Fiscal Year Ended 2020 Results:
Interest income increased by $0.3 million, or 0.6%, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, compared to the prior year, due to an increase in the weighted average principal balance of our interest-bearing portfolio year over year, partially offset by a decrease in the weighted average yield on interest-bearing investments driven mainly by the overall decrease in LIBOR throughout the year and spread compression. The weighted average principal balance of our interest-bearing investment portfolio for the year ended September 30, 2020, was $418.0 million, compared to $373.7 million for the year ended September 30, 2019, an increase of $44.3 million, or 11.9%.
Other income decreased by $2.3 million, primarily due to a decrease in success fees, prepayment penalties and dividend income recognized, compared to the prior year, with lower overall repayments received during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, compared to the prior year.
Total expenses decreased 10.4% year over year, primarily due to a $3.1 million decrease in preferred dividend expense due to the redemption of our previously outstanding term preferred stock in October 2019 and a $1.6 million increase in credits to fees from the Adviser, partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in interest expense on borrowings and notes payable.
Net Investment Income for the years ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was $25.2 million, or $0.81 per share, and $24.6 million, or $0.84 per share, respectively.
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations for the year ended September 30, 2020 was $1.9 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to the Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations for the year ended September 30, 2019 of $19.9 million, or $0.68 per share. The year over year change was driven mainly by $18.2 million of unrealized depreciation recognized during the current year. Since March 2020, the U.S. loan market has exhibited a heightened level of volatility and wider credit spreads associated with the uncertainty and potentially adverse economic ramifications of the spread of COVID-19. The combination of the marked increase in market spreads for comparable loan investments and discounts applied to any portfolio company whose markets, or operations have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, were the primary drivers of net unrealized depreciation of investments for year ended September 30, 2020. The decreased performance of certain of our portfolio companies and a decrease in comparable multiples used to estimate the fair value of certain of our portfolio companies also impacted the total net unrealized depreciation.
Subsequent Events: Subsequent to September 30, 2020, the following significant events occurred:
| • | | Distributions and Dividends Declared: In October 2020, our Board of Directors declared the following monthly distributions to common stockholders: |
| | | | | | |
Record Date | | Payment Date | | Distribution per Common Share | |
October 23, 2020 | | October 30, 2020 | | $ | 0.065 | |
November 20, 2020 | | November 30, 2020 | | | 0.065 | |
December 23, 2020 | | December 31, 2020 | | | 0.065 | |
| | | | | | |
| | Total for the Quarter | | $ | 0.195 | |
| | | | | | |
Comments from Gladstone Capital’s President, Bob Marcotte: “The ramifications and impact of Covid-19 were certainly unprecedented; however, we are pleased to report that, on balance, our portfolio performed well and we are closing our fiscal year on a strong note with favorable earnings momentum. While there may be additional challenges ahead, and we have a ways to go to fully recover the unrealized losses of fiscal 2020, our investment principles and strategies are intact and given our modest leverage, we are well positioned to grow our earning asset base and net interest income as we transition into fiscal 2021.”
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