GECC CEO Reports Challenging Q4 Results
Matt Kaplan, GECC's CEO, stated, "Our fourth quarter results reflected a challenging credit environment, including realized and unrealized losses in select positions. We proactively managed the portfolio during the quarter, exiting certain underperforming investments. We ended the period with ample liquidity, and less than 1% of investments on nonaccrual, positioning us to prudently deploy capital into cash-generating opportunities through our proprietary network. In addition, our portfolio had a significantly underweight allocation to software businesses, which represented approximately 6% of total investments at year end and less than 4% at February 27, with our largest software-related position representing less than 1% of the portfolio. While capital deployment remained measured during the quarter, given historically tight spreads, we continued to expand our private credit pipeline, enhance portfolio credit quality, and further diversify the portfolio. Finally, last week, we called $20 million of our GECCO notes for redemption on March 31, 2026. This further bolsters our balance sheet and positions us to strategically address the remaining balance of the notes."
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- NAV Protection Priority: CEO Jason Reese emphasized a near-term focus on protecting and growing net asset value (NAV) by strengthening oversight and accountability, despite a decline in NAV this quarter due to unrealized losses in specific investments.
- Fee Waiver Continuation: Great Elm Capital Management has waived all accrued and unpaid incentive fees for three consecutive quarters, with the waiver amounting to approximately $2.8 million through June 30, 2026, translating to a direct benefit of $0.20 per share for shareholders, significantly easing financial burdens.
- Debt Management Optimization: The company has repurchased $57.5 million of GECCO notes, ensuring no funded debt maturities until 2029, which reduces refinancing risk and enhances financial stability.
- Portfolio Adjustment: During the quarter, the company deployed approximately $22 million across 12 investments, with first lien investments now comprising nearly 75% of the corporate portfolio, the highest level in the company's history, reflecting a strong emphasis on risk management.
- Earnings Release Schedule: Great Elm Capital Corp. will release its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, after market close on May 4, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to transparency and information disclosure.
- Conference Call Timing: The earnings discussion conference call is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET, which is expected to attract attention from investors and analysts seeking insights into the company's financial performance and future outlook.
- Dial-In Information: U.S. participants can dial (877) 407-0789, while international participants should call (201) 689-8562, ensuring they join the call five minutes early for a smooth discussion.
- Webcast Availability: The conference call will be simultaneously webcast via the
- Management Changes: Newly appointed Executive Chairman Jason Reese emphasized the Board's decision to enhance direct engagement with management to navigate a more demanding credit environment, which is expected to improve governance and shareholder value.
- Investment Income Growth: CEO Matt Kaplan reported that net investment income increased over 50% quarter-over-quarter to $0.31 per share, primarily due to higher cash income and stronger CLO joint venture distributions, indicating positive performance in revenue growth.
- Net Asset Value Changes: As of December 31, 2025, the company's net assets were $112.9 million or $8.07 per share, down from $140.1 million or $10.01 per share in the previous quarter, reflecting market volatility amid active portfolio repositioning.
- Dividend Announcement: CFO Keri Davis announced a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share for Q1 2025, equating to a 19.2% annualized yield, demonstrating the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders while maintaining cash flow.
- Board Changes: Jason Reese has been appointed as Executive Chairman of Great Elm Capital, succeeding Matthew Drapkin, who will remain as Vice Chairman, ensuring continuity and stability in corporate governance.
- Fee Waiver: The investment adviser of Great Elm Capital waived all accrued incentive fees as of December 31, 2025, totaling approximately $2.3 million, or $0.16 per share, which will directly enhance the company's net asset value.
- Financial Performance: For the fourth quarter of 2025, the company reported net investment income of $4.4 million, or $0.31 per share, reflecting over 50% growth quarter-over-quarter, demonstrating resilience and profitability in a challenging market environment.
- Dividend Distribution: The board declared a distribution of $0.30 per share for the first quarter of 2026, resulting in an annualized yield of 19.2%, highlighting the company's commitment to shareholder returns and effective cash flow management.
- Earnings Miss: Great Elm Capital reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of -$1.57, missing estimates by $1.91, indicating significant challenges in profitability that could undermine investor confidence.
- Investment Income Growth: Total investment income for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, was $12.6 million, up from $10.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, suggesting improvements in portfolio management despite overall earnings falling short.
- Increased Cash Distributions: The company received $4.3 million in cash distributions from CLO Formation JV in Q4, a substantial increase from $1.5 million in the previous quarter, reflecting improved investment returns that may support future cash flows.
- Declining Net Assets: As of December 31, 2025, GECC's net assets were $112.9 million, down from $140.1 million as of September 30, 2025, primarily due to unrealized losses comprising over half of the change, highlighting vulnerabilities in the balance sheet.








