# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0002065812
**File Stem:** 0001104659-25-080800
**Filing Date:** 2025-8
**Character Count:** 25842
**Document Hash:** 2482091a1798541520035117b87af117
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-25-080800.hdr.sgml**: 20250820

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-25-080800

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 425

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 5

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250820

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250820

**SUBJECT COMPANY**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** New FS Specialty Lending Fund
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0002065812

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 334638504
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 425
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 811-24080
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251235709

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 ROUSE BOULEVARD
- **CITY:** PHILADELPHIA
- **STATE:** PA
- **ZIP:** 19112
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 8776288575

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 ROUSE BOULEVARD
- **CITY:** PHILADELPHIA
- **STATE:** PA
- **ZIP:** 19112
**FILED BY**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** FS Specialty Lending Fund
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001501729

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 425

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 ROUSE BOULEVARD
- **CITY:** PHILADELPHIA
- **STATE:** PA
- **ZIP:** 19112
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 215-495-1150

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 201 ROUSE BOULEVARD
- **CITY:** PHILADELPHIA
- **STATE:** PA
- **ZIP:** 19112

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** FS Energy & Power Fund
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20100920

Filed by FS Specialty Lending Fund <br>pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933 <br>and deemed filed under Rule 14a-6(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <br>Subject Company: New FS Specialty Lending Fund <br>File No. of Registration Statement: 333-286859

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| &nbsp;&nbsp;![GRAPHIC](tm2523863d5_425img01.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Note: All figures may be rounded. Returns shown are historical and based on past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results.An investment in FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) involves a high degree of risk and may be considered speculative. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of FSSL carefully. Investors should read and carefully consider all information found in FSSL's quarterly and annual reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. FSSL is closed to new investors. This quarterly update is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein. FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) quarterly update Q2 2025 Performance Performance overview Generated a net asset value (NAV)-based total return of 1.24% during the second quarter of 2025, compared to 2.32% for the senior secured loan index and 3.57% for the high yield bond index. 1,2 Net investment income of approximately $0.36 per share was partially offset by realized and unrealized depreciation of approximately $0.13 per share. The Fund paid distributions of $0.6318 per share during the second quarter which were attributable to the enhanced quarterly distribution for Q1 2025.3 On April 22, 2025, the Board of Trustees of FS Specialty Lending Fund approved a plan to prepare for the listing of its common shares on the NYSE, subject to shareholder approval. In connection with FSSL's liquidity planning, the board approved a 6-for-1 reverse share split, which took effect on May 15, 2025. The reverse share split was based on the Fund's NAV of $3.37 per share as of March 31, 2025, resulting in a post-split NAV of $20.22 per share. The reverse share split was implemented to help satisfy the NYSE's minimum $4.00 share price for listing and to align FSSL's share price with the typical trading range of comparable closed-end funds, which have historically traded in the range of approximately $10 to $20 per share. The split may also help meet the minimum share price requirements for certain broker dealers and custodians. After adjusting for the reverse share split, FSSL's NAV declined $0.40 to $19.82 per share as of June 30, 2025, from $20.22 per share as of March 31, 2025. Returns Q2 2025 YTD FSSL (based on NAV) 1 1.24% 3.55% ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Index 3.57% 4.55% Morningstar/LSTA Leveraged Loan Index 2.32% 2.81% Quarterly enhanced distributions The board declared an enhanced quarterly cash distribution of $0.6195 per share for the second quarter of 2025, which represented an annualized distribution rate of 12.5% based on the then-estimated NAV as of June 30, 2025. The distribution was paid on July 22, 2025 and its payment will be reflected in the Fund's Q3 2025 NAV performance. 3 Portfolio Investment activity Diversified credit investments represented 92.4% of the portfolio's fair value as of June 30, 2025 compared to 88.0% as of March 31, 2025. Purchases totaled approximately $262 million during the second quarter, of which 68% were in private credit investments and 85% were in senior secured debt. Sales and repayments totaled approximately $442 million during the quarter as we continued to rotate the portfolio out of lower-yielding liquid loans while also reducing the Fund's exposure to legacy energy investments. Non-accruals declined: As of June 30, 2025 two investments were on non-accrual, representing just 0.2% of the portfolio's fair value and approximately 0.9% based on amortized cost, compared to 0.4% and approximately 1.4%, respectively, as of March 31, 2025. Asset type (based on fair value) as of 6/30/25 Senior Secured Loans—First lien loans 82% Senior Secured Loans—Second lien loans 3% Senior secured bonds 4% Unsecured debt 2% Asset-based finance 3% Equity/other\* 6% Industry classification (based on fair value) as of 6/30/25 Commercial & Professional Services 13% Consumer Services 12% Capital Goods 12% Health Care Equipment & Services 10% Materials 8% Energy 8% Consumer Durables & Apparel 6% Consumer Discretionary Dist. & Retail 5% Financial Services 5% Media & Entertainment 5% Automobiles & Components 3% Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences 3% Other\* 10% Outlook FSSL PREPARES FOR LISTING In connection with FSSL's liquidity planning, the Fund will be converted from a BDC to a closed-end fund registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 through a reorganization into a newly formed closed-end fund. The closed-end fund will be named "FS Specialty Lending Fund", and we currently expect its common shares to begin trading on the NYSE under the ticker "FSSL" before the end of Q4 2025, subject to market conditions. Although we are working toward a listing within the targeted time frame, the timing may be subject to change based on a variety of factors. Shareholder approval for all three proposals is a prerequisite for a listing. The first two proposals seek to amend the Fund's Declaration of Trust, the legal document that governs key aspects of its operations. The third proposal seeks shareholder approval for the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization for the new closed end fund. Visit fsproxy.com for more information.  |

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| &nbsp;&nbsp;![GRAPHIC](tm2523863d5_425img02.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Note: All figures may be rounded. Returns shown are historical and based on past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. An investment in FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) involves a high degree of risk and may be considered speculative. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of FSSL carefully. Investors should read and carefully consider all information found in FSSL's quarterly and annual reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. FSSL is closed to new investors. This quarterly update is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein. 1 For more information on FSSL's performance, see the table below. For the year ended December 31, 2024, 100% of FSSL's cash distributions on a tax basis were sourced from net investment income. The payment of future distributions on FSSL's common shares is subject to the discretion of FSSL's board of trustees and applicable legal restrictions and, therefore, there can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of any such future distributions. 2 High yield bonds represented by the ICE BofAML U.S. High Yield Master II Index. Senior secured loans represented by the Morningstar LSTA US Leveraged Loan Index. 3 There can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to pay distributions in the future. The timing and amount of any future distributions to shareholders are subject to applicable legal restrictions and the sole discretion of the Fund's board. \*\*Other represents the following industries, each of which represented 2% or less of the portfolio's fair value as of June 30, 2025: Software & Services, Consumer Staples Distribution & Retail, Transportation, Telecommunications Services, Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Insurance, Household & Personal Products, Real Estate Management & Development. Additional resources Please visit FSSL's webpage at www.fsinvestments.com/investments/all-investments/FSSL or www.fsinvestments.com/resources/fs-energy-power-fund-update for additional resources. Shareholder returns as of 6/30/2025 (Without sales charge), compounded monthly (With sales charge) 1 year 3 year (annualized) 5 year (annualized) 10 year (annualized) Since inception (annualized) Cumulative total return since inception Cumulative total return since inception Inception date 5.98% 0.31% 5.19% -2.83% -0.13% -1.86% -11.67% July 18, 2011 Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Shareholder returns (without sales charge) are the total returns an investor received for the highlighted period, taking into account all distributions paid during such period, compounded monthly. Except for shareholder returns (without sales charge) for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods, the calculation assumes that the investor purchased shares at FSSL's public offering price, excluding any selling commissions or dealer manager fees, at the beginning of the applicable period and reinvested all distributions pursuant to FSSL's distribution reinvestment plan (DRP). Since FSSL closed its public offering in November 2016 and has since issued new shares only pursuant to its DRP, the calculation for the 1-, 3- and 5-year periods assume the investor purchased shares at the beginning of the applicable period at a price based on FSSL's DRP on such date. Shareholder returns (without sales charge) do not include selling commissions and dealer manager fees, which could total up to 10% of the public offering price. Had such selling commissions and dealer manager fees been included, the performance shown would be lower. Following the termination of FSSL's DRP effective September 15, 2023, the total return for each period presented subsequent to the effective date is calculated based on the change in net asset value during the applicable period, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions at the Company's net asset value per share as of the period end date. Shareholder return (with sales charge) is the total return an investor received since inception, taking into account all distributions paid during such period, compounded monthly. The calculation assumes that the investor purchased shares at FSSL's public offering price (which includes the maximum selling commissions and dealer manager fees) at inception and reinvested all distributions pursuant to FSSL's DRP. Following the termination of FSSL's DRP effective September 15, 2023, the total return for each period presented subsequent to the effective date is calculated based on the change in net asset value during the applicable period, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions at the Company's net asset value per share as of the period end date. Valuation as of the end of each period shown above is based on the net asset value per share as of the period end date. FSSL's public offering price was subject to a sales charge of up to 10% and offering expenses of up to 1.5% of the gross proceeds received in the Fund's offering. FSSL's annualized total expenses as a percentage of average net assets attributable to common shares was 5.97% for the six months ended June 30, 2025. |

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| &nbsp;&nbsp;![GRAPHIC](tm2523863d5_425img03.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Note: All figures may be rounded. Returns shown are historical and based on past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. An investment in FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) involves a high degree of risk and may be considered speculative. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of FSSL carefully. Investors should read and carefully consider all information found in FSSL's quarterly and annual reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. FSSL is closed to new investors. This quarterly update is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein. Risk factors An investment in the common shares of FSSL involves a high degree of risk and may be considered speculative. The following are some of the risks an investment in our common shares involves; however, you should carefully consider all of the information found in Item 1A of our annual report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. • Because there is no public trading market for our common shares and we are not obligated to effectuate a liquidity event by a specified date, it will be difficult for you to sell your common shares. If you are able to sell your common shares before we complete a liquidity event, it is likely that you will receive less than what you paid for them. Our share repurchase program contains numerous restrictions. In addition, we have currently suspended our share repurchase program. If we conduct quarterly tender offers for our common shares in the future, only a limited number of our common shares will be eligible for repurchase. We may suspend or terminate the share repurchase program at any time. • Our distributions may be funded from unlimited amounts of offering proceeds or borrowings, which may constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to us for investment. Any capital returned to shareholders through distributions will be distributed after payment of fees and expenses. • 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. • Our previous investment policy was to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of energy and power companies. The revenues, income (or losses) and valuations of energy and power companies can fluctuate suddenly and dramatically due to a number of environmental, regulatory, political and general market risks, which have historically impacted our financial performance, including our net asset value per share, and may continue to in the future. • Our previous investment policy was to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of our total assets in securities of energy and power companies. The revenues, income (or losses) and valuations of energy and power companies can fluctuate suddenly and dramatically due to a number of environmental, regulatory, political and general market risks, which have historically impacted our financial performance, including our net asset value per share, and may continue to in the future. • Our transition to a new investment policy will increase portfolio turnover, which will increase commission and transaction costs. • The Fund will bear costs incurred in connection with the reorganization. Because the Fund has already incurred costs attributable to the reorganization and because the Fund is responsible for paying those costs, if shareholders do not approve the reorganization proposal, the Fund will continue to be responsible for the costs arising from the proposed reorganization even though the proposed reorganization will not occur, and those costs may be material. • There can be no assurance that the listing will be completed. Immediately after the closing of the reorganization, common shares of the Fund will remain illiquid assets for which there will not be a secondary market. However, the Fund intends to seek to list its common shares on the NYSE. The listing of the Fund's common shares is subject to the approval of the NYSE and satisfaction of the NYSE's listing standards. The Fund intends to apply for listing on the NYSE as soon as practicable following the closing of the reorganization. There can be no assurance the Fund will successfully complete any such listing. • An investment strategy focused primarily on privately held companies presents certain challenges, including the lack of available information about these companies. • 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. • A lack of liquidity in certain of our investments may adversely affect our business. We may be unable to sell our investments at favorable prices or at all. • We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates, which may have a substantial negative impact on our investments. • We may borrow funds to make investments, which increases the volatility of our investments and may increase the risks of investing in our securities. • Our business model is dependent on bank relationships and recent strain on the banking system may adversely impact us. • FSSL is a long-term investment for persons of adequate financial means who have no need for liquidity in their investment. To invest in FSSL, an investor must have either (i) a net worth of at least $70,000 and an annual gross income of at least $70,000, or (ii) a net worth of at least $250,000. Some states, such as Kansas, impose higher suitability standards. • Portions of our distributions to shareholders were funded from the reimbursement of certain expenses, including through the offset of certain investment advisory fees, that are subject to repayment to our affiliate, FS Investments, and our future distributions may be funded from such offsets and reimbursements. Significant portions of these distributions may not be based on our investment performance, and such offsets and reimbursements by FS Investments may not continue in the future. If FS Investments had not agreed to reimburse certain of our expenses, including through the offset of certain advisory fees, significant portions of these distributions would have come from offering proceeds or borrowings. The repayment of amounts owed to FS Investments will reduce the future distributions to which you would otherwise be entitled. • The global outbreak of COVID-19 (commonly known as the coronavirus) has caused volatility, severe market dislocations and liquidity constraints in many markets, including securities we hold, and has adversely affected our investments and operations. Such impacts may continue to adversely affect us, the performance of our investments and an investment in us. • We expect that the recent market conditions may have a lasting and, in some instances, permanent impact on some of our portfolio companies as they struggle to meet covenant obligations and face insolvency in future periods. Poor performance or insolvency of our portfolio companies could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking" statements as that term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements with regard to future events or the future performance or operations of the Fund, including but not limited to liquidity events. Words such as "intends," "will," "believes," "expects," and "may" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the economy, geo-political risks, risks associated with possible disruption to the Fund's operations or the economy generally due to hostilities, terrorism, natural disasters or pandemics such as COVID-19, future changes in laws or regulations and conditions in the Fund's operating area, unexpected costs, the ability of the Fund to complete the reorganization, complete the listing of the common shares on a national securities exchange, the price at which the common shares may trade on a national securities exchange, and failure to list the common shares on a national securities exchange and such other factors that are disclosed in the Fund's filings with the SEC. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that any plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication. Except as required by federal securities laws, the Fund undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT In connection with shareholder proposals referenced herein, on April 30, 2025, the Fund and the successor fund filed with the SEC solicitation materials in the form of a joint proxy statement/prospectus that will be included in a registration statement on Form N-14. The registration statement may be amended or withdrawn and the proxy statement and/or joint proxy statement/prospectus will not be distributed to shareholders unless and until the registration statement is declared effective by the SEC. Investors are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus and any other relevant documents filed or to be filed with the SEC carefully when they become available because they will contain important information about the reorganization, the shareholder proposals, the Fund and the successor fund. After they are filed, free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents will be available on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov or at www.fsproxy.com. IMPORTANT INFORMATION |

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| &nbsp;&nbsp;![GRAPHIC](tm2523863d5_425img04.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Note: All figures may be rounded. Returns shown are historical and based on past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. An investment in FS Specialty Lending Fund (FSSL) involves a high degree of risk and may be considered speculative. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of FSSL carefully. Investors should read and carefully consider all information found in FSSL's quarterly and annual reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. FSSL is closed to new investors. This quarterly update is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein. The Fund, its trustees and certain of its officers may be considered to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the matters described herein. Information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests in the Fund, by security holdings or otherwise, are set forth in the proxy statement and any other materials filed with the SEC in connection with the Fund's 2024 annual meeting of shareholders. Additional information regarding the identity of potential participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the matters described herein when it is available. Shareholders are able to obtain any proxy statement, any amendments or supplements to the proxy statement and other documents filed by the Fund with the SEC for no charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies are available at no charge at the Fund's website at www.fsproxy.com. Investors should consider a fund's investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses before investing. The proxy statement/prospectus, when available, will contain this and other information about the fund, including risk factors that should be carefully considered. |

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