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Gladstone Capital Corp (GLAD)
NASDAQ:GLAD

Gladstone Capital (GLAD) AI Stock Analysis

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GLAD

Gladstone Capital

(NASDAQ:GLAD)

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Neutral 56 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
$18.00
â–²(1.98% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/23/26
The score is held back mainly by weak/volatile cash flow and bearish technical trends (price below key moving averages with negative MACD). These are partially offset by very strong reported profitability, a high dividend yield, and a generally stable earnings-call outlook supported by liquidity and pipeline commentary, though elevated leverage and credit marks remain notable risks.
Positive Factors
High Profitability / Margins
Persistently high reported net margins indicate the BDC captures attractive spreads on lower middle‑market debt and generates recurring investment income. Durable margin strength supports dividend capacity and provides a buffer to absorb some credit impairments, helping long‑term cash returns if portfolio yields hold.
Strong Liquidity and Funding Availability
A sizable revolver and meaningful availability provide structural funding flexibility for originations, absorbing prepayments and smoothing cash shortfalls. This reduces near‑term refinancing risk, enables opportunistic lending to vetted deals, and supports sustaining distributions through funding cycles.
Planned Leadership Succession / Bench Strength
A planned succession separating chairman and CEO with long‑tenured insiders promoted preserves institutional knowledge and investment committee continuity. This reduces key‑person risk and supports consistent underwriting and portfolio oversight, aiding strategic stability over the medium term.
Negative Factors
Volatile Operating Cash Flow
Large, unpredictable operating cash flow swings weaken the reliability of cash available for dividends and debt servicing. For a leveraged BDC, inconsistent cash generation increases reliance on debt and revolver usage, raising refinancing and liquidity strain risk during downturns or slower exit cycles.
Elevated Leverage
High leverage amplifies downside from credit losses and interest‑rate shifts, constraining strategic flexibility. With leverage near parity with equity, meaningful portfolio mark downs or yield compression could quickly erode NAV and force greater reliance on the revolver or asset sales to maintain distributions.
Concentrated Unrealized Losses / Credit Stress
Concentration of unrealized losses and several non‑accrual or stressed credits signal pockets of credit deterioration that may become realized losses. Concentrated credit risk requires remediation and limits portfolio diversification benefits, potentially pressuring NAV and future income generation if recoveries underperform.

Gladstone Capital (GLAD) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Gladstone Capital Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionGladstone Capital Corporation is a business development company specializing in lower middle market, growth capital, add on acquisitions, change of control, buy & build strategies, debt refinancing, debt investments in senior term loans, revolving loans, secured first and second lien term loans, senior subordinated loans, unitranche loans, junior subordinated loans, and mezzanine loans and equity investments in the form of common stock, preferred stock, limited liability company interests, or warrants. It operates as a business development company. The fund also makes private equity investments in acquisitions, buyouts and recapitalizations, and refinancing existing debts. It targets small and medium-sized companies in United States. It is industry agnostic and seeks to invest in companies engaged in the business services, light and specialty manufacturing, niche industrial products and services, specialty consumer products and services, energy services, transportation and logistics, healthcare and education services, specialty chemicals, media and communications and aerospace and defense. The fund seeks to invest between $7 million and $30 million in companies that have between $20 million and $150 million in sales and EBITDA between $3 million and $25 million. It prefers to acquire minority stakes. It seeks to exit its investments through strategic acquisitions by other industry participants or financial buyers, initial public offerings of common stock, or other capital market transactions.
How the Company Makes MoneyGLAD makes money primarily from investment income generated by its portfolio of loans and related investments in lower middle-market companies. Key revenue streams: 1) Interest income on debt investments: The largest source of earnings is interest collected on its debt portfolio (typically senior secured and subordinated loans). These loans generally pay periodic cash interest; to the extent loans include floating-rate terms, interest income varies with benchmark rates. 2) Fee income related to lending: In connection with originating and maintaining loans, GLAD may earn fees such as origination/closing fees, amendment/consent fees, and other transaction-related charges, which contribute to investment income. 3) Income from equity and equity-linked investments: When GLAD receives equity co-investments, warrants, or other equity-linked features alongside a loan, it can earn dividends (if applicable) and realize gains if those positions are sold or the borrower is acquired/recapitalized. 4) Realized gains (and losses) on exits or repayments: GLAD can generate realized capital gains when portfolio companies repay debt at premiums, when equity/warrants are monetized, or when investments are sold; conversely, credit losses reduce earnings. Other factors affecting earnings: - Credit performance and portfolio valuations: Non-accruals, restructurings, and changes in fair value of investments can materially affect results. - Financing spread management: As a leveraged investment company, GLAD’s net investment income depends on the spread between yields earned on its portfolio and its own borrowing costs. Significant partnerships: null

Gladstone Capital Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 04, 2026
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presented a number of tangible positives: solid quarterly fundings and net originations, a robust late-stage pipeline (> $100M), improved liquidity ($150M+ available on a $365M revolver), modest growth in interest income, an $11.3M net investment income result, and management actions to reduce funding costs and align floating-rate borrowings to asset sensitivity. Offsetting these positives are meaningful unrealized losses of $5.3M concentrated in a few credits, a modest decline in NAV, rising PIK exposure in select positions, increased expenses, and elevated leverage (~93% of net assets). Management articulated clear mitigation levers for rate declines and portfolio remediation plans, and the balance of news suggests the company is fundamentally stable with manageable near-term headwinds rather than structural deterioration.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Fundings and Net Originations
Fundings for the quarter totaled $99.1 million, including two new private-equity sponsored investments totaling $37.8 million and $61.3 million of additional advances to existing portfolio companies. Exits and prepayments were $52.8 million, resulting in net originations of $46.3 million for the quarter.
Robust Near-Term Pipeline
Management reported a late-stage pipeline in excess of $100 million (vetted, awarded, or in diligence/documentation), expected to more than offset recent repayments and support continued originations.
Interest Income and Asset Growth
Interest income rose to $23.9 million (up $0.1 million or ~1%), driven by average earning assets rising $20.3 million (up ~3%), with a weighted average debt yield of 12.2% for the period.
Net Investment Income and EPS
Net investment income was $11.3 million, or $0.50 per share, and the net increase in net assets from operations was $5.5 million, or $0.24 per share for the quarter.
Strong Liquidity and Borrowing Availability
Total credit facility of $365 million with borrowing availability in excess of $150 million after repayments, and management increased floating-rate borrowings to better match asset sensitivity.
Balance Sheet Size and Investment Base
Total assets increased to $923 million with $903 million in investments at fair value and $20 million in cash and other assets, demonstrating a sizeable investment base.
Dividend Run Rate and Yield
Monthly distributions of $0.15 for February and March imply an annual run rate of $1.80 per share; at the recent common share price (~$20.44) this produces a yield of ~8.8%.
Improved Funding Cost Position
Management reduced commitment fee run-rate materially (from ~$2.6 million last year to roughly ~$1 million presently), generating roughly $1.6 million in annualized savings and helping offset potential margin compression.
Notable Prepayment Recovery
Post-quarter the company experienced a significant prepayment from Vets Choice of $42.8 million, which generated a prepayment fee of $855,000 and increased available liquidity.
Negative Updates
Unrealized Losses Increased
Unrealized losses rose to $5.3 million for the quarter, concentrated in three investment positions impacted by a recent government shutdown or where senior management has been replaced and improvements are expected in 2026.
Decline in Net Assets and NAV
Net assets declined $4.7 million to $477 million and NAV per share decreased from $21.34 to $21.13 (a decline of $0.21 or ~0.98%) for the quarter.
PIK Income and Accumulation
PIK income rose to $2.3 million, representing 9.6% of interest income. Although $2.8 million of PIK was collected during the period (reducing accrued PIK), the increase in PIK highlights pockets of cash-flow flexibility/stress in select credits.
Expense Growth
Total expenses increased by $800,000 (up ~6% quarter-over-quarter) driven by $200,000 higher interest expense and $600,000 higher net management fees associated with higher average investments and lower origination fee credits.
Write-off Related to Refinancing
There was a $1.4 million write-off associated with unamortized costs from a note refinancing last quarter, which partially offset realized gains.
High Leverage Ratios
Gross leverage/net debt levels are elevated: management reported net debt at approximately 93% of NAV and gross leverage of 93.3% of net assets as of quarter-end, indicating leverage is high relative to equity.
Rate Sensitivity Risk
Weighted average yield declined 30 basis points to 12.2%. Management estimated rate sensitivity of roughly $2.4 million decline in net interest income for a 50-basis-point SOFR decline and about $5.3 million for a 100-basis-point decline. Average floors are near ~1.20–1.25% which limits downside but still creates exposure if base rates fall significantly.
Portfolio Company Operational Challenges
Select portfolio companies face operational and seasonal headwinds (e.g., a QSR business with seasonal weakness and local disruptions, and a dredging contractor impacted by a government shutdown), plus management transitions in a few credits—these have contributed to unrealized depreciation and require active remediation.
Dilution Disclosure Related to Convertible Debt
Diluted share count increased materially due to accounting for convertible debt under the treasury-stock method; while management expects this to be largely a disclosure effect, it highlights convertible instruments that could be dilutive in reporting.
Company Guidance
The company’s guidance emphasized balance-sheet flexibility and rate-sensitivity management: with fundings of $99.1M last quarter (two new PE‑sponsored investments of $37.8M plus $61.3M of add‑on advances), exits/prepayments of $52.8M and net originations of $46.3M, management expects a late‑stage pipeline of over $100M to more than offset recent repayments; quarter metrics included interest income of $23.9M on a weighted average yield of 12.2%, net investment income of $11.3M (~$0.50/share) and a net increase from operations of $5.5M ($0.24/share), total assets of $923M (investments $903M fair value), liabilities $445M, net assets $477M (NAV $21.13), gross leverage ~93.3% of net assets, a $365M credit facility with >$150M available, monthly distributions of $0.15 (annualized $1.80, ~8.8% yield at ~$20.44/share), PIK income $2.3M (9.6% of interest income) with $2.8M collected, three non‑earning debt investments cost $28.8M (fair value $13.2M, ~1.6%), $300k realized gains and $5.3M unrealized losses, a post‑quarter $42.8M prepayment (Vets Choice) with an $855k fee and a $6M new senior debt funding — and management believes it can absorb roughly a 50–75 bps SOFR decline (sensitivity roughly $2.4M per 50 bps, ~$5.3M per 100 bps) by increasing revolver usage, realizing commitment‑fee savings (prior run‑rate ~$2.6M vs current ~$1M), and closing new originations to support the dividend.

Gladstone Capital Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement profitability is very strong (high net margins) and leverage has improved versus earlier periods, but cash generation is highly volatile with recent TTM operating/free cash flow deeply negative. Revenue growth is also inconsistent, including a TTM decline, which lowers overall financial quality.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Profitability is strong on the face of the income statement, with very high margins across the period and solid earnings generation (TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) net margin ~75%; FY2024 net margin ~79%). Revenue growth, however, is volatile—strong expansion in FY2023–FY2024, modest growth in FY2025 annual data, then a decline in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue (about -13%). Overall, GLAD shows attractive profitability but a less consistent growth trajectory.
Balance Sheet
63
Positive
Leverage looks manageable but meaningful for the business model, with debt-to-equity around ~0.83 in the most recent periods (improved from ~1.08 in FY2022). Equity and assets have generally grown over time, supporting balance-sheet scale. Returns on equity are positive and decent (roughly low-teens recently, higher in FY2021–FY2024), but leverage remains a key risk factor if earnings or portfolio performance weakens.
Cash Flow
38
Negative
Cash generation is the weak spot. Operating and free cash flow swing materially, including large negatives in FY2021, FY2022, FY2023, and again in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) (operating cash flow about -$71.5M). While FY2025 annual data shows strong positive operating cash flow (~$43.6M), the overall pattern is inconsistent, and recent TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) negative cash flow raises concerns about cash earnings quality and funding needs during weaker periods.
BreakdownTTMSep 2025Sep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue58.56M144.76M120.26M65.83M33.03M97.55M
Gross Profit37.39M126.33M98.55M44.98M20.06M86.04M
EBITDA36.89M122.28M94.72M42.67M19.91M84.30M
Net Income36.89M58.11M94.72M42.67M19.91M84.30M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets922.81M907.60M812.47M719.50M660.97M566.50M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.17M32.37M2.17M1.31M2.01M671.00K
Total Debt405.90M397.86M324.61M300.91M339.41M237.11M
Total Liabilities416.34M425.56M333.73M310.80M345.48M248.06M
Stockholders Equity506.47M482.04M478.74M408.69M315.49M318.44M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-22.98M43.63M3.24M-10.86M-76.40M-14.06M
Operating Cash Flow-22.98M43.63M3.24M-10.86M-76.40M-14.06M
Investing Cash Flow-40.31M-49.12M0.000.00-259.05M-165.99M
Financing Cash Flow65.58M35.55M-2.34M10.15M77.66M12.44M

Gladstone Capital Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price17.65
Price Trends
50DMA
19.13
Negative
100DMA
19.49
Negative
200DMA
21.72
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.34
Negative
RSI
36.62
Neutral
STOCH
48.02
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GLAD, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 17.65 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 18.12, below the 50-day MA of 19.13, and below the 200-day MA of 21.72, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.34 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 36.62 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 48.02 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GLAD.

Gladstone Capital Risk Analysis

Gladstone Capital disclosed 61 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Gladstone Capital reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Gladstone Capital Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
64
Neutral
$567.46M2.1024.70%11.02%-45.46%134.73%
59
Neutral
$295.14M10.645.42%16.61%-3.09%200.66%
58
Neutral
$480.36M15.084.81%13.20%-20.18%-61.90%
56
Neutral
$398.77M19.717.50%9.31%41.12%-40.68%
53
Neutral
$312.02M-5.23-12.44%21.13%-91.81%78.46%
53
Neutral
$348.93M-24.53-3.58%15.77%-11.01%-65.56%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GLAD
Gladstone Capital
17.65
-7.51
-29.86%
GAIN
Gladstone Investment
14.25
2.11
17.38%
PNNT
Pennantpark Investment
4.70
-1.39
-22.87%
TCPC
BlackRock TCP Capital
3.70
-2.92
-44.08%
CCAP
Crescent Capital BDC
13.01
-3.32
-20.33%
CION
CION Investment Corp
6.91
-2.14
-23.67%

Gladstone Capital Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Gladstone Capital Announces CEO Transition and Leadership Promotions
Positive
Mar 23, 2026

On March 20, 2026, Gladstone Capital executed a planned leadership transition in which founder David Gladstone stepped down as CEO while remaining chairman of the board, investment committee member, and head of the affiliated adviser. Robert Marcotte, president since 2013, was appointed CEO effective the same day, with longtime investment executive John Sateri named chief investment officer across multiple Gladstone entities, reinforcing integration of credit and real estate investment oversight.

The board also approved the promotion of Executive Vice President Michael McQuigg to president effective October 1, 2026, and elevated managing director Andrew Ahlberg to executive vice president, moves the company framed as evidence of bench strength and continuity. Announced publicly on March 23, 2026, the succession plan separates the chairman and CEO roles and is positioned as enhancing corporate governance and supporting the next phase of growth for the lower middle market-focused lender and its stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GLAD) stock is a Buy with a $21.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gladstone Capital stock, see the GLAD Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Gladstone Capital stockholders approve directors and auditor
Positive
Feb 5, 2026

On February 5, 2026, Gladstone Capital Corporation held its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, with common and preferred shareholders represented in person or by proxy. At the meeting, preferred shareholders elected Michela A. English and Anthony W. Parker as directors to serve until the 2029 Annual Meeting, and stockholders ratified the Audit Committee’s selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, reinforcing continuity in the board’s composition and the company’s external audit oversight.

The most recent analyst rating on (GLAD) stock is a Hold with a $22.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Gladstone Capital stock, see the GLAD Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 23, 2026