Gladstone Capital Corporation

02/04/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/04/2026 15:28

Quarterly Report for Quarter Ending DECEMBER 31, 2025 (Form 10-Q)

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
All statements contained herein, other than historical facts, may constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements may relate to, among other things, our future operating results, our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies, actual and potential conflicts of interest with Gladstone Management Corporation (the "Adviser"), our investment adviser, and its affiliates, the use of borrowed money to finance our investments, the adequacy of our financing sources and working capital, and our ability to co-invest, among other factors. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "estimate," "may," "might," "believe," "will," "provided," "anticipate," "future," "could," "growth," "plan," "project," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "if," "seek," "possible," "potential," "likely" or the negative or variations of such terms or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include: (1) changes in the economy and the capital markets, including stock price volatility, inflation, elevated interest rates, geopolitical conflicts, tariffs and trade wars and risks of recession; (2) risks associated with negotiation and consummation of pending and future transactions; (3) the loss of one or more of our executive officers, in particular David Gladstone or Robert L. Marcotte; (4) changes in our investment objectives and strategy; (5) availability, terms (including the possibility of interest rate volatility) and deployment of capital; (6) changes in our industry, interest rates, exchange rates or the general economy; (7) our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies; (8) the degree and nature of our competition; (9) changes in governmental regulation, tax rates and similar matters; (10) our ability to exit investments in a timely manner; (11) our ability to maintain our qualification as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and as a business development company ("BDC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and (12) those factors described herein, including Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (our "Annual Report") for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on November 17, 2025. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. We have based forward-looking statements on information available to us on the date of this report. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Although we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that we may make directly to you or through reports that we have filed or in the future may file with the SEC from time to time, including annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The following analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our accompanying Consolidated Financial Statementsand the notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report. Historical financial condition and results of operations and percentage relationships among any amounts in the financial statements are not necessarily indicative of financial condition or results of operations for any future periods. Except per share amounts, dollar amounts in the tables included herein are in thousands unless otherwise indicated.
OVERVIEW
General
We were incorporated under the Maryland General Corporation Law on May 30, 2001. We operate as an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company, and have elected to be treated as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In addition, for federal income tax purposes we have elected to be treated as a RIC under the Code. To continue to qualify as a RIC for federal income tax purposes and obtain favorable RIC tax treatment, we must meet certain requirements, including certain minimum distribution requirements.
We were established for the purpose of investing in debt and equity securities of established private businesses operating in the U.S. Our investment objectives are to: (1) achieve and grow current income by investing in debt securities of established lower middle market companies in the U.S. that we believe will provide stable earnings and cash flow to pay expenses, make principal and interest payments on our outstanding indebtedness and make distributions to stockholders that grow over time; and (2) provide our stockholders with long-term capital appreciation in the value of our assets by investing in equity securities, in connection with our debt investments, that we believe can grow over time to permit us to sell our equity investments for capital gains. To achieve our investment objectives, our primary investment strategy is to invest in several categories of debt and equity securities, with each investment generally ranging from $8 million to $40 million, although investment size may vary, depending upon our total assets or available capital at the time of investment. We expect that our investment portfolio over time will consist of approximately 90.0% debt investments and 10.0% equity investments, at cost. As of December 31, 2025, our investment portfolio was made up of approximately 90.9% debt investments and 9.1% equity investments, at cost.
We focus on investing in lower middle market companies (which we generally define as companies with annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of $3 million to $25 million) in the U.S. that meet certain criteria, including the following: the sustainability of the business' free cash flow and its ability to grow it over time, adequate assets for loan collateral, experienced management teams with a significant ownership interest in the borrower, reasonable capitalization of the borrower, including an ample equity contribution or cushion based on prevailing enterprise valuation multiples and, to a lesser extent, the potential to realize appreciation and gain liquidity in our equity position, if any. We lend to borrowers that need funds for growth capital or to finance acquisitions or recapitalize or refinance their existing debt facilities. We seek to avoid investing in high-risk, early-stage enterprises. Our targeted portfolio companies are generally considered too small for the larger capital marketplace.
We invest by ourselves or jointly with other funds and/or management of the portfolio company, depending on the opportunity. In July 2012, the SEC granted us an exemptive order (the "Co-Investment Order") that expanded our ability to co-invest, under certain circumstances, with certain of our affiliates, including Gladstone Investment, Gladstone Alternative and any future BDC or registered closed-end management investment company that is advised (or sub-advised if it controls the fund) by the Adviser, or any combination of the foregoing, subject to the conditions in the Co-Investment Order. In September 2025, the SEC granted us a new Co-Investment Order that contains a more flexible requirement that allocations be "fair and equitable" to us and that the Adviser consider the interests of us in allocations and which minimizes certain board approval requirements from the prior Co-Investment Order. We believe the Co-Investment Order has enhanced and will continue to enhance our ability to further our investment objectives and strategies. If we are participating in an investment with one or more co-investors, whether or not an affiliate of ours, our investment is likely to be smaller than if we were investing alone.
We are externally managed by the Adviser, an investment adviser registered with the SEC and an affiliate of ours, pursuant to an investment advisory and management agreement. The Adviser manages our investment activities. We have also entered into an administration agreement with Gladstone Administration, LLC (the "Administrator"), an affiliate of ours and the Adviser, whereby we pay separately for administrative services.
Additionally, Gladstone Securities, LLC ("Gladstone Securities"), a privately-held broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, which is 100% indirectly owned and controlled by Mr. Gladstone, our chairman and chief executive officer, has provided other services, such as investment banking and due diligence services, to certain of our portfolio companies, for which Gladstone Securities receives a fee.
Business
Portfolio and Investment Activity
In general, our investments in debt securities have a term of no more than seven years, accrue interest at variable rates (generally based on one-month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR")) and, to a lesser extent, at fixed rates. We seek debt instruments that pay interest monthly or, at a minimum, quarterly, may have a success fee or deferred interest provision and are primarily interest only, with all principal and any accrued but unpaid interest due at maturity. Generally, success fees accrue at a set rate and are contractually due upon a change of control of a portfolio company, typically from an exit or sale. Some debt securities have deferred interest whereby some portion of the interest payment is added to the principal balance so that the interest is paid, together with the principal, at maturity. This form of deferred interest is often called paid-in-kind ("PIK") interest.
Typically, our equity investments consist of common stock, preferred stock, limited liability company interests, or warrants to purchase the foregoing. Often, these equity investments occur in connection with our original investment, recapitalizing a business, or refinancing existing debt.
During the three months ended December 31, 2025, we invested $37.8 million in two new portfolio companies and extended $61.3 million in investments to existing portfolio companies. In addition, we exited three portfolio companies during the three months ended December 31, 2025. We received a total of $52.8 million in combined net proceeds and principal repayments from the aforementioned portfolio company exits, as well as principal repayments by existing portfolio companies, during the three months ended December 31, 2025. Our overall portfolio consists of 54 portfolio companies as of December 31, 2025 and increased by $49.4 million at cost since September 30, 2025. From our initial public offering in August 2001 through December 31, 2025, we have made 715 different loans to, or investments in, 294 companies for a total of approximately $3.3 billion, before giving effect to principal repayments on investments and divestitures.
During the three months ended December 31, 2025, the following significant transactions occurred:
•In October 2025, we invested $11.0 million in Total Access Elevator, LLC ("Total Access"), an existing portfolio company, through secured first lien debt. We also extended Total Access a new $9.85 million delayed draw term loan commitment, which was unfunded at close.
•In October 2025, our $28.1 million debt investment in Leadpoint Business Services, LLC paid off at par. We also received a $0.3 million prepayment penalty in conjunction with the payoff.
•In October 2025, the sale of our remaining common equity investment in Sokol & Company Holdings, LLC ("Sokol") was completed, representing a return of our equity cost basis of $0.5 million and a realized gain of approximately $1.8 million.
•In October 2025, our $17.8 million debt investment in Sea Link International IRB, Inc. ("Sea Link") paid off at par. We also received a $0.2 million exit fee in conjunction with the payoff. We continue to hold common and preferred equity in Sea Link.
•In November 2025, we invested $15.0 million in Turn Key Health Clinics, LLC ("Turn Key"), an existing portfolio company, through secured first lien debt. We also increased our existing line of credit commitment to Turn Key by $1.0 million to $5.0 million, which was unfunded at close.
•In November 2025, we invested $26.6 million in Sicilian Oven Restaurants LLC through secured first lien debt and preferred equity.
•In December 2025, we invested $30.0 million in RPM Freight Systems, LLC, an existing portfolio company, through secured second lien debt.
•In December 2025, we invested $11.3 million in Flexible Technology Solutions, LLC through secured second lien debt and preferred equity.
Refer to Note 12 - Subsequent Events in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statementsincluded elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for portfolio activity occurring subsequent to December 31, 2025.
Capital Raising
We have been able to meet our capital needs through extensions of and amendments to our line of credit with KeyBank National Association ("KeyBank"), as administrative agent, lead arranger and lender (as amended and/or restated from time to time, our "Credit Facility") and by accessing the capital markets in the form of public equity offerings of common and preferred stock and public and private debt offerings. We have successfully extended the Credit Facility's revolving period multiple times, most recently to October 2027, and currently have a total commitment amount of $340.0 million. During the quarter ended December 31, 2025, we sold 440,665 shares of 6.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock") for gross proceeds of $11.0 million. In September 2025, we completed an offering of $149.5 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% Convertible Notes due 2030 (the "2030 Convertible Notes"). Refer to "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Revolving Line of Credit," "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Equity - Preferred Stock,"and "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Notes Payable"for further discussion.
Although we have been able to access the capital markets historically and in recent years, market conditions may affect the trading price of our capital stock and thus may inhibit our ability to finance new investments through the issuance of equity in the future. When our common stock trades below net asset value ("NAV") per common share, our ability to issue equity is constrained by provisions of the 1940 Act, which generally prohibits the issuance and sale of our common stock below NAV per common share without first obtaining approval from our stockholders and our independent directors, other than
through sales to our then-existing stockholders pursuant to a rights offering. On December 31, 2025, the closing market price of our common stock was $20.66 per share, a 2.2% discount to our December 31, 2025 NAV per share of $21.13.
Regulatory Compliance
Our ability to seek external debt financing, to the extent that it is available under current market conditions, is further subject to the asset coverage limitations of the 1940 Act, which require us to have an asset coverage (as defined in Sections 18 and 61 of the 1940 Act) of at least 150% on our "senior securities representing indebtedness" and our "senior securities that are stock."
On April 10, 2018, our Board of Directors, including a "required majority" (as such term is defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) thereof, approved the modified asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 61(a)(2) of the 1940 Act. As a result, the Company's asset coverage requirements for senior securities changed from 200% to 150%, effective April 10, 2019.
As of December 31, 2025, our asset coverage on our "senior securities representing indebtedness" was 219.5% and our asset coverage on our "senior securities that are stock" was 203.6%.
Recent Developments
Distributions
On January 13, 2026, our Board of Directors declared the following distributions to common and preferred stockholders:
Record Date Payment Date Distribution per Common Share
January 23, 2026 January 30, 2026 $ 0.15
February 18, 2026 February 27, 2026 0.15
March 23, 2026 March 31, 2026 0.15
Total for the Quarter: $ 0.45
Record Date Payment Date Distribution per Series A Preferred Stock
January 27, 2026 February 5, 2026 $ 0.130208
February 24, 2026 March 5, 2026 0.130208
March 25, 2026 April 3, 2026 0.130208
Total for the Quarter: $ 0.390624
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of the Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
Three Months Ended December 31,
2025 2024 $ Change % Change
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest income
$ 23,896 $ 21,320 $ 2,576 12.1 %
Other income
615 640 (25) (3.9)
Total investment income 24,511 21,960 2,551 11.6
EXPENSES
Base management fee
3,909 3,552 357 10.1
Loan servicing fee
2,451 2,178 273 12.5
Incentive fee
2,699 2,704 (5) (0.2)
Administration fee
519 474 45 9.5
Interest expense on line of credit and notes payable
5,928 4,743 1,185 25.0
Amortization of deferred financing costs
727 518 209 40.3
Other expenses
805 1,090 (285) (26.1)
Expenses, before credits from Adviser 17,038 15,259 1,779 11.7
Credit to base management fee - loan servicing fee
(2,451) (2,178) (273) 12.5
Credits to fees from Adviser - other
(1,340) (2,345) 1,005 (42.9)
Total expenses, net of credits 13,247 10,736 2,511 23.4
NET INVESTMENT INCOME 11,264 11,224 40 0.4
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
1,711 57,724 (56,013) (97.0)
Net realized gain (loss) on other
(1,415) 90 (1,505) NM
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
(5,638) (41,892) 36,254 (86.5)
Net gain (loss) from investments and other (5,342) 15,922 (21,264) NM
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS 468 171 297 173.7
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS $ 5,454 $ 26,975 $ (21,521) (79.8) %
NM - Not Meaningful
Investment Income
Interest income increased by 12.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the prior year period. Generally, the level of interest income from investments is directly related to the principal balance of our interest-bearing investment portfolio outstanding during the period multiplied by the weighted-average yield. The weighted average principal balance of our interest-bearing investment portfolio for the three months ended December 31, 2025 was $772.3 million, compared to $642.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $129.9 million, or 20.2%. The weighted average yield on our interest-bearing investments is based on the current stated interest rate on interest-bearing investments, which decreased to 12.2% for the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to 13.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, inclusive of any allowances on interest receivables made during those periods. The decrease in the weighted average yield was driven mainly by decreases in interest rates.
As of December 31, 2025, our loans to B+T Group Acquisition, Inc., Edge Adhesives Holdings, Inc., and WB Xcel Holdings, LLC were on non-accrual status with a cost basis of $28.8 million, or 3.4% of the cost basis of all debt investments in our portfolio, and a fair value of $13.2 million, or 1.6% of the fair value of all debt investments in our portfolio. As of September 30, 2025, our loans to B+T Group Acquisition, Inc., Edge Adhesives Holdings, Inc., and WB Xcel Holdings, LLC were on non-accrual status with a cost basis of $28.8 million, or 3.6% of the cost basis of all debt investments in our portfolio, and a fair value of $13.0 million, or 1.7% of the fair value of all debt investments in our portfolio.
Success fee, dividend and other income decreased by 3.9% during the three months ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to a decrease in prepayment fees received period over period, partially offset by an increase in success fees received period over period.
As of each of December 31, 2025 and September 30, 2025, no single investment represented greater than 10% of the total investment portfolio at fair value.
Expenses
Expenses, net of any non-contractual, unconditional and irrevocable credits to fees from the Adviser, increased $2.5 million, or 23.4%, for the three months ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in interest expense and a $1.1 million increase in the net base management fee earned by the Adviser.
Total interest expense on borrowings and notes payable increased by $1.2 million, or 25.0%, during the three months ended December 31, 2025, driven by an increase in the weighted average balance outstanding on our Credit Facility, partially offset by a decrease in the effective interest rate on our Credit Facility. Interest expense on our Credit Facility increased by $1.2 million due primarily to an increase in the weighted average balance outstanding which was $121.8 million during the three months ended December 31, 2025, as compared to $26.2 million in the prior year period, an increase of 364.9%. The effective interest rate on our Credit Facility, including unused commitment fees incurred, but excluding the impact of deferred financing costs, was 8.1% during the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to 19.1% during the prior year period. The decrease in the effective interest rate was driven primarily by a $0.3 million decrease in unused commitment fees on the undrawn portion of the Credit Facility and a decrease in interest rates on the drawn portion of the Credit Facility during the three months ended December 31, 2025.
The net base management fee earned by the Adviser increased by $1.1 million, or 77.7%, for the three months ended December 31, 2025, as compared to the prior year period, resulting from a decrease in credits to the base management fee from the Adviser for new deal origination fees period over period and an increase in average total assets subject to the base management fee period over period.
The income-based incentive fee was largely unchanged for the three months ended December 31, 2025 as compared to the prior year period. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, our Board of Directors accepted non-contractual, unconditional and irrevocable credits from the Adviser of $0.2 million to reduce the income-based incentive fee to the extent net investment income did not cover 100.0% of distributions to common stockholders. There were no such credits during the three months ended December 31, 2025.
The base management, loan servicing and incentive fees, and associated non-contractual, unconditional and irrevocable credits, are computed quarterly, as described under "Transactions with the Adviser"in Note 4-Related Party Transactionsof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsand are summarized in the following table:
Three Months Ended
December 31,
2025 2024
Average total assets subject to base management fee(A)(B)
$ 893,486 $ 811,886
Multiplied by prorated annual base management fee of 1.75%
0.4375 % 0.4375 %
Base management fee(C)
$ 3,909 $ 3,552
Portfolio company fee credit (1,340) (2,096)
Syndicated loan fee credit
- (10)
Net Base Management Fee $ 2,569 $ 1,446
Loan servicing fee(C)
2,451 2,178
Credit to base management fee - loan servicing fee(C)
(2,451) (2,178)
Net Loan Servicing Fee $ - $ -
Incentive fee(C)
2,699 2,704
Incentive fee credit
- (239)
Net Incentive Fee $ 2,699 $ 2,465
Portfolio company fee credit (1,340) (2,096)
Syndicated loan fee credit
- (10)
Incentive fee credit - (239)
Credits to Fees From Adviser - other(C)
$ (1,340) $ (2,345)
(A)Average total assets subject to the base management fee is defined as total assets, including investments made with proceeds of borrowings, less any uninvested cash or cash equivalents resulting from borrowings, valued at the end of the applicable quarters within the respective periods and adjusted appropriately for any share issuances or repurchases during the periods.
(B)Excludes our investment in Gladstone Alternative valued at the end of the applicable quarters within the respective periods.
(C)Reflected, on a gross basis, as a line item on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments
For the three months ended December 31, 2025, we recorded a net realized gain on investments of $1.7 million, which resulted primarily from a $1.8 million realized gain recognized on the redemption of our equity investment in Sokol.
For the three months ended December 31, 2024, we recorded a net realized gain on investments of $57.7 million, which resulted from a $59.3 million realized gain recognized on the sale of our investment in Antenna Research Associates, Inc. and a $2.5 million realized gain recognized on our investment in Salt & Straw, LLC, partially offset by a $4.1 million realized loss recognized on the sale of our investment in DKI Ventures, LLC.
Net Realized Gain (Loss) on Other
During the three months ended December 31, 2025, we recorded net realized losses on other of $1.4 million, due to the write-off of unamortized deferred offering costs upon the redemption of our 5.125% 2026 Notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") and 7.75% Notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes").
Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of Investments
During the three months ended December 31, 2025, we recorded net unrealized depreciation of investments in the aggregate amount of $5.6 million. The net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) across our investments for the three months ended December 31, 2025 were as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31, 2025
Portfolio Company Realized Gain
(Loss) 		Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Reversal of
Unrealized
(Appreciation)
Depreciation
Net
Gain (Loss)
Axios Industrial Group, LLC $ - $ 663 $ - $ 663
RPM Freight Systems, LLC - 591 - 591
Vet's Choice Radiology LLC - 507 - 507
Alsay Incorporated - 470 - 470
Sokol & Company Holdings, LLC 1,790 - (1,790) -
Encore Dredging Holdings, LLC - (1,101) - (1,101)
Lonestar EMS, LLC - (2,067) - (2,067)
Eegee Acquisition Corp. - (2,693) - (2,693)
Other, net (<$500) (79) 132 (350) (297)
Total: $ 1,711 $ (3,498) $ (2,140) $ (3,927)
The primary drivers of net unrealized depreciation of $5.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2025 were the decline in the financial and operational performance of Eegee Acquisition Corp. and Lonestar EMS, LLC, and the reversal of unrealized appreciation recognized on our investment in Sokol.
During the three months ended December 31, 2024, we recorded net unrealized depreciation of investments in the aggregate amount of $41.9 million. The net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) across our investments for the three months ended December 31, 2024 were as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31, 2024
Portfolio Company Realized Gain
(Loss) 		Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
Reversal of
Unrealized
(Appreciation)
Depreciation
Net
Gain (Loss)
Sokol & Company Holdings, LLC $ - $ 5,730 $ - $ 5,730
Antenna Research Associates, Inc. 59,348 - (55,140) 4,208
Lonestar EMS, LLC - 3,443 - 3,443
Arc Drilling Holdings LLC - 1,838 - 1,838
NeoGraf Solutions, LLC - 1,737 - 1,737
Salvo Technologies, Inc. - 1,592 - 1,592
Giving Home Health Care, LLC - 930 - 930
HH-Inspire Acquisition, Inc. - 663 - 663
Quality Environmental Midco, Inc. - 657 - 657
Triple H Food Processors, LLC - 501 - 501
TNCP Intermediate HoldCo, LLC - 468 - 468
ENET Holdings, LLC - - 316 316
Imperative Holdings Corporation - 282 - 282
Technical Resource Management, LLC - 206 - 206
Salt & Straw, LLC 2,450 100 (2,607) (57)
DKI Ventures, LLC (4,074) - 3,422 (652)
Eegee's LLC - (756) - (756)
Engineering Manufacturing Technologies, LLC - (1,060) - (1,060)
Defiance Integrated Technologies, Inc. - (1,941) - (1,941)
WB Xcel Holdings, LLC - (2,684) - (2,684)
Other, net (<$500) - 411 - 411
Total: $ 57,724 $ 12,117 $ (54,009) $ 15,832
The primary driver of net unrealized depreciation of $41.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was the
reversal of unrealized appreciation from the exit of our investment in Antenna Research Associates, Inc., partially offset by the increase in the financial and operational performance of several of our other portfolio companies.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Operating Activities
Our cash flows from operating activities are primarily generated from the interest payments on debt securities that we receive from our portfolio companies, as well as net proceeds received through repayments or sales of our investments. We utilize this cash primarily to fund new investments, make interest payments on our Credit Facility, make distributions to our stockholders, pay management and administrative fees to the Adviser and Administrator, and for other operating expenses.
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended December 31, 2025 was $33.8 million, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $24.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The change was primarily due to a decrease in principal repayments and net proceeds from sales period over period, partially offset by a decrease in purchases of investments period over period. Repayments and net proceeds from sales were $52.7 million during the three months ended December 31, 2025 compared to $165.4 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024. Purchases of investments were $99.2 million during the three months ended December 31, 2025, compared to $151.6 million during the three months ended December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2025, we had loans to or equity investments in 54 companies, with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $926.0 million. As of September 30, 2025, we had loans to or equity investments in 55 companies, with an aggregate cost basis of approximately $876.6 million.
The following table summarizes our total portfolio investment activity during the three months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024:
Three Months Ended December 31,
2025 2024
Beginning investment portfolio, at fair value
$ 859,124 $ 796,260
New investments
37,828 107,159
Disbursements to existing portfolio companies
61,336 44,457
Scheduled principal repayments on investments
(1,855) (2,211)
Unscheduled principal repayments on investments
(48,631) (90,051)
Net proceeds from sale of investments
(2,273) (73,081)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments
(3,498) 12,117
Reversal of prior period depreciation (appreciation) of investments on realization
(2,140) (54,009)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments
1,711 57,724
Increase in investments due to PIK(A)
2,136 966
Net change in premiums, discounts and amortization
(826) 166
Investment Portfolio, at Fair Value
$ 902,912 $ 799,497
(A)PIK interest is a non-cash source of income and is calculated at the contractual rate stated in a loan agreement and added to the principal balance of a loan.
The following table summarizes the contractual principal repayment and maturity of our investment portfolio by fiscal year, assuming no voluntary prepayments, as of December 31, 2025:
Amount
For the remaining nine months ending September 30:
2026(A)
$ 22,553
For the fiscal years ending September 30:
2027 130,873
2028 200,051
2029 146,569
2030 239,554
Thereafter 103,360
Total contractual repayments
$ 842,960
Adjustments to cost basis of debt investments (1,401)
Investments in equity securities 84,481
Investments held as of December 31, 2025 at cost: $ 926,040
(A)Includes debt investments with contractual principal amounts totaling $0.4 million for which the maturity date has passed as of December 31, 2025.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2025 was $5.6 million, which consisted primarily of $213.2 million in net borrowings on our Credit Facility, partially offset by $207.0 million used in gross redemptions of long term debt.
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $24.4 million, which consisted primarily of $20.0 million in distributions to our common stockholders and $9.1 million in net repayments on our Credit Facility.
Distributions to Stockholders
Common Stock Distributions
To qualify to be taxed as a RIC and thus avoid corporate level federal income tax on the income we distribute to our stockholders, we are required to distribute to our stockholders on an annual basis at least 90.0% of our Investment Company Taxable Income. Additionally, our Credit Facility has a covenant that generally restricts the amount of distributions to stockholders that we can pay out to be no greater than our aggregate net investment income, net capital gains and amounts elected to have been paid during the prior year in accordance with Section 855(a) of the Code. In accordance with these requirements, we paid monthly cash distributions of $0.15 per common share for each month during the three months ended December 31, 2025. In January 2026, our Board of Directors declared a monthly distribution of $0.15 per common share for each of January, February, and March 2026. Our Board of Directors declared these distributions to our stockholders based on our estimates of our Investment Company Taxable Income for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, our current and accumulated earnings and profits exceeded common stock distributions declared and paid, and, in accordance with Section 855(a) of the Code, we elected to treat $5.5 million of the
first common distributions paid to common stockholders in the subsequent fiscal year as having been paid in the prior year.
The characterization of the common stockholder distributions declared and paid for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026 will be determined at fiscal year end, based upon our investment company taxable income for the full fiscal year and distributions paid during the full fiscal year. Such a characterization made on a quarterly basis may not be representative of the actual full fiscal year characterization.
Preferred Stock Dividends
We paid monthly cash dividends of $0.130208 per share to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock for each month during the three months ended December 31, 2025. In January 2026, our Board of Directors declared monthly cash dividends of $0.130208 per share to holders of our Series A Preferred Stock for each of January, February, and March 2026. Dividend payments to our preferred stockholders are included in preferred stock dividends on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For federal income tax purposes, the dividends paid by us to preferred stockholders generally constitute ordinary income to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits and is reported after the end of the calendar year based on tax information for the full fiscal year.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Our common stockholders who hold their shares through our transfer agent, Computershare, Inc. ("Computershare"), have the option to participate in a dividend reinvestment plan offered by Computershare, as the plan agent. This is an "opt in" dividend reinvestment plan, meaning that common stockholders may elect to have their cash distributions automatically reinvested in additional shares of our common stock. Common stockholders who do make such election will receive their distributions in cash. Common stockholders who receive distributions in the form of stock will be subject to the same federal, state and local tax consequences as stockholders who elect to receive their distributions in cash. The common stockholder will have an adjusted basis in the additional common shares purchased through the plan equal to the amount of the reinvested distribution. The additional shares will have a new holding period commencing on the day following the date on which the shares are credited to the common stockholder's account. Computershare purchases shares in the open market in connection with the obligations under the plan.
Equity
Registration Statement
Our shelf registration statement permits us to issue, through one or more transactions, up to an aggregate of $700.0 million in securities, consisting of common stock, preferred stock, subscription rights, debt securities and warrants to purchase common stock, preferred stock or debt securities. As of December 31, 2025, we had the ability to issue up to an additional $508.3 million in securities under the registration statement.
Common Stock
We anticipate issuing equity securities to obtain additional capital in the future. However, we cannot determine the timing or terms of any future equity issuances or whether we will be able to issue equity on terms favorable to us, or at all. To the extent that our common stock trades at a market price below our NAV per share, we will generally be precluded from raising equity capital through public offerings of our common stock, other than pursuant to stockholder and independent director approval or a rights offering to existing common stockholders.
Preferred Stock
We anticipate issuing preferred stock through our affiliated dealer manager. In May 2023, we entered into a Dealer Manager Agreement pursuant to which we may sell a maximum of 6,000,000 shares of 6.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), par value $0.001 per share, on a "reasonable best efforts" basis through our affiliated dealer manager, Gladstone Securities, at a public offering price of $25.00 per share. Pursuant to the Dealer Manager Agreement, the offering will terminate on the date that is the earlier of (1) December 31, 2026 (unless earlier terminated or extended by our Board of Directors) and (2) the date on which all 6,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered are sold.
Revolving Line of Credit
On May 13, 2021, we, through Business Loan, entered into a ninth amended and restated credit agreement with KeyBank as administrative agent, lead arranger, managing agent and lender, the Adviser, as servicer, and certain other lenders party thereto (the "Credit Facility"). On November 25, 2025, we, through Business Loan, entered into Amendment No. 10 to the Credit Facility to increase the total commitment by $20.0 million.
As of December 31, 2025, our Credit Facility had a total commitment amount of $340.0 million with an "accordion" feature that permits us to increase the size of the facility to $400.0 million. The Credit Facility has a revolving period end date of October 31, 2027, and a final maturity date of October 31, 2029 (at which time all principal and interest will be due and payable if the Credit Facility is not extended by the revolving period end date). The interest rate margin is 2.60% during the revolving period and 3.10% thereafter.
Interest is payable monthly during the term of our Credit Facility. Available borrowings are subject to various constraints imposed under our Credit Facility, based on the aggregate loan balance pledged by Business Loan, which varies as loans are added and repaid, regardless of whether such repayments are prepayments or made as contractually required. Our Credit Facility also requires that any interest or principal payments on pledged loans be remitted directly by the borrower into a lockbox account with KeyBank and with The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as custodian. KeyBank, which also serves as the trustee of the account, generally remits the collected funds to us once a month.
Our Credit Facility also requires that any interest or principal payments on pledged loans be remitted directly by the borrower into a lockbox account with KeyBank. KeyBank is also the trustee of the account and generally remits the collected funds to us once each month. Amounts collected in the lockbox account with KeyBank are presented as Due from administrative agent on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilitiesas of December 31, 2025 and September 30, 2025.
Our Credit Facility contains covenants that require Business Loan to maintain its status as a separate legal entity, prohibit certain significant corporate transactions (such as mergers, consolidations, liquidations or dissolutions), and restrict material changes to our credit and collection policies without the lenders' consent. Our Credit Facility also generally limits distributions to our stockholders on a fiscal year basis to the sum of our net investment income, net capital gains and amounts elected to have been paid during the prior year in accordance with Section 855(a) of the Code. Business Loan is also subject to certain limitations on the type of loan investments it can apply as collateral towards the borrowing base to receive additional borrowing availability under our Credit Facility, including restrictions on geographic concentrations, sector concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status, average life, portfolio company leverage and lien property. Our Credit Facility further requires Business Loan to comply with other financial and operational covenants, which obligate Business Loan to, among other things, maintain certain financial ratios, including asset and interest coverage and a minimum number of 25 obligors required in the borrowing base.
Additionally, we are required to maintain (i) a minimum net worth (defined in our Credit Facility to include any outstanding mandatorily redeemable preferred stock) of $500.0 million plus 50.0% of all equity and subordinated debt
raised after May 13, 2021 less 50% of any equity and subordinated debt retired or redeemed after May 13, 2021, which equates to $483.0 million as of December 31, 2025, (ii) asset coverage with respect to "senior securities representing indebtedness" of at least 150% (or such percentage as may be set forth in Section 18 of the 1940 Act, as modified by Section 61 of the 1940 Act), and (iii) our status as a BDC under the 1940 Act and as a RIC under the Code.
As of December 31, 2025, and as defined in our Credit Facility, we had a net worth of $668.1 million, asset coverage on our "senior securities representing indebtedness" of 219.5%, calculated in accordance with the requirements of Section 18 and 61 of the 1940 Act, and an active status as a BDC and RIC. In addition, we had 36 obligors in our Credit Facility's borrowing base as of December 31, 2025. As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with all of our Credit Facility covenants. Refer to Note 5-Borrowingsof the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for additional information regarding our Credit Facility.
Notes Payable
In September 2025, we completed an offering of $149.5 million aggregate principal amount of 2030 Convertible Notes for net proceeds of approximately $142.8 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses borne by us. The 2030 Convertible Notes will mature on October 1, 2030, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. The 2030 Convertible Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.875% per year. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year beginning April 1, 2026 (which equates to approximately $8.8 million per year).
At any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding October 1, 2030, holders may convert all or any portion of their 2030 Convertible Notes. Upon conversion, the Company will pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of its common stock, or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at the Company's election. The conversion rate was initially 38.4394 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2030 Convertible Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of $26.02 per share of common stock). The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon certain events, such as share splits and combinations, mergers, tender or exchange offers, increases in dividends per share and certain changes in control. In no event will the total number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion exceed 42.2834 per $1,000 principal amount of the 2030 Convertible Notes.
In August 2023, we completed an offering of $57.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes for net proceeds of approximately $55.1 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses borne by us. The 2028 Notes traded under the ticker symbol "GLADZ" on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. On October 15, 2025, we voluntarily redeemed the 2028 Notes with an aggregate principal amount outstanding of $57.0 million. In connection with the voluntary redemption of the 2028 Notes, we incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million, which is primarily comprised of the unamortized deferred issuance costs at the time of redemption. The 2028 Notes would have otherwise matured on September 1, 2028.
In November 2021, we completed a private placement of $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.75% Notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes") for net proceeds of approximately $48.5 million after deducting initial purchasers' costs, commissions and offering expenses borne by us. The 2027 Notes will mature on May 1, 2027 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company's option prior to maturity at par plus a "make-whole" premium, if applicable. The 2027 Notes bear interest at a rate of 3.75% per year. Interest is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year (which equates to approximately $1.9 million per year).
In April 2022, pursuant to the registration rights agreement we entered into in connection with the 2027 Notes, we conducted an exchange offer through which we offered to exchange all of our then outstanding 2027 Notes (the "Restricted Notes") that were issued on November 4, 2021, for an equal aggregate principal amount of our new 3.75% Notes due 2027 (the "Exchange Notes") that had been registered with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical to those of the Restricted Notes, except that the transfer restrictions and registration rights relating to the Restricted Notes do not apply to the Exchange Notes, and the Exchange Notes do not provide for the payment of additional interest in the event of a registration default.
In December 2020, we completed an offering of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes for net proceeds of approximately $97.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses borne by us. In March 2021, we completed an offering of an additional $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes for net proceeds of approximately $50.6 million after adding premiums and deducting underwriting costs, commissions and offering expenses borne by us. On October 31, 2025, we voluntarily redeemed the 2026 Notes with an
aggregate principal amount outstanding of $150.0 million. In connection with the voluntary redemption of the 2026 Notes, we incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.2 million, which is primarily comprised of the unamortized deferred issuance costs at the time of redemption. The 2026 Notes would have otherwise matured on January 31, 2026.
The indenture relating to the 2027 Notes contains certain covenants, including (i) an inability to incur additional debt or issue additional debt or preferred securities unless the Company's asset coverage meets the threshold specified in the 1940 Act after such borrowing, (ii) an inability to declare any dividend or distribution (except a dividend payable in our stock) on a class of our capital stock or to purchase shares of our capital stock unless the Company's asset coverage meets the threshold specified in the 1940 Act at the time of (and giving effect to) such declaration or purchase, and (iii) if, at any time, we are not subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, we will provide the holders of the 2027 Notes and the trustee with audited annual consolidated financial statements and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
The indenture relating to the 2030 Convertible Notes similarly contains certain covenants including (i) an inability to incur additional debt or issue additional debt or preferred securities unless the Company's asset coverage meets the threshold specified in the 1940 Act after such borrowing and (ii) that we will file with the trustee any documents or reports that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act within 15 days after the same are required to be filed with the SEC; provided that any documents filed by us with the SEC via the EDGAR system will be deemed to be filed with the trustee.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We generally recognize success fee income when the payment has been received. As of December 31, 2025 and September 30, 2025, we had off-balance sheet success fee receivables on our accruing debt investments of $6.2 million and $6.0 million (or approximately $0.27 per common share and $0.27 per common share), respectively, that would be owed to us, generally upon a change of control of the portfolio companies. Consistent with GAAP, we generally have not recognized our success fee receivables and related income in our Consolidated Financial Statements until earned. Due to the contingent nature of our success fees, there are no guarantees that we will be able to collect all of these success fees or know the timing of such collections.
Contractual Obligations
We have lines of credit, delayed draw term loans, and an uncalled capital commitment with certain of our portfolio companies that have not been fully drawn. Since these commitments have expiration dates and we expect many will never be fully drawn, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We estimate the fair value of the combined unused lines of credit, the unused delayed draw term loans, and the uncalled capital commitment as of December 31, 2025 and September 30, 2025 to be immaterial.
The following table shows our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2025, at cost:
Payments Due by Period
Contractual Obligations(A)
Less than
1 Year
1-3 Years 3-5 Years More than 5
Years 		Total
Credit Facility(B)
$ - $ - $ 213,200 $ - $ 213,200
Notes Payable
- 50,000 149,500 - 199,500
Interest expense on debt obligations(C)
24,905 46,685 27,243 - 98,833
Total $ 24,905 $ 96,685 $ 389,943 $ - $ 511,533
(A)Excludes our unused line of credit commitments, unused delayed draw term loans, and uncalled capital commitments to our portfolio companies in an aggregate amount of $69.7 million, at cost, as of December 31, 2025.
(B)Principal balance of borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility, based on the maturity date following the current contractual revolver period end date.
(C)Includes estimated interest payments on our Credit Facility, 2030 Convertible Notes, and 2027 Notes. The amount of interest expense calculated for purposes of this table was based upon rates and balances as of December 31, 2025.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported consolidated amounts of assets and liabilities, including disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and expenses during the period reported. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We have identified our investment valuation policy (which has been approved by our Board of Directors) as our most critical accounting policy, which is described in Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesin the accompanying notes to our Consolidated Financial Statementsincluded elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. Additionally, refer to Note 3-Investmentsin our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsincluded elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for additional information regarding fair value measurements and our application of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures."We have also identified our revenue recognition policy as a critical accounting policy, which is described in Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesin our accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statementsincluded elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Investment Valuation
Credit Monitoring and Risk Rating
The Adviser monitors a wide variety of key credit statistics that provide information regarding our portfolio companies to help us assess credit quality and portfolio performance and, in some instances, used as inputs in our valuation techniques. Generally, we, through the Adviser, participate in periodic board meetings of our portfolio companies in which we hold board seats and also require them to provide annual audited and monthly unaudited financial statements. Using these statements or comparable information and board discussions, the Adviser calculates and evaluates certain credit statistics.
The Adviser risk rates all of our investments in debt securities. The Adviser does not risk rate our equity securities. For loans that have been rated by an SEC registered Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization ("NRSRO"), the Adviser generally uses the average of two corporate level NRSRO's risk ratings for such security. For all other debt securities, the Adviser uses a proprietary risk rating system. While the Adviser seeks to mirror the NRSRO systems, we cannot provide any assurance that the Adviser's risk rating system will provide the same risk rating as an NRSRO would for these securities. The Adviser's risk rating system is used to estimate the probability of default on debt securities and the expected loss if there is a default. The Adviser's risk rating system uses a scale of 0 to >10, with >10 being the lowest probability of default. It is the Adviser's understanding that most debt securities of medium-sized companies do not exceed the grade of BBB on an NRSRO scale, so there would be no debt securities in the middle market that would meet the definition of AAA, AA or A. Therefore, the Adviser's scale begins with the designation >10 as the best risk rating which may be equivalent to a BBB from an NRSRO; however, no assurance can be given that a >10 on the Adviser's scale is equal to a BBB or Baa2 on an NRSRO scale. The Adviser's risk rating system covers both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the business and the securities we hold.
The following table reflects risk ratings for all loans in our portfolio as of December 31, 2025 and September 30, 2025.
Rating
As of
December 31,
2025
As of
September 30,
2025
Highest
10.0 10.0
Average
7.4 7.4
Weighted Average
7.7 8.0
Lowest
3.0 3.0
Tax Status
We intend to continue to maintain our qualification as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code for federal income tax purposes. As a RIC, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on the portion of our taxable income and gains distributed to our stockholders. To maintain our qualification as a RIC, we must maintain our status as a BDC and meet certain source-of-income and asset diversification requirements. In addition, in order to qualify to be taxed as a RIC, we must distribute to stockholders at least 90% of our Investment Company Taxable Income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction. Our policy generally is to make distributions to our stockholders in an amount up to 100% of our
Investment Company Taxable Income. We may retain some or all of our net long-term capital gains, if any, and designate them as deemed distributions, or distribute such gains to stockholders in cash.
To avoid a 4% federal excise tax on undistributed amounts of income, we must distribute to stockholders, during each calendar year, an amount at least equal to the sum of: (1) 98% of our ordinary income for the calendar year, (2) 98.2% of our capital gain net income (both long-term and short-term) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (3) any income realized, but not distributed, in the preceding year (to the extent that income tax was not imposed on such amounts) less certain over-distributions in prior years. Under the RIC Modernization Act, we are permitted to carryforward any capital losses that we may incur for an unlimited period, and such capital loss carryforwards will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2-Summary of Significant Accounting Policiesin the notes to our accompanying Consolidated Financial Statementsincluded elsewhere in this Quarterly Report for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, if any.
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