SARATOGA INVESTMENT CORP

Note 1. Organization

Saratoga Investment Corp. (the “Company”, “we”, “our” and “us”) is a non-diversified closed end management investment company incorporated in Maryland that has elected to be treated and is regulated as a business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Company commenced operations on March 23, 2007 as GSC Investment Corp. and completed the initial public offering (“IPO”) on March 28, 2007. The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Company’s investment objective is to generate current income and, to a lesser extent, capital appreciation from its investments.

GSC Investment, LLC (the “LLC”) was organized in May 2006 as a Maryland limited liability company. On March 21, 2007, the Company was incorporated and concurrently therewith the LLC was merged with and into the Company, with the Company as the surviving entity, in accordance with the procedure for such merger in the LLC’s limited liability company agreement and Maryland law. In connection with such merger, each outstanding limited liability company interest of the LLC was converted into a share of common stock of the Company.

On July 30, 2010, the Company changed its name from “GSC Investment Corp.” to “Saratoga Investment Corp.” in connection with the consummation of a recapitalization transaction.

The Company is externally managed and advised by the investment adviser, Saratoga Investment Advisors, LLC (the “Manager” or “Saratoga Investment Advisors”), pursuant to an investment advisory and management agreement (the “Management Agreement”).

The Company has established wholly owned subsidiaries, SIA-AAP, Inc., SIA-ARC, Inc., SIA-Avionte, Inc., SIA-AX, Inc., SIA-G4, Inc., SIA-GH, Inc., SIA-MAC, Inc., SIA-MDP, Inc., SIA-PP Inc., SIA-SZ, Inc., SIA-TG, Inc., SIA-TT, Inc., SIA-Vector, Inc. and SIA-VR, Inc., which are structured as Delaware entities that are treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes and are intended to facilitate its compliance with the requirements to be treated as a RIC under the Code by holding equity or equity-like investments in portfolio companies organized as limited liability companies, or LLCs (or other forms of pass through entities). These entities are consolidated for accounting purposes, but are not consolidated for U.S. federal income tax purposes and may incur U.S. federal income tax expenses as a result of their ownership of portfolio companies. In February 2022, SIA-GH, Inc., SIA-TT Inc. and SIA-VR, Inc. received an approved plan of liquidation following the sale of equity held by each of the portfolio companies.

Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Saratoga Investment Corp. SBIC LP (“SBIC LP”), Saratoga Investment Corp. SBIC II LP (“SBIC II LP”), and Saratoga Investment Corp. SBIC III LP (“SBIC III LP”, and together with SBIC LP and SBIC II LP, the “SBIC Subsidiaries”), received SBIC licenses from the SBA on March 28, 2012, August 14, 2019, and September 29, 2022, respectively. SBIC LP’s license provided up to $150.0 million in additional long-term capital in the form of SBA debentures, while SBIC II LP’s and SBIC III LP’s SBIC licenses provide up to $175.0 million each. Under current SBIC regulations, for two or more SBICs under common control, the maximum amount of outstanding SBA debentures cannot exceed $350.0 million with at least $175.0 million in combined regulatory capital. Following the debentures being fully repaid to the SBA, SBIC LP surrendered its license on January 3, 2024, providing the Company access to all undistributed capital of SBIC LP, and SBIC LP subsequently merged with and into the Company.

The Company has formed a wholly owned special purpose entity, Saratoga Investment Funding II LLC (“SIF II”), a Delaware limited liability company, for the purpose of entering into the senior secured revolving credit facility with Encina Lender Finance, LLC (the “Lender”), supported by loans held by SIF II and pledged to the Lender under the credit facility (the “Encina Credit Facility”).

On October 26, 2021, the Company and TJHA JV I LLC (“TJHA”) entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement to co-manage Saratoga Senior Loan Fund I JV LLC (“SLF JV”). SLF JV is under joint control and is not consolidated. SLF JV is invested in Saratoga Investment Corp Senior Loan Fund 2022-1 Ltd. (“SLF 2022”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLF JV. SLF 2022 was formed for the purpose of making investments in a diversified portfolio of broadly syndicated first lien and second lien term loans or bonds in the primary and secondary markets. On October 28, 2022, SLF 2022 issued $402.1 million of debt (the “2022 JV CLO Notes”) through a collateralized loan obligation trust (the “JV CLO trust”). The 2022 JV CLO Notes were issued pursuant to an indenture, dated October 28, 2022 (the “JV Indenture”), with U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to U.S. Bank National Association) (the “Trustee”) servicing as the trustee.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”), are stated in U.S. Dollars and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned special purpose financing subsidiaries, Saratoga Investment Funding, LLC (previously known as GSC Investment Funding LLC), SIF II, SBIC LP, SBIC II LP, SBIC III LP, SIA-AAP, Inc., SIA-ARC, Inc., SIA-Avionte, Inc., SIA-AX, Inc., SIA-G4, Inc., SIA-GH, Inc., SIA-MDP, Inc., SIA-MAC, Inc., SIA-PP, Inc., SIA-SZ, Inc., SIA-TG, Inc., SIA-TT Inc., SIA-Vector, Inc. and SIA-VR, Inc. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All references made to the “Company,” “we,” and “us” herein include Saratoga Investment Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as stated otherwise.

The Company, SBIC LP, SBIC II LP, and SBIC III LP are all considered to be investment companies for financial reporting purposes and have applied the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946,Financial Services — Investment Companies (“ASC 946”). There have been no changes to the Company, SBIC LP, SBIC II LP, or SBIC III LP’s status as investment companies during the year ended February 29, 2024.

Principles of Consolidation

Under the investment company rules and regulations pursuant to ASC 946, the Company is precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company or controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include only the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company has determined that SLF JV is an investment company under ASC 946; however, in accordance with such guidance the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a wholly owned investment company subsidiary. SLF JV is not a wholly owned investment company subsidiary as the Company and TJHA each have an equal 50% voting interest in SLF JV and thus neither party has a controlling financial interest. Furthermore, FASB ASC Topic 810,Consolidation, concludes that in a joint venture where both members have equal decision making authority, it is not appropriate for one member to consolidate the joint venture since neither has control. Accordingly, the Company does not consolidate its investment in SLF JV.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and income, gains (losses) and expenses during the period reported. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.

Operating Segment

The Company invests in various industries. The Company separately evaluates the performance of each of its investment relationships. However, because each of these investment relationships has similar business and economic characteristics, they have been aggregated into a single investment segment. All applicable segment disclosures are included in or can be derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements (See “Note 3. Investments”).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include short-term, liquid investments in a money market fund. The Company places its cash in financial institutions and, at times, such balances may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost which approximates fair value. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, the Company may not invest in another investment company, such as a money market fund, if such investment would cause the Company to:

As of February 29, 2024, the Company did not exceed any of these limitations.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Reserve Accounts

Cash and cash equivalents, reserve accounts include amounts held in designated bank accounts in the form of cash and short-term liquid investments in money market funds, and, at times, such balances may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits, representing payments received on secured investments or other reserved amounts associated with the Encina Credit Facility held by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, SIF II. The Company is required to use these amounts to pay interest expense, reduce borrowings, or pay other amounts in accordance with the terms of the Encina Credit Facility.

In addition, cash and cash equivalents, reserve accounts also include amounts held in designated bank accounts, in the form of cash and short-term liquid investments in money market funds, within the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, SBIC LP, SBIC II LP and SBIC III LP.

The statements of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and cash and cash equivalents, reserve accounts reported within the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows:

Investment Classification

The Company classifies its investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, “control investments” are defined as investments in companies in which the Company owns more than 25.0% of the voting securities or maintains greater than 50.0% of the board representation. Under the 1940 Act, “affiliated investments” are defined as those non-control investments in companies in which the Company owns between 5.0% and 25.0% of the voting securities. Under the 1940 Act, “non-affiliated investments” are defined as investments that are neither control investments nor affiliated investments.

Investment Valuation

The Company accounts for its investments at fair value in accordance with the FASB ASC Topic 820,Fair Value Measurement(“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a fair value hierarchy based on the quality of inputs used to measure fair value and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASC 820 requires the Company to assume that its investments are to be sold or its liabilities are to be transferred at the measurement date in the principal market to independent market participants, or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market, which may be a hypothetical market. Market participants are defined as buyers and sellers in the principal or most advantageous market that are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact.

Investments for which market quotations are readily available are fair valued at such market quotations obtained from independent third-party pricing services and market makers subject to any decision by the Company’s board of directors to approve a fair value determination to reflect significant events affecting the value of these investments. The Company values investments for which market quotations are not readily available at fair value as approved, in good faith, by the Company’s board of directors based on input from the Manager, the audit committee of the board of directors and a third-party independent valuation firm.

The Company undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter when valuing investments for which market quotations are not readily available, as described below:

In addition, all investments are subject to the following valuation process:

The Company uses multiple techniques for determining fair value based on the nature of the investment and experience with those types of investments and specific portfolio companies. The selections of the valuation techniques and the inputs and assumptions used within those techniques often require subjective judgements and estimates. These techniques include market comparables, discounted cash flows and enterprise value waterfalls. Fair value is best expressed as a range of values from which the Company determines a single best estimate. The types of inputs and assumptions that may be considered in determining the range of values of the Company’s investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio company’s ability to make payments, market yield trend analysis and volatility in future interest rates, call and put features, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, comparison to publicly traded companies, discounted cash flows and other relevant factors.

The Company’s investments in the subordinated notes of Saratoga CLO, Class F-2-R-3 Notes of the Saratoga CLO and the Class E Notes of SLF 2022 are carried at fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow valuation technique that utilizes prepayment, re-investment and loss inputs based on historical experience and projected performance, economic factors, the characteristics of the underlying cash flow, and comparable yields for equity interests in collateralized loan obligation funds, when available, as determined by the Manager and recommended to the Company’s board of directors. Specifically, the Company uses Intex cash flows, or an appropriate substitute, to form the basis for the valuation of its investment in the subordinated notes of Saratoga CLO, Class F-2-R-3 Notes of the Saratoga CLO and the Class E Notes of SLF 2022. The inputs are based on available market data and projections provided by third parties as well as management estimates. The Company uses the output from the Intex models (i.e., the estimated cash flows) to perform a discounted cash flow analysis on expected future cash flows to determine the valuation for our investment in Saratoga CLO.

The Company’s equity investment in SLF JV is measured using the proportionate share of the net asset value (“NAV”), or equivalent, of SLF JV as a practical expedient for fair value, provided by ASC 820. The Company’s unsecured loan investment in SLF JV is based on a discounted cash flow valuation technique.

Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private investments and private companies, are inherently uncertain, they may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates. The determination of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these investments existed. The Company’s NAV could be materially affected if the determinations regarding the fair value of its investments were materially higher or lower than the values that the Company ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.

Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) establishes a regulatory framework for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act. Rule 2a-5 permits boards of directors, subject to board oversight and certain other conditions, to designate the investment adviser to perform fair value determinations. Rule 2a-5 also defines when market quotations are “readily available” for purposes of the 1940 Act and the threshold for determining whether a fund must determine the fair value of a security. Rule 31a-4 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 31a-4”) provides for certain recordkeeping requirements associated with fair value determinations. Finally, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rescinded previously issued guidance on related issues, including the role of the board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. While the Company’s board of directors has not elected to designate Saratoga Investment Advisors as the valuation designee, the Company has established policies and procedures in compliance with the applicable requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815,Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). ASC 815 requires recognizing all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company values derivative contracts at the closing fair value provided by the counterparty. Changes in the values of derivative contracts are included in the consolidated statements of operations.

Investment Transactions and Income Recognition

Purchases and sales of investments and the related realized gains or losses are recorded on a trade-date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company stops accruing interest on its investments when it is determined that interest is no longer collectible. Discounts and premiums on investments purchased are accreted/amortized using the effective yield method. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost adjusted for the accretion of discounts over the life of the investment and amortization of premiums on investments up to the earliest call date.

Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status when there is reasonable doubt that principal or interest will be collected. Accrued interest is generally reserved when a loan is placed on non-accrual status. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans may be recognized as a reduction in principal depending upon management’s judgment regarding collectability. Non-accrual loans are restored to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current, although management may make exceptions to this general rule if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection. At February 29, 2024 our investment in three portfolio companies were on non-accrual status with a fair value of approximately $18.9 million, or 1.7% of the fair value of our portfolio. At February 28, 2023, our investment in one portfolio company was on non-accrual status with a fair value of approximately $9.8 million, or 1.0% of the fair value of our portfolio.

Interest income on our investment in the subordinated note of Saratoga CLO is recorded using the effective interest method in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 325-40,Investments-Other, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets, based on the anticipated yield and the estimated cash flows over the projected life of the investment. Yields are revised when there are changes in actual or estimated cash flows due to changes in prepayments and/or re-investments, credit losses or asset pricing. Changes in estimated yield are recognized as an adjustment to the estimated yield over the remaining life of the investment from the date the estimated yield was changed.

Payment-in-Kind Interest

The Company holds debt and preferred equity investments in its portfolio that contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest provision. The PIK interest, which represents contractually deferred interest added to the investment balance that is generally due at maturity, is generally recorded on an accrual basis to the extent such amounts are expected to be collected. The Company stops accruing PIK interest if it is expected that the issuer will not be able to pay all principal and interest when due. The Company restores to accrual status when past due principal and interest is paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current, although management may make exceptions to this general rule if the loan has sufficient collateral value and is in the process of collection.

Dividend Income

Dividend income is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations when earned.

Structuring and Advisory Fee Income

Structuring and advisory fee income represents various fee income earned and received for performing certain investment structuring and advisory activities during the closing of new investments.

Other Income

Other income includes prepayment income fees, and monitoring, administration, redemption and amendment fees and is recorded in the consolidated statements of operations when earned.

Deferred Debt Financing Costs

Financing costs incurred in connection with our credit facility and notes are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the respective facility and debt securities. Financing costs incurred in connection with the SBA debentures of SBIC LP, SBIC II LP, and SBIC III LP are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the debentures. Any discount or premium on the issuance of any debt is accreted and amortized using the effective interest method over the life of the respective debt security.

The Company presents deferred debt financing costs on the balance sheet as a contra-liability, which is a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.

Realized Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

Upon the repayment of debt obligations that are deemed to be extinguishments, the difference between the principal amount due at maturity adjusted for any unamortized debt issuance costs is recognized as a loss (i.e., the unamortized debt issuance costs are recognized as a loss upon extinguishment of the underlying debt obligation).

Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may enter into contracts or agreements that contain indemnifications or warranties. Future events could occur that lead to the execution of these provisions against the Company. Based on its history and experience, management reasonably believes that the likelihood of such an event is remote. Therefore, the Company has not accrued any liabilities in connection with such indemnifications.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may directly or indirectly be a defendant or plaintiff in legal actions with respect to bankruptcy, insolvency or other types of proceedings. Such lawsuits may involve claims that could adversely affect the value of certain financial instruments owned by the Company.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected, and intends to qualify annually, to be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code. By meeting these requirements, the Company generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on ordinary income or capital gains timely distributed to stockholders. Therefore, no provision has been recorded for federal income taxes, except as related to the Corporate Blockers (as defined below) and long-term capital gains, when applicable.

In order to qualify as a RIC, among other requirements, the Company generally is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income”, as defined by the Code, for each fiscal tax year. The Company will be subject to U.S. federal income tax imposed at corporate rates on its investment company taxable income and net capital gains that it does not timely distribute to shareholders. The Company will be subject to a non-deductible U.S. federal excise tax of 4% on undistributed income if it does not distribute at least (1)98% of its net ordinary income in any calendar year, (2)98.2% of its capital gain net income for each one-year period ending on October 31and (3) any net ordinary income and capital gain net income that it recognized for preceding years, but were not distributed during such year, and on which the Company paid no U.S federal income tax.

Depending on the level of investment company taxable income earned in a tax year and the amount of net capital gains recognized in such tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward investment company taxable income and net capital gains in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay U.S. federal income tax, and possibly the 4% U.S. federal excise tax on such income, as required. To the extent that the Company determines that its estimated current year annual investment company taxable income will be in excess of estimated current year dividend distributions for U.S. federal excise tax purposes, the Company accrues the U.S. federal excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. For the years ended February 29, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the excise tax accrual on estimated excess taxable income was $1.8 million, $1.1 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

In accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations and published guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), a publicly offered RIC may treat a distribution of its own stock as counting toward its RIC distribution requirements if each stockholder may elect to receive his, her, or its entire distribution in either cash or stock of the RIC. This published guidance indicates that the rule will apply where the aggregate amount of cash to be distributed to all stockholders is not at least 20% of the aggregate declared distribution. Under the published guidance, if too many stockholders elect to receive cash, the cash available for distribution must be allocated among the stockholders electing to receive cash (with the balance of the distribution paid in stock). In no event will any stockholder, electing to receive cash, receive less than 20% of his or her entire distribution in cash. If these and certain other requirements are met, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the amount of the dividend paid in stock will be equal to the amount of cash that could have been received instead of stock.

The Company may utilize wholly owned holding companies that are treated as corporations for U.S. federal income tax purposes when making equity investments in portfolio companies taxed as pass-through entities to meet its source-of-income requirements as a RIC (“Corporate Blockers”). Corporate Blockers are consolidated in the Company’s U.S. GAAP financial statements and may result in current and deferred U.S. federal and state income tax expense with respect to income derived from those investments. Such income, net of applicable income taxes, is not included in the Company’s tax-basis net investment income until distributed by the Corporate Blocker, which may result in timing and character differences between the Company’s U.S. GAAP and tax-basis net investment income and realized gains and losses. Income tax expense or benefit from Corporate Blockers related to net investment income are included in total operating expenses, while any expense or benefit related to federal or state income tax originated for capital gains and losses are included together with the applicable net realized or unrealized gain or loss line item. Deferred tax assets of the Corporate Blockers are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more-likely than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

FASB ASC Topic 740,Income Taxes, (“ASC 740”), provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. 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 a “more-likely-than-not” threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current period. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022 the Company did not incur any interest or penalties. Although we file federal and state tax returns, our major tax jurisdiction is federal. The 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 federal tax years for the Company remain subject to examination by the IRS. At February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, there were no uncertain tax positions. The Company is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next 12 months.

Dividends

Dividends to common stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount to be paid out as a dividend is determined by the board of directors. Net realized capital gains, if any, are generally distributed at least annually, although we may decide to retain some or all of our net capital gains for reinvestment.

We have adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) that provides for reinvestment of our dividend distributions on behalf of our stockholders unless a stockholder elects to receive cash. As a result, if our board of directors authorizes, and we declare, a cash dividend, then our stockholders who have not “opted out” of the DRIP by the dividend record date will have their cash dividends automatically reinvested into additional shares of our common stock, rather than receiving the cash dividends. We have the option to satisfy the share requirements of the DRIP through the issuance of new shares of common stock or through open market purchases of common stock by the DRIP plan administrator.

Capital Gains Incentive Fee

The Company records an expense accrual on the consolidated statements of operations relating to the capital gains incentive fee payable to the Manager, as recorded on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities when the net realized and unrealized gain on its investments exceed all net realized and unrealized capital losses on its investments, as a capital gains incentive fee would be owed to the Manager if the Company were to liquidate its investment portfolio at such time.

The actual incentive fee payable to the Manager related to capital gains will be determined and payable in arrears at the end of each fiscal year and only reflect those realized capital gains net of realized and unrealized losses for the period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03,Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (Topic 820) (“ASU 2022-03”), which clarifies that a contractual sale restriction prohibiting the sale of an equity security is a characteristic of the reporting entity holding the equity security and is not included in the equity security’s unit of account. Accordingly, an entity should not consider the contractual sale restriction when measuring the equity security’s fair value. In addition, ASU 2022-03 prohibits an entity from recognizing a contractual sale restriction as a separate unit of account. ASU 2022-03 amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2022-03 on its consolidated financial statements**.**

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04,Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (“ASU 2020-04”) to provide optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. ASU 2020-04 established Topic 848 to provide relief during the temporary transition period and includes a sunset provision based on expectations of when the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) would cease being published. With the adoption of ASU 2020-04, there was no significant impact to the Company’s financial position.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09,* Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures*. The amendments in this update require more disaggregated information on income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company has not elected to adopt this provision as of the date of the financial statements contained in this report. The Company is still assessing the impact of the new guidance. However, it does not expect ASU 2023-09 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.

Risk Management

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company manages a variety of risks, including market and credit risk. Market risk is the risk of potential adverse changes to the value of investments because of changes in market conditions such as interest rate movements and volatility in investment prices.

Credit risk is the risk of default or non-performance by portfolio companies, equivalent to the investment’s carrying amount. The Company is also exposed to credit risk related to maintaining all of its cash and cash equivalents, including those in reserve accounts, at a major financial institution and credit risk related to any of its derivative counterparties.

The Company has investments in lower rated and comparable quality unrated high yield bonds and bank loans. Investments in high yield investments are accompanied by a greater degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater for holders of high yield securities, because such investments are generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.

Note 3. Investments

As noted above, the Company values all investments in accordance with ASC 820. As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between independent market participants at the measurement date.

ASC 820 establishes a hierarchal disclosure framework which prioritizes and ranks the level of market price observability of inputs used in measuring investments at fair value. Market price observability is affected by a number of factors, including the type of investment and the characteristics specific to the investment. Investments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of market price observability and a lesser degree of judgment used in measuring fair value.

Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide disclosures on fair value measurements according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the observability of the inputs used to determine fair values. Investments carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

In addition to using the above inputs in investment valuations, the Company continues to employ the valuation policy approved by the board of directors that is consistent with ASC 820 and the 1940 Act (see Note 2). Consistent with our valuation policy, the Company evaluates the source of inputs, including any markets in which its investments are trading, in determining fair value.

The following table presents fair value measurements of investments, by major class, as of February 29, 2024 (dollars in thousands), according to the fair value hierarchy:

The following table presents fair value measurements of investments, by major class, as of February 28, 2023 (dollars in thousands), according to the fair value hierarchy:

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments that use Level 3 inputs for the year ended February 29, 2024 (dollars in thousands):

Purchases, PIK and other adjustments to cost include purchases of new investments at cost, effects of refinancing/restructuring, accretion/amortization of income from discount/premium on debt securities, and PIK interests.

Sales and repayments represent net proceeds received from investments sold and principal paydowns received during the period.

Transfers and restructurings, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the period in which they occur. There were no transfers or restructurings in or out of Levels 1, 2, or 3 during the year ended February 29, 2024.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for investments that use Level 3 inputs for the year ended February 28, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

Transfers and restructurings, if any, are recognized at the beginning of the period in which they occur. There were no transfers or restructurings in or out of Levels 1, 2, or 3 during the year ended February 28, 2023

The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of assets as of February 29, 2024 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

The valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs used in recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of assets as of February 28, 2023 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

For investments utilizing a market comparables valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the market yield, in isolation, would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement, and a significant increase (decrease) in any of the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) or revenue valuation multiples, in isolation, would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. For investments utilizing a discounted cash flow valuation technique, a significant increase (decrease) in the discount rate, and prepayment rate, in isolation, would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement while a significant increase (decrease) in recovery rate, in isolation, would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. For investments utilizing a market quote, third party bid or net asset value in deriving a value, a significant increase (decrease) in the market quote, bid or net asset value in isolation, would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.

The composition of our investments as of February 29, 2024 at amortized cost and fair value was as follows (dollars in thousands):

The composition of our investments as of February 28, 2023 at amortized cost and fair value was as follows (dollars in thousands):

For loans and debt securities for which market quotations are not readily available, the Company determines their fair value based on third party indicative broker quotes, where available, or the inputs that a hypothetical market participant would use to value the security in a current hypothetical sale using a market comparables valuation technique. In applying the market comparables valuation technique, the Company determines the fair value based on such factors as market participant inputs including synthetic credit ratings, estimated remaining life, current market yield and interest rate spreads of similar securities as of the measurement date. If, in the Company’s judgment, the market comparables technique is not sufficient or appropriate, the Company may use additional techniques such as an asset liquidation or expected recovery model.

For equity securities of portfolio companies and partnership interests, the Company determines the fair value using an enterprise value waterfall valuation technique. Under the enterprise value waterfall valuation technique, the Company determines the enterprise fair value of the portfolio company and then waterfalls the enterprise value over the portfolio company’s securities in order of their preference relative to one another. To estimate the enterprise value of the portfolio company, the Company weighs some or all of the traditional market valuation techniques and factors based on the individual circumstances of the portfolio company in order to estimate the enterprise value. The techniques for performing investments may be based on, among other things: valuations of comparable public companies, recent sales of private and public comparable companies, discounting the forecasted cash flows of the portfolio company, third party valuations of the portfolio company, considering offers from third parties to buy the company, estimating the value to potential strategic buyers and considering the value of recent investments in the equity securities of the portfolio company. For non-performing investments, the Company may estimate the liquidation or collateral value of the portfolio company’s assets and liabilities. The Company also takes into account historical and anticipated financial results.

The Company’s investments in Saratoga CLO and SLF 2022 are carried at fair value, which is based on a discounted cash flow valuation technique that utilizes prepayment, re-investment and loss inputs based on historical experience and projected performance, economic factors, the characteristics of the underlying cash flow, and comparable yields for equity interests in collateralized loan obligation funds similar to Saratoga CLO and SLF 2022, when available, as determined by the Manager and recommended to the Company’s board of directors. Specifically, the Company uses Intex cash flows, or an appropriate substitute, to form the basis for the valuation of the investment in Saratoga CLO and SLF 2022. The cash flows use a set of inputs including projected default rates, recovery rates, reinvestment rates and prepayment rates in order to arrive at estimated valuations. The inputs are based on available market data and projections provided by third parties as well as management estimates. The Company ran Intex models based on inputs about the refinanced Saratoga CLO’s structure and the SLF 2022 structure, including capital structure, cost of liabilities and reinvestment period. The Company uses the output from the Intex models (i.e., the estimated cash flows) to perform a discounted cash flow analysis on expected future cash flows to determine a valuation for our investments in Saratoga CLO and SLF 2022 at February 29, 2024. The inputs at February 29, 2024 for the valuation model include:

Investment Concentration

Set forth is a brief description of each portfolio company in which the fair value of the Company’s investment represents greater than 5% of the Company’s total assets as of February 29, 2024, excluding Saratoga CLO, SLF JV and SLF 2022 (see Note 4 and Note 5 for more information on Saratoga CLO, SLF JV and SLF 2022, respectively).

HemaTerra Holdings Company, LLC

HemaTerra Holding Company, LLC (“HemaTerra”) provides SaaS-based software solutions addressing complex supply chain issues across a variety of medical environments, including blood, plasma, tissue, implants and DNA sample management, to customers in blood centers, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and law enforcement settings.

Artemis Wax Corp.

Artemis Wax Corporation is a U.S. based retail aggregator of European Wax Center (“EWC”) franchise locations with a concentration in the northeast. Founded in 2004, EWC is the largest U.S. body waxing national chain with more than 800 locations across the country.

Granite Comfort, LP

Granite Comfort, LP is a U.S. based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) company. The company provides traditional service and replacement of HVAC / plumbing systems, as well as a rental model that is in the early stages of implementation.

Note 4. Investment in Saratoga CLO

On January 22, 2008, the Company entered into a collateral management agreement with Saratoga CLO, pursuant to which the Company acts as its collateral manager. The Saratoga CLO was initially refinanced in October 2013 with its reinvestment period extended to October 2016. On November 15, 2016, the Company completed a second refinancing of the Saratoga CLO with its reinvestment period extended to October 2018.

On December 14, 2018, the Company completed a third refinancing and upsize of the Saratoga CLO (the “2013-1 Reset CLO Notes”). The third Saratoga CLO refinancing, among other things, extended its reinvestment period to January 2021, and extended its legal maturity date to January 2030. Following this refinancing, the Saratoga CLO portfolio increased its aggregate principal amount from approximately $300.0 million to approximately $500.0 million of predominantly senior secured first lien term loans.

On February 11, 2020, the Company entered into an unsecured loan agreement (“CLO 2013-1 Warehouse 2 Loan”) with Saratoga Investment Corp. CLO 2013-1 Warehouse 2, Ltd. (“CLO 2013-1 Warehouse 2”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Saratoga CLO. During the fourth quarter ended February 28, 2021, the CLO 2013-1 Warehouse 2 Ltd. was repaid in full.

On February 26, 2021, the Company completed the fourth refinancing of the Saratoga CLO. This refinancing, among other things, extended the Saratoga CLO reinvestment period to April 2024, extended its legal maturity to April 2033, and added a non-call period of February 2022. In addition, and as part of the refinancing, the Saratoga CLO was upsized from $500 million in assets to approximately $650 million. As part of this refinancing and upsizing, the Company invested an additional $14.0 million in all of the newly issued subordinated notes of the Saratoga CLO, and purchased $17.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the Class F-R-3 Notes tranche at par. Concurrently, the existing $2.5 million of Class F-R-2 Notes, $7.5 million of Class G-R-2 Notes and $25.0 million of the CLO 2013-1 Warehouse 2 Loan were repaid. The Company also paid $2.6 million of transaction costs related to the refinancing and upsizing on behalf of the Saratoga CLO, to be reimbursed from future equity distributions. At August 31, 2021, the outstanding receivable of $2.6 million was repaid in full.

On August 9, 2021, the Company exchanged its existing $17.9 million Class F-R-3 Note for $8.5 million Class F-1-R-3 Notes and $9.4 million Class F-2-R-3 Notes at par. On August 11, 2021, the Company sold its Class F-1-R-3 Notes to third parties, resulting in a realized loss of $0.1 million.

The Saratoga CLO remains effectively 100.0% owned and managed by the Company. The Company receives a base management fee of 0.10% per annum and a subordinated management fee of 0.40% per annum of the outstanding principal amount of Saratoga CLO’s assets, paid quarterly to the extent of available proceeds. Following the third refinancing and the issuance of the 2013-1 Reset CLO Notes on December 14, 2018, the Company is no longer entitled to an incentive management fee equal to 20.0% of excess cash flow to the extent the Saratoga CLO subordinated notes receive an internal rate of return paid in cash equal to or greater than 12.0%.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, we accrued management fee income of $3.3 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and interest income of $0.0 million, $1.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively, from the Saratoga CLO.

As of February 29, 2024, the Company determined that the fair value of its investment in the subordinated notes of Saratoga CLO was $9.5 million. As of February 29, 2024, the fair value of its investment in the Class F-R-3 Notes of Saratoga CLO was $8.9 million. As of February 29, 2024, Saratoga CLO had investments with a principal balance of $640.8 million and a weighted average spread over LIBOR of 3.8% and had debt with a principal balance of $611.0 million with a weighted average spread over LIBOR of 2.2%. As of February 29, 2024, the present value of the projected future cash flows of the subordinated notes, was approximately $9.5 million, using a 22.0% discount rate. The Company’s total investment in the subordinate notes of Saratoga CLO is $57.8 which consists of additional investments of $30 million in January 2008, $13.8 million in December 2018 and $14.0 million in February 2021. To date the Company has since received distributions of $84.6 million, management fees of $35.1 million and incentive fees of $1.2 million.

As of February 28, 2023, the Company determined that the fair value of its investment in the subordinated notes of Saratoga CLO was $21.2 million. As of February 28, 2023, the fair value of its investment in the Class F-R-3 Notes of Saratoga CLO was $8.8 million. As of February 28, 2023, Saratoga CLO had investments with a principal balance of $645.6 million and a weighted average spread over LIBOR of 3.8% and had debt with a principal balance of $611.0 million with a weighted average spread over LIBOR of 2.2%. As of February 28, 2023, the present value of the projected future cash flows of the subordinated notes, was approximately $21.2 million, using a 22.0% discount rate. The Company’s total investment in the subordinate notes of Saratoga CLO is $57.8 million, which consists of additional investments of $30 million in January 2008, $13.8 million in December 2018 and $14.0 million in February 2021. As of February 28, 2023, the Company has received distributions of $77.7 million, management fees of $31.9 million and incentive fees of $1.2 million.

The separate audited financial statements of the Saratoga CLO as of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, pursuant to Rule 3-09 of SEC rules Regulation S-X, and for the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, are presented on page S-1.

Note 5. Investment in SLF JV

On October 26, 2021, the Company and TJHA entered into the LLC Agreement to co-manage SLF JV. SLF JV is invested in Saratoga Investment Corp Senior Loan Fund 2022-1, Ltd (“SLF 2021”), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of SLF JV. SLF 2021 was formed for the purpose of making investments in a diversified portfolio of broadly syndicated first lien and second lien term loans or bonds in the primary and secondary markets.

On September 30, 2022, SLF 2021 was renamed to Saratoga Investment Corp Senior Loan Fund 2022-1, Ltd. (“SLF 2022”).

The Company and TJHA have equal voting interest on all material decisions with respect to SLF JV, including those involving its investment portfolio, and equal control of corporate governance. No management fee is charged to SLF JV as control and management of SLF JV is shared equally.

The Company and TJHA have committed to provide up to a combined $50.0 million of financing to SLF JV through cash contributions, with the Company providing $43.75 million and TJHA providing $6.25 million, resulting in an 87.5% and 12.5% ownership between the two parties. The financing is issued in the form of an unsecured note and equity. The unsecured note pays a fixed rate of 10% per annum and is due and payable in full on October 20, 2033. As of February 29, 2024, the Company and TJHA’s investment in SLF JV consisted of an unsecured note of $17.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively; and membership interest of $17.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively. As of February 28, 2023, the Company and TJHA’s investment in SLF JV consisted of an unsecured note of $17.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively; and membership interest of $17.6 million and $2.5 million, respectively. As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the Company’s investment in the unsecured note of SLF JV had a fair value of $15.8 million and $17.6 million, respectively, and the Company’s investment in the membership interests of SLF JV had a fair value of $9.4 million and $13.1 million, respectively.

The Company has determined that SLF JV is an investment company under ASC 946; however, in accordance with such guidance the Company will generally not consolidate its investment in a company other than a wholly owned investment company subsidiary. SLF JV is not a wholly owned investment company subsidiary as the Company and TJHA each have an equal 50% voting interest in SLF JV and thus neither party has a controlling financial interest. Furthermore, ASC 810 concludes that in a joint venture where both members have equal decision making authority, it is not appropriate for one member to consolidate the joint venture since neither has control. Accordingly, the Company does not consolidate SLF JV.

For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Company earned approximately $1.8 million of interest income related to SLF JV, which is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations. As of February 29, 2024, approximately $0.2 million of interest income related to SLF JV was included in interest receivable on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

For the year ended February 28, 2023 the Company earned approximately $1.5 million of interest income related to SLF JV, which is included in interest income on the Statements of Operations. As of February 28, 2023, approximately $0.4 million of interest income related to SLF JV was included in interest receivable on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

For the period from October 26, 2021, through February 28, 2022, the Company earned approximately $0.1 million of interest income related to SLF JV, which is included in interest income on the Statement of Operations. As of February 28, 2022, approximately $0.1 million of interest income related to SLF JV was included in interest receivable.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 and 2022, the Company earned approximately $5.9 million, $0.0 million and $0.0 million of dividend related to SLF JV, which is included in dividend income on control investments.

SLF JV’s initial investment in SLF 2022 was in the form of an unsecured loan. The unsecured loan paid a floating rate of LIBOR plus 7.00% per annum and was paid in full on June 9, 2023. The unsecured loan was repaid in full on October 28, 2022, as part of the CLO closing.

On October 28, 2022, SLF 2022 issued $402.1 million of the 2022 JV CLO Notes through the JV CLO trust. The 2022 JV CLO Notes were issued pursuant to the JV Indenture, with the Trustee. As part of the transaction, the Company purchased 87.50% of the Class E Notes from SLF 2022 with a par value of $12.25 million. As of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the fair value of these Class E Notes were $12.3 million and $11.4 million, respectively.

Note 6. Income Taxes

The Company has elected and intends to operate so as to qualify annually to be taxed as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code and, as such, will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the portion of taxable income and gains timely distributed to stockholders.

The Company owns 100% of Saratoga CLO, an exempted company incorporated in the Cayman Islands. For financial reporting purposes, the Saratoga CLO is not included as part of the consolidated financial statements. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company has requested and received approval from the IRS to treat the Saratoga CLO as a disregarded entity. As such, for U.S. federal income tax purposes and for purposes of meeting the RIC qualification and diversification tests, the results of operations of the Saratoga CLO are included with those of the Company to qualify as a RIC. Generally, the Company is required to meet certain income and asset diversification tests in addition to timely distributing at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, as defined by the Code. Because U.S. federal income tax regulations differ from U.S. GAAP, distributions as required in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized for financial reporting purposes. Differences between these distributions and U.S. GAAP financial results may be permanent or temporary in nature. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts in the consolidated financial statements to reflect their tax character. Differences in classification may also result from the treatment of short-term gains as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company reclassified for book purposes amounts arising from permanent book/tax differences primarily related to nondeductible U.S. federal excise and capital gains tax and worthless securities losses (dollars in thousands):

For U.S federal income tax purposes, distributions paid to shareholders are reported as ordinary income, return of capital, long term capital gains or a combination thereof. The tax character of distributions paid for the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022 was as follows (dollars in thousands):

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, as of February 29, 2024, the aggregate net unrealized depreciation for all securities was $39.7 million. The aggregate cost of securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes was $1.8 billion.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, as of February 28, 2023, the aggregate net unrealized depreciation for all securities was $15.5 million. The aggregate cost of securities for U.S. federal income tax purposes was $1.6 billion.

As of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the components of accumulated losses on a tax basis as detailed below differ from the amounts reflected per the Company’s consolidated statements of assets and liabilities by temporary book/tax differences primarily arising from the consolidation of the Saratoga CLO for U.S federal tax purposes, market discount and original issue discount income, interest income accrual on defaulted bonds, write-off of investments, and amortization of organizational expenditures and partnership interests (dollars in thousands).

At February 29, 2024, the Company had a short-term capital loss of $0.0 million and a long-term capital loss of $19.9 million, available to offset future capital gains. At February 29, 2024 the company did not utilize any short-term capital losses or long-term capital losses. Post RIC-modernization act losses are deemed to arise on the first day of the fund’s following fiscal year and there is no expiration for these losses. As of February 28, 2023, the Company had net long-term capital losses of $1.6 million.

Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year dividend distributions into the next tax year and pay a 4.0% U.S. federal excise tax on such income, as required. 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 for excise tax purposes, the Company accrues excise tax, if any, on estimated excess taxable income as taxable income is earned. For the calendar years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company did not distribute at least 98% of its ordinary income and 98.2% of its capital gains and accrued $1.8 million and $1.1 million in U.S. federal excise taxes on undistributed taxable income for the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, respectively.

Management has analyzed the Company’s tax positions taken on U.S. federal income tax returns for all open years (fiscal years 2020- 2023) and has concluded that no provision for uncertain income tax positions is required in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

SIA-AAP, Inc., SIA-ARC, Inc., SIA-Avionte, Inc., SIA-AX, Inc., SIA-G4, Inc., SIA-GH, Inc., SIA-MAC, Inc., SIA-MDP, Inc., SIA-PP Inc., SIA-SZ, Inc., SIA-TG, Inc., SIA-TT Inc., SIA-Vector, Inc., and SIA-VR, Inc., each 100% owned by the Company, are each filing standalone C Corporation tax returns for U.S. federal and state tax purposes. As separately regarded entities for tax purposes, these entities are subject to U.S. federal income tax at corporate rates. For tax purposes, any distributions by the entities to the parent company would generally need to be distributed to the Company’s shareholders. Generally, such distributions of the entities’ income to the Company’s shareholders will be considered as qualified dividends for tax purposes. The entities’ taxable net income will differ from U.S. GAAP net income because of deferred tax temporary differences arising from net operating losses and unrealized appreciation and deprecation of securities held. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted corporate federal and state tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those net operating losses are utilized and the unrealized gains and losses are realized. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are netted off by entity, as allowed. The recoverability of deferred tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is recorded to the extent that it is more likely than not that any portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized on the basis of a history of operating losses combined with insufficient projected taxable income or other taxable events in the Corporate Blockers. In February 2022, SIA-GH, Inc., SIA-TT Inc. and SIA-VR, Inc. received an approved plan of liquidation following the sale of equity held by each of the portfolio companies.

The Company’s V Rental Holdings LLC Class A-1 membership units were sold during the year ended February 28, 2022. The entity which held this investment, SIA-VR, Inc. will remain in existence for a period of time until all ongoing indemnification obligations are settled, after which it will be dissolved. For purposes of tax accounting, the Company had an $0.0 million current tax receivable as of February 29, 2024.

The Company’s Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, LLC common stock was sold during the year ended February 28, 2022. The entity which held this investment, SIA-TT, Inc. will remain in existence for a period of time until all ongoing indemnification obligations are settled, after which it will be dissolved. For purposes of tax accounting, the Company had an $0.01 million current tax receivable as of February 29, 2024.

The Company’s GreyHeller LLC Series A preferred units was sold during the year ended February 28, 2022. The entity which held this investment, SIA-TT, Inc. will remain in existence for a period of time until all ongoing indemnification obligations are settled, after which it will be dissolved. For purposes of tax accounting, the Company had an $0.09 million current tax receivable as of February 29, 2024.

The Company may distribute a portion of its realized net long term capital gains in excess of realized net short term capital losses to its stockholders, but may also decide to retain a portion, or all, of its net capital gains and elect to pay the 21% U.S. federal tax on the net capital gain, potentially in the form of a “deemed distribution” to its stockholders. Income tax (provision) relating to an election to retain its net capital gains, including in the form of a deemed distribution, is included as a component of income tax (provision) benefit from realized gains on investments, depending on the character of the underlying taxable income (ordinary or capital gains), on the consolidated statements of operations.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities, and related valuation allowances, as of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, were as follows:

As of February 29, 2024, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets was $2.5 million, which represents the federal and state tax effect of net operating losses and unrealized losses that we do not believe we will realize through future taxable income. Any adjustments to the Company’s valuation allowance will depend on estimates of future taxable income and will be made in the period such determination is made.

Net deferred tax expense (benefit) for the year ended February 29, 2024 includes $0.9 million net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and $0.04 million net change in total operating expense (benefit), in the consolidated statement of operations, respectively.

Net deferred tax expense (benefit) for the year ended February 28, 2023 includes $1.7 million net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and $(0.2) million net change in total operating expense, in the consolidated statement of operations, respectively.

Net deferred tax expense (benefit) for the year ended February 28, 2022 includes $(0.7) million net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and $0.0 million net change in total operating expense, in the consolidated statement of operations, respectively.

Deferred tax temporary differences may include differences for state taxes and joint venture interests.

Federal and state income tax provisions (benefits) on investments are as follows:

The Company has remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards of$0.03 million which will expire starting in 2037, with the remaining net operating loss carryforwards of $6.2 million having an indefinite life. In addition, the Company has state net operating loss carryforwards of $2.5 million, which begin to expire in fiscal year 2029.

Income tax expense was computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% combined with the weighted average state tax rate applicable to each Corporate Blocker based on the states they operate in.

Note 7. Agreements and Related Party Transactions

Investment Advisory and Management Agreement

On July 30, 2010, the Company entered into the Management Agreement with the Manager. The initial term of the Management Agreement wastwo years from its effective date, with one-year renewals thereafter subject to certain approvals by the Company’s board of directors and/or the Company’s stockholders. Most recently, on July 6, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved the renewal of the Management Agreement for an additional one-year term. Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager implements the Company’s business strategy on a day-to-day basis and performs certain services for the Company, subject to oversight by the board of directors. The Manager is responsible for, among other duties, determining investment criteria, sourcing, analyzing and executing investments transactions, asset sales, financings and performing asset management duties. Under the Management Agreement, the Company pays the Manager a management fee for investment advisory and management services consisting of a base management fee and an incentive management fee.

Base Management Fee and Incentive Management Fee

The base management fee of 1.75% per year is calculated based on the average value of our gross assets (other than cash or cash equivalents, but including assets purchased with borrowed funds) at the end of the two most recently completed fiscal quarters. The base management fee is paid quarterly following the filing of the most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

The incentive management fee consists of the following two parts:

The first, payable quarterly in arrears, equals 20% of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of our net assets at the end of the immediately preceding quarter, that exceeds a 1.875% quarterly hurdle rate measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter, subject to a “catch-up” provision. Under this provision, in any fiscal quarter, the Manager receives no incentive fee unless our pre-incentive fee net investment income exceeds the hurdle rate of 1.875%. The Manager will receive 100% of pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than or equal to 2.344% in any fiscal quarter; and 20% of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.344% in any fiscal quarter. There is no accumulation of amounts on the hurdle rate from quarter to quarter, and accordingly there is no claw back of amounts previously paid if subsequent quarters are below the quarterly hurdle rate, and there is no delay of payment if prior quarters are below the quarterly hurdle rate.

The second part of the incentive fee is determined and payable in arrears as of the end of each fiscal year (or upon termination of the Management Agreement) and equals 20% of the Company’s “incentive fee capital gains,” which equals the Company’s realized capital gains on a cumulative basis from May 31, 2010 through the end of the fiscal year, if any, computed net of all realized capital losses and unrealized capital depreciation on a cumulative basis on each investment in the Company’s portfolio, less the aggregate amount of any previously paid capital gain incentive fee. Importantly, the capital gains portion of the incentive fee is based on realized gains and realized and unrealized losses from May 31, 2010. Therefore, realized and unrealized losses incurred prior to such time will not be taken into account when calculating the capital gains portion of the incentive fee, and the Manager will be entitled to 20.0% of incentive fee capital gains that arise after May 31, 2010. In addition, for the purpose of the “incentive fee capital gains” calculations, the cost basis for computing realized gains and losses on investments held by us as of May 31, 2010 will equal the fair value of such investments as of such date.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, the Company incurred $19.2 million, $16.4 million and $11.9 million in base management fees, respectively. For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, the Company incurred $13.0 million, $6.8 million and $6.4 million in incentive fees related to pre-incentive fee net investment income. For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, the Company accrued $(8.3) million, $(1.8) million and $5.5 million, respectively, in incentive fees related to capital gains.

The accrual is calculated using both realized and unrealized capital gains for the period. The actual incentive fee related to capital gains will be determined and payable in arrears at the end of the fiscal year and will include only realized capital gains for the period. As of February 29, 2024, the base management fees accrual was $5.0 million and the incentive fees accrual was $3.2 million and are included in base management and incentive fees payable in the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. As of February 28, 2023, the base management fees accrual was $4.3 million and the incentive fees accrual was $7.9 million and are included in base management and incentive fees payable in the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

Administration Agreement

On July 30, 2010, the Company entered into a separate administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with the Manager, pursuant to which the Manager, as the Company’s administrator, has agreed to furnish the Company with the facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct day-to-day operations and provide managerial assistance on the Company’s behalf to those portfolio companies to which the Company is required to provide such assistance. The initial term of the Administration Agreement was two years from its effective date, with one-year renewals thereafter subject to certain approvals by the Company’s board of directors and/or the Company’s stockholders. The amount of expenses payable or reimbursable thereunder by the Company was capped at $1.0 million for the initial two-year term of the Administration Agreement and subsequent renewals. Most recently, on July 6, 2023, the Company’s board of directors approved the renewal of the Administration Agreement for an additional one-year term and subsequently increased the cap on the payment or reimbursement of expenses by the Company from $3.275 million to $4.3 million, effective August 1, 2023.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, we recognized $3.9 million, $3.2 million and $2.9 million in administrator expenses, respectively, pertaining to bookkeeping, recordkeeping and other administrative services provided to us in addition to our allocable portion of rent and other overhead related expenses. As of February 29, 2024, $0.5 million of administrator expenses were accrued and included in due to Manager in the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. As of February 28, 2023, $0.001 million of administrator expenses were accrued and included in due to Manager in the accompanying consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

Saratoga CLO

On December 14, 2018, the Company completed the third refinancing and issuance of the 2013-1 Reset CLO Notes. This refinancing, among other things, extended the Saratoga CLO reinvestment period to January 2021, and extended its legal maturity to January 2030. In addition, and as part of the refinancing, the Saratoga CLO has also been upsized from $300 million in assets to approximately $500 million.

In conjunction with the third refinancing and issuance of the 2013-1 Reset CLO Notes on December 14, 2018, the Company is no longer entitled to receive an incentive management fee from Saratoga CLO. See Note 4 for additional information.

On February 26, 2021, the Company completed the fourth refinancing of the Saratoga CLO. This refinancing, among other things, extended the Saratoga CLO reinvestment period to April 2024, extended its legal maturity to April 2033, and extended the non-call period to February 2022. In addition, and as part of the refinancing, the Saratoga CLO was upsized from $500 million in assets to approximately $650 million. As part of this refinancing and upsizing, the Company invested an additional $14.0 million in all of the newly issued subordinated notes of the Saratoga CLO, and purchased $17.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the Class F-R-3 Notes tranche at par. Concurrently, the existing $2.5 million of Class F-R-2 Notes, $7.5 million of Class G-R-2 Notes and $25.0 million CLO 2013-1 Warehouse 2 Loan were repaid. The Company also paid $2.6 million of transaction costs related to the refinancing and upsizing on behalf of the Saratoga CLO, to be reimbursed from future equity distributions. At November 30, 2021, the outstanding receivable of 2.6 million was repaid in full.

On August 9, 2021, the Company exchanged its existing $17.9 million Class F-R-3 Notes for $8.5 million Class F-1-R-3 Notes and $9.4 million Class F-2-R-3 Notes at par. On August 11, 2021, the Company sold its Class F-1-R-3 Notes to third parties, resulting in a realized loss of $0.1 million.

As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the Company’s investment in the Class F-2-R-3 Note of the Saratoga CLO had a fair value of $8.9 million and $8.8 million, respectively. In addition, the Company has no outstanding receivable balance from the Class F-2-R-3 Note of the Saratoga CLO, as of February 29, 2024.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, and February 28, 2022, we recognized $1.5 million, $1.2 million and $0.5 million in interest income, respectively, related to the Class F-2-R-3 Note of the Saratoga CLO.

As of February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023, the Company’s investment in the Subordinated Note of the Saratoga CLO had a fair value of $9.5 million and $21.2 million, respectively. In addition, the Company has no outstanding receivable balance from the Subordinated Note of the Saratoga CLO, as of February 29, 2024.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, and February 28, 2022, we recognized $3.3 million, $3.3 million and $3.3 million in management fee income, respectively, related to the Subordinated Note of the Saratoga CLO.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, and February 28, 2022, we recognized $0.0 million, $1.2 million and $4.4 million in interest income, respectively, related to the Subordinated Note of the Saratoga CLO.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, and February 28, 2022, the Company neither bought nor sold any investments from the Saratoga CLO.

SLF JV

On October 26, 2021, the Company and TJHA entered into an LLC Agreement to co-manage the SLF JV. SLF JV is a joint venture that invests in the debt or equity interests of collateralized loan obligations, loan, notes and other debt instruments. The Company records interest income from its investment in an unsecured loan with SLF JV on an accrual basis and records dividend income from its membership interest when earned. All operating decisions are shared with a 50% voting interest in SLF JV.

On October 28, 2022, SLF 2022 issued $402.1 million of the 2022 JV CLO Notes through the JV CLO trust. The 2022 JV CLO Notes were issued pursuant to the JV Indenture, with the Trustee.

As of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 respectively, the Company’s investment in the SLF JV had a fair value of $25.2 million and $30.7 million, consisting of an unsecured loan of $15.8 million and $17.6 million, and membership interest of $9.4 million and $13.1 million. In addition, approximately $0.3 million and $0.4 million of interest income related to SLF JV was included in interest receivable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, and February 28, 2022, we recognized $1.8 million, $1.5 million and $0.1 million in interest income on the consolidated statement of operations, respectively, related to the SLF JV.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, and February 28, 2023 and 2022, the we recognized $5.9 million, $0.0 million and $0.0 million of dividend income on the consolidated statement of operations, respectively, related to the SLF JV.

As part of the JV CLO trust transaction, the Company purchased 87.50% of the Class E Notes from SLF 2022 with a par value of $12.25 million.

Note 8. Borrowings

Credit Facility

As a BDC, we are only allowed to employ leverage to the extent that our asset coverage, as defined in the 1940 Act, equals at least 200% after giving effect to such leverage, or,150% if certain requirements under the 1940 Act are met. On April 16, 2018, as permitted by the Small Business Credit Availability Act, which was signed into law on March 23, 2018, our board of directors, including a majority of our directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act”) of the Company (“independent directors”), approved a minimum asset coverage ratio of 150%. The 150% asset coverage ratio became effective on April 16, 2019. The amount of leverage that we employ at any time depends on our assessment of the market and other factors at the time of any proposed borrowing. Our asset coverage ratio, as defined in the 1940 Act, was 161.1% as of February 29, 2024 and 165.9% as of February 28, 2023.

On April 11, 2007, we entered into a $100.0 million revolving securitized credit facility (the “Revolving Facility”). On May 1, 2007, we entered into a $25.7 million term securitized credit facility (the “Term Facility” and, together with the Revolving Facility, the “Facilities”), which was fully drawn at closing. In December 2007, we consolidated the Facilities by using a draw under the Revolving Facility to repay the Term Facility. In response to the market wide decline in financial asset prices, which negatively affected the value of our portfolio, we terminated the revolving period of the Revolving Facility effective January 14, 2009 and commenced a two-year amortization period during which all principal proceeds from the collateral were used to repay outstanding borrowings. A significant percentage of our total assets had been pledged under the Revolving Facility to secure our obligations thereunder. Under the Revolving Facility, funds were borrowed from or through certain lenders and interest was payable monthly at the greater of the commercial paper rate and our lender’s prime rate plus 4.00% plus a default rate of 2.00% or, if the commercial paper market was unavailable, the greater of the prevailing LIBOR rates and our lender’s prime rate plus 6.00% plus a default rate of 3.00%.

On July 30, 2010, we used the net proceeds from (i) the stock purchase transaction and (ii) a portion of the funds available to us under the $45.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with Madison Capital Funding LLC (the “Madison Credit Facility”), in each case, to pay the full amount of principal and accrued interest, including default interest, outstanding under the Revolving Facility. As a result, the Revolving Facility was terminated in connection therewith. Substantially all of our total assets, other than those held by SBIC LP, SBIC II LP and SBIC III LP, were pledged under the Madison Credit Facility to secure our obligations thereunder.

On October 4, 2021, all outstanding amounts on the Madison Credit Facility were repaid and the Madison Credit Facility was terminated. The repayment and termination of the Madison Credit Facility resulted in a realized loss on the extinguishment of debt of $0.8 million.

Encina Credit Facility

On October 4, 2021, the Company entered into the Credit and Security Agreement (the “Encina Credit Agreement”) relating to a $50.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with the Lender, supported by loans held by SIF II and pledged to the Encina Credit Facility. The terms of the Encina Credit Facility required a minimum drawn amount of $12.5 million at all times during the first six months following the closing date, which increased to the greater of $25.0 million or 50% of the commitment amount in effect at any time thereafter. Advances under the Encina Credit Facility originally bore interest at a floating rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 4.0%, with LIBOR having a floor of 0.75%, with customary provisions related to the selection by the Lender and the Company of a replacement benchmark rate.

On January 27, 2023, we entered into the first amendment to the Encina Credit Agreement to, among other things:

In addition to any fees or other amounts payable under the terms of the Encina Credit Facility, an administrative agent fee per annum equal to $0.1 million is payable in equal monthly installments in arrears.

As of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, there were $35.0 million and $32.5 million outstanding borrowings under the Encina Credit Facility. During the applicable periods, the Company was in compliance with all of the limitations and requirements under the Encina Credit Agreement. Financing costs of $2.0 million related to the Encina Credit Facility have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the facility, with all existing financing costs amortized through January 27, 2026 from the date of the amendment and extension. For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, we recorded $3.9 million, $2.0 million and $0.8 million of interest expense related to the Encina Credit Facility and the Madison Credit Facility, respectively, which includes commitment and administrative agent fees.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, we recorded $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the Encina Credit Facility and Madison Credit Facility, respectively. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. For the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, the average borrowings outstanding and the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Encina Credit Facility was approximately $37.9 million and 9.66%, respectively. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023, the average borrowings outstanding and the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Encina Credit Facility and the Madison Credit Facility were approximately $26.3 million and 6.72%, respectively. For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2022, the average borrowings outstanding and the weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Encina Credit Facility and the Madison Credit Facility were approximately $8.7 million and 5.22%, respectively.

The Encina Credit Facility contains limitations as to how borrowed funds may be used, such as restrictions on industry concentrations, asset size, weighted average life, currency denomination and collateral interests. The Encina Credit Facility also includes certain requirements relating to portfolio performance, the violation of which could result in the limit of further advances and, in some cases, result in an event of default, allowing the lenders to accelerate repayment of amounts owed thereunder. Availability on the Encina Credit Facility will be subject to a borrowing base calculation, based on, among other things, applicable advance rates (which vary from 50.0% to 75.0% of par or fair value depending on the type of loan asset) and the value of certain “eligible” loan assets included as part of the borrowing base. Funds may be borrowed at the greater of the prevailing one-month SOFR rate, plus an applicable effective margin of 4.25%. In addition, the Company will pay the lender a commitment fee of 0.75% per year (or 0.50% if the ratio of advances outstanding to aggregate commitments is greater than or equal to 50%) on the unused amount of the Encina Credit Facility.

Our borrowing base under the Encina Credit Facility was $35.0 million subject to the Encina Credit Facility cap of $65.0 million at February 29, 2024. For purposes of determining the borrowing base, most assets are assigned the values set forth in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, the February 29, 2024 borrowing base relies upon the valuations set forth in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 30, 2023. The valuations presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will not be incorporated into the borrowing base until after this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed with the SEC.

SBA Debentures

The Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries, SBIC LP, SBIC II LP, and SBIC III LP, received SBIC licenses from the SBA on March 28, 2012, August 14, 2019, and September 29, 2022, respectively. SBIC LP’s license provides up to $150.0 million in additional long-term capital in the form of SBA debentures, while SBIC II LP’s and SBIC III LP’s SBIC licenses each provide up to $175.0 million. Under current SBIC regulations, for two or more SBICs under common control, the maximum amount of outstanding SBA debentures cannot exceed $350.0 million. Following the debentures being fully repaid to the SBA, SBIC LP surrendered its license on January 3, 2024, providing the Company access to all undistributed capital of SBIC LP.

SBICs are designed to stimulate the flow of private equity capital to eligible small businesses. Under SBA regulations, SBICs may make loans to eligible small businesses and invest in the equity securities of small businesses. Under present SBA regulations, eligible small businesses include businesses that have a tangible net worth not exceeding $24.0 million and have average annual fully taxed net income not exceeding $8.0 million for the two most recent fiscal years. In addition, an SBIC must devote 25.0% of its investment activity to “smaller enterprises” as defined by the SBA. A smaller enterprise is one that has a tangible net worth not exceeding $6.0 million and has average annual fully taxed net income not exceeding $2.0 million for the two most recent fiscal years. SBA regulations also provide alternative size standard criteria to determine eligibility, which depend on the industry in which the business is engaged and are based on such factors as the number of employees and gross sales. According to SBA regulations, SBICs may make long-term loans to small businesses, invest in the equity securities of such businesses and provide them with consulting and advisory services.

The Company’s wholly owned SBIC Subsidiaries are able to borrow funds from the SBA against each SBIC’s regulatory capital (which generally approximates equity capital in the respective SBIC). The SBIC Subsidiaries are subject to customary regulatory requirements including but not limited to, a periodic examination by the SBA and requirements to maintain certain minimum financial ratios and other covenants. Receipt of an SBIC license does not assure that the SBIC Subsidiaries will receive SBA-guaranteed debenture funding, which is dependent upon the SBIC Subsidiaries complying with SBA regulations and policies. The SBA, as a creditor, will have a superior claim to each SBIC Subsidiaries’ assets over the Company’s stockholders and debtholders in the event that the Company liquidates such SBIC Subsidiary or the SBA exercises its remedies under the SBA-guaranteed debentures issued by the SBIC Subsidiary upon an event of default.

The Company received exemptive relief from the SEC to permit it to exclude the debt of the SBIC subsidiaries guaranteed by the SBA from the definition of senior securities in the asset coverage test under the 1940 Act. This allows the Company increased flexibility under the asset coverage requirement by permitting it to borrow up to $350.0 million more than it would otherwise be able to absent the receipt of this exemptive relief.

As of February 29, 2024, we have funded SBIC II LP and SBIC III LP with an aggregate total of equity capital of $87.5 million and $66.7 million, respectively, and have $214.0 million in SBA-guaranteed debentures outstanding, of which $175.0 million was held by SBIC II LP and $39.0 million held in SBIC III LP.

At February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, there was $214.0 million and $202.0 million outstanding of SBA debentures, respectively. The carrying amount of the amount outstanding of SBA debentures approximates its fair value, which is based on a waterfall analysis showing adequate collateral coverage and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. Financing costs of $5.0 million, $6.0, and $0.4 million related to the SBA debentures issued by SBIC LP, SBIC II LP and SBIC III LP, respectively, have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the commitment and drawdown. During the year ended February 29, 2024, the Company repaid $27.0 million of SBA debentures, resulting in a realized loss on extinguishment of $0.1 million related to the acceleration of deferred debt financing costs.

For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, we recorded $6.2 million, $6.4 million and $4.7 million of interest expense related to the SBA debentures, respectively. For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, we recorded $1.0 million, $1.0 million and $0.7 million of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the SBA debentures, respectively. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The weighted average interest rate during the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022 on the outstanding borrowings of the SBA debentures was 3.08%,2.78% and 2.60%, respectively. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of SBA debentures outstanding was $202.5 million and $229.9 million, respectively.

Notes

6.25% 2025 Notes

On August 28, 2018, the Company issued $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% fixed-rate notes due 2025 (the “6.25% 2025 Notes”) for net proceeds of $38.7 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $1.3 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.3 million. The issuance included the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% 2025 Notes within 30 days. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $1.6 million related to the 6.25% 2025 Notes have been capitalized and were amortized over the term of the 6.25% 2025 Notes.

On February 5, 2019, the Company issued an additional $20.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 6.25% 2025 Notes for net proceeds of $19.2 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.6 million and discount of $0.2 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.2 million. The issuance included the full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional $2.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% 2025 Notes within 30 days. The additional 6.25% 2025 Notes were treated as a single series with the existing 6.25% 2025 Notes under the indenture and have the same terms as the existing 6.25% 2025 Notes. The net proceeds from this offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. The financing costs and discount of $1.0 million related to the 6.25% 2025 Notes have been capitalized and were amortized over the term of the 6.25% 2025 Notes.

On August 31, 2021, the Company redeemed $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of issued and outstanding 6.25% 2025 Notes. The 6.25% 2025 Notes were listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol of “SAF” and have been delisted following the full redemption on August 31, 2021. As such, it was not fair valued with market quotes and is not fair value leveled. The repayment of the 6.25% 2025 Notes resulted in a realized loss on the extinguishment of debt of $1.5 million.

7.25% 2025 Notes

On June 24, 2020, the Company issued $37.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.25% fixed-rate notes due 2025 (the “7.25% 2025 Notes”) for net proceeds of $36.3 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $1.2 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.3 million. On July 6, 2020, the underwriters exercised their option in full to purchase an additional $5.625 million in aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% 2025 Notes. Net proceeds to the Company were $5.4 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.2 million. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $1.6 million related to the 7.25% 2025 Notes have been capitalized and were amortized over the term of the 7.25% 2025 Notes.

On July 14, 2022, the Company redeemed $43.1 million in aggregate principal amount of the issued and outstanding 7.25% 2025 Notes. The 7.25% 2025 Notes were listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol of “SAK” and have been delisted following the full redemption on July 14, 2022. As such, it was not fair valued with market quotes and is not fair value leveled. The repayment of the 7.25% 2025 Notes resulted in a realized loss on the extinguishment of debt of $1.0 million.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $0.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of interest expense and $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 7.25% 2025 Notes. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 7.25% 2025 Notes outstanding was $0.0 million and $13.5 million, respectively.

7.75% 2025 Notes

On July 9, 2020, the Company issued $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% fixed-rate notes due in 2025 (the “7.75% 2025 Notes”) for net proceeds of $4.8 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.2 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.1 million. Interest on the 7.75% 2025 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 7.75% per year. The 7.75% 2025 Notes mature on July 9, 2025 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option subject to a fee depending on the date of repayment. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $0.3 million related to the 7.75% 2025 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 7.75% 2025 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 7.75% 2025 Notes outstanding was $5.0 million. The 7.75% 2025 Notes are not listed and have a par value of $25.00 per note. The carrying amount of the outstanding 7.75% 2025 Notes had a fair value of $5.0 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the total 7.75% 2025 Notes outstanding was $5.0 million, and they had a fair value of $5.0 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $0.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of interest expense and $0.05 million and $0.05 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 7.75% 2025 Notes. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 7.75% 2025 Notes outstanding was $5.0 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

6.25% 2027 Notes

On December 29, 2020, the Company issued $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% fixed-rate notes due in 2027 (the “6.25% 2027 Notes”). Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.1 million. Interest on the 6.25% 2027 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 6.25% per year. The 6.25% 2027 Notes mature on December 29, 2027 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option, on or after December 29, 2024. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $0.1 million related to the 6.25% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the Notes.

On January 28, 2021, the Company issued an additional $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 6.25% 2027 Notes for net proceeds of $9.7 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.3 million (the “Additional 6.25% 2027 Notes”). Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.1 million. The Additional 6.25% 2027 Notes are treated as a single series with the existing 6.25% 2027 Notes under the indenture and have the same terms as the existing 6.25% 2027 Notes. Interest on the 6.25% 2027 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 6.25% per year. The 6.25% 2027 Notes mature on January 28, 2027 and commencing January 28, 2023, may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $0.4 million related to the 6.25% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 6.25% 2027 Notes. The 6.25% 2027 Notes are not listed and have a par value of $25.00 per note.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 6.25% 2027 Notes outstanding was $15.0 million. The 6.25% 2027 Notes are not listed and have a par value of $25.00 per note. The carrying amount of the outstanding 6.25% 2027 Notes had a fair value of $14.2 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the total 6.25% 2027 Notes outstanding was $15.0 million, and they had a fair value of $13.7 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $0.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of interest expense and $0.07 million and $0.07 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 6.25% 2027 Notes. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing cost are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 6.25% 2027 Notes outstanding was $15.0 million and $15.0 million, respectively.

4.375% 2026 Notes

On March 10, 2021, the Company issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.375% fixed-rate notes due in 2026 (the “4.375% 2026 Notes”) for net proceeds of $49.0 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $1.0 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.3 million. Interest on the 4.375% 2026 Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears on February 28 and August 28, at a rate of 4.375% per year. The 4.375% 2026 Notes mature on February 28, 2026 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time on or after November 28, 2025 at par plus a “make-whole” premium, and thereafter at par. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $1.3 million related to the 4.375% 2026 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 4.375% 2026 Notes.

On July 15, 2021, the Company issued an additional $125.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.375% 2026 Notes (the “Additional 4.375% 2026 Notes”) for net proceeds for approximately $123.8 million, based on the public offering price of 101.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the Additional 4.375% 2026 Notes, after deducting the underwriting commissions of $2.5 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.2 million. The Additional 4.375% 2026 Notes are treated as a single series with the existing 4.375% 2026 Notes under the indenture and have the same terms as the existing 4.375% 2026 Notes. The net proceeds from the offering were used to redeem all of the outstanding 6.25% 2025 Notes (as described above), and for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $2.7 million have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the additional 4.375% 2026 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 4.375% 2026 Notes outstanding was $175.0 million. The 4.375% 2026 Notes are not listed and are issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The carrying amount of the outstanding 4.375% 2026 Notes had a fair value of $163.4 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the total 4.375% 2026 Notes outstanding was $175.0 million, and they had a fair value of $156.1 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, there was $175.0 million outstanding.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $7.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively, of interest expense, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs and $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of amortization of premium on issuance of 4.375% Notes due 2026 (inclusive of the issuance of the Additional 4.375% 2026 Notes). Interest expense, amortization of deferred financing costs and amortization of premium on issuance of notes are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 4.375% 2026 Notes outstanding was $175.0 million and $175.0 million respectively.

4.35% 2027 Notes

On January 19, 2022, the Company issued $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.35% fixed-rate notes due in 2027 (the “4.35% 2027 Notes”) for net proceeds of $73.0 million, based on the public offering price of 99.317% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.35% 2027 Notes, after deducting the underwriting commissions of approximately $1.5 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.3 million. Interest on the 4.35% 2027 Notes is paid semi-annually in arrears on February 28 and August 28, at a rate of 4.35% per year. The 4.35% 2027 Notes mature on February 28, 2027 and may be redeemed in whole or in part at the Company’s option at any time prior to November 28, 2026, at par plus a “make-whole” premium, and thereafter at par. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $1.8 million related to the 4.35% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 4.35% 2027 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 4.35% 2027 Notes outstanding was $75.0 million. The 4.35% 2027 Notes are not listed. The carrying amount of the outstanding 4.35% 2027 Notes had a fair value of $67.8 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the total 4.35% 2027 Notes outstanding was $75.0 million, and they had a fair value of $64.5 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, there was $75.0 million outstanding.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $3.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of interest expense, $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs and $0.10 million and $0.09 million, respectively, of amortization of discount on issuance of 4.35% Notes due 2027 (inclusive of the issuance of the Additional 4.35% 2027 Notes). Interest expense, amortization of deferred financing costs and amortization of discount on issuance of notes are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 4.35% 2027 Notes outstanding was $75.0 million and $75.0 million respectively.

6.00% 2027 Notes

On April 27, 2022, the Company issued $87.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.00% fixed-rate notes due 2027 (the “6.00% 2027 Notes”) for net proceeds of $84.8 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $2.7 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.1 million. On May 10, 2022, the underwriters partially exercised their option to purchase an additional $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 6.00% 2027 Notes. Net proceeds to the Company were $9.7 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.3 million. Interest on the 6.00% 2027 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 6.00% per year. The 6.00% 2027 Notes mature on April 30, 2027 and commencing April 27, 2024, may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $3.3 million related to the 6.00% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 6.00% 2027 Notes. The 6.00% 2027 Notes are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SAT” with a par value of $25.00 per note.

On August 15, 2022, the Company issued an additional $8.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 6.00% 2027 Notes (the “Additional 6.00% 2027 Notes”) for net proceeds of $7.8 million, based on the public offering price of 97.80% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.00% 2027 Notes. Additional offering costs incurred were approximately $0.2 million. The Additional 6.00% 2027 Notes are treated as a single series with the existing 6.00% 2027 Notes under the indenture and have the same terms as the existing 6.00% 2027 Notes. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Additional financing costs of $0.3 million related to the 6.00% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 6.00% 2027 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 6.00% 2027 Notes outstanding was $105.5 million. The 6.00% 2027 Notes are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SAT” with a par value of $25.00 per note. As of February 29, 2024, the carrying amount and fair value of the 6.00% 2027 Notes was $105.5 million and $100.7 million, respectively. The fair value of the 6.00% 2027 Notes, which are publicly traded, is based upon closing market quotes as of the measurement date and would be classified as a Level 1 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the carrying amount and fair value of the 6.00% 2027 Notes was $105.5 million and $100.4 million, respectively.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $6.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively, of interest expense, $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 6.00% Notes due 2027. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 6.00% 2027 Notes outstanding was $105.5 million and $100.4 million respectively.

7.00% 2025 Notes

On September 8, 2022, the Company issued $12.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% fixed-rate notes due 2025 (the “7.00% 2025 Notes”) for net proceeds of $11.6 million after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $0.4 million. Additional offering costs incurred were approximately $0.05 million. Interest on the 7.00% 2025 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 7.00% per year. The 7.00% 2025 Notes mature on September 8, 2025 and commencing September 8, 2024, may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $0.04 million related to the 7.00% 2025 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 7.00% 2025 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 7.00% 2025 Notes outstanding was $12.0 million. The 7.00% 2025 Notes are not listed. The carrying amount of the outstanding 7.00% 2025 Notes had a fair value of $11.8 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the total 7.00% 2025 Notes outstanding was $12.0 million, and they had a fair value of $11.5 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, there was $12.0 million outstanding.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of interest expense, $0.01 million and $0.01 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs and $0.1 million and $0.06 million, respectively, of amortization of discount on issuance of 7.00% Notes due 2025. Interest expense, amortization of deferred financing costs and amortization of discount on issuance of notes are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 7.00% 2025 Notes outstanding was $12.0 million and $5.8 million respectively.

8.00% 2027 Notes

On October 27, 2022, the Company issued $40.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8.00% fixed-rate notes due 2027 (the “8.00% 2027 Notes”) for net proceeds of $38.7 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $1.3 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.2 million. On November 10, 2022, the underwriters partially exercised their option to purchase an additional $6.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 8.00% 2027 Notes. Net proceeds to the Company were $5.8 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.2 million. Interest on the 8.00% 2027 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 8.00% per year. The 8.00% 2027 Notes mature on October 31, 2027 and commencing October 27, 2024, may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. The net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies. Financing costs of $1.7 million related to the 8.00% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 8.00% 2027 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 8.00% 2027 Notes outstanding was $46.0 million. The 8.00% 2027 Notes are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SAJ” with a par value of $25.00 per note. As of February 29, 2024, the carrying amount and fair value of the 8.00% 2027 Notes was $46.0 million and $46.2 million, respectively. The fair value of the 8.00% 2027 Notes, which are publicly traded, is based upon closing market quotes as of the measurement date and would be classified as a Level 1 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the carrying amount and fair value of the 8.00% 2027 Notes was $46.0 million and $46.4 million, respectively.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company recorded $3.7 million and $1.3 million, respectively, of interest expense and $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 8.00% 2027 Notes. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 8.00% 2027 Notes outstanding was $46.0 million and $15.7 million, respectively.

8.125% 2027 Notes

On December 13, 2022, the Company issued $52.5 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.125% fixed-rate notes due 2027 (the “8.125% 2027 Notes”) for net proceeds of $50.8 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $1.6 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.1 million. On December 21, 2022, the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase an additional $7.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the 8.125% 2027 Notes. Net proceeds to the Company were $7.6 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.2 million. Interest on the 8.125% 2027 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 8.125% per year. The 8.125% 2027 Notes mature on December 31, 2027 and commencing December 13, 2024, may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. The net proceeds from this offering were used to make investments in middle-market companies (including investments made through our SBIC Subsidiaries) in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies and for general corporate purposes. Financing costs of $2.0 million related to the 8.125% 2027 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 8.125% 2027 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 8.125% 2027 Notes outstanding was $60.4 million. The 8.125% 2027 Notes are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SAY” with a par value of $25.00 per note. As of February 29, 2024, the carrying amount and fair value of the 8.125% 2027 Notes was $60.4 million and $60.8 million, respectively. The fair value of the 8.125% 2027 Notes, which are publicly traded, is based upon closing market quotes as of the measurement date and would be classified as a Level 1 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the carrying amount and fair value of the 8.125% 2027 Notes was $60.4 million and $61.1 million, respectively.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company recorded $4.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, of interest expense and $0.4 million and $0.09 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the 8.125% 2027 Notes. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 8.125% 2027 Notes outstanding was $60.4 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

8.75% 2025 Notes

On March 31, 2023, the Company issued $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.75% fixed-rate notes due 2024 (the “8.75% 2025 Notes”) for net proceeds of $9.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $0.4 million. On May 1, 2023, the Company issued an additional $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 8.75% 2025 Notes for net proceeds of $9.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $0.4 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.03 million. Interest on the 8.75% 2025 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 8.75% per year. On February 2, 2024, pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 8.75% 2025 Notes, the Company elected to exercise its option to extend the maturity date of the 8.75% 2025 Notes from March 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Net proceeds from this offering were used to make investments in middle-market companies (including investments made through the SBIC Subsidiaries) in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies and general corporate purposes. Financing costs and discounts of $0.7 million related to the 8.75% 2025 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 8.75% 2025 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 8.75% 2025 Notes outstanding was $20.0 million. The 8.75% 2025 Notes are not listed. The carrying amount of the outstanding 8.75% 2025 Notes had a fair value of $20.1 million, which is based on a market yield analysis and would be classified as a Level 3 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the total 8.75% 2025 Notes outstanding was $0.0 million, and they had a fair value of $0.0 million. As of February 28, 2023, there was $0.0 million outstanding.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $1.5 million and $0.0 million, respectively, of interest expense, $0.02 million and $0.0 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs and $0.6 million and $0.0 million, respectively, of amortization of discount on issuance of 8.75% Notes due 2025. Interest expense, amortization of deferred financing costs and amortization of discount on issuance of notes are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 8.75% 2025 Notes outstanding was $17.5 million and $0.0 million respectively.

8.50% 2028 Notes

On April 14, 2023, the Company issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.50% fixed-rate notes due 2028 (the “8.50% 2028 Notes”) for net proceeds of $48.4 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $1.6 million. Offering costs incurred were approximately $0.03 million. On April 26, 2023, the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase an additional $7.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 8.50% 2028 Notes. Net proceeds to the Company were $7.3 million after deducting underwriting commissions of approximately $0.2 million. Interest on the 8.50% 2028 Notes is paid quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30, at a rate of 8.50% per year. The 8.50% 2028 Notes mature on April 15, 2028, and commencing April 14, 2025, may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option. Net proceeds from this offering were used to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the Encina Credit Facility, make investments in middle-market companies (including investments made through our SBIC Subsidiaries) in accordance with the Company’s investment objective and strategies and for general corporate purposes. Financing costs of $2.0 million related to the 8.50% 2028 Notes have been capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the 8.50% 2028 Notes.

As of February 29, 2024, the total 8.50% 2028 Notes outstanding was $57.5 million. The 8.50% 2028 Notes are listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SAZ” with a par value of $25.00 per note. As of February 29, 2024, the carrying amount and fair value of the 8.50% 2028 Notes was $57.5 million and $58.3 million, respectively. The fair value of the 8.50% 2028 Notes, which are publicly traded, is based upon closing market quotes as of the measurement date and would be classified as a Level 1 liability within the fair value hierarchy. As of February 28, 2023, the carrying amount and fair value of the 8.50% 2028 Notes was $0.0 million and $0.0 million, respectively.

For the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, we recorded $4.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively, of interest expense and $0.4 million and $0.0 million, respectively, of amortization of deferred financing costs of 8.50% 2028 Notes. Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing costs are reported as interest and debt financing expense on the consolidated statements of operations. During the years ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the average dollar amount of 8.50% 2028 Notes outstanding was $50.2 million and $0.0 million respectively.

Senior Securities

Information about our senior securities is shown in the following table as of February 28/29 for the fiscal years indicated in the table, unless otherwise noted. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Financial condition, liquidity and capital resources” for more detailed information regarding the senior securities.

SENIOR SECURITIES

(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

SENIOR SECURITIES

(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

Contractual Obligations

The following table shows our payment obligations for repayment of debt and other contractual obligations at February 29, 2024:

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

At February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements consisted of $132.4 million and $108.8 million, respectively, of unfunded commitments outstanding to provide debt financing to its portfolio companies or to fund limited partnership interests. Such commitments are generally up to the Company’s discretion to approve, or the satisfaction of certain financial and nonfinancial covenants and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

A summary of the unfunded commitments outstanding as of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023 is shown in the table below (dollars in thousands):

The Company believes its assets will provide adequate coverage to satisfy these unfunded commitments. As of February 29, 2024, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $8.7 million and $31.8 million in available borrowings under the Encina Credit Facility.

Note 10. Directors Fees

The independent directors each receive an annual fee of $70,000. They also receive $3,000 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each board meeting and receive $1,500 plus reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attending each committee meeting. In addition, the chairman of the Audit Committee receives an annual fee of $12,500 and the chairman of each other committee of the board of directors receives an annual fee of $6,000 for their additional services in these capacities. In addition, we have purchased directors’ and officers’ liability insurance on behalf of our directors and officers. Independent directors have the option to receive their directors’ fees in the form of our common stock issued at a price per share equal to the greater of NAV or the market price at the time of payment. No compensation is paid to directors who are “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act). No compensation is paid to directors who are “interested persons” of the Company (as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act). For the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022, we incurred $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million for directors’ fees and expenses, respectively. As of February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, $0.0 million and $0.01 million in directors’ fees and expenses were accrued and unpaid, respectively. As of February 29, 2024, we had not issued any common stock to our directors as compensation for their services.

Note 11. Stockholders’ Equity

Share Repurchases

On September 24, 2014, the Company announced the approval of an open market share repurchase plan that originally allowed it to repurchase up to 200,000 shares of its common stock at prices below its NAV as reported in its then most recently published consolidated financial statements (the “Share Repurchase Plan”). Since September 24, 2014, the Share Repurchase Plan has been extended annually, and the Company has periodically increased the amount of shares of common stock that may be purchased under the Share Repurchase Plan, most recently to 1.7 million shares of common stock. On January 8, 2024, the Company’s board of directors extended the Share Repurchase Plan for another year to January 15, 2025. As of February 29, 2024, the Company purchased 1,035,203 shares of common stock, at the average price of $22.05 for approximately $22.8 million pursuant to the Share Repurchase Plan. During the three months ended February 29, 2024, the Company did not purchase any shares of common stock pursuant to the Share Repurchase Plan. During the year ended February 29, 2024, the Company purchased 88,576 shares of common stock, at the average price $24.36 for approximately $2.2 million pursuant to the Share Repurchase Plan.

Public Equity Offering

On July 13, 2018, the Company issued 1,150,000 shares of its common stock priced at $25.00 per share (par value $0.001 per share) at an aggregate total of $28.75 million. The net proceeds, after deducting underwriting commissions of $1.15 million and offering costs of approximately $0.2 million, amounted to approximately $27.4 million. The Company also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 172,500 shares of its common stock, which was not exercised.

Equity ATM Program

On March 16, 2017, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., through which the Company offered for sale, from time to time, up to $30.0 million of the Company’s common stock through an ATM offering. Subsequent to this, BB&T Capital Markets and B. Riley FBR, Inc. were also added to the agreement. On July 11, 2019, the amount of the common stock to be offered was increased to $70.0 million, and on October 8, 2019, the amount of the common stock to be offered was increased to $130.0 million. This agreement was terminated as of July 29, 2021, and as of that date, the Company had sold 3,922,018 shares for gross proceeds of $97.1 million at an average price of $24.77 for aggregate net proceeds of $95.9 million (net of transaction costs).

On July 30, 2021, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. and Compass Point Research and Trading, LLC (collectively the “Agents”), through which the Company may offer for sale, from time to time, up to $150.0 million of the Company’s common stock through the Agents, or to them, as principal for their account (the “ATM Program”).

On July 6, 2023, the Equity Distribution Agreement was amended to increase the maximum amount of shares of our common stock to be sold through the ATM Program to $300.0 million from $150.0 million, and on July 19, 2023, the Equity Distribution Agreement was amended to add an additional distribution agent, Raymond James & Associates. The sales price per share of the Company’s common stock offered under the ATM Program, less the Agents’ commission, will not be less than the NAV per share of the Company’s common stock at the time of such sale. Consistent with the terms of the ATM Program, the Manager may, from time to time and in its sole discretion, contribute proceeds necessary to ensure that no sales are made at a price below the then-current NAV per share.

As of February 29, 2024 the Company sold 6,543,878 shares for gross proceeds of $172.5 million at an average price of $26.37 for aggregate net proceeds of $171.0 million (net of transaction costs). During the three months ended February 29, 2024, the Company sold 501,105 shares for gross proceeds of $14.3 million at an average price of $28.44 for aggregate net proceeds of $14.3 million (net of transaction costs). During the year ended February 29, 2024, the Company sold 1,703,517 shares for gross proceeds of $49.0 million at an average price of $28.51 for aggregate net proceeds of $49.0 million (net of transaction costs). The Manager agreed to reimburse the Company to the extent the per share price of the shares to the public, less underwriting fees, was less than net asset value per share. For the three months ended February 29, 2024, the Manager reimbursed the Company $1.4 million. For the year ended February 29, 2024, the Manager reimbursed the Company $4.5 million.

The Company adopted Rule 3-04/Rule 8-03(a)(5) under Regulation S-X (Note 2). Pursuant to Regulation S-X, the Company has presented a reconciliation of the changes in each significant caption of stockholders’ equity as shown in the tables below:

Note 12. Earnings Per Share

In accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 260,Earnings per Share, basic earnings per share is computed by dividing earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Other potentially dilutive common shares, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis.

The following information sets forth the computation of the weighted average basic and diluted net increase in net assets resulting from operations per share for the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023 and February 28, 2022 (dollars in thousands except share and per share amounts):

Note 13. Dividend

We have distributed or intend to distribute sufficient dividends to eliminate our U.S. federal taxable income for our completed tax years. If we fail to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise fail to qualify as a RIC in any tax year, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax in that year on all of our taxable income, regardless of whether we made any distributions to our shareholders. Shareholders have the option to receive payment of the dividend in cash, or receive shares of common stock. Our distributions for the tax years ended February 29, 2024 to inception were as follows:

The following tables summarize dividends declared for the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, February 28, 2022, February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020 (dollars in thousands except for share amounts):

Note 14. Financial Highlights

The following is a schedule of financial highlights as of and for the years ended February 29, 2024, February 28, 2023, February 28, 2022, February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020:

Note 15. Selected Quarterly Data (Unaudited)

Note 16. Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the filing of this Form 10-K and determined that there have been no events that have occurred that would require adjustments to the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements except for the following:

Live Oak Facility

On March 27, 2024, the Company and its wholly owned special purpose subsidiary, Saratoga Investment Funding III LLC (“SIF III”), entered into a credit and security agreement (the “Live Oak Credit Agreement”), by and among SIF III, as borrower, the Company, as collateral manager and equityholder, the lenders from time to time parties thereto, Live Oak Banking Company (“Live Oak”), as administrative agent and collateral agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as custodian, and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as collateral administrator, relating to a special purpose vehicle financing credit facility (the “Live Oak Credit Facility”).

The Live Oak Credit Facility provides for borrowings in U.S. dollars in an aggregate amount of up to $50.0 million. During the first two years following the closing date, SIF III may request one or more increases in the commitment amount from $50.0 million to an amount not to exceed $150.0 million, subject to certain terms and conditions and a customary fee. The terms of the Live Oak Credit Agreement require a minimum drawn amount of $12.5 million at all times during the period ending March 27, 2025 and, thereafter, the greater of: (i) $25.0 million and (ii)50% of the facility amount in effect at such time. The Live Oak Credit Facility matures on March 27, 2027. Advances are available during the term of the Live Oak Credit Facility and must be repaid in full at maturity. SIF III may request an extension of the maturity date by an additional one year, subject to the agreement of the lenders and an extension fee.

Advances under the Live Oak Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base calculation, and the Live Oak Credit Facility has various eligibility criteria for loans to be included in the borrowing base. Advances under the Live Oak Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to Adjusted Term SOFR plus an applicable margin between 3.50% and 4.25% based on the Live Oak Credit Facility’s utilization. The Live Oak Credit Agreement also provides for an unused fee of 0.50% on the unused commitments. SIF III’s obligations to the lenders under the Live Oak Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of SIF III’s assets. In addition, SIF III’s obligations to the lenders under the Live Oak Credit Facility are secured by a pledge by the Company of its equity interests in SIF III, which is evidenced by the equity pledge agreement, dated as of March 27, 2024, by and between the Company, as pledgor, and Live Oak, as collateral agent for the benefit of the secured parties.

In connection with the Live Oak Credit Agreement, the Company entered into a loan sale and contribution agreement with SIF III, dated as of March 27, 2024, by and between the Company, as seller, and SIF III, as purchaser, pursuant to which the Company will sell or contribute certain loans held by the Company to SIF III to be used to support the borrowing base under the Live Oak Credit Facility. The Live Oak Credit Facility permits loan proceeds and excess cash in SIF III’s collection accounts to be distributed to us at any time based on three business days advance notice, subject to compliance with various conditions, including the absence of a default or event of default, the absence of an over-advance against the borrowing base and the absence of a violation of the financial covenants.

INDEX TO OTHER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

IMPORTANT NOTE

In accordance with certain SEC rules, Saratoga Investment Corp. (the “Company”) is providing additional information regarding one of its portfolio companies, Saratoga Investment Corp. CLO 2013-1, Ltd. (“Saratoga CLO”). The Company owns 100% of the subordinated notes of Saratoga CLO. The additional financial information regarding Saratoga CLO does not directly impact the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.