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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
PART IV

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

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FORM 10-K

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COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 814-00841

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FS Energy and Power Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (215) 495-1150

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Shares of Beneficial Interest, par value
$0.001 per share

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         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý.

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý.

         Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o.

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o    No o.

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of "accelerated filer," "large accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o    No ý.

         There is no established market for the Registrant's common shares of beneficial interest. The Registrant closed the public offering of its common shares in November 2016. The last offering price at which the registrant issued shares in its public offering was $8.35 per share. Since the registrant closed its public offering, it has continued to issue shares pursuant to its distribution reinvestment plan. The most recent price at which the registrant has issued shares pursuant to the distribution reinvestment plan was $6.70 per share.

         There were 440,155,335 shares of the Registrant's common shares of beneficial interest outstanding as of March 7, 2018.

         Documents Incorporated by Reference

         Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Registrant's 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of the Registrant's fiscal year, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this annual report on Form 10-K as indicated herein.

   

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FS ENERGY AND POWER FUND

FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

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PART I

        Many of the amounts and percentages presented in Part I have been rounded for convenience of presentation and all dollar amounts, excluding per share amounts, are presented in thousands unless otherwise noted.

Item 1.    Business.

        FS Energy and Power Fund, or the Company, which may also be referred to as "we," "us" or "our," was organized in September 2010 and commenced investment operations in July 2011. We are an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. In addition, we have elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company, or RIC, under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. As of December 31, 2017, we had total assets of approximately $4.3 billion.

        We are managed by FS Investment Advisor, LLC, or FS Advisor, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or the Advisers Act, which oversees the management of our operations and is responsible for making investment decisions with respect to our portfolio. FS Advisor engaged GSO Capital Partners LP, or GSO, to act as our investment sub-adviser. GSO currently assists FS Advisor in identifying investment opportunities and makes investment recommendations for approval by FS Advisor, according to guidelines set by FS Advisor. GSO, a registered investment adviser under the Advisers Act, oversaw approximately $138.1 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2017. GSO is the credit platform of The Blackstone Group L.P., or Blackstone, a leading global alternative asset manager and provider of financial advisory services.

        As we previously announced on December 11, 2017, GSO intends to resign as our investment sub-adviser and terminate the investment sub-advisory agreement, dated April 28, 2011, or the investment sub-advisory agreement, that FS Advisor has entered into with GSO, effective April 9, 2018 (the date of such termination, the GSO end date). In connection with GSO's resignation as our investment sub-adviser, FS Advisor and its affiliates and EIG Asset Management, LLC and its affiliates, or EIG, desire to enter into a relationship whereby FS Advisor and EIG will jointly provide management, investment advisory and administrative services to us through FS/EIG Advisor, LLC, or FS/EIG Advisor, a newly-formed investment adviser jointly operated by FS Advisor and EIG. See "—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

        Our investment policy is to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of energy and power, or Energy, companies. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days' prior notice to holders of our common shares of any such change. We consider Energy companies to be those companies that engage in the exploration, development, production, gathering, transportation, processing, storage, refining, distribution, mining, generation or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or power, including those companies that provide equipment or services to companies engaged in any of the foregoing. We concentrate our investments on debt securities in Energy companies that we believe have, or are connected to, a strong infrastructure and/or underlying asset base so as to enhance collateral coverage and downside protection for our investments. We may also make select equity investments in certain Energy companies meeting our investment objectives of current income generation and long-term capital appreciation. Our primary areas of focus will be the upstream, midstream, power and service and equipment sub-sectors of the Energy industry; however, we broadly define our "Energy Investment Universe" as follows:

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Upstream—businesses that find, develop and extract energy resources, including natural gas, crude oil and coal, from onshore and offshore reservoirs;



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Midstream—businesses that gather, process, store and transmit energy resources and their by-products, including businesses that own pipelines, gathering systems, gas processing plants, liquefied natural gas facilities and other energy infrastructure;

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Downstream—businesses that refine, market and distribute refined energy resources, such as customer-ready natural gas, propane and gasoline, to end-user customers;



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Power—businesses engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity or in the production of alternative energy; and



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Service and Equipment—businesses that provide services and/or equipment to aid in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, including seismic, drilling, completion and production activities, as well as those companies that support the operations and development of power assets.

        Our investment objectives are to generate current income and long-term capital appreciation. We seek to meet our investment objectives by:

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utilizing the experience and expertise of FS Advisor and GSO in sourcing, evaluating and structuring transactions;



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employing a conservative investment approach focused on current income and long-term investment performance;



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focusing primarily on debt investments in a broad array of private Energy companies within the United States;



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making select equity investments in certain Energy companies that have strong growth potential;



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investing primarily in established, stable enterprises with positive cash flow and strong asset and collateral coverage so as to limit the risk of potential principal loss; and



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maintaining rigorous portfolio monitoring in an attempt to anticipate and pre-empt negative events within our portfolio.

        Our portfolio is comprised primarily of income-oriented securities, which refers to debt securities and income-oriented preferred and common equity interests, of privately-held Energy companies within the United States. We intend to weight our portfolio towards senior and subordinated debt. In addition to investments purchased from dealers or other investors in the secondary market, we expect to invest in primary market transactions and directly originated investments as this will provide us with the ability to tailor investments to best match a project's or company's needs with our investment objectives. Our portfolio may also be comprised of select income-oriented preferred or common equity interests, which refers to equity interests that pay consistent, high-yielding dividends, that we believe will produce both current income and long-term capital appreciation. These income-oriented preferred or common equity interests may include interests in master limited partnerships, or MLPs. MLPs are entities that (i) are structured as limited partnerships or limited liability companies, (ii) are publicly traded, (iii) satisfy certain requirements to be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (iv) primarily own and operate midstream and upstream Energy companies. In connection with certain of our debt investments or any restructurings of these debt investments, we may on occasion receive equity interests, including warrants or options, as additional consideration or otherwise in connection with a restructuring. In addition, a portion of our portfolio may be comprised of minority interests in the form of common or preferred equity or other equity-related securities, such as rights and warrants that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock or other equity or the cash value of common stock or other equity, in our target companies, as well as derivatives, including total return swaps and credit default swaps. FS Advisor will seek to tailor our investment focus as market conditions evolve. Depending on market conditions, we may increase or decrease our exposure to less senior portions of the capital structure or other more opportunistic investments. We expect that the size of our individual investments will generally range between $10 million and $250 million each, although investments may vary proportionately as the size of our capital base changes and will ultimately be at the discretion of FS Advisor, subject to oversight by our board of trustees.

        To seek to enhance our returns, we intend to employ leverage as market conditions permit and at the discretion of FS Advisor, but in no event will leverage employed exceed 50% of the value of our assets, as required by the 1940 Act.

        As a BDC, we are subject to certain regulatory restrictions in making our investments. For example, BDCs generally are not permitted to co-invest with certain affiliated entities in transactions

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originated by the BDC or its affiliates in the absence of an exemptive order from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. However, BDCs are permitted to, and may, simultaneously co-invest in transactions where price is the only negotiated term. In an order dated June 4, 2013, or the Order, the SEC granted exemptive relief permitting us, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to co-invest in certain privately negotiated investment transactions with certain affiliates of FS Advisor, including FS Investment Corporation, FS Investment Corporation II, FS Investment Corporation III, FS Investment Corporation IV, or the FSIC Franchise, and any future BDCs that are advised by FS Advisor or its affiliated investment advisers, or collectively, our co-investment affiliates. However, in connection with the potential transition of advisory services from a sub-advisory relationship with GSO to a joint advisory relationship with EIG, and in an effort to mitigate potential future conflicts of interest, our board of trustees has authorized and directed that we exercise our rights under the Order to decline to participate in any new potential co-investment transaction pursuant to the Order that would be within the then-current investment objectives and strategies of the FSIC Franchise unless sourced by GSO, EIG or the FS/EIG Advisor. We may still rely on the Order to participate in certain transactions with our co-investment affiliates with respect to co-investments previously made under the Order. We believe this relief has and may continue to enhance our ability to further our investment objectives and strategy. Because we did not seek exemptive relief to engage in co-investment transactions with GSO and its affiliates, we will continue to be permitted to co-invest with GSO and its affiliates only in accordance with existing regulatory guidance (e.g., where price is the only negotiated term). See "—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding the exemptive relief EIG is seeking with respect to our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

        While a BDC may list its shares for trading in the public markets, we have currently elected not to do so. We believe that a non-traded structure is more appropriate for the long-term nature of the assets in which we invest. This structure allows us to operate with a long-term view, similar to that of other types of private investment funds, instead of managing to quarterly market expectations. Furthermore, while our distribution reinvestment and share repurchase prices are subject to adjustment in accordance with the 1940 Act and our share pricing policy, because our common shares will not be listed on a national securities exchange, our shareholders will not be subject to the daily share price volatility associated with the public markets. However, the net asset value of our common shares may be volatile.

        For information regarding our share repurchase program, distributions and our distribution reinvestment plan, including certain related tax considerations, see "Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Share Repurchase Program and Distributions" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—RIC Status and Distributions."

About FS Advisor

        FS Advisor is a subsidiary of our affiliate, Franklin Square Holdings, L.P. (which does business as FS Investments), or FS Investments, a national sponsor of alternative investments designed for the individual investor. FS Advisor is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act and is led by substantially the same personnel as the senior management teams of the investment advisers to certain other BDCs, open and closed-end management investment companies and a real estate investment trust sponsored by FS Investments and such personnel may serve in similar or other capacities for the investment advisers to future investment vehicles sponsored by FS Investments.

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        In addition to managing our investments, the managers, officers and other personnel of FS Advisor also currently manage the following entities, or together with us, the Fund Complex, through affiliated investment advisers:

        Our chairman, president and chief executive officer, Michael C. Forman, has led FS Advisor since its inception. In 2007, he co-founded FS Investments with the goal of delivering alternative investment solutions, advised by what FS Investments believes to be best-in-class institutional asset managers, to individual investors nationwide. In addition to leading FS Advisor, Mr. Forman currently serves as chairman, president and/or chief executive officer of each of the other funds in the Fund Complex and each of their respective investment advisers.

        FS Advisor's senior management team has significant experience in private lending and private equity investing, and has developed an expertise in using all levels of a firm's capital structure to produce income-generating investments, while focusing on risk management. The team also has extensive knowledge of the managerial, operational and regulatory requirements of publicly registered alternative asset entities, such as BDCs. We believe that the active and ongoing participation by FS Investments and its affiliates in the credit markets, and the depth of experience and disciplined investment approach of FS Advisor's management team, will allow FS Advisor to successfully execute our investment strategy.

        All investment decisions currently require the unanimous approval of FS Advisor's investment committee, which is currently comprised of Michael Kelly, Brian Gerson and Sean Coleman. Our board of trustees, including a majority of independent trustees, oversees and monitors our investment performance and annually reviews the investment advisory and administrative services agreement and the investment sub-advisory agreement to determine, among other things, whether the fees payable under such agreements are reasonable in light of the services provided.

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About FS Investments

        FS Investments is a leading asset manager dedicated to helping individuals, financial professionals and institutions design better portfolios. The firm provides access to alternative sources of income and growth and focuses on setting the industry standards for investor education and transparency.

        FS Investments is headquartered in Philadelphia with offices in Orlando, FL, New York, NY and Washington, D.C. The firm had more than $20 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2017.

About GSO

        From time to time, FS Advisor may enter into sub-advisory relationships with registered investment advisers that possess skills that FS Advisor believes will aid it in achieving our investment objectives. FS Advisor engaged GSO to act as our investment sub-adviser. GSO currently assists FS Advisor in identifying investment opportunities and makes investment recommendations for approval by FS Advisor, according to guidelines set by FS Advisor. GSO also currently serves as the investment sub-adviser to FS Global Credit Opportunities Fund. In addition, GSO's wholly-owned subsidiary, GSO/Blackstone Debt Funds Management LLC, or GDFM, currently serves as the investment sub-adviser to FS Investment Corporation, FS Investment Corporation II, FS Investment Corporation III and FS Investment Corporation IV. GSO is a Delaware limited partnership with principal offices located at 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154.

        GSO is the credit platform of Blackstone, a leading global alternative asset manager. As of December 31, 2017, GSO and its affiliates, excluding Blackstone, managed approximately $138.1 billion of assets across multiple strategies and investment types within the leveraged finance marketplace, including leveraged loans, high-yield bonds, distressed, mezzanine and private equity. GSO has extensive experience investing in Energy companies. From 2005 through 2017, funds managed by GSO have invested over $24.3 billion in Energy companies. As investment sub-adviser, GSO utilizes its experience in Energy investing and currently makes recommendations to FS Advisor in a manner that is consistent with its existing investment and monitoring processes.

        Blackstone is a leading global alternative asset manager and provider of financial advisory services. It is one of the largest independent managers of private capital in the world, with assets under management of approximately $434.1 billion as of December 31, 2017. Blackstone's alternative asset management businesses include the management of private equity funds, real estate funds, funds of hedge funds, credit-oriented funds, collateralized loan obligation vehicles, separately managed accounts and publicly-traded closed-end mutual funds. Blackstone is a publicly-traded limited partnership that has common units which trade on the New York Stock Exchange LLC under the ticker symbol "BX." Information about Blackstone and its various affiliates, including certain ownership, governance and financial information, is disclosed in Blackstone's periodic filings with the SEC, which can be obtained from Blackstone's website at http://ir.blackstone.com or the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on Blackstone's website and in Blackstone's filings with the SEC are not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and shareholders should not consider that information to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Market Opportunity

        Oil prices reached a two-and-a-half-year high in December 2017, benefiting from increased geopolitical tensions, an extension of OPEC's November 2016 output cuts and the temporary closure of a key pipeline in the North Sea. With rising global demand and declining oil inventories as a backdrop, energy credit benchmarks rose throughout the fourth quarter and full-year 2017. The "spread to worst" on the ICE BofAML High Yield Energy Index, or the Energy Index, which measures the difference from the Energy Index's worst performing security to Treasuries, tightened from a high of approximately 554 basis points in June 2017 to 424 basis points as of December 31, 2017. Similarly, the yield on the Energy Index declined from a 2017 high of 7.34% in June-and a recent cyclical high of nearly 21% in February 2016-to just 6.4% at the close of 2017.

        Through the first half of 2017, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices remained largely range-bound between $45 and $55 and fell as low as approximately $42 in June 2017. Oil prices rose

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steeply in the second half of the year as global supplies fell despite higher U.S. output, ending the year at $60.42 per barrel. While oil price volatility may continue to impact the sector in the short term, the long term fundamentals remain supportive of select energy-related investments as rising global energy demand will likely continue to drive the increased capital needs of private energy and power companies.

Characteristics of and Risks Related to Investments in Private Companies

        We invest primarily in income-oriented securities of privately-held Energy companies within the United States. Investments in private companies pose significantly greater risks than investments in public companies. First, private companies have reduced access to the capital markets, resulting in diminished capital resources and ability to withstand financial distress. As a result, these companies, which may present greater credit risk than public companies, may be unable to meet the obligations under their debt and equity securities that we hold. Second, the investments themselves may often be illiquid. The securities of many of the companies in which we invest are not publicly traded or actively traded on the secondary market and are, instead, traded on a privately negotiated over-the-counter secondary market for institutional investors. In addition, our directly originated investments generally will not be traded on any secondary market, and a trading market for such investments may not develop. These securities may also be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale. As such, we may have difficulty exiting an investment promptly or at a desired price prior to maturity or outside of a normal amortization schedule. These investments may also be difficult to value because little public information generally exists about private companies, requiring an experienced due diligence team to analyze and value the potential portfolio company. Finally, these companies may not have third-party debt ratings or audited financial statements. We must therefore rely on the ability of FS Advisor and/or GSO to obtain adequate information through their due diligence efforts to evaluate the creditworthiness of, and risks involved in investing in, these companies, and to determine the optimal time to exit an investment. These companies and their financial information will also generally not be subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and other rules and regulations that govern public companies that are designed to protect investors.

Investment Strategy

        Our investment policy is to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of Energy companies. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days' prior notice to holders of our common shares of any such change. In accordance with the best interests of our shareholders, FS Advisor monitors our targeted investment mix as economic conditions evolve.

        When identifying prospective portfolio companies, we focus primarily on the attributes set forth below, which we believe help us generate higher total returns with an acceptable level of risk. While these criteria provide general guidelines for our investment decisions, we caution investors that, if we believe the benefits of investing are sufficiently strong, not all of these criteria necessarily will be met by each prospective portfolio company in which we choose to invest. These attributes are:

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Deeply-rooted asset value.  We seek to invest in companies that have significant asset value rather than speculative investments that rely solely on rising energy commodity prices, exploratory drilling success or factors beyond the control of a portfolio company. We focus on Energy companies that have strong potential for enhancing asset value through factors within their control. Examples of these types of factors include operating cost reductions and revenue increases driven by improved operations of previously under-performing or under-exploited assets. Such investments are expected to have significant collateral coverage and downside protection irrespective of the broader economy.



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Defensible market positions.  We seek to invest in companies that have developed strong positions within their sub-sector and exhibit the potential to maintain sufficient cash flows and profitability to service our debt in a range of economic environments. We seek companies that can protect their competitive advantages through scale, scope, customer loyalty, product pricing or product quality versus their competitors, thereby minimizing business risk and protecting profitability.



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Proven management teams.  We focus on companies that have experienced management teams with an established track record of success. We typically require our portfolio companies to have

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proper incentives in place, which may include non-cash and performance-based compensation, to align management's goals with ours.

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Commodity price management.  We seek to invest in companies that appropriately manage their commodity price exposure through the use of hedging with highly-rated counterparties, contracts such as power purchase agreements or tolling agreements and other instruments that seek to minimize the company's exposure to significant commodity price swings.



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Allocation among various issuers and sub-sectors.  We seek to allocate our portfolio broadly among issuers and sub-sectors within the Energy Investment Universe, thereby attempting to reduce the risk of a downturn in any one company or sub-sector having a disproportionate adverse impact on the value of our portfolio.



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Viable exit strategy.  While we attempt to invest in securities that may be sold in a privately negotiated over-the-counter market, providing us a means by which we may exit our positions, we expect that a large portion of our portfolio may not be sold on this secondary market. For any investments that are not able to be sold within this market, we focus primarily on investing in companies whose business models and growth prospects offer attractive exit possibilities, including repayment of our investments, an initial public offering of equity securities, a merger, a sale or a recapitalization, in each case with the potential for capital gains.

        In addition, in an order dated June 4, 2013, the SEC granted exemptive relief that, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, expanded our ability to co-invest in certain privately negotiated investment transactions with our co-investment affiliates, which we believe has and may continue to enhance our ability to further our investment objectives and strategy. See "—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding the exemptive relief EIG is seeking with respect to our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

Potential Competitive Strengths

        We believe that we offer investors the following potential competitive strengths:

Global Platform with Seasoned Investment Professionals.

        We believe that the breadth and depth of the experience of FS Advisor's senior management team, and currently, with the resources of GSO's investment team, which together are dedicated to sourcing, structuring, executing, monitoring and harvesting a broad range of private investments, provides us with a significant competitive advantage in sourcing and analyzing what we believe to be attractive investment opportunities.

Long-term Investment Horizon.

        Our long-term investment horizon gives us great flexibility, which we believe allows us to maximize returns on our investments. Unlike most private equity and venture capital funds, we are not required to return capital to our shareholders once we exit a portfolio investment. Such funds typically can only be invested once and must be returned to investors after a specific time period. These provisions often force private equity and venture capital funds to seek liquidity events, including initial public offerings, mergers or recapitalizations, more quickly than they otherwise might, potentially resulting in a lower return to investors. We believe that freedom from such capital return requirements, which allows us to invest using a longer term focus, provides us with the opportunity to increase total returns on invested capital, compared to other private company investment vehicles.

GSO Transaction Sourcing Capability.

        FS Advisor currently seeks to leverage GSO's access to transaction flow. GSO seeks to generate investment opportunities through syndicate and club deals (generally, investments made by a small group of investment firms), through its trading platform, relationships with investment banks, which may be exclusive to GSO, and, subject to regulatory constraints as discussed under "—Regulation" and the allocation policies of GSO and its affiliates, as applicable, also through GSO's direct origination channels. These include significant contacts to participants in the credit and leveraged finance marketplace, which it can draw upon in sourcing investment opportunities for us. With respect to

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syndicate and club deals, GSO has built a network of relationships with commercial and investment banks, finance companies and other investment funds as a result of the long track record of its investment professionals in the leveraged finance marketplace. With respect to GSO's origination channel, FS Advisor currently seeks to leverage the global presence of GSO and its long-standing personal contacts within the Energy industry to generate access to directly originated transactions with attractive investment characteristics. GSO also has a trading platform, which, we believe, currently allows us access to the secondary market for investment opportunities.

Disciplined, Income-Oriented Investment Philosophy.

        FS Advisor employs a conservative investment approach focused on current income and long-term investment performance. This investment approach involves a multi-stage selection process for each investment opportunity, as well as ongoing monitoring of each investment made, with particular emphasis on early detection of deteriorating credit conditions at portfolio companies which would result in adverse portfolio developments. This strategy is designed to maximize current income and minimize the risk of capital loss while maintaining the potential for long-term capital appreciation.

Investment Expertise Across All Levels of the Corporate Capital Structure.

        FS Advisor and GSO believe that their broad expertise and experience investing at all levels of a company's capital structure enable us to manage risk while affording us the opportunity for significant returns on our investments. We attempt to capitalize on this expertise in an effort to produce and maintain an investment portfolio that will perform in a broad range of economic conditions. In addition, we seek to leverage this broad-ranging capability to enable us to provide Energy companies with financing that most closely aligns with their particular capital needs. We believe that such flexibility is valuable to Energy companies and provides us with a competitive advantage over other capital providers that are more limited in the securities in which they invest. See "—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding GSO's resignation as our investment sub-adviser and our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

Operating and Regulatory Structure

        Our investment activities are managed by FS Advisor and supervised by our board of trustees, a majority of whom are independent. Under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, we have agreed to pay FS Advisor an annual base management fee based on the average value of our gross assets as well as incentive fees based on our performance. See "See Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations" for a description of the fees we pay to FS Advisor.

        From time to time, FS Advisor may enter into sub-advisory relationships with registered investment advisers that possess skills or attributes that FS Advisor believes will aid it in achieving our investment objectives. FS Advisor engaged GSO to act as our investment sub-adviser. GSO currently assists FS Advisor in identifying investment opportunities and makes investment recommendations for consideration and approval by FS Advisor according to guidelines set by FS Advisor. FS Advisor oversees GSO and our day-to-day operations, including the provision of general ledger accounting, fund accounting, legal services, investor relations, certain government and regulatory affairs activities and other administrative services. FS Advisor also performs, or oversees the performance of, our corporate operations and required administrative services, which includes being responsible for the financial records that we are required to maintain and preparing reports for our shareholders and reports filed with the SEC. In addition, FS Advisor assists us in calculating our net asset value, overseeing the preparation and filing of tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to our shareholders, and generally overseeing the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others.

        We reimburse FS Advisor for expenses necessary to perform services related to our administration and operations, including FS Advisor's allocable portion of the compensation and related expenses of certain personnel of FS Investments providing administrative services to us on behalf of FS Advisor. The amount of this reimbursement is set at the lesser of (1) FS Advisor's actual costs incurred in providing such services and (2) the amount that we estimate we would be required to pay alternative

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service providers for comparable services in the same geographic location. FS Advisor is required to allocate the cost of such services to us based on factors such as assets, revenues, time allocations and/or other reasonable metrics. Our board of trustees reviews the methodology employed in determining how the expenses are allocated to us and the proposed allocation of administrative expenses among us and certain affiliates of FS Advisor. Our board of trustees then assesses the reasonableness of such reimbursements for expenses allocated to us based on the breadth, depth and quality of such services as compared to the estimated cost to us of obtaining similar services from third-party service providers known to be available. In addition, our board of trustees considers whether any single third party service provider would be capable of providing all such services at comparable cost and quality. Finally, our board of trustees, among other things, compares the total amount paid to FS Advisor for such services as a percentage of our net assets to the same ratio as reported by other comparable BDCs. We do not reimburse FS Advisor for any services for which it receives a separate fee, or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of FS Advisor.

        In addition, we have contracted with State Street Bank and Trust Company, or State Street, to provide various accounting and administrative services including, but not limited to, preparing preliminary financial information for review by FS Advisor, preparing and monitoring expense budgets, maintaining accounting and corporate books and records, processing trade information provided by us and performing testing with respect to RIC compliance.

        As a BDC, we are required to comply with certain regulatory requirements. Also, while we are permitted to finance investments using debt, our ability to use debt will be limited in certain significant respects pursuant to the 1940 Act. Within the limits of existing regulation, we will adjust our use of debt, according to market conditions, to the level we believe will allow us to generate maximum risk-adjusted returns. See "—Regulation." We have elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code.

Investment Types

        Our portfolio is comprised primarily of income-oriented securities, which refers to debt securities and income-oriented preferred and common equity interests, of privately-held Energy companies within the United States. We intend to weight our portfolio towards senior and subordinated debt. In addition to investments purchased from dealers or other investors in the secondary market, we expect to invest in primary market transactions and directly originated investments as this will provide us with the ability to tailor investments to best match a project's or company's needs with our investment objectives. Our portfolio may also be comprised of select income-oriented preferred or common equity interests, which refers to equity interests that pay consistent, high-yielding dividends, that we believe will produce both current income and long-term capital appreciation. These income-oriented preferred or common equity interests may include interests in MLPs. In connection with certain of our debt investments or any restructuring of these debt investments, we may on occasion receive equity interests, including warrants or options, as additional consideration or otherwise in connection with a restructuring. In addition, a portion of our portfolio may be comprised of minority interests in the form of common or preferred equity or other equity-related securities, such as rights and warrants that may be converted into or exchanged for common stock or other equity or the cash value of common stock or other equity, in our target companies, as well as derivatives, including total return swaps and credit default swaps. FS Advisor will seek to tailor our investment focus as market conditions evolve. Depending on market conditions, we may increase or decrease our exposure to less senior portions of the capital structure or other more opportunistic investments.

Senior Debt

        Senior debt is situated at the top of the capital structure. Because this debt has priority in payment, it carries the lowest risk among all investments in a company. Generally, senior debt in which we may invest is expected to have a maturity period of three to seven years, offer some form of amortization, and have first priority security interests in the assets of the borrower. Senior debt is comprised of first lien and second lien debt positions. Second lien debt is granted a second priority security interest in the assets of the borrower, which means that any realization of collateral will generally be applied to pay first lien debt in full before second lien debt positions are paid and the

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value of the collateral may not be sufficient to repay in full both first lien secured debt and second lien secured debt. Generally, in normalized markets, we expect that the variable interest rate on our first lien debt typically will range between 4.0% and 9.0% over a standard benchmark, such as the prime rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR. In normalized markets, we expect that the variable interest rate on second lien debt will range between 6.0% and 12.0% over a standard benchmark. In addition, we may receive additional returns from any warrants we may receive in connection with these investments.

Subordinated Debt

        In addition to senior debt, we may invest a portion of our assets in subordinated debt of private companies. Subordinated debt usually ranks junior in priority of payment to first lien and second lien secured loans and is often unsecured, but is situated above preferred equity and common equity in the capital structure. In return for their junior status compared to first lien and second lien secured loans, subordinated debt typically offers higher returns through both higher interest rates and possible equity ownership in the form of warrants, enabling the lender to participate in the capital appreciation of the borrower. These warrants typically require only a nominal cost to exercise. We intend to generally target subordinated debt with interest-only payments throughout the life of the security, with the principal due at maturity. Typically, subordinated debt investments have maturities of five to ten years. Generally, in normalized markets, we expect these securities to carry a fixed rate or a floating current yield of 8.0% to 12.0% over a standard benchmark. In addition, we may receive additional returns from any warrants we may receive in connection with these investments. In some cases, a portion of the total interest may accrue or be paid-in-kind, or PIK.

Preferred Equity

        Preferred equity typically includes a stated value or liquidation preference structurally ahead of common equity holders. Holders of preferred equity can be entitled to a wide range of voting and other rights, depending on the structure of each separate security. Preferred equity can also include a conversion feature whereby the securities convert into common stock based on established parameters according to set ratios. We seek to invest in primarily income-oriented equity securities of Energy companies in a manner consistent with our status as a BDC.

Other Equity Securities

        We may also invest in other equity securities which are typically structurally subordinate to all other securities within the capital structure and do not have a stated maturity. As compared to more senior securities, equity interests have greater risk exposure, but also have the potential to provide a higher return. Some of these investments may take the form of common units in MLPs. MLPs typically pay their unitholders quarterly distributions, offering investors a current yield and the opportunity for a more stable return profile.

Net Profits Interests, Royalty Interests, Volumetric Production Payments, or VPPs

        We may invest in energy-specific non-operating investments including net profits interests, royalty interests or VPPs. Such non-operating interests do not include the rights and obligations of operating a mineral property (costs of exploration, development and operation) and do not bear any part of the net losses. Net profits interests and royalty interests are contractual agreements whereby the holders of such interests are entitled to a portion of the mineral production or proceeds therefrom. A VPP is a type of structured investment whereby the owner sells a specific volume of production in a field or property to an investor and the investor receives a specific quota of production on a monthly basis in either raw output or proceeds therefrom. A VPP is typically set to expire after a certain length of time or after a specified aggregate total volume of the commodity has been delivered. If the producer cannot meet the supply quota for a given period, the supply obligation rolls forward to future cycles until the buyer is made financially whole.

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Non-U.S. Securities

        We may invest in non-U.S. securities, which may include securities denominated in U.S. dollars or in non-U.S. currencies, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.

Other Securities

        We may also invest from time to time in derivatives, such as total return swaps and credit default swaps. We anticipate that any use of derivatives would primarily be as a substitute for investing in conventional securities. Any use of derivatives may subject us to additional risks. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Investments—We may from time to time enter into total return swaps, credit default swaps or other derivative transactions which expose us to certain risks, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk and other risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage."

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        We may maintain a certain level of cash or cash equivalent instruments to make follow-on investments, if necessary, in existing portfolio companies or to take advantage of new opportunities.

Sources of Income

        The primary means through which our shareholders may receive a return of value is through interest income, dividends and capital gains generated by our investments. In addition to these sources of income, we may receive fees paid by our portfolio companies, including one-time closing fees paid at the time each investment is made. Closing fees typically range from 1.0% to 3.0% of the purchase price of an investment. In addition, we may generate revenues in the form of non-recurring commitment, origination, structuring or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance, consulting fees, prepayment fees and performance-based fees.

Risk Management

        We seek to limit the downside potential of our investment portfolio by:

•

applying our investment strategy guidelines for portfolio investments;



•

requiring a total return on investments (including both interest and potential appreciation) that adequately compensates us for credit risk;



•

allocating our portfolio among various issuers and sub-sectors, and size permitting, with an adequate number of companies, across different sub-sectors of the Energy industry, with different types of collateral; and



•

negotiating or seeking debt and other securities with covenants or features that protect us while affording portfolio companies flexibility in managing their businesses consistent with preservation of capital.

        Such restrictions may include affirmative and negative covenants, default penalties, lien protection, change of control provisions and board rights. We may also enter into interest rate hedging transactions at the sole discretion of FS Advisor. Such transactions will enable us to selectively modify interest rate exposure as market conditions dictate.

Affirmative Covenants

        Affirmative covenants require borrowers to take actions that are meant to ensure the solvency of the company, facilitate the lender's monitoring of the borrower and ensure payment of interest and loan principal due to lenders. Examples of affirmative covenants include covenants requiring the borrower to maintain adequate insurance, accounting and tax records, and to produce frequent financial reports for the benefit of the lender.

Negative Covenants

        Negative covenants impose restrictions on the borrower and are meant to protect lenders from actions that the borrower may take that could harm the credit quality of the lender's investments.

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Examples of negative covenants include restrictions on the payment of dividends and restrictions on the issuance of additional debt without the lender's approval. In addition, certain covenants restrict a borrower's activities by requiring it to meet certain earnings interest coverage ratio and leverage ratio requirements. These covenants are also referred to as financial or maintenance covenants.

Investment Process

        The investment professionals employed by FS Advisor and GSO have spent their careers developing the resources necessary to invest in private companies. Our current transaction process is highlighted below. See "—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding GSO's resignation as our investment sub-adviser and our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

Our Transaction Process

Sourcing

        In order to source transactions, FS Advisor currently seeks to leverage GSO's access to transaction flow, along with GSO's trading platform, which allows for access to the syndicated loan market, which may be a key source of investment opportunities for us. GSO seeks to generate investment opportunities through its trading platform, through syndicate and club deals, through relationships with investment banks, which may be exclusive to GSO, and, subject to regulatory constraints and the allocation policies of GSO and its affiliates, as applicable, through GSO's direct origination channels. GSO also relies on its relationships with private equity sponsors, investment banks and commercial banks to source investment opportunities. With respect to syndicate and club deals, GSO has built a network of relationships with commercial and investment banks, finance companies and other investment funds as a result of the long track record of its investment professionals in the leveraged finance marketplace. GSO may compensate certain brokers or other financial services firms out of its own profits or revenues for services provided in connection with the identification of appropriate investment opportunities. With respect to GSO's origination channel, FS Advisor currently seeks to leverage the global presence of GSO and its long-standing personal contacts within the Energy industry to generate access to directly originated transactions with what we believe to be attractive investment characteristics.

Evaluation

        Initial Review.    In its initial review of an investment opportunity to present to FS Advisor, GSO's transaction team examines information furnished by the target company and external sources, including rating agencies, if applicable, to determine whether the investment meets our basic investment criteria and other guidelines specified by FS Advisor, within the context of proper allocation of our portfolio among various issuers and industry sub-sectors, and offers an acceptable probability of attractive returns with identifiable downside risk. For the majority of securities available on the secondary market, a comprehensive analysis is conducted and continuously maintained by a dedicated GSO research analyst, the results of which are available for the transaction team to review. In the case of a directly originated transaction, FS Advisor and GSO conduct detailed due diligence investigations as necessary.

        Credit Analysis/Due Diligence.    Before undertaking an investment, the transaction teams from GSO and FS Advisor conduct a thorough due diligence review of the opportunity to ensure the company fits our investment strategy, which may include:

•

a full operational analysis to identify the key risks and opportunities of the target's business, including a detailed review of historical and projected financial results;



•

a detailed analysis of industry dynamics, competitive position, regulatory, tax and legal matters;



•

on-site visits, if deemed necessary;

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•

background checks to further evaluate management and other key personnel;



•

a review by legal and accounting professionals, environmental or other industry consultants, if necessary;



•

financial sponsor due diligence, including portfolio company and lender reference checks, if necessary; and



•

a review of management's experience and track record.

        When possible, our advisory team seeks to structure transactions in such a way that our target companies are required to bear the costs of due diligence, including those costs related to any outside consulting work we may require.

Execution

        Recommendation.    FS Advisor engaged GSO to identify and recommend investment opportunities for its approval. GSO seeks to maintain a defensive approach toward its investment recommendations by emphasizing risk control in its transaction process, which includes (i) the pre-review of each opportunity by one of its portfolio managers to assess the general quality, value and fit relative to our portfolio, (ii) where possible, transaction structuring with a focus on preservation of capital in varying economic environments and (iii) ultimate approval of investment recommendations by GSO's investment committee.

        Approval.    After completing its internal transaction process, GSO makes formal recommendations for review and approval by FS Advisor. In connection with its recommendation, it transmits any relevant underwriting material and other information pertinent to the decision-making process. In addition, GSO makes its staff available to answer inquiries by FS Advisor in connection with its recommendations. The consummation of a transaction requires unanimous approval of the members of FS Advisor's investment committee.

Monitoring

        Portfolio Monitoring.    FS Advisor, currently with the help of GSO, monitors our portfolio with a focus toward anticipating negative credit events. To maintain portfolio company performance and help to ensure a successful exit, FS Advisor and GSO currently work closely with the lead equity sponsor, loan syndicator, portfolio company management, consultants, advisers and other security holders to discuss financial position, compliance with covenants, financial requirements and execution of the company's business plan. In addition, depending on the size, nature and performance of the transaction, we may occupy a seat or serve as an observer on a portfolio company's board of directors or similar governing body.

        Typically, FS Advisor and GSO receive financial reports detailing operating performance, sales volumes, margins, cash flows, financial position and other key operating metrics on a quarterly basis from our portfolio companies. FS Advisor and GSO use this data, combined with due diligence gained through contact with the company's customers, suppliers, competitors, market research and other methods, to conduct an ongoing, rigorous assessment of the company's operating performance and prospects. GSO may rely on brokers or other financial services firms that may help identify potential investments from time to time for assistance in monitoring these investments.

        In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, FS Advisor uses an investment rating system to characterize and monitor the expected level of returns on each investment in our portfolio. FS Advisor uses an investment rating scale of 1 to 5. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Portfolio Asset Quality" for a description of the conditions associated with each investment rating.

        Valuation Process.    Each quarter, we value investments in our portfolio, and such values are disclosed each quarter in reports filed with the SEC. Investments for which market quotations are readily available are recorded at such market quotations. With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, our board of trustees determines the fair value of such investments in good faith, utilizing the input of our valuation committee, FS Advisor and any other professionals or materials that our board of trustees deems worthy and relevant, including GSO and independent third-

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party valuation services, if applicable. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies—Valuation of Portfolio Investments."

        Managerial Assistance.    As a BDC, we must offer, and provide upon request, managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. This assistance could involve, among other things, monitoring the operations of our portfolio companies, participating in board and management meetings, consulting with and advising officers of portfolio companies and providing other organizational and financial guidance. Depending on the nature of the assistance required, FS Advisor or currently GSO will provide such managerial assistance on our behalf to portfolio companies that request this assistance. To the extent fees are paid for these services, we, rather than FS Advisor or GSO, will retain any fees paid for such assistance.

Exit

        While we attempt to invest in securities that may be sold in a privately negotiated over-the-counter market, providing us a means by which we may exit our positions, we expect that a large portion of our portfolio may not be sold on this secondary market. For any investments that are not able to be sold within this market, we focus primarily on investing in companies whose business models and growth prospects offer attractive exit possibilities, including repayment of our investments, an initial public offering of equity securities, a merger, a sale or a recapitalization, in each case with the potential for capital gains.

The Transition of Investment Advisory Services

Summary of the Transition

        We currently receive investment advisory and administrative services from FS Advisor pursuant to the April 2011 investment advisory and administrative services agreement. GSO currently acts as our investment sub-adviser pursuant to the investment sub-advisory agreement. As we previously announced on December 11, 2017, GSO intends to resign as our investment sub-adviser and terminate the investment sub-advisory agreement effective as of the GSO end date. In connection with GSO's resignation as our investment sub-adviser, FS Advisor and EIG desire to enter into a relationship whereby FS Advisor and EIG will jointly provide management, investment advisory and administrative services to us through FS/EIG Advisor, a newly-formed investment adviser jointly operated by FS Advisor and EIG. Accordingly, FS Advisor, EIG and certain other parties have entered into a master agreement setting out the terms of the relationship between FS Advisor and EIG, or the master agreement. In furtherance thereof, we desire to enter into an investment advisory agreement with FS/EIG Advisor, or the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, pursuant to which FS/EIG Advisor would act as investment adviser to us.

        We ultimately intend to receive investment advisory services from FS/EIG Advisor pursuant to the joint advisor investment advisory agreement. To effectuate this plan, we are seeking, as required by the 1940 Act, shareholder approval to enter into the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, which would replace the April 2011 investment advisory and administrative services agreement with FS Advisor and the investment sub-advisory agreement currently in place with GSO.

        Concurrently with seeking shareholder approval of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, EIG is seeking exemptive relief, or the EIG exemptive relief, in the form of a new co-investment exemptive relief order issued by the SEC to EIG that would permit us, following the effectiveness of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, to co-invest in privately negotiated investment transactions with certain funds and accounts managed by EIG. There can be no assurance of the timing of the approval of the application or whether the requested EIG exemptive relief will be granted by the SEC.

        The joint advisor investment advisory agreement will become effective upon the (i) approval of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement by our shareholders and the (ii) earlier to occur of (a) 60 days after approval by our shareholders of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement and (b) receipt of the EIG exemptive relief from the SEC.

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        In order to transition our advisory services, FS Advisor, GSO and certain of their affiliates have entered into a transition agreement, which provides that GSO will continue to act as our investment sub-adviser through the GSO end date and will cooperate with FS Advisor in implementing the transition of investment advisory services from GSO.

        FS Investments and FS Advisor are committed to transition our advisory services as described herein. To help the FS Investments and FS Advisor teams during the transition, EIG's broker-dealer affiliate will provide certain origination and administrative services to FS Advisor, pursuant to an origination agreement and a servicing agreement, respectively. Both the origination agreement and the servicing agreement will terminate on the effective date of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement.

About EIG

        EIG Global Energy Partners specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis and had $17.7 billion under management as of December 31, 2017. During its 36-year history, EIG has been one of the leading providers of institutional capital to the global energy industry, providing financing solutions across the balance sheet for companies and projects in the oil and gas, midstream, infrastructure, power and renewables sectors globally. EIG has invested over $25.3 billion in more than 320 portfolio investments in 36 countries. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul. For more information, please visit www.eigpartners.com.

About FS/EIG Advisor

        FS/EIG Advisor is a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, located at 201 Rouse Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19112. Prior to the effectiveness of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, FS/EIG Advisor will register as an investment adviser with the SEC under the Advisers Act. FS/EIG Advisor will be jointly operated by FS Advisor and EIG. Our chairman and chief executive officer, Michael C. Forman, will serve as FS/EIG Advisor's chairman and chief executive officer, and William C. Sonneborn, the president of EIG Global Energy Partners, LLC, an affiliate of EIG, will serve as FS/EIG Advisor's president.

        FS/EIG Advisor's senior management team will have significant experience in private energy lending and private equity energy investing, and will have developed an expertise in using all levels of a firm's capital structure to produce income-generating investments, while focusing on risk management. The team will also have extensive knowledge of the managerial, operational and regulatory requirements of publicly registered alternative asset entities, such as BDCs. We believe that the active and ongoing participation by FS Investments, EIG and their respective affiliates in the credit markets, and the depth of experience and disciplined investment approach of FS/EIG Advisor's management team, will allow FS/EIG Advisor to successfully execute our investment strategies.

Management of FS/EIG Advisor

        The management of our investment portfolio will be the responsibility of FS/EIG Advisor and its investment committee, which will initially be comprised of Michael Kelly, Brian Gerson, Sean Coleman, R. Blair Thomas, William C. Sonneborn and Randall S. Wade. The investment committee will be responsible for establishing and monitoring our investment program, developing the portfolio, setting the risk parameters for us and approving all of our investments. Investment decisions will require the unanimous approval of the investment committee. A team of investment professionals consisting of personnel from FS Investments and EIG will perform services for us on behalf of FS/EIG Advisor, including but not limited to: (a) sourcing, structuring, underwriting, performing diligence on, executing and monitoring investments; (b) researching, selecting, trading and underwriting new investment opportunities; (c) investor account management; (d) legal, compliance, finance, accounting, operations and (e) risk management functions. FS Advisor and EIG are collectively responsible for providing appropriate assets, resources, time and personnel in order to provide to us the services required under the joint advisor investment advisory agreement.

        The base management fee will be reduced from 2.00% under the April 2011 investment advisory and administrative services agreement to 1.75% under the joint advisor investment advisory agreement.

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While the April 2011 investment advisory and administrative services agreement provides that the base management fee is 2.00%, effective January 1, 2018, FS Advisor contractually agreed to permanently waive 0.25% of the base management fee so that the fee received equals 1.75% of our average gross assets. In addition, FS/EIG Advisor will waive incentive fees on income for the 2018 calendar year.

        For additional information, see our definitive proxy statement filed on January 18, 2018.

Financing Arrangements

        To seek to enhance our returns, we employ leverage as market conditions permit and at the discretion of FS Advisor, but in no event may leverage employed exceed 50% of the value of our assets, as required by the 1940 Act. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our financing arrangements.

Regulation

        We have elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between BDCs and their affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. The 1940 Act requires that a majority of our trustees be persons other than "interested persons," as that term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that we may not change the nature of our business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw our election as, a BDC unless approved by a majority of our outstanding voting securities.

        The 1940 Act defines "a majority of the outstanding voting securities" as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of our outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy or (ii) 50% of our voting securities. Furthermore, our investment policy is to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of Energy companies. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days' prior notice to holders of our common shares of any such change.

        We will generally not be able to issue and sell our common shares at a price per share, after deducting selling commissions and dealer manager fees, that is below our net asset value per share. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Business Development Companies—Regulations governing our operation as a BDC and RIC will affect our ability to raise, and the way in which we raise, additional capital or borrow for investment purposes, which may have a negative effect on our growth." We may, however, sell our common shares, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common shares, at a price below the then-current net asset value of our common shares if our board of trustees determines that such sale is in our best interests and the best interests of our shareholders, and our shareholders approve such sale. In addition, we may generally issue new common shares at a price below our net asset value per share in rights offerings to existing shareholders, in payment of dividends and in certain other limited circumstances.

        As a BDC, we are subject to certain regulatory restrictions in making our investments. For example, BDCs generally are not permitted to co-invest with certain affiliated entities in transactions originated by the BDC or its affiliates in the absence of an exemptive order from the SEC. However, BDCs are permitted to, and may, co-invest in transactions where price is the only negotiated term. Pursuant to the Order and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, we may co-invest in certain privately negotiated investment transactions with our co-investment affiliates. Under the terms of this relief, a "required majority" (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) of our independent trustees must make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the proposed transaction, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our shareholders and do not involve overreaching of us or our shareholders on the part of any person concerned and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our shareholders and is consistent with our investment objectives and strategy. However, in connection with the potential transition of advisory services from a sub-advisory relationship with GSO to a joint advisory relationship with EIG, and in an effort to mitigate potential future conflicts of interest, our board of trustees has authorized and directed that we exercise our rights under the Order to decline to participate in any new potential co-investment transaction pursuant to the Order that would be within the then-current investment objectives and strategies of the FSIC Franchise unless sourced by GSO, EIG or the FS/EIG Advisor. We may still rely on the Order to participate in certain transactions with our co-investment

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affiliates with respect to co-investments previously made under the Order. We believe this relief has and may continue to enhance our ability to further our investment objectives and strategy. Because we did not seek exemptive relief to engage in co-investment transactions with GSO and its affiliates, we will continue to be permitted to co-invest with GSO and its affiliates only in accordance with existing regulatory guidance (e.g., where price is the only negotiated term). See "Item 1. Business—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding the exemptive relief EIG is seeking with respect to our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

Qualifying Assets

        Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55(a) of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as qualifying assets, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets represent at least 70% of the company's total assets. The principal categories of qualifying assets relevant to our business are any of the following:

1.

Securities purchased in transactions not involving any public offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer (subject to certain limited exceptions) is an eligible portfolio company, or from any person who is, or has been during the preceding 13 months, an affiliated person of an eligible portfolio company, or from any other person, subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the SEC. An eligible portfolio company is defined in the 1940 Act as any issuer which:



a.

is organized under the laws of, and has its principal place of business in, the United States;



b.

is not an investment company (other than a small business investment company wholly owned by the BDC) or a company that would be an investment company but for certain exclusions under the 1940 Act; and



c.

satisfies any of the following:



i.

does not have any class of securities that is traded on a national securities exchange;



ii.

has a class of securities listed on a national securities exchange, but has an aggregate market value of outstanding voting and non-voting common equity of less than $250 million;



iii.

is controlled by a BDC or a group of companies including a BDC and the BDC has an affiliated person who is a director of the eligible portfolio company; or



iv.

is a small and solvent company having total assets of not more than $4.0 million and capital and surplus of not less than $2.0 million.



2.

Securities of any eligible portfolio company that we control.



3.

Securities purchased in a private transaction from a U.S. issuer that is not an investment company or from an affiliated person of the issuer, or in transactions incident thereto, if the issuer is in bankruptcy and subject to reorganization or if the issuer, immediately prior to the purchase of its securities, was unable to meet its obligations as they came due without material assistance other than conventional lending or financing arrangements.



4.

Securities of an eligible portfolio company purchased from any person in a private transaction if there is no ready market for such securities and we already own 60% of the outstanding equity of the eligible portfolio company.



5.

Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with respect to securities described in (1) through (4) above, or pursuant to the exercise of warrants or rights relating to such securities.



6.

Cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.

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        In addition, a BDC must have been organized and have its principal place of business in the United States and must be operated for the purpose of making investments in the types of securities described in (1), (2) or (3) above.

Managerial Assistance to Portfolio Companies

        In order to count portfolio securities as qualifying assets for the purpose of the 70% test, we must either control the issuer of the securities or must offer to make available to the issuer of the securities (other than small and solvent companies described above) significant managerial assistance; except that, where we purchase such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting together, one of the other persons in the group may make available such managerial assistance. Making available managerial assistance means, among other things, any arrangement whereby the BDC, through its trustees, officers or employees, offers to provide, and, if accepted, does so provide, significant guidance and counsel concerning the management, operations or business objectives and policies of a portfolio company.

Temporary Investments

        Pending investment in other types of "qualifying assets," as described above, our investments may consist of cash, cash equivalents, including money market funds, U.S. government securities or high-quality debt securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, which we refer to, collectively, as temporary investments, so that 70% of our assets are qualifying assets. Typically, we will invest in U.S. Treasury bills or in repurchase agreements, provided that such agreements are fully collateralized by cash or securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies. A repurchase agreement involves the purchase by an investor, such as us, of a specified security and the simultaneous agreement by the seller to repurchase it at an agreed-upon future date and at a price that is greater than the purchase price by an amount that reflects an agreed-upon interest rate. There is no percentage restriction on the proportion of our assets that may be invested in such repurchase agreements. However, if more than 25% of our total assets constitute repurchase agreements from a single counterparty, we would not meet the Diversification Tests (as defined below) in order to maintain our qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes as described below under "—Taxation as a RIC." Thus, we do not intend to enter into repurchase agreements with a single counterparty in excess of this limit. FS Advisor will monitor the creditworthiness of the counterparties with which we enter into repurchase agreement transactions.

Senior Securities

        We are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple classes of debt and one class of shares senior to our common shares if our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, is at least equal to 200% immediately after each such issuance. In addition, while any senior securities remain outstanding, we must make provisions to prohibit any distribution to our shareholders or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the distribution or repurchase. We may also borrow amounts up to 5% of the value of our total assets for temporary purposes without regard to asset coverage. For a discussion of the risks associated with leverage, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Debt Financing" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Business Development Companies."

Code of Ethics

        We and FS Advisor have each adopted a code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 promulgated under the 1940 Act that, among other things, establishes procedures for personal investments and restricts certain personal securities transactions. Personnel subject to the code may invest in securities for their personal investment accounts, including securities that may be purchased or held by us, so long as such investments are made in accordance with each code's requirements. Our code of ethics was filed as an exhibit to our current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016. FS Advisor's code of ethics is attached as an exhibit to Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to our registration statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-199777) pertaining to the public offering of our common shares filed on August 10, 2016. Shareholders may also read and copy these codes of ethics at the SEC's Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Shareholders may obtain

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information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090. In addition, each code of ethics is available on our website at www.fsinvestments.com and on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at www.sec.gov. Shareholders may also obtain a copy of each code of ethics, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following e-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Section, at 100 F Street, N.E, Washington, D.C. 20549.

Compliance Policies and Procedures

        We and FS Advisor have adopted and implemented written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws and are required to review these compliance policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation. Our chief compliance officer and the chief compliance officer of FS Advisor are responsible for administering these policies and procedures.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

        We have delegated our proxy voting responsibility to FS Advisor. The proxy voting policies and procedures of FS Advisor are set forth below. The guidelines are reviewed periodically by FS Advisor and our non-interested trustees, and, accordingly, are subject to change.

        As an investment adviser registered under the Advisers Act, FS Advisor has a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interests of its clients. As part of this duty, it recognizes that it must vote client securities in a timely manner free of conflicts of interest and in the best interests of its clients.

        These policies and procedures for voting proxies for the investment advisory clients of FS Advisor are intended to comply with Section 206 of, and Rule 206(4)-6 promulgated under, the Advisers Act.

        FS Advisor will vote proxies relating to our securities in the best interest of its clients' shareholders. It will review on a case-by-case basis each proposal submitted for a shareholder vote to determine its impact on the portfolio securities held by its clients. Although FS Advisor will generally vote against proposals that may have a negative impact on its clients' portfolio securities, it may vote for such a proposal if there exists compelling long-term reasons to do so.

        The proxy voting decisions of FS Advisor are made by the senior officers who are responsible for monitoring each of its clients' investments. To ensure that its vote is not the product of a conflict of interest, it will require that: (a) anyone involved in the decision-making process disclose to its chief compliance officer any potential conflict that he or she is aware of and any contact that he or she has had with any interested party regarding a proxy vote; and (b) employees involved in the decision making process or vote administration are prohibited from revealing how FS Advisor intends to vote on a proposal in order to reduce any attempted influence from interested parties.

        Shareholders may obtain information, without charge, regarding how FS Advisor voted proxies with respect to our portfolio securities by making a written request for proxy voting information to: Chief Compliance Officer, FS Energy and Power Fund, 201 Rouse Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19112 or by calling us collect at (215) 495-1150.

Other

        We will be periodically examined by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act.

        We are required to provide and maintain a bond issued by a reputable fidelity insurance company to protect us against larceny and embezzlement. Furthermore, as a BDC, we are prohibited from protecting any trustee or officer against any liability to us or our shareholders arising from willful misconduct, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of such person's office.

Exchange Act and Sarbanes-Oxley Act Compliance

        We are subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, including the filing of quarterly, annual and current reports, proxy statements and other required items. In addition, we are subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act,

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which imposes a wide variety of regulatory requirements on publicly held companies and their insiders. Many of these requirements affect us. For example:

•

pursuant to Rule 13a-14 promulgated under the Exchange Act, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer are required to certify the accuracy of the financial statements contained in our periodic reports;



•

pursuant to Item 307 of Regulation S-K, our periodic reports are required to disclose our conclusions about the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures; and



•

pursuant to Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act, our management will be required to prepare a report regarding its assessment of our internal control over financial reporting.

        The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires us to review our current policies and procedures to determine whether we comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder. We monitor our compliance with all regulations that are adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and take actions necessary to ensure that we are in compliance therewith. In addition, we voluntarily comply with Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and have engaged our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our internal control over financial reporting.

Taxation as a RIC

        We have elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally will not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute as dividends to our shareholders. To qualify for and maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements (as described below). In addition, in order to maintain RIC tax treatment, we must distribute to our shareholders, for each tax year, dividends of an amount at least equal to 90% of our "investment company taxable income," which is generally the sum of our net ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to any deduction for distributions paid, or the Annual Distribution Requirement.

        If we:

•

qualify as a RIC; and



•

satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement,

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

        As a RIC, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income unless we distribute dividends in a timely manner to our shareholders generally of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income, which is the excess of capital gains over capital losses (as adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending October 31 of that calendar year and (3) any net ordinary income and capital gain net income for the preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax, or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement. Any distribution declared by us during October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following calendar year, will be treated as if it had been paid by us, as well as received by our U.S. shareholders on December 31 of the calendar year in which the distribution was declared. We generally will endeavor in each tax year to avoid any material U.S. federal excise tax on our earnings.

        We have previously incurred, and may incur in the future, such excise tax on a portion of our income and capital gains. While we intend to distribute income and capital gains to minimize exposure to the 4% excise tax, we may not be able to, or may choose not to, distribute amounts sufficient to

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avoid the imposition of the tax entirely. In that event, we generally will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which we do not meet the excise tax avoidance requirement.

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

•

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



•

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



•

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



•

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



•

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

        A RIC is limited in its ability to deduct expenses in excess of its investment company taxable income. If our expenses in a given tax year exceed our investment company taxable income, we may experience a net operating loss for that tax year. However, a RIC is not permitted to carry forward net operating losses to subsequent tax years and such net operating losses do not pass through to its stockholders. In addition, deductible expenses can be used only to offset investment company taxable income, not net capital gain. A RIC may not use any net capital losses (that is, the excess of realized capital losses over realized capital gains) to offset its investment company taxable income, but may carry forward such net capital losses, and use them to offset future capital gains, indefinitely. Due to these limits on deductibility of expenses and net capital losses, we may for tax purposes have aggregate taxable income for several years that we are required to distribute and that is taxable to our stockholders even if such taxable income is greater than the net income we actually earn during those years.

        For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash. For example, if we hold debt instruments that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or debt instruments that were issued with warrants), we must include in income each tax year a portion of the original issue discount that accrues over the life of the obligation, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same tax year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. We anticipate that a portion of our income may constitute original issue discount or other income required to be included in taxable income prior to receipt of cash.

        We invest a portion of our net assets in below investment grade instruments. Investments in these types of instruments may present special tax issues for us. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when we may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless instruments, how payments received on instruments in default should be allocated between principal and income and whether exchanges of debt obligations in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. We will address these and other issues to the extent necessary in order to seek to ensure that we distribute sufficient income to avoid any material U.S. federal income or excise tax.

        Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the year of the accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our shareholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have

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received any corresponding cash amount. As a result, we may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment under Subchapter M of the Code. We may have to sell or otherwise dispose of 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 for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax.

        Although we do not presently expect to do so, we are authorized to borrow funds and to sell or otherwise dispose of assets in order to satisfy distribution requirements. However, under the 1940 Act, we are not permitted to make distributions to our shareholders while our debt obligations and other senior securities are outstanding unless certain "asset coverage" tests are met. See "—Regulation—Senior Securities." Moreover, our ability to sell or otherwise dispose of assets to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement may be limited by (1) the illiquid nature of our portfolio and/or (2) other requirements relating to our status as a RIC, including the Diversification Tests. If we sell or otherwise dispose of assets in order to meet the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement, we may make such dispositions at times that, from an investment standpoint, are not advantageous.

        To satisfy the Diversification Tests at the close of each quarter of our tax year, we will generally have invested no more than 25% of the value of our total assets in MLPs and certain other "qualified publicly traded partnerships". As a limited partner in the MLPs in which we seek to invest, we will be deemed to have received our share of income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits from those MLPs. Historically, a significant portion of income from MLPs has been offset by tax deductions. As a result, this income has been significantly lower than cash distributions paid by MLPs. The percentage of an MLP's income and gains which is offset by tax deductions, losses and credits will fluctuate over time for various reasons. A significant slowdown in acquisition activity or capital spending by MLPs held in our portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in an increase in our investment company taxable income that we are required to distribute to shareholders to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement or the Excise Tax Avoidance Requirement or to eliminate our liability for U.S. federal income tax. If our income from our investments in MLPs exceeds the cash distributions received from such investments, we may need to obtain cash from other sources in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and become subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income tax. We may also recognize for U.S. federal income tax purposes gain in excess of cash proceeds upon the sale of an interest in an MLP. Any such gain may need to be distributed (or deemed distributed) in order to avoid liability for corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on such gain.

        A portfolio company in which we invest may face financial difficulties that require us to work-out, modify or otherwise restructure our investment in the portfolio company. Any such transaction could, depending upon the specific terms of the transaction, result in unusable capital losses and future non-cash income. Any such transaction could also result in our receiving assets that give rise to non-qualifying income for purposes of the 90% Income Test or otherwise would not count toward satisfying the Diversification Tests.

        Some of the income that we might otherwise earn, such as fees for providing managerial assistance, certain fees earned with respect to our investments, income recognized in a work-out or restructuring of a portfolio investment, or income recognized from an equity investment in an operating partnership, may not satisfy the 90% Income Test. To manage the risk that such income might disqualify us as a RIC for failure to satisfy the 90% Income Test, one or more subsidiary entities treated as U.S. corporations for entity-level tax purposes may be employed to earn such income and (if applicable) hold the related asset. Such subsidiary entities will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on their earnings, which ultimately will reduce the yield to our shareholders on such fees and income.

Competition

        Our primary competitors for investments include other BDCs and investment funds (including private equity funds, mezzanine funds and CLO funds). In addition, alternative investment vehicles,

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such as hedge funds, have begun to invest in areas in which they have not traditionally invested, including making investments in middle market private U.S. companies. We also compete with traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks. We believe we will be able to compete with these entities for financing opportunities on the basis of, among other things, the experience of FS Advisor's senior management team and GSO's investment team. Furthermore, while we believe that regulatory changes and other factors have diminished the role of traditional financial institutions and certain other capital providers in providing financing to middle market private U.S. companies, we are not certain whether this trend will continue as a result of the potentially changing regulatory landscape due to the presidential administration. For additional information, see "—Potential Market Opportunity" and "—Potential Competitive Strengths."

        Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. 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 may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we have. These characteristics could allow our competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and offer better pricing and more flexible structuring than us. Furthermore, many of our competitors have greater experience operating under, or are not subject to, the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC. For additional information concerning the competitive risks we face, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Structure—We may face increasing competition for investment opportunities, which could delay deployment of our capital, reduce returns and result in losses."

Employees

        We do not currently have any employees. Each of our executive officers is a principal, officer or employee of FS Advisor, which manages and oversees our investment operations. In the future, FS Advisor may retain additional investment personnel based upon its needs.

Available Information

        For so long as our bylaws require, we will distribute to all shareholders of record our quarterly report on Form 10-Q within 60 days after the end of each fiscal quarter and our annual report on Form 10-K within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year. We also file with or submit to the SEC annual, quarterly and current periodic reports, proxy statements and other information meeting the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. This information is available free of charge by calling us collect at (215) 495-1150 or on our website at www.fsinvestments.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated into this annual report on Form 10-K and such information should not be considered to be part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

        Shareholders also may inspect and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information, as well as this annual report on Form 10-K and related exhibits and schedules, at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Such information is also available from the EDGAR database on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. Shareholders also can obtain copies of such information, after paying a duplicating fee, by sending a request by e-mail to publicinfo@sec.gov or by writing the SEC's Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549. Shareholders may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at (202) 551-8090.

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Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

        Investing in our common shares involves a number of significant risks. In addition to the other information contained in this annual report on Form 10-K, investors should consider carefully the following information before making an investment in our common shares. If any of the following events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, the net asset value of our common shares could decline or the value of our debt our equity investments may decline, and investors may lose all or part of their investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Structure

Our board of trustees may change our investment policy by providing our shareholders with 60 days' prior notice, or may modify or waive our current operating policies and strategy without prior notice or shareholder approval, the effects of which may be adverse.

        Our investment policy is to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of Energy companies. This investment policy may be changed by our board of trustees if we provide our shareholders with at least 60 days' prior notice. In addition, our board of trustees has the authority to modify or waive our current operating policies, investment criteria and strategy without prior notice and without shareholder approval. We cannot predict the effect any changes to our investment policy, current operating policies, investment criteria and strategy would have on our business, net asset value, operating results and the value of our common shares. However, the effects might be adverse, which could negatively impact our ability to pay distributions to shareholders and cause shareholders to lose all or part of their investment. Finally, because our common shares are not expected to be listed on a national securities exchange for the foreseeable future, shareholders will be limited in their ability to sell their common shares in response to any changes in our investment policy, operating policies, investment criteria or strategy.

Our ability to achieve our investment objectives depends on FS Advisor's and GSO's ability to manage and support our investment process. If either our agreement with FS Advisor or FS Advisor's agreement with GSO were to be terminated, or if either FS Advisor or GSO were to lose any members of their respective senior management teams, our ability to achieve our investment objectives could be significantly harmed.

        Because we have no employees, we depend on the investment expertise, skill and network of business contacts of FS Advisor and currently GSO. FS Advisor, with the assistance of GSO, evaluates, negotiates, structures, executes, monitors and services our investments. Our future success depends to a significant extent on the continued service and coordination of FS Advisor and GSO, as well as their respective senior management teams. The departure of any members of FS Advisor's senior management team could have a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve our investment objectives. Likewise, the departure of any key employees of GSO or termination of key relationships may impact its ability to render services to us under the terms of its investment sub-advisory agreement with FS Advisor.

        Our ability to achieve our investment objectives depends on FS Advisor's ability, with the assistance of GSO, to identify, analyze, invest in, finance and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria. FS Advisor's capabilities in structuring the investment process, providing competent, attentive and efficient services to us, and facilitating access to financing on acceptable terms depend on the employment of investment professionals in an adequate number and of adequate sophistication to match the corresponding flow of transactions. To achieve our investment objectives, FS Advisor may need to hire, train, supervise and manage new investment professionals to participate in our investment selection and monitoring process. FS Advisor may not be able to find investment professionals in a timely manner or at all. Failure to support our investment process could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In addition, the investment advisory and administrative services agreement that FS Advisor has entered into with us, as well as the investment sub-advisory agreement that FS Advisor has entered into with GSO, have termination provisions that allow the parties to terminate the agreements without penalty. The investment advisory and administrative services agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, by FS Advisor, upon 120 days' notice to us. The investment sub-advisory agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, upon 60 days' written notice by

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GSO or, if our board of trustees or the holders of a majority of our outstanding voting securities determine that the investment sub-advisory agreement with GSO should be terminated, by FS Advisor. If either agreement is terminated, it may adversely affect the quality of our investment opportunities. In addition, in the event such agreements are terminated, it may be difficult for us to replace FS Advisor or for FS Advisor to replace GSO. Furthermore, the termination of either of these agreements may adversely impact the terms of any financing arrangement into which we may enter, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. It is currently contemplated that the investment sub-advisory agreement with GSO will terminate on the GSO end date and that subject to certain conditions, we will enter into the proposed joint advisor investment advisory agreement with FS/EIG Advisor. GSO intends to resign as our investment sub-adviser effective as of the GSO end date regardless of whether the joint advisor investment advisory agreement with FS/EIG Advisor has become effective. See "—There can be no assurance that the proposed joint advisor investment advisory agreement with FS/EIG Advisor will receive shareholder approval or go into effect." In the event that the proposed joint advisor investment advisory agreement with FS/EIG Advisor replaces the April 2011 investment advisory and administrative services agreement and the investment sub-advisory agreement with GSO as contemplated, at the time of such replacement, all of the risk factors identified in Item 1A of this annual report on Form 10-K that relate to GSO will also be applicable to FS/EIG Advisor.

There can be no assurance that the proposed joint advisor investment advisory agreement with FS/EIG Advisor will receive shareholder approval or go into effect.

        We ultimately intend to receive investment advisory services from FS/EIG Advisor pursuant to the joint advisor investment advisory agreement. On January 18, 2018, we filed a definitive proxy statement soliciting shareholder approval of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, which would replace the April 2011 investment advisory and administrative services agreement and the investment sub-advisory agreement. The effectiveness of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement is subject to various conditions, including shareholder approval thereof. If any of these conditions are not satisfied or (to the extent permitted) waived, the joint advisor investment advisory agreement may not go into effect. As a result, the failure of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement to go into effect could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or ability to achieve our investment objectives.

There can be no assurance of the timing of the approval of the application for the EIG exemptive relief or that the EIG exemptive relief will be granted by the SEC.

        Concurrently with our soliciting shareholder approval of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, EIG is seeking the EIG exemptive relief in the form of a new co-investment exemptive relief order issued by the SEC to EIG that would permit us, following the effectiveness of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement, to co-invest in privately negotiated investment transactions with certain accounts managed by EIG. There can be no assurance of the timing of the approval of the application for the EIG exemptive relief or whether the requested EIG exemptive relief will be granted by the SEC.

FS/EIG Advisor will be a newly-formed investment adviser without a track record of acting as an investment adviser to a BDC, and any failure by FS/EIG Advisor to manage and support our investment process may hinder the achievement of our investment objectives.

        Because FS/EIG Advisor will be a newly-formed investment adviser jointly operated by FS and EIG, FS/EIG Advisor will have no prior experience acting as an investment adviser to a BDC. The 1940 Act and the Code impose numerous constraints on the operations of BDCs that do not apply to other investment vehicles. While both FS Advisor and EIG have individually acted as investment advisers to BDCs previously, FS/EIG Advisor's lack of experience in managing a portfolio of assets under the constraints of the 1940 Act and the Code may hinder FS/EIG Advisor's ability to take advantage of attractive investment opportunities and, as a result, may adversely affect our ability to achieve our investment objectives. FS Advisor's and EIG's individual track records and achievements are not necessarily indicative of the future results they will achieve as a joint investment adviser. Accordingly, we can offer no assurance that we will replicate the historical performance of other

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investment companies with which FS Advisor and EIG have been affiliated, and we caution that our investment returns could be lower than the returns achieved by such other companies.

The transactions contemplated by the master agreement may not be consummated and may not deliver the benefits we anticipate.

        In connection with GSO's resignation as our investment sub-adviser, FS Advisor and EIG desire to enter into a relationship whereby FS Advisor and EIG will jointly provide management, investment advisory and administrative services to us through FS/EIG Advisor. Accordingly, FS Advisor, EIG and certain other parties have entered into a master agreement setting out the terms of the relationship between FS Advisor and EIG. We are devoting a significant portion of our time and resources to consummating the transactions contemplated by the master agreement. However, there can be no assurance that such activities will result in the consummation of the transactions. Additionally, even if we are able to consummate the transactions, the transactions may not deliver the benefits we anticipate.

The transactions contemplated by the transition agreement may not be consummated, and the transition of our investment advisory services may not be completed or may not deliver the benefits we anticipate.

        In order to transition our investment advisory services, on December 10, 2017, FS Advisor, GSO and certain of their respective affiliates entered into a transition agreement, which provides that GSO will continue to act as our investment sub-adviser through the GSO end date and will cooperate with FS Advisor in implementing the transition of investment advisory services from GSO for us and several other BDCs. The transition of investment advisory services is subject to certain conditions that may not occur, and if we do not consummate the transactions contemplated by the transition agreement, we may not successfully complete the proposed transition of investment advisory services and/or realize the anticipated benefits of the transition.

        We are devoting a significant portion of our time and resources to consummating the transactions contemplated by the transition agreement. However, there can be no assurance that such activities will result in the consummation of the transactions or the completion of the proposed transition of investment advisory services. Additionally, even if we are able to consummate the transactions and complete the transition, the transition may not deliver the benefits we anticipate.

Because our business model depends to a significant extent upon relationships with private equity sponsors, investment banks and commercial banks, the inability of FS Advisor and GSO to maintain or develop these relationships, or the failure of these relationships to generate investment opportunities, could adversely affect our business.

        If FS Advisor or GSO fails to maintain its existing relationships with private equity sponsors, investment banks and commercial banks on which they rely to provide us with potential investment opportunities or develop new relationships with other sponsors or sources of investment opportunities, we may not be able to grow our investment portfolio. In addition, individuals with whom FS Advisor and GSO have relationships generally are not obligated to provide us with investment opportunities, and, therefore, there is no assurance that such relationships will generate investment opportunities for us. GSO may compensate certain brokers or other financial services firms out of GSO's own profits or revenues for services provided in connection with the identification of appropriate investment opportunities.

Our financial condition and results of operations depend on our ability to manage future growth effectively.

        Our ability to achieve our investment objectives depends on our ability to acquire suitable investments and monitor and administer those investments, which depends, in turn, on our investment adviser's ability to identify, invest in and monitor companies that meet our investment criteria.

        Accomplishing this result on a cost-effective basis is largely a function of the structuring of our investment process and the ability of FS Advisor to provide competent, attentive and efficient services to us. Our executive officers and the members of FS Advisor's investment committee have substantial responsibilities in connection with their roles at FS Investments and with the other entities affiliated with FS Investments, as well as responsibilities under the investment advisory and administrative

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services agreement. They may also be called upon to provide significant managerial assistance to certain of our portfolio companies. These demands on their time, which will increase as the number of investments grow, may distract them or slow the rate of investment. In order to grow, FS Advisor will need to hire, train, supervise, manage and retain new employees. However, we cannot assure you that FS Advisor will be able to do so effectively. Any failure to manage our future growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may face increasing competition for investment opportunities, which could delay deployment of our capital, reduce returns and result in losses.

        We compete for investments with other BDCs and investment funds (including private equity funds, mezzanine funds and collateralized loan obligation, or, CLO, funds), as well as traditional financial services companies such as commercial banks and other sources of funding. Moreover, alternative investment vehicles, such as hedge funds, have begun to invest in areas in which they have not traditionally invested, including making investments in middle market private U.S. companies, which we define as companies with annual revenue of $50 million to $2.5 billion at the time of investment. As a result of these new entrants, competition for investment opportunities in middle-market private U.S. companies may intensify. Many of our competitors are substantially larger and have considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. 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 may have higher risk tolerances or different risk assessments than we have. These characteristics could allow our competitors to consider a wider variety of investments, establish more relationships and offer better pricing and more flexible structuring than we are able to do. We may lose investment opportunities if we do not match our competitors' pricing, terms and structure. If we are forced to match our competitors' pricing, terms and structure, we may not be able to achieve acceptable returns on our investments or may bear substantial risk of capital loss. A significant part of our competitive advantage stems from the fact that the market for investments in middle market private U.S. companies is underserved by traditional commercial banks and other financial 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 competitors have greater experience operating under, or are not subject to, the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on us as a BDC.

A significant portion of our investment portfolio is and will be recorded at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of trustees and, as a result, there is and will 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 in good faith by or under the direction of our board of trustees. There is not a public market for the securities of the privately-held companies in which we invest. Many of our investments are not publicly-traded or actively-traded on a secondary market but are, instead, traded on a privately negotiated over-the-counter secondary market for institutional investors or are not traded at all. As a result, we value these securities quarterly at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of trustees.

        Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of our investments include dealer quotes for securities traded on the secondary market for institutional investors, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company's earnings and its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to comparable publicly-traded companies, discounted cash flows and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, our determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these non-traded 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 upon the sale of one or more of our investments.

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There is a risk that investors in our common shares may not receive distributions or that our distributions may not grow over time.

        We cannot assure shareholders 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. All distributions will be paid at the discretion of our board of trustees and will depend on our earnings, our net investment income, our financial condition, maintenance of our RIC status, compliance with applicable BDC regulations and such other factors as our board of trustees may deem relevant from time to time. In addition, due to the asset coverage test applicable to us as a BDC, we may be limited in our ability to make distributions. See "Item 1. Business—Regulation—Senior Securities."

Our distribution proceeds have exceeded and in the future may exceed our earnings, particularly during the period before we have substantially invested the net proceeds from our continuous public offering. Therefore, portions of the distributions that we make may represent a return of capital to shareholders, which will lower their tax basis in their common shares.

        We may pay all or a substantial portion of our distributions from the proceeds of our continuous public offering or from borrowings in anticipation of future cash flow, which may constitute a return of shareholders' capital and will lower such shareholders' tax basis in their common shares. A return of capital generally is a return of a shareholder's investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from our investment activities and will be made after deducting the fees and expenses payable in connection with the offering, including any fees payable to FS Advisor. Moreover, a return of capital will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in our common shares, and will result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when the common shares on which such return of capital was received are sold.

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

        We, our portfolio companies and our business partners are subject to regulation at the local, state and federal level. 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 shareholders, potentially with retroactive effect. Changes in laws or regulations governing the operations of those with whom we do business, including selected broker-dealers and other financial representatives selling our common shares, could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, 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. New legislation, interpretations, rulings or regulations could require changes to certain business practices of us or our portfolio companies, negatively impact the operations, cash flows or financial condition of us or our portfolio companies, impose additional costs on us or our portfolio companies or otherwise adversely affect our business or the business of our portfolio companies.

        In addition, any changes to the laws and regulations governing our operations, including with respect to permitted investments, may cause us to alter our investment strategy to avail ourselves of new or different opportunities or make other changes to our business. Such changes could result in material differences to our strategy and plans as set forth in this annual report on Form 10-K and may result in our investment focus shifting from the areas of expertise of FS Advisor and GSO to other types of investments in which FS Advisor and GSO 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 a shareholder's investment.

As a public company, we are subject to regulations not applicable to private companies, such as provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Efforts to comply with such regulations will involve significant expenditures, and non-compliance with such regulations may adversely affect us.

        As a public company, we are subject to regulations not applicable to private companies, including provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. Our management is required to report on our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to

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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. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act also generally requires an attestation from our independent registered public accounting firm on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

        We incur significant expenses in connection with our compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other regulations applicable to public companies, which may negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to make distributions. Compliance with such regulations also requires a significant amount of our management's time and attention. For example, we cannot be certain as to the timing of the completion of our Sarbanes-Oxley mandated evaluations, testings and remediation actions, if any, 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 control over financial reporting are or will be deemed effective in the future. In the event that we are unable to maintain an effective system of internal control and maintain compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related rules, we may be adversely affected.

Economic activity in the United States was adversely impacted by the global financial crisis of 2008 and future recessions, downturns, disruptions or instability could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

        From time to time, the global capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability, which could cause disruptions in liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of major financial institutions. Despite actions of U.S. and foreign governments, these events could contribute to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impact the broader financial and credit markets and reduce the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular.

        Beginning in the third quarter of 2007, global credit and other financial markets suffered substantial stress, volatility, illiquidity and disruption. These forces reached extraordinary levels in late 2008, resulting in the bankruptcy of, the acquisition of, or government intervention in the affairs of several major domestic and international financial institutions. In particular, the financial services sector was negatively impacted by significant write-offs as the value of the assets held by financial firms declined, impairing their capital positions and abilities to lend and invest. We believe that such value declines were exacerbated by widespread forced liquidations as leveraged holders of financial assets, faced with declining prices, were compelled to sell to meet margin requirements and maintain compliance with applicable capital standards. Such forced liquidations also impaired or eliminated many investors and investment vehicles, leading to a decline in the supply of capital for investment and depressed pricing levels for many assets. These events significantly diminished overall confidence in the debt and equity markets, engendered unprecedented declines in the values of certain assets, and caused extreme economic uncertainty.

        Deterioration of economic and market conditions in the future could negatively impact credit spreads as well as our ability to obtain financing, particularly from the debt markets.

Future downgrades of the U.S. credit rating and global economic uncertainty could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        In August 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, or S&P, lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. from "AAA" to "AA+," which was affirmed by S&P in June 2015. In January 2012, S&P lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating for France, Italy, Spain and six other European countries, which negatively impacted global markets and economic conditions. In addition, in April 2012, S&P further lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating for Spain. Recent U.S. budget deficit concerns, together with signs of deteriorating sovereign debt conditions in Europe, have increased the possibility of additional credit-rating downgrades and economic slowdowns. The impact of any further downgrade to the U.S. government's sovereign credit rating, or its perceived creditworthiness, and the impact of the current crisis in Europe with respect to the ability of certain European Union countries to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations are inherently unpredictable and could adversely affect the U.S. and global financial markets and economic conditions. In addition, the economic downturn and the significant government interventions into the financial markets and fiscal stimulus

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spending over the last several years have contributed to significantly increased U.S. budget deficits. There can be no assurance that future fiscal or monetary measures to aid economic recovery will be effective. These developments and reactions of the credit markets toward these developments could cause interest rates and borrowing costs to rise, which may negatively impact our ability to obtain debt financing on favorable terms. In addition, any adverse economic conditions resulting from any further downgrade of the U.S. government's sovereign credit rating or the economic crisis in Europe could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Declines in market values or fair market values of our investments could result in significant net unrealized depreciation of our portfolio, which, in turn, would reduce our net asset value.

        Under the 1940 Act, we are required to carry our investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of trustees. While most of our investments will not be publicly traded, applicable accounting standards require us to assume as part of our valuation process that our investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if we plan on holding an investment through its maturity) and impairments of the market values or fair market values of our investments, even if unrealized, must be reflected in our financial statements for the applicable period as unrealized depreciation, which could result in significant reductions to our net asset value for a given period.

The impact on us of recent financial reform legislation, including the Dodd-Frank Act, is uncertain.

        The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as amended, or the Dodd-Frank Act, institutes a wide range of reforms that will have an impact on financial institutions. Many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented over time, most of which will be subject to implementing regulations over the course of several years. In addition, the presidential administration has announced its intention to repeal, amend or replace portions of the Dodd-Frank and the regulations implemented thereunder. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented, repealed, amended or replaced by the various regulatory agencies and through regulations, the full impact such requirements will have on our business, results of operations or financial condition is unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act and any changes to the regulations already implemented thereunder may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes in order to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements. Failure to comply with any such laws, regulations or principles, or changes thereto, may negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. While we cannot predict what effect any changes in the laws or regulations or their interpretations would have on us as a result of recent financial reform legislation, these changes could be materially adverse to us and our shareholders.

Future legislation or rules could modify how we treat derivatives and other financial arrangements for purposes of our compliance with the leverage limitations of the 1940 Act.

        Future legislation or rules may modify how we treat derivatives and other financial arrangements for purposes of our compliance with the leverage limitations of the 1940 Act. For example, the SEC proposed a new rule in December 2015 that is designed to enhance the regulation of the use of derivatives by registered investments companies and business development companies. While the December 2015 rule appears not to be moving toward adoption, the proposed rule, if adopted, or any future legislation or rules, may modify how leverage is calculated under the 1940 Act and, therefore, may increase or decrease the amount of leverage currently available to us under the 1940 Act, which may be materially adverse to us and our shareholders.

We may experience fluctuations in our quarterly results.

        We could experience fluctuations in our quarterly operating results due to a number of factors, including our ability or inability to make investments in companies that meet our investment criteria, the interest rate payable on the debt securities we acquire, 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. As a result of these factors,

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results for any previous period should not be relied upon as being indicative of performance in future periods.

If we, our affiliates and our and their respective third-party service providers are unable to maintain the availability of electronic data systems and safeguard the security of data, our ability to conduct business may be compromised, which could impair our liquidity, disrupt our business, damage our reputation or otherwise affect our business.

        Cybersecurity refers to the combination of technologies, processes, and procedures established to protect information technology systems and data from unauthorized access, attack, or damage. We, our affiliates and our and their respective third-party service providers are subject to cybersecurity risks. Cybersecurity risks have significantly increased in recent years and, while we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches, we could suffer such losses in the future. Our, our affiliates and our and their respective third-party service providers' computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses or other malicious code and other events that could have a security impact. If one or more of such events occur, this potentially could jeopardize confidential and other information, including nonpublic personal information and sensitive business data, processed and stored in, and transmitted through, computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our operations or the operations of our affiliates and our and their respective third-party service providers. This could result in significant losses, reputational damage, litigation, regulatory fines or penalties, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Privacy and information security laws and regulation changes, and compliance with those changes, may result in cost increases due to system changes and the development of new administrative processes. In addition, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify our protective measures and to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities or other exposures arising from operational and security risks.

Risks Related to FS Advisor, GSO and Their Respective Affiliates

FS Advisor and its affiliates, including our officers and some of our trustees, face conflicts of interest caused by compensation arrangements with us and our affiliates, which could result in actions that are not in the best interests of our shareholders.

        FS Advisor and its affiliates receive substantial fees from us in return for their services, and these fees could influence the advice provided to us. Among other matters, the compensation arrangements could affect their judgment. In addition, the decision to utilize leverage has increased our assets and, as a result, has increased the amount of base management fees payable to FS Advisor.

We may be obligated to pay FS Advisor incentive compensation even if we incur a net loss due to a decline in the value of our portfolio.

        Our investment advisory and administrative services agreement entitles FS Advisor to receive incentive compensation on income regardless of any capital losses. In such case, we may be required to pay FS Advisor incentive compensation for a fiscal quarter even if there is a decline in the value of our portfolio or if we incur a net loss for that quarter.

        Any incentive fee payable by us that relates to our net investment income may be computed and paid on income that may include interest that has been accrued but not yet received. If a portfolio company defaults on a loan that is structured to provide accrued interest, it is possible that accrued interest previously included in the calculation of the incentive fee will become uncollectible. FS Advisor is not under any obligation to reimburse us for any part of the incentive fee it received that was based on accrued income that we never received as a result of a default by an entity on the obligation that resulted in the accrual of such income, and such circumstances would result in our paying an incentive fee on income we never received.

        For U.S. federal income tax purposes, we will be required to recognize taxable income (such as deferred interest that is accrued as original issue discount) in some circumstances in which we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash and to make distributions with respect to such income to maintain our status as a RIC. Under such circumstances, we may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment under the Code. This difficulty in

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making the required distribution may be amplified to the extent that we are required to pay an incentive fee with respect to such accrued income. As a result, 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 for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

There may be conflicts of interest related to obligations FS Advisor's and GSO's senior management and investment teams have to our affiliates and to other clients.

        The members of the senior management and investment teams of both FS Advisor and GSO serve or may serve as officers, directors or principals of entities that operate in the same or a related line of business as we do, or of investment vehicles managed by the same personnel. For example, the officers, managers and other personnel of FS Advisor also serve in similar capacities for the investment advisers to the other funds in the Fund Complex, and may serve in similar or other capacities for the investment advisers to future investment vehicles affiliated with FS Investments. In serving in these multiple and other capacities, they may have obligations to other clients or investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which may not be in our best interests or in the best interest of our shareholders. Our investment objectives may overlap with the investment objectives of such investment funds, accounts or other investment vehicles. For example, we rely on FS Advisor to manage our day-to-day activities and to implement our investment strategy. FS Advisor and certain of its affiliates are presently, and plan in the future to continue to be, involved with activities which are unrelated to us. As a result of these activities, FS Advisor, its employees and certain of its affiliates will have conflicts of interest in allocating their time between us and other activities in which they are or may become involved, including the management of other entities affiliated with FS Investments. FS Advisor and its employees will devote only as much of its or their time to our business as FS Advisor and its employees, in their judgment, determine is reasonably required, which may be substantially less than their full time.

        Furthermore, GSO, on which FS Advisor currently relies to assist it in identifying investment opportunities and making investment recommendations, has similar conflicts of interest. GSO or its subsidiary, GDFM, currently serves as investment sub-adviser to FS Investments' four other affiliated BDCs and FS Investments' two affiliated closed-end management investment companies. GSO, its affiliates and their respective members, partners, officers and employees will devote as much of their time to our activities as they deem necessary and appropriate. GSO and its affiliates are not restricted from forming additional investment vehicles, from entering into other investment advisory relationships or from engaging in other business activities, even though such activities may be in competition with us and/or may involve substantial time and resources of GSO. Also, in connection with such business activities, GSO and its affiliates may have existing business relationships or access to material, non-public information that may prevent it from recommending investment opportunities that would otherwise fit within our investment objectives. All of these factors could be viewed as creating a conflict of interest in that the time, effort and ability of the members of GSO, its affiliates and their officers and employees will not be devoted exclusively to our business but will be allocated between us and the management of the monies of other advisees of GSO and its affiliates.

The time and resources that individuals employed by FS Advisor and GSO devote to us may be diverted, and we may face additional competition due to the fact that individuals employed by FS Advisor and GSO are not prohibited from raising money for or managing another entity that makes the same types of investments that we target.

        Neither FS Advisor nor GSO, or individuals employed by FS Advisor or GSO, are prohibited from raising money for and managing another investment entity that makes the same types of investments as those we target. For example, FS Energy Advisor, LLC, an affiliate of FS Advisor, manages FS Energy Total Return Fund, an interval fund with an investment strategy that focuses on investing 80% of its total assets in natural resource companies. As a result, the time and resources that these individuals may devote to us may be diverted. In addition, we may compete with any such investment entity for the same investors and investment opportunities. In an order dated June 4, 2013, the SEC granted exemptive relief permitting us, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to co-invest in certain

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privately negotiated investment transactions with our co-investment affiliates. Because we did not seek exemptive relief to engage in co-investment transactions with GSO and its affiliates, we will continue to be permitted to co-invest with GSO and its affiliates only in accordance with existing regulatory guidance (e.g., where price is the only negotiated term). Affiliates of GSO, whose primary businesses include the origination of investments, engage in investment advisory business with accounts that compete with us.

Our incentive fee may induce FS Advisor to make, and GSO to recommend, speculative investments.

        The incentive fee payable by us to FS Advisor may create an incentive for it to enter into investments on our behalf that are risky or more speculative than would be the case in the absence of such compensation arrangement. The way in which the incentive fee payable to FS Advisor is determined may encourage it to use leverage to increase the return on our investments. In addition, the fact that our base management fee is payable based upon our gross assets, which would include any borrowings for investment purposes, may encourage FS Advisor to use leverage to make additional investments. Under certain circumstances, the use of leverage may increase the likelihood of default, which would disfavor holders of our common shares. Such a practice could result in our investing in more speculative securities than would otherwise be in our best interests, which could result in higher investment losses, particularly during cyclical economic downturns. In addition, since GSO will receive a portion of the advisory fees paid to FS Advisor, GSO may have an incentive to recommend investments that are riskier or more speculative.

FS Advisor's liability is limited under our current investment advisory and administrative services agreement, and we are required to indemnify FS Advisor against certain liabilities, which may lead it to act in a riskier manner on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

        Pursuant to our current investment advisory and administrative services agreement, FS Advisor and its officers, managers, partners, members (and their members, including the owners of their members), agents, employees, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with FS Advisor will not be liable to us for their acts under our current investment advisory and administrative services agreement, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties. We have agreed to indemnify, defend and protect FS Advisor and its officers, managers, partners, members (and their members, including the owners of their members), agents, employees, controlling persons and any other person or entity affiliated with FS Advisor with respect to all damages, liabilities, costs and expenses resulting from acts of FS Advisor not arising out of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties under our investment advisory and administrative services agreement. These protections may lead FS Advisor to act in a riskier manner when acting on our behalf than it would when acting for its own account.

Risks Related to Business Development Companies

The requirement that we invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets could preclude us from investing in accordance with our current business strategy; conversely, the failure to invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets could result in our failure to maintain our status as a BDC.

        As a BDC, we may not acquire any assets other than "qualifying assets" unless, at the time of such acquisition, at least 70% of our total assets are qualifying assets. Therefore, we may be precluded from investing in what we believe are attractive investments if such investments are not qualifying assets. Conversely, if we fail to invest a sufficient portion of our assets in qualifying assets, we could lose our status as a BDC, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, these rules could prevent us from making additional investments in existing portfolio companies, which could result in the dilution of our position, or could require us to dispose of investments at an inopportune time to comply with the 1940 Act. If we were forced to sell non-qualifying investments in the portfolio for compliance purposes, the proceeds from such sale could be significantly less than the current value of such investments.

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Failure to maintain our status as a BDC would reduce our operating flexibility.

        If we do not remain a BDC, we might be regulated as a closed-end investment company under the 1940 Act, which would subject us to substantially more regulatory restrictions under the 1940 Act and correspondingly decrease our operating flexibility.

Regulations governing our operation as a BDC and a RIC will affect our ability to raise, and the way in which we raise, additional capital or borrow for investment purposes, which may have a negative effect on our growth.

        As a result of our need to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement in order to maintain RIC tax treatment under Subchapter M of the Code, we may need to periodically access the capital markets to raise cash to fund new investments. We may issue "senior securities," as defined in the 1940 Act, including issuing preferred shares, borrowing money from banks or other financial institutions or issuing debt securities only in amounts such that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after such incurrence or issuance. Our ability to issue certain other types of securities is also limited. Compliance with these limitations on our ability to raise capital may unfavorably limit our investment opportunities and may reduce our ability in comparison to other companies to profit from favorable spreads between the rates at which we can borrow and the rates at which we can lend.

        We expect to continue to borrow for investment purposes. If the value of our assets declines, we may be unable to satisfy the asset coverage test, which would prohibit us from paying distributions and as a result could cause us to be subject to U.S federal corporate income or excise taxation, regardless of the amount of distributions paid. If we cannot satisfy the asset coverage test, we may be required to sell a portion of our investments and, depending on the nature of our debt financing, repay a portion of our indebtedness at a time when such sales may be disadvantageous.

Future legislation may allow us to incur additional leverage.

        As a BDC, we are generally not permitted to incur indebtedness unless immediately after such borrowing we have an asset coverage for total borrowings of at least 200% (i.e., the amount of debt may not exceed 50% of the value of our assets). Recent legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, if passed, would modify this section of the 1940 Act to permit an increase in the amount of debt that BDCs could incur by modifying the percentage from 200% to 150%. Even if this legislation does not pass, similar legislation may pass that permits us to incur additional leverage under the 1940 Act. As a result, we may be able to incur additional indebtedness in the future, and, therefore, the risk of an investment in us may increase.

Our ability to enter into transactions with our affiliates is restricted.

        We are prohibited under the 1940 Act from participating in certain transactions with certain of our affiliates without the prior approval of a majority of the independent members of our board of trustees 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 will generally be prohibited from buying or selling any securities from or to such affiliate, absent the prior approval of our board of trustees. The 1940 Act also prohibits certain "joint" transactions with certain of our affiliates, which could include investments in the same portfolio company (whether at the same or different times), without prior approval of our board of trustees and, in some cases, the SEC. In an order dated June 4, 2013, the SEC granted exemptive relief permitting us, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to co-invest in certain privately negotiated investment transactions with our co-investment affiliates. If a person acquires more than 25% of our voting securities, we will be prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to such person or certain of that person's affiliates, or entering into prohibited joint transactions with such persons to the extent not covered by our exemptive relief, absent the prior approval of the SEC. Similar restrictions limit our ability to transact business with our officers or trustees or their affiliates. As a result of these restrictions, we may be prohibited from buying or selling any security from or to any portfolio company of a private equity fund managed by FS Advisor without the prior approval of the SEC, which may limit the scope of investment opportunities that would otherwise be available to us.

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We are uncertain of our sources for funding our future capital needs; if we cannot obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, our ability to acquire investments and to expand our operations will be adversely affected.

        Any working capital reserves we maintain may not be sufficient for investment purposes, and we may require debt or equity financing to operate. We may also need to access the capital markets to refinance existing debt obligations to the extent maturing obligations are not repaid with cash flows from operations. In order to maintain RIC tax treatment, we must make distributions to our shareholders each tax year on a timely basis generally of an amount at least equal to 90% of our investment company taxable income, determined without regard to any deduction for distributions paid, and the amounts of such distributions will therefore not be available to fund investment originations or to repay maturing debt. In addition, with certain limited exceptions, we are only allowed to borrow amounts or issue debt securities or preferred shares, which we refer to collectively as "senior securities," such that our asset coverage, as calculated pursuant to the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% immediately after such borrowing, which, in certain circumstances, may restrict our ability to borrow or issue debt securities or preferred shares. In the event that we develop a need for additional capital in the future for investments or for any other reason, and we cannot obtain debt or equity financing on acceptable terms, or at all, our ability to acquire investments and to expand our operations will be adversely affected. As a result, we would be less able to allocate our portfolio among various issuers and sub-sectors and achieve our investment objectives, which may negatively impact our results of operations and reduce our ability to make distributions to our shareholders.

Risks Related to Our Investments

We are exposed to risks associated with changes in interest rates.

        We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on our investments and investment opportunities and, accordingly have a material adverse effect on our investment objectives and our rate of return on invested capital. In addition, an increase in interest rates would make it more expensive to use debt for our financing needs, if any.

        Interest rates have recently been at or near historic lows. In the event of a rising interest rate environment, payments under floating rate debt instruments generally would rise and there may be a significant number of issuers of such floating rate debt instruments that would be unable or unwilling to pay such increased interest costs and may otherwise be unable to repay their loans. Rising interest rates could also cause portfolio companies to shift cash from other productive uses to the payment of interest, which may have a material adverse effect on their business and operations and could, over time, lead to increased defaults. Investments in floating rate debt instruments may also decline in value in response to rising interest rates if the interest rates of such investments do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Similarly, during periods of rising interest rates, fixed rate debt instruments may decline in value because the fixed rates of interest paid thereunder may be below market interest rates.

        In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. Because the statements made by the head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority are recent in nature, there is no definitive information regarding the future utilization of LIBOR or of any particular replacement rate. As such, the potential effect of any such event on our cost of capital and net investment income cannot yet be determined.

Our investments in prospective portfolio companies may be risky, and we could lose all or part of our investment.

        Our investments in senior and subordinated debt, select equity investments and other investments issued by private Energy companies may be risky.

        Senior Debt.    There is a risk that any collateral pledged by portfolio companies in which we have taken a security interest may decrease in value over time or lose its entire value, 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

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raise additional capital. To the extent our debt investment is collateralized by the securities of a portfolio company's subsidiaries, such securities may lose some or all of their value in the event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the portfolio company. Also, in some circumstances, our security interest may be contractually or structurally 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. Loans that are under-collateralized involve a greater risk of loss. In addition, second lien secured loans are granted a second priority security interest in collateral, which means that any realization of collateral will generally be applied to pay first lien secured loans in full before second lien secured loans are paid. Consequently, the fact that a loan is secured does not guarantee that we will receive principal and interest payments according to the senior debt's terms, or at all, or that we will be able to collect on the loan should we be forced to enforce our remedies.

        Subordinated Debt.    Our subordinated debt investments will generally rank junior in priority of payment to senior debt and will generally be unsecured. This may result in a heightened level of risk and volatility or a loss of principal, which could lead to the loss of the entire investment. These investments may involve additional risks that could adversely affect our investment returns. To the extent interest payments associated with such debt are deferred, such debt may be subject to greater fluctuations in valuations, and such debt could subject us and our shareholders to non-cash income. Because we will not receive any principal repayments prior to the maturity of some of our subordinated debt investments, such investments will be of greater risk than amortizing loans.

        Equity Investments.    We expect to make select equity investments in income-oriented preferred or common equity interests, which may include interests in MLPs. In addition, when we invest in senior secured loans and notes or subordinated debt, we may acquire warrants to purchase equity securities. 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.

        Net Profits Interests, Royalty Interests or VPPs.    We may invest in energy-specific non-operating investments including net profits interests, royalty interests or VPPs. Net profits interests and royalty interests are contractual agreements whereby the holders of such interests are entitled to a portion of the mineral production, or proceeds therefrom. A VPP is a type of structured investment whereby the owner sells a specific volume of production in a field or property to an investor and the investor receives a specific quota of production on a monthly basis in either raw output or proceeds therefrom. We will not have any operational control over these investments and our receipt of payments is contingent on the producer's ability to meet its supply obligations, which can make these types of investments highly speculative.

        Non-U.S. Securities.    We may invest in non-U.S. securities, which may include securities denominated in U.S. dollars or in non-U.S. currencies, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Because evidences of ownership of such securities usually are held outside the United States, we would be subject to additional risks if we invested in non-U.S. securities, which include possible adverse political and economic developments, seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits and adoption of governmental restrictions which might adversely affect or restrict the payment of principal and interest on the non-U.S. securities to investors located outside the country of the issuer, whether from currency blockage or otherwise. Because non-U.S. securities may be purchased with and payable in foreign currencies, the value of these assets as measured in U.S. dollars may be affected unfavorably by changes in currency rates and exchange control regulations.

        In addition, 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 "junk," have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal. They may also be difficult to value and illiquid.

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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 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 proceeds. After repaying such senior creditors, such portfolio company may not have any remaining assets to use for repaying 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.

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.

        If one of our portfolio companies were to go bankrupt, 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 investment and subordinate all or a portion of our claim to that of other creditors. In situations where a bankruptcy carries a high degree of political significance, our legal rights may be subordinated to other creditors. We may also be subject to lender liability claims for actions taken by us with respect to a borrower's business or in instances where we exercise control over the borrower or render significant managerial assistance.

We generally will not control our portfolio companies.

        We do not expect to control most of our portfolio companies, even though we may have board representation or board observation rights, and our debt agreements with such portfolio companies may contain certain restrictive covenants. As a result, we are subject to the risk that a portfolio company in which we invest may make business decisions with which we disagree and the management of such company, as representatives of the holders of their common equity, may take risks or otherwise act in ways that do not serve our interests as debt investors. Due to the lack of liquidity for our investments in non-traded companies, we may not be able to dispose of our interests in our portfolio companies as readily as we would like or at an appropriate valuation. As a result, a portfolio company may make decisions that could decrease the value of our portfolio holdings.

Second priority liens on collateral securing debt investments 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 debt investments that we make to portfolio companies may be secured on a second priority basis by the same collateral securing first priority debt of such companies. The first priority liens on the collateral will secure the portfolio company's obligations under any outstanding senior debt and may secure certain other future debt that may be permitted to be incurred by such company under the agreements governing the loans. The holders of obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral will generally control the liquidation of and be entitled to receive proceeds from any realization of the collateral to repay the obligations in full before us. In addition, the value of the collateral in the event of liquidation will depend on market and economic conditions, the availability of buyers and other factors. There can be no assurance that the proceeds, if any, from the sale or sales of all of the collateral would be sufficient to satisfy the debt obligations secured by the second priority liens after payment in full of all obligations secured by the first priority liens on the collateral. If such proceeds are not sufficient to repay amounts outstanding under the debt obligations secured by the second priority liens, then we, to the extent not repaid from the proceeds of the sale of the collateral, will only have an unsecured claim against such company's remaining assets, if any.

        The rights we may have with respect to the collateral securing the debt investments we make in our portfolio companies with senior debt outstanding may also be limited pursuant to the terms of one

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or more intercreditor agreements that we enter into with the holders of senior debt. Under such an intercreditor agreement, at any time that obligations that have the benefit of the first priority liens are outstanding, any of the following actions that may be taken in respect of the collateral will be at the direction of the holders of the obligations secured by the first priority liens: the ability to cause the commencement of enforcement proceedings against the collateral; the ability to control the conduct of such proceedings; the approval of amendments to collateral documents; releases of liens on the collateral; and waivers of past defaults under collateral documents. We may not have the ability to control or direct such actions, even if our rights are adversely affected.

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

        Many of our portfolio companies may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and may be unable to repay our debt investments during these periods. Therefore, our non-performing assets are likely to increase, and the value of our portfolio is likely to decrease, during these periods. Adverse economic conditions may also decrease the value of any collateral securing our first lien or second lien secured loans. A prolonged recession may further decrease the value of such collateral and result in losses of value in our portfolio and a decrease in our revenues, net income and net asset 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 on terms we deem acceptable. These events could prevent us from increasing investments and harm our operating results. Economic downturns or recessions may also result in a portfolio company's failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders, which could lead to defaults and, potentially, acceleration of the time when the loans are due and foreclosure on its assets representing collateral for its obligations, which could trigger cross defaults under other agreements and jeopardize our portfolio company's ability to meet its obligations under the debt that we hold and the value of any equity securities we own. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms with a defaulting portfolio company.

A covenant breach by our portfolio companies may 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 a portfolio company's ability to meet its obligations under the debt or equity securities that we hold. We may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting portfolio company.

Our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged.

        Some of our portfolio companies may be highly leveraged, which may have adverse consequences to these companies and to us as an investor. These companies may be subject to restrictive financial and operating covenants and the leverage may impair these companies' ability to finance their future operations and capital needs. As a result, these companies' flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and to take advantage of business opportunities may be limited. Further, a leveraged company's income and net assets will tend to increase or decrease at a greater rate than if borrowed money were not used.

Investing in middle-market companies involves a number of significant risks, any one of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

        Investments in middle-market companies involve some of the same risks that apply generally to investments in larger, more established companies. However, such investments have more pronounced risks in that they:

•

may have limited financial resources and may be unable to meet the obligations under their debt and equity securities that we hold, which may be accompanied by a deterioration in the value of any collateral pledged under such securities and a reduction in the likelihood of us realizing any guarantees we may have obtained in connection with our investment;

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•

have shorter operating histories, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tends to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and changing market conditions, as well as general economic downturns;



•

are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on our portfolio company and, in turn, on us;



•

generally have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations, finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. In addition, our executive officers, trustees and members of FS Advisor may, in the ordinary course of business, be named as defendants in litigation arising from our investments in the portfolio companies; and



•

may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity.

We may not realize gains from our equity investments.

        Certain investments that we may make may include warrants or other equity securities. In addition, we may make direct equity investments in 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. We may also be unable to realize any value if a portfolio company does not have a liquidity event, such as a sale of the business, recapitalization or public offering, which would allow us to sell the underlying equity interests. We may be unable to exercise any put rights we acquire which grant us the right to sell our equity securities back to the portfolio company for the consideration provided in our investment documents if the issuer is in financial distress.

An investment strategy focused primarily on privately-held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies.

        Our investments are primarily in privately-held companies. Investments in private companies pose significantly greater risks than investments in public companies. First, private companies have reduced access to the capital markets, resulting in diminished capital resources and the ability to withstand financial distress. As a result, these companies, which may present greater credit risk than public companies, may be unable to meet the obligations under their debt and equity securities that we hold. Second, the investments themselves often may be illiquid. The securities of many of the companies in which we invest are not publicly-traded or actively-traded on the secondary market and are, instead, traded on a privately negotiated over-the-counter secondary market for institutional investors. In addition, such securities may be subject to legal and other restrictions on resale. As such, we may have difficulty exiting an investment promptly or at a desired price prior to maturity or outside of a normal amortization schedule. These investments may also be difficult to value because little public information generally exists about private companies, requiring an experienced due diligence team to analyze and value the potential portfolio company. Finally, these companies often may not have third-party debt ratings or audited financial statements. We must therefore rely on the ability of FS Advisor and/or GSO to obtain adequate information through due diligence to evaluate the creditworthiness and potential returns from investing in these companies. These companies and their financial information will generally not be subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules and regulations that govern public 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.

A lack of liquidity in certain of our investments may adversely affect our business.

        We invest in certain companies whose securities are not publicly-traded or actively-traded on the secondary market and are, instead, traded on a privately-negotiated over-the-counter secondary market for institutional investors, and whose securities are subject to legal and other restrictions on resale or are otherwise less liquid than publicly-traded securities. The illiquidity of certain of our investments

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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. The reduced liquidity of our investments may make it difficult for us to dispose of them at a favorable price, and, as a result, we may suffer losses.

We may not have the funds or ability to make additional investments in our portfolio companies.

        We may not have the funds or ability to make additional investments in our portfolio companies. After our initial investment in a portfolio company, we may be called upon from time to time to provide additional funds to such company or have the opportunity to increase our investment through the exercise of a warrant to purchase common stock. There is no assurance that we will make, or will have sufficient funds to make, follow-on investments. Any decisions not to make a follow-on investment or any inability on our part to make such an investment may have a negative impact on a portfolio company in need of such an investment, may result in a missed opportunity for us to increase our participation in a successful operation or may reduce the expected return on the investment.

Our investments may include original issue discount and PIK instruments.

        To the extent that we invest in original issue discount or PIK instruments and the accretion of original issue discount or PIK interest income constitutes a portion of our income, we will be exposed to risks associated with the requirement to include such non-cash income in taxable and accounting income prior to receipt of cash, including the following:

•

The higher interest rates on PIK instruments reflect the payment deferral and increased credit risk associated with these instruments, and PIK instruments generally represent a significantly higher credit risk than coupon loans;



•

Original issue discount and PIK instruments may have unreliable valuations because the accruals require judgments about collectability of the deferred payments and the value of any associated collateral;



•

An election to defer PIK interest payments by adding them to the principal on such instruments increases our future investment income which increases our gross assets and, as such, increases FS Advisor's future base management fees which, thus, increases FS Advisor's future income incentive fees at a compounding rate;



•

Market prices of PIK instruments and other zero coupon instruments are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes, and may be more volatile than instruments that pay interest periodically in cash. While PIK instruments are usually less volatile than zero coupon debt instruments, PIK instruments are generally more volatile than cash pay securities;



•

The deferral of PIK interest on an instrument increases the loan-to-value ratio, which is a measure of the riskiness of a loan, with respect to such instrument;



•

Even if the conditions for income accrual under GAAP are satisfied, a borrower could still default when actual payment is due upon the maturity of such loan;



•

For accounting purposes, cash distributions to investors representing original issue discount income do not come from paid-in capital, although they may be paid from the offering proceeds. Thus, although a distribution of original issue discount income may come from the cash invested by investors, the 1940 Act does not require that investors be given notice of this fact;



•

The required recognition of PIK interest for U.S federal income tax purposes may have a negative impact on liquidity, as it represents a non-cash component of our investment company taxable income, income that may require cash distributions to shareholders in order to maintain our ability to be subject to tax as a RIC; and



•

Original issue discount may create a risk of non-refundable cash payments to FS Advisor based on non-cash accruals that may never be realized.

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We may from time to time enter into total return swaps, credit default swaps or other derivative transactions which expose us to certain risks, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk and other risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage.

        We may from time to time enter into total return swaps, credit default swaps or other derivative transactions that seek to modify or replace the investment performance of a particular reference security or other asset. These transactions are typically individually negotiated, non-standardized agreements between two parties to exchange payments, with payments generally calculated by reference to a notional amount or quantity. Swap contracts and similar derivative contracts are not traded on exchanges; rather, banks and dealers act as principals in these markets. These investments may present risks in excess of those resulting from the referenced security or other asset. Because these transactions are not an acquisition of the referenced security or other asset itself, the investor has no right directly to enforce compliance with the terms of the referenced security or other asset and has no voting or other consensual rights of ownership with respect to the referenced security or other asset. In the event of insolvency of a counterparty, we will be treated as a general creditor of the counterparty and will have no claim of title with respect to the referenced security or other asset.

        A total return swap is a contract in which one party agrees to make periodic payments to another party based on the change in the market value of the referenced security or other assets underlying the total return swap during a specified period, in return for periodic payments based on a fixed or variable interest rate.

        A total return swap is subject to market risk, liquidity risk and risk of imperfect correlation between the value of the total return swap and the debt obligations underlying the total return swap. In addition, we may incur certain costs in connection with a total return swap that could in the aggregate be significant.

        A credit default swap is a contract in which one party buys or sells protection against a credit event with respect to an issuer, such as an issuer's failure to make timely payments of interest or principal on its debt obligations, bankruptcy or restructuring during a specified period. Generally, if we sell credit protection using a credit default swap, we will receive fixed payments from the swap counterparty and if a credit event occurs with respect to the applicable issuer, we will pay the swap counterparty par for the issuer's defaulted debt securities and the swap counterparty will deliver the defaulted debt securities to us. Generally, if we buy credit protection using a credit default swap, we will make fixed payments to the counterparty and if a credit event occurs with respect to the applicable issuer, we will deliver the issuer's defaulted securities underlying the swap to the swap counterparty and the counterparty will pay us par for the defaulted securities. Alternatively, a credit default swap may be cash settled and the buyer of protection would receive the difference between the par value and the market value of the issuer's defaulted debt securities from the seller of protection.

        Credit default swaps are subject to the credit risk of the underlying issuer. If we are selling credit protection, there is a risk that we will not properly assess the risk of the underlying issuer, a credit event will occur and we will have to pay the counterparty. If we are buying credit protection, there is a risk that we will not properly assess the risk of the underlying issuer, no credit event will occur and we will receive no benefit for the premium paid.

        A derivative transaction is also subject to the risk that a counterparty will default on its payment obligations thereunder or that we will not be able to meet our obligations to the counterparty. In some cases, we may post collateral to secure our obligations to the counterparty, and we may be required to post additional collateral upon the occurrence of certain events such as a decrease in the value of the reference security or other asset. In some cases, the counterparty may not collateralize any of its obligations to us.

        Derivative investments effectively add leverage to a portfolio by providing investment exposure to a security or market without owning or taking physical custody of such security or investing directly in such market. In addition to the risks described above, such arrangements are subject to risks similar to those associated with the use of leverage. See "—Risks Related to Debt Financing."

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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, pending their future investment in new portfolio companies. These 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, net of prepayment fees, could negatively impact our return on equity.

Energy Company Risks

        Our investment policy is to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of Energy companies. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days' prior notice to holders of our common shares of any such change. The revenues, income (or losses) and valuations of Energy companies can fluctuate suddenly and dramatically due to a number of factors.

Because our investment policy is to invest at least 80% of our total assets in securities of Energy companies, our portfolio will not be well allocated among various industries.

        As there can be a correlation in the valuation of the securities in our portfolio, a decline in value of the securities of one company may be accompanied by a decline in the valuations of the securities of other companies within the Energy industry that we may hold in our portfolio. A decline in value of the securities of such issuers or a downturn in the Energy sector might have a more severe impact on us than on an entity that is more broadly allocated among various industries.

An increase or decrease in commodity supply or demand may adversely affect our business.

        A decrease in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal or other energy commodities, a decrease in the volume of such commodities available for transportation, mining, processing, storage or distribution, or a sustained decline in demand for such commodities may adversely impact the financial performance or prospects of Energy companies in which we may invest. Energy companies are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or coal production, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others.

An increase or decrease in commodity pricing may adversely affect our business.

        The return on our prospective investments in Energy companies will be dependent on the margins received by those companies for the exploration, development, production, gathering, transportation, processing, storing, refining, distribution, mining, generation or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or power. These margins may fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors including global and domestic economic conditions, weather conditions, natural disasters, the supply and price of imported energy commodities, the production and storage levels of energy commodities in certain regions or in the world, political instability, terrorist activities, transportation facilities, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation and taxation and the availability of local, intrastate and interstate transportation systems. Volatility of commodity prices may also make it more difficult for Energy companies in which we may invest to raise capital to the extent the market perceives that their performance may be directly or indirectly tied to commodity prices.

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Cyclicality within the Energy sector may adversely affect our business.

        Industries within the Energy sector are cyclical with fluctuations in commodity prices and demand for commodities driven by a variety of factors. The highly cyclical nature of the industries within the Energy sector may lead to volatile changes in commodity prices, which may adversely affect the earnings of Energy companies in which we may invest.

A prolonged continuation of depressed oil and natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on us.

        Depressed oil and natural gas prices would adversely affect the credit quality and performance of certain of our debt and equity investments in Energy companies. A decrease in credit quality and performance would, in turn, negatively affect the fair value of these investments, which would consequently negatively affect our net asset value. Should a prolonged period of depressed oil and natural gas prices occur, it is likely that our portfolio companies' abilities to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by us or other lenders will be adversely affected, thereby negatively impacting their financial condition and their ability to satisfy their debt service and other obligations to us. Likewise, should a prolonged period of depressed oil and natural gas prices occur, it is likely that our portfolio companies' cash flow and profit generating capacities would also be adversely affected thereby negatively impacting their ability to pay us dividends or distributions on certain of our investments.

Changes in international, foreign, federal, state or local government regulation may adversely affect our business.

        Energy companies are subject to significant international, foreign, federal, state and local government regulation, including how facilities are constructed, maintained and operated, environmental and safety controls, and the prices they may charge for the products and services they provide. Various governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including civil fines, injunctions or both. For example, many state and federal environmental laws provide for civil penalties as well as regulatory remediation, thus adding to the potential liability an Energy company may face. More extensive laws, regulations or enforcement policies could be enacted in the future which would likely increase compliance costs and may adversely affect the financial performance of Energy companies in which we may invest.

        In particular, changes to laws and increased regulations or enforcement policies as a result of oil spills may adversely affect the financial performance of Energy companies. Additionally, changes to laws and increased regulation or restrictions on the use of hydraulic fracturing may adversely impact the ability of Energy companies to economically develop oil and natural gas resources and, in turn, reduce production for such commodities. Any such changes or increased regulations or policies may adversely affect the performance of Energy companies in which we may invest.

Energy companies are subject to various operational risks.

        Energy companies are subject to various operational risks, such as disruption of operations, mining, drilling or installation accidents, inability to timely and effectively integrate newly acquired assets, unanticipated operation and maintenance expenses, lack of proper asset integrity, underestimated cost projections, inability to renew or increased costs of rights of way, failure to obtain the necessary permits to operate and failure of third-party contractors to perform their contractual obligations. Thus, some Energy companies may be subject to construction risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their specific business strategies.

Energy companies that focus on exploration and production are subject to numerous reserve and production related risks.

        Exploration and production businesses are subject to overstatement of the quantities of their reserves based upon any reserve estimates that prove to be inaccurate, the possibility that no commercially productive oil, natural gas or other energy reservoirs will be discovered as a result of drilling or other exploration activities, the curtailment, delay or cancellation of exploration activities as a result of unexpected conditions or miscalculations, title problems, pressure or irregularities in

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formations, equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions, compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements and cost of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs and other exploration equipment, and operational risks and hazards associated with the development of the underlying properties, including natural disasters, blowouts, explosions, fires, leakage of crude oil, natural gas or other resources, mechanical failures, cratering and pollution.

Competition between Energy companies may adversely affect our business.

        The Energy companies in which we may invest face substantial competition in acquiring assets, expanding or constructing assets and facilities, obtaining and retaining customers and contracts, securing trained personnel and operating their assets. Many of their competitors may have superior financial and other resources.

Inability by companies in which we may invest to make accretive acquisitions may adversely affect our business.

        The ability of Energy companies in which we may invest to grow and, where applicable, to increase dividends or distributions to their equity holders can be highly dependent on their ability to make acquisitions of infrastructure assets that result in an increase in free cash flow. In the event that such companies are unable to make such accretive acquisitions because they are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, because they are unable to raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or because they are outbid by competitors, their future growth and ability to make or raise dividends or distributions will be limited and their ability to repay their debt and make payments to preferred equity holders may be weakened. Furthermore, even if these companies do consummate acquisitions that they believe will be accretive, the acquisitions may instead result in a decrease in free cash flow.

A significant accident or event that is not fully insured could adversely affect the operations and financial condition of Energy companies in which we may invest.

        The operations of Energy companies in which we may invest are subject to many hazards inherent in the transporting, processing, storing, distributing, mining, generating or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, coal, refined products, power or other commodities, or in the exploring, managing or producing of such commodities, including: damage to pipelines, storage tanks, vessels or related equipment and surrounding properties caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires and other natural disasters or by acts of terrorism; inadvertent damage from construction or other equipment; leaks of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products or other commodities; and fires and explosions. Further, since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets and facilities, specifically U.S. pipeline infrastructure, may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment and pollution or other environmental damage and may result in the curtailment or suspension of their related operations. Not all Energy companies are fully insured against all risks inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect the Energy company's operations and financial condition. In addition, any increased governmental regulation to mitigate such risks (including regulations related to recent oil spills or hydraulic fracturing), could increase insurance premiums and other operating costs for Energy companies in which we may invest.

Energy reserves naturally deplete as they are produced over time and this may adversely affect our business.

        Energy reserves naturally deplete as they are produced over time. Many Energy companies are either engaged in the production of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or coal, or are engaged in transporting, storing, distributing and processing these items or their derivatives on behalf of shippers. To maintain or grow their revenues, these companies or their customers need to maintain or expand their reserves through exploration of new sources of supply, through the development of existing sources or through acquisitions. The financial performance of Energy companies in which we may invest may be adversely affected if they, or the companies to whom they provide services, are unable to cost-effectively acquire additional reserves sufficient to replace the depleted reserves. If an Energy company fails to add reserves by acquiring or developing them, its reserves and production will decline

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over time as the reserves are produced. If an Energy company is not able to raise capital on favorable terms, it may not be able to add to or maintain its reserves.

Infrastructure assets may be the future target of terrorist organizations.

        The terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, had a disruptive effect on the economy and the securities markets. United States military and related action in the Middle East and elsewhere could have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy and the stock market. Uncertainty surrounding military strikes or actions or a sustained military campaign may affect an Energy company's operations in unpredictable ways, including disruptions of fuel supplies and markets, and infrastructure assets could be direct targets, or indirect casualties, of an act of terror. The U.S. government has issued warnings that infrastructure assets, specifically the United States' pipeline infrastructure, may be the future target of terrorist organizations. In addition, changes in the insurance markets have made certain types of insurance more difficult, if not impossible, to obtain and have generally resulted in increased premium costs.

Certain Energy companies are dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their revenues and may be subject to affiliate party risk.

        Certain Energy companies in which we may invest are dependent on their parents or sponsors for a majority of their revenues. Any failure by an Energy company's parent or sponsor to satisfy its payments or obligations would impact the Energy company's revenues and cash flows and ability to make distributions.

Changing economic, regulatory and political conditions in some countries, including political and military conflicts, may adversely affect the businesses in which we invest.

        Changing economic, regulatory and political conditions in some countries, including political and military conflicts, have from time to time resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways, piracy, terrorism, labor strikes, boycotts and government inspections or requisitioning of vessels. These types of events could impact the delivery of commodities or impact pricing of commodities.

Risks Related to Our Investments in MLPs

        An investment in MLP units involves certain risks which differ from an investment in the common stock of a corporation. Holders of MLP units have limited control and voting rights on matters affecting the partnership. In addition, there are certain tax risks associated with an investment in MLP units. See "—Risks Related to U.S. Federal Income Tax."

An MLP's cash flow, and consequently its distributions, are subject to operational and general energy industry risks, which may result in disparate quarterly distributions.

        A portion of the cash flow received by us may be derived from investments in the equity securities of MLPs. The amount of cash that an MLP has available for distributions and the tax character of such distributions depend upon the amount of cash generated by the MLP's operations. Cash available for distribution will vary from quarter to quarter and is largely dependent on factors affecting the MLP's operations and factors affecting the Energy industry in general. In addition to the risk factors described above, other factors which may reduce the amount of cash an MLP has available for distribution in a given quarter include increased operating costs, maintenance capital expenditures, acquisition costs, expansion, construction or exploration costs and borrowing costs.

Investments in MLPs may have limited liquidity.

        Although common units of some MLPs may trade on public exchanges, certain of these securities may trade less frequently, particularly those with smaller capitalizations. Securities with limited trading volumes may display volatile or erratic price movements. As a result, these securities may be difficult to dispose of at a fair price at the times when we believe it is desirable to do so. These securities are also more difficult to value, and our judgment as to value will often be given greater weight than market quotations, if any exist. Investment of our capital in securities that are less actively-traded, or over time

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experience decreased trading volume, may restrict our ability to take advantage of other market opportunities. In addition, many MLP units are privately held.

Investments in MLPs are susceptible to interest rate fluctuation risks.

        Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. The yields of equity and debt securities of MLPs are susceptible in the short-term to fluctuations in interest rates and, like treasury bonds, the prices of these securities typically decline when interest rates rise. Accordingly, our net asset value may be impacted by an increase in interest rates. Further, rising interest rates could adversely impact the financial performance of MLPs in which we invest by increasing their costs of capital. This may reduce their ability to execute acquisitions or expansion projects in a cost-effective manner.

Investments in MLPs are subject to certain tax risks.

        MLPs are not subject to tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner is allocated a share of the MLP's income, gains, losses, deductions, and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the underlying business of a given MLP could result in the MLP being treated as a corporation for U.S. federal tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income. Such treatment also would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the affected MLP.

Our investments in MLPs may be subject to additional fees and expenses, including management and incentive fees, and, as a result, our investments in MLPs may achieve a lower rate of return than our other investments.

        MLPs are subject to additional fees, some of which are paid regardless of the performance of its assets. We will pay certain management fees to the adviser entity of any MLP in which we invest. FS Advisor will also earn its base management fee from us based on our gross assets, including our investment in any such MLP; therefore, we will be paying both FS Advisor's base management fee and any management fees charged by an MLP. As a result, our investment returns attributable to MLPs in which we invest may be lower than other investments we select. In addition, because the fees received by an MLP adviser are typically based on the managed assets of the MLP, including the proceeds of any leverage it may incur, the MLP adviser has a financial incentive to utilize leverage, which may create a conflict of interest between the MLP adviser and us as a shareholder in the MLP.

Risks Related to Debt Financing

We currently use borrowed funds to make investments and are exposed to the typical risks associated with leverage.

        Borrowings and other types of financing, also known as leverage, magnify the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested and, therefore, increases the risks associated with investing in our securities. Our and our special-purpose financing subsidiaries' lenders and debt holders have fixed dollar claims on our and their assets that are superior to the claims of our shareholders. If the value of our assets increases, then leverage would cause the net asset value to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, 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 leveraged. Similarly, any increase in our income in excess of consolidated interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net investment income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while any decrease in our income would cause net investment income to decline more sharply than it would have had we not borrowed. Such a decline could negatively affect our ability to make distributions to shareholders. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique.

The agreements governing our financing arrangements contain various covenants which, if not complied with, could accelerate repayment under the applicable arrangement, thereby materially and adversely affecting our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders.

        The agreements governing these financing arrangements contain various default provisions and operational covenants which, if triggered, could result in the termination of the respective financing

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arrangements and the acceleration of any amounts outstanding thereunder, which could require us or our subsidiaries to liquidate positions at a time and/or at a price which is disadvantageous to us. This could result in losses and impact our ability to meet our investment objectives and pay distributions to shareholders.

        Our or our subsidiaries' failure to comply with the covenants set forth in the financing arrangements could materially and adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and our ability to pay distributions to our shareholders. We cannot assure shareholders that we or our subsidiaries will be able to borrow funds under any such financing arrangements at any particular time or at all. See Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of the terms of our financing arrangements.

If we borrow money, the potential for gain or loss on amounts invested in us will be magnified and may increase the risk of investing in us.

        The use of borrowings, also known as leverage, increases the volatility of investments by magnifying the potential for gain or loss on invested equity capital. If we use leverage to partially finance our investments, through borrowing from banks and other lenders, shareholders will experience increased risks of investing in our common shares. If the value of our assets increases, leverage would cause the net asset value attributable to our common shares to increase more sharply than it would have had we not leveraged. Conversely, 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 leveraged. Similarly, any increase in our income in excess of interest payable on the borrowed funds would cause our net income to increase more than it would without the leverage, while 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 negatively affect our ability to make common share distribution payments. Leverage is generally considered a speculative investment technique. In addition, the decision to utilize leverage will increase our assets and, as a result, will increase the amount of base management fees payable to FS Advisor.

        Illustration.    The following table illustrates the effect of leverage on returns from an investment in our common shares 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. The calculation assumes (i) $4,269,312 in total average assets, (ii) a weighted average cost of funds of 5.10%, (iii) $1,320,000 in borrowings outstanding (i.e., assumes that the full $100,000 available to us as of December 31, 2017 under the financing arrangements with Barclays, BNP, Deutsche Bank, Fortress and Goldman, and (iv) $2,949,312 in average shareholders' equity. In order to compute the "Corresponding return to shareholders," the "Assumed Return on Our Portfolio (net of expenses)" is multiplied by the assumed total average assets to obtain an assumed return to us. From this amount, the interest expense is calculated by multiplying the assumed weighted average cost of funds times the assumed borrowings outstanding, and the product is subtracted from the assumed return to us in order to determine the return available to shareholders. The return available to shareholders is then divided by our shareholders' equity to determine the "Corresponding return to shareholders." Actual interest payments may be different.

        Similarly, assuming (i) approximately $4,269,312 in total average assets, (ii) a weighted average cost of funds of approximately 5.10% and (iii) $1,320,000 in borrowings outstanding (i.e., assumes that the full $100,000 available to us as of December 31, 2017 under the financing arrangements with Barclays, BNP, Deutsche Bank, Fortress and Goldman is outstanding, our assets would need to yield an annual return (net of expenses) of approximately 1.58% in order to cover the annual interest payments on our outstanding borrowings.

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Changes in interest rates may affect our cost of capital and net investment income.

        Because we intend to use debt to finance 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 periods of rising interest rates when we have debt outstanding, our cost of funds will 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. These techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. These activities may limit our ability to participate in the benefits of lower interest rates with respect to the hedged portfolio. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, we have limited experience in entering into hedging transactions, and we will initially have to develop such expertise or arrange for such expertise to be provided.

        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 FS Advisor with respect to pre-incentive fee net investment income.

Risks Related to U.S. Federal Income Tax

We will be subject to corporate-level income tax if we are unable to qualify as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code or to satisfy RIC distribution requirements.

        To qualify for and maintain RIC tax treatment under Subchapter M of the Code, we must meet the following annual distribution, income source and asset diversification requirements. See "Item 1. Business—Taxation as a RIC."

•

The Annual Distribution Requirement for RIC tax treatment will be satisfied if we distribute to our shareholders each tax year, dividends of an amount at least equal to the sum of 90% of our "investment company taxable income," which is generally the sum of our net ordinary income and realized net short-term capital gains in excess of realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid. Because we may use debt financing, we are subject to an asset coverage ratio requirement under the 1940 Act and may in the future become subject to certain financial covenants under loan and credit agreements that could, under certain circumstances, restrict us from making distributions necessary to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we could fail to qualify for RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.



•

The income source requirement will be satisfied if we obtain at least 90% of our gross income for each tax year from dividends, interest, gains from the sale of securities or similar sources.



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The asset diversification requirement will be satisfied if we meet certain asset diversification requirements at the end of each quarter of our tax year. To satisfy this requirement, at least 50% of the value of our assets must consist of cash, cash equivalents, U.S. government securities, securities of other RICs and other securities if such securities of any one issuer do not represent more than 5% of the value of our assets or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer; and no more than 25% of the value of our assets can be invested in the securities, other than U.S. government securities or securities of other RICs, of one issuer, of two or more issuers that are controlled, as determined under applicable Code rules, by us and that are engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses or of certain "qualified publicly traded partnerships." Failure to meet these requirements may result in our having to dispose of certain investments quickly in order to prevent the loss of RIC status. 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.

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        We must satisfy these tests on an ongoing basis in order to maintain RIC tax treatment, and may be required to make distributions to shareholders at times when it would be more advantageous to invest cash in our existing or other investments, or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution. Compliance with the RIC tax requirements may hinder our ability to operate solely on the basis of maximizing profits and the value of our shareholders' investments. If we fail to qualify for or maintain RIC tax treatment for any reason and are subject to corporate income tax, the resulting corporate taxes could substantially reduce our net assets, the amount of income available for distribution and the amount of our distributions.

Some of our investments may be subject to corporate-level income tax.

        We may invest in certain debt and equity investments through taxable subsidiaries and the taxable income of these taxable subsidiaries will be subject to federal and state corporate income taxes. We may invest in certain foreign debt and equity investments which could be subject to foreign taxes (such as income tax, withholding and value added taxes).

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 may be required to recognize taxable income in circumstances in which we do not receive a corresponding payment in cash. For example, our investments may include debt obligations that are treated under applicable tax rules as having original issue discount (such as debt instruments with PIK interest or, in certain cases, increasing interest rates or debt obligations that were issued with warrants). To the extent original issue discount or PIK interest constitutes a portion of our income, we must include in taxable income each tax year a portion of the original issue discount or PIK interest that accrues over the life of the instrument, regardless of whether cash representing such income is received by us in the same tax year. We may also have to include in income other amounts that we have not yet received in cash, such as deferred loan origination fees that are paid after origination of the loan or are paid in non-cash compensation such as warrants or stock. We anticipate that a portion of our income may constitute original issue discounts or other income required to be included in taxable income prior to receipt of cash. Further, we may elect to amortize market discounts and include such amounts in our taxable income in the current tax year, instead of upon disposition, as not making the election would limit our ability to deduct interest expenses for tax purposes.

        Because any original issue discount or other amounts accrued will be included in our investment company taxable income for the tax year of the accrual, we may be required to make a distribution to our shareholders in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement, even though we will not have received any corresponding cash amount. As a result, we may have difficulty meeting the Annual Distribution Requirement necessary to maintain RIC tax treatment under Subchapter M of the Code. 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 for this purpose. If we are not able to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for or maintain RIC tax treatment and thus become subject to corporate-level income tax.

We may be adversely affected if an MLP or other non-corporate business structure in which we invest is treated as a corporation, rather than a partnership, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        Our ability to meet our investment objectives will depend on the level of taxable income and distributions and dividends we receive from the MLPs and other Energy company securities in which we may invest, a factor over which we have no control. The benefit we derive from an investment in MLPs is largely dependent on the MLPs being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a partnership, an MLP has no tax liability at the entity level. If, as a result of a change in current law or a change in an MLP's business, an MLP is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such MLP would be obligated to pay U.S. federal income tax on its income at the corporate tax rate. If an MLP were classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of cash available for distribution would be reduced and distributions received by us would be taxed under U.S. federal income tax laws applicable to corporate distributions (as dividend income, return of capital or capital gain). Therefore, treatment of an MLP as a corporation for U.S. federal

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income tax purposes would result in a reduction in the after-tax return to us, likely causing a reduction in the value of our common shares. In addition, if we receive a Schedule K-1 from an MLP after having mailed a Form 1099-DIV to our shareholders, and our estimates with respect to the applicable MLP are determined to have been materially incorrect, we may be required to mail an amended Form 1099-DIV to our shareholders.

We may be adversely affected if an MLP or other non-corporate business structure in which we invest is unable to take advantage of certain tax deductions for U.S. federal income tax purposes and our income from investments in MLPs may exceed the cash received from such investments.

        As a limited partner in the MLPs in which we seek to invest, we will receive our share of income, gains, losses, deductions and credits from those MLPs. Historically, a significant portion of income from MLPs has been offset by tax deductions. As a result, this income has been significantly lower than cash distributions paid by MLPs. We will incur a current tax liability on our share of an MLP's income and gains that is not offset by tax deductions, losses, and credits, or our net operating loss carryforwards, if any. The percentage of an MLP's income and gains which is offset by tax deductions, losses, and credits will fluctuate over time for various reasons. A significant slowdown in acquisition activity or capital spending by MLPs held in our portfolio could result in a reduction of accelerated depreciation generated by new acquisitions, which may result in an increase in our net ordinary income that we are required to distribute to shareholders to maintain our status as a RIC and to eliminate our liability for U.S. federal income tax. If our income from our investments in MLPs exceeds the cash distributions received from such investments, we may need to obtain cash from other sources in order to satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement. If we are unable to obtain cash from other sources, we may fail to qualify for or maintain RIC tax treatment and become subject to corporate-level federal income tax. We may also recognize gain in excess of cash proceeds upon the sale of an interest in an MLP. Any such gain may need to be distributed or deemed distributed in order to avoid liability for corporate-level federal income taxes on such gain.

Our portfolio investments may present special tax issues.

        Investments in below-investment grade debt instruments and certain equity securities may present special tax issues for us. U.S. federal income tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when we may cease to accrue interest, original issue discount or market discount, when and to what extent deductions may be taken for bad debts or worthless debt in equity securities, how payments received on obligations in default should be allocated between principal and interest income, as well as whether exchanges of debt instruments in a bankruptcy or workout context are taxable. Such matters could cause us to recognize taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, even in the absence of cash or economic gain, and require us to make taxable distributions to our shareholders to maintain our RIC status or preclude the imposition of either U.S. federal corporate income or excise taxation. Additionally, because such taxable income may not be matched by corresponding cash received by us, we may be required to borrow money or dispose of other investments to be able to make distributions to our shareholders. These and other issues will be considered by us, to the extent determined necessary, in order that we minimize the level of any U.S. federal income or excise tax that we would otherwise incur. See "Item 1. Business—Taxation as a RIC."

Legislative or regulatory tax changes could adversely affect investors.

        At any time, the federal income tax laws governing RICs or the administrative interpretations of those laws or regulations may be amended. Any of those new laws, regulations or interpretations may take effect retroactively and could adversely affect the taxation of us or our shareholders. Therefore, changes in tax laws, regulations or administrative interpretations or any amendments thereto could diminish the value of an investment in our shares or the value or the resale potential of our investments. In particular, on December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. This tax legislation lowers the general corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, makes changes regarding the use of net operating losses, repeals the corporate alternative minimum tax and makes significant changes with respect to the U.S. international tax rules. In addition, the legislation generally requires a holder that uses the accrual method of accounting for U.S. tax purposes to include certain amounts in income no later than the time such amounts are reflected on certain financial

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statements, which therefore if applicable would require us to accrue income earlier than under prior law, although the precise application of this rule is un-clear at this time. The legislation also limits the amount or value of interest deductions of borrowers and in that way may potentially affect the loan market and our and our portfolio companies' use of leverage. For individual taxpayers, the legislation reduces the maximum individual income tax rate and eliminates the deductibility of miscellaneous itemized deductions for taxable years 2018 through 2025. The impact of this new legislation is uncertain.

Risks Related to an Investment in Our Common Shares

Our common shares are not listed on an exchange or quoted through a quotation system, and will not be for the foreseeable future, if ever. Therefore, shareholders will have limited liquidity and may not receive a full return of invested capital upon selling common shares.

        Our common shares are illiquid assets for which there is not a secondary market and it is not expected that any will develop in the foreseeable future. There can be no assurance that we will complete a liquidity event. A liquidity event could include (1) a listing of our common shares on a national securities exchange, (2) the sale of all or substantially all of our assets either on a complete portfolio basis or individually followed by a liquidation or (3) a merger or another transaction approved by our board of trustees in which our shareholders likely will receive cash or shares of a publicly-traded company, including potentially a company that is an affiliate of us.

        In addition, any shares repurchased pursuant to our share repurchase program may be purchased at a price which may reflect a discount from the purchase price a shareholder paid for the common shares being repurchased. If our common shares are listed, we cannot assure shareholders that a public trading market will develop. In addition, a liquidity event involving a listing of our common shares on a national securities exchange may include certain restrictions on the ability of shareholders to sell their common shares. Further, even if we do complete a liquidity event, shareholders may not receive a return of all of their invested capital.

        See "Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities—Share Repurchase Program and Distributions" for a detailed description of our share repurchase program.

We are not obligated to complete a liquidity event by a specified date; therefore, it will be difficult for an investor to sell his or her common shares.

        A liquidity event could include (1) a listing of our common shares on a national securities exchange, (2) the sale of all or substantially all of our assets either on a complete portfolio basis or individually followed by a liquidation, or (3) a merger or another transaction approved by our board of trustees in which our shareholders likely will receive cash or shares of a publicly-traded company, including potentially a company that is an affiliate of us. However, there can be no assurance that we will complete a liquidity event by a specified date or at all. If we do not successfully complete a liquidity event, liquidity for an investor's common shares will be limited to our share repurchase program, which we have no obligation to maintain.

Only a limited number of common shares may be repurchased pursuant to our share repurchase program and, to the extent shareholders are able to sell their common shares under our share repurchase program, shareholders may not be able to recover the amount of their investment in those shares.

        Our share repurchase program includes numerous restrictions that limit shareholders' ability to sell their common shares. We intend to limit the number of common shares repurchased pursuant to our share repurchase program as follows: (1) we currently intend to limit the number of common shares to be repurchased during any calendar year to the number of common shares we can repurchase with the proceeds we receive from the issuance of our common shares under our distribution reinvestment plan, although at the discretion of our board of trustees, we may also use cash on hand, cash available from borrowings and cash from the liquidation of securities investments as of the end of the applicable period to repurchase common shares; (2) we intend to limit the number of common shares to be repurchased in any calendar year to 10% of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the prior calendar year, or 2.5% in each calendar quarter (though the actual number of

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common shares that we offer to repurchase may be less in light of the limitations noted above); (3) unless shareholders tender all of their common shares, shareholders must tender at least 25% of the number of common shares they have purchased and generally must maintain a minimum balance of $5,000 subsequent to submitting a portion of their common shares for repurchase by us; and (4) to the extent that the number of common shares tendered for repurchase exceeds the number of common shares that we are able to repurchase, we will repurchase common shares on a pro rata basis, not on a first-come, first-served basis. Further, we will have no obligation to repurchase common shares if the repurchase would violate the restrictions on distributions under federal law or Delaware law, which prohibits distributions that would cause a trust to fail to meet statutory tests of solvency. Any of the foregoing limitations may prevent us from accommodating all repurchase requests made in any year.

        In addition, our board of trustees may amend, suspend or terminate the share repurchase program upon 30 days' notice. We will notify shareholders of such developments (1) in our quarterly reports or (2) by means of a separate mailing to shareholders, accompanied by disclosure in a current or periodic report under the Exchange Act. In addition, although we have adopted a share repurchase program, we have discretion to not repurchase common shares, to suspend the share repurchase program and to cease repurchases. Further, the share repurchase program has many limitations and should not be relied upon as a method to sell common shares promptly or at a desired price.

Our distribution proceeds may exceed our earnings. Therefore, portions of the distributions that we make may represent a return of capital to shareholders for tax purposes, which will lower their tax basis in their shares.

        We may pay all or a substantial portion of our distributions from sources that may constitute a return of shareholders' capital and will lower such shareholders' tax basis in their shares. A return of capital generally is a return of a shareholder's investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from our investment activities.

We may pay distributions from borrowings or the sale of assets to the extent our cash flows from operations, net investment income or earnings are not sufficient to fund declared distributions.

        We may fund distributions from the uninvested proceeds of our continuous public offering and borrowings, and we have not established limits on the amount of funds we may use from such sources to make any such distributions. We have paid and may continue to pay distributions from the sale of assets to the extent distributions exceed our earnings or cash flows from operations.

The timing of our repurchase offers pursuant to our share repurchase program may be at a time that is disadvantageous to our shareholders.

        When we make quarterly repurchase offers pursuant to our share repurchase program, we may offer to repurchase common shares at a price that is lower than the price that investors paid for common shares in our offering. As a result, to the extent investors have the ability to sell their common shares to us as part of our share repurchase program, the price at which an investor may sell common shares may be lower than what an investor paid in connection with the purchase of common shares in our offering.

        In addition, in the event an investor chooses to participate in our share repurchase program, the investor will be required to provide us with notice of intent to participate prior to knowing what the repurchase price will be on the repurchase date. Although an investor will have the ability to withdraw a repurchase request prior to the expiration date of such tender offer, to the extent an investor seeks to sell common shares to us as part of our share repurchase program, the investor will be required to do so without knowledge of what the repurchase price of our common shares will be on the repurchase date.

A shareholder's interest in us will be diluted if we issue additional common shares, which could reduce the overall value of an investment in us.

        Our investors do not have preemptive rights to any common shares we issue in the future. Our declaration of trust authorizes us to issue 700,000,000 common shares. Pursuant to our declaration of trust, a majority of our entire board of trustees may amend our declaration of trust to increase the number of authorized common shares without shareholder approval. After an investor purchases

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common shares, our board of trustees may elect to sell additional common shares in the future, issue equity interests in private offerings or issue share-based awards to our independent trustees or employees of FS Advisor. To the extent we issue additional equity interests after an investor purchases our common shares, an investor's percentage ownership interest in us will be diluted. In addition, depending upon the terms and pricing of any additional offerings and the value of our investments, an investor may also experience dilution in the book value and fair value of their common shares.

Certain provisions of our declaration of trust and bylaws could deter takeover attempts and have an adverse impact on the value of our common shares.

        Our declaration of trust and bylaws, as well as certain statutory and regulatory requirements, contain certain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire us. Our board of trustees may, without shareholder action, authorize the issuance of shares in one or more classes or series, including preferred shares; and our board of trustees may, without shareholder action, amend our declaration of trust to increase the number of our common shares, of any class or series, that we have authority to issue. In addition, a trustee may be removed only by vote of at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast. These anti-takeover provisions may inhibit a change of control in circumstances that could give the holders of our common shares the opportunity to realize a premium over the value of our common shares.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

        Not applicable.

Item 2.    Properties.

        We do not own any real estate or other physical properties materially important to our operation. Our headquarters are located at 201 Rouse Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19112. We believe that our office facilities are suitable and adequate for our business as it is presently conducted.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

        We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings, and, to our knowledge, no material legal proceedings are threatened against us. From time to time, we may be party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of our rights under contracts with our portfolio companies. While the outcome of any legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect that any such proceedings will have a material effect upon our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures.

        Not applicable.

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PART II

        Many of the amounts and percentages presented in Part II have been rounded for convenience of presentation and all dollar amounts, excluding per share amounts, are presented in thousands unless otherwise noted.

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information

        There is currently no market for our common shares, and we do not expect that a market for our common shares will develop in the foreseeable future. In November 2016, we closed our continuous public offering of common shares to new investors. Following the closing of our continuous public offering, we have continued to issue shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.

        Set forth below is a chart describing the classes of our securities outstanding as of March 7, 2018:

        As of March 7, 2018, we had 89,039 record holders of our common shares.

Share Repurchase Program and Distributions

        We intend to continue to conduct quarterly tender offers pursuant to our share repurchase program.

        The following table provides information concerning our repurchases of common shares pursuant to our share repurchase program during the quarter ended December 31, 2017:

        Subject to applicable legal restrictions and the sole discretion of our board of trustees, we intend to declare and pay regular cash distributions on a monthly basis. We will calculate each shareholder's specific distribution amount for the period using record and declaration dates and each shareholder's distributions will begin to accrue on the date that common shares are issued to such shareholder. From time to time, we may also pay special interim distributions in the form of cash or common shares at the

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discretion of our board of trustees. The timing and amount of any future distributions to shareholders are subject to applicable legal restrictions and the sole discretion of our board of trustees.

        The following table reflects the cash distributions per share that we have declared and paid on our common shares during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

        See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—RIC Tax Treatment and Distributions and Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our distributions and our distribution reinvestment plan, including certain related tax considerations as well as a detailed discussion of the expense reimbursement agreement, including amounts reimbursed to us by FS Investments thereunder and the repayment of such amounts to FS Investments.

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Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

        The following selected consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is derived from our consolidated financial statements which have been audited by RSM US LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. The data should be read in conjunction with "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

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Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
                              (in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Forward-Looking Statements

        Some of the statements in this annual report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements because they relate to future events or our future performance or financial condition. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K may include statements as to:

•

our future operating results;



•

our business prospects and the prospects of the companies in which we may invest;



•

the impact of the investments that we expect to make;



•

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;



•

our current and expected financing arrangements and investments;



•

changes in the general interest rate environment;



•

the adequacy of our cash resources, financing sources and working capital;



•

the timing and amount of cash flows, distributions and dividends, if any, from our portfolio companies;



•

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;



•

actual and potential conflicts of interest with other funds in the Fund Complex and their respective investment advisers and sub-advisers, GSO, EIG, FS/EIG Advisor or any of their affiliates;



•

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



•

our use of financial leverage;



•

the ability of FS Advisor to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments;



•

the ability of FS Advisor or its affiliates to attract and retain highly talented professionals;



•

our ability to maintain our qualification as a RIC and as a BDC;



•

the impact on our business of the Dodd-Frank Act and the rules and regulations issued thereunder;



•

the effect of changes to tax legislation and our tax position; and



•

the tax status of the enterprises in which we may invest;

        In addition, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect" and "intend" indicate a forward-looking statement, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements for any reason, including the factors set forth in "Item 1A. Risk Factors." Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include:

•

changes in the economy;



•

risks associated with possible disruption in our operations or the economy generally due to terrorism or natural disasters; and



•

future changes in laws or regulations and conditions in our operating areas;

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•

failure to obtain requisite shareholder approval of the joint advisor investment advisory agreement;



•

failure or inability to obtain the EIG exemptive relief; and



•

failure to consummate the transactions contemplated by the master agreement.

        We have based the forward-looking statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K on information available to us on the date of this annual report on Form 10-K. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Shareholders are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to shareholders or through reports that we may file in the future with the SEC, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements and projections contained in this annual report on Form 10-K are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act.

Overview

        We were formed as a Delaware statutory trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act on September 16, 2010 and formally commenced investment operations on July 18, 2011 upon raising gross proceeds in excess of $2,500 from sales of our common shares in our continuous public offering to persons who were not affiliated with us or FS Advisor. We are an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be regulated as a BDC under the 1940 Act and has elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. Prior to satisfying the minimum offering requirement, we had no operations except for matters relating to our organization. In November 2016, we closed our continuous public offering of common shares to new investors.

        Our investment activities are managed by FS Advisor and supervised by our board of trustees, a majority of whom are independent. Under our investment advisory and administrative services agreement, we have agreed to pay FS Advisor an annual base management fee based on our gross assets as well as incentive fees based on our performance. FS Advisor engaged GSO to act as our investment sub-adviser. GSO currently assists FS Advisor in identifying investment opportunities and makes investment recommendations for approval by FS Advisor according to guidelines set by FS Advisor.

        Our investment policy is to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of Energy companies. This investment policy may not be changed without at least 60 days' prior notice to holders of our common shares of any such change.

        As we previously announced on December 11, 2017, GSO intends to resign as our investment sub-adviser and terminate the investment sub-advisory agreement effective as of the GSO end date. In connection with GSO's resignation as our investment sub-adviser, FS Advisor and its affiliates and EIG desire to enter into a relationship whereby FS Advisor and EIG will jointly provide management, investment advisory and administrative services to us through FS/EIG Advisor. See "—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

        Our investment objective is to generate current income and long-term capital appreciation. We have identified and intend to focus on the following investment categories, which we believe will allow us to generate an attractive total return with an acceptable level of risk.

        Direct Originations:    We intend to leverage our relationships and, currently, our relationship with GSO and its global sourcing and origination platform, including its industry relationships, to directly source investment opportunities. Such investments are originated or structured for us or made by us and are not generally available to the broader market. These investments may include both debt and equity components, although we do not expect to make equity investments (other than income-oriented equity investments) independent of having an existing credit relationship. We believe directly originated investments may offer higher returns and more favorable protections than broadly syndicated transactions.

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        Opportunistic:    We seek to capitalize on market price inefficiencies by investing in loans, bonds and other securities where the market price of such investment reflects a lower value than deemed warranted by our fundamental analysis. We believe that market price inefficiencies may occur due to, among other things, general dislocations in the markets, a misunderstanding by the market of a particular company or an Energy industry sub-sector being out of favor with the broader investment community. We seek to allocate capital to these securities that have been misunderstood or mispriced by the market and where we believe there is an opportunity to earn an attractive return on our investment. Such opportunities may include both event driven investments and anchor orders.

        In the case of event driven investments, we intend to take advantage of dislocations that arise in the markets due to an impending event and where the market's apparent expectation of value differs substantially from our fundamental analysis. Such events may include a looming debt maturity or default, a merger, spin-off or other corporate reorganization, an adverse regulatory or legal ruling, or a material contract expiration, any of which may significantly improve or impair a company's financial position. Compared to other investment strategies, event driven investing depends more heavily on our ability to successfully predict the outcome of an individual event rather than on underlying macroeconomic fundamentals. As a result, successful event driven strategies may offer both substantial diversification benefits and the ability to generate performance in uncertain market environments.

        We may also invest in certain opportunities that are originated and then syndicated by a commercial or investment bank but where we provide a capital commitment significantly above the average syndicate participant, i.e., an anchor order. In these types of investments, we may receive fees, preferential pricing or other benefits not available to other lenders in return for our significant capital commitment. Our decision to provide an anchor order to a syndicated transaction is predicated on a rigorous credit analysis, our familiarity with a particular company, Energy industry sub-sector or financial sponsor, and the broader investment experiences of FS Advisor and GSO.

        Broadly Syndicated/Other:    Although our primary focus is to invest in directly originated transactions and opportunistic investments, in certain circumstances we will also invest in the broadly syndicated loan and high yield markets. Broadly syndicated loans and bonds are generally more liquid than our directly originated investments and provide a complement to our less liquid strategies. In addition, and because we typically receive more attractive financing terms on these positions than we do on our less liquid assets, we are able to leverage the broadly syndicated portion of our portfolio in such a way that maximizes the levered return potential of our portfolio.

        Our portfolio is comprised primarily of income-oriented securities, which refers to debt securities and income-oriented preferred and common equity interests, of privately-held Energy companies within the United States. We intend to weight our portfolio towards senior and subordinated debt. In addition to investments purchased from dealers or other investors in the secondary market, we expect to invest in primary market transactions and directly originated investments as this will provide us with the ability to tailor investments to best match a project's or company's needs with our investment objectives. Our portfolio may also be comprised of select income-oriented preferred or common equity interests, which refers to equity interests that pay consistent, high-yielding dividends, that we believe will produce both current income and long-term capital appreciation. These income-oriented preferred or common equity interests may include interests in master limited partnerships. In connection with certain of our debt investments or any restructuring of these debt investments, we may on occasion receive equity interests, including warrants or options, as additional consideration or otherwise in connection with a restructuring.

Revenues

        The principal measure of our financial performance is net increase or decrease in net assets resulting from operations, which includes net investment income, net realized gain or loss on investments, net realized gain or loss on foreign currency, net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments and net change in unrealized gain or loss on foreign currency. Net investment income is the difference between our income from interest, dividends, fees and other investment income and our operating and other expenses. Net realized gain or loss on investments is the difference between the proceeds received from dispositions of portfolio investments and their amortized cost, including the respective realized gain or loss on foreign currency for those foreign

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denominated investment transactions. Net realized gain or loss on foreign currency is the portion of realized gain or loss attributable to foreign currency fluctuations. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments is the net change in the fair value of our investment portfolio, including the respective unrealized gain or loss on foreign currency for those foreign denominated investments. Net change in unrealized gain or loss on foreign currency is the net change in the value of receivables or accruals due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.

        We principally generate revenues in the form of interest income on the debt investments we hold. We also generate revenues in the form of dividends and other distributions on the equity or other securities we may hold. In addition, we may generate revenues in the form of non-recurring commitment, closing, origination, structuring or diligence fees, fees for providing managerial assistance, consulting fees, prepayment fees and performance-based fees.

Expenses

        Our primary operating expenses include the payment of advisory fees and other expenses under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, interest expense from financing arrangements and other expenses necessary for our operations. Our investment advisory fee compensates FS Advisor for its work in identifying, evaluating, negotiating, executing, monitoring and servicing our investments. FS Advisor is responsible for compensating our investment sub-adviser.

        We reimburse FS Advisor for expenses necessary to perform services related to our administration and operations, including FS Advisor's allocable portion of the compensation and related expenses of certain personnel of FS Investments providing administrative services to us on behalf of FS Advisor. Such services include the provision of general ledger accounting, fund accounting, legal services, investor relations, certain government and regulatory affairs activities, and other administrative services. FS Advisor also performs, or oversees the performance of, our corporate operations and required administrative services, which includes being responsible for the financial records that we are required to maintain and preparing reports for our shareholders and reports filed with the SEC. In addition, FS Advisor assists us in calculating our net asset value, overseeing the preparation and filing of tax returns and the printing and dissemination of reports to our shareholders, and generally overseeing the payment of our expenses and the performance of administrative and professional services rendered to us by others.

        The amount of the reimbursement payable to FS Advisor is set at the lesser of (1) FS Advisor's actual costs incurred in providing such services and (2) the amount that we estimate we would be required to pay alternative service providers for comparable services in the same geographic location. FS Advisor is required to allocate the cost of such services to us based on factors such as assets, revenues, time allocations and/or other reasonable metrics. Our board of trustees reviews the methodology employed in determining how the expenses are allocated to us and the proposed allocation of the administrative expenses among us and certain affiliates of FS Advisor. Our board of trustees then assesses the reasonableness of such reimbursements for expenses allocated to us based on the breadth, depth and quality of such services as compared to the estimated cost to us of obtaining similar services from third-party service providers known to be available. In addition, our board of trustees considers whether any single third-party service provider would be capable of providing all such services at comparable cost and quality. Finally, our board of trustees, among other things, compares the total amount paid to FS Advisor for such services as a percentage of our net assets to the same ratio as reported by other comparable BDCs. We do not reimburse FS Advisor for any services for which it receives a separate fee, or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of FS Advisor.

        We bear all other expenses of our operations and transactions, including (without limitation) fees and expenses relating to:

•

corporate and organization expenses relating to offerings of our common shares, subject to limitations included in the investment advisory and administrative services agreement;



•

the cost of calculating our net asset value, including the cost of any third-party pricing or valuation services;



•

the cost of effecting sales and repurchases of our common shares and other securities;

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•

investment advisory fees;



•

fees payable to third parties relating to, or associated with, making investments and valuing investments, including fees and expenses associated with performing due diligence reviews of prospective investments;



•

interest payments on our debt or related obligations;



•

transfer agent and custodial fees;



•

research and market data (including news and quotation equipment and services, and any computer hardware and connectivity hardware (e.g. telephone and fiber optic lines) incorporated into the cost of obtaining such research and market data);



•

fees and expenses associated with marketing efforts;



•

federal and state registration fees;



•

federal, state and local taxes;



•

annual fees of the Delaware trustee;



•

fees and expenses of our trustees not also serving in an executive officer capacity for us or FS Advisor;



•

costs of proxy statements, shareholders' reports and notices and other filings;



•

our fidelity bond, trustees and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance and other insurance premiums;



•

direct costs such as printing, mailing, long distance telephone and staff;



•

fees and expenses associated with accounting, corporate governance, government and regulatory affairs activities, independent audits and outside legal costs;



•

costs associated with our reporting and compliance obligations under the 1940 Act and applicable federal and state securities laws, including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;



•

brokerage commissions for our investments;



•

costs associated with our chief compliance officer; and



•

all other expenses incurred by FS Advisor, GSO or us in connection with administering our business, including expenses incurred by FS Advisor or GSO in performing administrative services for us and administrative personnel paid by FS Advisor or GSO, to the extent they are not controlling persons of FS Advisor, GSO or any of their respective affiliates, subject to the limitations included in the investment advisory and administrative services agreement.

        In addition, we have contracted with State Street to provide various accounting and administrative services, including, but not limited to, preparing preliminary financial information for review by FS Advisor, preparing and monitoring expense budgets, maintaining accounting and corporate books and records, processing trade information provided by us and performing testing with respect to RIC compliance.

        For information regarding our expense reimbursement arrangement with FS Investments, see Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K.

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Portfolio Investment Activity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

Total Portfolio Activity

        The following tables present certain selected information regarding our portfolio investment activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

        The following table summarizes the composition of our investment portfolio at cost and fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

        The following table presents certain selected information regarding the composition of our investment portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

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        Based on our regular monthly cash distribution rate of $0.059042 per share as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the price at which we issued shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan of $6.70 and $7.70, respectively, per share, the annualized distribution rate to shareholders as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 10.57% and 9.20%, respectively. The distribution rate to shareholders may include income, realized capital gains and a return of investors' capital. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, our total return was (3.65)% and 29.53%, respectively, and our total return without assuming reinvestment of distributions was (3.29)% and 28.00%, respectively. On January 2, 2018, our board of trustees reduced the regular monthly cash distribution amount to $0.041667 per share to be paid to shareholders of record for January 2018 through March 2018. Based on a distribution amount of $0.041667 per share, and the price at which we last issued shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan of $6.70 per share, the annualized distribution rate to shareholders as of February 28, 2018 was 7.46%.

        Our estimated gross portfolio yield and annualized distribution rate to shareholders do not represent actual investment returns to shareholders. Our gross annual portfolio yield and distribution rate to shareholders are subject to change and in the future may be greater or less than the rates set forth above. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. See footnote 6 to the financial highlights table included in Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for information regarding the calculations of our total returns.

Direct Originations

        The following tables present certain selected information regarding our direct originations for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017:

 

 

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        The following table presents certain selected information regarding our direct originations as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

Portfolio Composition by Strategy

        The table below summarizes the composition of our investment portfolio by strategy and enumerates the percentage, by fair value, of the total portfolio assets in such strategies as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

        See Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the composition of our investment portfolio by industry classification.

Portfolio Asset Quality

        In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, FS Advisor uses an investment rating system to characterize and monitor the expected level of returns on each investment in our portfolio. FS Advisor uses an investment rating scale of 1 to 5. The following is a description of the conditions associated with each investment rating:

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        The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment rating scale at fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

        The amount of the portfolio in each grading category may vary substantially from period to period resulting primarily from changes in the composition of the portfolio as a result of new investment, repayment and exit activities. In addition, changes in the grade of investments may be made to reflect our expectation of performance and changes in investment values.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Revenues

        Our investment income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

        The level of investment income we receive is directly related to the balance of income-producing investments multiplied by the weighted average yield of our investments. We expect the dollar amount of interest and any dividend income that we earn to increase if the size of our investment portfolio increases and the proportion of directly originated investments in our portfolio increases.

        Fee income is transaction based, and typically consists of amendment and consent fees, prepayment fees, structuring fees, upfront fees and other non-recurring fees. As such, future fee income is generally dependent on new direct origination investments and the occurrence of events at existing portfolio companies resulting in such fees.

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Expenses

        Our operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

        Incentive fees and interest expense, among other things, may increase or decrease our expense ratios relative to comparative periods depending on portfolio performance and changes in benchmark interest rates such as LIBOR, among other factors.

Expense Reimbursement

        During the year ended December 31, 2017, we accrued $31,260 for expense reimbursements that FS Investments has agreed to pay. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we offset $14,816 in management fees payable and $10,499 in subordinated income incentive fees payable by us to FS Advisor. During the three months ended December 31, 2017, we accrued $5,945 for expense reimbursements that we intend to apply towards an offset in management fees payable by us to FS Advisor. Under the expense reimbursement agreement, amounts reimbursed to us by FS Investments may become subject to repayment by us in future periods. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid $2,858 in expense recoupments to FS Investments or its affiliates. During

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the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we did not accrue any expense reimbursements that FS Investments has agreed to pay or pay any amounts in expense recoupments to FS Investments or its affiliates. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the expense reimbursement agreement.

Net Investment Income

        Our net investment income totaled $286,574 ($0.65 per share), $231,647 ($0.57 per share) and $227,595 ($0.67 per share) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Net Realized Gains or Losses

        Our net realized gains (losses) on investments and foreign currency for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

        Our net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and foreign currency for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

        During the year ended December 31, 2017, the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on our investments was primarily driven by the performance of our directly originated investments. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on our investments was primarily driven by a general improvement in the energy markets, a tightening of credit spreads and the performance of our anchor order and broadly syndicated investments. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on our investments was primarily driven by a general widening of credit spreads in Energy markets and by the performance of our directly originated and opportunistic investments.

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

        For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations was $(112,970) ($(0.26) per share), $752,584 ($1.84 per share) and $(511,299) ($(1.51) per share), respectively.

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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

        As of December 31, 2017, we had $195,376 in cash, which we or our wholly-owned financing subsidiaries held in custodial accounts, and $100,000 in borrowings available under our financing arrangements, subject to borrowing base and other limitations. To seek to enhance our returns, we employ leverage as market conditions permit and at the discretion of FS Advisor, but in no event may leverage employed exceed 50% of the value of our assets, as required by the 1940 Act. See "—Financing Arrangements." As of December 31, 2017, we also had broadly syndicated investments and opportunistic investments that could be sold to create additional liquidity. As of December 31, 2017, we had four senior secured loan investments with aggregate unfunded commitments of $90,662 and two equity/other investments with aggregate unfunded commitments of $8,751. We maintain sufficient cash on hand, available borrowings and liquid securities to fund such unfunded commitments should the need arise.

Public Offering of Shares, Distribution Reinvestment Plan and Share Repurchase Program

        In November 2016, we closed our continuous public offering of common shares to new investors. Following the closing of our continuous public offering, we will continue to issue shares pursuant to our distribution reinvestment plan.

        We generate cash primarily from the issuance of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan and from cash flows from fees, interest and dividends earned from our investments as well as principal repayments and proceeds from sales of our investments. To seek to enhance our returns, we also employ leverage as market conditions permit and at the discretion of FS Advisor, but in no event will leverage employed exceed 50% of the value of our assets, as required by the 1940 Act. See "—Financing Arrangements."

        Prior to investing in securities of portfolio companies, we invest the net proceeds from the issuance of shares under our distribution reinvestment plan as well as from sales and paydowns of existing investments primarily in cash, cash equivalents, including money market funds, U.S. government securities, repurchase agreements and high-quality debt instruments maturing in one year or less from the time of investment, consistent with our BDC election and our election to be taxed as a RIC.

        For additional information regarding our continuous public offering, distribution reinvestment plan and share repurchase program, see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Financing Arrangements

        We borrow funds to make investments to the extent we determine that additional capital would allow us to take advantage of additional investment opportunities, the market for debt financing presents attractively priced debt financing opportunities and our board of trustees determines that leveraging our portfolio would be in our best interests and the best interests of our shareholders. We do not currently anticipate issuing any preferred shares.

        The following table presents a summary of information with respect to our outstanding financing arrangements as of December 31, 2017:

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        For additional information regarding our financing arrangements, see Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K.

RIC Tax Treatment and Distributions

        We have elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intend to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. As a RIC, we generally do not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that we distribute as dividends to our shareholders. To maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. In addition, in order to maintain RIC tax treatment, we must distribute to our shareholders, for each tax year, dividends generally of an amount at least equal to 90% of our "investment company taxable income," which is generally the sum of our net ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regard to any deduction for dividends paid. In addition, we may, in certain cases, satisfy the Annual Distribution Requirement by distributing dividends relating to a tax year after the close of such tax year under the "spillover dividend" provisions of Subchapter M of the Code. If we distribute a spillover dividend, such dividend will be included in a shareholder's gross income for the tax year in which the spillover distribution is paid. We intend to make sufficient distributions to our shareholders to maintain our RIC tax treatment each tax year. We will also be subject to nondeductible U.S. federal excise taxes on certain undistributed income unless we distribute in a timely manner to our shareholders of an amount at least equal to the sum of (1) 98% of our net ordinary taxable income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income, which is the excess of capital gains over capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses), for the one-year period ending October 31 of that calendar year and (3) any ordinary income and capital gain net income for the preceding years that were not distributed during such years and on which we paid no U.S. federal income tax. Any distribution declared by us during October, November or December of any calendar year, payable to our shareholders of record on a specified date in such a month and actually paid during January of the following calendar year, will be treated as if it had been paid by us, as well as received by our U.S. shareholders, on December 31 of the calendar year in which the distribution was declared.

        Prior to the closing of our continuous public offering in November 2016, we declared regular cash distributions on a weekly basis, and paid such distributions on a monthly basis. Subject to applicable legal restrictions and the sole discretion of our board of trustees, we intend to declare and pay regular cash distributions on a monthly basis. We will calculate each shareholder's specific distribution amount for the period using record and declaration dates and each shareholder's distributions will begin to accrue on the date that common shares are issued to such shareholder. From time to time, we may also pay special interim distributions in the form of cash or common shares at the discretion of our board of trustees. The timing and amount of any future distributions to shareholders are subject to applicable legal restrictions and the sole discretion of our board of trustees.

        During certain periods, our distributions may exceed our earnings. As a result, it is possible that a portion of the distributions we make will represent a return of capital. A return of capital generally is a return of an investor's investment rather than a return of earnings or gains derived from our investment activities and will be made after deducting the fees and expenses payable in connection with our continuous public offering, including any fees payable to FS Advisor. Moreover, a return of capital will generally not be taxable, but will reduce each shareholder's cost basis in our common shares, and will result in a higher reported capital gain or lower reported capital loss when the common shares on which such return of capital was received are sold. Each year a statement on Form 1099-DIV identifying the sources of the distributions will be mailed to our shareholders.

        We intend to continue to make our regular distributions in the form of cash, out of assets legally available for distribution, unless shareholders elect to receive their cash distributions in additional common shares under our distribution reinvestment plan. Any distributions reinvested under the plan will nevertheless remain taxable to a U.S. shareholder.

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        The following table reflects the cash distributions per share that we have declared and paid on our common shares during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

        See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our distributions, including a reconciliation of our GAAP-basis net investment income to our tax-basis net investment income, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis and deferred taxes.

Critical Accounting Policies

        Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Critical accounting policies are those that require the application of management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that may change in subsequent periods. In preparing the financial statements, management has made estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. In preparing the financial statements, management has utilized available information, including our past history, industry standards and the current economic environment, among other factors, in forming its estimates and judgments, giving due consideration to materiality. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates, which may impact the comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses. As we execute our operating plans, we will describe additional critical accounting policies in the notes to our future financial statements in addition to those discussed below.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

        We determine the net asset value of our investment portfolio each quarter. Securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by our board of trustees. In connection with that determination, FS Advisor provides our board of trustees with portfolio company valuations which are based on relevant inputs, including, but not limited to, indicative dealer quotes, values of like securities, recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts, and valuations prepared by independent third-party valuation services.

        Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, or ASC Topic 820, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, clarifies the definition of fair value and requires companies to expand their disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities in interim and annual periods subsequent to initial recognition. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, which includes inputs such as quoted prices for similar securities in active markets and quoted prices for identical securities where there is little or no activity in the market; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

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        With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, we undertake a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

•

our quarterly fair valuation process begins with FS Advisor's management team reviewing and documenting preliminary valuations of each portfolio company or investment, which valuations may be obtained from an independent third-party valuation service, if applicable;



•

FS Advisor's management team then provides the valuation committee with the preliminary valuations for each portfolio company or investment;



•

preliminary valuations are then discussed with the valuation committee;



•

the valuation committee reviews the preliminary valuations and FS Advisor's management team, together with our independent third-party valuation services, if applicable, supplements the preliminary valuations to reflect any comments provided by the valuation committee;



•

following its review, the valuation committee will recommend that our board of trustees approve our fair valuations; and



•

our board of trustees discusses the valuations and determines the fair value of each such investment in our portfolio in good faith based on various statistical and other factors, including the input and recommendation of FS Advisor, the valuation committee and any independent third-party valuation services, if applicable.

        Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our consolidated financial statements refer to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations and any change in such valuations on our consolidated financial statements. In making its determination of fair value, our board of trustees may use any approved independent third-party pricing or valuation services. However, our board of trustees is not required to determine fair value in accordance with the valuation provided by any single source, and may use any relevant data, including information obtained from FS Advisor or any approved independent third-party valuation or pricing service that our board of trustees deems to be reliable in determining fair value under the circumstances. Below is a description of factors that FS Advisor's management team, any approved independent third-party valuation services and our board of trustees may consider when determining the fair value of our investments.

        Valuation of fixed income investments, such as loans and debt securities, depends upon a number of factors, including prevailing interest rates for like securities, expected volatility in future interest rates, call features, put features and other relevant terms of the debt. For investments without readily available market prices, we may incorporate these factors into discounted cash flow models to arrive at fair value. Other factors that may be considered include the borrower's ability to adequately service its debt, the fair market value of the portfolio company in relation to the face amount of its outstanding debt and the quality of collateral securing our debt investments.

        For convertible debt securities, fair value generally approximates the fair value of the debt plus the fair value of an option to purchase the underlying security (i.e., the security into which the debt may convert) at the conversion price. To value such an option, a standard option pricing model may be used.

        Our equity interests in portfolio companies for which there is no liquid public market are valued at fair value. Our board of trustees, in its determination of fair value, may consider various factors, such as multiples of EBITDA, cash flows, net income, revenues or, in limited instances, book value or liquidation value. All of these factors may be subject to adjustments based upon the particular circumstances of a portfolio company or our actual investment position. For example, adjustments to EBITDA may take into account compensation to previous owners or acquisition, recapitalization, restructuring or other related items.

        FS Advisor's management team, any approved independent third-party valuation services and our board of trustees may also consider private merger and acquisition statistics, public trading multiples discounted for illiquidity and other factors, valuations implied by third-party investments in the portfolio companies or industry practices in determining fair value. FS Advisor's management team, any approved independent third-party valuation services and our board of trustees may also consider the

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size and scope of a portfolio company and its specific strengths and weaknesses, and may apply discounts or premiums, where and as appropriate, due to the higher (or lower) financial risk and/or the smaller size of portfolio companies relative to comparable firms, as well as such other factors as our board of trustees, in consultation with FS Advisor's management team and any approved independent third-party valuation services, if applicable, may consider relevant in assessing fair value. Generally, the value of our equity interests in public companies for which market quotations are readily available is based upon the most recent closing public market price. Portfolio securities that carry certain restrictions on sale are typically valued at a discount from the public market value of the security.

        When we receive warrants or other equity securities at nominal or no additional cost in connection with an investment in a debt security, the cost basis in the investment will be allocated between the debt securities and any such warrants or other equity securities received at the time of origination. Our board of trustees subsequently values these warrants or other equity securities received at their fair value.

        The fair values of our investments are determined in good faith by our board of trustees. Our board of trustees is solely responsible for the valuation of our portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to our valuation policy and consistently applied valuation process. Our board of trustees has delegated day-to-day responsibility for implementing our valuation policy to FS Advisor's management team, and has authorized FS Advisor's management team to utilize independent third-party valuation and pricing services that have been approved by our board of trustees. The valuation committee is responsible for overseeing FS Advisor's implementation of the valuation process.

        See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the fair value of our financial instruments.

Revenue Recognition

        Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. We record interest income on an accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. We record dividend income on the ex-dividend date. We do not accrue as a receivable interest or dividends on loans and securities if we have reason to doubt our ability to collect such income. Our policy is to place investments on non-accrual status when there is reasonable doubt that interest income will be collected. We consider many factors relevant to an investment when placing it on or removing it from non-accrual status including, but not limited to, the delinquency status of the investment, economic and business conditions, the overall financial condition of the underlying investment, the value of the underlying collateral, bankruptcy status, if any, and any other facts or circumstances relevant to the investment. If there is reasonable doubt that we will receive any previously accrued interest, then the previously recognized interest income will be written-off. Payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon the collectability of the remaining principal and interest. Non-accrual investments may be restored to accrual status when principal and interest payments become current and are likely to remain current based on our judgment.

        Loan origination fees, original issue discount and market discount are capitalized and we amortize such amounts as interest income over the respective term of the loan or security. Upon the prepayment of a loan or security, any unamortized loan origination fees and original issue discount are recorded as interest income. Structuring and other non-recurring upfront fees are recorded as fee income when earned. We record prepayment premiums on loans and securities as fee income when we earn such amounts.

        In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides for revenue recognition based on the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. When it becomes effective, the new revenue recognition guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most revenue recognition guidance under existing GAAP. In 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance that clarified, amended and technically corrected prior revenue recognition guidance. The new revenue recognition guidance applies to all entities and all contracts with customers to provide goods or services in the ordinary course of business, excluding, among other things, financial instruments as well as certain other contractual rights and obligations. For public entities, the new standards are effective

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during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The standards permit the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. As a result, we are required to adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 and expect to do so using the cumulative effect method applied to in-scope contracts with customers that have not been completed as of the date of adoption.

        In connection with our evaluation of the impact of the new revenue recognition guidance on its revenue recognition polices for structuring and other non-recurring upfront fees, we have performed an analysis to identify contracts with customers within the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance and to determine the related performance obligation and transaction price. Under the new revenue recognition guidance, we expect to recognize revenue for in-scope contracts based on the transaction price as the performance obligation is fulfilled. In our analysis, we considered, among other matters, the nature of the performance obligation and constraints on including variable consideration in the transaction price. In addition, we considered the costs incurred to obtain and fulfill in-scope contracts with customers to determine whether such costs would be required to be capitalized. Based on our analysis, we expect to provide additional revenue recognition disclosures required under the new standard but do not otherwise expect a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Net Realized Gains or Losses, Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation and Net Change in Unrealized Gains or Losses on Foreign Currency

        Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method. We measure realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, but considering unamortized fees. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including any reversal of previously recorded unrealized gains or losses when gains or losses are realized and the respective unrealized gain or loss on foreign currency for any foreign denominated investments we may hold. Net change in unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency reflects the change in the value of foreign currency held, receivables or accruals during the reporting period due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.

Uncertainty in Income Taxes

        We evaluate our tax positions to determine if the tax positions taken meet the minimum recognition threshold in connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken for the purposes of measuring and recognizing tax benefits or liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. Recognition of a tax benefit or liability with respect to an uncertain tax position is required only when the position is "more likely than not" to be sustained assuming examination by taxing authorities. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax liabilities as income tax expense in our consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we did not incur any interest or penalties.

        See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our significant accounting policies.

Contractual Obligations

        We have entered into an agreement with FS Advisor to provide us with investment advisory and administrative services. Payments for investment advisory services under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement are equal to (a) an annual base management fee of 2.0% of the average value of our gross assets and (b) an incentive fee based on our performance. Effective January 1, 2018, FS Advisor agreed to (a) permanently waive a portion of its base management fee to which it is entitled under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, so that the fee received equals 1.75% of the average value of our gross assets (gross assets equals total assets as set forth on our consolidated balance sheets) and (b) waive incentive fees on income for a period of twelve months ending December 31, 2018. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for a discussion of this agreement and for the amount of fees and expenses accrued under these agreements during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

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        A summary of our significant contractual payment obligations for the repayment of outstanding indebtness at December 31, 2017 is as follows:

        As of December 31, 2017, no amounts were outstanding under the Barclays credit facility. All borrowed amounts under the facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on May 18, 2021.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        We currently have no off-balance sheet arrangements, including any risk management of commodity pricing or other hedging practices.

Related Party Transactions

Compensation of the Investment Adviser and Dealer Manager

        Pursuant to the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, FS Advisor is entitled to an annual base management fee of 2.0% of the average value of our gross assets and an incentive fee based on our performance. We commenced accruing fees under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement on July 18, 2011, upon commencement of our investment operations. Base management fees are paid on a quarterly basis in arrears. Effective January 1, 2018, FS Advisor agreed to (a) permanently waive a portion of its base management fee to which it is entitled under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, so that the fee received equals 1.75% of the average value of our gross assets (gross assets equals total assets as set forth on our consolidated balance sheets) and (b) waive incentive fees on income for a period of twelve months ending December 31, 2018.

        The dealer manager for our continuous public offering was FS Investment Solutions, which is one of our affiliates. Under the dealer manager agreement among us, FS Advisor and FS Investment Solutions, or the dealer manager agreement, FS Investment Solutions was entitled to receive sales commissions and dealer manager fees in connection with the sale of common shares in our continuous public offering, all or a portion of which were re-allowed to selected broker-dealers and financial representatives. The dealer manager agreement terminated in connection with the closing of our continuous public offering in November 2016.

        See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our related party transactions and relationships, including a description of the fees and amounts due to FS Advisor, capital contributions by FS Advisor and GSO, potential conflicts of interest, our exemptive relief order, our expense reimbursement arrangement with FS Investments and FS Benefit Trust's purchases of our common shares.

        See "Business—The Transition of Advisory Services" for information regarding GSO's resignation as our investment sub-advisor and our potential advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

Recent Developments

        See "Item 1. Business—The Transition of Investment Advisory Services" for information regarding our potential investment advisory relationship with FS/EIG Advisor.

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Waiver of Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee

        Effective January 1, 2018, FS Advisor agreed to (a) permanently waive a portion of its base management fee to which it is entitled under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, so that the fee received equals 1.75% of the average value of our gross assets and (b) waive incentive fees on income for a period of twelve months ending December 31, 2018.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

        We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. As of December 31, 2017, 40.1% of our portfolio investments (based on fair value) paid variable interest rates, 49.6% paid fixed interest rates, 0.7% were income producing equity or other investments and the remainder (9.6%) consisted of non-income producing equity or other investments. A rise in the general level of interest rates can be expected to lead to higher interest rates applicable to the variable rate investments we hold and to declines in the value of any fixed rate investments we hold. However, many of our variable rate investments provide for an interest rate floor, which may prevent our interest income from increasing until benchmark interest rates increase beyond a threshold amount. To the extent that a substantial portion of our investments may be in variable rate investments, an increase in interest rates beyond this threshold would make it easier for us to meet or exceed the hurdle rate applicable to the subordinated incentive fee on income and may result in a substantial increase in our net investment income and to the amount of incentive fees payable to FS Advisor with respect to our increased pre-incentive fee net investment income.

        Pursuant to the terms of each credit facility and financing arrangement, all credit facilities and financing arrangements borrow at a floating rate based on a benchmark interest rate. To the extent that any present or future credit facilities or other financing arrangements that we or any of our subsidiaries enter into are based on a floating interest rate, we will be subject to risks relating to changes in market interest rates. In periods of rising interest rates when we or our subsidiaries have such debt outstanding or financing arrangements in effect, our interest expense would increase, which could reduce our net investment income, especially to the extent we hold fixed rate investments.

        The following table shows the effect over a twelve-month period of changes in interest rates on our interest income, interest expense and net interest income, assuming no changes in the composition of our investment portfolio, including the accrual status of our investments, and our borrowing arrangements in effect as of December 31, 2017 (dollar amounts are presented in thousands):

        We expect that our long-term investments will be financed primarily with equity and debt. If deemed prudent, we may use interest rate risk management techniques in an effort to minimize our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. These techniques may include various interest rate hedging activities to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act. Adverse developments resulting from changes in interest rates or hedging transactions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we did not engage in interest rate hedging activities.

        In addition, we may have risk regarding portfolio valuation. See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies—Valuation of Portfolio Investments."

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Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Index to Financial Statements

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MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

        Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the preparation of our annual financial statements, management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework set forth in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. Management's assessment included an evaluation of the design of our internal control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of those controls. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting was effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by our independent registered public accounting firm.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
FS Energy and Power Fund
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Opinion on the Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        We have audited FS Energy and Power Fund's (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013.

        We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets, including the consolidated schedules of investments, of FS Energy and Power Fund as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 and our report dated March 7, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Basis for Opinion

        The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

        We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ RSM US LLP

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
March 7, 2018

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
FS Energy and Power Fund
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Opinion on the Financial Statements

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, including the consolidated schedules of investments, of FS Energy and Power Fund (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FS Energy and Power Fund as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), FS Energy and Power Fund's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013, and our report dated March 7, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

Basis for Opinion

        These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 by correspondence with the custodians and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ RSM US LLP

We have served as the auditor of one or more FS Investments investment companies since 2007.

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
March 7, 2018

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

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See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

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See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets
(in thousands)

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See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)

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See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments
As of December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2017
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Consolidated Schedule of Investments
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Consolidated Schedule of Investments (Continued)
As of December 31, 2016
(in thousands, except share amounts)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

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Note 1. Principal Business and Organization

        FS Energy and Power Fund, or the Company, was formed as a Delaware statutory trust under the Delaware Statutory Trust Act on September 16, 2010 and formally commenced investment operations on July 18, 2011 upon raising gross proceeds in excess of $2,500, or the minimum offering requirement, from sales of its common shares of beneficial interest, or common shares, in its continuous public offering to persons who were not affiliated with the Company or the Company's investment adviser, FS Investment Advisor, LLC, or FS Advisor, a private investment firm that is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or the Advisers Act, and an affiliate of the Company.

        The Company has elected to be regulated as a business development company, or BDC, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the 1940 Act. The Company is an externally managed, non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that has elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a regulated investment company, or RIC, as defined under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had five wholly-owned financing subsidiaries, seven wholly-owned subsidiaries through which it holds interests in certain portfolio companies and two wholly-owned subsidiaries through which it expects to hold interests in certain portfolio companies. The audited consolidated financial statements include both the Company's accounts and the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain of the Company's consolidated subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes.

        The Company's investment objective is to generate current income and long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in privately-held U.S. companies in the energy and power industry. The Company's investment policy is to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its total assets in securities of energy and power related, or Energy, companies. The Company considers Energy companies to be those companies that engage in the exploration, development, production, gathering, transportation, processing, storage, refining, distribution, mining, generation or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined products, coal or power, including those companies that provide equipment or services to companies engaged in any of the foregoing.

        As the Company previously announced on December 11, 2017, GSO Capital Partners LP, or GSO, intends to resign as the investment sub-adviser and terminate the investment sub-advisory agreement, dated April 28, 2011, or the investment sub-advisory agreement, that FS Advisor has entered into with GSO, effective April 9, 2018 (the date of such termination, the GSO end date). In connection with GSO's resignation as the Company's investment sub-adviser, FS Advisor and its affiliates and EIG Asset Management, LLC and its affiliates, or EIG, desire to enter into a relationship whereby FS Advisor and EIG will jointly provide management, investment advisory and administrative services to us through FS/EIG Advisor, LLC, or FS/EIG Advisor, a newly-formed investment adviser jointly operated by FS Advisor and EIG.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

        Basis of Presentation:    The accompanying audited consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The Company is considered an investment company under GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services—Investment Companies. The Company has evaluated the impact of subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        Use of Estimates:    The preparation of the audited consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Many of the amounts have been rounded, and all amounts are in thousands, except share and per share amounts.

        Cash and Cash Equivalents:    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company's cash and cash equivalents are maintained with high credit quality financial institutions, which are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

        Valuation of Portfolio Investments:    The Company determines the net asset value of its investment portfolio each quarter. Securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Company's board of trustees. In connection with that determination, FS Advisor provides the Company's board of trustees with portfolio company valuations which are based on relevant inputs, including, but not limited to, indicative dealer quotes, values of like securities, recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts, and valuations prepared by independent third-party valuation services.

        Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, or ASC Topic 820, issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, clarifies the definition of fair value and requires companies to expand their disclosure about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities in interim and annual periods subsequent to initial recognition. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC Topic 820 also establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, which includes inputs such as quoted prices for similar securities in active markets and quoted prices for identical securities where there is little or no activity in the market; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

        With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, the Company undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

•

the Company's quarterly fair valuation process begins with FS Advisor's management team reviewing and documenting preliminary valuations of each portfolio company or investment, which valuations may be obtained from an independent third-party valuation service, if applicable;



•

FS Advisor's management team then provides the valuation committee with the preliminary valuations for each portfolio company or investment;



•

preliminary valuations are then discussed with the valuation committee;



•

the valuation committee reviews the preliminary valuations and FS Advisor's management team, together with its independent third-party valuation services, if applicable, supplements the preliminary valuations to reflect any comments provided by the valuation committee;



•

following its review, the valuation committee will recommend that the Company's board of trustees approve its fair valuations; and



•

the Company's board of trustees discusses the valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in the Company's portfolio in good faith based on various statistical and other

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

factors, including the input and recommendation of FS Advisor, the valuation committee and any independent third-party valuation services, if applicable.

        Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements refer to the uncertainty with respect to the possible effect of such valuations and any change in such valuations on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In making its determination of fair value, the Company's board of trustees may use any approved independent third-party pricing or valuation services. However, the Company's board of trustees is not required to determine fair value in accordance with the valuation provided by any single source, and may use any relevant data, including information obtained from FS Advisor or any approved independent third-party valuation or pricing service that it deems to be reliable in determining fair value under the circumstances. Below is a description of factors that FS Advisor's management team, any approved independent third-party valuation services and the Company's board of trustees may consider when determining the fair value of its investments.

        Valuation of fixed income investments, such as loans and debt securities, depends upon a number of factors, including prevailing interest rates for like securities, expected volatility in future interest rates, call features, put features and other relevant terms of the debt. For investments without readily available market prices, the Company may incorporate these factors into discounted cash flow models to arrive at fair value. Other factors that may be considered include the borrower's ability to adequately service its debt, the fair market value of the portfolio company in relation to the face amount of its outstanding debt and the quality of collateral securing its debt investments.

        For convertible debt securities, fair value generally approximates the fair value of the debt plus the fair value of an option to purchase the underlying security (i.e., the security into which the debt may convert) at the conversion price. To value such an option, a standard option pricing model may be used.

        The Company's equity interests in portfolio companies for which there is no liquid public market are valued at fair value. The Company's board of trustees, in its determination of fair value, may consider various factors, such as multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, cash flows, net income, revenues or, in limited instances, book value or liquidation value. All of these factors may be subject to adjustments based upon the particular circumstances of a portfolio company or the Company's actual investment position. For example, adjustments to EBITDA may take into account compensation to previous owners or acquisition, recapitalization, restructuring or other related items.

        FS Advisor's management team, any approved independent third-party valuation services and the Company's board of trustees may also consider private merger and acquisition statistics, public trading multiples discounted for illiquidity and other factors, valuations implied by third-party investments in the portfolio companies or industry practices in determining fair value. FS Advisor's management team, any approved independent third-party valuation services and the Company's board of trustees may also consider the size and scope of a portfolio company and its specific strengths and weaknesses, and may apply discounts or premiums, where and as appropriate, due to the higher (or lower) financial risk and/or the smaller size of portfolio companies relative to comparable firms, as well as such other factors as its board of trustees, in consultation with FS Advisor's management team and any approved independent third-party valuation services, if applicable, may consider relevant in assessing fair value. Generally, the value of the Company's equity interests in public companies for which market quotations are readily available is based upon the most recent closing public market price. Portfolio securities that carry certain restrictions on sale are typically valued at a discount from the public market value of the security.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        When the Company receives warrants or other equity securities at nominal or no additional cost in connection with an investment in a debt security, the cost basis in the investment will be allocated between the debt securities and any such warrants or other equity securities received at the time of origination. The Company's board of trustees subsequently values these warrants or other equity securities received at their fair value.

        The fair values of the Company's investments are determined in good faith by its board of trustees. The Company's board of trustees is responsible for the valuation of the Company's portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith pursuant to the Company's valuation policy and consistently applied valuation process. The Company's board of trustees has delegated day-to-day responsibility for implementing its valuation policy to FS Advisor's management team, and has authorized FS Advisor's management team to utilize independent third-party valuation and pricing services that have been approved by its board of trustees. The valuation committee is responsible for overseeing FS Advisor's implementation of the valuation policy.

        Revenue Recognition:    Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. The Company records interest income on an accrual basis to the extent that it expects to collect such amounts. The Company records dividend income on the ex-dividend date. The Company does not accrue as a receivable interest or dividends on loans and securities if it has reason to doubt its ability to collect such income. The Company's policy is to place investments on non-accrual status when there is reasonable doubt that interest income will be collected. The Company considers many factors relevant to an investment when placing it on or removing it from non-accrual status including, but not limited to, the delinquency status of the investment, economic and business conditions, the overall financial condition of the underlying investment, the value of the underlying collateral, bankruptcy status, if any, and any other facts or circumstances relevant to the investment. If there is reasonable doubt that the Company will receive any previously accrued interest, then the interest income will be written-off. Payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as income or applied to principal depending upon the collectability of the remaining principal and interest. Non-accrual investments may be restored to accrual status when principal and interest become current and are likely to remain current based on the Company's judgment.

        Loan origination fees, original issue discount and market discount are capitalized and the Company amortizes such amounts as interest income over the respective term of the loan or security. Upon the prepayment of a loan or security, any unamortized loan origination fees and original issue discount are recorded as interest income. Structuring and other non-recurring upfront fees are recorded as fee income when earned. The Company records prepayment premiums on loans and securities as fee income when it receives such amounts.

        In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides for revenue recognition based on the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. When it becomes effective, the new revenue recognition guidance in ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most revenue recognition guidance under existing GAAP. In 2016, the FASB issued additional guidance that clarified, amended and technically corrected prior revenue recognition guidance. The new revenue recognition guidance applies to all entities and all contracts with customers to provide goods or services in the ordinary course of business, excluding, among other things, financial instruments as well as certain other contractual rights and obligations. For public entities, the new standards are effective during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The standards permit the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. As a result, the Company is required to adopt the new guidance as of January 1, 2018 and

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

expects to do so using the cumulative effect method applied to in-scope contracts with customers that have not been completed as of the date of adoption.

        In connection with its evaluation of the impact of the new revenue recognition guidance on its revenue recognition polices for structuring and other non-recurring upfront fees, the Company has performed an analysis to identify contracts with customers within the scope of the new revenue recognition guidance and to determine the related performance obligation and transaction price. Under the new revenue recognition guidance, the Company expects to recognize revenue for in-scope contracts based on the transaction price as the performance obligation is fulfilled. In its analysis, the Company considered, among other matters, the nature of the performance obligation and constraints on including variable consideration in the transaction price. In addition, the Company considered the costs incurred to obtain and fulfill in-scope contracts with customers to determine whether such costs would be required to be capitalized. Based on its analysis, the Company expects to provide additional revenue recognition disclosures required under the new standard but does not otherwise expect a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

        Net Realized Gains or Losses, Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation and Net Change in Unrealized Gains or Losses on Foreign Currency:    Gains or losses on the sale of investments are calculated by using the specific identification method. The Company measures realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale and the amortized cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized, but considering unamortized fees. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the change in portfolio investment values during the reporting period, including any reversal of previously recorded unrealized gains or losses when gains or losses are realized and the respective unrealized gain or loss on foreign currency for any foreign denominated investments it may hold. Net change in unrealized gains or losses on foreign currency reflects the change in the value of foreign currency held, receivables or accruals during the reporting period due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.

        Capital Gains Incentive Fee:    The Company entered into an investment advisory and administrative services agreement with FS Advisor, dated as of April 28, 2011, which was amended on August 10, 2012, and which, as amended, is referred to herein as the investment advisory and administrative services agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, the incentive fee on capital gains is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each calendar year (or upon termination of such agreement). Such fee equals 20.0% of the Company's incentive fee capital gains (i.e., the Company's realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from inception, calculated as of the end of the applicable period, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis), less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gains incentive fees. On a quarterly basis, the Company accrues for the capital gains incentive fee by calculating such fee as if it were due and payable as of the end of such period.

        The Company includes unrealized gains in the calculation of the capital gains incentive fee expense and related accrued capital gains incentive fee. This accrual reflects the incentive fees that would be payable to FS Advisor as if the Company's entire portfolio was liquidated at its fair value as of the balance sheet date even though FS Advisor is not entitled to an incentive fee with respect to unrealized gains unless and until such gains are actually realized.

        Subordinated Income Incentive Fee:    Pursuant to the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, FS Advisor may also be entitled to receive a subordinated incentive fee on income. The subordinated incentive fee on income, which is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20.0% of the Company's "pre-incentive fee net investment income" for the immediately preceding quarter and is subject to a hurdle rate, expressed as a rate of return on adjusted capital equal to

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

1.625% per quarter, or an annualized hurdle rate of 6.5%. As a result, FS Advisor does not earn this incentive fee for any quarter until the Company's pre-incentive fee net investment income for such quarter exceeds the hurdle rate of 1.625%. For purposes of this fee, "adjusted capital" means cumulative gross proceeds generated from sales of the Company's common shares (including proceeds from its distribution reinvestment plan) reduced for distributions from non-liquidating dispositions of the Company's investments paid to shareholders and amounts paid for share repurchases pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program. Once the Company's pre-incentive fee net investment income in any quarter exceeds the hurdle rate, FS Advisor is entitled to a "catch-up" fee equal to the amount of the pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the hurdle rate, until the Company's pre-incentive fee net investment income for such quarter equals 2.031%, or 8.125% annually, of adjusted capital. Thereafter, FS Advisor is entitled to receive 20.0% of pre-incentive fee net investment income.

        Income Taxes:    The Company has elected to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and intends to qualify annually, as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. To maintain qualification as a RIC and maintain RIC tax treatment, the Company must, among other things, meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements, as well as distribute to its shareholders, in respect of each tax year, dividends of an amount generally at least equal to 90% of its "investment company taxable income," which is generally the Company's net ordinary income plus the excess, if any, of realized net short-term capital gains over realized net long-term capital losses, determined without regarding to any deduction for dividends paid. As a RIC, the Company will not have to pay corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes as dividends to its shareholders. The Company intends to make distributions in an amount sufficient to qualify for and maintain its RIC tax treatment each tax year and to not pay any U.S. federal income taxes on income so distributed. The Company will also be subject to nondeductible U.S. federal excise taxes if it does not timely distribute dividends each calendar year of an amount at least equal to the sum of 98% of ordinary income (taking into account certain deferrals and elections) for the calendar year, 98.2% of any capital gain net income (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such calendar year, and any recognized and undistributed ordinary income from prior years for which it paid no income taxes. Certain of the Company's consolidated subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company accrued $0, $209 and $313, respectively, in estimated income and excise taxes payable in respect of income received.

        Uncertainty in Income Taxes:    The Company evaluates its tax positions to determine if the tax positions taken meet the minimum recognition threshold in connection with accounting for uncertainties in income tax positions taken or expected to be taken for the purposes of measuring and recognizing tax benefits or liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. Recognition of a tax benefit or liability with respect to an uncertain tax position is required only when the position is "more likely than not" to be sustained assuming examination by taxing authorities. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax liabilities as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company did not incur any interest or penalties.

        The Company has analyzed the tax positions taken on federal and state income tax returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Company's financial statements. The Company's federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        Distributions:    Distributions to the Company's shareholders are recorded as of the record date. Subject to the discretion of the Company's board of trustees and applicable legal restrictions, the Company intends to authorize, declare and pay ordinary cash distributions on a monthly basis. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed or deemed distributed at least annually.

        Reclassifications:    Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 have been reclassified to conform to the classifications used to prepare the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. These reclassifications had no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows as previously reported.

Note 3. Share Transactions

        Below is a summary of transactions with respect to the Company's common shares during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

Public Offering of Shares

        In November 2016, the Company closed its continuous public offering of common shares to new investors. The Company sold 449,543,498 common shares for gross proceeds of $4,362,119 in its continuous public offering, including shares issued pursuant to its distribution reinvestment plan during that period. Following the closing of its continuous public offering, the Company has continued to issue shares pursuant to its distribution reinvestment plan. As of March 7, 2018, the Company had raised total gross proceeds of $4,602,136.

        During the period from January 1, 2018 to March 7, 2018, the Company issued 3,128,865 common shares pursuant to its distribution reinvestment plan for gross proceeds of $20,910 at an average price per share of $6.68.

Share Repurchase Program

        The Company intends to conduct quarterly tender offers pursuant to its share repurchase program. The Company's board of trustees will consider the following factors, among others, in making its determination regarding whether to cause the Company to offer to repurchase common shares and under what terms:

•

the effect of such repurchases on the Company's qualification as a RIC (including the consequences of any necessary asset sales);

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 3. Share Transactions (Continued)

•

the liquidity of the Company's assets (including fees and costs associated with disposing of assets);



•

the Company's investment plans and working capital requirements;



•

the relative economies of scale with respect to the Company's size;



•

the Company's history in repurchasing common shares or portions thereof; and



•

the condition of the securities markets.

        Historically, the Company limited the number of common shares to be repurchased during any calendar year to the lesser of (i) the number of common shares the Company can repurchase with the proceeds it receives from the issuance of common shares under the Company's distribution reinvestment plan and (ii) 10% of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the prior calendar year, or 2.5% in each calendar quarter. On May 5, 2017, the board of trustees of the Company further amended the share repurchase program. As amended, the Company will limit the maximum number of common shares to be repurchased for any repurchase offer to the greater of (A) the number of common shares that the Company can repurchase with the proceeds it has received from the sale of common shares under its distribution reinvestment plan during the twelve-month period ending on the date the applicable repurchase offer expires (less the amount of proceeds used to repurchase common shares on each previous repurchase date for repurchase offers conducted during such twelve-month period) (this limitation is referred to as the twelve-month repurchase limitation) and (B) the number of common shares that the Company can repurchase with the proceeds the Company receives from the sale of common shares under its distribution reinvestment plan during the three-month period ending on the date the applicable repurchase offer expires (this limitation is referred to as the three-month repurchase limitation). In addition to this limitation, the maximum number of common shares to be repurchased for any repurchase offer will also be limited to 10% of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the prior calendar year, or 2.5% in each calendar quarter. As a result, the maximum number of common shares to be repurchased for any repurchase offer will not exceed the lesser of (i) 10% of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in the prior calendar year, or 2.5% in each calendar quarter, and (ii) whichever is greater of the twelve-month repurchase limitation described in clause (A) above and the three-month repurchase limitation described in clause (B) above.

        The Company intends to offer to repurchase common shares at a price equal to the price at which common shares are issued pursuant to the Company's distribution reinvestment plan on the distribution date coinciding with the applicable share repurchase date. The price at which common shares are issued under the Company's distribution reinvestment plan is determined by the Company's board of trustees or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion, and will be (i) not less than the net asset value per common share as determined in good faith by the Company's board of trustees or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion, immediately prior to the payment date of the distribution and (ii) not more than 2.5% greater than the net asset value per common share as of such date. The Company's board of trustees may amend, suspend or terminate the share repurchase program at any time, upon 30 days' notice.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 3. Share Transactions (Continued)

        The following table provides information concerning the Company's repurchases of common shares pursuant to its share repurchase program during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

        On January 12, 2018, the Company repurchased 9,018,665 common shares (representing 64% of common shares tendered for repurchase and 2.02% of the shares outstanding as of such date) at $6.70 per share for aggregate consideration totaling $60,425.

Note 4. Related Party Transactions

Compensation of the Investment Adviser and Dealer Manager

        Pursuant to the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, FS Advisor is entitled to an annual base management fee of 2.0% of the average value of the Company's gross assets (gross assets equals total assets as set forth on the Company's consolidated balance sheets) and an incentive fee based on the Company's performance. The Company commenced accruing fees under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement on July 18, 2011, upon commencement of the Company's investment operations. Base management fees are paid on a quarterly basis in arrears. Effective January 1, 2018, FS Advisor agreed to (a) permanently waive a portion of its base management fee to which it is entitled under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, so that the fee received equals 1.75% of the average value of the Company's gross assets and (b) waive incentive fees on income for a period of twelve months ending December 31, 2018. See

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 4. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

Note 2 for a discussion of the capital gains and subordinated income incentive fees that FS Advisor may be entitled to under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement.

        Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreement, GSO will receive 50% of all management and incentive fees payable to FS Advisor under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement with respect to each year.

        The Company reimburses FS Advisor for expenses necessary to perform services related to the Company's administration and operations, including FS Advisor's allocable portion of the compensation and related expenses of certain personnel of FS Investments providing administrative services to the Company on behalf of FS Advisor. The amount of the reimbursement payable to FS Advisor is the lesser of (1) FS Advisor's actual costs incurred in providing such services and (2) the amount that the Company estimates it would be required to pay alternative service providers for comparable services in the same geographic location. FS Advisor is required to allocate the cost of such services to the Company based on factors such as assets, revenues, time allocations and/or other reasonable metrics. The Company's board of trustees reviews the methodology employed in determining how the expenses are allocated to the Company and the proposed allocation of the administrative expenses among the Company and certain affiliates of FS Advisor. The Company's board of trustees then assesses the reasonableness of such reimbursements for expenses allocated to the Company based on the breadth, depth and quality of such services as compared to the estimated cost to the Company of obtaining similar services from third-party providers known to be available. In addition, the Company's board of trustees considers whether any single third-party service provider would be capable of providing all such services at comparable cost and quality. Finally, the Company's board of trustees, among other things, compares the total amount paid to FS Advisor for such services as a percentage of the Company's net assets to the same ratio as reported by other comparable BDCs. The Company will not reimburse FS Advisor for any services for which it receives a separate fee, or for rent, depreciation, utilities, capital equipment or other administrative items allocated to a controlling person of FS Advisor.

        Under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, the Company, either directly or through reimbursement to FS Advisor or its affiliates, was responsible for its organization and offering costs in an amount up to 1.5% of gross proceeds raised in the Company's continuous public offering. Organization and offering costs primarily included legal, accounting, printing and other expenses relating to the Company's continuous public offering, including costs associated with technology integration between the Company's systems and those of its selected broker-dealers, marketing expenses, salaries and direct expenses of FS Advisor's personnel, employees of its affiliates and others while engaged in registering and marketing the Company's common shares, which included the development of marketing materials and presentations, training and educational meetings, and generally coordinating the marketing process for the Company.

        Prior to satisfaction of the minimum offering requirement and for a period of time thereafter, FS Investments funded certain of the Company's organization and offering costs. Following this period, the Company paid certain of its organization and offering costs directly and reimbursed FS Advisor for offering costs incurred by FS Advisor on the Company's behalf, including marketing expenses, salaries and other direct expenses of FS Advisor's personnel and employees of its affiliates while engaged in registering and marketing the Company's common shares. Organization and offering costs funded directly by FS Investments were recorded by the Company as a contribution to capital. The offering costs were offset against capital in excess of par value on the consolidated financial statements and the organization costs were charged to expense as incurred by the Company. All other offering costs, including costs incurred directly by the Company, amounts reimbursed to FS Advisor for ongoing offering costs and any reimbursements paid to FS Investments for organization and offering costs previously funded, were recorded as a reduction of capital. Commencing January 1, 2016, offering costs incurred by the Company are deferred and amortized as an expense over twelve months. Following the closing of the Company's continuous public offering to new investors in November 2016, all deferred offering costs were expensed.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 4. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

        The dealer manager for the Company's continuous public offering was FS Investment Solutions, LLC (formerly FS² Capital Partners, LLC), or FS Investment Solutions, which is one of the Company's affiliates. Under the dealer manager agreement among the Company, FS Advisor and FS Investment Solutions, or the dealer manager agreement, FS Investment Solutions was entitled to receive sales commissions and dealer manager fees in connection with the sale of common shares in the Company's continuous public offering, all or a portion of which were re-allowed to selected broker-dealers and financial representatives. The dealer manager agreement terminated in connection with the closing of the Company's continuous public offering in November 2016.

        The following table describes the fees and expenses accrued under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement and the dealer manager agreement during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

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Note 4. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

Potential Conflicts of Interest

        FS Advisor's senior management team is comprised of substantially the same personnel as the senior management teams of the investment advisers to the Fund Complex. As a result, such personnel provide investment advisory services to certain other funds or products in the Fund Complex and such personnel may serve in similar or other capacities for the investment advisers to future investment vehicles in the Fund Complex. While none of the investment advisers are currently providing investment advisory services to clients other than the funds in the Fund Complex, any, or all, may do so in the future. In the event that FS Advisor or its management team undertakes to provide investment advisory services to other clients in the future, it intends to allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner consistent with the Company's investment objectives and strategies, if necessary, so that the Company will not be disadvantaged in relation to any other client of FS Advisor or its management team.

Exemptive Relief

        As a BDC, the Company is subject to certain regulatory restrictions in making its investments. For example, BDCs generally are not permitted to co-invest with certain affiliated entities in transactions originated by the BDC or its affiliates in the absence of an exemptive order from the SEC. However, BDCs are permitted to, and may, simultaneously co-invest in transactions where price is the only negotiated term. In an order dated June 4, 2013, or the Order, the SEC granted exemptive relief permitting the Company, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, to co-invest in certain privately negotiated investment transactions with certain affiliates of FS Advisor, including FS Investment Corporation, FS Investment Corporation II, FS Investment Corporation III, FS Investment Corporation IV, the "FSIC Franchise" and any future BDCs that are advised by FS Advisor or its affiliated investment advisers, or collectively the Company's co-investment affiliates. However, in connection with the potential transition of advisory services from a sub-advisory relationship with GSO to a joint advisory relationship with EIG, and in an effort to mitigate potential future conflicts of interest, the Company's board of trustees has authorized and directed that the Company exercise its rights under the Order to decline to participate in any new potential co-investment transaction pursuant to the Order that would be within the then-current investment objectives and strategies of the FSIC Franchise unless sourced by GSO, EIG or the FS/EIG Advisor. The Company may still rely on the Order to participate in certain transactions with the Company's co-investment affiliates with respect to co-investments previously made under the Order. The Company believes this relief has and may continue to enhance its ability to further its investment objectives and strategy. Because the Company did not seek exemptive relief to engage in co-investment transactions with GSO and its affiliates, the Company will continue to be permitted to co-invest with GSO and its affiliates only in accordance with existing regulatory guidance (e.g., where price is the only negotiated term).

Expense Reimbursement

        Pursuant to an expense support and conditional reimbursement agreement, amended and restated as of May 16, 2013, or the expense reimbursement agreement, FS Investments has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses in an amount that is sufficient to ensure that no portion of the Company's distributions to shareholders will be paid from its offering proceeds or borrowings. However, because certain investments the Company may make, including preferred and common equity investments, may generate dividends and other distributions to the Company that are treated for tax purposes as a return of capital, a portion of the Company's distributions to shareholders may also be deemed to constitute a return of capital for tax purposes to the extent that the Company may use such dividends or other distribution proceeds to fund its distributions to shareholders. Under those circumstances, FS Investments will not reimburse the Company for the portion of such distributions to shareholders that

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 4. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

represent a return of capital for tax purposes, as the purpose of the expense reimbursement arrangement is not to prevent tax-advantaged distributions to shareholders.

        Under the expense reimbursement agreement, FS Investments will reimburse the Company quarterly for expenses in an amount equal to the difference between the Company's cumulative distributions paid to its shareholders in each quarter, less the sum of the Company's net investment company taxable income, net capital gains and dividends and other distributions paid to the Company on account of preferred and common equity investments in portfolio companies (to the extent such amounts are not included in net investment company taxable income or net capital gains) in each quarter.

        Pursuant to the expense reimbursement agreement, the Company has a conditional obligation to reimburse FS Investments for any amounts funded by FS Investments under such agreement if (and only to the extent that), during any fiscal quarter occurring within three years of the date on which FS Investments funded such amount, the sum of the Company's net investment company taxable income, net capital gains and the amount of any dividends and other distributions paid to the Company on account of preferred and common equity investments in portfolio companies (to the extent not included in net investment company taxable income or net capital gains) exceeds the distributions paid by the Company to its shareholders; provided, however, that (i) the Company will only reimburse FS Investments for expense support payments made by FS Investments with respect to any calendar quarter beginning on or after July 1, 2013 to the extent that the payment of such reimbursement (together with any other reimbursement paid during such fiscal year) does not cause "other operating expenses" (as defined below) (on an annualized basis and net of any expense support payments received by the Company during such fiscal year) to exceed the lesser of (A) 1.75% of the Company's average net assets attributable to its common shares for the fiscal year-to-date period after taking such payments into account and (B) the percentage of the Company's average net assets attributable to its common shares represented by "other operating expenses" during the fiscal year in which such expense support payment from FS Investments was made (provided, however, that this clause (B) shall not apply to any reimbursement payment which relates to an expense support payment from FS Investments made during the same fiscal year) and (ii) the Company will not reimburse FS Investments for expense support payments made by FS Investments if the aggregate amount of distributions per share declared by the Company in such calendar quarter is less than the aggregate amount of distributions per share declared by the Company in the calendar quarter in which FS Investments made the expense support payment to which such reimbursement relates. The Company is not obligated to pay interest on the payments it receives from FS Investments. "Other operating expenses" means the Company's total "operating expenses" (as defined below), excluding base management fees, incentive fees, organization and offering expenses, financing fees and costs, interest expense, brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses. "Operating expenses" means all operating costs and expenses incurred, as determined in accordance with GAAP for investment companies.

        The Company or FS Investments may terminate the expense reimbursement agreement at any time. The specific amount of expenses reimbursed by FS Investments, if any, will be determined at the end of each quarter. Upon termination of the expense reimbursement agreement by FS Investments, FS Investments will be required to fund any amounts accrued thereunder as of the date of termination. Similarly, the Company's conditional obligation to reimburse FS Investments pursuant to the terms of the expense reimbursement agreement shall survive the termination of such agreement by either party.

        During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company accrued $31,260 for expense reimbursements that FS Investments has agreed to pay, including $5,945 in expense reimbursements accrued for the three months ended December 31, 2017. As discussed in the footnotes to the table above, the Company offset $14,816 in management fees payable and $10,499 in subordinated income

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 4. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

incentive fees payable by the Company to FS Advisor during the year ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had $5,945 of reimbursements due from FS Investments, which the Company expects to offset against management fees payable by the Company to FS Advisor. As of December 31, 2016, there were no reimbursements payable to the Company from FS Investments.

        As discussed above, under the expense reimbursement agreement, amounts reimbursed to the Company by FS Investments may become subject to repayment by the Company in the future. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company paid $2,858 in expense recoupments to FS Investments. As of December 31, 2017, $28,104 of reimbursements may become subject to repayment by the Company to FS Investments in the future.

        The following table reflects the expense reimbursement payments due from FS Investments to the Company as of December 31, 2017 that may become subject to repayment by the Company to FS Investments:

        FS Investments is controlled by the Company's chairman, president and chief executive officer, Michael C. Forman, and the Company's vice-chairman, David J. Adelman. There can be no assurance that the expense reimbursement agreement will remain in effect or that FS Investments will reimburse any portion of the Company's expenses in future quarters.

FS Benefit Trust

        On May 30, 2013, FS Benefit Trust was formed as a Delaware statutory trust for the purpose of awarding equity incentive compensation to employees of FS Investments and its affiliates. During the years ended 2016 and 2015, FS Benefit Trust purchased $142 and $104, respectively, of the Company's common shares at a purchase price equal to 90% of the offering price in effect on the applicable purchase date.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 5. Distributions

        The following table reflects the cash distributions per share that the Company has declared and paid on its common shares during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

        Subject to applicable legal restrictions and the sole discretion of the Company's board of trustees, the Company intends to authorize, declare and pay regular cash distributions on a monthly basis. On January 2, 2018 and March 6, 2018, the Company's board of trustees declared regular monthly cash distributions for January 2018 through March 2018 and April 2018 through June 2018, respectively, each in the amount of $0.041667 per share. These distributions have been or will be paid monthly to shareholders of record as of monthly record dates previously determined by the Company's board of trustees. The timing and amount of any future distributions to shareholders are subject to applicable legal restrictions and the sole discretion of the Company's board of trustees.

        The Company has adopted an "opt in" distribution reinvestment plan for its shareholders. As a result, if the Company makes a cash distribution, its shareholders will receive distributions in cash unless they specifically "opt in" to the distribution reinvestment plan so as to have their cash distributions reinvested in additional common shares. However, certain state authorities or regulators may impose restrictions from time to time that may prevent or limit a shareholder's ability to participate in the distribution reinvestment plan.

        On October 13, 2016, the Company further amended and restated its distribution reinvestment plan, or the amended distribution reinvestment plan, which first applied to the reinvestment of cash distributions paid on or after November 30, 2016. Under the original plan, cash distributions to participating shareholders were reinvested in additional common shares at a purchase price equal to 90% of the public offering price per share in effect as of the date of issuance. Under the amended plan, cash distributions to participating shareholders will be reinvested in additional common shares at a purchase price determined by the Company's board of trustees, or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion, that is (i) not less than the net asset value per common share as determined in good faith by the Company's board of trustees or a committee thereof, in its sole discretion, immediately prior to the payment of the distribution and (ii) not more than 2.5% greater than the net asset value per common share as of such date. Any distributions reinvested under the plan will remain taxable to a U.S. shareholder.

        The Company may fund its cash distributions to shareholders from any sources of funds legally available to it, including proceeds from the sale of the Company's common shares, borrowings, net investment income from operations, capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets, non-capital gains proceeds from the sale of assets, dividends or other distributions paid to the Company on account of preferred and common equity investments in portfolio companies and expense reimbursements from FS Investments. The Company has not established limits on the amount of funds it may use from available sources to make distributions.

        For the year ended December 31, 2017, portions of the Company's distributions were funded through the reimbursement of expenses by FS Investments and its affiliates, including through the offset of certain investment advisory fees by FS Advisor, that are, if certain conditions are met, subject to repayment by the Company within three years. Any such distributions funded through expense reimbursements or the offset of advisory fees are not based on the Company's investment performance, and can only be sustained if the Company achieves positive investment performance in future periods

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 5. Distributions (Continued)

and/or FS Investments and its affiliates continues to make such reimbursements or offset such fees. The Company's future repayments of amounts reimbursed or offset by FS Investments or its affiliates will reduce the distributions that shareholders would otherwise receive in the future. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to achieve the performance necessary to sustain its distributions or that the Company will be able to pay distributions at a specific rate or at all. FS Investments and its affiliates have no obligation to offset or waive advisory fees or otherwise reimburse expenses in future periods. If FS Investments had not reimbursed certain of the Company's expenses, 9% of the aggregate amount of distributions paid during the year ended December 31, 2017 would have been funded from offering proceeds or borrowings.

        The following table reflects the sources of the cash distributions on a tax basis that the Company paid on its common shares during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

        The Company's net investment income on a tax basis for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $311,103, $262,430 and $234,163, respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $0 and $242, respectively, of undistributed ordinary income on a tax basis and distributions received from investments in portfolio companies.

        During the year ended December 31, 2017, certain investments in the portfolio were restructured or experienced defaults. The Company may experience additional restructurings or defaults in the future. These restructurings and defaults may have an impact on the level of income received by the Company.

        The difference between the Company's GAAP-basis net investment income and its tax-basis net investment income was primarily due to the reclassification of unamortized original issue discount,

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 5. Distributions (Continued)

certain amendment fees and prepayment fees recognized upon prepayment of loans from income for GAAP purposes to realized gains for tax purposes, the impact of certain subsidiaries that are consolidated for purposes of computing GAAP-basis net investment income but are not consolidated for purposes of computing tax-basis net investment income and income recognized for tax purposes on certain transactions but not recognized for GAAP purposes.

        The following table sets forth a reconciliation between GAAP-basis net investment income and tax-basis net investment income during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

        The Company may make certain adjustments to the classification of shareholders' equity as a result of permanent book-to-tax differences. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company increased accumulated undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income by $38,020, decreased accumulated net realized gains (losses) on investments and gain/loss on foreign currency by $8,845, and reduced capital in excess of par value by $29,175. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company increased accumulated undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income and accumulated net realized gains (losses) on investments and gain/loss on foreign currency by $14,120 and $64,199, respectively, and reduced capital in excess of par value by $78,319.

        The determination of the tax attributes of the Company's distributions is made annually as of the end of the Company's fiscal year based upon the Company's taxable income for the full year and distributions paid for the full year. The actual tax characteristics of distributions to shareholders are reported to shareholders annually on Form 1099-DIV.

        As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 5. Distributions (Continued)

        The aggregate cost of the Company's investments for federal income tax purposes totaled $4,557,977 and $4,014,678 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The aggregate net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on a tax basis was $(498,322) and $(115,266) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

        As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had deferred tax liabilities of $0 and $46,278, respectively, resulting from unrealized appreciation on investments held by the Company's wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries and deferred tax assets of $73,103 and $81,116, respectively, resulting from net operating and capital losses of the Company's wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, certain wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries anticipated that they would be unable to fully utilize their generated net operating and capital losses, therefore the deferred tax assets were offset by valuation allowances of $73,103 and $34,838, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not record a provision for taxes related to its wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries.

Note 6. Investment Portfolio

        The following table summarizes the composition of the Company's investment portfolio at cost and fair value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

        In general, under the 1940 Act, the Company would be presumed to "control" a portfolio company if it owned more than 25% of its voting securities or it had the power to exercise control over the management or policies of a portfolio company, and would be an "affiliated person" of a portfolio company if it owned 5% or more of its voting securities.

        As of December 31, 2017, the Company held investments in one portfolio company of which it is deemed to "control." As of December 31, 2017, the Company held investments in six portfolio companies of which it is deemed to be an "affiliated person" but is not deemed to "control." For additional information with respect to such portfolio companies, see footnotes (aa) and (bb) to the consolidated schedule of investments as of December 31, 2017.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 6. Investment Portfolio (Continued)

        As of December 31, 2016, the Company held investments in one portfolio company of which it is deemed to "control." As of December 31, 2016, the Company held investments in six portfolio companies of which it is deemed to be an "affiliated person" but is not deemed to "control." For additional information with respect to such portfolio companies, see footnotes (p) and (aa) to the consolidated schedule of investments as of December 31, 2016.

        The Company's investment portfolio may contain loans or bonds that are in the form of lines of credit or revolving credit facilities, or other investments, pursuant to which the Company may be required to provide funding when requested by portfolio companies in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had four senior secured loan investments with aggregate unfunded commitments of $90,662 and two equity/other investments with aggregate unfunded commitments of $8,751. As of December 31, 2017, these unfunded equity/other investments were Altus Power America Holdings, LLC, preferred equity and Chisholm Oil and Gas, LLC. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had four senior secured loan investments with aggregate unfunded commitments of $82,404, and four equity/other investments with aggregate unfunded commitments of $14,942. As of December 31, 2016, these unfunded equity/other investments were Altus Power America Holdings, LLC, BL Sand Hills Unit, L.P., net profits interest, BL Sand Hills Unit, L.P., overriding royalty interest and Synergy Offshore LLC. The Company maintains sufficient cash on hand, available borrowings and liquid securities to fund such unfunded commitments should the need arise.

        The table below describes investments by industry classification and enumerates the percentage, by fair value, of the total portfolio assets in such industries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

Note 7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        Under existing accounting guidance, fair value is defined as the price that the Company would receive upon selling an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction to a market participant in the principal or most advantageous market for the investment. This accounting guidance emphasizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable market inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The Company classifies the inputs used to measure these fair values into the following hierarchy as defined by current accounting guidance:

        Level 1:    Inputs that are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

        Level 2:    Inputs that are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets.

        Level 3:    Inputs that are unobservable for an asset or liability.

        A financial instrument's categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

        As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's investments were categorized as follows in the fair value hierarchy:

        The Company's investments consist primarily of debt investments that are either acquired directly from the issuer or traded on an over-the-counter market for institutional investors. Debt investments, for which broker quotes are not generally available, are valued by independent valuation firms, which determine the fair value of such investments by considering, among other factors, the borrower's ability to adequately service its debt, prevailing interest rates for like investments, call features, anticipated prepayments and other relevant terms of the debt. Except as described below, all of the Company's equity/other investments are also valued by independent valuation firms, which determine the fair value of such investments by considering, among other factors, contractual rights ascribed to such investments, as well as various income scenarios and multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, cash flows, net income, revenues or, in limited instances, book value or liquidation value. Investments that are traded on an active public market are valued at their closing price as of the date of the financial statements. An investment that is newly issued and purchased near the date of the financial statements is valued at cost if the Company's board of trustees determines that the cost of such investment is the best indication of its fair value. Except as described above, the Company values its other investments by using the midpoint of the prevailing bid and ask prices from dealers on the date of the relevant period end, which are provided by an independent third-party pricing service and screened for validity by such service.

        The Company periodically benchmarks the bid and ask prices it receives from the third-party pricing service and/or dealers, as applicable, against the actual prices at which the Company purchases and sells its investments. Based on the results of the benchmark analysis and the experience of the Company's management in purchasing and selling these investments, the Company believes that these prices are reliable indicators of fair value. However, because of the private nature of this marketplace (meaning actual transactions are not publicly reported), the Company believes that these valuation inputs are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The Company may also use other methods, including the use of independent valuation firms, to determine fair value for securities for which it cannot obtain prevailing bid and ask prices through third-party pricing services or independent dealers or where the Company's board of trustees otherwise determines that the use of such other method is appropriate. The Company periodically benchmarks the valuations provided by the independent valuation firms against the actual prices at which it purchases and sells its investments. The valuation committee of the board of trustees, or the valuation committee, and the board of trustees reviewed and approved the valuation determinations made with respect to these investments in a manner consistent with the Company's valuation policy.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

        The following is a reconciliation for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of investments for which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining fair value:

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

        The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

Note 8. Financing Arrangements

        The following tables present a summary of information with respect to the Company's outstanding financing arrangements as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

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(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 8. Financing Arrangements (Continued)

        For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 the components of total interest expense for the Company's financing arrangements were as follows:

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 8. Financing Arrangements (Continued)

        For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 the cash paid for interest expense, average borrowings, effective interest rate and weighted average interest rate for the Company's financing arrangements were as follows:

Barclays Credit Facility

        On May 18, 2016, Bryn Mawr Funding LLC, or Bryn Mawr Funding, a wholly-owned subsidiary, entered into a revolving credit facility, or the Barclays credit facility, with Barclays Bank PLC, or Barclays, as administrative agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. The Barclays credit facility provides for borrowings in U.S. dollars and certain agreed upon foreign currencies in an aggregate amount of up to $100,000, including a subfacility for the issuance of letters of credit for Bryn Mawr Funding's account in an aggregate face amount of up to $10,000. Bryn Mawr Funding's obligations to Barclays under the Barclays credit facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Bryn Mawr Funding, including its portfolio of assets and the assets of its subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions. In addition, the Company has agreed to guaranty the obligations of Barclays and grant a first priority lien in favor of Barclays, for the benefit of the lenders, on the membership interests in Bryn Mawr Funding. Interest under the Barclays credit facility for (i) loans for which the Company elects the eurocurrency option is payable at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 325 basis points per annum; and (ii) loans for which the Company elects the base rate option is payable at a rate equal to 225 basis points per annum plus the greatest of (a) the U.S. Prime Rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate for such day plus 50 basis points, (c) three-month LIBOR plus 100 basis points per annum and (d) zero. Bryn Mawr Funding will pay a commitment fee of 375 basis points per annum on the unused portion of the commitments under the Barclays credit facility during the revolving period and letter of credit participation fees and a fronting fee on the average daily amount of any letters of credit issued under the Barclays credit facility. The Barclays credit facility

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(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 8. Financing Arrangements (Continued)

provides for a four year revolving period followed by a one year term-out period, after which time all outstanding advances and other amounts will become due and payable.

        In connection with the Barclays credit facility, Bryn Mawr Funding has made certain representations and warranties and must comply with various covenants and reporting requirements, in each case, customary for financings of this type, including the following financial covenants: (a) the Company's minimum consolidated shareholders' equity, as determined in accordance with GAAP and measured as of each quarter-end, must be at least $1,500,000; (b) the Company must maintain at all times a 200% asset coverage ratio; and (c) Bryn Mawr Funding must maintain, as of each quarter-end, an adjusted asset coverage ratio of 350%.

        The Barclays credit facility contains events of default customary for financings of this type as described in the loan documentation. Upon the occurrence of certain events of default, Barclays, at the instruction of the lenders, may terminate the commitments and declare the outstanding advances and all other obligations under the Barclays credit facility immediately due and payable. Upon the occurrence of other events of default, the commitments will automatically terminate and the outstanding advances and other obligations under the Barclays credit facility will become immediately due and payable. During the continuation of certain events of default and subject, in certain cases, to the instructions of the lenders, the Company must pay interest at a default rate.

        The Company incurred costs in connection with obtaining the Barclays credit facility, which the Company recorded as deferred financing costs on its consolidated balance sheets and amortizes to interest expense over the life of the Barclays credit facility. As of December 31, 2017, $196 of such deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized to interest expense.

BNP Facility

        On December 11, 2013, Berwyn Funding LLC, or Berwyn Funding, the Company's wholly-owned, special-purpose financing subsidiary, entered into a committed facility arrangement, or the BNP facility, with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Ltd (as assignee of BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage, Inc.), or BNP. As amended to date, Berwyn Funding can borrow, from time to time, up to $325,000 from BNP. The BNP facility was effected through a committed facility agreement by and between Berwyn Funding and BNP, or the committed facility agreement, a U.S. PB Agreement by and between Berwyn Funding and BNP, and related transaction documents each dated as of December 11, 2013, as amended to date, which are collectively referred to herein as the BNP financing agreements. Under the terms of the BNP facility, as amended, the maximum committed amount available to Berwyn Funding is $300,000, the interest rate payable on borrowings under the committed facility agreement is three-month LIBOR plus 135 basis points and the commitment fee payable under the committed facility agreement is (a) 65 basis points on unused amounts so long as 75% or more of the facility amount under the committed facility agreement is utilized or (b) 85 basis points on unused amounts if less than 75% of the facility amount under the committed facility agreement is utilized.

        Berwyn Funding will pledge certain of its securities as collateral to secure borrowings under the BNP facility. The value of securities required to be pledged by Berwyn Funding is determined in accordance with the margin requirements described in the BNP financing agreements. Berwyn Funding's obligations to BNP under the BNP facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Berwyn Funding, including its portfolio of securities. The obligations of Berwyn Funding under the BNP facility are non-recourse to the Company and the Company's exposure under the BNP facility is limited to the value of the Company's investment in Berwyn Funding.

        Berwyn Funding may terminate the committed facility agreement upon 270 days' notice. Subject to certain cancellation rights, and absent a default or facility termination event, BNP is required to

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 8. Financing Arrangements (Continued)

provide Berwyn Funding with 270 days' notice prior to terminating or amending the committed facility agreement.

        In connection with the BNP facility, Berwyn Funding has made certain representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar financing transactions. The BNP facility contains events of default and termination events customary for similar financing transactions, and additionally an event of default or termination event upon the termination of the investment advisory and administrative services agreement or if FS Advisor otherwise ceases to act as investment adviser to the Company and is not immediately replaced by an affiliate or other investment adviser acceptable to BNP.

        The Company incurred costs in connection with obtaining the BNP facility, which the Company recorded as deferred financing costs on its consolidated balance sheets and amortized to interest expense over the life of the BNP facility. As of December 31, 2017, all of such deferred financing costs had been amortized to interest expense.

Citibank Credit Facility

        On March 24, 2015, EP Funding LLC, or EP Funding, the Company's wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary, repaid and terminated the revolving credit facility, or the Citibank credit facility, with Citibank, N.A., or Citibank, as administrative agent, and the financial institutions and other lenders from time to time party thereto. The Citibank credit facility provided for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount up to $175,000 on a committed basis. Prior to the termination of the Citibank credit facility, borrowings under the Citibank credit facility accrued interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points per annum. Under the Citibank credit facility, EP Funding was subject to a non-usage fee of 50 basis points per annum to the extent that the aggregate principal amount available under the Citibank credit facility was not borrowed.

Deutsche Bank Credit Facility

        On June 24, 2011, FSEP Term Funding, LLC, or FSEP Funding, the Company's wholly-owned, special-purpose financing subsidiary, entered into a revolving credit facility, or the Deutsche Bank credit facility, with Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch, or Deutsche Bank, as administrative agent and the lender party thereto. Under the terms of the Deutsche Bank credit facility, as amended, the maximum committed amount available to FSEP Funding is $340,000, the interest rate payable on borrowings is three-month LIBOR plus 205 basis points and FSEP Funding is subject to a non-usage fee of 75 basis points per annum. Any amounts borrowed under the Deutsche Bank credit facility will mature, and all accrued and unpaid interest thereunder will be due and payable, on June 11, 2018.

        FSEP Funding's obligations to the lenders under the Deutsche Bank credit facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of FSEP Funding, including its portfolio of securities. The obligations of FSEP Funding under the Deutsche Bank credit facility are non-recourse to the Company and the Company's exposure under the Deutsche Bank credit facility is limited to the value of the Company's investment in FSEP Funding.

        Borrowings under the Deutsche Bank credit facility are subject to compliance with a borrowing base, pursuant to which the amount of funds advanced to FSEP Funding varies depending upon the types of assets in FSEP Funding's portfolio. The occurrence of certain events described as "Super-Collateralization Events" in the credit agreement that governs the Deutsche Bank credit facility, or a decline in the Company's net asset value below a specified threshold, results in a lowering of the amount of funds that will be advanced against such assets. Super-Collateralization Events include, without limitation: (i) the bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company's sub-advisor or FS Advisor;

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 8. Financing Arrangements (Continued)

(ii) the Company's sub-advisor ceasing to act as the Company's sub-adviser or FS Advisor ceasing to act as the Company's investment adviser; (iii) the Company ceasing to act as FSEP Funding's investment manager, becoming bankrupt or insolvent, defaulting on certain material agreements or failing to maintain a net asset value above a specified threshold; and (iv) the Company, the Company's sub-advisor or FS Advisor committing fraud or other illicit acts in its or their investment advisory capacities.

        In connection with the Deutsche Bank credit facility, FSEP Funding has made certain representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar financing transactions. The Deutsche Bank financing agreements contain events of default customary for similar financing transactions.

        The Company incurred costs in connection with obtaining and amending the Deutsche Bank credit facility, which the Company recorded as deferred financing costs on its consolidated balance sheets and amortizes to interest expense over the life of the Deutsche Bank credit facility. As of December 31, 2017, $524 of such deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized to interest expense.

Fortress Facility

        On November 6, 2015, Foxfields Funding LLC, or Foxfields Funding, a wholly-owned financing subsidiary of the Company, entered into a senior secured multiple draw term loan facility, or the Fortress facility, with Fortress as administrative agent, the lenders from time to time party thereto and the other loan parties from time to time party thereto. Pursuant to the Fortress facility, as amended, Foxfields Funding has borrowed term loans in the amount of $155,000. Interest under the Fortress facility for (i) loans bearing interest by reference to LIBOR accrues at a rate equal to LIBOR (subject to a floor of 75 basis points) plus 500 basis points per annum, and (ii) loans bearing interest by reference to the base rate accrues at 400 basis points per annum plus the greater of: (x) the per annum rate of interest announced, from time to time, within Wells Fargo Bank, National Association at its principal office in San Francisco as its "prime rate," and (y) 175 basis points per annum.

        In connection with the Fortress facility, Foxfields Funding has made certain representations and warranties and must comply with various covenants and reporting requirements customary for facilities of this type, including the following financial covenants: (a) the Company's minimum consolidated shareholders' equity, as determined in accordance with GAAP and measured as of each fiscal quarter-end, must be greater than $1,500,000; (b) the Company must maintain at all times a 200% asset coverage ratio; (c) Foxfields Funding must maintain, as of each quarter-end, an asset coverage ratio of either 300% or 325% depending on the relative composition of its portfolio between debt and equity investments; and (d) the portfolio investments must be issued by not fewer than 10 unrelated obligors at all times, measured as of each quarter-end.

        The Fortress facility contains events of default customary for facilities of this type as described in the loan documentation. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, Fortress, at the instruction or with the consent of the lenders, may terminate the commitments and declare the outstanding advances and all other obligations under the Fortress facility immediately due and payable. During the continuation of certain events of default, the Company must pay interest at a default rate.

        The Company incurred costs in connection with obtaining and amending the Fortress facility, which the Company recorded as deferred financing costs on its consolidated balance sheets and amortizes to interest expense over the life of the Fortress facility. As of December 31, 2017, $884 of such deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized to interest expense.

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 8. Financing Arrangements (Continued)

Goldman Repurchase Financing

        On September 11, 2014, through its two wholly-owned, special-purpose financing subsidiaries, Gladwyne Funding LLC, or Gladwyne Funding, and Strafford Funding LLC, or Strafford Funding, the Company entered into a debt financing arrangement with Goldman, which was subsequently twice amended, or the Goldman repurchase financing. Prior to its termination on April 19, 2017, the amount borrowed under the Goldman repurchase financing was $325,000. On April 19, 2017, in connection with the closing of the Goldman repurchase financing, (i) all of the Floating Rate Notes, or Notes, issued by Gladwyne Funding to Strafford Funding were canceled and the indenture under which the Notes were issued was discharged, (ii) the master repurchase agreement between Strafford Funding and Goldman and each transaction thereunder was terminated and (iii) accordingly, the Goldman repurchase financing was prepaid in full and terminated.

Goldman Facility

        On April 19, 2017, Gladwyne Funding entered into a Credit Agreement with Goldman, as lender, sole lead arranger and administrative agent, Citibank, N.A., as collateral agent, and Virtus Group, LP, as collateral administrator, or the Goldman term facility. Under the terms of the Goldman term facility, as amended, Gladwyne Funding has borrowed term loans in the amount of $425,000. The interest payable on borrowings under the Goldman term facility is three-month LIBOR plus 372 basis points per annum. The Goldman term facility will mature, and all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest thereunder, will be due and payable, on September 15, 2019.

        If the Goldman term facility is accelerated prior to its stated maturity date due to an event of default or all or a portion of the borrowings are prepaid, then Gladwyne Funding must pay to Goldman a fee equal to the present value of the aggregate amount of the spread over LIBOR (372 basis points per annum) that would have been payable to Goldman on the subject borrowings through the facility's maturity date had the acceleration or prepayment not occurred.

        Pursuant to the Goldman term facility, Gladwyne Funding has made certain representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar transactions. The Goldman term facility contains events of default and termination events customary for for similar financing transactions.

        The Company incurred costs in connection with obtaining the Goldman term facility, which the Company recorded as deferred financing costs on its consolidated balance sheets and amortizes to interest expense over the life of the Goldman term facility. As of December 31, 2017, $999 of such deferred financing costs had yet to be amortized to interest expense.

Natixis Credit Facility

        On August 2, 2017, Energy Funding LLC, or Energy Funding, the Company's wholly-owned, special-purpose financing subsidiary, repaid and terminated the revolving credit facility, or the Natixis credit facility, which Energy Funding originally entered into on July 11, 2015 with Natixis, New York Branch, or Natixis, as administrative agent and lender, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent and custodian, and the other lenders from time to time party thereto. The Natixis credit facility provided for revolving borrowings through January 11, 2015 in an aggregate principal amount up to $150,000 on a committed basis. Prior to the termination of the Natixis credit facility, borrowings under the Natixis credit facility accrued interest at a rate equal to the applicable commercial paper rate plus 225 basis points per annum.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 8. Financing Arrangements (Continued)

Wells Fargo Credit Facility

        On July 27, 2017 and July 28, 2017, Wayne Funding LLC, or Wayne Funding, the Company's wholly-owned, special purpose financing subsidiary, repaid and terminated, respectively, the revolving credit facility, or the Wells Fargo credit facility, which Wayne Funding originally entered into on September 9, 2014 with Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as administrative agent, each of the conduit lenders and institutional lenders from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, collectively referred to herein as Wells Fargo, as the collateral agent, account bank and collateral custodian under the Wells Fargo credit facility. The Wells Fargo credit facility provided for borrowings in an aggregate principal amount up to $60,000 on a committed basis. Prior to the termination of the Wells Fargo credit facility, borrowings accrued interest at a rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread ranging between 250 and 275 basis points per annum, depending on the composition of the portfolio of assets for the relevant period.

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

        The Company enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnification provisions. The Company's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown; however, the Company has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management of FS Advisor has reviewed the Company's existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to the Company to be remote.

        The Company is not currently subject to any material legal proceedings and, to the Company's knowledge, no material legal proceedings are threatened against the Company. From time to time, the Company may be party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of the Company's rights under contracts with its portfolio companies. While the outcome of any legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect that any such proceedings will have a material effect upon its financial condition or results of operations.

        See Note 6 for a discussion of the Company's unfunded commitments.

Note 10. Senior Securities Asset Coverage

        Information about the Company's senior securities is shown in the table below for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 10. Senior Securities Asset Coverage (Continued)

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 11. Financial Highlights

        The following is a schedule of financial highlights of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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FS Energy and Power Fund

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 12. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

        The following is the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The following information reflects all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.

 

        The sum of quarterly per share amounts does not necessarily equal per share amounts reported for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts) (Continued)

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Note 13. Subsequent Events

Waiver of Base Management Fee and Incentive Fee

        Effective January 1, 2018, FS Advisor agreed to (a) permanently waive a portion of its base management fee to which it is entitled under the investment advisory and administrative services agreement, so that the fee received equals 1.75% of the average value of the Company's gross assets and (b) waive incentive fees on income for the 2018 calendar year.

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Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

        None.

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

        As required by Exchange Act Rule 13(a)-15(b), we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017. Based on the foregoing, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were (a) designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed and reported in an accurate manner and on a timely basis and the information that we are required to disclose in our Exchange Act reports is accumulated and communicated to management to permit timely decisions with respect to required disclosure and (b) operating in an effective manner.

Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f), internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP.

        Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

        1.     Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the Company's transactions and the dispositions of assets of the Company;

        2.     Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and board of trustees; and

        3.     Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Management's report on internal control over financial reporting is set forth above under the heading "Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting" in Item 8 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

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Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

        Our registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 79.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        During our fourth quarter of 2017, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f)) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.    Other Information.

        None.

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PART III

        The Company will file a definitive Proxy Statement for its 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders with the SEC, pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, not later than 120 days after the end of its fiscal year. Accordingly, certain information required by Part III has been omitted under General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. Only those sections of the Company's definitive Proxy Statement that specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by reference.

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

        The information required by Item 10 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days following the end of the Company's fiscal year.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation.

        The information required by Item 11 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days following the end of the Company's fiscal year.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

        The information required by Item 12 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days following the end of the Company's fiscal year.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

        The information required by Item 13 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days following the end of the Company's fiscal year.

Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

        The information required by Item 14 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Company's 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days following the end of the Company's fiscal year.

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PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

a. Documents Filed as Part of this Report

        The following financial statements are set forth in Item 8:

b. Exhibits

        Please note that the agreements included as exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K are included to provide information regarding their terms and are not intended to provide any other factual or disclosure information about FS Energy and Power Fund or the other parties to the agreements. The agreements contain representations and warranties by each of the parties to the applicable agreement that have been made solely for the benefit of the other parties to the applicable agreement and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

        The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report or hereby incorporated by reference to exhibits previously filed with the SEC:

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c. Financial statement schedules

        No financial statement schedules are filed herewith because (1) such schedules are not required or (2) the information has been presented in the aforementioned consolidated financial statements.

Item 16.    Form 10-K Summary.

        None.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this annual report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

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        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.

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