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Great Elm Capital Corp.

For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 2, 2026.

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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2025 · Filed Mar 2, 2026

GECC$5.000.0%Stored close · as of Nov 9, 2026

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Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

NOTES TO THEFINANCIAL 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, LLC, 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.

  1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation. The Company’s functional currency is U.S. dollars and these financial statements have been prepared in that currency. The accompanying 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.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of the 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 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. Significant estimates include the valuation of investments.

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 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.

Interest income in CLO subordinated note investments are recorded on an accrual basis utilizing an effective interest methodology based upon an effective yield to maturity of projected cash flows. ASC Topic 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets (“ASC 325”) requires investment income from such investments be recognized under the effective interest method, with any difference between cash distributed and the amount calculated pursuant to the effective interest method be recorded as an adjustment to the cost basis of the investment. It is the Company’s policy to monitor and update the effective yield for each CLO subordinated note position held at each measurement date and updated periodically, as needed.

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. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

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 GECM. The Company's board of directors (the "Board") has named GECM as the Board's valuation designee.

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;

GECM, as the Board's valuation designee, 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 statements of assets and liabilities and amortization of those costs is included in interest expense on the 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 statements of assets and liabilities and amortization of those costs is included in interest expense on the 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 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 may include contributions to investments paid in advance of trade date.

Segment Reporting. The Company operates as asingle reportable segment and as a result, the Company’s segment accounting policies are consistent with those described herein and the Company does not have any intra-segment sales and transfers of assets. See “Note 12. Segment Reporting” for further information.

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 relate back distributions in the next tax year to meet the requirement to distribute 90% of its ICTI in the prior year. Any such "spillover dividends" must generally be declared on or before 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 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$579,$348 and$287 of excise tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

At December 31, 2025, the Company, for federal income tax purposes, had capital loss carryforwards of$188,051 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, 2025$38,660 are limited losses and available for use subject to annual limitation under Section 382. Of the capital losses at December 31, 2025,$16,815 are short-term and$171,236 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 2022 through 2025), 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Income Statement. In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures(“ASU 2024-03”), which requires disaggregated disclosure of certain costs and expenses, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, amortization and depletion, within relevant income statement captions. ASU 2024-03 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning with the first quarter ended March 31, 2028. Early adoption and retrospective application is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this guidance, however, the Company does not expect a material impact on its financial statements.

Interim Reporting. In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270)to improve the navigability of the guidance in ASC 270 and clarify when it applies. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

  1. 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, 2025, 2024 and 2023, management fees amounted to$4,987,$4,456 and$3,539, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024,$1,183 and$1,248 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 has 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 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, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred Income Incentive Fees of$3,742,$2,580 and$3,132, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024,$2,267 and$1,712 of Income Incentive Fees, respectively remained payable and $0 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 the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, 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, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred expenses under the Administration Agreement of$1,619,$1,376 and$1,522, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024,$292 and$156 remained payable, respectively.

  1. 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

Equity, Bank Loans, Corporate Debt, and Other Debt ObligationsThe types of instruments that trade in markets that are not considered to be active but are valued based on quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency may include commercial paper, most government agency obligations, certain corporate debt securities, certain mortgage-backed securities, certain bank loans, less liquid publicly-listed equities, certain state and municipal obligations, certain money market instruments and certain loan commitments.
Valuations of Level 2 debt and equity instruments can be verified to quoted prices, broker or dealer quotations or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Consideration is given to the nature of the quotations (e.g., indicative or firm) and the relationship of recent market activity to the prices provided from alternative pricing sources.

Level 3 Instruments Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs

Bank Loans, Corporate Debt, and Other Debt ObligationsValuations are generally based on discounted cash flow techniques, for which the significant inputs are the amount and timing of expected future cash flows, market yields and recovery assumptions. The significant inputs are generally determined based on an analysis of market comparables, transactions in similar instruments and/or recovery and liquidation analyses.
EquityRecent third-party investments or pending transactions are considered to be the best evidence for any change in fair value. When these are not available, the following valuation methodologies are used, as appropriate and available: Transactions in similar instruments; Discounted cash flow techniques; Third party appraisals; and Industry multiples and public comparables.Evidence includes recent or pending reorganizations (for example, merger proposals, tender offers and debt restructurings) and significant changes in financial metrics, including: Current financial performance as compared to projected performance;  Capitalization rates and multiples; and Market yields implied by transactions of similar or related assets.

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, 2025 and 2024. 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, 2025:

Type of Investment · Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 · Total
Asset
Debt$-$81,893$121,618$203,511
Equity/Other10,99413831,43742,569
Short Term Investments32,803--32,803
Total$43,797$82,031$153,055$278,883
Investment measured at net asset value(1)52,188
Total Investments, at fair value$331,071

The following summarizes the Company’s investment assets categorized within the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2024:

Assets · Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 · Total
Debt$-$76,764$159,954$236,718
Equity/Other3,430-32,93736,367
Short Term Investments8,448--8,448
Total$11,878$76,764$192,891$281,533
Investment measured at net asset value(1)51,177
Total Investments, at fair value$332,710

(1) Certain investments that are measured at fair value using net asset value (“NAV”) have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amount presented in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for theyear ended December 31, 2025:

Level 3Beginning Balance as of January 1, 2025Net Transfers In/OutPurchases(1)Net Realized Gain (Loss)Net Change in UnrealizedAppreciation (Depreciation)(2)Sales and Settlements(1)Net Amortization of Premium/ DiscountEnding Balance as of December 31, 2025
Debt$159,954$(16,534)$70,835$(2,362)$(12,777)$(77,963)$465$121,618
Equity/Other32,937-6,191(6,611)4,403(5,483)-31,437
Total investment assets$192,891$(16,534)$77,026$(8,973)$(8,374)$(83,446)$465$153,055

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for the year ended December 31, 2024:

Level 3Beginning Balance as of January 1, 2024Net Transfers In/OutPurchases(1)Net Realized Gain (Loss)Net Change in UnrealizedAppreciation (Depreciation)(2)Sales and Settlements(1)Net Amortization of Premium/ DiscountEnding Balance as of December 31, 2024
Debt$122,693$17,179$80,149$(36)$740$(61,155)$384$159,954
Equity/Other20,0441,44928,334-(11,890)(5,000)-32,937
Total investment assets$142,737$18,628$108,483$(36)$(11,150)$(66,155)$384$192,891

(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, 2025 totaled$(17,288) consisting of the following:$(16,110) related to debt investments and$(1,178) related to equity/other. The net change in unrealized depreciation relating to Level 3 assets still held at December 31, 2024 totaled$(15,902) consisting of the following:$(4,822) related to debt investments and$(11,080) related to equity/other.

Six investments with a fair value of $35,809 were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of increased pricing transparency during the year ended December 31, 2025. Five investments with an aggregate fair value of $19,275 were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 as a result of decreased pricing transparency during the year ended December 31, 2025.

One investment with a fair value of $3,970 was transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of increased pricing transparency during the year ended December 31, 2024. Four investments with an aggregate fair value of $22,597 were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 as a result of decreased pricing transparency during theyear ended December 31, 2024.

Changes in pricing transparency are the result of changes in the number of brokers quoting an investment and evidence of observable trading activity at a given price. These factors support the assumption that prices provided by third-party vendors are representative of the value that an investment may transact at, whereas limited evidence of these factors may indicate that additional valuation procedures including unobservable inputs should be utilized.

The following tables below present the ranges of significant unobservable inputs used to value the Company’s Level 3 assets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, 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.

As of December 31, 2025
Investment TypeFair valueValuation Technique(1)Unobservable Input(1)Range (Weighted Average)(2)
Debt$86,912Income ApproachDiscount Rate8.02% - 27.19% (14.95%)
25,325Recent Transaction
8,386Market ApproachEarnings Multiple0.00 - 9.75 (0.00)
995Broker Quotes99.50 - 99.50 (99.50)
Total Debt$121,618
Equity / Other$13,137Recent Transaction
6,659Insurance Industry ModelEstimated Losses$0.0MM-$65.0MM($32.5MM)
6,474Income ApproachDiscount Rate17.00% - 19.00% (18.00%)
5,082Market ApproachEarnings Multiple0.09 - 10.00 (8.76)
85Asset Recovery / Liquidation
Total Equity/Other$31,437
As of December 31, 2024
Investment TypeFair valueValuation Technique(1)Unobservable Input(1)Range (Weighted Average)(2)
Debt$117,413Income ApproachDiscount Rate9.37% - 22.48% (15.13%)
35,710Recent Transaction
6,831Market ApproachEarnings Multiple0.30 - 8.00 (4.66)
Total Debt$159,954
Equity/Other$20,327Recent Transaction
6,401Market ApproachEarnings Multiple0.09 - 8.25 (6.67)
6,155Insurance Industry ModelEstimated Losses$0.0MM - $65.0MM ($32.5MM)
54Asset Recovery / Liquidation (3)
Total Equity/Other$32,937

(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.

As of December 31, 2025, certain investments were valued using the market approach while they had been valued using recent transaction data as of December 31, 2024. The valuation technique was changed as the referenced transaction was no longer considered to be recent and it was determined that the market approach incorporated more current unobservable data.

In accordance with ASC 820, certain investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and which are within the scope of Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies, may be measured using NAV as a practical expedient. As of December 31, 2025, the Company held three investments valued using NAV as a practical expedient. These investments are generally restricted from withdrawal subject to the terms of each investment vehicle with withdrawals allowed no more than annually. There is no set duration for these entities.

  1. 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.

On August 13, 2025, the Company amended the Loan Agreement to increase the commitment of the revolving line of credit to up to $50 million (subject to a borrowing base as defined in the Loan Agreement). The amendment also allows the Company to request an increase of the Revolving Facility in an aggregate amount not to exceed $40 million (up to a revolving line of $90 million), which increase is subject to the sole discretion of CNB and updates the maturity date of the revolving line to the earlier of (i) May 5, 2027 and (ii) May 31, 2026 if the Company’s 5.875% notes due 2026 have not been refinanced prior to such date. In addition, the amendment provides that borrowings under the Revolving Facility shall bear interest at a rate equal to (i) at all times when a minimum deposit test is met (a) SOFR plus 2.50% or (b) a base rate plus 1.50% and (ii) at all times when a minimum deposit is not met (a) SOFR plus 3.50% or (b) a base rate plus 2.50%. The amendment also amended the financial covenant of minimum net assets requirement to be of not less than $80 million. As of December 31, 2025, 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 $80 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.

Unsecured Notes

On January 11, 2018, the Company issued $43.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.75% notes due 2025 (the “GECCM Notes”). On January 19, 2018 and February 9, 2018, the Company issued an additional $1.9 million and $1.5 million of the GECCM Notes upon partial exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. On September 12, 2024, we caused redemption notices to be issued to the holders of the GECCM Notes regarding the Company's exercise of its option to redeem, in whole, the issued and outstanding GECCM Notes. We redeemed all of the issued and outstanding GECCM Notes on October 12, 2024 at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from September 30, 2024 through, but excluding, the redemption date, October 12, 2024.

On June 23, 2021, the Company issued $50 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% notes due 2026 (the “GECCO Notes”). On July 9, 2021, the Company issued an additional $7.5 million of the GECCO Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. In December 2025, the Company repurchased $18.5 million of the outstanding principal on the GECCO Notes.

On August 16, 2023, the Company issued $40 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.75% notes due 2028 (the “GECCZ Notes”). On August 29, 2025, we caused redemption notices to be issued to the holders of the GECCZ Notes regarding the Company's exercise of its option to redeem $40.0 million aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding GECCZ Notes. We redeemed all of the issued andoutstanding GECCZ Notes on September 30, 2025 at 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon from July 1, 2025 through, but excluding, the redemption date, September 30, 2025.

On April 17, 2024, the Company issued $30.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.50% notes due 2029 (the “GECCI Notes”). On April 25, 2024, the Company issued an additional $4.5 million of the GECCI Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. On July 9, 2024, we issued an additional $22.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the GECCI Notes in a direct placement.

On September 19, 2024, the Company issued $36.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.125% notes due 2029 (the “GECCH Notes”). On October 3, 2024, the Company issued an additional $5.4 million of the GECCH Notes upon full exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option.

On September 11, 2025, the Company issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% notes due 2030 (the “GECCG Notes”). On October 2, 2025, we issued an additional $7.5 million of the GECCG Notes upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

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 to indebtedness under our Loan Agreement and any other future secured indebtedness that the Company may incur to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness 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 GECCO Notes, GECCI Notes, GECCH Notes and GECCG Notes will mature on June 30, 2026, April 30, 2029, December 31, 2029, and December 31, 2030, respectively. The GECCO Notes are currently callable at the Company’s option and the GECCI Notes, GECCH Notes and GECCG Notes can be called on or after April 30, 2026, December 31, 2026, and December 31, 2027, respectively. 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:

As ofTotal AmountOutstanding(1)Asset CoverageRatio Per Unit(2)Involuntary LiquidationPreference Per Unit(3)Average MarketValue Per Unit(4)
8.25% Notes due 2020$33,646$6,168N/A$1.02
6.50% Notes due 2022 (“GECCL Notes”)$32,631$5,010N/A$1.02
GECCL Notes$32,631$2,393N/A$1.01
GECCM Notes46,3982,393N/A0.98
GECCL Notes$32,631$1,701N/A$1.01
GECCM Notes46,3981,701N/A1.01
GECCN Notes45,0001,701N/A1.00
GECCL Notes$30,293$1,671N/A$0.89
GECCM Notes45,6101,671N/A0.84
GECCN Notes42,8231,671N/A0.84
GECCM Notes$45,610$1,511N/A$1.00
GECCN Notes42,8231,511N/A1.00
GECCO Notes57,5001,511N/A1.02
GECCM Notes$45,610$1,544N/A$0.99
GECCN Notes42,8231,544N/A1.00
GECCO Notes57,5001,544N/A1.00
Revolving Credit Facility10,0001,544N/A-
GECCM Notes$45,610$1,690N/A$0.99
GECCO Notes57,5001,690N/A0.96
GECCZ Notes40,0001,690N/A0.99
Revolving Credit Facility-1,690N/A-
GECCO Notes$57,5001,697N/A$0.99
GECCZ Notes40,0001,697N/A1.01
GECCI Notes56,5001,697N/A1.01
GECCH Notes41,4001,697N/A1.00
Revolving Credit Facility-1,697N/A-
GECCO Notes$38,983$1,581N/A$1.01
GECCI Notes56,5001,581N/A1.01
GECCH Notes41,4001,581N/A1.00
GECCG Notes57,5001,581N/A1.00
Revolving Credit Facility-1,581N/A-

(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 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, 2025, the Company’s asset coverage ratio was approximately 158.1%.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the indenture.

For theyears ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023, the components of interest expense were as follows:

For the Year Ended December 31,
202520242023
Borrowing interest expense$15,626$13,386$10,115
Amortization of deferred offering costs1,7571,4131,268
Deferred offering costs expensed at time of redemption1,02283359
Total$18,405$14,882$11,742
Weighted average interest rate9.00%8.28%7.75%
Average outstanding balance$204,394$179,688$151,471

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.

FacilityCommitmentsBorrowingsOutstandingFairValue
Unsecured Debt - GECCO Notes$38,983$38,983$38,983
Unsecured Debt - GECCI Notes56,50056,50056,776
Unsecured Debt - GECCH Notes41,40041,40041,648
Unsecured Debt - GECCG Notes57,50057,50057,562
Total$194,383$194,383$194,969
FacilityCommitmentsBorrowingsOutstandingFairValue
Unsecured Debt - GECCO Notes$57,500$57,500$57,017
Unsecured Debt - GECCZ Notes40,00040,00040,360
Unsecured Debt - GECCI Notes56,50056,50056,988
Unsecured Debt - GECCH Notes41,40041,40041,317
Total$195,400$195,400$195,682
  1. CAPITAL ACTIVITY

On August 27, 2025, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with Poor Richard, LLC (“Poor Richard”), a Delaware limited company (the “Purchaser”), an affiliate of Booker Smith, pursuant to which the Purchaser purchased, and we issued 1,290,000 shares (the "Shares") of our common stock, par value $0.01, at a price of $11.65 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of$14.3 million, net of transaction costs of$0.7 million. The Shares were issued in a private placement exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 506(b) of Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).

On May 6, 2025, we and GECM entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Lucid Capital Markets, LLC (the “Agent”), under which we may issue and sell through the Agent, from time to time, shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $100,000,000 (the “Offering”), pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form N-2 (Registration No. 333-283503), as amended, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on November 27, 2024. We filed a prospectus supplement with the SEC on May 6, 2025 in connection with the Offering. Sales of the common stock, if any, will be made by any method that is deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) under the Securities Act, as amended. Subject to the terms of the Agreement, the Agent is not required to sell any specific amount, but will act as the Company's agent using commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices. The Company will pay the Agent a commission rate of up to 2.0% of the gross sales price of any share of common stock sold under the Agreement. The sales price per share of the common stock sold in the Offering, less the Agent’s commission, will not be less than the net asset value (“NAV”) per share of the common stock at the time of such sale. GECM or an affiliate of GECM may, from time to time and in their sole discretion, contribute proceeds necessary to ensure that no sales are made at a price below the then-current NAV per share. As of December 31, 2025, we have sold 1,163,753 shares for gross proceeds of$13.2 million at an average price of$11.45 per share for aggregate net proceeds of$13.0 million net of transaction costs less than $0.1 million.

On December 11, 2024, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Summit Grove Partners, LLC ("SGP"), pursuant to which SGP purchased, and we issued 1,094,527 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01, at a price of $12.06 per share, which represented our NAV per share as of December 10, 2024, for an aggregate purchase price of $13.0 million, net of transaction costs of $0.2 million. SGP is owned 25% by GEG. GECM, the investment manager of GECC, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GEG. The common stock was issued in a private placement exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

On June 21, 2024, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Prosper Peak Holdings, LLC (“PPH”), pursuant to which PPH purchased, and we issued 997,506 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01, at a price of $12.03 per share, which represented our NAV per share as of June 20, 2024, for an aggregate purchase price of $11.8 million, net of transaction costs of $0.2 million. PPH is owned 25% by GEG. GECM, the investment manager of GECC, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GEG. The common stock was issued in a private placement exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

On February 8, 2024, we entered into a Share Purchase Agreement with Great Elm Strategic Partnership I, LLC (“GESP”), pursuant to which GESP purchased, and we issued,1,850,424 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01, at a price of $12.97 per share, which represented our NAV per share as of February 7, 2024, for an aggregate purchase price of $23.8 million, net of transaction costs of $0.2 million. GESP is owned 25% by GEG. GECM, the investment manager of GECC, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GEG. The common stock was issued in a private placement exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

  1. 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, 2025, the Company hadno unfunded commitments to provide financing to certain of its portfolio companies. To the degree applicable, unrealized gains or losses on these commitments as of December 31, 2025 are included in the Company’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities and the corresponding Schedule of Investments. The Company has considered the net decrease in net assets and negative 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.

  1. 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.

  1. TAX INFORMATION

The tax character of distributions were as follows:

For the year ended December 31,
(in thousands)202520242023
Distributions paid from:
Ordinary income$18,663$14,892$11,403
Net long term capital gains---
Return of capital---
Total taxable distributions$18,663$14,892$11,403

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

As of December 31,
(in thousands)202520242023
Undistributed ordinary income, net$10,789$7,017$5,928
Capital loss carryforwards(188,051)(181,545)(193,501)
Total undistributed earnings(177,262)(174,528)(187,573)
Unrealized earnings (losses), net(68,710)(21,585)2,441
Total accumulated earnings (losses), net(1)$(245,972)$(196,113)$(185,132)

(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:

As of December 31,
(in thousands)20252024
Tax cost$399,781$354,295
Gross unrealized appreciation11,46716,176
Gross unrealized depreciation(80,177)(37,761)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments$(68,710)$(21,585)

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 NAV 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.

As of December 31,
(in thousands)20252024
Paid-in capital in excess of par$(593)$(359)
Accumulated undistributed net investment income5,1173,530
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)(4,524)(3,170)

At December 31, 2025, the Company, for federal income tax purposes, had capital loss carryforwards of$188,051 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, 2025,$38,660 are limited losses and available for use subject to annual limitation under Section 382. Of the capital losses at December 31, 2025,$16,815 are short-term and$171,236 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 2022 through 2025), 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.

  1. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Below presents the schedule of financial highlights of the GECC, which have been derived from the financial statements of the Company, except as noted within the footnotes to the schedule.

For the Year Ended December 31,
20252024202320222021
Per Share Data:(1)
Net asset value, beginning of period$11.79$12.99$11.16$16.63$20.74
Net investment income1.401.271.651.673.02
Net realized gains (loss)(0.45)0.19(0.62)(20.16)(2.37)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(3.52)(1.10)2.3016.00(3.17)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations(2.57)0.363.33(2.49)(2.52)
Issuance of common stock0.33(0.11)-(1.03)0.81
Accretion from share buybacks-----
Distributions declared from net investment income(2)(1.48)(1.45)(1.50)(1.95)(2.40)
Net increase (decrease) resulting from transactions with common stockholders(1.15)(1.56)(1.50)(2.98)(1.59)
Net asset value, end of period$8.07$11.79$12.99$11.16$16.63
Per share market value, end of period$7.05$10.99$10.65$8.29$18.48
Shares outstanding, end of period13,998,16811,544,4157,601,9587,601,9584,484,278
Total return based on net asset value(3)(21.03)%2.14%30.98%(22.17)%(8.03)%
Total return based on market value(3)(24.98)%17.87%50.53%(46.53)%(1.27)%
Ratio/Supplemental Data:
Net assets, end of period$112,946$136,113$98,739$84,809$74,556
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets before waiver (4),(5)24.18%22.11%24.92%22.14%14.69%
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets after waiver (4),(5)24.18%22.11%24.92%16.43%14.69%
Ratio of incentive fees to average net assets(4)2.77%2.12%3.35%0.66%(4.91)%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(4),(5)12.82%10.24%13.42%12.30%14.02%
Portfolio turnover49%86%98%53%66%

(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.

(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 31,2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 average net assets were$135,111,$121,555,$93,441,$85,029, and$87,975, respectively.

(5)

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

  1. 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, 2025 represented 0% 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, 2025 represented 71% of the Company’s net assets.

Fair value as of December 31, 2025 along with transactions during the year then ended in these affiliated investments and controlled investments was as follows:

Issue(1) · Fair value at December 31, 2024 · Gross Additions(2) · Gross Reductions(3) · Net RealizedGain (Loss) · Change in UnrealizedAppreciation (Depreciation) · Fair value at December 31, 2025 · InterestIncome · FeeIncome · DividendIncome
Non-Controlled, Affiliated Investments
PFS Holdings Corp.
Common Equity (5.05% of class) · - · - · - · - · - · - · - · - · -
Totals · $ · - · $ · - · $ · - · $ · - · $ · - · $ · - · $ · - · $ · - · $ · -
Controlled Investments
Great Elm Specialty Finance, LLC
Subordinated Note29,7332,3256,733--25,3253,356--
Equity (87.5% of class)13,482-567-22213,137--931
43,2152,3257,300-22238,4623,356-931
CLO Formation JV, LLC
Equity (71.25% of class)40,08913,611967-(11,308)41,425--12,893
40,08913,611967-(11,308)41,425--12,893
Totals$83,304$15,936$8,267$-$(11,086)$79,887$3,356$-$13,824

(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.

Fair value as of December 31, 2024 along with transactions during the year then ended in these affiliated investments and controlled investments was as follows:

Issue(1) · Fair value at December 31, 2023 · Gross Additions(2) · Gross Reductions(3) · Net RealizedGain (Loss) · Change in UnrealizedAppreciation (Depreciation) · Fair value at December 31, 2024 · InterestIncome(4) · FeeIncome · DividendIncome
Non-Controlled, Affiliated Investments
PFS Holdings Corp.
1st Lien, Secured Loan979-419(626)66-64--
Common Equity (5.05% of class)88---(88)----
1,067-419(626)(22)-64--
Totals$1,067$-$419$(626)$(22)$-$64$-$-
Controlled Investments
Great Elm Specialty Finance, LLC
Subordinated Note28,7331,000---29,7333,832--
Equity (87.5% of class)17,477---(3,995)13,482--1,114
46,2101,000--(3,995)43,2153,832-1,114
CLO Formation JV, LLC
Equity (71.25% of class)-39,714--37540,089--3,457
-39,714--37540,089--3,457
Totals$46,210$40,714$-$-$(3,620)$83,304$3,832$-$4,571

(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.

In 2024, the Company purchased $2.0 million par of the CoreWeave Compute Acquisition Co. II, LLC ("CoreWeave II") delayed draw term loan at its current fair value of $2.0 million from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Elm Specialty Finance, LLC ("GESF"). The Company also purchased $2.5 million par of the FPL Food, LLC ("FPL Food") sub-participation at its current fair value of $2.5 million from a wholly-owned subsidiary of GESF.

In 2025, the Company purchased $6.0 million of the FPL Food sub-participation at its current fair value of $6.0 million, $1.5 million of Walor North America, Inc. sub-participation and $2.4 million of the CoreWeave II delayed draw term loan at its current fair value of $2.4 million from a wholly-owned subsidiary of GESF. In addition, the Company sold $5.0 million of the CoreWeave Acquisition Co. IV, LLC delayed draw term loan commitment for $2.5 million, the current fair value of the funded balance to a wholly-owned subsidiary of GESF.

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" as defined in S-X Rule 1-02(w)(2). S-X Rule 3-09 requires separate financial statements of the unconsolidated subsidiary in an annual report and S-X Rule 4-08(g) requires summarized financial information of the unconsolidated subsidiary in an annual report.

Great Elm Specialty Finance, LLC ("GESF") is a significant subsidiary for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 under at least one of the significance conditions of S-X Rule 4-08(g). As such, summarized financial information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is included below:

Balance SheetAs of December 31, 2025As of December 31, 2024
Current assets93,89749,023
Noncurrent assets2,566197
Total Assets96,46349,220
Current liabilities53,313836
Noncurrent liabilities28,32533,057
Total Liabilities81,63833,893
Net Equity14,82515,327
Statement of OperationsFor the Year Ended December 31, 2025For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
Gross revenues7,0326,477
Other income (expense)(7,296)(9,681)
Net profit from operations(264)(3,204)

CLO Formation JV, LLC ("CLO JV") is a significant subsidiary for the twelve months ended December 31, 2025 under at least one of the significance conditions of S-X Rule 4-08(g). As such, summarized financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025 is included below. In addition, CLO JV was a significant subsidiary for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 under at least one of the significance conditions of S-X Rule 3-09. As such, unaudited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 and audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 have been included as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.

Balance SheetAs of December 31, 2025
Total Assets58,233
Total Liabilities92
Net Equity58,141
Statement of OperationsFor the Year Ended December 31, 2025
Total Revenues12,177
Total Expenses79
Net Income12,098
Realized Gain (Loss)(410)
Unrealized Gain (Loss)(9,474)
Net Results2,214
  1. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company operates as asingle reportable segment with an investment objective to generate both current income and capital appreciation through debt and equity investments and manages the business on a consolidated basis.

The chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. The primary performance metric provided to the CODM to assess performance and make operating decisions is Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations which is reported on the Statement of Operations.

The performance metric is provided to the CODM on a quarterly basis and is utilized to evaluate performance generated from segment net assets. In addition to other factors, the performance metric is utilized by the CODM to determine allocation of profits, such as the amount of dividends to be distributed to the Company’s shareholders. As the Company operates as a single reporting segment, the segment net assets are reported on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as total net assets and the significant segment expenses are listed on the Statement of Operations.

  1. 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 financial statements.

The Board set distributions for the quarter ending March 31, 2026 at a rate of$0.30 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.

In February 2026, GECM waived all accrued and unpaid incentive fees through March 31, 2026. As of December 31, 2025, there were approximately $2.3 million of accrued incentive fees payable. The Company expects to recognize the reversal of these accrued incentive fees during the period ending March 31, 2026, resulting in a corresponding increase in net income in that period.

On February 27, 2026, the Company caused a notice to be issued to the holders of the GECCO Notes regarding the Company's exercise of its option to redeem $20 million aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding GECCO Notes on March 31, 2026.

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