Great Elm Capital Corp

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Dollar amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts

1. ORGANIZATION

Great Elm Capital Corp. (the “Company”) was formed on April 22, 2016 as a Maryland corporation. The Company is structured as an externally managed, non-diversified closed-end management investment company. The Company elected to be regulated as a business development company (a “BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”). The Company is managed by Great Elm Capital Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GECM”), a subsidiary of Great Elm Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GEG”).

The Company seeks to generate current income and capital appreciation through debt and income-generating equity investments, including investments in specialty finance businesses.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation. The Company’s functional currency is U.S. dollars and these consolidated financial statements have been prepared in that currency. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to Regulation S-X and Regulation S-K. The Company is an investment company following accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

Retroactive Adjustments for Reverse Stock Split. The outstanding shares and per share amounts of the Company’s common stock in the consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements have been retroactively adjusted for the reverse stock split effected on February 28, 2022 for all periods presented.

Basis of Consolidation. Under the Investment Company Act, Article 6 of Regulation S-X and GAAP, the Company is generally precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company or an operating company which provides substantially all of its services and benefits to the Company. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the Company’s accounts and the accounts of the Company’s formerly wholly-owned subsidiaries, Great Elm Specialty Finance, LLC and TFC-SC Holdings, LLC; both of which are no longer consolidated as of December 31, 2023. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ materially.

Revenue Recognition. Interest and dividend income, including income paid in kind, is recorded on an accrual basis. Origination, structuring, closing, commitment and other upfront fees, including original issue discounts, earned with respect to capital commitments, are generally amortized or accreted into interest income over the life of the respective debt investment, as are end-of-term or exit fees receivable upon repayment of a debt investment if such fees are fixed in nature. Other fees, including certain amendment fees, prepayment fees and commitment fees on broken deals, and end-of-term or exit fees that have a contingency feature or are variable in nature are recognized as earned. Prepayment fees and similar income due upon the early repayment of a loan or debt security are generally included in interest income.

Interest income received as paid-in-kind (“PIK”) is reported separately in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Income is included as PIK if the instrument solely provides for settlement in kind. In the event that the borrower can settle in kind or via cash payment, the income is not included as PIK until the borrower elects to pay in kind and the payment is received by the Company. In the event there is a lesser cash rate in a PIK toggle instrument, income is accrued at the lesser cash rate until the coupon is paid in kind and such larger payment is received by the Company.

Certain of the Company’s debt investments were purchased at a discount to par as a result of the underlying credit risks and financial results of the issuer, as well as general market factors that influence the financial markets as a whole. Discounts on the acquisition of corporate debt instruments are generally amortized using the effective-interest or constant-yield method assuming there are no material questions as to collectability.

Net Realized Gains (Losses) and Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation). The Company measures realized gains or losses by the difference between the net proceeds from the repayment or sale of an investment and the amortized cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized. Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation reflects the net change in portfolio investment values and portfolio investment cost bases during the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized appreciation or depreciation when gains or losses are realized.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents typically consist of bank demand deposits. Restricted cash generally consists of collateral for unfunded positions held by counterparties.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments. The Company carries its investments in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices provided by independent pricing services, broker or dealer quotations or alternative price sources. In the absence of quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative price sources, investments are measured at fair value as determined by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”).

Due to the inherent uncertainties of valuation, certain estimated fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been realized had a ready market for these investments existed, and these differences could be material. See Note 4.

The Company values its portfolio investments at fair value based upon the principles and methods of valuation set forth in policies adopted by the Board. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal (or most advantageous) market for the asset that (1) are independent of the Company, (2) are knowledgeable, having a reasonable understanding about the asset based on all available information (including information that might be obtained through due diligence efforts that are usual and customary), (3) are able to transact for the asset, and (4) are willing to transact for the asset (that is, they are motivated but not forced or otherwise compelled to do so).

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations unless the quotations are deemed not to represent fair value. The Company generally obtains market quotations from recognized exchanges, market quotation systems, independent pricing services or one or more broker-dealers or market makers. Short term debt investments with remaining maturities within ninety days are generally valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Debt and equity securities for which market quotations are not readily available, which is the case for many of the Company’s investments, or for which market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, are valued at fair value using a consistently applied valuation process in accordance with the Company’s documented valuation policy that has been reviewed and approved by the Board, who also approve in good faith the valuation of such securities as of the end of each quarter. Due to the inherent uncertainty and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the Company’s investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values that the Company may ultimately realize. In addition, changes in the market environment and other events may have differing impacts on the market quotations used to value some of the Company’s investments than on the fair values of the Company’s investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Market quotations may be deemed not to represent fair value in certain circumstances where the Company believes that facts and circumstances applicable to an issuer, a seller or purchaser, or the market for a particular security cause current market quotations to not reflect the fair value of the security.

The valuation process approved by the Board with respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or for which market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value is as follows:

▪

The investment professionals of GECM provide recent portfolio company financial statements and other reporting materials to an independent valuation firm (or firms) approved by the Board;

▪

Such firms evaluate this information along with relevant observable market data to conduct independent appraisals each quarter, and their preliminary valuation conclusions are documented, discussed, and iterated with senior management of GECM;

▪

The fair value of investments comprising in the aggregate less than 5% of the Company’s total capitalization and individually less than 1% of the Company’s total capitalization may be determined by GECM in good faith in accordance with the Company’s valuation policy without the employment of an independent valuation firm;

▪

The Company’s audit committee recommends, and the Board approves, the fair value of the investments in the Company’s portfolio in good faith based on the input of GECM, the independent valuation firms (to the extent applicable) and the business judgment of the audit committee and the Board, respectively.

Those investments for which market quotations are not readily available or for which market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value are valued utilizing a market approach, an income approach, or both approaches, as appropriate. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities (including a business). The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts (for example, cash flows or earnings) to a single present amount (discounted). The measurement is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts. In following these approaches, the types of factors that the Company may take into account in determining the fair value of its investments include, as relevant and among other factors: available current market data, including relevant and applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and multiples, security covenants, call protection provisions, information rights, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments, its earnings and discounted cash flows, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public, merger and acquisition comparables, and enterprise values.

Investments in revolvers or delayed draw loans may include unfunded commitments for which the Company’s acquisition cost will be offset by compensation received on the portion of the commitment that is unfunded. As a result, the purchases of a commitment that is not fully funded may result in a negative cost basis for the funded commitment. The fair value of the unfunded commitment is adjusted for price appreciation or depreciation and may result in a negative fair value for the unfunded commitment.

Deferred Financing Costs and Deferred Offering Costs. Deferred financing costs and deferred offering costs consist of fees and expenses incurred in connection with financing or capital raising activities and include professional fees, printing fees, filing fees and other related expenses.

Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the revolving credit facility are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the revolving credit facility. Unamortized costs are included in deferred financing costs on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and amortization of those costs is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred offering costs incurred in connection with the unsecured notes are amortized over the term of the respective unsecured note using the effective interest method. Unamortized costs are treated as a reduction to the carrying amount of the debt on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and amortization of those costs is included in interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred offering costs incurred in connection with the shelf registration on form N-2 are capitalized when incurred and recognized as a reduction to offering proceeds when the offering becomes effective or expensed upon expiration of the registration statement, if applicable. Deferred offering costs are included with prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets. Prepaid expenses include expenses paid in advance such as annual insurance premiums and deferred offering costs, as described above. Other assets includes contributions to investments paid in advance of trade date.

Foreign Currency Translation. Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis: (1) investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates effective on the date of valuation; and (2) purchases and sales of investments and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the transaction dates. The portion of gains and losses on foreign investments resulting from fluctuations in foreign currencies is included in net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.

U.S. Federal Income Taxes. From inception to September 30, 2016, the Company was a taxable association under Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company has elected to be taxed as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under subchapter M of the Code. The Company intends to operate in a manner so as to qualify for the tax treatment applicable to RICs in that taxable year and all future taxable years. In order to qualify as a RIC, among other things, the Company will be required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income (“ICTI”) including PIK interest, as defined by the Code, for each taxable year in order to be eligible for tax treatment under subchapter M of the Code. Depending on the level of ICTI earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward ICTI in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year. Any such carryover ICTI must be distributed prior to the 15th day of the ninth month after the tax year-end. So long as the Company maintains its status as a RIC, it generally will not be subject to corporate-level U.S. federal income taxes on any ordinary income or capital gains that it distributes at least annually to its stockholders as distributions. Rather, any tax liability related to income earned by the Company represents obligations of the Company’s stockholders and will not be reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

If the Company does not distribute (or is not deemed to have distributed) each calendar year the sum of (1)98% of its net ordinary income for each calendar year, (2)98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 in that calendar year and (3) any income recognized, but not distributed, in preceding years (the “Minimum Distribution Amount”), the Company will generally be required to pay an excise tax equal to 4% of the amount by the which Minimum Distribution Amount exceeds the distributions for the year. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions from such taxable income, the Company accrues excise taxes, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned using an annual effective excise tax rate. The annual effective excise tax rate is determined by dividing the estimated annual excise tax by the estimated annual taxable income.

The Company has accrued$287,$252 and$48 of excise tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

At December 31, 2023, the Company, for federal income tax purposes, had capital loss carryforwards of$193,501 which will reduce its taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investment transactions, if any, to the extent permitted by the Code, and thus will reduce the amount of distributions to stockholders, which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Company of any liability for federal income tax. On December 22, 2010, the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “Modernization Act”) was signed by the President. The Modernization Act changed the capital loss carryforward rules as they relate to regulated investment companies. Capital losses generated in tax years beginning after the date of enactment may now be carried forward indefinitely, and retain the character of the original loss. Of the capital loss carryforwards at December 31, 2023$40,819 are limited losses and available for use subject to annual limitation under Section 382. Of the capital losses at December 31, 2023,$16,815 are short-term and$176,686 are long term.

ASC 740 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“ASC 740”) provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax position. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Based on its analysis of its tax position for all open tax years (fiscal years 2020 through 2023), the Company has concluded that it does not have any uncertain tax positions that met the recognition or measurement criteria of ASC 740. Such open tax years remain subject to examination and adjustment by tax authorities.

3. SIGNIFICANT AGREEMENTS AND RELATED PARTIES

Investment Management Agreement. The Company has an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with GECM. Beginning on November 4, 2016, the Company began accruing for GECM’s fees for its services under the Investment Management Agreement. This fee consists of two components: a base management fee and an incentive fee. Effective August 1, 2022, upon receiving approval from the Company’s stockholders, the Company and GECM amended the Investment Management Agreement to reset the Capital Gains Incentive Fee to begin on April 1, 2022, which eliminated $163.2 million of historical realized and unrealized losses incurred prior to April 1, 2022 in calculating future incentive fees. In addition, the Income Incentive Fee was amended to reset the mandatory deferral commencement date used in calculating deferred incentive fees to April 1, 2022.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President is also a portfolio manager for GECM, as well as a Managing Director of Imperial Capital Asset Management, LLC. The Company’s Chief Compliance Officer is also the chief compliance officer and general counsel of GECM, and the president of GEG. The Company’s Chief Financial Officer is also the chief financial officer of GEG.

Management Fee The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.50% of the Company’s average adjusted gross assets, including assets purchased with borrowed funds. The base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee is calculated based on the average value of the Company’s gross assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters, and appropriately adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the then current calendar quarter. Base management fees for any partial quarter are prorated.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, management fees amounted to$3,539,$3,205 and$3,182, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,$887 and$850 remained payable, respectively.

Incentive Fee The incentive fee consists of two components that are independent of each other with the result that one component may be payable even if the other is not. One component of the incentive fee is based on income (the “Income Incentive Fee”) and the other component is based on capital gains (the “Capital Gains Incentive Fee”).

The Income Incentive Fee is calculated on a quarterly basis as 20% of the amount by which the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income (the “Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income”) for the quarter exceeds a hurdle rate of 1.75% (7.0% annualized) of the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, subject to a “catch-up” provision pursuant to which GECM receives all of such income in excess of the 1.75% level but less than 2.1875% (8.75% annualized) and subject to a total return requirement (described below). The effect of the “catch-up” provision is that, subject to the total return provision, if pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds 2.1875% of the Company’s net assets at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, in any calendar quarter, GECM will receive 20.0% of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income as if the 1.75% hurdle rate did not apply. These calculations will be appropriately prorated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the then current quarter.

Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income includes any accretion of original issue discount, market discount, PIK interest, PIK dividends or other types of deferred or accrued income, including in connection with zero coupon securities, that the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries have recognized in accordance with GAAP, but have not yet received in cash (collectively, “Accrued Unpaid Income”). Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income does not include any realized capital gains or losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation.

Any Income Incentive Fee otherwise payable with respect to Accrued Unpaid Income (collectively, the “Accrued Unpaid Income Incentive Fees”) is deferred, on a security by security basis, and becomes payable only if, as, when and to the extent cash is received by the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries in respect thereof. Any Accrued Unpaid Income that is subsequently reversed in connection with a write-down, write-off, impairment or similar treatment of the investment giving rise to such Accrued Unpaid Income will, in the applicable period of reversal, (1) reduce Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income and (2) reduce the amount of Accrued Unpaid Income Incentive Fees previously deferred.

The Company will defer cash payment of any Income Incentive Fee otherwise payable to the investment adviser in any quarter (excluding Accrued Unpaid Income Incentive Fees with respect to such quarter) that exceeds (1)20% of the Cumulative Pre‑Incentive Fee Net Return (as defined below) during the most recent twelve full calendar quarter period ending on or prior to the date such payment is to be made (the “Trailing Twelve Quarters”) less (2) the aggregate incentive fees that were previously paid to the investment adviser during such Trailing Twelve Quarters (excluding Accrued Unpaid Income Incentive Fees during such Trailing Twelve Quarters and not subsequently paid). “Cumulative Pre‑Incentive Fee Net Return” during the relevant Trailing Twelve Quarters means the sum of (a) pre‑incentive fee net investment income in respect of such Trailing Twelve Quarters less (b) net realized capital losses and net unrealized capital depreciation, if any, in each case calculated in accordance with GAAP, in respect of such Trailing Twelve Quarters. As a result of the amendment effective August 1, 2022, the calculation of the Cumulative Pre-Incentive Fee Net Return begins as of April 1, 2022.

Under the Capital Gains Incentive Fee, the Company is obligated to pay GECM at the end of each calendar year 20% of the aggregate cumulative realized capital gains from April 1, 2022 through the end of that year, computed net of aggregate cumulative realized capital losses and aggregate cumulative unrealized depreciation through the end of such year, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gains incentive fees.

In March 2022, GECM waived all accrued and unpaid incentive fees as of March 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2022, there were approximately $4.9 million of accrued fees. In connection with the waiver, the Company recognized the reversal of these accrued fees during the period ending March 31, 2022, resulting in a corresponding increase in net income in that period. The incentive fee waiver is not subject to recapture.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred Income Incentive Fees of$3,132,$565 and$(4,323), respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,$1,431 and$565 of Income Incentive Fees, respectively remained payable and $764 was immediately payable after calculating the total return requirement. These payable amounts may include both Accrued Unpaid Income Incentive Fees and amounts deferred under the total return requirement and will become due upon meeting the criteria described above. For theyears ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company didnot have any Capital Gains Incentive Fees accrual.

The Investment Management Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, GECM and its officers, managers, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from the Company for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of GECM’s services under the Investment Management Agreement or otherwise as an investment adviser of the Company.

Administration Fees. The Company has an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with GECM to provide administrative services, including, among other things, furnishing the Company with office facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and record keeping services. The Company will reimburse GECM for its allocable portion of overhead and other expenses of GECM in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement. Compensation of administrator personnel is allocated based on time allocation for the period. Other overhead costs are based on a combination of time allocation and total headcount.

The Administration Agreement provides that, absent willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of the reckless disregard of its duties and obligations, GECM and its officers, managers, partners, agents, employees, controlling persons, members and any other person or entity affiliated with it are entitled to indemnification from the Company for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and amounts reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of GECM’s services under the Administration Agreement or otherwise as administrator for the Company.

For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company incurred expenses under the Administration Agreement of$1,522,$938 and$673, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022,$308 and$188, remained payable, respectively.

4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (i.e., the exit price).

The fair value hierarchy under ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The levels used for classifying investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Basis of Fair Value Measurement

Level 1 - Investments valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Level 2 - Investments valued using other unadjusted observable market inputs, e.g., quoted prices in markets that are not active or quotes for comparable instruments.

Level 3 - Investments that are valued using quotes and other observable market data to the extent available, but which also take into consideration one or more unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation taken as a whole.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Note 2 should be read in conjunction with the information outlined below.

The table below presents the valuation techniques and the nature of significant inputs generally used in determining the fair value of Level 2 and Level 3 Instruments.

Level 2 Instruments Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs

Level 3 Instruments Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs

As noted above, the income and market approaches were used in the determination of fair value of certain Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The significant unobservable inputs used in the income approach are the discount rate or market yield used to discount the estimated future cash flows expected to be received from the underlying investment, which include both future principal and interest payments. An increase in the discount rate or market yield would result in a decrease in the fair value. Included in the consideration and selection of discount rates is risk of default, rating of the investment (if any), call provisions and comparable company valuations. The significant unobservable inputs used in the market approach are based on market comparable transactions and market multiples of publicly traded comparable companies. Increases or decreases in market multiples would result in an increase or decrease, respectively, in the fair value.

The following summarizes the Company’s investment assets categorized within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2023:

The following summarizes the Company’s investment assets categorized within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2022:

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for theyear ended December 31, 2023:

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2022:

(1)

Purchases may include new deals, additional fundings (inclusive of those on revolving credit facilities), refinancings, capitalized PIK income, and securities received in corporate actions and restructurings. Sales and Settlements may include scheduled principal payments, prepayments, sales and repayments (inclusive of those on revolving credit facilities), and securities delivered in corporate actions and restructuring of investments.

(2)

The net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) relating to Level 3 assets still held at December 31, 2023 totaled$(2,538) consisting of the following:$(2,178) related to debt investments and$(360) related to equity/other. The net change in unrealized depreciation relating to Level 3 assets still held at December 31, 2022 totaled$(19,811) consisting of the following:$(11,792) related to debt investments and$(8,019) related to equity/other.

Two investments with an aggregate fair value of$8,858 were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of increased pricing transparency during theyear ended December 31, 2023.

Two investments with an aggregate fair value of $6,311 were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of increased pricing transparency during theyear ended December 31, 2022.

The following tables below present the ranges of significant unobservable inputs used to value the Company’s Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These ranges represent the significant unobservable inputs that were used in the valuation of each type of instrument, but they do not represent a range of values for any one instrument. For example, the lowest yield in 1st Lien Debt is appropriate for valuing that specific debt investment, but may not be appropriate for valuing any other debt investments in this asset class. Accordingly, the ranges of inputs presented below do not represent uncertainty in, or possible ranges of, fair value measurements of the Company’s Level 3 assets.

(1)

The fair value of any one instrument may be determined using multiple valuation techniques or unobservable inputs.

(2)

Weighted average for an asset category consisting of multiple investments is calculated by weighting the significant unobservable input by the relative fair value of the investment. The range and weighted average for an asset category consisting of a single investment represents the significant unobservable input used in the fair value of the investment.

(3)

Investments valued using the asset recovery or liquidation technique include investments for which valuation is based on current financial data without a discount rate applied.

5. DEBT

Revolver

On May 5, 2021, the Company entered into a Loan, Guarantee and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with City National Bank (“CNB”). The Loan Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving line of credit of up to $25 million (subject to a borrowing base as defined in the Loan Agreement). The Company may request to increase the revolving line in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25 million, which increase is subject to the sole discretion of CNB. On November 22, 2023, the Company amended the Loan Agreement to extend the maturity date of the revolving line from May 5, 2024 to May 5, 2027. Borrowings under the revolving line bear interest at a rate equal to (i) the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) plus 3.00% (reduced from SOFR plus 3.50% prior to the November 2023 amendment), (ii) a base rate plus 2.00% or (iii) a combination thereof, as determined by the Company. Additionally, we are required to pay a commitment fee of 0.50% per annum on any unused portion of the revolving line of credit. As of December 31, 2023, there wereno borrowings outstanding under the revolving line.

Borrowings under the revolving line are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets, subject to certain specified exceptions. The Company has made customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various affirmative and negative covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar loan agreements. In addition, the Loan Agreement contains financial covenants requiring (i) net assets of not less than $65 million, (ii) asset coverage equal to or greater than 150% and (iii) bank asset coverage equal to or greater than 300%, in each case tested as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of the Company. Borrowings are also subject to the leverage restrictions contained in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. In May 2022, the interest rate in the Loan Agreement was amended to replace the LIBOR with SOFR.

Unsecured Notes

On September 13, 2017, the Company issued $28,375 in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% notes due 2022 (the “GECCL Notes”). On September 29, 2017, the Company issued an additional $4,256 of the GECCL Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. The Company redeemed all of the issued and outstanding GECCL Notes on July 23, 2021 at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from April 30, 2021 through, but excluding, the redemption date, July 23, 2021.

On June 18, 2019, the Company issued $42,500 in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% notes due 2024 (the “GECCN Notes”), which included $2,500 of the GECCN Notes issued in connection with the partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. On July 5, 2019, the Company issued an additional $2,500 of the GECCN Notes upon another partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

On August 8, 2023, the Company caused redemption notices to be issued to the holders of the GECCN Notes regarding the Company's exercise of its option to redeem, in whole, the issued and outstanding GECCN Notes. The Company redeemed all of the issued and outstanding GECCN Notes on September 7, 2023 at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from June 30, 2023 through, but excluding, the redemption date, September 7, 2023.

On June 23, 2021, the Company issued $50,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% notes due 2026 (the “GECCO Notes”). On July 9, 2021, the Company issued an additional $7,500 of the GECCO Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

On August 16, 2023, the Company issued $40,000 in aggregate principal amount of 8.75% notes due 2028 (the “GECCZ Notes”).

The Notes are our unsecured obligations and rank equal with all of our outstanding and future unsecured unsubordinated indebtedness. The unsecured notes are effectively subordinated, or junior in right of payment, to indebtedness under our Loan Agreement and any other future secured indebtedness that the Company may incur and structurally subordinated to all future indebtedness and other obligations of our subsidiaries. The Company pays interest on the unsecured notes on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year. The GECCM Notes, GECCO Notes and GECCZ Notes will mature on January 31, 2025, June 30, 2026 and September 30, 2028, respectively. The GECCM Notes and GECCO Notes are currently callable at the Company’s option and the GECCZ Notes can be called on or after September 30, 2025. Holders of the unsecured notes do not have the option to have the unsecured notes repaid prior to the stated maturity date. The unsecured notes were issued in minimum denominations of $25 and integral multiples of $25 in excess thereof.

As part of the offerings, the Company incurred fees and costs, which are treated as a reduction of the carrying amount of the debt on the Company Statements of Assets and Liabilities. These deferred financing costs presented as a reduction to the Notes payable balance are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Notes.

The Company may repurchase the Notes in accordance with the Investment Company Act and the rules promulgated thereunder.

Information about the Company’s senior securities (including debt securities and other indebtedness) is shown in the following table:

(1)

Total amount of each class of senior securities outstanding at the end of the period presented.

(2)

Asset coverage per unit is the ratio of the carrying value of Great Elm’s total consolidated assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness. Asset coverage per unit is expressed in terms of dollar amounts per $1,000 of indebtedness.

(3)

The amount to which such class of senior security would be entitled upon the voluntary liquidation of the issuer in preference to any security junior to it.

(4)

The average market value per unit for the Notes, as applicable, is based on the average daily prices of such Notes and is expressed per $1 of indebtedness.

The terms of the unsecured notes are governed by a base indenture, dated as of September 18, 2017, by and between the Company and Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (formerly known as American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC), as trustee (as supplemented with respect to each series of notes, the “Indenture”). The Indenture’s covenants include restrictions on certain activities in the event the Company falls below the minimum asset coverage requirements set forth in Section 18(a)(1)(A) as modified by Section 61(a)(1) of the Investment Company Act, as well as covenants requiring the Company to provide financial information to the holders of the Notes and the Trustee if the Company ceases to be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These covenants are subject to limitations and exceptions that are described in the Indenture. The Investment Company Act limits, with certain exceptions, the Company’s borrowing such that its asset coverage ratio, as defined in the Investment Company Act, is at least 1.5 to 1 after such borrowing.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s asset coverage ratio was approximately 169.0%.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the indenture.

For theyears ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the components of interest expense were as follows:

(1)

Annualized.

The fair value of the Company’s Notes are determined in accordance with ASC 820, which defines fair value in terms of the price that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. The fair value of the Company’s Notes is determined by utilizing market quotations at the measurement date as they are Level 1 securities.

6. CAPITAL ACTIVITY

On June 13, 2022, the Company completed a non-transferable rights offering, which entitled holders of rights to purchaseone new share of common stock for each right held at a subscription price of $12.50 per share. In total, the Company sold 3,000,567 shares of the Company’s common stock for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $37,507.

On February 28, 2022, the Company effected a 6-for-1 reverse stock split of the Company’s outstanding common stock. As a result of the reverse stock split, every six shares of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock were converted into one share of issued and outstanding common stock. Any fractional shares as a result of the reverse stock split were redeemed for cash at the closing market price on the business day immediately prior to the effective date of the reverse stock split. Such fractional shares aggregated to the equivalent offour shares and were redeemed for $0.1 in aggregate.

On February 3, 2022, the Company issued 117,117 shares of common stock (as adjusted for the reverse stock split described above) for $2,600 based on the most recently published net asset value. This common stock was issued in a private placement exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On September 20, 2021, the Company issued 138,888 shares of common stock (as adjusted for the reverse stock split described above) for $3,250 based on the most recently published net asset value and issued 427,351 shares of common stock (as adjusted for the reverse stock split described above) in exchange for a promissory note in aggregate principal amount of $10,000. The issuance of the shares was a private placement exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On January 21, 2021, the Company distributed 79,797 shares of common stock (as adjusted for the reverse stock split described above) as part of the December 2020 distribution.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into investment agreements under which it commits to make an investment in a portfolio company at some future date or over a specified period of time. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately$8,863 in unfunded loan commitments to provide debt financing to certain of its portfolio companies. To the degree applicable, unrealized gains or losses on these commitments as of December 31, 2023 are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the corresponding Consolidated Schedule of Investments. The Company believes that it had sufficient cash and other liquid assets on its balance sheet to satisfy the unfunded commitments. The Company has considered the net decrease in net assets and positive cash flows from operations and has concluded that it has the ability to meet its obligations in the ordinary course of business based upon an evaluation of its cash position and sources of liquidity.

From time to time, the Company may be a party to certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, including proceedings relating to the enforcement of the Company rights under contracts with the Company portfolio companies.

The Company is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed on March 5, 2016, and captioned Intrepid Investments, LLC v. London Bay Capital, which is pending in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The plaintiff immediately agreed to stay the action in light of an ongoing mediation among parties other than the Company. This lawsuit was brought by a member of Speedwell Holdings (formerly known as The Selling Source, LLC), one of the Company’s portfolio investments, against various members of and lenders to Speedwell Holdings. The plaintiff asserts claims of aiding and abetting, breaches of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference against the Company. In June 2018, Intrepid Investments, LLC (“Intrepid”) sent notice to the court and defendants effectively lifting the stay and triggering defendants’ obligation to respond to the Intrepid complaint. In September 2018, the Company joined the other defendants in a motion to dismiss on various grounds. In February 2019, Intrepid filed a second amended complaint to which defendants filed a renewed motion to dismiss in March 2019. In June 2023, the Court granted in part and denied in part defendants' motion to dismiss. The parties are currently involved in pre-trial discovery on the surviving claims.

8. INDEMNIFICATION

Under the Company’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Company. In addition, in the normal course of business the Company expects to enter into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Company’s maximum exposure under these agreements cannot be known; however, the Company expects any risk of loss to be remote.

9. TAX INFORMATION

The tax character of distributions were as follows:

The components of distributable earnings (losses) on a tax basis were as follows:

(1)

Taxable income is estimated and is not considered final until the Company files its tax return.

The Company’s aggregate unrealized appreciation and depreciation on investments based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

The difference between GAAP-basis and tax basis unrealized gains (losses) is attributable primarily to differences in the tax treatment of underlying fund investments.

In order to present certain components of the Company’s capital accounts on a tax-basis, certain reclassifications have been recorded to the Company’s accounts. These reclassifications have no impact on the net asset value of the Company's and result primarily from dividend redesignations, certain non-deductible expenses, and differences in the tax treatment of partnership income and defaulted bonds.

At December 31, 2023, the Company, for federal income tax purposes, had capital loss carryforwards of$193,501 which will reduce its taxable income arising from future net realized gains on investment transactions, if any, to the extent permitted by the Code, and thus will reduce the amount of distributions to stockholders, which would otherwise be necessary to relieve the Company of any liability for federal income tax. On December 22, 2010, the Modernization Act was signed by the President. The Modernization Act changed the capital loss carryforward rules as they relate to regulated investment companies. Capital losses generated in tax years beginning after the date of enactment may now be carried forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Of the capital loss carryforwards at December 31, 2023,$40,819 are limited losses and available for use subject to annual limitation under Section 382. Of the capital losses at December 31, 2023,$16,815 are short-term and$176,686 are long term.

ASC 740 provides guidance on the accounting for and disclosure of uncertainty in tax position. ASC 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Company's tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Based on its analysis of its tax position for all open tax years (fiscal years 2020 through 2023), the Company has concluded that it doesnot have any uncertain tax positions that met the recognition or measurement criteria of ASC 740. Such open tax years remain subject to examination and adjustment by tax authorities.

10. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Below is the schedule of financial highlights of the Company:

(1)

The per share data was derived by using the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, except where such calculations deviate from those specified under the instructions to Form N-2. Per share data and shares outstanding have been adjusted for the periods shown to reflect the six-for-one reverse stock split effected on February 28, 2022 on a retrospective basis, as described in Note 2.

(2)

The per share data for distributions declared reflects the actual amount of distributions of record per share for the period.

(3)

Total return based on net asset value is calculated as the change in net asset value per share, assuming the Company’s distributions were reinvested through its dividend reinvestment plan. Total return based on market value is calculated as the change in market value per share, assuming the Company’s distributions were reinvested through its dividend reinvestment plan. Total return does not include any estimate of a sales load or commission paid to acquire shares.

(4)

Average net assets used in ratio calculations are calculated using monthly ending net assets for the period presented. For the years ending December 31, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019 average net assets were $93,441, $85,029, $87,975, $60,884, and $97,791, respectively.

(5)

Ratio for the year ended December 31, 2022 reflects the impact of the incentive fee waiver described in Note 3.

11. AFFILIATED AND CONTROLLED INVESTMENTS

Affiliated investments are defined by the Investment Company Act, whereby the Company owns between 5% and 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities and the investments are not classified as controlled investments. The aggregate fair value of non-controlled, affiliated investments at December 31, 2023 represented 1% of the Company’s net assets.

Controlled investments are defined by the Investment Company Act, whereby the Company owns more than 25% of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or maintains the ability to nominate greater than 50% of the board representation. The aggregate fair value of controlled investments at December 31, 2023 represented 47% of the Company’s net assets.

Fair value as of December 31, 2023 along with transactions during the year then ended in these affiliated investments and controlled investments was as follows:

(1)

Non-unitized equity investments are disclosed with percentage ownership in lieu of quantity.

(2)

Gross additions include increases resulting from new or additional portfolio investments, capitalized PIK income, accretion of discounts and the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities.

(3)

Gross reductions include decreases resulting from principal collections related to investment repayments or sales and the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities.

(4)

Income amounts include accrued PIK income.

(5)

On September 1, 2023, the Company's investments in Great Elm Healthcare Finance, LLC (“GEHF”), Prestige Capital Finance, LLC (“Prestige”) and Sterling Commercial Credit, LLC (“Sterling”) were contributed in-kind to Great Elm Specialty Finance, LLC (“GESF”) in exchange for equity and subordinated indebtedness in GESF as discussed below.

(6)

In July 2023, the Company sold its equity investment in Lenders Funding, LLC (“Lenders Funding”) to the minority member and the outstanding balance of the subordinated note was fully repaid. As a result of the equity sale, Lenders Funding is no longer considered a controlled investment and the outstanding revolver balance has been included in gross reductions in the table above and related income for the period from the date of the equity sale through December 31, 2023 has not been included in interest income from controlled investments.

On September 1, 2023, the Company contributed investments in certain of its operating company subsidiaries and other specialty finance assets to its formerly wholly owned subsidiary, GESF in exchange for equity and subordinated indebtedness in GESF. These included the Company's investments in the equity and subordinated debt of GEHF, Prestige and Sterling, which were formerly controlled investments as defined by the Investment Company Act. In addition, the Company contributed its investments in the Coreweave Compute Acquisition Co. II, LLC delayed draw term loan, Enservco/Heat Waves term loan, ITP Live Production Group term loan, and PIRS Capital, LLC term loan. In connection with these contributions, a strategic investor purchased approximately 12.5% of the equity interests and subordinated indebtedness in GESF. Through its subsidiaries, GESF provides a variety of financing options along a “continuum of lending” to middle-market borrowers, including receivables factoring, asset-based and asset-backed lending, lender finance and equipment financing. GESF expects to generate both revenue and cost synergies across its specialty finance company subsidiaries.

In accordance with SEC Regulation S-X (“S-X”) Rules 3-09 and 4-08(g), the Company must determine which of its unconsolidated controlled portfolio companies, if any, are considered to be "significant subsidiaries." After performing this analysis, the Company determined that one portfolio company, GESF, is a significant subsidiary for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 under at least one of the conditions of S-X Rule 1-02(w). Accordingly, unaudited financial information as of and for thetwelve months ended December 31, 2023 has been included as follows:

Fair value as of December 31, 2022 along with transactions during the year then ended in these affiliated investments and controlled investments was as follows:

(1)

Non-unitized equity investments are disclosed with percentage ownership in lieu of quantity.

(2)

Gross additions include increases resulting from new or additional portfolio investments, capitalized PIK interest, accretion of discounts and the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities.

(3)

Gross reductions include decreases resulting from principal collections related to investment repayments or sales and the exchange of one or more existing securities for one or more new securities.

(4)

Interest income includes accrued PIK interest.

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Other than the items discussed below, the Company has concluded that there is no impact requiring adjustment or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

The Board set distributions for the quarter ending March 31, 2024 at a rate of $0.35 per share. The full amount of each distribution will be from distributable earnings. The schedule of distribution payments will be established by GECC pursuant to authority granted by the Board. The distribution will be paid in cash.

On February 8, 2024, the Company entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Great Elm Strategic Partnership I, LLC (“GESP”), a special purpose vehicle, by which the Company issued 1,850,424 shares of common stock equivalent to $24 million that was purchased by GESP.