PROSPECTUS
$700,000,000
COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES
SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
WARRANTS
We may offer, from time to time, up to $700,000,000 aggregate initial offering price of our common stock, $0.001 par value per share, preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, debt securities, subscription rights, warrants representing rights to purchase shares of our common or preferred stock, or debt securities, or concurrent, separate offerings of these securities (collectively “Securities”), in one or more offerings. The Securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be disclosed in one or more supplements to this prospectus. In the case of our common stock and warrants or rights to acquire such common stock hereunder, the offering price per share of our common stock, less any underwriting commissions or discounts, will not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time of the offering except (i) in connection with a rights offering to our existing common stockholders, (ii) with the consent of the holders of the majority of our outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), or (iii) under such other circumstances as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) may permit. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest in our Securities.
We operate as an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company and have elected to be treated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the 1940 Act. For federal income tax purposes, we have elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). 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; 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.
Our Securities may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, including existing stockholders in a rights offering, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers, “at-the-market” to or through a market maker into an existing trading market or otherwise directly to one or more purchasers or through agents or through a combination of methods of sale. The prospectus supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in the sale of our Securities, and will disclose any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters or among our underwriters or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. See “Plan of Distribution.” We may not sell any of our Securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a prospectus supplement describing the method and terms of the offering of such Securities. Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “GLAD” and our 7.75% Notes due 2028 trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “GLADZ.” As of January 10, 2024, the last reported sales price for our common stock was $11.09.
The securities in which we invest generally would be rated below investment grade if they were rated by rating agencies. 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 are illiquid.
An investment in our Securities involves certain risks, including, among other things, the risk of leverage and risks relating to investments in securities of small, private and developing businesses. Common shares of closed-end investment companies, including BDCs, frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value per share. If our shares trade at a discount to their net asset value, this will likely increase the risk of loss to purchasers of our shares. You should review carefully the risks and uncertainties, including the risk of leverage and dilution, described in, or incorporated by reference into, the section titled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus or included in, or incorporated by reference into, the applicable prospectus supplement and in any free writing prospectuses we have authorized for use in connection with a specific offering, and under similar headings in the other documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus before investing in our securities.
This prospectus contains information you should know before investing in our Securities, including information about risks. Please read it before you invest and keep it for future reference. Additional information about us, including material incorporated by reference in this prospectus, has been filed with the SEC and can be accessed at its website at www.sec.gov. This information is also available free of charge or you may make stockholder inquiries by writing to us at Investor Relations, Gladstone Capital Corporation, 1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 100, McLean, VA 22102, by calling our toll-free investor relations line at 1-866-214-7543 or on our website at www.gladstonecapital.com. See “Additional Information.” Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not consider that information to be part of this prospectus.
The SEC has not approved or disapproved these Securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
January 17, 2024
Our Investment Adviser and Administrator
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 (as amended and / or restated from time to time, the “Advisory Agreement”). The Adviser manages our investment activities. We have also entered into an administration agreement with the Administrator, an affiliate of ours and the Adviser, whereby we pay separately for administrative services (the “Administration Agreement”). Each of the Adviser and the Administrator are privately-held companies that are indirectly owned and controlled by David Gladstone, our chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Gladstone and Terry Lee Brubaker, our chief operating officer, also serve on the board of directors of the Adviser, the board of managers of the Administrator, and as executive officers of the Adviser and the Administrator. The Administrator employs, among others, our chief financial officer and treasurer, chief valuation officer, chief compliance officer, general counsel and secretary (who also serves as the president of the Administrator) and their respective staffs. The Adviser and Administrator have extensive experience in our lines of business and also provide investment advisory and administrative services, respectively, to our affiliates, including the Affiliated Public Funds. In the future, the Adviser and Administrator may provide investment advisory and administrative services, respectively, to other funds and companies, both public and private.
The Adviser was organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware on July 2, 2002, and is an SEC registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended. The Administrator was organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware on March 18, 2005. The Adviser and Administrator are headquartered in McLean, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., at 1521 Westbranch Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102. The Adviser also has offices in other states.
At a special meeting of stockholders which has been adjourned to January 24, 2024, our stockholders are being asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement (the “New Advisory Agreement”) between us and the Adviser. The proposal to approve the New Advisory Agreement is the result of an anticipated change in control of the Adviser. The Adviser was organized as a corporation under the Delaware General Corporation Law on July 2, 2002. From inception, the Adviser has been 100% indirectly owned and controlled by David Gladstone. David Gladstone owns 100% of the voting and economic interests of The Gladstone Companies, Ltd., which in turn owns 100% of the voting and economic interests of The Gladstone Companies, Inc., which in turn owns 100% of the voting and economic interests of the Adviser. Immediately after approval of the New Advisory Agreement by our stockholders and approval by the stockholders of Gladstone Investment of a similar proposal, the Adviser will enter into a voting trust agreement (the “Voting Trust Agreement”), among David Gladstone, Lorna Gladstone, Laura Gladstone, Kent Gladstone and Jessica Martin, each as a trustee and collectively, as the board of trustees of the voting trust (the “Voting Trust Board”), the Adviser and certain stockholders of the Adviser, pursuant to which David Gladstone will deposit all of his indirect interests in the Adviser, which represented 100% of the voting and economic interests thereof, with the voting trust.
Pursuant to the Voting Trust Agreement, prior to its Effective Date (as defined below) David Gladstone will, in his sole discretion, have the full, exclusive and unqualified right and power to vote in person or by proxy all of the shares of common stock of the Adviser deposited with the voting trust at all meetings of the stockholders of the Adviser in respect of any and all matters on which the stockholders of the Adviser are entitled to vote under the Adviser’s certificate of incorporation or applicable law, to give consents in lieu of voting such shares of common stock of the Adviser at a meeting of the stockholders of the Adviser in respect of any and all matters on which stockholders of the Adviser are entitled to vote under its certificate of incorporation or applicable law, to enter into voting agreements, waive notice of any meeting of stockholders of the Adviser in respect of such shares of common stock of the Adviser and to grant proxies with respect to all such shares of common stock of the Adviser with respect to any lawful corporate action (collectively, the “Voting Powers”). Commencing on the Effective Date, the Voting Trust Board shall have the full, exclusive and unqualified right and power to exercise the Voting Powers. Each member of the Voting Trust Board shall hold 20% of the voting power of the Voting Trust Board as of the Effective Date. The “Effective Date” shall occur on the earliest of (i) the death of David Gladstone, (ii) David Gladstone’s election (in his sole discretion) and (iii) one year from
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Marcotte, whom we collectively refer to as the Portfolio Managers. In addition, our Adviser has an investment committee that evaluates and approves each of our investments. This investment committee is currently comprised of Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker, and Marcotte; Mr. John Sateri, who is a managing director of our Adviser; and Ms. Laura Gladstone, who is a managing director of our Adviser. Our investment decisions are made on our behalf by the investment committee of our Adviser upon approval of at least 75% of the investment committee.
Mr. Gladstone has served as the chairman and the chief executive officer of the Adviser, since he founded the Adviser in 2002, along with Mr. Brubaker. Mr. Brubaker has served as the vice chairman and chief operating officer of the Adviser since 2002 and served as secretary of the Adviser from 2002 to February 2011. Mr. Marcotte has served as an executive managing director of the Adviser since December 2013 and as our president since January 2014. Mr. Sateri has been a managing director of our Adviser since 2007. Ms. Gladstone has been a managing director of our Adviser since 2001. Ms. Gladstone and Mr. Sateri each have over 20 years of experience in investing in middle market companies and continue to hold the role of managing director with the Company and the Adviser. For more complete biographical information on Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Marcotte, see “Proposal 1—Election of Directors” in our most recent Definitive Proxy Statement for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders which is incorporated by reference herein.
As discussed above, Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Marcotte are all officers or directors, or both, of our Adviser, and Messrs. Gladstone and Brubaker are managers of the Administrator. Mr. Gladstone is also the sole stockholder of the parent company of the Adviser and the Administrator. Although we believe that the terms of the Advisory Agreement and the Administration Agreement are no less favorable to us than those that could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties in arms’ length transactions, our Adviser and Administrator and their officers and its directors have a material interest in the terms of these agreement.
Our Adviser and Administrator provide investment advisory and administration services, respectively, to the other Affiliated Public Funds. As such, certain of our Portfolio Managers also are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portfolios of other pooled investment vehicles in the Affiliated Public Funds that are managed by the Adviser. As of the date hereof, Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and David Dullum (the president of Gladstone Investment and an executive managing director of the Adviser) are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the portfolio of Gladstone Investment, another publicly-traded BDC; Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker and Arthur Cooper (the president of Gladstone Commercial and an executive managing director of the Adviser) are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Gladstone Commercial, a publicly-traded real estate investment trust; and Messrs. Gladstone and Brubaker are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Gladstone Land, a publicly traded real estate investment trust. As of September 30, 2023, the Adviser had an aggregate of approximately $4.0 billion in total assets under management in the Company and the Affiliated Public Funds, all of which is subject to performance-based advisory fees and for which Messrs. Gladstone and Brubaker are primarily responsible for the day-to-day management.
Conflicts of Interest
As discussed above, the Portfolio Managers who are our executive officers and directors, and the officers and directors of the Adviser, 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 funds managed by our affiliates. Accordingly, they may have obligations to investors in those entities, the fulfillment of which might not be in the best interests of us or our stockholders. For example, Mr. Gladstone, our chairman and chief executive officer, is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Adviser, the Administrator and the Affiliated Public Funds. In addition, Mr. Brubaker, our chief operating officer, is vice chairman and chief operating officer of the Adviser, the Administrator and the Affiliated Public Funds. Mr. Marcotte, our president, is an executive managing director of the Adviser. Moreover, the Adviser may establish or sponsor other investment vehicles which from time to time may have potentially overlapping investment objectives with ours and accordingly may invest in, whether
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DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Our transfer agency and services agreement with our transfer agent, Computershare, Inc. (“Computershare”), authorizes Computershare to provide a dividend reinvestment plan that allows for reinvestment of our distributions on behalf of our common stockholders upon their election as provided below. As a result, if our Board of Directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend, then our common stockholders who have “opted in” to the dividend reinvestment plan will not receive cash dividends but, instead, such cash dividends will automatically be reinvested in additional shares of our common stock.
Pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan, if your shares of our common stock are registered in your own name you can have all distributions reinvested in additional shares of our common stock by Computershare, as the plan agent, if you enroll in the dividend reinvestment plan by delivering an enrollment form to the plan agent prior to the corresponding dividend record date, available at www.computershare.com/investor. The plan agent will effect purchases of our common stock under the dividend reinvestment plan in the open market.
If you do not elect to participate in the dividend reinvestment plan, you will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to you (or if you hold your shares in street or other nominee name, then to your nominee) as of the relevant record date, by the plan agent, as our distribution disbursing agent. If your shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee, you can transfer the shares into your own name and then enroll in the dividend reinvestment plan or contact your broker or nominee to determine if they offer a dividend reinvestment plan.
The plan agent serves as agent for the holders of our common stock in administering the dividend reinvestment plan. After we declare a dividend, the plan agent will, as agent for the participants, receive the cash payment and use it to buy common stock on Nasdaq or elsewhere for the participants’ accounts. The price of the shares will be the weighted average price of all shares purchased by the plan agent on such trade date or dates.
Stockholders can obtain additional information about, and participants in the dividend reinvestment plan may withdraw from, the dividend reinvestment plan at any time by contacting Computershare online at www.computershare.com/investor, via telephone at (781) 575-2000 or by mailing a request to 150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021 or by selling or transferring all applicable shares. If the plan agent receives a request to withdraw near a dividend record date, the plan agent, in its sole discretion, may either distribute such dividends in cash or reinvest the shares on behalf of the withdrawing participant. If such dividends are reinvested, the plan agent will process the withdrawal as soon as practicable, but in no event later than five business days after the reinvestment is completed.
The plan agent will maintain each participant’s account in the dividend reinvestment plan and will furnish periodic written confirmations of all transactions in such account, including information needed by the stockholder for personal and tax records. Common stock in the account of each dividend reinvestment plan participant will be held by the plan agent in non-certificated form in the name of such participant; however participants may request that such shares be certificated in their name. The plan agent will provide proxy materials relating to our stockholders’ meetings that will include those shares purchased through the plan agent, as well as shares held pursuant to the dividend reinvestment plan.
We pay the plan agent’s fees for the handling or reinvestment of dividends and other distributions. If a participant elects by written notice to the plan agent prior to termination of his or her account to have the plan agent sell part or all of the shares held by the plan agent in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan agent is authorized to deduct a transaction fee of $15.00 for each batch order sale and $25.00 for each market order, day limit order and good-til-canceled limit order sale, plus brokerage commissions of $0.10 per share, from the proceeds. The participants in the dividend reinvestment plan will also bear a transaction fee of up to $5.00, plus per share brokerage commissions of $0.10, incurred with respect to open market purchases.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR SECURITIES
As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized capital stock consists of 50,000,000 shares of capital stock, $0.001 par value per share, 44,000,000 of which are currently designated as common stock and 6,000,000 of which are currently designated as 6.25% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”).
The following are the authorized classes of our Securities as of December 1, 2023.
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(1) Title of Class |
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(2) Amount Authorized |
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(3) Amount Held By us or for Our Account |
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(4) Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Amounts Shown Under (3) |
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Common Stock |
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44,000,000 shares |
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— |
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43,508,897 shares |
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Series A Preferred Stock |
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6,000,000 shares |
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— |
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— |
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5.125% Notes due 2026 |
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$ |
150,000,000 |
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— |
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$ |
150,000,000 |
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3.75% Notes due 2027 |
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$ |
50,000,000 |
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— |
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$ |
50,000,000 |
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7.75% Notes due 2028 |
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$ |
57,000,000 |
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— |
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$ |
57,000,000 |
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The following description is a summary based on relevant provisions of our charter and bylaws and the Maryland General Corporation Law. This summary does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of our charter and bylaws, as amended, and applicable provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law.
Common Stock
All shares of our common stock have equal rights as to earnings, assets, dividends and voting privileges and, when issued, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. Shares of our common stock have no preemptive, conversion or redemption rights and are freely transferable, except where their transfer is restricted by federal and state securities laws.
Distributions may be paid to the holders of our common stock if, as and when authorized by our Board of Directors and declared by us out of funds legally available therefor. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, each share of our common stock is entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are legally available for distribution after we pay all debts and other liabilities and subject to any preferential rights of holders of our preferred stock, if any is outstanding at the time. Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote and does not have cumulative voting rights, which means that holders of a majority of such shares, if they so choose, could elect all of the directors, and holders of less than a majority of such shares would, in that case, be unable to elect any director. Our common stock is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “GLAD.”
Preferred Stock
Our charter gives the Board of Directors the authority, without further action by stockholders, to classify or reclassify any unissued shares of our common stock or preferred stock into one or more classes or series and to fix the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications, terms or conditions of redemption or other rights, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the common stock. Thus, the Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of shares of preferred stock with terms and conditions which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or a change in control that might involve a premium price for holders of our common stock or otherwise be in their best interest. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the voting power of holders of common stock and reduce the likelihood that such holders will receive dividend payments and payments upon liquidation, and could also decrease the market price of our common stock.
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restricted by applicable law from making such repurchases, or otherwise suspends or terminates the Share Repurchase Program in its sole and absolute discretion. In the event that our Board of Directors elects to terminate the Share Repurchase Program and subject to satisfaction of any applicable listing requirements, we intend to apply to list the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock on Nasdaq or another national securities exchange within one calendar year of the termination, however, there can be no assurance that a listing will be achieved in such timeframe, or at all.
Repurchase Upon Death
Subject to certain conditions, including the limitations described above, commencing on the date of original issuance, shares of the Series A Preferred Stock held by a natural person upon his or her death may be repurchased at the written request of the holder’s estate for a cash payment equal to the Liquidation Preference, or $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to accrued and unpaid dividends to, but excluding, the “Death Repurchase Date”, which is the fifteenth calendar day of such estate’s request that we repurchase the shares, or, if such fifteenth calendar day is not a business day, on the next succeeding business day.
Redemption
Mandatory Redemption for Asset Coverage
If we fail to maintain “Asset Coverage” (as defined below) of at least the minimum amount required by Sections 18 and 61 of the 1940 Act (which is currently 150%) as of the time of declaration of dividends or other distributions on our common stock (other than dividends payable in shares of common stock), after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution, as of the time of purchase of the Company’s common stock or issuance of any senior security as defined in the 1940 Act, and such failure is not cured as of the close of business on the “Asset Coverage Cure Date” (which is defined as the date that is 90 calendar days following the date of such failure), the Series A Preferred Stock may become subject to mandatory redemption. Any redemptions due to failure to maintain the required Asset Coverage will be made in a non-discriminatory manner and will otherwise be consistent with the requirements of Rule 23c-2 under the 1940 Act, if applicable.
“Asset Coverage” means asset coverage of a class of senior security which is a stock, as defined for purposes of Sections 18(h) and 61 of the 1940 Act as in effect on the date of the Articles Supplementary, determined on the basis of values calculated as of a time within 48 hours (not including Sundays or holidays) next preceding the time of such determination.
Optional Redemption by the Company
Except in certain limited circumstances, we cannot redeem the Series A Preferred Stock prior to the earlier of (1) first anniversary of the Termination Date and (2) January 1, 2027. The “Termination Date” is the date that is the earlier of (1) December 31, 2026 (unless the public offering of the Series A Preferred Stock is earlier terminated or extended by our Board of Directors) or (2) the date on which all 6,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock offered in a public offering are sold.
On and after the earlier of (1) first anniversary of the Termination Date and (2) January 1, 2027, at our sole option upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, we may redeem shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the date fixed for redemption, without interest. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed must then surrender such Series A Preferred Stock at the place designated in the notice. Upon surrender of the Series A Preferred Stock, the holders will be entitled to the redemption price. If notice of redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock has been given and if we have deposited the funds necessary for such redemption with the paying agent for the benefit of the holders of any of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed, then from and after the redemption date, dividends will cease to accumulate on those shares of Series A Preferred Stock, those shares of Series A Preferred Stock will no longer be deemed outstanding and all rights of the holders of
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such shares will terminate, except the right to receive the redemption price. If less than all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock is to be redeemed, the Series A Preferred Stock to be redeemed will be selected (1) pro rata, (2) by lot or (3) by any other fair and equitable method that our Board of Directors may choose. Any optional redemptions will be made in a non-discriminatory manner and will otherwise be consistent with the requirements of Rule 23c-2 of the 1940 Act, if applicable.
1940 Act Restrictions on Dividends and Repurchases
For so long as any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will not: (x) declare any dividend or other distribution (other than a dividend or distribution paid in our common stock) in respect of our common stock, (y) call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any such common stock, or (z) pay any proceeds of the liquidation of the Company in respect of such common stock, unless, in each case, (A) immediately thereafter, we will be in compliance with the Asset Coverage limitations applicable to us under the 1940 Act (currently 150%) after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution or redemption or purchasing price or liquidation proceeds, (B) all cumulative dividends and distributions of shares of all series of Preferred Stock, if any, ranking on parity with the Series A Preferred Stock due on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition shall have been declared and paid (or shall have been declared and sufficient funds or deposit securities as permitted by the terms of such Preferred Stock for the payment thereof shall have been deposited irrevocably with the applicable paying agent) and (C) we have deposited deposit securities with the redemption and paying agent in accordance with certain requirements with respect to outstanding Preferred Stock of any series to be redeemed pursuant an Asset Coverage mandatory redemption resulting from the failure to comply with the Asset Coverage for which a notice of redemption shall have been given or shall have been required to be given on or prior to the date of the applicable dividend, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition.
Liquidation Rights
In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to be paid, out of our assets legally available for distribution to our stockholders, a liquidation distribution equal to the Liquidation Preference, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such shares to, but excluding, the date of payment, but without interest, before any distribution of assets is made to holders of our common stock. If our assets legally available for distribution to stockholders are insufficient to pay in full the Liquidation Preference plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and the amounts due upon liquidation with respect to such other shares of Preferred Stock, then the available assets will be distributed among the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and such other series of Preferred Stock ratably so that the amount of assets distributed per share of Series A Preferred Stock and such other series of Preferred Stock will in all cases bear to each other the same ratio that the Liquidation Preference per share on the Series A Preferred Stock and the liquidation preference on such other series of Preferred Stock bear to each other. Written notice of any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up of us, stating the payment date or dates when, and the place or places where, the amounts distributable in such circumstances will be payable, will be given by first class mail, postage pre-paid, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock at the respective addresses of such holders as the same appear on the stock transfer records of the Company. After payment of the full amount of the liquidation preference, plus an amount equal to any accumulated and unpaid dividends to which they are entitled, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will have no right or claim to any of our remaining assets. If we convert into or consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, trust or entity, effect a statutory share exchange or sell, lease, transfer or convey all or substantially all of our property or business, we will not be deemed to have liquidated, dissolved or wound up.
Voting Rights
Except as otherwise provided in our charter, including the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, each holder of a share of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Series A Preferred Stock held by such holder on each matter submitted to a vote of our stockholders and the holders of outstanding shares of
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any Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will vote together with holders of common stock as a single class. Under applicable rules of Nasdaq and Maryland law, we are currently required to hold annual meetings of stockholders.
In addition, the holders of outstanding shares of any Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will be entitled, as a class, to the exclusion of the holders of all other securities and the common stock, to elect two of our directors at all times (regardless of the total number of directors serving on the Board of Directors). We refer to these directors as the “Preferred Directors”. The holders of outstanding shares of common stock and Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, will elect the balance of our directors. Under our bylaws, our directors are divided into three classes. At each annual meeting of our stockholders, the successors to the class of directors whose term expires at such meeting will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election. Our Preferred Directors will be up for election in 2026.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if: (1) at the close of business on any dividend payment date for dividends on any outstanding share of any Preferred Stock, including any outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, accumulated dividends (whether or not earned or declared) on the shares of Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, equal to at least two full years’ dividends shall be due and unpaid and sufficient cash or specified securities shall not have been deposited with the redemption and paying agent or other applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends; or (2) at any time holders of any shares of Preferred Stock are entitled under the 1940 Act to elect a majority of our directors (a period when either of the foregoing conditions exists, a “Voting Period”), then the number of members constituting our Board of Directors will automatically be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two directors elected exclusively by the holders of shares of any Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, as described above, would constitute a majority of our Board of Directors as so increased by such smallest number; and the holders of the shares of Preferred Stock, including the Series A Preferred Stock, will be entitled as a class on a one-vote-per-share basis, to elect such additional directors. The terms of office of the individuals who are directors at the time of that election will not be affected by the election of the additional directors. If we thereafter shall pay, or declare and set apart for payment, in full all dividends payable on all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, for all past dividend periods, or the Voting Period is otherwise terminated, (1) the voting rights stated above shall cease, subject always, however, to the revesting of such voting rights in the holders of shares of Preferred Stock upon the further occurrence of any of the events described herein, and (2) the terms of office of all of the additional directors so elected will terminate automatically. Any Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, issued after the date hereof will vote with Series A Preferred Stock as a single class on the matters described above, and the issuance of any other Preferred Stock, including Series A Preferred Stock, by us may reduce the voting power of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock.
As soon as practicable after the accrual of any right of the holders of shares of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors as described above, we will call a special meeting of such holders and notify the Redemption and Paying Agent and/or such other person as is specified in the terms of such Preferred Stock to receive notice, (i) by mailing or delivery by electronic means or (ii) in such other manner and by such other means as are specified in the terms of such Preferred Stock, a notice of such special meeting to such holders, such meeting to be held not less than 10 nor more than 30 calendar days after the date of the delivery by electronic means or mailing of such notice. If we fail to call such a special meeting, it may be called at our expense by any such holder on like notice. The record date for determining the holders of shares of Preferred Stock entitled to notice of and to vote at such special meeting shall be the close of business on the fifth business day preceding the calendar day on which such notice is mailed. At any such special meeting and at each meeting of holders of shares of Preferred Stock held during a Voting Period at which directors are to be elected, such holders, voting together as a class (to the exclusion of the holders of all our other securities and classes of capital stock), will be entitled to elect the number of additional directors prescribed above on a one-vote-per-share basis.
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Except as otherwise permitted by the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, so long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the charter, including the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially and adversely affect any privilege, preference, right or power of the Series A Preferred Stock; provided, however, that (i) a change in our capitalization as described under the heading “—Issuance of Additional Preferred Stock” will not be considered to materially and adversely affect the privileges, preferences, rights or powers of Series A Preferred Stock, and (ii) a division of a share of Series A Preferred Stock will be deemed to affect such preferences, rights or powers only if the terms of such division materially and adversely affect the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock. For purposes of the foregoing, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any privilege, preference, right or power of a share of Series A Preferred Stock or the holder thereof unless such matter (i) alters or abolishes any preferential right of such share of Series A Preferred Stock, or (ii) creates, alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of such Series A Preferred Stock (other than as a result of a division of such Series A Preferred Stock).
So long as any shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2⁄3% of the shares of Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, file a voluntary application for relief under federal bankruptcy law or any similar application under state law for so long as we are solvent and do not foresee becoming insolvent. No amendment, alteration or repeal of our obligation to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock or to accumulate dividends at the Dividend Rate will be effected without, in each case, the prior unanimous vote or consent of the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least a “majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock,” including the shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding at the time, voting as a separate class, will be required (i) to approve us ceasing to be, or to withdraw our election as, a BDC, or (ii) to approve any plan of “reorganization” (as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(33) of the 1940 Act) adversely affecting such shares of Preferred Stock. For purposes of the foregoing, the vote of a “majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock” means the vote at an annual or special meeting duly called of (a) 67% or more of such shares present at a meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of such outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy at such meeting, or (b) more than 50% of such outstanding shares, whichever is less.
For purposes of determining any rights of the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock to vote on any matter, whether such right is created by our charter, including the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, by statute or otherwise, no holder of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote any shares of Series A Preferred Stock and no share of Series A Preferred Stock will be deemed to be “outstanding” for the purpose of voting or determining the number of shares required to constitute a quorum if, prior to or concurrently with the time of determination of shares entitled to vote or the time of the actual vote on the matter, as the case may be, the requisite Notice of Redemption with respect to such shares of Series A Preferred Stock will have been given in accordance with the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, and the Redemption Price for the redemption of such shares of Series A Preferred Stock will have been irrevocably deposited with the Redemption and Paying Agent for that purpose. No shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by us will have any voting rights or be deemed to be outstanding for voting or for calculating the voting percentage required on any other matter or other purposes.
Unless otherwise required by law or our charter, holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will not have any relative rights or preferences or other special rights with respect to voting other than those specifically set forth in the “Voting Rights” section of the Articles Supplementary. The holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock will have no rights to cumulative voting. In the event that we fail to declare or pay any dividends on Series A Preferred Stock, the exclusive remedy of the holders will be the right to vote for additional directors as discussed above.
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Advance Notice Provisions for Stockholder Nominations and Stockholder Proposals
Our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before an annual or special meeting of our stockholders, which we refer to as the stockholder notice procedure.
The stockholder notice procedure provides that with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations of individuals for election to our Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by our stockholders at an annual meeting may be made only (1) pursuant to our notice of the meeting, (2) by or at the direction of our Board of Directors or (3) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice procedures set forth in our bylaws, including a requirement to provide certain information about the stockholder and the nominee or business proposal, as applicable. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in our notice of meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of individuals for election to our Board of Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (1) by or at the direction of our Board of Directors or (2) by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions set forth in our bylaws, including a requirement to provide certain information about the stockholder and the nominee.
The purpose of requiring stockholders to give us advance notice of nominations and other business is to afford our Board of Directors a meaningful opportunity to consider the qualifications of the proposed nominees and the advisability of the other proposed business and, to the extent deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors, to inform stockholders and make recommendations about such qualifications or business, as well as to provide a more orderly procedure for conducting meetings of stockholders. Although our bylaws do not give our Board of Directors any power to disapprove stockholder nominations for the election of directors or proposals for action, they may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of directors or the consideration of stockholder proposals if proper procedures are not followed and of discouraging or deterring a third party from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or to approve its own proposal without regard to whether consideration of such nominees or proposals might be harmful or beneficial to us and our stockholders.
Authority to Issue Preferred Stock without Stockholder Approval
Our charter permits our Board of Directors to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of capital stock. Our Board of Directors may classify or reclassify any unissued common stock or preferred stock into other classes or series of stock and establish the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to distributions, qualifications and terms or conditions of redemption of any such stock. Thus, our Board of Directors could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with terms and conditions that could have a priority as to distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation over the rights of the holders of our common stock.
Amendment of Charter and Bylaws
Our charter may be amended, altered, changed or repealed, subject to the terms of any class or series of preferred stock, only if advised by our Board of Directors and approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter.
Our charter also provides that the bylaws may be adopted, amended, altered, changed or repealed by our Board of Directors. Any action taken by our stockholders with respect to adopting, amending, altering, changing or repealing our bylaws may be taken only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 75% of our capital stock, voting together as a single class.
These provisions are intended to make it more difficult for stockholders to circumvent certain other provisions contained in our charter and bylaws, such as those that provide for the classification of our Board of
47
Directors. These provisions, however, also will make it more difficult for stockholders to amend the charter or bylaws without the approval of the Board of Directors, even if a majority of the stockholders deems such amendment to be in the best interests of all stockholders.
Indemnification and Limitation of Liability of Directors and Officers
Maryland law permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty that is established by a final judgment and is material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision that eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.
The Maryland General Corporation Law requires us (unless our charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made or threatened to be made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that:
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the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (1) was committed in bad faith or (2) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty; |
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the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services; or |
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in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. |
Under the MGCL, we may not indemnify a director or officer in a suit by us or on our behalf in which the director or officer was adjudged liable to us or in a suit in which the director or officer was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. A court may order indemnification if it determines that the director or officer is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification, even though the director or officer did not meet the prescribed standard of conduct or was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received. However, indemnification for an adverse judgment in a suit by us or on our behalf, or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, is limited to expenses.
In addition, the MGCL permits us to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon our receipt of:
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a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by us; and |
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a written undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by us if it is ultimately determined that the director or officer did not meet the standard of conduct. |
Subject to the 1940 Act, or any valid rule, regulation or order of the SEC thereunder, our charter obligates us, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, to indemnify and pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition of a proceeding to any director or officer, whether serving our company or at our request any other entity. Our charter also permits us to indemnify and advance expenses to any employee or agent of our company to the extent authorized by our Board of Directors or the bylaws and permitted by law.
Our bylaws obligate us, to the maximum extent required by Maryland law or the charter, to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he is or was our director,
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as passive market makers. In general, a passive market maker must display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market maker’s bid, however, the passive market maker’s bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits are exceeded. Passive market making may stabilize the market price of the Securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
We may sell the Securities directly or through agents we designate from time to time. We will name any agent involved in the offering and sale of the Securities and we will describe any commissions we will pay the agent in the prospectus supplement. Unless the prospectus supplement states otherwise, our agent will act on a best-efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each class or series of Securities will be a new issue with no trading market, other than our common stock, which is traded on Nasdaq. We may elect to list any other class or series of Securities on any exchanges, but we are not obligated to do so. We cannot guarantee the liquidity of the trading markets for any Securities.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell Securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of stock. The third parties in such sale transactions will be underwriters and, if not identified in this prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment).
Any of our common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement will be listed on Nasdaq, or another exchange on which our common stock is traded.
Under agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate in the distribution of the Securities may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of business.
If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the Securities from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date. Institutions with which such contracts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us. The obligations of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the Securities shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject. The underwriters and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts. Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement, and the prospectus supplement will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.
In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, the Securities offered hereby will be sold in such jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain states, the Securities may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
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BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES
Since we generally acquire and dispose of our investments in privately negotiated transactions, we will infrequently use securities brokers or dealers in the normal course of our business. Subject to policies established by our Board of Directors, our Adviser will be primarily responsible for ensuring the execution of transactions involving publicly traded securities and the review of brokerage commissions in respect thereof, if any. In the event that our Adviser ensures the execution of such transactions, we do not expect our Adviser to execute transactions through any particular broker or dealer, but we would expect our Adviser to seek to obtain the best net results for us, taking into account such factors as price (including any applicable brokerage commission or dealer spread), size of order, difficulty of execution, and operational facilities of the broker dealer and the broker dealer’s risk and skill in positioning blocks of securities. While we expect that our Adviser generally will seek reasonably competitive trade execution costs, we will not necessarily pay the lowest spread or commission available. Subject to applicable legal requirements, our Adviser may select a broker dealer based partly upon brokerage or market research services provided to us, our Adviser and any of its other clients, if any. In return for such services, we may pay a higher commission than other broker dealers would charge if our Adviser determines in good faith that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services provided by such broker dealer viewed in terms either of the particular transaction or our Adviser’s overall responsibilities with respect to all of our Adviser’s clients.
We have not paid any brokerage commissions during the three most recent fiscal years to any affiliated person of us or our Adviser.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AND DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR
The securities we hold in our portfolio companies are held under a custodian agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. The address of the custodian is: 500 Ross Street, Suite 935, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262. Our assets are held under bank custodianship in compliance with the 1940 Act. Securities held through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Business Investment, are held under a custodian agreement with The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., which acts as collateral custodian pursuant to the Credit Facility. The address of the collateral custodian is 2322 French Settlement Road, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75212. Computershare acts as our transfer and dividend paying agent and registrar. The principal business address of Computershare is 150 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, telephone number (781) 575-2000. Computershare also maintains an internet website at www.computershare.com and one specifically for shareholders at www.computershare.com/investor.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for us by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Washington, D.C. Venable LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, will pass upon the legality of certain of the Securities offered by us and certain other matters of Maryland law. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters and/or sales agents, if any, by the counsel named in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
EXPERTS
The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2023 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The address of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is 655 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001.
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N-2 - USD ($)
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Aug. 16, 2024 |
Aug. 14, 2024 |
Jun. 30, 2024 |
Cover [Abstract] |
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Entity Central Index Key |
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0001143513
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Amendment Flag |
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false
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Document Type |
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424B2
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Entity Registrant Name |
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GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORP
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Fee Table [Abstract] |
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Shareholder Transaction Expenses [Table Text Block] |
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Stockholder Transaction Expenses : |
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Sales load or other commission (as a percentage of offering price) (1) |
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2.00 |
% |
Offering expenses (as a percentage of offering price) (2) |
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0.08 |
% |
Dividend reinvestment plan expenses (per sales transaction fee) (3) |
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Up to $ |
25.00 Transaction fee |
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Total stockholder transaction expenses (as a percentage of offering price) |
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2.08 |
% |
(1) |
Represents the maximum commission with respect to the shares of common stock being sold in this offering. The Sales Agents will be entitled to compensation of up to 2.0% of the gross proceeds of the sale of any shares of our common stock under the Sales Agreement, with the exact amount of such compensation to be mutually agreed upon by us and the Sales Agents from time to time. There is no guarantee that there will be any sales of our common stock pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. |
(2) |
The percentage reflects estimated offering expenses of approximately $125,000 and assumes we sell all $150.0 million of common stock under the Sales Agreement. |
(3) |
The expenses of the dividend reinvestment plan, if any, are included in stock record expenses, a component of “other expenses.” If a participant elects by written notice to the plan agent prior to termination of his or her account to have the plan agent sell part or all of the shares held by the plan agent in the participant’s account and remit the proceeds to the participant, the plan agent is authorized to deduct a transaction fee, plus per share brokerage commissions, from the proceeds. The participants in the dividend reinvestment plan will bear a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to open market purchases, if any. See “ Dividend Reinvestment Plan ” in the accompanying prospectus for information on the dividend reinvestment plan. |
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Sales Load [Percent] |
[1] |
2.00%
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Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Fees |
[2] |
$ 25
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Other Transaction Expenses [Abstract] |
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Other Transaction Expense 1 [Percent] |
[3] |
0.08%
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Other Transaction Expense 2 [Percent] |
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2.08%
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Annual Expenses [Table Text Block] |
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Annual expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock) (4) : |
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3.16 |
% |
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2.06 |
% |
Incentive fees (20% of realized capital gains and 20% of pre-incentive fee net investment income) (7) |
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2.81 |
% |
Interest payments on borrowed funds (8) |
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5.45 |
% |
Preferred stock dividends (9) |
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0.08 |
% |
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1.28 |
% |
Total annual expenses (11) |
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14.84 |
% |
(4) |
The percentages presented in this table are gross of credits to any fees. |
(5) |
In accordance with our Advisory Agreement, our annual base management fee is 1.75% (0.4375% quarterly) of our average gross assets, which are defined as total assets of Gladstone Capital, including investments made with proceeds of borrowings, less any uninvested cash or cash equivalents resulting from borrowings, and adjusted appropriately for any share issuances or repurchases. In accordance with the requirements of the SEC, the table above shows Gladstone Capital’s management fee as a percentage of average net assets attributable to common shareholders. For purposes of the table, the gross base management fee has been converted to 3.16% of the average net assets as of June 30, 2024 by dividing the |
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total dollar amount of the management fee by our average net assets. The base management fee for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 before application of any credits was $3.5 million. | From time to time, the Adviser has non-contractually, unconditionally and irrevocably agreed to reduce the 1.75% base management fee on syndicated loan participations to 0.5%, to the extent that proceeds resulting from borrowings were used to purchase such syndicated loan participations. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, this credit to the base management fee was $25 thousand. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has provided and continues to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. It may also provide services other than managerial assistance to our portfolio companies and receive fees therefor. Such services may include: (i) assistance obtaining, sourcing or structuring credit facilities, long term loans or additional equity from unaffiliated third parties; (ii) negotiating important contractual financial relationships; (iii) consulting services regarding restructuring of the portfolio company and financial modeling as it relates to raising additional debt and equity capital from unaffiliated third parties; and (iv) primary role in interviewing, vetting and negotiating employment contracts with candidates in connection with adding and retaining key portfolio company management team members. Generally, at the end of each quarter, 100.0% of these fees are non-contractually, irrevocably and unconditionally credited against the base management fee that we would otherwise be required to pay to the Adviser; however, a small percentage of certain of such fees, primarily for valuation of the portfolio company, is retained by the Adviser in the form of reimbursement at cost for certain tasks completed by personnel of the Adviser. See “Item 1. Business—Transactions with Related Parties—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement ” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the base management fee credit was $0.6 million.
(6) |
The Adviser services, administers and collects on the loans held by Gladstone Business Loan, LLC (“Business Loan”), in return for which the Adviser receives a 1.5% annual loan servicing fee payable monthly by Business Loan based on the monthly aggregate balance of loans held by Business Loan in accordance with the Credit Facility. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, the total loan servicing fee was $2.3 million. The entire loan servicing fee paid to the Adviser by Business Loan is generally non-contractually, unconditionally and irrevocably credited against the base management fee otherwise payable to the Adviser since Business Loan is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company, and overall, the base management fee (including any loan servicing fee) cannot exceed 1.75% of total assets (as reduced by cash and cash equivalents pledged to creditors) during any given fiscal year pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. See “ Item 1. Business—Transactions with Related Parties—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement ” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and footnote 7 below. |
(7) |
In accordance with our Advisory Agreement, the incentive fee consists of two parts: an income-based fee and a capital gains-based fee. The income-based fee is payable quarterly in arrears, and equals 20.0% of the excess, if any, of our pre-incentive fee net investment income that exceeds a 1.75% quarterly (7.0% annualized) hurdle rate of our net assets, subject to a “catch-up” provision measured as of the end of each calendar quarter. The “catch-up” provision requires us to pay 100.0% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized). The income-based incentive fee is computed and paid on income that may include interest that is accrued but not yet received in cash. Our pre-incentive fee net investment income used to calculate this part of the income-based incentive fee is also included in the amount of our gross assets used to calculate the 1.75% base management fee (see footnote 5 above). The capital gains-based incentive fee equals 20.0% of our net realized capital gains since our inception, if any, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation since our inception, less any prior payments, and is payable at the end of each fiscal year. We have not recorded any capital gains-based incentive fee from our inception through June 30, 2024. The income-based incentive fee for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 before application of any credits was $3.1 million. | From time to time, the Adviser has non-contractually, irrevocably and unconditionally agreed to waive a portion of the incentive fees, to the extent net investment income did not cover 100.0% of the distributions to common stockholders during the period. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, there was no incentive fee credit. There can be no guarantee that the Adviser will continue to credit any portion of the fees under the Advisory Agreement in the future. Examples of how the incentive fee would be calculated are as follows:
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Assuming pre-incentive fee net investment income of 0.55%, there would be no income-based incentive fee because such income would not exceed the hurdle rate of 1.75%. |
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Assuming pre-incentive fee net investment income of 2.00%, the income-based incentive fee would be as follows: | = 100% x (2.00% - 1.75%) = 0.25%
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Assuming pre-incentive fee net investment income of 2.30%, the income-based incentive fee would be as follows: | = (100% x (“catch - up”: 2.1875% - 1.75%)) + (20% x (2.30% - 2.1875%)) = (100% x 0.4375%) + (20% x 0.1125%) = 0.4375%+ 0.0225% = 0.46%
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Assuming net realized capital gains of 6% and realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation of 1%, the capital gains-based incentive fee would be as follows: | = 20% x (6% - 1%) = 20% x 5% = 1% For a more detailed discussion of the calculation of the two-part incentive fee, see “ Item 1. Business—Transactions with Related Parties—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement ” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(8) |
Includes amortization of deferred financing costs. As of June 30, 2024, we had $65.8 million in borrowings outstanding under our Credit Facility and $257.0 million in notes payable. |
(9) |
Includes amounts paid to preferred stockholders during the three months ended June 30, 2024. |
(10) |
Includes our overhead expenses, including payments under the Administration Agreement based on our projected allocable portion of overhead and other expenses estimated to be incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement for the current fiscal year. See “ Item 1. Business—Transactions with Related Parties—Administration Agreement ” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
(11) |
Total annualized gross expenses, based on actual amounts incurred for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, would be $64.9 million. After all non-contractual, unconditional and irrevocable credits described in footnote 5, footnote 6 and footnote 7 above are applied to the base management fee, the loan servicing fee, and the incentive fee, total annualized expenses after fee credits, based on actual amounts incurred for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, would be $53.5 million or 12.23% as a percentage of net assets. |
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Management Fees [Percent] |
[4],[5] |
3.16%
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Interest Expenses on Borrowings [Percent] |
[5],[6] |
5.45%
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Dividend Expenses on Preferred Shares [Percent] |
[5],[7] |
0.08%
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Incentive Fees [Percent] |
[5],[8] |
2.81%
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Loan Servicing Fees [Percent] |
[5],[9] |
2.06%
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Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] |
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Other Annual Expenses [Percent] |
[5],[10] |
1.28%
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Total Annual Expenses [Percent] |
[5],[11] |
14.84%
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Expense Example [Table Text Block] |
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The following examples demonstrate the projected dollar amount of total cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to a hypothetical investment in our common stock. In calculating the following expense amounts, we have assumed that our gross annual operating expenses would remain at the levels set forth in the table above and are gross of any credits to any fees. The examples below and the expenses in the table above should not be considered a representation of our future expenses, and actual expenses (including the cost of debt, incentive fees, if any, and other expenses) may be greater or less than those shown. While the example assumes, as required by the SEC, a 5.00% annual return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less than 5.00%.
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You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment: |
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assuming a 5% annual return consisting entirely of ordinary income (1)(2) |
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$ |
126 |
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$ |
351 |
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$ |
542 |
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$ |
907 |
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assuming a 5% annual return consisting entirely of capital gains (2)(3) |
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$ |
135 |
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$ |
372 |
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$ |
570 |
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$ |
935 |
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(1) |
For purposes of this example, we have assumed that the entire amount of the assumed 5.0% annual return would constitute ordinary income as we have not historically realized positive capital gains (computed net of all realized capital losses) on our investments. Because the assumed 5.0% annual return is significantly below the hurdle rate of 7.0% (annualized) that we must achieve under the Advisory Agreement to trigger the payment of an income-based incentive fee, we have assumed, for purposes of this example, that no income-based incentive fee would be payable if we realized a 5.0% annual return on our investments. |
(2) |
While the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and distributions at NAV, participants in our dividend reinvestment plan will receive a number of shares of our common stock, determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the distribution payable to a participant by the average cost of shares of our common stock purchased in the open market in the period beginning on or before the payment date of the distribution and ending when the plan agent has expended for such purchases all of the cash that would have been otherwise payable to participants. See “ Dividend Reinvestment Plan ” in the accompanying prospectus for additional information regarding our dividend reinvestment plan. |
(3) |
For purposes of this example, we have assumed that the entire amount of the assumed 5.0% annual return would constitute capital gains and that no accumulated capital losses or unrealized depreciation would have to be overcome first before a capital gains based incentive fee is payable. |
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Purpose of Fee Table , Note [Text Block] |
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The following table is intended to assist you in understanding the costs and expenses that an investor in this offering will bear directly or indirectly. We caution you that some of the percentages indicated in the table below are estimates and may vary. Except where the context suggests otherwise, whenever this prospectus supplement contains a reference to fees or expenses paid by “us” or “Gladstone Capital,” or that “we” will pay fees or expenses, stockholders will indirectly bear such fees or expenses as investors in Gladstone Capital. The following percentages for annual expenses are annualized and have been calculated based on actual expenses incurred in the quarter ended June 30, 2024 and average net assets attributable to common stockholders for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.
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Basis of Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] |
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as a percentage of offering price
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Other Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] |
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The percentage reflects estimated offering expenses of approximately $125,000 and assumes we sell all $150.0 million of common stock under the Sales Agreement.
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Other Expenses, Note [Text Block] |
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Includes our overhead expenses, including payments under the Administration Agreement based on our projected allocable portion of overhead and other expenses estimated to be incurred by the Administrator in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement for the current fiscal year. See “Item 1. Business—Transactions with Related Parties—Administration Agreement ” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Management Fee not based on Net Assets, Note [Text Block] |
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(5) |
In accordance with our Advisory Agreement, our annual base management fee is 1.75% (0.4375% quarterly) of our average gross assets, which are defined as total assets of Gladstone Capital, including investments made with proceeds of borrowings, less any uninvested cash or cash equivalents resulting from borrowings, and adjusted appropriately for any share issuances or repurchases. In accordance with the requirements of the SEC, the table above shows Gladstone Capital’s management fee as a percentage of average net assets attributable to common shareholders. For purposes of the table, the gross base management fee has been converted to 3.16% of the average net assets as of June 30, 2024 by dividing the |
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total dollar amount of the management fee by our average net assets. The base management fee for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 before application of any credits was $3.5 million. | From time to time, the Adviser has non-contractually, unconditionally and irrevocably agreed to reduce the 1.75% base management fee on syndicated loan participations to 0.5%, to the extent that proceeds resulting from borrowings were used to purchase such syndicated loan participations. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, this credit to the base management fee was $25 thousand. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has provided and continues to provide managerial assistance to our portfolio companies. It may also provide services other than managerial assistance to our portfolio companies and receive fees therefor. Such services may include: (i) assistance obtaining, sourcing or structuring credit facilities, long term loans or additional equity from unaffiliated third parties; (ii) negotiating important contractual financial relationships; (iii) consulting services regarding restructuring of the portfolio company and financial modeling as it relates to raising additional debt and equity capital from unaffiliated third parties; and (iv) primary role in interviewing, vetting and negotiating employment contracts with candidates in connection with adding and retaining key portfolio company management team members. Generally, at the end of each quarter, 100.0% of these fees are non-contractually, irrevocably and unconditionally credited against the base management fee that we would otherwise be required to pay to the Adviser; however, a small percentage of certain of such fees, primarily for valuation of the portfolio company, is retained by the Adviser in the form of reimbursement at cost for certain tasks completed by personnel of the Adviser. See “Item 1. Business—Transactions with Related Parties—Investment Advisory and Management Agreement ” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, the base management fee credit was $0.6 million.
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] |
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Our Investment Objectives and Strategy Our investment objectives are to: (1) achieve and grow current income by investing in debt securities of established lower middle market companies (which we generally define as companies with annual EBITDA of $3 million to $25 million) 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 June 30, 2024, our investment portfolio was made up of approximately 90.4% debt investments and 9.6% equity investments, at cost. We focus on investing in lower middle market companies 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 Corporation, a BDC also managed by the Adviser, 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. Since 2012, we have opportunistically made several co-investments with Gladstone Investment Corporation pursuant to the 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, 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 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. 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 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. Since our initial public offering in August 2001 through June 30, 2024, we have invested in approximately 277 different companies. We expect that our investment portfolio will primarily include the following three categories of investments in private companies operating in the U.S.:
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Secured First Lien Debt Securities: We seek to invest a portion of our assets in secured first lien debt securities also known as senior loans, senior term loans, lines of credit and senior notes. Using its assets as collateral, the borrower typically uses first lien debt to cover a substantial portion of the funding needs of the business. These debt securities usually take the form of first priority liens on all, or substantially all, of the assets of the business. First lien debt securities may include investments sourced from the syndicated loan market. |
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Secured Second Lien Debt Securities: We seek to invest a portion of our assets in secured second lien debt securities, also known as subordinated loans, subordinated notes and mezzanine loans. These secured second lien debt securities rank junior to the secured borrowers’ first lien debt securities and may be secured by second priority liens on all or a portion of the assets of the business. Additionally, we may receive other yield enhancements in addition to or in lieu of success fees such as warrants to buy common and preferred stock or limited liability interests in connection with these second lien secured debt securities. Second lien debt securities may include investments sourced from the syndicated loan market. |
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In some cases we will purchase equity securities which consist of preferred and common equity or limited liability company interests, or warrants or options to acquire such securities, and are in combination with our debt investment in a business. Additionally, we may receive equity investments derived from restructurings on some of our existing debt investments. In some cases, we will own a significant portion of the equity and in other cases we may have voting control of the businesses in which we invest. | Under the 1940 Act, we may not acquire any asset other than assets of the type listed in Section 55 of the 1940 Act, which are referred to as “qualifying assets” and generally include each of the investment types listed above, unless, at the time the acquisition is made, qualifying assets (other than certain assets related to our operations) represent at least 70.0% of our total assets. We expect that most, if not all, of the debt securities we acquire will not be rated by a credit rating agency. Investors should assume that these loans would be rated below “investment grade” quality. Investments rated below investment grade are often referred to as high yield securities or junk bonds and may be considered higher risk, as compared to investment-grade debt instruments. In addition, many of the debt securities we hold may not amortize prior to maturity.
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Risk Factors [Table Text Block] |
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You should carefully consider the risks described below and all other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus before making a decision to purchase shares of our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below, in the “Risk Factors” section of the accompanying prospectus and in the other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us, or not presently deemed material by us, may also impair our operations and performance. If any of the risks described below or in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. If that happens, the trading price or NAV of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. We believe the risk factors described below are the principal risk factors associated with an investment in our common stock as well as those factors generally associated with an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to ours. Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may allocate the net proceeds from this offering in ways that you and other stockholders may not approve. Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds, including for any of the purposes described in the section entitled “ ,” and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used in ways with which you may not agree or may not otherwise be considered appropriate. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. The failure of our management to use these funds effectively could harm our business. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities. These investments may not yield a favorable return to our stockholders. We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds of this offering on acceptable terms. Delays in investing the net proceeds raised in an offering or from exiting an investment, prepayment of an investment or other capital source may cause our performance to be worse than that of other fully invested BDCs or other lenders or investors pursuing comparable investment strategies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify any investments that meet our investment objective or that any investment that we make will produce a positive return. We may be unable to invest the net proceeds from any offering, from exiting an investment, prepayment of an investment or other capital source on acceptable terms within the time period that we anticipate or at all, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
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Assuming a 5% annual return consisting entirely of ordinary income [Member] |
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Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] |
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Expense Example, Year 01 |
[12],[13] |
$ 126
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 |
[12],[13] |
351
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 |
[12],[13] |
542
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 |
[12],[13] |
907
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Assuming a 5% annual return consisting entirely of capital gains [Member] |
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Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] |
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Expense Example, Year 01 |
[13],[14] |
135
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 |
[13],[14] |
372
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 |
[13],[14] |
570
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Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 |
[13],[14] |
$ 935
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Broad Discretion in the Use of the Net Proceeds from This Offering [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may allocate the net proceeds from this offering in ways that you and other stockholders may not approve. Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds, including for any of the purposes described in the section entitled “ ,” and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used in ways with which you may not agree or may not otherwise be considered appropriate. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their currently intended use. The failure of our management to use these funds effectively could harm our business. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities. These investments may not yield a favorable return to our stockholders.
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Significant Portion of the Net Proceeds of This Offering on Acceptable Terms [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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We may be unable to invest a significant portion of the net proceeds of this offering on acceptable terms. Delays in investing the net proceeds raised in an offering or from exiting an investment, prepayment of an investment or other capital source may cause our performance to be worse than that of other fully invested BDCs or other lenders or investors pursuing comparable investment strategies. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify any investments that meet our investment objective or that any investment that we make will produce a positive return. We may be unable to invest the net proceeds from any offering, from exiting an investment, prepayment of an investment or other capital source on acceptable terms within the time period that we anticipate or at all, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.
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Common Shares [Member] |
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Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] |
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Basis of Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block] |
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as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Share Price |
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$ 22.69
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NAV Per Share |
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$ 20.18
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