio company is found to infringe or misappropriate a third-party’s patent or other proprietary rights, it could be required to pay damages to the third-party, alter its products or processes, obtain a license from the third-party and/or cease activities utilizing the proprietary rights, including making or selling products utilizing the proprietary rights. Any of the foregoing events could negatively affect both the portfolio company’s ability to service our debt investment and the value of any related debt and equity securities that we own, as well as any collateral securing our investment.

Any unrealized depreciation we experience on our loan portfolio may be an indication of future realized losses, which could reduce our income available for distribution.

As a BDC, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if no market value is ascertainable, at the fair value as determined in good faith by our Board of Directors. Decreases in the market values or fair values of our investments will be recorded as unrealized depreciation. Any unrealized depreciation in our loan portfolio could be an indication of a portfolio company’s inability to meet its repayment obligations to us with respect to the affected loans. This could result in realized losses in the future and ultimately in reductions of our income available for distribution in future periods.

Prepayments of our debt investments by our portfolio companies could adversely impact our results of operations and reduce our return on equity.

We are subject to the risk that the investments we make in our portfolio companies may be repaid prior to maturity. When this occurs, we will generally reinvest these proceeds in temporary investments or repay any revolving credit facility, depending on expected future investment in new portfolio companies. Temporary investments will typically have substantially lower yields than the debt being prepaid and we could experience significant delays in reinvesting these amounts. Any future investment in a new portfolio company may also be at lower yields than the debt that was repaid. As a result, our results of operations could be materially adversely affected if one or more of our portfolio companies elect to prepay amounts owed to us. Additionally, prepayments could negatively impact our return on equity, which could result in a decline in the market price of our common stock.

We may not realize gains from our equity investments.

Certain investments that we may make include warrants or other equity securities. Investments in equity securities involve a number of significant risks, including the risk of further dilution as a result of additional issuances, inability to access additional capital and failure to pay current distributions. Investments in preferred securities involve special risks, such as the risk of deferred distributions, credit risk, illiquidity and limited voting rights. In addition, we may from time to time make non-control, equity investments in portfolio companies. Our goal is ultimately to realize gains upon our disposition of such equity interests. However, the equity interests we receive may not appreciate in value and, in fact, may decline in value. Accordingly, we may not be able to realize gains from our equity interests, and any gains that we do realize on the disposition of any equity interests may not be sufficient to offset any other losses we experience. We also may be unable to realize any value if a portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business,

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recapitalization or public offering, which would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests. We will often seek puts or similar rights to give us the right to sell our equity securities back to the portfolio company issuer. We may be unable to exercise these put rights for the consideration provided in our investment documents if the issuer is in financial distress.

We may expose ourselves to risks if we engage in hedging transactions.

If we engage in hedging transactions, we may expose ourselves to risks associated with such transactions. We may utilize instruments such as forward contracts, currency options and interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the relative values of our portfolio positions from changes in currency exchange rates and market interest rates. Hedging against a decline in the values of our portfolio positions does not eliminate the possibility of fluctuations in the values of such positions or prevent losses if the values of such positions decline. However, such hedging can establish other positions designed to gain from those same developments, thereby offsetting the decline in the value of such portfolio positions. Such hedging transactions may also limit the opportunity for gain if the values of the underlying portfolio positions increase. It may not be possible to hedge against an exchange rate or interest rate fluctuation that is so generally anticipated that we are not able to enter into a hedging transaction at an acceptable price. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, we may not seek to establish a perfect correlation between such hedging instruments and the portfolio holdings being hedged. Any such imperfect correlation may prevent us from achieving the intended hedge and expose us to risk of loss. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting the value of securities denominated in non-U.S. currencies because the value of those securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of factors not related to currency fluctuations.

The SEC has proposed a new rule under the 1940 Act that would govern the use of derivatives (defined to include any swap, security-based swap, futures contract, forward contract, option or any similar instrument) as well as financial commitment transactions (defined to include reverse repurchase agreements, short sale borrowings and any firm or standby commitment agreement or similar agreement) by BDCs. Under the proposed rule, a BDC would be required to comply with one of two alternative portfolio limitations and manage the risks associated with derivatives transactions and financial commitment transactions by segregating certain assets. Furthermore, a BDC that engages in more than a limited amount of derivatives transactions or that uses complex derivatives would be required to establish a formalized derivatives risk management program. If the SEC adopts this rule in the form proposed, we may incur greater and indirect costs to engage in derivatives transactions or financial commitment transactions, and our ability to enter into transactions involving such instruments may be hindered, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process may adversely affect the value of our portfolio of the LIBOR-indexed, floating-rate debt securities.

In the recent past, concerns have been publicized that some of the member banks surveyed by the British Bankers’ Association (“BBA”) in connection with the calculation of LIBOR across a range of maturities and currencies may have been under-reporting or otherwise manipulating the inter-bank lending rate applicable to them in order to profit on their derivatives positions or to avoid an appearance of capital insufficiency or adverse reputational or other consequences that may have resulted from reporting inter-bank lending rates higher than those they actually submitted. A number of BBA member banks have entered into settlements with their regulators and law enforcement agencies with respect to alleged manipulation of LIBOR, and investigations by regulators and governmental authorities in various jurisdictions are ongoing.

Actions by the BBA, regulators or law enforcement agencies may result in changes to the manner in which LIBOR is determined. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes may adversely affect the market for LIBOR-based securities, including our portfolio of LIBOR-indexed, floating-rate debt securities. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market for LIBOR-based securities or the value of our portfolio of LIBOR-indexed, floating-rate debt securities. For example, on July 27, 2017, the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR by the end of 2021. It is unclear if at that time whether or not LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021.

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The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a new index calculated by short term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities, called the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The first publication of SOFR was released in April 2018. Whether or not SOFR attains market traction as a LIBOR replacement remains a questions and the future of LIBOR at this time is uncertain. If LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to renegotiate the credit agreements extending beyond 2021 with our portfolio companies that utilize LIBOR as a factor in determining the interest rate to replace LIBOR with the new standard that is established.

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

There may be evidence of global climate change. Climate change creates physical and financial risk and some of our portfolio companies may be adversely affected by climate change. For example, the needs of customers of energy companies vary with weather conditions, primarily temperature and humidity. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of any changes. Increases in the cost of energy could adversely affect the cost of operations of our portfolio companies if the use of energy products or services is material to their business. A decrease in energy use due to weather changes may affect some of our portfolio companies’ financial condition, through decreased revenues. Extreme weather conditions in general require more system backup, adding to costs, and can contribute to increased system stresses, including service interruptions. Energy companies could also be affected by the potential for lawsuits against or taxes or other regulatory costs imposed on greenhouse gas emitters, based on links drawn between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

In December 2015 the United Nations, of which the U.S. is a member, adopted a climate accord (the “Paris Agreement”) with the long-term goal of limiting global warming and the short-term goal of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Although the U.S. ratified the Paris Agreement on November 4, 2016, the current administration announced the U.S. would cease participation. As a result, some of our portfolio companies may become subject to new or strengthened regulations or legislation, at least through November 4, 2020 (the earliest date the U.S. may withdraw from the Paris Agreement), which could increase their operating costs and/or decrease their revenues.

We may choose to waive or defer enforcement of covenants in the debt securities held in our portfolio, which may cause us to lose all or part of our investment in these companies.

We structure the debt investments in our portfolio companies to include business and financial covenants placing affirmative and negative obligations on the operation of the company’s business and its financial condition. However, from time to time we may elect to waive breaches of these covenants, including our right to payment, or waive or defer enforcement of remedies, such as acceleration of obligations or foreclosure on collateral, depending upon the financial condition and prospects of the particular portfolio company. These actions may reduce the likelihood of our receiving the full amount of future payments of interest or principal and be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of the underlying collateral as many of these companies may have limited financial resources, may be unable to meet future obligations and may go bankrupt. This could negatively impact our ability to pay dividends, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and cause the loss of all or part of your investment.

Our investments in securities rated below investment grade are speculative in nature and are subject to additional risk factors such as increased possibility of default, illiquidity of the security, and changes in value based on changes in interest rates.

The securities that we invest in are typically rated below investment grade. Securities rated below investment grade are often referred to as “leveraged loans,” “high yield” or “junk” securities, and may be considered “high risk” compared to debt instruments that are rated investment grade. High yield securities are regarded as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligations and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. In addition, high yield securities generally offer a higher current yield than that available from higher grade issues, but typically involve greater risk. These securities are especially sensitive to adverse changes in general economic conditions, to changes in the financial condition of their issuers and to price

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fluctuation in response to changes in interest rates. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, issuers of below investment grade instruments may experience financial stress that could adversely affect their ability to make payments of principal and interest and increase the possibility of default.

Our investments may be in portfolio companies which may have limited operating histories and financial resources.

We expect that our portfolio will continue to consist of investments that may have relatively limited operating histories. These companies may be particularly vulnerable to U.S. and foreign economic downturns such as the U.S. recession that began in mid-2007 and the European financial crisis may have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may have a weaker financial position and may need more capital to expand or compete. These businesses also may experience substantial variations in operating results. They may face intense competition, including from companies with greater financial, technical and marketing resources. Furthermore, some of these companies do business in regulated industries and could be affected by changes in government regulation. Accordingly, these factors could impair their cash flow or result in other events, such as bankruptcy, which could limit their ability to repay their obligations to us, and may adversely affect the return on, or the recovery of, our investment in these companies. We cannot assure you that any of our investments in our portfolio companies will be successful. Our portfolio companies compete with larger, more established companies with greater access to, and resources for, further development in these new technologies. We may lose our entire investment in any or all of our portfolio companies.

Risks Relating to our Securities

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

The market price and liquidity of the expected market for shares of our common stock may be significantly affected by numerous factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be directly related to our operating performance. These factors include:

Our business and operation could be negatively affected if we become subject to any securities litigation or shareholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of investment strategy and impact our stock price.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Shareholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, increased in the BDC space recently. Specifically, we are currently subject to class action litigation.

On December 28, 2017, an alleged stockholder filed a putative class action lawsuit complaint, Paskowitz v. Capitala Finance Corp., et al., in the United States District Court for the Central District of

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California (case number 2:17-cv-09251-MWF-AS) (the “Paskowitz Action”), against the Company and certain of its current officers on behalf of all persons who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s common stock between January 4, 2016 and August 7, 2017. On January 3, 2018, another alleged stockholder filed a putative class action complaint, Sandifer v. Capitala Finance Corp., et al., in the United States District Court for the Central District of California (case number 2:18-cv-00052-MWF-AS) (the “Sandifer Action”), asserting substantially similar claims on behalf of the same putative class and against the same defendants. On February 2, 2018, the Sandifer Action was transferred, on stipulation of the parties, to the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The Sandifer Action was voluntarily dismissed on February 28, 2018. On March 1, 2018, the Paskowitz Action was transferred, on stipulation of the parties, to the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina (case number 3:18-cv-00096-RJC-DSC). On June 19, 2018, the plaintiffs in the Paskowitz Action filed their amended complaint. The complaint, as currently amended, alleges certain violations of the securities laws, including, inter alia, that the defendants made certain materially false and misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company’s business, operations, and prospects between January 4, 2016 and August 7, 2017. The plaintiffs in the Paskowitz Action seek compensatory damages and attorneys’ fees and costs, among other relief, but did not specify the amount of damages being sought. Defendants have moved to dismiss the amended complaint. While the Company intends to vigorously defend itself in this litigation, the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty.

Estimating an amount or range of possible losses resulting from litigation proceedings is inherently difficult and requires an extensive degree of judgment, particularly where the matters involve indeterminate claims for monetary damages, are in the early stages of the proceedings, and are subject to appeal. In addition, because most legal proceedings are resolved over extended periods of time, potential losses are subject to change due to, among other things, new developments, changes in legal strategy, the outcome of intermediate procedural and substantive rulings and other parties’ settlement posture and their evaluation of the strength or weakness of their case against us. For these reasons, we are currently unable to predict the ultimate timing or outcome of, or reasonably estimate the possible losses or a range of possible losses resulting from, the matters described above. Based on information currently available, the Company does not believe that any reasonably possible losses arising from the currently pending legal matters described above will be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, an adverse outcome in this litigation could materially adversely affect the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period.

Securities litigation and corresponding shareholder activism, if any, including potential proxy contests, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s and our board of directors’ attention and resources from our business. Additionally, such securities litigation and shareholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. Also, we may be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist shareholder matters. Further, our stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities litigation and shareholder activism.

Investing in our common stock may involve an above average degree of risk.

The investments we make may result in a higher amount of risk, volatility or loss of principal than alternative investment options. These investments in portfolio companies may be highly speculative and aggressive, and therefore, an investment in our common stock may not be suitable for investors with lower risk tolerance.

Our shares of common stock have a limited trading history and we cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline.

Our shares of common stock have a limited trading history and we cannot assure you that a public trading market will be sustained for such shares. We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock will trade. We cannot assure you that the market price of shares of our common stock will not decline at any time. In addition, our common stock has from time to time traded below its net asset value since our inception and if our common stock continues to trade below its net asset value, we will generally not be able to sell

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additional shares of our common stock to the public at its market price without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders (including our unaffiliated stockholders) and our independent directors for such issuance.

Our common stockholders will bear the expenses associated with our borrowings, and the holders of our debt securities will have certain rights senior to our common stockholders.

All of the costs of offering and servicing our debt securities, including interest thereon, is borne by our common stockholders. The interests of the holders of any debt we may issue will not necessarily be aligned with the interests of our common stockholders. In particular, the rights of holders of our debt to receive interest or principal repayment will be senior to those of our common stockholders. In addition, we may grant a lender a security interest in a significant portion or all of our assets, even if the total amount we may borrow from such lender is less than the amount of such lender’s security interest in our assets.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the availability of such common stock for sale, could adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our common stock. If this occurs and continues for a sustained period of time, it could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of securities should we desire to do so.

Shares of our common stock have traded at a discount from net asset value and may do so in the future.

Shares of closed-end investment companies have frequently traded at a market price that is less than the net asset value that is attributable to those shares. In part as a result of adverse economic conditions and increasing pressure within the financial sector of which we are a part, our common stock has at times traded below its net asset value per share since our IPO on September 30, 2013. Our shares could continue trade at a discount to net asset value. The possibility that our shares of common stock may trade at a discount from net asset value over the long term is separate and distinct from the risk that our net asset value will decrease. We cannot predict whether shares of our common stock will trade above, at or below its net asset value. If our common stock trades below its net asset value, we will generally not be able to issue additional shares of our common stock at its market price without first obtaining the approval for such issuance from our stockholders and our independent directors. If additional funds are not available to us, we could be forced to curtail or cease our new lending and investment activities, and our net asset value could decrease and our level of distributions could be impacted.

You may not receive distributions or our distributions may decline or may not grow over time, and you will experience dilution in your ownership percentage if you opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan.

We intend to make distributions on a monthly basis to our stockholders out of assets legally available for distribution. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash distributions or year-to-year increases in cash distributions. Our ability to pay distributions might be materially and adversely affected by the impact of one or more of the risks described herein. Due to the asset coverage test applicable to us under the 1940 Act as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. All distributions will be made at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our earnings, financial condition, maintenance of RIC tax treatment, compliance with applicable BDC, SBA regulations and such other factors as our Board may deem relevant from time to time. We cannot assure you that we will make distributions to our stockholders in the future.

All dividends declared in cash payable to stockholders that are participants in our dividend reinvestment plan are automatically reinvested in shares of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders that opt out of our dividend reinvestment plan will experience dilution in their ownership percentage of our common stock over time.

We will have broad discretion over the use of proceeds of any successful offering made pursuant to this prospectus, to the extent it is successful.

We will have significant flexibility in applying the proceeds of any successful offering made pursuant to this prospectus. We will also pay operating expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence

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expenses of potential new investments, from net proceeds. Our ability to achieve our investment objective may be limited to the extent that the net proceeds of the offering, pending full investment, are used to pay operating expenses. In addition, we can provide you no assurance that the current offering will be successful, or that by increasing the size of our available equity capital, our aggregate expenses, and correspondingly, our expense ratio, will be lowered.

The net asset value per share of our common stock may be diluted if 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.

At our 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting, subject to certain determinations required to be made by our Board, we will ask our stockholders to approve our ability to sell or otherwise issue shares of our common stock, not exceeding 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such offering, at a price below the then current net asset value per share during a period beginning on May 2, 2019 and expiring on the earlier of the one year anniversary of the date of the 2019 Annual Stockholders Meeting and the date of our 2020 Annual Stockholders Meeting, which is expected to be held in April 2020.

If we were to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share; would be subject to the determination by our Board that such issuance is in our and our stockholders’ best interests. If we were to sell shares of our common stock below its then current net asset value per share, such sales would result in an immediate dilution to the net asset value per share of our common stock. This dilution would occur as a result of the sale of shares at a price below the then current net asset value per share of our common stock and a proportionately greater decrease in the stockholders’ interest in our earnings and assets and their voting interest in us than the increase in our assets resulting from such issuance. Because the number of shares of common stock that could be so issued and the timing of any issuance is not currently known, the actual dilutive effect cannot be predicted.

Further, if our current stockholders do not purchase any shares to maintain their percentage interest, regardless of whether such offering is above or below the then current net asset value per share, their voting power will be diluted. For example, if we sell an additional 10% of our common shares at a 10% discount from net asset value, a stockholder who does not participate in that offering for its proportionate interest will suffer net asset value dilution of up to 1.0% or $10 per $1,000 of net asset value.

Your interest in Capitala Finance may be diluted if you do not fully exercise your subscription rights in any rights offering.

In the event we issue subscription rights to purchase shares of our common stock, stockholders who do not fully exercise their rights should expect that they will, at the completion of the offer, own a smaller proportional interest in Capitala Finance than would otherwise be the case if they fully exercised their rights. We cannot state precisely the amount of any such dilution in share ownership because we do not know at this time what proportion of the shares would be purchased as a result of a rights offering.

In addition, if the subscription price in a rights offering is less than our net asset value per share, then our stockholders would experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of their shares as a result of the rights offering. The amount of any decrease in net asset value is not predictable because it is not known at this time what the subscription price and net asset value per share will be on the expiration date of any rights offering or what proportion of the shares will be purchased as a result of such rights offering. Such dilution could be substantial.

If we issue preferred stock, the net asset value and market value of our common stock will likely become more volatile.

We cannot assure you that the issuance of preferred stock would result in a higher yield or return to the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock would likely cause the net asset value and market value of the common stock to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to approach the net rate of return on our investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the common stock would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock were to exceed the net rate of return on our portfolio, the leverage would result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common stock than if we had not issued preferred stock. Any decline in the net asset value of our investments would be

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borne entirely by the holders of common stock. Therefore, if the market value of our portfolio were to decline, the leverage would result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of common stock than if we were not leveraged through the issuance of preferred stock. This greater net asset value decrease would also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the common stock. We might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of the preferred stock or of losing our ratings, if any, on the preferred stock or, in an extreme case, our current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the preferred stock. In order to counteract such an event, we might need to liquidate investments in order to fund a redemption of some or all of the preferred stock. In addition, we would pay (and the holders of common stock would bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred stock, including higher advisory fees if our total return exceeds the dividend rate on the preferred stock. Holders of preferred stock may have different interests than holders of common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over our affairs.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue would have the right to elect members of our board of directors and class voting rights on certain matters.

Holders of any preferred stock we might issue, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of our board of directors at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right to elect a majority of the directors until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred stockholders have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of our common stock and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, if any, or the terms of our credit facilities, if any, might impair our ability to maintain our RIC tax treatment under the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While we would intend to redeem our preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable us to distribute our income as required to maintain our qualification as a RIC, there can be no assurance that such actions could be effected in time to meet the tax requirements.

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND PROJECTIONS

This prospectus contains and any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, including the documents we incorporate by reference, may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Capitala Finance, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects,” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, including the documents we incorporate by reference, involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new loans and investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, including the documents we incorporate by reference, should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us as of the applicable date of this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, including any documents incorporated by reference, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We plan to use the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus for new investments in portfolio companies in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus and for general working capital purposes. We will also pay operating expenses, including advisory and administrative fees and expenses, and may pay other expenses such as due diligence expenses of potential new investments, from the net proceeds from the sale of our securities pursuant to this prospectus. We are continuously identifying, reviewing and, to the extent consistent with its investment objective, funding new investments. As a result, we typically raise capital as we deem appropriate to fund such new investments. The applicable prospectus supplement or a free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use relating to an offering will more fully identify the use of the proceeds from such offering.

We estimate that it will take 3 to 6 months for us to substantially invest the net proceeds of any offering made pursuant to this prospectus, depending on the availability of attractive opportunities, market conditions and the amount raised. However, we can offer no assurance that we will be able to achieve this goal. At a minimum, the Company will invest more than half of its total assets in the types of securities designed to meet its business purpose, within two years after termination or completion of sales of securities pursuant to this prospectus.

Pending such investments, we will invest the net proceeds primarily in cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and other high-quality temporary investments that mature in one year or less from the date of investment. These securities may have lower yields than the types of investments we would typically make in accordance with our investment objective and, accordingly, may result in lower distributions, if any, during such period. See “Regulation as a Business Development Company — Temporary Investments” for additional information about temporary investments we may make while waiting to make longer-term investments in pursuit of our investment objective.

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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK AND DISTRIBUTIONS

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CPTA.” The following table sets forth, for each fiscal quarter within the two most recent fiscal years and the current fiscal year, the range of high and low intraday sales prices of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, the premium (discount) of sales price to our net asset value (NAV) and the distributions declared by us for each fiscal quarter.

		NAV Per Share(1)				Sales Price								Premium or (Discount) of High Sales Price to NAV(2)				Premium or (Discount) of Low Sales Price to NAV(2)				Declared Distributions Per Share(3)
Fiscal Year Ended						High				Low
December 31, 2019
Second Quarter (through April 16, 2019)		$		*		$	8.74			$	7.97					*%				*%		$	0.25
First Quarter		$		*		$	8.74			$	6.83					*%				*%		$	0.25
December 31, 2018
Fourth Quarter		$	11.88			$	8.80			$	6.46				(25.9	)%			(45.6	)%		$	0.25
Third Quarter		$	12.71			$	9.05			$	8.29				(28.8	)%			(34.8	)%		$	0.25
Second Quarter		$	13.71			$	8.60			$	7.66				(37.3	)%			(44.1	)%		$	0.25
First Quarter		$	13.66			$	8.15			$	6.88				(40.3	)%			(49.6	)%		$	0.25
December 31, 2017
Fourth Quarter		$	13.91			$	10.00			$	7.12				(28.1	)%			(48.8	)%		$	0.25
Third Quarter		$	14.21			$	13.57			$	8.67				(4.5	)%			(39.0	)%		$	0.39
Second Quarter		$	14.97			$	14.43			$	12.85				(3.6	)%			(14.2	)%		$	0.39
First Quarter		$	15.71			$	14.65			$	13.00				(6.7	)%			(17.3	)%		$	0.39

The last reported price for our common stock on April 16, 2019, was $8.70 per share. As of April 16, 2019, there were 40 holders of record of our common stock.

Shares of BDCs may trade at a market price that is less than the value of the net assets attributable to those shares. The possibility that our shares of common stock will trade at a discount from NAV or at premiums that are unsustainable over the long term are separate and distinct from the risk that our NAV will decrease. Since our initial public offering on September 25, 2013, our shares of common stock have traded at times at both a discount and a premium to the net assets attributable to those shares. As of April 16, 2019, shares of our common stock traded at a discount of approximately (26.8)% of the NAV attributable to those shares as of December 31, 2018. It is not possible to predict whether the shares offered hereby will trade at, above, or below NAV.

In order to qualify for tax treatment as a RIC and to avoid corporate-level U.S. federal income tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and our net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses, if any, to our stockholders on an annual basis. Additionally, we must distribute an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of our net ordinary income (during the calendar year) plus 98.2% of our net capital gain income (during each 12-month period ending on October 31) plus any net ordinary income and capital gain net income for preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax to avoid a U.S. federal excise tax. To the extent that we have income available, we intend to make monthly

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distributions to our stockholders. Our monthly stockholder distributions, if any, will be determined by our Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. Any distribution to our stockholders will be declared out of assets legally available for distribution.

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 our distributions from time to time. In addition, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions due to the asset coverage requirements applicable to us as a BDC under the 1940 Act. If we do not distribute a certain percentage of our income annually, we may suffer adverse tax consequences, including the possible loss of our qualification for tax treatment as a RIC. We cannot assure stockholders that they will receive any distributions.

To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for that fiscal year, a portion of those distributions may be deemed a return of capital to our stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, the source of a distribution to our stockholders may be the original capital invested by the stockholder rather than our income or gains. Stockholders should read any written disclosure accompanying any stockholder distribution carefully and should not assume that the source of any distribution is our ordinary income or capital gains.

We have adopted an “opt out” dividend reinvestment plan for our common stockholders. As a result, if we declare a distribution, then stockholders’ cash distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock unless a stockholder specifically “opts out” of our dividend reinvestment plan. If a stockholder opts out, that stockholder will receive cash distributions. Although distributions paid in the form of additional shares of our common stock will generally be subject to U.S. federal, state and local taxes in the same manner as cash distributions, stockholders participating in our dividend reinvestment plan will not receive any corresponding cash distributions with which to pay any such applicable taxes.

The following table reflects our distributions, including dividends and returns of capital, if any, per share that have been declared by our board of directors during fiscal years ended 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Date Declared

Record Date

Payment Date

Amount Per Share

January 2, 2019

January 24, 2019

January 30, 2019

$

0.0833

January 2, 2019

February 27, 2019

February 27, 2019

$

0.0833

January 2, 2019

March 28, 2019

March 28, 2019

$

0.0833

April 2, 2019

April 19, 2019

April 27, 2019

$

0.0833

April 2, 2019

May 22, 2019

May 30, 2019

$

0.0833

April 2, 2019

June 20, 2019

June 28, 2019

$

0.0833

Total Distributions Declared for 2019

$

0.50

Date Declared

Record Date

Payment Date

Amount Per Share

January 2, 2018

January 22, 2018

January 1, 2018

$

0.0833

January 2, 2018

February 20, 2018

February 27, 2018

$

0.0833

January 2, 2018

March 23, 2018

March 29, 2018

$

0.0833

April 2, 2018

April 19, 2018

April 27, 2018

$

0.0833

April 2, 2018

May 22, 2018

May 30, 2018

$

0.0833

April 2, 2018

June 20, 2018

June 28, 2018

$

0.0833

July 2, 2018

July 23, 2018

July 30, 2018

$

0.0833

July 2, 2018

August 23, 2018

August 30, 2018

$

0.0833

July 2, 2018

September 20, 2018

September 27, 2018

$

0.0833

October 1, 2018

October 23, 2018

October 30, 2018

$

0.0833

October 1, 2018

November 21, 2018

November 29, 2018

$

0.0833

October 1, 2018

December 20, 2018

December 28, 2018

$

0.0833

Total Distributions Declared and Distributed for 2018

$

1.00

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Date Declared

Record Date

Payment Date

Amount Per Share

January 3, 2017

January 20, 2017

January 30, 2017

$

0.13

January 3, 2017

February 20, 2017

February 27, 2017

$

0.13

January 3, 2017

March 23, 2017

March 30, 2017

$

0.13

April 3, 2017

April 19, 2017

April 27, 2017

$

0.13

April 3, 2017

May 23, 2017

May 29, 2017

$

0.13

April 3, 2017

June 21, 2017

June 29, 2017

$

0.13

July 3, 2017

July 21, 2017

July 28, 2017

$

0.13

July 3, 2017

August 23, 2017

August 30, 2017

$

0.13

July 3, 2017

September 20, 2017

September 28, 2017

$

0.13

October 2, 2017

October 23, 2017

October 30, 2017

$

0.0833

October 2, 2017

November 21, 2017

November 29, 2017

$

0.0833

October 2, 2017

December 20, 2017

December 28, 2017

$

0.0833

Total Distributions Declared and Distributed for 2017

$

1.42

Tax characteristics of all distributions paid by the Company are reported to stockholders on Form 1099 after the end of the calendar year. Our future distributions, if any, will be determined by our board of directors.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical information, the following discussion and other parts of this prospectus contain forward-looking information that involves risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by such forward-looking information due to the factors discussed under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Projections” appearing elsewhere herein.

Overview

We are a Maryland corporation that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. Our investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. We are managed by (the Investment Advisor, and the Administrator provides the administrative services necessary for us to operate.

We provide capital to lower and traditional middle-market companies in the U.S., with a non-exclusive emphasis on the Southeast, Southwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. We invest primarily in companies with a history of earnings growth and positive cash flow, proven management teams, products or services with competitive advantages and industry-appropriate margins. We primarily invest in companies with between $4.5 million and $30.0 million in trailing twelve-month EBITDA.

We invest in first lien loans, second lien loans and subordinated loans, and, to a lesser extent, equity securities issued by lower middle-market companies and traditional middle-market companies.

As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. For instance, we generally must invest at least 70% of our total assets in “qualifying assets,” including securities of private or thinly traded public U.S. companies, cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities and high-quality debt investments that mature in one year or less. In addition, we are only allowed to borrow money such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% (or 150%, if certain requirements are met, after November 1, 2019) after such borrowing, with certain limited exceptions. On March 23, 2018, the SBCA was signed into law, which included various changes to regulations under the federal securities laws that impact BDCs. The SBCA included changes to the 1940 Act to allow BDCs to decrease their asset coverage requirement from 200% to 150% (i.e. the amount of debt may not exceed 66.7% of the value of our total assets), if certain requirements are met. On November 1, 2018, the Board, including a “required majority” (as such term is defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) approved the application of the modified asset coverage. As a result, our asset coverage requirements for senior securities will be changed from 200% to 150%, effective November 1, 2019. To maintain our RIC status, we must meet specified source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. To maintain our RIC tax treatment under subchapter M of the Code for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must distribute at least 90% of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, if any, for the taxable year.

Corporate History

We commenced operations on May 24, 2013 and completed our IPO on September 30, 2013. The Company was formed for the purpose of (i) acquiring, through a series of transactions, an investment portfolio from the Legacy Funds; (ii) raising capital in the IPO and (iii) continuing and expanding the business of the Legacy Funds by making additional debt and equity investments in lower middle-market and traditional middle-market companies.

On September 24, 2013, the Company completed the Formation Transactions. Fund II, Fund III and Florida Sidecar became the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. Fund II and Fund III retained their SBIC licenses, and continued to hold their existing investments at the time of IPO and have continued to make new investments after the IPO. The IPO consisted of the sale of 4,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $20.00 per share resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $74.25 million, after deducting underwriting fees and commissions totaling $4.0 million and offering expenses totaling $1.75 million. The

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other costs of the IPO were borne by the limited partners of the Legacy Funds. During the fourth quarter of 2017, Florida Sidecar transferred all of its assets to the Company and was legally dissolved as a standalone partnership.

At the time of the Formation Transactions, our portfolio consisted of: (1) approximately $326.3 million in investments; (2) an aggregate of approximately $67.1 million in cash, interest receivable and other assets; and (3) liabilities of approximately $202.2 million of U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) guaranteed debt payable. We have two subsidiaries licensed under the Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) Act that have elected to be regulated as BDCs under the 1940 Act.

The Company has formed and expects to continue to form the Taxable Subsidiaries, which are taxed as corporations for income tax purposes. The Taxable Subsidiaries allow the Company to make equity investments in companies organized as pass-through entities while continuing to satisfy the requirements of a RIC under the Code.

Basis of Presentation

The Company is considered an investment company as defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 — Financial Services — Investment Companies (“ASC 946”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-K and Article 6 of Regulation S-X. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

The Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 are presented on a consolidated basis. The effects of all intercompany transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries (Fund II, Fund III, Florida Sidecar, and the Taxable Subsidiaries) have been eliminated in consolidation. All financial data and information included in these consolidated financial statements have been presented on the basis described above. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments that are necessary for the fair presentation of financial results as of and for the periods presented.

Consolidation

As provided under Regulation S-X and ASC 946, the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than an investment company subsidiary or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. Accordingly, the Company consolidated the results of the Company’s wholly owned investment company subsidiaries (Fund II, Fund III, Florida Sidecar, and the Taxable Subsidiaries) in its consolidated financial statements. The Company does not consolidate its interest in CSLF II because the investment is not considered a substantially wholly owned investment company subsidiary. Further, CSLF II is a joint venture for which shared power exists relating to the decisions that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entity. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of the Company’s investment in CSLF II.

Revenues

We generate revenue primarily from the periodic cash interest we collect on our debt investments. In addition, most of our debt investments offer the opportunity to participate in a borrower’s equity performance through warrant participation, direct equity ownership or otherwise, which we expect to result in revenue in the form of dividends and/or capital gains. Further, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, amendment, structuring or diligence fees, monitoring fees, fees for providing managerial assistance and possibly consulting fees and performance-based fees. These fees will be recognized as they are earned.

Expenses

Our primary operating expenses include the payment of investment advisory fees to our Investment Advisor, our allocable portion of overhead and other expenses incurred by our Administrator in performing its obligations under an administration agreement between us and the Administrator (the “Administration

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Agreement”) and other operating expenses as detailed below. Our investment advisory fee will compensate our Investment Advisor for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, closing, monitoring and servicing our investments. We will bear all other expenses of our operations and transactions, including (without limitation):

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

In the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, we have adopted various accounting policies that govern the application of U.S. GAAP. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. While all of these policies are important to understanding our financial statements, certain accounting policies and estimates are considered critical due to their impact on the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for the periods covered by such financial statements. We have identified investment valuation, revenue recognition, and income taxes as our most critical accounting estimates. We continuously evaluate our estimates, including those related to the matters described below. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions we make, actual results could materially differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A discussion of our critical accounting policies follows.

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Valuation of Investments

The Company applies fair value accounting to all of its financial instruments in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC Topic 820 — Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value and requires disclosures for fair value measurements. In accordance with ASC 820, the Company has categorized its financial instruments carried at fair value, based on the priority of the valuation technique, into a three-level fair value hierarchy as discussed in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements.

In determining fair value, our Board uses various valuation approaches, and engages a third-party independent valuation firm, which provides positive assurance on the investments it reviews. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, a fair value hierarchy for inputs is used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available.

Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Board. Unobservable inputs reflect the Board’s assumptions about the inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels based on the inputs as follows:

Level 1 — Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Valuation adjustments and block discounts are not applied to Level 1 securities. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these securities does not entail a significant degree of judgment.

Level 2 — Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 — Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

The availability of valuation techniques and observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors including the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, and other characteristics particular to the transaction. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Those estimated values do not necessarily represent the amounts that may be ultimately realized due to the occurrence of future circumstances that cannot be reasonably determined. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a market for the securities existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Company in determining fair value is greatest for securities categorized in Level 3. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair value is a market-based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant rather than an entity-specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. We use prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including periods of market dislocation. In periods of market dislocation, the observability of prices and inputs may be reduced for many securities. This condition could cause a security to be reclassified to a lower level within the fair value hierarchy.

In estimating the fair value of portfolio investments, the Company starts with the cost basis of the investment, which includes original issue discount and payment-in-kind (“PIK income”), if any. The

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transaction price is typically the best estimate of fair value at inception. When evidence supports a subsequent change to the carrying value from the original transaction price, adjustments are made to reflect the expected fair values.

As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV as the fair value for its equity investment in CSLF II. CSLF II records its underlying investments at fair value on a quarterly basis in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC 820.

Valuation Techniques

Enterprise Value Waterfall Approach

The enterprise value waterfall approach determines an enterprise value based on EBITDA multiples of publicly traded companies that are considered similar to the subject portfolio company. The Company considers a variety of items in determining a reasonable pricing multiple, including, but not limited to, operating results, budgeted projections, growth, size, risk, profitability, leverage, management depth, diversification, market position, supplier or customer dependence, asset utilization, liquidity metrics, and access to capital markets. EBITDA of the portfolio company is adjusted for non-recurring items in order to reflect a normalized level of earnings that is representative of future earnings. In certain instances, the Company may also utilize revenue multiples to determine enterprise value. When available, the Company may assign a pricing multiple or value its investments based on the value of recent investment transactions in the subject portfolio company or offers to purchase the portfolio company. The enterprise value is adjusted for financial instruments with seniority to the Company’s ownership and for the effect of any instrument which may dilute the Company’s investment in the portfolio company. The adjusted enterprise value is then apportioned based on the seniority and privileges of the Company’s investments within the portfolio company.

The enterprise value waterfall approach is primarily utilized to value the Company’s equity securities, including warrants. However, the Company may utilize the enterprise value waterfall approach to value certain debt securities.

Income Approach

The income approach utilizes a discounted cash flow methodology in which the Company estimates fair value based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at a market rate of interest. The determination of a discount rate, or required rate of return, takes into account the portfolio company’s fundamentals and perceived credit risk. Because the majority of the Company’s portfolio companies do not have a public credit rating, determining a discount rate often involves assigning an implied credit rating based on the portfolio company’s operating metrics compared to average metrics of similar publicly rated debt. Operating metrics include, but are not limited to, EBITDA, interest coverage, leverage ratio, return on capital, and debt to equity ratios. The implied credit rating is used to assign a base discount rate range based on publicly available yields on similarly rated debt securities. The Company may apply a premium to the discount rate utilized in determining fair value when performance metrics and other qualitative information indicate that there is an additional level of uncertainty about collectability of cash flows.

Asset Approach

The asset approach values an investment based on the value of the underlying collateral securing the investment. This approach is used when the Company has reason to believe that it will not collect all principal and interest in accordance with the contractual terms of the debt agreement.

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Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue recognition policies are as follows:

Interest income and paid-in-kind interest income:  Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company has loans in the portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind interest (“PIK interest”) provision. The PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the loan balance that is generally due at maturity, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. PIK interest is not accrued if the Company does not expect the issuer to be able to pay all principal and interest when due.

Non-accrual investments:  Management reviews all loans that become 90 days or more past due, or when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected, for possible placement on non-accrual status. When the Company otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Company will place the loan on non-accrual status and will generally cease recognizing interest income and PIK interest on that loan for financial reporting purposes. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon management’s judgment. The Company writes off any previously accrued and uncollected cash interest when it is determined that interest is no longer considered collectible. The Company may elect to cease accruing PIK interest and continue accruing interest income in cases where a loan is currently paying its interest income but, in management’s judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood of principal loss on the loan. Non-accrual loans are returned to accrual status when the borrower’s financial condition improves such that management believes current interest and principal payments are expected to be collected.

Gains and losses on investment sales and paydowns:  Realized gains and losses on investments are recognized using the specific identification method.

Dividend income and paid-in-kind dividends:  Dividend income is recognized on the date dividends are declared. The Company holds preferred equity investments in the portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind dividend (“PIK dividends”) provision. PIK dividends, which represent contractually deferred dividends added to the equity balance, are recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company will typically cease accrual of PIK dividends when the fair value of the equity investment is less than the cost basis of the investment or when it is otherwise determined by management that PIK dividends are unlikely to be collected. If management determines that a decline in fair value is temporary in nature and the PIK dividends are more likely than not to be collected, management may elect to continue accruing PIK dividends.

Original issue discount:  Discounts received to par on loans purchased are capitalized and accreted into income over the life of the loan. Any remaining discount is accreted into income upon prepayment of the loan.

Other income:  Origination fees (to the extent services are performed to earn such income), amendment fees, consent fees, and other fees associated with investments in portfolio companies are recognized as income when the investment transaction closes. Prepayment penalties received by the Company for debt instruments repaid prior to the maturity date are recorded as income upon receipt.

Income Taxes

Prior to the Formation Transactions, the Legacy Funds were treated as partnerships for U.S. federal, state and local income tax purposes and, therefore, no provision has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for federal, state or local income taxes. In accordance with the partnership tax law requirements, each partner would include their respective components of the Legacy Funds’ taxable profits or losses, as shown on their Schedule K-1 in their respective tax or information returns. The Legacy Funds are disregarded entities for tax purposes prior to and post the Formation Transactions.

The Company has elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes and intends to comply with the requirement to qualify annually as a RIC under subchapter M of the Code and, among other things, intends to make the requisite distributions to its stockholders which will relieve the Company from U.S. federal income taxes.

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In order to qualify as a RIC, among other requirements, the Company is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90.0% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code, for each fiscal tax year. The Company will be subject to a nondeductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4.0% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least 98.0% of its ordinary income in any calendar year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31.

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in an excise tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next excise tax year and pay a 4.0% U.S. excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions for excise tax purposes, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. Since the Company’s IPO, the Company has not accrued or paid excise tax.

The Company elected to amend its tax year end from August 31 to December 31 and has filed a tax return for the four months ended December 31, 2017. The election to change tax year end is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, the Company’s tax status as a RIC, or the nature of distributions paid to our stockholders.

The tax periods ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, August 31, 2017, and August 31, 2016, remain subject to examination by U.S. federal, state, and local tax authorities. No interest expense or penalties have been assessed for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016. If the Company was required to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits this would be recognized as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Company’s Taxable Subsidiaries record deferred tax assets or liabilities related to temporary book versus tax differences on the income or loss generated by the underlying equity investments held by the Taxable Subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a net deferred tax asset of $0.6 million and a deferred tax liability of $1.3 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a deferred tax benefit (provision) of $1.9 million and $(1.3) million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, no tax provision was recorded.

In accordance with certain applicable U.S. treasury regulations and private letter rulings issued by the Internal Revenue Service, a RIC may treat a distribution of its own stock as fulfilling its RIC distribution requirements if each stockholder may elect to receive its entire distribution in either cash or stock of the RIC, subject to a limitation on the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to all stockholders, which limitation must be at least 20.0% of the aggregate declared distribution. If too many stockholders elect to receive cash, each stockholder electing to receive cash will receive a pro rata amount of cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any stockholder, electing to receive cash, receive less than 20.0% of its entire distribution in cash. 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.

ASC Topic 740 — Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet a “more-likely-than-not” threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current period. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there were no uncertain tax positions.

The Company is required to determine whether a tax position of the Company is more likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefit to be recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon

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ultimate settlement. De-recognition of a tax benefit previously recognized could result in the Company recording a tax liability that could negatively impact the Company’s net assets.

U.S. GAAP provides guidance on thresholds, measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition that is intended to provide better financial statement comparability among different entities.

The Company has concluded that it was not necessary to record a liability for any such tax positions as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. However, the Company’s conclusions regarding this policy may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, ongoing analyses of, and changes to, tax laws, regulations and interpretations thereof.

On December 22, 2017, the United States enacted tax reform legislation through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which significantly changes the existing U.S. tax laws, including a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, a move from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, as well as other changes. The Taxable Subsidiaries’ provisional tax is based on the new lower blended federal and state corporate tax rate of 24.86%. The implementation of the Tax Act did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Portfolio and Investment Activity

The Company’s investment objective is to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments. Both directly and through the Company’s subsidiaries that are licensed by the SBA under the SBIC Act, the Company offers customized financing to business owners, management teams and financial sponsors for change of ownership transactions, recapitalizations, strategic acquisitions, business expansion and other growth initiatives. The Company invests in first lien loans, second lien loans, and subordinated loans and, to a lesser extent, equity securities issued by lower middle-market companies and traditional middle-market companies. As of December 31, 2018, our portfolio consisted of investments in 44 portfolio companies with a fair value of approximately $448.9 million.

Most of the Company’s debt investments are structured as first lien loans. First lien loans may contain some minimum amount of principal amortization, excess cash flow sweep feature, prepayment penalties, or any combination of the foregoing. First lien loans are secured by a first priority lien in existing and future assets of the borrower and may take the form of term loans or delayed draw facilities. Unitranche debt, a form of first lien loan, typically involves issuing one debt security that blends the risk and return profiles of both senior secured and subordinated debt in one debt security, bifurcating the loan into a first-out tranche and last-out tranche. As of December 31, 2018, 13.7% of the fair value of our first lien loans consisted of last-out loans. As of December 31, 2017, 13.7% of the fair value of our first lien loans consisted of last-out loans. In some cases, first lien loans may be subordinated, solely with respect to the payment of cash interest, to an asset based revolving credit facility.

The Company also invests in debt instruments structured as second lien loans. Second lien loans are loans which have a second priority security interest in all or substantially all of the borrower’s assets, and which are not subject to the blockage of cash interest payments to the Company at the first lien lender’s discretion.

In addition to first and second lien loans, the Company may also invest in subordinated loans. Subordinated loans typically have a second lien on all or substantially all of the borrower’s assets but unlike second lien loans, may be subject to the interruption of cash interest payments upon certain events of default, at the discretion of the first lien lender.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we made approximately $107.8 million of investments and had approximately $123.5 million in repayments and sales of investments resulting in net repayments and sales of approximately $15.7 million for the year. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we made approximately $82.8 million of investments and had approximately $115.8 million in repayments and sales resulting in net repayments and sales of approximately $33.0 million for the year. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we made approximately $120.8 million of investments and had approximately $163.6 million in repayments and sales resulting in net investments of approximately $42.8 million for the year.

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On August 31, 2016, we sold a portion of 14 securities across 10 portfolio companies to CapitalSouth Partners Florida Sidecar Fund II, L.P. (“FSC II”), including granting an option to acquire a portion of our equity investment in Eastport Holdings, LLC (the “Written Call Option”), in exchange for 100% of the partnership interests in FSC II. Concurrent with the sale of these assets to FSC II, we received cash consideration of $47.6 million from an affiliated third-party purchaser in exchange for 100% of the partnership interests of FSC II. These assets were sold to FSC II at their June 30, 2016 fair market values, resulting in a net realized gain of $0.1 million. Our Board pre-approved this transaction pursuant to Section 57(f) of the 1940 Act.

The Company collected and will periodically collect principal and interest payments related to certain of the securities purchased by FSC II. Such principal and interest payments will be remitted timely to FSC II based on its proportionate share of the security. FSC II does not have any recourse to the Company related to the non-payment of principal or interest by the underlying issuers of the securities.

The Written Call Option granted FSC II the right to purchase up to 31.25% of our equity investment in Eastport Holdings, LLC. The Written Call Option had a strike price of $1.5 million and a termination date of August 31, 2018. On August 27, 2018, FSC II exercised its option at a strike price of $1.5 million. The fair value of the Written Call Option, which had been treated as a derivative liability and recorded in the financial statement line item Written Call Option at fair value in our consolidated statements of assets and liabilities, was approximately $0.0 million and $6.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For purposes of determining the fair value of the Written Call Option, we calculated the difference in the fair value of the underlying equity investment in Eastport Holdings, LLC and the strike price of the Written Call Option, or intrinsic value. The Written Call Option was classified as a Level 3 financial instrument.

As of December 31, 2018, our debt investment portfolio, which represented 76.4% of the fair value of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield of approximately 11.9%. As of December 31, 2018, 41.4% of the fair value of our debt investment portfolio was bearing a fixed rate of interest. As of December 31, 2017, our debt investment portfolio, which represented 75.5% of the fair value of our total portfolio, had a weighted average annualized yield of approximately 11.9%. As of December 31, 2017, 51.7% of the fair value of our debt investment portfolio was bearing a fixed rate of interest.

The weighted annualized yield is calculated based on the effective interest rate as of period end, divided by the fair value of our debt investments. The weighted average annualized 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 fees and expenses. There can be no assurance that the weighted average yield will remain at its current level.

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments and cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):

		Investments at Amortized Cost				Percentage of Total				Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total
First Lien Debt		$	252,174				54.9	%		$	237,570				48.7	%
Second Lien Debt			33,040				7.2				32,495				6.7
Subordinated Debt			72,562				15.8				73,113				15.0
Equity and Warrants			48,594				10.6				92,054				18.9
Capitala Senior Loan Fund II, LLC			13,600				3.0				13,695				2.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents			39,295				8.5				39,295				7.9
Total		$	459,265				100.0	%		$	488,222				100.0	%

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The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments and cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

		Investments at Amortized Cost				Percentage of Total				Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total
First Lien Debt		$	257,147				51.8	%		$	243,489				45.8	%
Second Lien Debt			32,465				6.6				30,794				5.8
Subordinated Debt			120,235				24.2				103,385				19.5
Equity and Warrants			55,180				11.1				122,271				23.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents			31,221				6.3				31,221				5.9
Total		$	496,248				100.0	%		$	531,160				100.0	%

The following table shows the portfolio composition by industry grouping at fair value (dollars in thousands):

		December 31, 2018								December 31, 2017
		Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Portfolio				Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Portfolio
Business Services		$	57,946				12.9	%		$	70,122				14.0	%
Consumer Products			27,746				6.2				29,612				5.9
Information Technology			25,232				5.6				24,761				5.0
Financial Services			21,666				4.8				26,920				5.4
Sales & Marketing Services			19,496				4.3				17,388				3.5
Telecommunications			18,000				4.0				—				—
Food Product Manufacturer			17,335				3.9				16,222				3.2
Healthcare			16,972				3.8				21,368				4.3
Industrial Equipment Rental			16,327				3.6				15,603				3.1
IT Consulting			15,233				3.4				12,231				2.4
Retail			14,979				3.3				15,000				3.0
Building Products			14,833				3.3				17,879				3.6
Automobile Part Manufacturer			14,384				3.2				9,285				1.9
Healthcare Management			13,792				3.1				9,014				1.8
Investment Funds			13,695				3.0				—				—
Multi-Platform Media and Consumer Products			13,000				2.9				—				—
Textile Equipment Manufacturer			12,848				2.8				12,505				2.5
Government Services			12,109				2.7				10,320				2.1
Computer Supply Retail			10,597				2.4				12,551				2.5
Oil & Gas Services			9,861				2.2				27,774				5.6
Conglomerate			9,004				2.0				7,645				1.5
Advertising & Marketing Services			8,712				1.9				5,157				1.0
Testing Laboratories			7,503				1.7				—				—
Oil & Gas Engineering and Consulting Services			6,854				1.5				8,528				1.7
Professional and Personal Digital Imaging			6,674				1.5				8,810				1.8
Electronic Machine Repair			6,432				1.4				—				—
Produce Distribution			6,210				1.4				6,170				1.2
Farming			5,880				1.3				5,581				1.1
Restaurant			4,903				1.1				4,880				1.0
Medical Device Distributor			4,797				1.1				4,713				0.9
Online Merchandise Retailer			3,499				0.8				3,755				0.8
Footwear Retail			3,184				0.7				17,748				3.6

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		December 31, 2018								December 31, 2017
		Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Portfolio				Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Portfolio
QSR Franchisor		$	3,018				0.7	%		$	7,650				1.5	%
Logistics			2,984				0.7				—				—
Home Repair Parts Manufacturer			1,722				0.4				2,767				0.6
Household Product Manufacturer			758				0.2				1,316				0.3
Data Processing & Digital Marketing			742				0.2				1,035				0.2
Specialty Retail			—				—				20,713				4.1
Fuel Transportation Services			—				—				11,588				2.3
Transportation			—				—				11,560				2.3
Refrigeration/HVAC Services			—				—				8,736				1.7
Bowling Products			—				—				7,186				1.4
Consumer Electronics			—				—				3,498				0.7
Replacement Window Manufacturer			—				—				1,880				0.4
In-Home Healthcare Services			—				—				174				0.1
Automotive Chemicals & Lubricants			—				—				101				0.0
Retail Display & Security Services			—				—				100				0.0
Dental Practice Management			—				—				93				0.0
Total		$	448,927				100.0	%		$	499,939				100.0	%

With the exception of the international investment holdings noted below, all investments made by the Company as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were made in portfolio companies located in the U.S. The geographic composition is determined by the location of the corporate headquarters of the portfolio company, which may not be indicative of the primary source of the portfolio company’s business. The following table shows the portfolio composition by geographic region at fair value as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

		At December 31, 2018								At December 31, 2017
		Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Portfolio				Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Portfolio
South		$	224,856				50.1	%		$	254,829				51.0	%
Midwest			77,537				17.3				84,832				17.0
West			77,353				17.2				107,835				21.5
Northeast			66,303				14.8				44,428				8.9
International			2,878				0.6				8,015				1.6
Total		$	448,927				100.0	%		$	499,939				100.0	%

In addition to various risk management tools, our Investment Advisor uses an investment rating system to characterize and monitor our expected level of return on each investment in our portfolio.

As part of our valuation procedures, we risk rate all of our investments. In general, our investment rating system uses a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest probability of default and principal loss. Our internal rating is not an exact system, but it is used internally to estimate the probability of: (i) default on our debt securities and (ii) loss of our debt principal, in the event of a default. In general, our internal rating system may also assist our valuation team in its determination of the estimated fair value of equity securities or equity-like securities. Our internal risk rating system generally encompasses both qualitative and quantitative aspects of our portfolio companies.

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Our internal investment rating system incorporates the following five categories:

Investment Rating		Definition
1		In general, the investment may be performing above our internal expectations. Full return of principal and interest is expected. Capital gain is expected.
2		In general, the investment may be performing within our internal expectations, and potential risks to the applicable investment are considered to be neutral or favorable compared to any potential risks at the time of the original investment. All new investments are initially given this rating.
3		In general, the investment may be performing below our internal expectations and therefore, investments in this category may require closer internal monitoring; however, the valuation team believes that no loss of investment return (interest and/or dividends) or principal is expected. The investment also may be out of compliance with certain financial covenants.
4		In general, the investment may be performing below internal expectations and quantitative or qualitative risks may have increased substantially since the original investment. Loss of some or all principal is expected.
5		In general, the investment may be performing substantially below our internal expectations and a number of quantitative or qualitative risks may have increased substantially since the original investment. Loss of some or all principal is expected.

Our Investment Advisor will monitor and, when appropriate, change the investment ratings assigned to each investment in our portfolio. In connection with our valuation process, our Investment Advisor will review these investment ratings on a quarterly basis. The investment rating of a particular investment should not, however, be deemed to be a guarantee of the investment’s future performance.

The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment rating scale at fair value as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

		As of December 31, 2018								As of December 31, 2017
Investment Rating		Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Investments				Investments at Fair Value				Percentage of Total Investments
1		$	171,829				38.3	%		$	191,204				38.2	%
2			194,411				43.3				186,445				37.3
3			73,325				16.3				97,309				19.5
4			9,362				2.1				24,981				5.0
5			—				—				—				—
Total		$	448,927				100.0	%		$	499,939				100.0	%

As of December 31, 2018, we had debt investments in two portfolio companies on non-accrual status with an amortized cost of $20.7 million and a fair value of $9.4 million, which represented 4.9% and 2.1% of the investment portfolio, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, we had debt investments in four portfolio companies on non-accrual status with amortized cost of $50.1 million and a fair value of $25.0 million, which represented 10.8% and 5.0% of the investment portfolio, respectively.

Capitala Senior Loan Fund II, LLC

On December 20, 2018, Capitala and Trinity Universal Insurance Company (“Trinity”), a subsidiary of Kemper Corporation, entered into a limited liability company agreement (the “LLC Agreement”) to co-manage Capitala Senior Loan Fund II, LLC (“CSLF II”). The purpose and design of the joint venture is to invest primarily in senior secured first-out loans. Capitala and Trinity have committed to provide $25.0 million of equity to CSLF II, with Capitala providing $20.0 million and Trinity providing $5.0 million.

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Capitala and Trinity each appointed two members to CSLF II’s four-person board of directors and investment committee. All material decisions with respect to CSLF II, including those involving its investment portfolio, require approval of a member on the board of directors and investment committee of at least one member representing Capitala and Trinity, respectively.

As of December 31, 2018, $13.6 million and $3.4 million in equity capital had been contributed by Capitala and Trinity, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, the Company and Trinity had $6.4 million and $1.6 million of unfunded equity capital commitments outstanding. The Company’s equity investment in CSLF II is not redeemable.

Below is a summary of CSLF II’s portfolio at fair value as of December 31, 2018 (dollars in thousands):

		December 31, 2018
First lien loans(1)		$	10,000
Weighted average current interest rate on first lien loans			7.6	%
Number of borrowers in CSLF II			2
Largest portfolio company investment(1)		$	5,550
Total of five largest portfolio company investments(1)(2)		$	10,000

Below is CSLF II’s schedule of investments as of December 31, 2018:

Capitala Senior Loan Fund II, LLC
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 2018
(in thousands)

Portfolio Company		Industry				Type of Investment				Principal Amount				Cost				Fair Value
Investments in Non-Controlled, Non-Affiliated Portfolio Companies
U.S. BioTek Laboratories, LLC			Testing Laboratories				First Lien Debt (7.8% Cash (3 month LIBOR + 5.0%, 2.0% Floor), Due 12/14/23)			$	4,500			$	4,500			$	4,500
Freedom Electronics, LLC			Electronics				First Lien Debt (7.5% Cash (1 month LIBOR + 5.0%, 2.0% Floor), Due 12/20/23)				5,500				5,500				5,500
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN NON-CONTROLLED, NON-AFFILIATED PORTFOLIO COMPANIES										$	10,000			$	10,000			$	10,000

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Below is the financial information for CSLF II:

Capitala Senior Loan Fund II, LLC
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
(in thousands)

		As of December 31, 2018
ASSETS
Investments at fair value
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (amortized cost of $10,000)		$	10,000
Cash and cash equivalents			7,100
Interest receivable			31
Total assets		$	17,131
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable		$	12
Total liabilities		$	12
NET ASSETS
Partners’ capital		$	17,119
Total net assets		$	17,119

Capitala Senior Loan Fund II, LLC
Statement of Operations
(in thousands)

		For the period from December 20, 2018 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2018
INVESTMENT INCOME
From non-controlled, non-affiliated investments:
Interest income		$	31
Fee income			100
Total investment income		$	131
EXPENSES
General and administrative expenses		$	12
Total expenses		$	12
NET INVESTMENT INCOME		$	119
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS		$	119

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Results of Operations

Our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2018				2017				2016
Total investment income		$	47,293			$	51,089			$	68,312
Total expenses, net of incentive fee waivers			31,271				35,565				39,272
Net investment income			16,022				15,524				29,040
Total realized loss on investments			(34,804	)			(24,189	)			(22,766	)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments			(5,955	)			7,049				5,594
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on Written Call Option			6,795				(4,079	)			(2,716	)
Tax benefit (provision)			1,916				(1,289	)			—
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	(16,026	)		$	(6,984	)		$	9,152

Investment income

The composition of our investment income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2018				2017				2016
Interest income		$	40,357			$	40,462			$	54,990
Fee income			2,044				2,027				4,118
Payment-in-kind interest and dividend income			4,348				7,143				6,300
Dividend income			397				1,221				2,792
Other Income			—				125				85
Interest from cash and cash equivalents			147				111				27
Total investment income		$	47,293			$	51,089			$	68,312

The income reported as interest income and PIK interest and PIK dividend income is generally based on the stated rates as disclosed in our consolidated schedule of investments. Accretion of discounts received for purchased loans are included in interest income as an adjustment to yield. As a general rule, our interest income and PIK interest and PIK dividend income are recurring in nature.

We also generate fee income primarily through origination fees charged for new investments, and secondarily via amendment fees, consent fees, prepayment penalties, and other fees. While fee income is typically non-recurring for each investment, most of our new investments include an origination fee; as such, fee income is dependent upon our volume of directly originated investments and the fee structure associated with those investments.

We earn dividends on certain equity investments within our investment portfolio. As noted in our consolidated schedule of investments, some investments are scheduled to pay a periodic dividend, though these recurring dividends do not make up a significant portion of our total investment income. We may, and have received, more substantial one-time dividends from our equity investments.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, total investment income decreased by $3.8 million, or 7.4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease from the prior year was driven primarily by a $2.8 million decline in PIK income, from $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, to $4.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in PIK income was due to a decline in investments with a contractual PIK rate. Interest income declined $0.1 for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, as a decline in average outstanding debt investments was partially offset by an increase in the weighted average cash interest yield of the portfolio and a decline in average non-accrual

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debt investments. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we generated $1.7 million in origination fees from new deployments and $0.3 million in other fees. Comparatively, for the year ended December 31, 2017, we generated $1.2 million in origination fees from new deployments and $0.8 million in other fees. Dividend income decreased from $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, mostly driven by a decrease in one-time dividends from portfolio companies.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, total investment income decreased by $17.2 million, or 25.2%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease from the prior year was driven primarily by a $14.5 million decline in interest income, from $55.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, to $40.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decline in interest income was caused by a decline in average outstanding debt investments and an increase in average non-accrual debt investments. Fee income declined by $2.1 million compared to the prior year, from $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we generated $1.2 million in origination fees from new deployments and $0.8 million in other fees. Comparatively, for the year ended December 31, 2016, we generated $2.1 million in origination fees from new deployments and $2.0 million in other fees. Dividend income decreased from $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, mostly driven by a $1.8 million decrease in dividends paid by Capitala Senior Liquid Loan Fund I, LLC. PIK income increased $0.8 million compared to the prior year, from $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $7.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in PIK income was primarily due to investments restructured during the year ended December 31, 2017 that provided for an increase in the PIK rate being charged.

Operating expenses

The composition of our expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

		For the Year Ended December 31,
		2018				2017				2016
Interest and financing expenses		$	17,283			$	18,825			$	19,711
Loss on extinguishment of debt			—				2,732				—
Base management fee			9,049				9,780				10,588
Incentive fees, net of incentive fee waiver			244				350				5,169
General and administrative expenses			4,695				3,878				3,804
Total expenses, net of fee waivers		$	31,271			$	35,565			$	39,272

For the year ended December 31, 2018, operating expenses decreased by $4.3 million, or 12.1%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recognized a $2.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to repayment of our 7.125% Notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). Interest and financing expenses declined from $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 due to lower weighted average interest rates on our outstanding debt and lower average debt outstanding. Our base management fee declined from $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 due to lower average assets under management. Incentive fees, net of incentive fee waiver, decreased from $0.4 million to $0.2 million due to lower pre-incentive fee net investment income. General and administrative expenses increased from $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 due primarily to an increase in legal expenses relating to a shareholder lawsuit, an increase in payments made to the Administrator, and an increase in professional fees related to internal control audit services.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, operating expenses decreased by $3.7 million, or 9.4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017 we recognized a $2.7 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the repayment of our 2021 Notes. The increase in expenses related to the loss on extinguishment of debt was offset by (i) a decline in base management fees, from $10.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, to $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 due to lower average assets under management, (ii) a decline in incentive fees, net of incentive fee

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waiver, from $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, due to lower pre-incentive fee net investment income, and (iii) a decline in interest and financing expenses, from $19.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 to $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to a lower average debt balance outstanding during the period.

Net realized gains (losses) on sales of investments

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, we recognized $(34.8) million, $(24.2) million and $(22.8) million of net realized losses on our portfolio investments, respectively.

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments reflects the net change in the fair value of our investment portfolio. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, we had $(6.0) million, $7.0 million and $5.6 million of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, respectively.

Net unrealized depreciation on Written Call option

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 we had net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the Written Call Option of $6.8 million, $(4.1) million, and $(2.7) million, respectively.

Tax benefit (provision)

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we recorded a tax benefit (provision) of $1.9 million and $(1.3) million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2016, no tax provision was recorded.

Changes in net assets resulting from operations

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 we recorded a net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations of $(16.0) million, $(7.0) million, and $9.2 million, respectively. Based on the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 our per share net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations was $(1.00), $(0.44), and $0.58, respectively.

Summarized Financial Information of Our Unconsolidated Subsidiaries

The Company holds a control interest, as defined by the 1940 Act, in five portfolio companies that are considered significant subsidiaries under the guidance in Regulation S-X, but are not consolidated in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Below is a brief description of each such portfolio company, along with summarized financial information as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company sold its investment in Kelle’s Transport Service, LLC and realized a loss of $3.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company wrote-off its investment in On-Site Fuel Service, Inc. and realized a loss of $16.7 million.

AAE Acquisition, LLC

AAE Acquisition, LLC, formed on May 21, 2004 as a Delaware limited liability company, is an aerial equipment rental and services business primarily serving the Gulf Coast region. The income (loss) the Company generated from AAE Acquisition, LLC, which includes all interest, dividends, PIK interest and PIK dividends, fees, and unrealized appreciation (depreciation), was $1.7 million, $1.7 million, and $(1.1) million for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016 respectively.

CableOrganizer Acquisition, LLC

CableOrganizer Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that began operations on April 23, 2013, is a leading online provider of cable and wire management products. The income (loss) the Company generated from CableOrganizer Acquisition, LLC, which includes all interest, dividends, PIK interest and PIK dividends, fees, and unrealized appreciation (depreciation), was $(2.4) million, $1.8 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.

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Eastport Holdings, LLC

Eastport Holdings, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company organized on November 1, 2011, is a holding company consisting of marketing and advertising companies located across the U.S. The income the Company generated from Eastport Holdings, LLC, which includes all interest, dividends, PIK interest and dividends, fees, and unrealized appreciation (depreciation), was $11.4 million and $14.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. On August 27, 2018, the Written Call Option associated with the Company’s investment in Eastport Holdings, LLC was exercised and, as a result of the reduced ownership percentage, is no longer considered a control investment. The income the Company generated from Eastport Holdings, LLC while it was considered a control investment from January 1, 2018 to August 27, 2018 was $2.1 million. The summarized financial information disclosed below is as of August 31, 2018 and for the eight months ended August 31, 2018 as this is the period that Eastport Holdings, LLC was considered a control investment.

Micro Precision, LLC

Micro Precision, LLC, formed on August 5, 2011 as a Delaware limited liability company, is a prime contractor supplying critical parts and mechanical assemblies to the U.S. Department of Defense as well as designer and manufacturer of locomotive air horns. The income the Company generated from Micro Precision, LLC, which includes all interest, dividends, PIK interest and PIK dividends, fees, and unrealized appreciation (depreciation), was $2.1 million, $0.0 million, and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Navis Holdings, Inc.

Navis Holdings, Inc., incorporated in Delaware on December 21, 2010, designs and manufactures leading machinery for the global knit and woven finishing textile industries. The income the Company generated from Navis Holdings, Inc., which includes all interest, dividends, PIK interest and PIK dividends, fees, and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) was $0.6 million, $0.7 million, and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The summarized unaudited financial information of our unconsolidated subsidiaries was as follows (dollars in thousands):

		As of
Balance Sheets – AAE Acquisition, LLC		December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
Current assets		$	7,277			$	6,712
Noncurrent assets			22,994				27,668
Total assets		$	30,271			$	34,380
Current liabilities		$	53,939			$	2,897
Noncurrent liabilities			2,122				51,428
Total liabilities		$	56,061			$	54,325
Total deficit		$	(25,790	)		$	(19,945	)

		For the year ended
Statements of Operations – AAE Acquisition, LLC		December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Net sales		$	27,162			$	26,677			$	28,352
Cost of goods sold			20,098				20,265				22,402
Gross profit		$	7,064			$	6,412			$	5,950
Other expenses		$	12,768			$	11,916			$	11,812
Net loss before income taxes			(5,704	)			(5,504	)			(5,862	)
Income tax provision			—				—				—
Net loss		$	(5,704	)		$	(5,504	)		$	(5,862	)

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		As of
Balance Sheets – CableOrganizer Acquisition, LLC		December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
Current assets		$	2,987			$	5,182
Noncurrent assets			8,459				8,354
Total assets		$	11,446			$	13,536
Current liabilities		$	13,094			$	5,205
Noncurrent liabilities			—				12,346
Total liabilities		$	13,094			$	17,551
Total deficit		$	(1,648	)		$	(4,015	)

		For the year ended
Statements of Operations – CableOrganizer Acquisition, LLC.		December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Net sales		$	18,115			$	27,133			$	23,277
Cost of goods sold			12,183				19,819				15,715
Gross profit		$	5,932			$	7,314			$	7,562
Other expenses		$	7,960			$	10,690			$	10,344
Net loss before income taxes			(2,028	)			(3,376	)			(2,782	)
Income tax provision			—				—				—
Net loss		$	(2,028	)		$	(3,376	)		$	(2,782	)

		As of
Balance Sheets – Eastport Holdings, LLC		August 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
Current assets		$	99,483			$	94,396
Noncurrent assets			185,292				180,266
Total assets		$	284,775			$	274,662
Current liabilities		$	163,085			$	153,182
Noncurrent liabilities			60,939				56,272
Total liabilities		$	224,024			$	209,454
Total equity		$	60,751			$	65,208

		For the eight months ended August 31, 2018				For the year ended
Statements of Operations – Eastport Holdings, LLC						December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Net sales		$	373,943			$	510,400			$	499,986
Cost of goods sold			267,395				364,605				377,036
Gross profit		$	106,548			$	145,795			$	122,950
Other expenses		$	103,811			$	135,597			$	111,677
Net income before income taxes			2,737				10,198				11,273
Income tax provision			335				278				—
Net income		$	2,402			$	9,920			$	11,273

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		As of
Balance Sheets – Micro Precision, LLC		December 31, 2018				December 31, 2017
Current assets		$	5,880			$	6,187
Noncurrent assets			19,436				15,864
Total assets		$	25,316			$	22,051
Current liabilities		$	7,712			$	6,511
Noncurrent liabilities			13,961				15,790
Total liabilities		$	21,673			$	22,301
Total equity (deficit)		$	3,643			$	(250	)