SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing
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GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, Virginia 22102
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 17, 2011
To the Stockholders of Gladstone Capital Corporation:
Notice Is Hereby Given that the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Gladstone
Capital Corporation, a Maryland corporation, will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at
11:00 a.m. local time at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner at 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean,
Virginia 22102 for the following purposes:
(1) To elect three directors to hold office until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
(2) To approve a proposal to authorize us, with the approval of our Board of Directors, to issue
and sell shares of our common stock (during the next 12 months) at a price below its then current
net asset value per share subject to certain limitations set forth herein (including, without
limitation, that the cumulative number of shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does
not exceed 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale).
(3) To ratify the selection by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year
ending September 30, 2011.
(4) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or
postponement thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement
accompanying this Notice.
Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Monday, December 6, 2010 as
the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at this
annual meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders Meeting to be held on
Thursday, February 17,
2011 at 11:00 a.m. local time at the
Hilton McLean Tysons Corner at 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102
The proxy statement and annual report to stockholders are available at www.proxyvote.com.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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Terry L. Brubaker
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McLean, Virginia
December 17, 2010
ALL OF OUR STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN
TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE OR SUBMIT YOUR PROXY ELECTRONICALLY VIA THE INTERNET, OR VOTE BY PROXY
OVER THE TELEPHONE AS INSTRUCTED IN THESE MATERIALS. SUBMITTING YOUR PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
PROMPTLY WILL ASSIST US IN REDUCING THE EXPENSES OF ADDITIONAL PROXY SOLICITATION, BUT IT WILL NOT
AFFECT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING (AND, IF YOU ARE NOT A
STOCKHOLDER OF RECORD, YOU HAVE OBTAINED A LEGAL PROXY FROM THE
BANK, BROKER, TRUSTEE OR OTHER NOMINEE THAT HOLDS YOUR SHARES GIVING YOU THE RIGHT TO VOTE THE
SHARES IN PERSON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING).
GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, Virginia 22102
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On February 17, 2011
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY MATERIAL AND VOTING
Why am I receiving these materials?
We have sent you this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card because the board of
directors (the Board) of Gladstone Capital Corporation (we, us, or the Company) is
soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the meeting or annual
meeting), including adjournments or postponements thereof, if any. You are invited to attend the
annual meeting to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. However, you do not need
to attend the meeting to vote your shares. Instead, you may simply complete, sign and return the
enclosed proxy card, or follow the instructions below to vote by proxy over the telephone or
through the internet.
We intend to mail these materials on or about December 17, 2010 to all stockholders of
record entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
How can I attend the annual meeting?
The meeting will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
(Eastern Time) at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner at 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, Virginia
22102. Directions to the annual meeting may be found at www.gladstonecapital.com. Information on
how to vote in person at the annual meeting is discussed below.
Who can vote at the annual meeting?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on December 6, 2010 will be
entitled to vote at the annual meeting. On this record date, there
were 21,039,242 shares of
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
If on December 6, 2010 your shares were registered directly in your name with our
transfer agent, BNY Mellon Shareowner Services, then you are a stockholder of record. As a
stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the meeting or vote by proxy. Whether or not you
plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to fill out and return the enclosed proxy card or vote by
proxy over the telephone or through the internet as instructed below to ensure your vote is
counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank
If on December 6, 2010 your shares were held, not in your name, but rather in an
account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the
beneficial owner of shares held in street name and these proxy materials are being forwarded to
you by that organization. The organization holding your account is considered to be the stockholder
of record for purposes of voting at the annual meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right
to direct your broker or other agent regarding how to vote the shares in your account. You are also
invited to attend the annual meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may
not vote your shares in person at the meeting unless you request and obtain a valid proxy from your
broker or other agent.
What am I voting on?
There are three matters scheduled for a vote:
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Election of three directors to serve until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; |
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Approval of a proposal to authorize us, with the approval of our Board of Directors,
to issue and sell shares of our common stock (during the next 12 months) at a price
below its then current net asset value per share subject to certain limitations set
forth herein (including, without limitation, that the cumulative number of shares issued
and sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of our then outstanding common
stock immediately prior to each such sale); and |
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Approval of a proposal to ratify the selection, by the Audit Committee of our Board
(the Audit Committee), of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as our independent
registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year ending September 30, 2011. |
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We will hold a conference call to discuss the matters scheduled for a vote at this years annual
meeting on January 12, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Stockholders will have an opportunity to
ask questions regarding the proposals during the conference call. You may call (877) 407-8031
(international callers must dial (201) 689-8031) to enter the conference call. An operator will
monitor the call and set a queue for the questions. The conference call replay will be available
two hours after the call and will be available through the date of the annual meeting, Thursday,
February 17, 2011. To hear the replay, please dial (877) 660-6853 and use access code 286 and ID
code 336729. The call will also be available via webcast at www.investorcalendar.com. The webcast
replay will also be available through the date of the annual meeting. In the event of any changes
in the scheduled date and time of the call, we will issue a press release, which will be available
on our website at www.gladstonecapital.com.
How do I vote?
For each nominee to our Board and for Proposals 2 and 3, you may vote For or Against or
abstain from voting. The procedures for voting are as follows:
Stockholder of Record: Shares Registered in Your Name
If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote in person at the annual meeting, vote by
proxy using the enclosed proxy card, or vote by proxy over the telephone or through the internet.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we urge you to vote by proxy to ensure your vote is
counted. You may still attend the meeting and vote in person, even if you have already voted by
proxy.
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To vote in person, we will give you a ballot when you arrive at the annual meeting. |
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To vote using the enclosed proxy card, simply complete, sign, date, and return it
promptly in the envelope provided. To be counted, we must receive your signed proxy card by
11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 16, 2011, the day prior to the annual meeting. |
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To vote by proxy over the telephone, dial toll-free, 1-800-690-6903, using a touch-tone
phone and follow the recorded instructions. You will be asked to provide the company number
and control number from the enclosed proxy card. To be counted, we must receive your vote
by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 16, 2011, the day prior to the annual meeting. |
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To vote by proxy through the internet, go to www.proxyvote.com to complete an electronic
proxy card. You will be asked to provide the company number and control number from the
enclosed proxy card. To be counted, we must receive your vote by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
on February 16, 2011, the day prior to the annual meeting. |
Beneficial Owner: Shares Registered in the Name of Broker or Bank
If you are a beneficial owner of shares registered in the name of your broker, bank, or other
agent, you should have received a proxy card and voting instructions with these proxy materials
from that organization, rather than from us. Simply complete and mail the proxy card to ensure that
your vote is counted. Alternatively, you may vote by proxy over the telephone or through the
internet, as instructed by your broker or bank. To vote in person at the annual meeting, you must
obtain a valid proxy from your broker, bank or other agent. Follow the instructions from your
broker or bank included with these proxy materials, or contact your broker or bank to request a
proxy form.
We provide internet proxy voting to allow you to vote your shares online, with procedures designed
to ensure the authenticity and correctness of your proxy vote instructions. However, please be
aware that you must bear any costs associated with your internet access, such as usage charges from
internet access providers and telephone companies.
How many votes do I have?
On each matter to be voted upon, you have one vote for each share of common stock you
owned as of the close of business on December 6, 2010.
What if I return a proxy card but do not make specific choices?
If you return a signed and dated proxy card, or otherwise vote by proxy without making
any voting selections, your shares will be voted For the election of all three nominees for
director and For Proposals 2 and 3. If any other matter is properly presented at the meeting,
your proxy holder (one of the individuals named on your proxy card) will vote your shares using his
or her best judgment.
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
Gladstone Capital Corporation will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies, including
preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this proxy statement, the proxy card and any
additional information furnished to stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be
furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding in their names shares of
our common stock beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. We may
reimburse persons representing beneficial owners of our common stock for their costs of forwarding
solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Original solicitation of proxies by mail may be
supplemented by telephone, telegram or personal solicitation by directors, officers or other
regular employees of Gladstone Management Corporation, our investment adviser (the Adviser), or
Gladstone Administration, LLC (the Administrator). No additional compensation will be paid to
directors, officers or other regular employees for such services. We have engaged Georgeson Inc.
(Georgeson) to solicit proxies for the annual meeting. Georgeson will be paid a fee of
approximately $5,500 plus out-of-pocket expenses for its basic solicitation services, which include
review of proxy materials, dissemination of broker search cards, distribution of proxy materials,
solicitation of ADP, brokers, banks and institutional holders, and delivery of executed proxies.
The term of the agreement with Georgeson will last for the period of the solicitation, and the
agreement provides that we will indemnify and hold harmless Georgeson against any third party
claims, except in the case of Georgesons gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
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What does it mean if I receive more than one set of proxy materials?
If you receive more than one set of proxy materials, your shares may be registered in more
than one name or in different accounts. Please follow the voting instructions on the proxy cards in
the proxy materials to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
Can I change my vote after submitting my proxy?
Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the meeting. If you wish
to revoke your proxy after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 16, 2011, you may only do so at the
annual meeting. If you are the record holder of your shares, you may revoke your proxy in any one
of the following ways:
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You may submit another properly completed proxy card with a later date specified thereon. |
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You may grant a subsequent proxy by telephone or through the internet on a later date. |
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You may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to Gladstone Capital
Corporations secretary at 1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, Virginia 22102. |
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You may attend the annual meeting and vote in person. Simply attending the meeting will not, by
itself, revoke your proxy. |
If your shares are held by your broker or bank as a nominee or agent, you should follow the
instructions provided by your broker or bank.
When are stockholder proposals due for next years annual meeting?
We will consider for inclusion in our proxy materials for the 2012 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders proposals that we receive not later than December 20, 2011 and that comply with all
applicable requirements of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the 1934 Act), and our bylaws, as amended (Bylaws). Stockholders must submit their
proposals to our corporate secretary at 1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, Virginia, 22102.
In addition, any stockholder who wishes to propose a nominee to our Board or propose any other
business to be considered by the stockholders (other than a stockholder proposal to be included in
our proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the 1934 Act) must comply with the advance notice
provisions and other requirements of Article II, Section 4(b) of our Bylaws, a copy of which is on
file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and may be obtained from our corporate
secretary upon request. These notice provisions require that nominations of persons for election to
our Board and proposals of business to be considered by the stockholders for the 2012 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders must be made in writing and submitted to our corporate secretary at the
address above no earlier than November 20, 2011 (90 days before the first anniversary of our 2011
Annual Meeting of Stockholders) and not later than December 20, 2011 (60 days before the first
anniversary of the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders). You are also advised to review our Bylaws,
which contain additional requirements about advance notice of stockholder proposals and director
nominations.
How are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by representatives of our tabulator for the annual meeting, Broadridge
Financial Solutions, Inc., which will separately count For, and Against votes, in addition to
abstentions and broker non-votes. The effects of abstentions and broker non-votes on each proposal
are described below under the question How many votes are needed to approve each proposal? We
expect that our chief financial officer, Gresford Gray, will be appointed as the inspector of
election.
What are broker non-votes?
Broker non-votes occur when a beneficial owner of shares held in street name does not give
instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares as to how to vote on matters deemed
non-routine. Generally, if shares are held in street name, the beneficial owner of the shares is
entitled to give voting instructions to the broker or nominee holding the shares. If the beneficial
owner does not provide voting instructions, the broker or nominee can still vote the shares with
respect to matters that are considered to be routine, but not with respect to non-routine
matters. In the event that a broker, bank, or other agent indicates on a proxy that it does not
have discretionary authority to vote certain shares on a non-routine proposal, then those shares
will be treated as broker non-votes.
Under applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange, (NYSE), Proposal 1 (election of
directors) and Proposal 2 (approval of proposal authorizing us to issue and sell shares below net
asset value) are non-routine proposals. Your broker, bank or other agent is not entitled to vote
your shares without your instructions for Proposals 1 or 2. Proposal 3 (ratification of the
appointment of PwC) is a routine proposal. Your broker, bank or other agent may vote your shares
for Proposal 3 even if it does not receive instructions from you.
How many votes are needed to approve each proposal?
Vote Required
Proposal 1Election of Directors. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at
the annual meeting is required to elect each nominee as a director. Stockholders may not cumulate
their votes. If you vote abstain with respect to a nominee, your shares will not be voted with
respect to such nominee. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast for
this proposal and as such will have no impact on the outcome of the
proposal.
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Proposal 2Approval of a proposal to authorize us, with the approval of our Board of
Directors, to issue and sell shares of our common
stock (during the next 12 months) at a price below its then current net asset value per share
subject to certain limitations set forth herein (including, without limitation, that the cumulative
number of shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of our then
outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale). The affirmative vote of each of
the following is required to approve this proposal: (1) a majority of our outstanding voting
securities; and (2) a majority of our outstanding voting securities that are not held by affiliated
persons of the Company. For purposes of this proposal, the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
1940 Act) defines a majority of the outstanding voting securities as the vote of the lesser of:
(1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Company present at the annual meeting, if the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company are present or
represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company.
Each abstention and broker non-vote will have the same effect as an Against vote.
Proposal 3Ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm. The
affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting is required to ratify the
Audit Committees selection of PwC as our independent registered public accounting firm for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 2011. Abstentions will not be counted as votes cast for this
proposal.
What is the quorum requirement?
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if a
majority of our outstanding shares of common stock are represented by stockholders present at the
meeting or by proxy. On the record date there were 21,039,242 shares outstanding and entitled to
vote. Thus, 10,519,622 shares must be represented by stockholders present at the meeting or by
proxy to have a quorum.
Your shares will be counted towards the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or one is
submitted on your behalf by your broker, bank or other nominee) or if you vote in person at the
meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the quorum requirement. If there
is no quorum, a majority of the votes present at the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another
date.
How can I find out the results of the voting at the annual meeting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the annual meeting. Final voting results will
be published in a current report on Form 8-K that we expect to file with the SEC within four
business days after the annual meeting. If final voting results are not available to us in time to
file a Form 8-K within four business days after the meeting, we intend to file a Form 8-K to
publish preliminary results and, within four business days after the final results are known to us,
file an additional Form 8-K to publish the final results.
What proxy materials are available on the internet?
The letter to stockholders, proxy statement, Form 10-K and annual report to stockholders are
available at www.proxyvote.com.
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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Board is divided into three classes. Each class consists of one-third of the total number
of directors and each class has a three-year term. Vacancies on the Board may be filled only by
persons elected by a majority of the remaining directors. A director elected by the Board to fill a
vacancy in a class, including any vacancies created by an increase in the number of directors,
shall serve for the remainder of the full term of that class and until the directors successor is
elected and qualified.
Our Board presently has nine members. There are three directors in the class whose term of
office expires in 2011. Each of the nominees listed below is currently a director of ours who was
previously elected by the stockholders. If elected at the annual meeting, each of these nominees
would serve until the 2014 annual meeting and until his or her successor is elected and has
qualified, or, if sooner, until the directors death, resignation or removal.
Directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting. Shares
represented by executed proxies will be voted for the election of the nominees named below unless a
contrary direction is indicated on the proxy. In the event that any of the nominees should be
unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, such shares will be voted for the
election of such substitute nominees as management may propose. Each person nominated for election
has agreed to serve if elected, and management has no reason to believe that any nominee will be
unable to serve.
Ms. English was selected to serve as an independent director on our Board, and to be nominated
to serve another directorship term, due to her greater than twenty years of senior management
experience at various corporations and non-profit organizations as well as her past service on our
Board since 2002. Mr. Parker was selected to serve as an independent director on our Board, and to
be nominated to serve another directorship term, due to his expertise and wealth of experience in
the field of corporate taxation as well as his past service on our Board since our inception. Mr.
Parkers knowledge of corporate tax was instrumental in his appointment to the chairmanship of our
Audit Committee. Mr. Stelljes was selected to serve as a director on our Board, and to be nominated
to serve another directorship term, due to his more than twenty years of experience in the
investment analysis, management, and advisory industries as well as his past service on our Board
since 2003. Mr. Mead was selected to serve as an independent director on our Board due to his more
than forty years of experience in various areas of the investment analysis and management fields as
well as his past service on our Board since 2005. Mr. Brubaker was selected to serve as a director
on our Board due to his more than thirty years of experience in various mid-level and senior
management positions at several corporations as well as his past service on our Board since our
inception. Mr. Dullum was selected to serve as a director on our Board due to his more than thirty
years of experience in various areas of the investment industry as well as his past service on our
Board since our inception. Mr. Adelgren was selected to serve as an independent director on our
Board due to his strength and experience in ethics, which also led to his appointment to the
chairmanship of our Ethics, Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Outland was selected
to serve as an independent director on our Board due to his more than twenty years of experience in
the real estate and mortgage industry as well as his past service on our Board since 2003. Mr.
Gladstone was selected to serve as a director on our Board due to the fact that he is our founder
and has greater than thirty years of experience in the industry, including his service as our
chairman and chief executive since our inception.
It is our policy to encourage directors and nominees for director to attend the annual
meeting. Three of our directors attended the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Set forth below is biographical information for each person nominated, each person whose term
of office as a director will continue after the Annual Meeting, and each executive officer who is
not a director.
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Nominees for a Three-Year Term To Expire at the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
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Other |
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Five Years |
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Past Five Years |
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Disinterested Directors |
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Michela A. English (60)
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Director
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Term expires at
2011 annual meeting.
Director since 2002.
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President and Chief
Executive Officer
of Fight for
Children, a
non-profit
charitable
organization
focused on
providing
high-quality
education and
health care
services to
underserved youth
in Washington, DC,
since June 2006.
From March 1996 to
March 2004, Ms.
English held
several positions
with Discovery
Communications,
Inc., including
president of
Discovery Consumer
Products, president
of Discovery
Enterprises
Worldwide and
president of
Discovery.com.
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Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation;
Gladstone
Investment
Corporation |
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Anthony W. Parker (65)
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Director
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Term expires at
2011 annual meeting.
Director since our
inception in 2001.
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Founder and
Chairman of the
Board of Parker
Tide Corp.
(formerly known as
Snell Professional
Corp. and Medical
Funding
Corporation) since
1997.
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Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation;
Gladstone
Investment
Corporation |
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Interested Director |
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George Stelljes III (48)*
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Director,
President, and
Chief Investment
Officer
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Term expires at
2011 annual meeting.
Director since 2003.
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President of the
Company since April
2004. Chief
Investment Officer
of the Company
since September
2002. Executive
Vice President of
the Company from
September 2002 to
April 2004. Vice
Chairman of
Gladstone
Investment
Corporation since
April 2008; Chief
Investment Officer
of Gladstone
Investment
Corporation since
its inception in
2005. President of
Gladstone
Investment
Corporation from
its inception in
2005 through April
2008. President of
Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation since
July 2007 and
Executive Vice
President of
Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation from
its inception to
July 2007. Chief
Investment Officer
of Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation since
inception in 2003.
President of our
Adviser since
February 2006.
Chief Investment
Officer and a
director of our
Adviser since May
2003. Director of
Intrepid Capital
Management, Inc.
since 2003, and
general partner and
investment
committee member of
Patriot Capital and
Patriot Capital II
private equity
funds since 2002.
Co-founder and
Managing Member of
Camden Partners, a
private equity
firm, from 1999 to
2002.
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Gladstone
Investment
Corporation;
Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation;
Intrepid Capital
Corporation |
8
Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
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Director During the |
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Company |
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Length of Term Served |
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Five Years |
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Past Five Years |
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Disinterested Directors |
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Gerard Mead (66)
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Director
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Term expires at
2012 annual meeting. Director
since 2005.
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Chairman and founder of Gerard
Mead Capital Management since
2003. From 1966 to 2003 Mr. Mead
was employed by the Bethlehem
Steel Corporation, where he held
a series of engineering,
corporate finance and investment
positions with increasing
management responsibility.
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Gladstone
Commercial Corporation; Gladstone Investment
Corporation |
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Interested Directors |
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Terry Lee Brubaker (66)*
Gladstone Capital Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Vice Chairman,
Chief Operating Officer and
Secretary
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Term expires at 2012 annual
meeting. Director since our
inception in 2001.
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Vice Chairman of the Company since
2004 . Chief Operating Officer and
Secretary of the Company since our
inception in 2001. and of Gladstone
Investment Corporation and
Gladstone Commercial Corporation
since 2005 and 2003, respectively.
President of the Company from May
2001 through April 2004. Vice
Chairman of Gladstone Investment
Corporation and Gladstone
Commercial Corporation since 2005
and July 2007, respectively.
President of Gladstone Commercial
Corporation from 2003 to July 2007.
Vice Chairman, Chief Operating
Officer, Secretary and a Director
of our Adviser since February 2006.
President of our Adviser from 2003
through February 2006.
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Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation;
Gladstone
Investment
Corporation |
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David A.R. Dullum (62)
Gladstone Capital Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Director
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Term expires at 2012 annual
meeting. Director since our
inception in 2001.
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Senior Managing Director of our
Adviser since February 2008.
Partner of New England Partners, a
venture capital firm, since 1995.
President and a Director of Harbor
Acquisition Corporation from May
2005 until May 2008.
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Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation;
Gladstone
Investment
Corporation; Simkar
Corporation; Fetco
Home Décor, Inc. |
9
Directors Continuing in Office Until the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
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Other |
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Directorships |
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Term of |
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Occupation(s) |
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Held With |
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Office and |
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Director During the |
Name, Address, Age |
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Company |
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Length of Term Served |
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Five Years |
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Past Five Years |
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Disinterested Directors |
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Paul W. Adelgren (67)
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Director
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Term expires at
2013 annual meeting.
Director since January
2003.
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Pastor of Missionary
Alliance Church since
1997.
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Gladstone
Commercial Corporation; Gladstone
Investment Corporation |
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John H. Outland (65)
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Director
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Term expires at
2013 annual meeting.
Director since December
2003.
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Private investor since
June 2006. Vice President
of Genworth Financial,
Inc. from March 2004 to
June 2006. Managing
Director of 1789 Capital
Advisers, a financial
consulting company, from
2002 to March 2004.
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Gladstone
Commercial Corporation; Gladstone
Investment Corporation |
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Interested Director |
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David Gladstone (68)*
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive
Officer
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Term expires at
2013 Annual Meeting.
Director since 2001.
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Founder, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of
the Board since our
inception in 2001, of
Gladstone Investment
Corporation since its
inception in 2005, and of
Gladstone Commercial
Corporation since its
inception in 2003.
Founder, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman of
the Board of our Adviser.
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Gladstone
Commercial Corporation; Gladstone
Investment Corporation |
10
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors
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Position(s) Held |
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Term of Office and |
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During the Past |
Name, Address, Age |
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With Company |
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Length of Term Served |
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Five Years |
Gresford Gray (37)
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Chief Financial Officer |
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Executive Officer
since April 2008.
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Chief Financial
Officer of the Company
since April 2008.
Director of Financial
Reporting and Analysis
for Alion Science and
Technology, Inc. from
July 2006 to March
2008. From May 2002
to June 2006, employed
by Allied Defense
Group, Inc., where he
held various
positions, including
Corporate Controller
and Corporate
Secretary. |
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Gary Gerson (46)
Gladstone Capital
Corporation
1521 Westbranch Drive
Suite 200
McLean, Virginia 22102
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Treasurer |
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Executive Officer
since April 2006.
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Treasurer since
April 2006.
Treasurer of
Gladstone
Investment
Corporation,
Gladstone
Commercial
Corporation, and
our Adviser since
April 2006.
Assistant Vice
President of
Finance at the
Bozzuto Group, a
real estate
developer, manager
and owner, from
February 2004
through February
2006. Director,
Finance, at PG&E
National Energy
Group from
2000-2004. |
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Messrs. Gladstone, Brubaker, Stelljes and Dullum are interested persons of Gladstone Capital
Corporation, within the meaning of the 1940 Act, due to their positions as our officers or as
officers of our Adviser, or both. |
11
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOR
OF EACH NAMED NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence
As required under the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ) listing standards, our Board annually
determines each directors independence. The NASDAQ listing standards provide that a director of a
business development company is considered to be independent if he or she is not an interested
person of ours, as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act
defines an interested person to include, among other things, any person who has, or within the
last two years had, a material business or professional relationship with us.
Consistent with these considerations, after review of all relevant transactions or
relationships between each director, or any of his or her family members, and us, our senior
management and our independent auditors, the Board has affirmatively determined that the following
five directors are independent directors within the meaning of the applicable NASDAQ listing
standards: Messrs. Adelgren, Mead, Outland, Parker and Ms. English. In making this determination,
the Board found that none of these directors or nominees for director had a material or other
disqualifying relationship with us. Mr. Gladstone, the chairman of our Board and our chief
executive officer, Mr. Brubaker, our vice chairman, chief operating officer and secretary, Mr.
Stelljes, our president and chief investment officer, and Mr. Dullum, a senior managing director of
our Adviser, are not independent directors by virtue of their positions as officers of the Company
or our Adviser or their employment by our Adviser.
Meetings of the Board of Directors
The Board of met four times during the last fiscal year. Each Board member attended 75% or
more of the aggregate of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he or she served
that were held during the period for which he or she was a director or committee member.
As required under applicable NASDAQ listing standards, which require regularly scheduled
meetings of independent directors, our independent directors met four times during fiscal 2010 in
regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors were present and on two
occasions other than regularly scheduled executive sessions.
Corporate Leadership Structure
Since our inception, Mr. Gladstone has served as chairman of our Board and our chief executive
officer. Our Board believes that our chief executive officer is best situated to serve as chairman
because he is the director most familiar with our business and industry, and most capable of
effectively identifying strategic priorities and leading the discussion and execution of strategy.
In addition, Mr. Adelgren, one of our independent directors, serves as the Lead Director for all
meetings of our independent directors held in executive session. The Lead Director has the
responsibility of presiding at all executive sessions of our Board, consulting with the chairman
and chief executive officer on Board and committee meeting agendas, acting as a liaison between
management and the independent directors and facilitating teamwork and communication between the
independent directors and management.
Our Board believes the combined role of chairman and chief executive officer, together with an
independent Lead Director, is in the best interest of stockholders because it provides the
appropriate balance between strategic development and independent oversight of risk management.
In coming to this conclusion, the Board considered the importance of having an interested
chairperson that is familiar with our day-to-day management activities, our portfolio
companies and the operations of our Adviser. The Board concluded that the combined role enhances,
among other things, the Boards understanding of the Funds investment portfolio, business,
finances and risk management efforts. In addition, the Board believes that Mr. Gladstones
employment by the Adviser better allows for the efficient mobilization of the Advisers resources
at the Boards behest and on its behalf.
Information Regarding Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board has four committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, an Executive
Committee and an Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The following table shows
the current composition of each of the committees of our Board:
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Ethics, Nominating and |
Name |
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Executive |
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Corporate Governance |
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Paul W. Adelgren** |
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X |
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*X |
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Terry Lee Brubaker |
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X |
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Michela A. English |
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X |
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David Gladstone |
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*X |
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Gerard Mead |
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X |
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X |
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John H. Outland |
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*X |
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Anthony W. Parker |
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*X |
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X |
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Committee Chairperson |
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Lead Independent Director |
12
Below is a description of each committee of our Board. All committees other than the Executive
Committee have the authority to engage legal counsel or other experts or consultants, as they deem
appropriate to carry out their responsibilities. Our Board has determined that each
member of each committee meets the applicable NASDAQ rules and regulations regarding independence
and that each member is free of any relationship that would interfere with his or her individual
exercise of independent judgment with regard to us (other than with respect to the Executive
Committee, for which there are no applicable independence requirements).
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of our Board oversees our corporate accounting and financial reporting
process. For this purpose, the Audit Committee performs several functions. The Audit Committee
evaluates the performance of and assesses the qualifications of the independent registered public
accounting firm; determines and approves the engagement of the independent registered public
accounting firm; determines whether to retain or terminate the existing independent registered
public accounting firm or to appoint and engage a new independent registered public accounting
firm; reviews and approves the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm to
perform any proposed permissible non-audit services; monitors the rotation of partners of the
independent registered public accounting firm on our audit engagement team as required by law;
confers with management and the independent registered public accounting firm regarding the
effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting; establishes procedures, as required
under applicable law, for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us
regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential and
anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing
matters; and meets to review our annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial
statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, including
reviewing our disclosures under Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations. During fiscal 2010, the Audit Committee was comprised of Messrs. Parker
(Chairman) and Mead and Ms. English. Messrs. Adelgren, Outland, and Maurice Coulon served as
alternate members of the Audit Committee during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. Mr.
Coulon resigned from the Board, effective September 30, 2010. Alternate members of the Audit
Committee serve and participate in meetings of the Audit Committee only in the event of an absence
of a regular member of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met eight times during the last
fiscal year. The Audit Committee has adopted a written charter that is available to stockholders on
our website at www.gladstonecapital.com.
Our Board reviews the NASDAQ listing standards definition of independence for audit committee
members and has determined that all members and alternate members of our Audit Committee are
independent (as independence is currently defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing
standards). No members of the Audit Committee received any compensation from us during the last
fiscal year other than directors fees. Our Board has also determined that each member (including
alternate members) of the Audit Committee qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as
defined in applicable SEC rules. Our Board made a qualitative assessment of the members level of
knowledge and experience based on a number of factors, including formal education and experience.
Our Board has also unanimously determined that all Audit Committee members and alternate members
are financially literate under current NASDAQ rules and that at least one member has financial
management expertise. Messrs. Mead and Parker and Ms. English also serve on the audit committees of
Gladstone Commercial Corporation and Gladstone Investment Corporation. Our Audit Committees
current alternate members, Messrs. Adelgren and Outland, also serve as alternate members on the
audit committees of Gladstone Commercial Corporation and Gladstone Investment Corporation. Our
Board has determined that this simultaneous service does not impair the respective directors
ability to effectively serve on our Audit Committee.
Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (1)
The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to the Companys audited
financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Companys audited financial statements with
management and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm, with and without management present. The Audit Committee included in its review results of
the independent registered public accounting firms examinations, the Companys internal controls,
and the quality of the Companys financial reporting. The Audit Committee also reviewed the
Companys procedures and internal control processes designed to ensure full, fair and adequate
financial reporting and disclosures, including procedures for certifications by the Companys chief
executive officer and chief financial officer that are required in periodic reports filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee further reviewed with the
independent registered public accounting firm their opinion on the effectiveness of the internal
control over financial reporting of the Company. The Audit Committee is satisfied that the
Companys internal control system is adequate and that the Company employs appropriate accounting
and auditing procedures.
The Audit Committee also has discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP matters relating to the
independent registered public accounting firms judgments about the quality, as well as the
acceptability, of the Companys accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting as
required by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol.
1. AU section 380), as adopted by the
13
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) in Rule
3200T. The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from the
independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB
regarding the independent registered public accounting firms communications with the audit
committee concerning independence and has discussed with the independent registered public
accounting firm the independent registered public accounting firms independence (Communications
with Audit Committees). The Audit Committee discussed and reviewed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
the Companys critical accounting policies and practices, internal controls, other material written
communications to management, and the scope of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs audits and all fees
paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP during the fiscal year. The Audit Committee adopted guidelines
requiring review and pre-approval by the Audit Committee of audit and non-audit services performed
by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the Company. The Audit Committee has reviewed and considered the
compatibility of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLPs performance of non-audit services with the
maintenance of PricewaterhouseCoopers independence as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm.
Based on the Audit Committees review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board of Directors that the Companys audited financial statements be included
in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 for filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Audit Committee has engaged
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011.
Submitted by the Audit Committee
Anthony W. Parker, Chairperson
Michela A. English
Gerard Mead
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(1) |
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The material in this report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC,
and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the 1933 Act) or the 1934 Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and
irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing. |
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a written charter that is available to
stockholders on our website at www.gladstonecapital.com. The Compensation Committee conducts
periodic reviews of our investment advisory and management agreement with our Adviser (the
Advisory Agreement) and our administration agreement with our Administrator (the Administration
Agreement) to evaluate whether the fees paid to our Adviser and our Administrator under the
agreements are in the best interests of us and our stockholders. The committee considers in such
periodic reviews, among other things, whether the salaries and bonuses paid to our executive
officers by our Adviser and our Administrator are consistent with our compensation philosophies,
whether the performance of our Adviser and our Administrator are reasonable in relation to the
nature and quality of services performed and whether the provisions of the Advisory and
Administration Agreements are being satisfactorily performed. The Compensation Committee also
reviews with management our Compensation Discussion and Analysis and to consider whether to
recommend that it be included in proxy statements and other filings. During the last fiscal year,
the Compensation Committee was comprised of Messrs. Coulon (Chairperson), Outland and Mead. Messrs.
Adelgren and Parker and Ms. English served as alternate members of the Compensation Committee. Mr.
Coulons resignation from the Board and the Compensation Committee was effective September 30,
2010. On August 31, 2010, the Board, by unanimous written consent, appointed Mr. Adelgren to the
Compensation Committee and named Mr. Outland its Chairman, with each such appointment effective
September 30, 2010. As a result of such appointments, Mr. Parker and Ms. English are the current
alternate members of the Compensation Committee. Alternate members of the Compensation Committee
serve and participate in meetings of the Compensation Committee only in the event of an absence of
a regular member of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met four times during
the last fiscal year.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During the last fiscal year, the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Coulon, Outland
and Mead, and Messrs. Adelgren and Parker and Ms. English served as alternate members of the
Compensation Committee. None of Messrs. Coulon, Outland, Mead, Adelgren, Parker or Ms. English is
or has been one of our executive officers. Further, none of our executive officers has ever served
as a member of the compensation committee or as a director of another entity any of whose executive
officers served on our Compensation Committee.
Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (2)
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis (CD&A) contained in this proxy statement. Based on this review and
discussion, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the CD&A be
included in this proxy statement and incorporated into our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.
Submitted by the Compensation Committee
John H. Outland, Chairperson
Paul Adelgren
Gerard Mead
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(2) |
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The material in this report is not soliciting material, is not deemed filed with the SEC,
and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of our filings under the 1933 Act or the 1934
Act, other than our Annual Report on Form 10-K, where it shall be deemed to be furnished, whether
made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language
contained in such filing. |
14
Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of our Board is responsible for
identifying, reviewing and evaluating candidates to serve as our directors (consistent with
criteria approved by our Board), reviewing and evaluating incumbent directors, recommending to our
Board for selection candidates for election to our Board, making recommendations to our Board
regarding the membership of the committees of our Board, assessing the performance of our Board,
and developing our corporate governance principles. Our Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee charter can be found on our website at www.gladstonecapital.com. During fiscal 2010,
membership of the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was comprised of Messrs.
Adelgren (Chairperson) and Coulon. Messrs. Outland, Mead and Parker and Ms. English served as
alternate members of the committee during fiscal 2010. Mr. Coulons resignation from the Board and
the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee was effective September 30, 2010. On
August 31, 2010, the Board, by unanimous written consent, appointed Mr. Outland to the committee,
effective September 30, 2010. Messrs. Mead and Parker and Ms. English serve as the current
alternate members of the committee.
Alternate members of the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee serve and
participate in meetings of the committee only in the event of an absence of a regular member of the
committee. Each member of the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is independent
(as independence is currently defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing standards). The
Ethics, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee met four times during the last fiscal year.
Qualifications for Director Candidates
The Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee believes that candidates for
director should have certain minimum qualifications, including being able to read and understand
basic financial statements, being over 21 years of age and having the highest personal integrity
and ethics. The Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers such factors
as possessing relevant expertise upon which to be able to offer advice and guidance to management,
having sufficient time to devote to our affairs, demonstrated excellence in his or her field,
having the ability to exercise sound business judgment and having the commitment to rigorously
represent the long-term interests of our stockholders. However, the Ethics, Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee retains the right to modify these qualifications from time to time.
Candidates for director nominees are reviewed in the context of the current composition of our
Board, our operating requirements and the long-term interests of our stockholders.
Though we have no formal policy addressing diversity, the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee and Board believe that diversity is an important attribute of directors and
that our Board should be the culmination of an array of backgrounds and experiences and be capable
of articulating a variety of viewpoints. Accordingly, the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee considers in its review of director nominees factors such as values,
disciplines, ethics, age, gender, race, culture, expertise, background and skills, all in the
context of an assessment of the perceived needs of us and our Board at that point in time in order
to maintain a balance of knowledge, experience and capability.
In the case of incumbent directors whose terms of office are set to expire, the Ethics,
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews such directors overall service to us during
their term, including the number of meetings attended, level of participation, quality of
performance, and any other relationships and transactions that might impair such directors
independence. In the case of new director candidates, the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee also determines whether such new nominee must be independent for NASDAQ
purposes, which determination is based upon applicable NASDAQ listing standards, applicable SEC
rules and regulations and the advice of counsel, if necessary. The Ethics, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee then uses its network of contacts to compile a list of potential candidates,
but may also engage, if it deems appropriate, a professional search firm. The Ethics, Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee conducts any appropriate and necessary inquiries into the
backgrounds and qualifications of possible candidates after considering the function and needs of
our Board. The Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets to discuss and consider
such candidates qualifications and then selects a nominee for recommendation to our Board by
majority vote. To date, the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not paid a
fee to any third party to assist in the process of identifying or evaluating director candidates.
Stockholder Recommendation of Director Candidates to the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee
The Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates
recommended by stockholders. The Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not
intend to alter the manner in which it evaluates candidates, including the minimum criteria set
forth above, based on whether the candidate was recommended by a stockholder or not. Stockholders
who wish to recommend individuals for consideration by the Ethics, Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee to become nominees for election to the Board may do so by delivering a written
recommendation to our secretary at the address set forth on the cover page of this proxy statement.
Recommendations for individuals to be considered for nomination at the 2012 Annual Meeting must be
received by December 20, 2011. Recommendations received after December 20, 2011 will be considered
for nomination at the 2013 Annual Meeting. Submissions must include the full name of the proposed
nominee, a description of the proposed nominees business experience for at least the previous five
years, complete biographical information, a description of the proposed nominees qualifications as
a director and a representation that the nominating stockholder is a beneficial or record owner of
our stock. Any such submission must be accompanied by the written consent of the proposed nominee
to be named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected. To date, the Ethics, Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee has not received or rejected a timely director nominee proposal from
a stockholder or stockholders holding more than 5% of our voting stock.
Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors
Our Board has adopted a formal process by which our stockholders may communicate with the
Board or any of our directors. Persons interested in communicating their concerns or issues may
address correspondence to the Board, to a particular director, or to the independent directors
generally, in care of Gladstone Capital Corporation, Attention: Investor Relations, at 1521
Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, Virginia 22102. This information is also contained on our
website at www.gladstonecapital.com.
15
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our officers and
directors and to the employees of our Adviser and our Administrator. The Ethics, Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee reviews, approves and recommends to our Board any changes to the
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. It also reviews any violations of the Code of Ethics and makes
recommendations to the Board on those violations. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is
available on our website at www.gladstonecapital.com. If we make any substantive amendments to the
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or grant any waiver from a provision of the Code to any
executive officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on
our website.
The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee, which is comprised of Messrs. Gladstone (Chairman), Brubaker and
Parker, has the authority to exercise all powers of our Board except for actions that must be taken
by a majority of independent directors or the full Board under applicable rules and regulations.
The Executive Committee did not meet during the last fiscal year.
Oversight of Risk Management
Since September 2007, Jack Dellafiora has served as our Chief Compliance Officer and, in that
position, Mr. Dellafiora directly oversees our enterprise risk management function and reports to
our chief executive officer, the Audit Committee and our Board in this capacity. In fulfilling his
risk management responsibilities, Mr. Dellafiora works closely with our internal counsel and other
members of senior management including, among others, our chief executive officer, chief financial
officer, chief investment officer and chief operating officer.
Our Board, in its entirety, plays an active role in overseeing management of our risks. Our
Board regularly reviews information regarding our credit, liquidity and operations, as well as the
risks associated with each. Each committee of our Board plays a distinct role with respect to
overseeing management of our risks:
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Audit Committee: Our Audit Committee oversees the management of enterprise
risks. To this end, our Audit Committee meets at least annually (i) to discuss our risk
management guidelines, policies and exposures and (ii) with our independent registered
public accounting firm to review our internal control environment and other risk
exposures. |
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Compensation Committee: Our Compensation Committee oversees the management of
risks relating to the fees paid to our Adviser and Administrator under the Advisory
Agreement and the Administration Agreement, respectively. In fulfillment of this duty,
the Compensation Committee meets at least annually to review these agreements. In
addition, the Compensation Committee reviews the performance of our Adviser to
determine whether the compensation paid to our executive officers was reasonable in
relation to the nature and quality of services performed and whether the provisions of
the Advisory Agreement were being satisfactorily performed. |
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Ethics, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee: Our Ethics, Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee manages risks associated with the independence of
our Board and potential conflicts of interest. |
While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management
of such risks, the committees each report to our Board on a regular basis to apprise our Board
regarding the status of remediation efforts of known risks and of any new risks that may have
arisen since the previous report.
16
PROPOSAL 2
TO AUTHORIZE US, WITH THE APPROVAL OF OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TO ISSUE AND SELL SHARES OF OUR
COMMON STOCK (DURING THE NEXT 12 MONTHS) AT A PRICE BELOW ITS THEN CURRENT NET ASSET VALUE PER
SHARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS SET FORTH HEREIN (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THAT THE
CUMULATIVE NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUED AND SOLD PURSUANT TO SUCH AUTHORITY DOES NOT EXCEED 25% OF
OUR THEN OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO EACH SUCH SALE)
Stockholder Authorization
The 1940 Act generally prohibits us, as a business development company (BDC) from issuing
and selling shares of our common stock at a price below the then current net asset value (NAV)
per share of our stock, with certain exceptions. One such exception would permit us to issue and
sell shares of our common stock at a price below net asset value per share at the time of sale if
our stockholders approve a sale below net asset value per share within the one year period
immediately prior to any such sale, provided that our Board makes certain determinations prior to
any such sale.
Accordingly, we are seeking the approval of our stockholders so that we may, in one or more
public or private offerings, issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price below our then
current NAV per share. It should be noted that the maximum number of shares that we could issue and
sell at a per share price below NAV per share pursuant to this authority would be limited to 25% of
our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale. If approved, the
authorization would be effective for a period expiring on the first anniversary of the date of the
stockholders approval of this proposal and would permit us to engage in such transactions at
various times within that period, subject to further approval from our Board.
Generally, common stock offerings are priced based on the market prices of the outstanding
shares of common stock. Because over the last two years our common stock has consistently, and at
times significantly, traded at a market price below net asset value per share, stockholder approval
would permit us to issue and sell shares of our common stock in accordance with pricing standards
that market conditions generally require, and would also assure stockholders that the number of
shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does not exceed 25% of our then outstanding
common stock immediately prior to each such sale. If stockholders approve this proposal, we should
have greater flexibility in taking advantage of changing market and financial conditions in
connection with an equity offering. As of the date of this proxy statement, our Board has approved
an offering of this type in principle, but has not approved the terms of a specific offering, nor
does it have any immediate plans to do so.
Reasons to Issue and Sell Common Stock Below Net Asset Value
We believe that market conditions will continue to provide opportunities to invest new capital
at potentially attractive returns. Although we are seeing increased stability over recent months,
for the past several years, U.S. credit markets, including many lending institutions, have
experienced significant difficulties resulting from the recent U.S. recession and current difficult
economic conditions. This has contributed to significant stock price volatility for capital
providers such as our company and has made access to capital more challenging for many smaller
businesses. However, these changes in the credit market conditions also have beneficial effects for
capital providers like us because small business are selling for lower prices, are generally
willing to pay higher interest rates and to accept more contractual terms that are more favorable
to us in their investment agreements. Accordingly, for firms that continue to have access to
capital, we believe that the current environment should provide investment opportunities on more
favorable terms than have been available in recent periods. Our ability to take advantage of these
opportunities is dependent upon our access to equity capital.
As a BDC and a regulated investment company (RIC) for tax purposes, we are dependent on our
ability to raise capital through the issuance of common stock. RICs generally must distribute
substantially all of their earnings to stockholders as dividends in order to achieve pass-through
tax treatment, which prevents us from using those earnings to support new investments. Further,
BDCs must maintain a debt to equity ratio of less than one dollar of debt for one dollar of equity,
which requires us to finance our investments with at least as much equity as debt in the aggregate.
We maintain sources of liquidity through a portfolio of liquid assets and other means but generally
attempt to remain close to fully invested and do not hold substantial cash for the purpose of
making new investments. Therefore, to continue to build our investment portfolio, and thereby have
the ability to support the maintenance of our dividends, we endeavor to maintain consistent access
to capital through the public and private equity markets enabling us to take advantage of
investment opportunities as they arise.
Since our initial public offering in 2001, our common stock has traded both at a premium and
at a discount in relation to its net asset value. The following table lists, for each quarter of
the last three fiscal years, the high and low closing sales prices for our common stock and the
sales price as a percentage of net asset value. On December 1, 2010, the last reported closing sale
price of our common stock was $11.30 per share.
17
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Premium / |
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Premium / |
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(Discount) of |
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(Discount) of |
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High Sales |
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Low Sales |
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Closing Sales Price |
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Price to NAV |
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Price to NAV |
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NAV (1) |
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High |
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Low |
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(2) |
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(2) |
Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2008 |
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First Quarter |
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$ |
15.08 |
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$ |
20.62 |
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$ |
17.01 |
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37 |
% |
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13 |
% |
Second Quarter |
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$ |
14.27 |
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$ |
19.22 |
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$ |
16.25 |
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35 |
% |
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14 |
% |
Third Quarter |
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$ |
13.97 |
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$ |
19.31 |
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$ |
15.24 |
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38 |
% |
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9 |
% |
Fourth Quarter |
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$ |
12.89 |
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$ |
18.65 |
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$ |
12.91 |
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45 |
% |
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0 |
% |
Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2009 |
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First Quarter |
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$ |
12.04 |
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$ |
15.38 |
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5.50 |
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28 |
% |
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(54 |
)% |
Second Quarter |
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$ |
12.10 |
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$ |
10.28 |
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5.01 |
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(15 |
)% |
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(59 |
)% |
Third Quarter |
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$ |
11.86 |
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$ |
7.80 |
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5.49 |
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(34 |
)% |
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(54 |
)% |
Fourth Quarter |
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$ |
11.81 |
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$ |
10.40 |
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7.17 |
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(12 |
)% |
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(39 |
)% |
Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2010 |
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First Quarter |
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$ |
11.92 |
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$ |
9.49 |
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7.50 |
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(20 |
)% |
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(37 |
)% |
Second Quarter |
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$ |
12.10 |
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$ |
12.19 |
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7.19 |
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1 |
% |
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(41 |
)% |
Third Quarter |
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$ |
11.81 |
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$ |
13.94 |
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$ |
10.09 |
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18 |
% |
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(15 |
)% |
Fourth Quarter |
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$ |
11.85 |
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$ |
12.34 |
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$ |
10.30 |
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4 |
% |
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(13 |
)% |
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(1) |
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Net asset value per share is determined as of the last day in the relevant quarter
and, therefore, may not reflect the net asset value per share on the date of the high and low
closing sales prices. The per share net asset values shown are based on outstanding shares at the
end of each period. |
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(2) |
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Calculated as the difference between the net asset value per share and the respective high or
low closing price, divided by net asset value per share. |
The current volatility in the credit market and the uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy
has led to significant stock market fluctuations, particularly with respect to the stock of
financial services companies like our company. During times of increased price volatility, our
common stock may be more likely to trade at a price below its net asset value per share, which is
not uncommon for BDCs like us. As noted above, however, the current market dislocation has created,
and we believe will continue to create, favorable opportunities to invest in small businesses,
including opportunities that we believe may increase net asset value over the longer-term, even if
financed with the issuance of common stock below net asset value per share. We expect that
attractive investment opportunities will require us to make an investment commitment quickly.
Because we generally attempt to remain fully invested and do not intend to maintain cash for the
purpose of making these investments, we may be unable to capitalize on investment opportunities
presented to us unless we are able to quickly raise capital. We believe that stockholder approval
of the proposal to issue and sell shares below net asset value per share subject to the conditions
detailed below will provide us with the flexibility to invest in such opportunities.
The Board believes that having the flexibility to issue and sell our common stock below net
asset value per share in certain instances is in the best interests of stockholders. If we are
unable to access the capital markets as attractive investment opportunities arise, our ability to
grow over time and continue to pay steady or increasing dividends to stockholders could be
adversely affected. It could also have the effect of forcing us to sell assets that we would not
otherwise sell, and such sales could occur at times that are disadvantageous to sell. The Board
also believes that increasing our assets will lower our expense ratio by spreading our fixed costs
over a larger asset base. The issuance and sale of additional common stock might also enhance the
liquidity of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Additionally, while it is
possible for a BDC to issue and sell its shares through a transferable rights offering at a price
that is below net asset value per share, such offerings may ultimately be at a discount greater
than in an offering of our shares at a market price below our net asset value per share, thus we
believe that having the ability to issue and sell our common stock below net asset value per share
in accordance with the terms of this proposal would, in many instances, be preferable to such an
issuance pursuant to a transferable rights offering.
Example of Dilutive Effect of the Issuance of Shares Below Net Asset Value
Company XYZ has 1,000,000 total shares outstanding, $15,000,000 in total assets and $5,000,000
in total liabilities. The NAV of the common stock of Company XYZ is $10.00 per share.
The following table illustrates the reduction to NAV and the dilution experienced by
Stockholder A following the sale of 40,000 shares of the common stock of Company XYZ at $9.50 per
share, a price below its then current NAV per share.
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Prior to Sale |
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Following Sale |
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Percentage |
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Below NAV |
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Below NAV |
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Change |
Reduction to NAV |
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Total Shares Outstanding |
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1,000,000 |
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1,040,000 |
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4.0 |
% |
NAV |
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$ |
10.00 |
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$ |
9.98 |
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(0.2 |
)% |
Dilution to Stockholder A |
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Shares Held by Stockholder A |
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10,000 |
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10,000 |
(1) |
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Percentage Held by Stockholder A |
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1.00 |
% |
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0.96 |
% |
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(3.8 |
)% |
Total Interest of Stockholder A |
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$ |
100,000 |
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$ |
99,808 |
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(0.2 |
)% |
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(1) |
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Assumes that Stockholder A does not purchase additional shares in the equity offering of
shares below net asset value. |
Conditions to Sales Below Net Asset Value
If this proposal is approved, we would not issue and sell our common stock below its per share
net asset value unless (i) the number of shares issued and sold pursuant to such authority does not
exceed 25% of our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale, and (ii) our
Board concludes that there are attractive near-term investment opportunities that we reasonably
believe will lead to a long-term increase in net asset value. In making such a determination, our
Board will have a duty to act in the best interests of us and our stockholders. To the extent we
issue and sell shares of our common stock below net asset value per share in a publicly registered
transaction, our market
18
capitalization and the amount of our publicly tradable common stock will increase, thus affording
all common stockholders potentially greater liquidity in the market for our shares.
If this proposal is approved, we will issue and sell shares of our common stock at a price
below net asset value per share only if a majority of our directors who have no financial interest
in the issuance and sale, and a majority of such directors who are not interested persons of ours,
have determined in good faith that the price at which such securities are to be issued and sold is
not less than a price which closely approximates the market value of those securities, less any
distributing commission or discount. This determination must be made in consultation with the
underwriter or underwriters of the offering, if any, and as of a time immediately prior to the
first solicitation by us or on our behalf of firm commitments to purchase such securities or
immediately prior to the issuance of such securities.
Key Stockholder Considerations
Before voting on this proposal or giving proxies with regard to this matter, stockholders
should consider the potentially dilutive effect of the issuance and sale of shares of our common
stock in accordance with the terms of this proposal, and should also consider the effect that the
expenses associated with such issuance and sale may have on the net asset value per outstanding
share of our common stock. Any issuance and sale of common stock at a price below net asset value
per share would result in an immediate dilution to existing common stockholders. If we issue and
sell share in accordance with the terms of this proposal, the resulting dilution could be
substantial. This dilution would include reduction in the net asset value per share as a result of
the issuance and sale of shares a proportionately greater decrease in a stockholders interest in
our earnings and assets, and in voting interests, than the increase in our assets resulting from
such issuance and sale. In addition, any payment of underwriting compensation could further
increase the dilution. Our Board will consider the potential dilutive effect of the issuance and
sale of shares in accordance with this proposal when considering whether to authorize any such
issuance and sale. It should be noted that the maximum number of shares that we could issue and
sell at a per share price below NAV per share pursuant to this authority would be limited to 25% of
our then outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale. The 1940 Act establishes a
connection between common share sale price and net asset value per share because, when stock is
sold at a sale price below net asset value per share, the resulting increase in the number of
outstanding shares is not accompanied by a proportionate increase in the net assets of the issuer.
Required Vote
The affirmative vote of each of the following is required to approve this proposal: (1) a
majority of our outstanding voting securities; and (2) a majority of our outstanding voting
securities that are not held by affiliated persons of the Company. For purposes of this proposal,
the 1940 Act defines a majority of the outstanding voting securities as the vote of the lesser of:
(1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Company present at the annual meeting, if the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company are present or
represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company.
Each abstention and broker non-vote will have the effect of a vote against this proposal.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 2.
19
PROPOSAL 3
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of our Board has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm, which will audit the Companys financial
statements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 and has further directed that management
submit the selection of PwC as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for
ratification by the stockholders at the annual meeting. PwC has audited the Companys financial
statements since its fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. Representatives of PwC are expected to
be present at the annual meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire
and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Neither our Bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of
the selection of PwC as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. However, the
Audit Committee is submitting the selection of PwC to the stockholders for ratification as a matter
of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee
will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit
Committee, in its discretion and subject to approval by our Board in accordance with the 1940 Act,
may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time
during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company
and its stockholders.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes case at the annual meeting will be required to
ratify the selection of PwC. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be considered present and
entitled to vote for the purpose of determining whether a quorum exists, although they will not be
counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been approved.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees
The following table represents the aggregate amount of fees capitalized or expensed by us for
the fiscal years ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2010 that were billed by PwC, our
principal independent registered public accounting firm.
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2009 |
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2010 |
Audit Fees (1) |
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$ |
323,464 |
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$ |
381,304 |
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Audit-related Fees (2) |
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$ |
0 |
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$ |
0 |
|
Tax Fees (3) |
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$ |
136,600 |
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$ |
70,695 |
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All Other Fees |
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$ |
0 |
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|
$ |
0 |
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Total |
|
$ |
460,064 |
|
|
$ |
451,999 |
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(1) |
|
2010 Audit Fees include approximately $89,080 in fees billed
in connection with the registration of additional shares of the
Companys common stock during the fiscal year ended September
30, 2010. |
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(2) |
|
Audit-related Fees consist primarily of fees for services related to due diligence
engagements in connection with our proposed investments, which engagements were pre-approved
by the Audit Committee. |
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(3) |
|
Tax Fees consist of fees for tax compliance and preparation services and other state tax
research. |
All fees described above were approved by the Audit Committee. During the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2010, the aggregate non-audit fees paid to PwC for services rendered to our Adviser
and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with our Adviser that provides
ongoing services to us was $19,695. These fees were primarily for professional services
rendered to our Adviser for tax services. The Audit Committee has considered whether, and believes
that, the rendering of these services to our Adviser is compatible with maintaining the independent
registered public accounting firms independence.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy and procedures for the pre-approval of audit and
non-audit services rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm, PwC. The policy
generally pre-approves specified services in the defined categories of audit services, audit
related services, and tax services up to specified amounts. Pre-approval may also be given as part
of the Audit Committees approval of the scope of the engagement of the independent registered
public accounting firm or on an individual explicit case-by-case basis before the independent
registered public accounting firm is engaged to provide each service. The pre-approval of services
may be delegated to one or more of the Audit Committees members, but the decision must be reported
to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.
The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of the services other than audit
services currently being provided by PwC is compatible with maintaining the independent registered
public accounting firms independence.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL 3.
20
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of our common stock
as of November 30, 2010, by: (i) each director and nominee for director; (ii) each of our executive
officers; (iii) all of our executive officers and directors as a group;
and (iv) all those known by us to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of our common
stock. Except as otherwise noted, the address of the individuals below is c/o Gladstone Capital
Corporation, 1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, VA 22102.
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Beneficial Ownership(1) |
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Aggregate Dollar |
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Range of Equity |
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Securities of all |
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Dollar Range of |
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Funds Overseen |
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Equity Securities |
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by Directors |
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of the Company |
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in Family of |
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Number of |
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Percent of |
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Owned by |
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Investment |
Name and Address |
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Shares |
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Total |
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Directors(2) |
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Companies(2)(3) |
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Executive Officers and Directors: |
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David Gladstone |
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1,096,117 |
|
|
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5.2 |
|
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Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
Terry Lee Brubaker (4) |
|
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197,324 |
|
|
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* |
|
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Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
George Stelljes III |
|
|
15,105 |
|
|
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* |
|
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Over $100,000 |
|
Over $100,000 |
Gresford Gray |
|
|
0 |
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|
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* |
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|
None |
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None |
Gary Gerson |
|
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150 |
|
|
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* |
|
|
$ |
1-$10,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,001-$50,000 |
|
Anthony W. Parker |
|
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6,153 |
|
|
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* |
|
|
$ |
50,001-$100,000 |
|
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Over $100,000 |
David A.R. Dullum |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
10,001-$50,000 |
|
|
Over $100,000 |
Michela A. English |
|
|
3,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
10,001-$50,000 |
|
|
$ |
50,001-$100,000 |
|
Paul W. Adelgren |
|
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2,679 |
|
|
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* |
|
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$ |
10,001-$50,000 |
|
|
$ |
50,001-$100,000 |
|
John H. Outland |
|
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1,264 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
$ |
10,001-$50,000 |
|
|
$ |
50,001-$100,000 |
|
Gerard Mead |
|
|
3,033 |
|
|
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* |
|
|
$ |
10,001-$50,000 |
|
|
Over $100,000 |
All executive officers and
directors as a group (11
persons) |
|
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1,327,325 |
|
|
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6.3 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
* |
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Less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal
stockholders. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community
property laws where applicable, we believe that each of the stockholders named in this table has
sole voting and sole investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned.
Applicable percentages are based on 21,039,242 shares outstanding on November 30, 2010. |
|
(2) |
|
Ownership calculated in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the 1934 Act. |
|
(3) |
|
Each of our directors and executive officers, other than Mr. Gray, is also a director or
executive officer, or both, of Gladstone Investment Corporation, our affiliate and a business
development company, and Gladstone Commercial Corporation, our affiliate and a real estate
investment trust, each of which is also externally managed by our Adviser. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 75,114 shares owned by Mr. Brubakers spouse with respect to which Mr. Brubaker
disclaims beneficial ownership. |
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the 1934 Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who
own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC
initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and our other
equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by
SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and
written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended September
30, 2010, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater
than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with.
21
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Our chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief investment officer, chief
financial officer and treasurer are salaried employees of either our Adviser or our Administrator,
which are affiliates of ours. Our Adviser and Administrator pay the salaries and other employee
benefits of the persons in their respective organizations who render services for us. These
services have been and continue to be provided pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement and
the Administration Agreement, as applicable.
Compensation Philosophy
For our long-term success and enhancement of long-term stockholder value, we depend on the
management and analytical abilities of our executive officers, who are employees of, and are
compensated by, our Adviser and Administrator. During the last fiscal year, we implemented our
philosophies of attracting, retaining and rewarding executive officers and others who contribute to
our long-term success and motivating them to enhance stockholder value through our Compensation
Committees oversight of our Advisers compensation practices under the terms of the Advisory
Agreement. The key elements of our compensation philosophy include:
|
|
|
ensuring that base salary paid to our executive officers is competitive with other
leading companies with which we compete for talented investment professionals; |
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ensuring that bonuses paid to our executive officers are sufficient to provide
motivation to achieve our principal business and investment goals and to bring total
compensation to competitive levels; and |
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providing incentives to ensure that our executive officers are motivated over the long
term to achieve our business and investment objectives. |
Base Salary and Bonuses
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, the Compensation Committee fulfilled its
oversight role by reviewing the Advisory Agreement to determine whether the fees paid to our
Adviser were in the best interests of the stockholders. The Compensation Committee has also
reviewed the performance of our Adviser to determine whether the compensation paid to our executive
officers was reasonable in relation to the nature and quality of services performed and whether the
provisions of the Advisory Agreement were being satisfactorily performed. Specifically, the
committee considered factors such as:
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the pay practices of our Adviser in relation to those of leading financial services
companies with which our Adviser competes to attract and retain talented investment
professionals; |
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|
the amount of the fees paid to our Adviser in relation to our size and the composition and
performance of our investments; |
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|
our Advisers ability to hire, train, supervise and manage new employees as needed to
effectively manage our future growth; |
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the success of our Adviser in generating appropriate investment opportunities; |
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rates charged to other investment entities by advisers performing similar services; |
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additional revenues realized by our Adviser and its affiliates through their relationship
with us, whether paid by us or by others with whom we do business; |
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the value of our assets each quarter; |
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the quality and extent of service and advice furnished by our Adviser; |
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the quality of our portfolio relative to the investments generated by our Adviser for its
other clients; and |
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|
the extent to which our Advisers performance helped us to achieve our principal business
and investment objectives of generating income for our stockholders in the form of quarterly
cash distributions that grow over time and increasing the value of our common stock. |
The Compensation Committees oversight role also includes review of the above-described
factors with regard to the compensation of the employees of our Administrator, including our chief
financial officer and treasurer, and our Administrators performance under the Administration
Agreement. Our Board may, pursuant to the terms of each of the Advisory and Administration
Agreements, terminate either of the agreements at any time and without penalty, upon sixty days
prior written notice to our Adviser or our Administrator, as applicable. In the event of an
unfavorable periodic review of the performance of our Adviser or our Administrator in accordance
with the criteria set forth above, the Compensation Committee would provide a report to our Board
of its findings and provide suggestions of remedial measures, if any, to be sought from our Adviser
or our Administrator, as applicable. If such recommendations are, in the future, made by the
Compensation Committee and are not implemented to the satisfaction of the Compensation Committee,
it may recommend exercise of our termination rights under the Advisory Agreement or Administration
Agreement.
22
Long-Term Incentives
The Compensation Committee believes that the incentive structure provided for under the
Advisory Agreement is an effective means of creating long-term stockholder value and promoting
executive retention.
In addition to a base management fee, the Advisory Agreement includes incentive fees that we
pay to our Adviser if our performance reaches certain benchmarks. These incentive fees are intended
to provide an additional incentive for our Adviser to achieve targeted levels of net investment
income and to increase distributions to our stockholders. The incentive fee consists of two parts:
an income-based incentive fee and a capital gains incentive fee. The income-based incentive fee
rewards our Adviser if our quarterly net investment income (before giving effect to any incentive
fee) exceeds 1.75% of our net assets (the hurdle rate). We pay our Adviser an income incentive
fee with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as
follows:
|
|
|
no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment
income does not exceed the hurdle rate (7% annualized); |
|
|
|
|
100% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such
pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less
than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized); and |
|
|
|
|
20% of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds
2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized). |
The second part of the incentive fee is a capital gains incentive fee that is determined and
payable in arrears as of the end of each fiscal year (or upon termination of the Advisory
Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20% of our realized capital gains as of the end
of the fiscal year. In determining the capital gains incentive fee payable to our Adviser, we
calculate the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains and cumulative aggregate realized capital
losses since our inception, and the aggregate unrealized capital depreciation as of the date of the
calculation, as applicable, with respect to each of the investments in our portfolio.
Income realized by our Adviser from any such incentive fees will be paid by our Adviser to
eligible employees in amounts based on their respective contributions to our success in meeting our
goals. This incentive compensation structure is designed to create a direct relationship between
the compensation of our executive officers and other employees of our Adviser and the income and
capital gains realized by us as a result of their efforts on our behalf. We believe that this
structure rewards our executive officers and other employees of our Adviser for the accomplishment
of long-term goals consistent with the interests of our stockholders.
Personal Benefits Policies
Our executive officers are not entitled to operate under different standards than other
employees of our Adviser and our Administrator who work on our behalf. Our Adviser and
Administrator do not have programs for providing personal benefit perquisites to executive
officers, such as permanent lodging, personal use of company vehicles, or defraying the cost of
personal entertainment or family travel. Our Advisers and Administrators health care and other
insurance programs are the same for all of its eligible employees, including our executive
officers. We expect our executive officers to be exemplars under our Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics, which is applicable to all employees of our Adviser and Administrator who work on our
behalf.
Executive Compensation
None of our executive officers receive direct compensation from us. We do not currently have
any employees and do not expect to have any employees in the foreseeable future. The services
necessary for the operation of our business are provided to us by our officers and the other
employees of our Adviser and Administrator, pursuant to the terms of the Advisory and
Administration Agreements, respectively. Mr. Gladstone, our chairman and chief executive officer,
Mr. Brubaker, our vice chairman, chief operating officer and secretary, and Mr. Stelljes, our
president and chief investment officer, are all employees of and compensated directly by our
Adviser. Mr. Gray, our chief financial officer, and Mr. Gerson, our treasurer, are employees of our
Administrator. Under the Administration Agreement, we reimburse our Administrator for our allocable
portion of the salaries of Mr. Gerson, our treasurer, and Mr. Gray, our chief financial officer.
During our last fiscal year, our allocable portion of Mr. Grays compensation paid by our
Administrator was: $46,748 of Mr. Grays salary, $6,167 of his bonus, and $5,883 of the cost of
his benefits.
Employment Agreements
Because our executive officers are employees of our Adviser and our Administrator, we do not
pay cash compensation to them directly in return for their services to us and we do not have
employment agreements with any of our executive officers. Pursuant to the terms of the
Administration Agreement, we make payments equal to our allocable portion of our Administrators
overhead expenses in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement including, but
not limited to, our allocable portion of the salaries and benefits expenses of our chief financial
officer and treasurer. For additional information regarding this arrangement, see Certain
Transactions.
Equity, Post-Employment, Non-Qualified Deferred and Change-In-Control Compensation
We do not offer stock options, any other form of equity compensation, pension benefits,
non-qualified deferred compensation benefits, or termination or change-in-control payments to any
of our executive officers.
Conclusion
We believe that the elements of the Advisers and the Administrators compensation programs
individually and in the aggregate strongly support and reflect the strategic priorities on which we
have based our compensation philosophy. Through the incentive structure of the Advisory
23
Agreement described above, a significant portion of their compensation programs have been, and continue to be
contingent on our performance, and realization of benefits is closely linked to increases in long-term stockholder value. We
remain committed to this philosophy of paying for performance that increases stockholder value. The
Compensation Committee will continue its work to ensure that this commitment is reflected in a
total executive compensation program that enables the Adviser and the Administrator to remain
competitive in the market for talented executives.
Director Compensation
The following table shows for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 certain information
with respect to the compensation of all our non-employee directors:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Compensation |
|
|
|
|
from Fund and |
|
|
Aggregate Compensation |
|
Fund Complex |
Name |
|
from Fund ($) |
|
Paid to Directors ($)(1) |
Paul W. Adelgren |
|
$ |
29,000 |
|
|
$ |
87,000 |
|
Maurice W. Coulon(2) |
|
$ |
33,000 |
|
|
$ |
99,000 |
|
Michela A. English |
|
$ |
32,000 |
|
|
$ |
96,000 |
|
Gerard Mead |
|
$ |
36,000 |
|
|
$ |
108,000 |
|
John H. Outland |
|
$ |
28,000 |
|
|
$ |
84,000 |
|
Anthony W. Parker |
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
|
$ |
105,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes compensation the director
received from Gladstone Investment
Corporation, as part of our Fund
Complex. Also includes compensation
the director received from Gladstone
Commercial Corporation, our
affiliate and a real estate
investment trust, although not part
of our Fund Complex. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Coulon resigned from the Board effective as of September 30, 2010. |
As compensation for serving on our Board, each of our independent directors
receives an annual fee of $20,000, an additional $1,000 for each Board meeting attended, and an
additional $1,000 for each committee meeting attended if such committee meeting takes place on a
day other than when the full Board meets. In addition, the chairperson of the Audit Committee
receives an annual fee of $3,000, and the chairpersons of each of the Compensation and Ethics,
Nominating and Corporate Governance committees receive annual fees of $1,000 for their additional
services in these capacities. We also reimburse our directors for their reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in attending Board and committee meetings.
We do not pay any compensation to directors who also serve as our officers, or as officers or
directors of our Adviser or our Administrator, in consideration for their service to us. Our Board
may change the compensation of our independent directors in its discretion. None of our independent
directors received any compensation from us during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 other
than for Board or committee service and meeting fees.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Advisory and Administration Agreements
Under the Advisory Agreement, our Adviser is responsible for our day-to-day operations and
administration, record keeping and regulatory compliance functions. Specifically, these
responsibilities included identifying, evaluating, negotiating and consummating all investment
transactions consistent with our investment objectives and criteria; providing us with all required
records and regular reports to our Board concerning our Advisers efforts on our behalf; and
maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements applicable to us. The base management fee
under the Advisory Agreement is assessed at an annual rate of 2.0% computed on the basis of the
average value of our gross assets at the end of the two most recently completed quarters, which are
total assets, including investments made with proceeds of borrowings, less any uninvested cash or
cash equivalents resulting from borrowings. The Advisory Agreement also provides for an incentive
fee, which consists of two parts: an income-based incentive fee and a capital gains-based incentive
fee. The income-based incentive fee rewards our Adviser if our quarterly net investment income
(before giving effect to any incentive fee) exceeds 1.75% of our net assets (the hurdle rate). We
pay our Adviser an income-based incentive fee with respect to our pre-incentive fee net investment
income in each calendar quarter as follows:
|
|
|
no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which our pre-incentive fee net investment
income does not exceed the hurdle rate (7% annualized); |
|
|
|
|
100% of our pre-incentive fee net investment income with respect to that portion of such
pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds the hurdle rate but is less
than 2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized); and |
|
|
|
|
20% of the amount of our pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds
2.1875% in any calendar quarter (8.75% annualized). |
The second part of the incentive fee is a capital gains-based incentive fee that is determined
and payable in arrears as of the end of each fiscal year (or upon termination of the Advisory
Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20% of our realized capital gains as of the end
of the fiscal year. In determining the capital gains-based incentive fee payable to our Adviser, we
calculate the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains and cumulative aggregate realized capital
losses since our inception, and the aggregate unrealized capital depreciation as of the date of the
calculation, as applicable, with respect to each of the investments in our portfolio.
24
Under the Administration Agreement, we pay separately for administrative services, which
payments are equal to our allocable portion of
our Administrators overhead expenses in performing its obligations under the Administration
Agreement, including rent for the space occupied by our Administrator, and our allocable portion of
the salaries, bonuses, and benefits expenses of our chief financial officer, treasurer, chief
compliance officer, internal counsel and controller and their respective staffs.
Our Adviser is controlled by David Gladstone, the chairman of our Board and our chief
executive officer. Mr. Gladstone is also the chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive
officer of our Adviser. Terry Lee Brubaker, our vice chairman, chief operating officer, secretary
and director, is a member of the Board of Directors of our Adviser and its vice chairman, chief
operating officer and secretary. George Stelljes III, our president and chief investment officer,
is also a member of the Board of Directors of our Adviser and its president and chief investment
officer. Gary Gerson, our treasurer, is also treasurer of our Adviser.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, we paid total fees of approximately $2,418,000
to our Adviser under the Advisory Agreement and approximately $807,000 to our Administrator
under the Administration Agreement.
The principal executive office of each of the Adviser and the Administrator is located at 1521 Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, Virginia 22102.
Consulting Services Agreements
As a business development company, we make available significant managerial assistance to our
portfolio companies and provide other services to such portfolio companies. Neither we nor our
Adviser currently receives fees in connection with managerial assistance. Our Adviser provides
other services to our portfolio companies and receives fees for these other services.
On October 25, 2010, our Adviser received a payment of $277,015 from Lindmark Acquisition, LLC
(Lindmark), a wholly-owned portfolio company of ours which we own through one of our wholly-owned
subsidiaries, Lindmark Holdings Corp., in connection with the performance of certain consulting
services rendered from March 18, 2009 through March 31, 2010 pursuant to that certain Consulting
Agreement between our Adviser and Lindmark, effective October 10, 2010 and that certain Engagement
Letter Agreement between our Adviser and Lindmark Outdoor Advertising, LLC, dated November 19,
2009. Beginning with April 1, 2010, Lindmark has received current invoices and has remitted
payment for such in a timely manner. Payments for services rendered beginning April 1, 2010 and
ending September 30, 2010 have totaled $40,000.
On October 29, 201, our Adviser received a payment of $213,191 from Bertl, Inc. (Bertl), one
of our wholly-owned portfolio companies, in connection with the performance of certain consulting
services rendered from March 19, 2009 through June 30, 2010 pursuant to that certain Engagement
Letter Agreement, dated March 19, 2009 between Bertl and our Adviser. Beginning with the quarter
ended September 30, 2010, Bertl has received current quarterly invoices from our Adviser for the
provision of such services and has paid current through the quarter ended September 30, 2010. The
amount paid to our Adviser for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 was $7,800.
Loan Servicing Agreement
Our Adviser services our loan portfolio pursuant to a loan servicing agreement with our wholly
owned subsidiary, Gladstone Business Loan, LLC (Business Loan) in return for a 1.5% annual fee,
based on the monthly aggregate outstanding loan balance of the loans pledged under our credit
facility. Loan servicing fees paid to our Adviser under this agreement directly reduce the amount
of fees payable under the Advisory Agreement. Loan servicing fees of approximately $3,412,000 were
incurred for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, all of which were directly credited against
the amount of the base management fee due to our Adviser under the Advisory Agreement.
Loans
At September 30, 2010, we had a loan outstanding in the principal amount of $5,900,010 to Mr.
Gladstone, which was due and payable in cash on August 23, 2010 and, because the loan was not
repaid on its due date, it is currently in default. This loan was originally extended in connection
with the exercise of stock options by Mr. Gladstone under our former Amended and Restated 2001
Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, which was terminated on September 30, 2006 (the 2001 Plan),
and the loan was made on terms available to all eligible participants under the 2001 Plan. The loan
is evidenced by a full recourse promissory note secured by the shares of common stock purchased
upon the exercise of the options as well as additional collateral. The interest rate on the loan is
4.9% per annum, plus an additional 2.0% per annum for periods following the date of default.
Interest is due quarterly and Mr. Gladstone has made each of his quarterly interest payments to
date. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 prohibits us from making loans to our executive officers,
although certain loans outstanding prior to July 30, 2002, including the promissory note we
received from Mr. Gladstone, were expressly exempted from this prohibition. In addition, this loan
meets the requirements set forth in Section 57(j) of the 1940 Act.
Also at September 30, 2010, we had two loans outstanding in the principal amounts of $275,010
and $474,990, respectively, to Laura Gladstone, a managing director of ours and the daughter of Mr.
Gladstone. The outstanding principal amount of the $275,010 loan was originally due on August 23,
2010 and, because the loan was not repaid on its due date, it is now in default. The outstanding
principal amount of the $474,990 loan is due on July 13, 2015. These loans were issued in
connection with the exercise of stock options under the 2001 Plan by Ms. Gladstone, and were made
on terms available to all eligible participants under the 2001 Plan. These loans are evidenced by
full recourse promissory notes and are secured by the shares of common stock purchased upon the
exercise of the options as well as additional collateral. The interest rate on the $275,010 loan
is 4.9% per annum, plus an additional 2.0% per annum for periods following the date of default. The
interest rate on the $474,990 loan is 8.26% per annum . Interest on the loans is due quarterly and
Ms. Gladstone has made each of her quarterly interest payments to date with respect to both loans.
These loans meet the requirements set forth in Section 57(j) of the 1940 Act. Mr. Gladstone has
not received, nor will he receive in the future, any direct or indirect benefit from these loans.
25
On July 9, 2008, our Board voted to require Mr. Gladstone and Ms. Gladstone to post additional
collateral for each of these loans to satisfy the requirement of the 1940 Act that the loans be
fully collateralized at all times, which collateral was subsequently posted by Mr. Gladstone and
Ms. Gladstone.
On September 7, 2010, each of Mr. Gladstone and Ms. Gladstone executed a redemption agreement
with us, each of which provides that, pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof, we will
automatically accept and retire the shares of our common stock pledged as collateral for their
loans in partial or full satisfaction, as applicable, of Mr. Gladstones or Ms. Gladstones
obligations to us under the loans that are in default at such time, if ever, that the trading price
of our common stock reaches $15 per share. In entering into the redemption agreements, we reserved
all of our existing rights under the promissory notes and related pledge agreements, including but
not limited to the ability to foreclose on the shares of common stock pledged as collateral for the
loans, or additional pledged collateral, at any time.
Indemnification
In our articles of incorporation and bylaws, we have agreed to indemnify certain officers and
directors by providing, among other things, that we will indemnify such officer or director, under
the circumstances and to the extent provided for therein, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines
and settlements he or she may be required to pay in actions or proceedings which he or she is or
may be made a party by reason of his or her position as our director, officer or other agent, to
the fullest extent permitted under Maryland law and our bylaws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
indemnification provisions shall not protect any officer or director from liability to us or our
stockholders as a result of any action that would constitute willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of such officers or directors duties, or reckless disregard
of his or her obligations and duties.
Each of the Advisory and Administration Agreements provide that, absent willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties or by reason of the reckless
disregard of their duties and obligations (as the same may be determined in accordance with the
1940 Act and any interpretations or guidance by the SEC or its staff thereunder), our Adviser, our
Administrator and their respective officers, managers, agents, employees, controlling persons,
members and any other person or entity affiliated with them are entitled to indemnification from us
for any damages, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys fees and amounts
reasonably paid in settlement) arising from the rendering of our Advisers or Administrators
services under the Advisory or Administration Agreements or otherwise as an investment adviser of
ours.
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy
the delivery requirements for annual meeting materials with respect to two or more stockholders
sharing the same address by delivering a single set of annual meeting materials addressed to those
stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially means
extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are Gladstone Capital Corporation
stockholders will be householding our proxy materials. A single set of annual meeting materials
will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have
been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that
it will be householding communications to your address, householding will continue until you
are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to
participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate set of annual meeting
materials, please notify your broker. Direct your written request to Investor Relations at 1521
Westbranch Drive, Suite 200, McLean, Virginia, 22102 or call our toll-free investor relations line
at 1-866-366-5745. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the annual meeting
materials at their addresses and would like to request householding of their communications
should contact their brokers.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at
the annual meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with
their best judgment.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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Terry L. Brubaker |
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Secretary |
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December 17, 2010
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GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE 2011 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 17, 2011
The undersigned hereby appoints Gresford Gray and George Stelljes III, and each of them acting
individually, as attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote
all of the shares of stock of Gladstone Capital Corporation which the undersigned may be entitled
to vote at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Gladstone Capital Corporation to be held at
the Hilton McLean at 7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA 22102, on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at
11:00 a.m. (local time), and at any and all postponements, continuations and adjournments thereof,
with all powers that the undersigned would possess if personally present, upon and in respect of
the following matters and in accordance with the following instructions, with discretionary
authority as to any and all other matters that may properly come before the meeting.
Unless a contrary direction is indicated, this proxy will be voted in favor of each of the
nominees listed in Proposal 1 and in favor of Proposals 2 and 3 as more specifically described in
the proxy statement. If specific instructions are indicated, this proxy will be voted in accordance
therewith.
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)
GLADSTONE CAPITAL CORPORATION
P.O. BOX 11037
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0037
To change your address, please mark this box o
DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
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Please vote, date and promptly
return this proxy in the enclosed
return envelope which is postage
prepaid if mailed in the United
States.
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þ
Vote must be indicated þ in Black
or Blue Ink |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH NOMINEE FOR DIRECTOR LISTED BELOW.
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Proposal 1:
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To elect three directors to hold office until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. |
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Nominee: Michela English: |
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FOR
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AGAINST
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ABSTAIN
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Nominee: Anthony Parker: |
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FOR
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AGAINST
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ABSTAIN
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Nominee: George Stelljes III: |
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FOR
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AGAINST
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ABSTAIN
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.
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Proposal 2:
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To approve a
proposal to
authorize us, with
the approval of our
Board of Directors,
to issue and sell
shares of our
common stock
(during the next 12
months) at a price
below its then
current net asset
value per share
subject to certain
limitations set
forth herein
(including, without
limitation, that
the cumulative
number of shares
issued and sold
pursuant to such
authority does not
exceed 25% of our
then outstanding
common stock
immediately prior
to each such sale).
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3.
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Proposal 3:
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To ratify the
selection by the Audit
Committee of the Board
of Directors of
PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP as our independent
registered public
accounting firm for
our fiscal year ending
September 30, 2011.
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FOR
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AGAINST
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In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote on any other business as may properly come
before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
SCANLINE
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear hereon. If the stock is registered in the names of
two or more persons, each should sign. Executor, administrator, trustee, guardian and
attorneys-in-fact should add their titles. If signer is a corporation, please give full corporate
name and have a duly authorized officer sign, stating title. If signer is a partnership, please
sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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