FIDUS INVESTMENT Corp - Quarter Report: 2021 March (Form 10-Q)

10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 814-00861

Fidus Investment Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


Maryland		27-5017321
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1603 Orrington Avenue, Suite 1005 Evanston, Illinois		60201
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

(847) 859-3940

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

n/a

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share	FDUS	The NASDAQ Global Select Market
6.000% Notes due 2024	FDUSZ	The NASDAQ Global Select Market
5.375% Notes due 2024	FDUSG	The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☐ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☐

Non-accelerated filer

☒

Smaller reporting

company ☐

Emerging growth

company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of May 3, 2021, the Registrant had outstanding 24,437,400 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements.	3
	Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities — March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and December 31, 2020	3
	Consolidated Statements of Operations — Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and 2020 (unaudited)	4
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets — Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and 2020 (unaudited)	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and 2020 (unaudited)	6
	Consolidated Schedules of Investments — March 31, 2021 (unaudited) and December 31, 2020	7
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	17
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.	38
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.	57
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures.	58

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings.	59
Item 1A.	Risk Factors.	59
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.	59
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities.	59
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures.	59
Item 5.	Other Information.	59
Item 6.	Exhibits.	60
Signatures
Exhibit Index

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Assets and Liabilities

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)


	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
ASSETS
Investments, at fair value:
Control investments (cost: $26,390 and $32,969, respectively)	$	22,566		$	28,253
Affiliate investments (cost: $42,504 and $31,836, respectively)		96,014			81,394
Non-control/non-affiliate investments (cost: $587,727 and $622,222, respectively)		593,304			633,222

Total investments, at fair value (cost: $656,621 and $687,027, respectively)		711,884			742,869
Cash and cash equivalents		60,175			124,308
Interest receivable		7,091			7,548
Prepaid expenses and other assets		1,733			1,015

Total assets	$	780,883		$	875,740


LIABILITIES

SBA debentures, net of deferred financing costs (Note 6)	$	131,092		$	144,004
Notes, net of deferred financing costs (Note 6)		202,576			300,294
Borrowings under Credit Facility, net of deferred financing costs (Note 6)		14,063			(1,048	)
Accrued interest and fees payable		2,967			3,500
Base management fee payable – due to affiliate		3,176			3,244
Income incentive fee payable – due to affiliate		2,669			2,610
Capital gains incentive fee payable – due to affiliate		11,122			11,031
Administration fee payable and other – due to affiliate		194			576
Taxes (receivable) payable		(425	)		275
Accounts payable and other liabilities		437			494

Total liabilities		367,871			464,980

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

NET ASSETS

Common stock, $0.001 par value (100,000,000 shares authorized, 24,437,400 and 24,437,400 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively)		24			24
Additional paid-in capital		363,751			363,751
Total distributable earnings		49,237			46,985

Total net assets		413,012			410,760

Total liabilities and net assets	$	780,883		$	875,740

Net asset value per common share	$	16.90		$	16.81

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021			2020
Investment Income:
Interest income
Control investments	$	593		$	432
Affiliate investments		848			983
Non-control/non-affiliate investments		17,697			16,052

Total interest income		19,138			17,467
Payment-in-kind interest income
Control investments		341			425
Affiliate investments		111			40
Non-control/non-affiliate investments		516			616

Total payment-in-kind interest income		968			1,081
Dividend income
Control investments		—			—
Affiliate investments		—			107
Non-control/non-affiliate investments		93			29

Total dividend income		93			136
Fee income
Control investments		400			—
Affiliate investments		183			—
Non-control/non-affiliate investments		2,508			1,291

Total fee income		3,091			1,291
Interest on idle funds		—			8

Total investment income		23,290			19,983

Expenses:
Interest and financing expenses		5,194			4,960
Base management fee		3,176			3,272
Incentive fee - income		2,669			1,855
Incentive fee (reversal) - capital gains		91			(8,878	)
Administrative service expenses		413			466
Professional fees		323			553
Other general and administrative expenses		345			335

Total expenses		12,211			2,563

Net investment income before income taxes		11,079			17,420
Income tax provision (benefit)		(2	)		3

Net investment income		11,081			17,417

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments:
Net realized gains (losses):
Control investments		957			—
Affiliate investments		—			24,332
Non-control/non-affiliate investments		2,259			7,046

Total net realized gain (loss) on investments		3,216			31,378

Income tax (provision) benefit from realized gains on investments		—			(1,051	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation):
Control investments		892			(1,696	)
Affiliate investments		3,952			(39,253	)
Non-control/non-affiliate investments		(5,423	)		(33,641	)

Total net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		(579	)		(74,590	)

Net gain (loss) on investments		2,637			(44,263	)
Realized losses on extinguishment of debt		(2,180	)		(125	)

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	11,538		$	(26,971	)

Per common share data:
Net investment income per share-basic and diluted	$	0.45		$	0.71

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations per share — basic and diluted	$	0.47		$	(1.10	)

Dividends declared per share	$	0.38		$	0.39

Weighted average number of shares outstanding — basic and diluted		24,437,400			24,457,634

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares)


	Common Stock						Additional			Total
	Number of			Par			paid-in			distributable			Total net
	shares			value			capital			earnings			assets
Balances at December 31, 2019		24,463,119		$	24		$	366,061		$	46,225		$	412,310
Repurchases of common stock under Stock Repurchase Program (Note 8)		(25,719	)		(0	)*		(268	)		—			(268	)
Net investment income		—			—			—			17,417			17,417
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, net of taxes		—			—			—			30,327			30,327
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		—			—			—			(74,590	)		(74,590	)
Realized losses on extinguishment of debt		—			—			—			(125	)		(125	)
Dividends declared		—			—			—			(9,537	)		(9,537	)

Balances at March 31, 2020		24,437,400		$	24		$	365,793		$	9,717		$	375,534

Balances at December 31, 2020		24,437,400		$	24		$	363,751		$	46,985		$	410,760

Net investment income		—			—			—			11,081			11,081
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, net of taxes		—			—			—			3,216			3,216
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		—			—			—			(579	)		(579	)
Realized losses on extinguishment of debt		—			—			—			(2,180	)		(2,180	)
Dividends declared		—			—			—			(9,286	)		(9,286	)

Balances at March 31, 2021		24,437,400		$	24		$	363,751		$	49,237		$	413,012

* amount is greater than zero but less than one

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

(in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021			2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations	$	11,538		$	(26,971	)
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments		579			74,590
Net realized (gain) loss on investments		(3,216	)		(31,378	)
Interest and dividend income paid-in-kind		(968	)		(1,081	)
Accretion of original issue discount		(597	)		(87	)
Accretion of loan origination fees		(747	)		(260	)
Purchase of investments		(63,107	)		(68,192	)
Proceeds from sales and repayments of investments		98,565			73,772
Proceeds from loan origination fees		476			615
Realized losses on extinguishment of debt		2,180			125
Amortization of deferred financing costs		583			550
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Interest receivable		457			889
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(652	)		224
Accrued interest and fees payable		(533	)		(1,283	)
Base management fee payable – due to affiliate		(68	)		(63	)
Income incentive fee payable – due to affiliate		59			358
Capital gains incentive fee (reversal) – due to (from) affiliate		91			(8,878	)
Administration fee payable and other – due to affiliate		(382	)		160
Taxes payable		(700	)		(424	)
Accounts payable and other liabilities		(57	)		480

Net cash provided by (used for) operating activities		43,501			13,146

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds received from SBA debentures		6,000			6,000
Repayments of SBA debentures		(19,200	)		(7,000	)
Principal payments on Notes		(100,000	)		—
Proceeds received from (repayments of) borrowings under Credit Facility, net		15,000			10,000
Payment of deferred financing costs		(148	)		(128	)
Dividends paid to stockholders, including expenses		(9,286	)		(9,537	)
Repurchases of common stock under Stock Repurchase Program		—			(268	)

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities		(107,634	)		(933	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(64,133	)		12,213
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period		124,308			15,012

End of period	$	60,175		$	27,225

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash payments for interest	$	5,144		$	5,693
Cash payments for taxes, net of tax refunds received	$	698		$	1,478

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

March 31, 2021

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b)			Variable Index	Rate (e)		Investment				Principal				Fair		Percent of
Investment Type (c)	Industry		Spread / Floor (d)	Cash/PIK		Date (f)		Maturity		Amount		Cost		Value (g)		Net Assets
Control Investments (t)
US GreenFiber, LLC		Building Products Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt (j)					8.00%/5.00%		7/3/2014		8/30/2024	$	15,580	$	15,576	$	13,140
Second Lien Debt (j)					8.50%/6.50%		11/9/2018		8/30/2024		5,115		5,115		5,249
Second Lien Debt (j)					8.50%/6.50%		8/10/2020		8/30/2024		4,089		4,089		4,177
Common Equity (2,522 units) (h)(j)							7/3/2014						586		—
Common Equity (425,508 units) (j)							8/30/2019						1		—
Common Equity (1,022,813 units) (h)(j)							7/1/2020						1,023		—

													26,390		22,566		5	%

Total Control Investments												$	26,390	$	22,566		5	%

Affiliate Investments (l)
FAR Research Inc. (n)		Specialty Chemicals
Common Equity (1,396 units)							3/31/2014					$	—	$	28		0	%

Fiber Materials, Inc. (n)		Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Common Equity (10 units)							11/30/2016						—		42		0	%

Medsurant Holdings, LLC		Healthcare Services
Second Lien Debt (j)					14.00%/0.00%		12/18/2015		3/10/2022		8,031		8,029		8,091
Preferred Equity (63,331 units) (h)(j)							4/12/2011						673		623
Warrant (252,588 units) (h)(j)(m)							4/12/2011						2,258		2,259

													10,960		10,973		3	%
Mirage Trailers LLC		Utility Equipment Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt (k)			(L + 10.00%) / (1.00%)		11.00%/5.00%		11/25/2015		11/25/2021		6,492		6,570		6,492
Common Equity (2,500,000 shares)							11/25/2015						2,188		1,277

													8,758		7,769		2	%
Pfanstiehl, Inc.		Healthcare Products
Common Equity (4,250 units) (j)							3/29/2013						425		34,018		8	%

Pinnergy, Ltd.		Oil & Gas Services
Common Equity - Class A-2 (42,500 units) (j)							10/13/2016						3,000		20,895		5	%

Spectra A&D Acquisition, Inc. (fka FDS Avionics Corp.)		Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
First Lien Debt (ag)			(L + 5.50%) / (1.00%)		6.50%/0.00%		2/12/2021		2/11/2026		8,000		7,942		7,942
Common Equity (41,290 units) (j)							2/12/2021						2,609		4,240

													10,551		12,182		3	%
Steward Holding LLC (dba Steward Advanced Materials)		Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt					12.00%/1.50%		11/12/2015		10/31/2021		7,812		7,810		7,812
Common Equity (1,000,000 units)							11/12/2015						1,000		2,295

													8,810		10,107		2	%

Total Affiliate Investments												$	42,504	$	96,014		23	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

March 31, 2021

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b)		Variable Index	Rate (e)		Investment				Principal				Fair		Percent of
Investment Type (c)	Industry	Spread / Floor (d)	Cash/PIK		Date (f)		Maturity		Amount		Cost		Value (g)		Net Assets
Non-control/Non-affiliate Investments
Allied 100 Group, Inc.	Healthcare Products
Subordinated Debt (k)				11.25%/0.00%		7/31/2019		5/26/2023	$	21,501	$	21,439	$	21,501
Common Equity (625,000 units) (j)						11/26/2014						626		1,039

												22,065		22,540		6	%
Allredi, LLC (fka Marco Group International OpCo, LLC)	Industrial Cleaning & Coatings
Second Lien Debt				10.50%/1.75%		3/2/2020		9/2/2026		10,125		10,041		7,858
Common Equity (570,636 units) (h)(j)						7/21/2017						637		159

												10,678		8,017		2	%
Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center, LLC	Healthcare Services
Common Equity (500 units) (h)(j)						10/23/2018						500		880		0	%

American AllWaste LLC (dba WasteWater Transport Services)	Environmental Industries
Second Lien Debt (j)		(L + 11.00%) / (2.00%)		13.00%/0.00%		5/31/2018		11/30/2023		17,503		17,440		17,503
Preferred Equity (500 units) (h)(j)						5/31/2018						500		121
Preferred Equity (207 units) (h)(j)						8/6/2019						250		226
Preferred Equity (141 units) (h)(j)						11/2/2020						171		171

												18,361		18,021		4	%
Applied Data Corporation	Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (v)		(L + 6.25%) / (1.50%)		7.75%/0.00%		11/6/2020		11/6/2025		8,000		7,951		7,951
Common Equity (22 units)						11/6/2020						—		—
Preferred Equity (1,070,614 units)						11/6/2020						1,071		1,071

												9,022		9,022		2	%
Argo Turboserve Corporation	Business Services
Second Lien Debt (j)		(L + 10.75%) / (2.00%)		12.75%/0.00%		12/26/2018		6/28/2023		12,750		12,713		12,750		3	%

AVC Investors, LLC (dba Auveco)	Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)				11.50%/0.00%		1/3/2018		7/3/2023		22,500		22,453		22,500
Common Equity (5,000 units) (j)						1/3/2018						487		481

												22,940		22,981		6	%
B&B Roadway and Security Solutions, LLC	Component Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt				11.25%/4.00%		2/27/2018		1/1/2022		11,019		11,004		10,399
Common Equity (50,000 units) (h)(j)						2/27/2018						497		—

												11,501		10,399		3	%
Bandon Fitness (Texas), Inc.	Retail
Common Equity (545,810 units) (j)						8/9/2019						931		328		0	%

BCM One Group Holdings, Inc.	Information Technology Services
Subordinated Debt (k)				11.00%/0.00%		1/3/2019		7/3/2024		30,000		29,895		30,000
Common Equity (1,281 shares)						1/3/2019						48		653
Preferred Equity (74 shares)						1/3/2019						736		736

												30,679		31,389		8	%
Bedford Precision Parts LLC	Specialty Distribution
First Lien Debt (j)(s)		(L + 6.25%) / (2.00%)		8.25%/0.00%		3/12/2019		3/12/2024		4,531		4,509		4,216
Common Equity (500,000 units) (h)(j)						3/12/2019						500		247

												5,009		4,463		1	%
Cardboard Box LLC (dba Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza)	Restaurants
Common Equity (521,021 units) (j)						12/15/2015						521		—
Preferred Equity (1,043,133 units) (j)						12/6/2019						96		22

												617		22		0	%
Combined Systems, Inc.	Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
First Lien Debt		(L + 10.00%) / (2.00%)		12.00%/0.00%		1/31/2020		1/31/2025		7,500		7,456		7,369
Revolving Loan ($550 unfunded commitment) (j)(ac)		(L + 9.00%) / (2.00%)		11.00%/0.00%		1/31/2020		1/31/2025		3,450		3,431		3,450

												10,887		10,819		3	%
Comply365, LLC	Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
First Lien Debt (ad)		(L + 8.00%) / (1.00%)		9.00%/0.00%		12/11/2020		12/11/2025		9,570		9,433		9,433
Common Equity (1,000,000 units)						12/11/2020						1,000		1,000

												10,433		10,433		3	%
CRS Solutions Holdings, LLC (dba CRS Texas)	Business Services
Second Lien Debt				10.50%/1.50%		3/14/2018		4/30/2024		11,347		11,315		11,347
Common Equity ($74 unfunded commitment) (489,712 units) (h)(j)						3/14/2018						547		347

												11,862		11,694		3	%
Dataguise, Inc.	Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (j)				11.00%/0.00%		12/31/2020		12/31/2023		20,000		19,908		19,908
Common Equity (909 shares) (j)						12/31/2020						1,500		1,500

												21,408		21,408		5	%
Diversified Search LLC	Business Services
First Lien Debt (k)(r)		(L + 8.00%) / (1.75%)		9.75%/0.00%		2/7/2019		2/7/2024		17,355		17,175		17,355
Common Equity (573 units) (h)(j)						2/7/2019						593		657

												17,768		18,012		4	%
EBL, LLC (EbLens)	Retail
Second Lien Debt (j)(p)				12.00%/1.00%		7/13/2017		1/13/2023		9,253		9,218		5,709
Common Equity (75,000 units) (j)						7/13/2017						750		—

												9,968		5,709		1	%
ECM Industries, LLC	Component Manufacturing
Subordinated Debt (j)				11.50%/0.00%		4/30/2020		5/23/2026		11,500		11,305		11,500
Common Equity (1,000,000 units) (h)(j)						4/30/2020						1,000		1,830

												12,305		13,330		3	%
Elements Brands, LLC	Consumer Products
First Lien Debt				12.25%/0.00%		12/31/2020		12/31/2025		6,000		5,968		5,968
Revolving Loan ($838 unfunded commitment) (i)(j)				12.25%/0.00%		12/31/2020		12/31/2025		2,162		2,146		2,146

												8,114		8,114		2	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

March 31, 2021

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b)		Variable Index	Rate (e)		Investment				Principal				Fair		Percent of
Investment Type (c)	Industry	Spread / Floor (d)	Cash/PIK		Date (f)		Maturity		Amount		Cost		Value (g)		Net Assets
Frontline Food Services, LLC (f/k/a Accent Food Services, LLC)	Vending Equipment Manufacturing
Preferred Equity (Class A Units) (46 units) (j)						12/31/2020						2,000		2,000
Common Equity (Class B Units) (124 units) (j)						12/31/2020						—		—
Preferred Equity (Class C Units) (100 units) (j)						12/31/2020						—		—

												2,000		2,000		0	%
Global Plasma Solutions, Inc.	Component Manufacturing
Common Equity (947 shares) (j)						9/21/2018						52		10,011		2	%

GP&C Operations, LLC (dba Garlock Printing and Converting)	Component Manufacturing
First Lien Debt (w)		(L + 7.25%) / (1.00%)		8.25%/0.00%		1/22/2021		1/22/2026		11,000		10,841		10,841
Common Equity (515,625 units) (h)(j)						1/22/2021						516		516

												11,357		11,357		3	%
Gurobi Optimization, LLC	Information Technology Services
Common Equity (3 shares)						12/19/2017						607		1,824		0	%

Haematologic Technologies, Inc.	Healthcare Services
First Lien Debt (x)		(L + 8.25%) / (2.00%)		10.25%/0.00%		10/11/2019		10/11/2024		5,500		5,471		5,093
Common Equity (549 units) (h)(j)						10/11/2019						549		112

												6,020		5,205		1	%
Hallmark Health Care Solutions, Inc.	Healthcare Services
First Lien Debt (j)(ae)		(L + 7.25%) / (1.50%)		8.75%/0.00%		12/4/2020		12/4/2025		8,500		8,440		8,440
Common Equity (750,000 units) (j)						12/4/2020						750		750

												9,190		9,190		2	%
Healthfuse, LLC	Healthcare Services
First Lien Debt (af)		(L + 7.25%) / (1.00%)		8.25%/0.00%		11/13/2020		11/13/2025		6,000		5,962		5,962
Preferred Equity (197,980 units)						11/13/2020						750		750

												6,712		6,712		2	%
Hilco Plastics Holdings, LLC (dba Hilco Technologies)	Component Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt (j)				11.50%/1.50%		9/23/2016		12/31/2019		10,346		10,346		10,148
Revolving Loan (j)		(L + 6.50%) / (0.00%)		6.62%/0.00%		12/20/2019		12/15/2019		5,962		5,962		5,962
First Lien Debt (j)		(L + 6.95%) / (0.00%)		7.07%/0.00%		12/20/2019		12/15/2019		4,707		4,707		4,707
Preferred Equity (1,000,000 units) (h)(j)						4/18/2018						1,000		—
Common Equity (72,507 units) (h)(j)						9/23/2016						473		—

												22,488		20,817		5	%
Hub Acquisition Sub, LLC (dba Hub Pen)	Promotional products
Second Lien Debt (k)				13.50%/0.00%		3/23/2016		3/31/2023		25,000		24,977		21,294
Common Equity (3,750 units)						3/23/2016						131		—
Preferred Equity (868 units) (j)						10/16/2020						154		55

												25,262		21,349		5	%
IBH Holdings, LLC (fka Inflexxion, Inc.)	Business Services
Common Equity (150,000 units)						6/20/2018						—		415		0	%

Ipro Tech, LLC	Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (j)(u)		(L + 8.50%) / (2.00%)		10.50%/0.00%		6/30/2020		6/30/2025		2,453		1,934		2,453		1	%

K2 Merger Agreement Agent, LLC (fka K2 Industrial Services, Inc.) (n)	Industrial Cleaning & Coatings
Second Lien Debt (j)				0.00%/10.00%		1/28/2019		1/28/2023		2,194		2,194		2,194		1	%

The Kyjen Company, LLC (dba Outward Hound)	Consumer Products
Second Lien Debt (k)				12.00%/0.00%		12/8/2017		6/8/2024		15,000		14,963		15,000
Common Equity (765 shares) (j)						12/8/2017						765		969

												15,728		15,969		4	%
LifeSpan Biosciences, Inc.	Healthcare Products
Subordinated Debt (j)				11.50%/0.00%		3/19/2021		9/19/2026		16,000		15,921		15,921
Common Equity (100 shares) (j)						3/19/2021						1,000		1,000

												16,921		16,921		4	%
LNG Indy, LLC (dba Kinetrex Energy)	Oil & Gas Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)				11.50%/0.00%		12/28/2016		11/12/2021		10,127		10,114		10,127
Common Equity (500 units)						12/28/2016						500		1,052

												10,614		11,179		3	%
Mesa Line Services, LLC	Utilities: Services
Second Lien Debt (j)				10.50%/1.50%		11/30/2017		8/1/2024		17,561		17,498		15,321
Common Equity (981 shares) (j)						11/30/2017						1,148		215

												18,646		15,536		4	%
Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc.	Transportation services
Warrant (7,192 shares) (j)(m)						6/23/2017						180		140
Warrant (4.79% of Junior Subordinated Notes) (j)(q)						6/23/2017						190		253

												370		393		0	%
NGT Acquisition Holdings, LLC (dba Techniks Industries)	Component Manufacturing
Common Equity (378 units) (j)						5/24/2017						500		254		0	%

OMC Investors, LLC (dba Ohio Medical Corporation)	Healthcare Products
Second Lien Debt				13.00%/0.00%		1/26/2021		6/30/2024		5,000		4,953		4,954
Common Equity (5,000 units)						1/15/2016						222		668

												5,175		5,622		1	%
Palisade Company, LLC	Information Technology Services
Common Equity (50 shares) (j)						11/15/2018						500		829		0	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

March 31, 2021

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b)			Variable Index	Rate (e)	Investment			Principal				Fair		Percent of
Investment Type (c)	Industry		Spread / Floor (d)	Cash/PIK	Date (f)	Maturity		Amount		Cost		Value (g)		Net Assets
Palmetto Moon, LLC		Retail
First Lien Debt (j)				11.50%/2.50%	11/3/2016		10/31/2021		4,731		4,726		4,731
Common Equity (499 units) (j)					11/3/2016						494		307

											5,220		5,038		1	%
Pool & Electrical Products, LLC		Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (j)				11.75%/0.00%	10/28/2020		4/28/2027		12,000		11,888		11,889
Common Equity (15,000 units) (h)(j)					10/28/2020						1,500		1,500

											13,388		13,389		3	%
Power Grid Components, Inc.		Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)				11.00%/0.50%	4/12/2018		12/2/2025		17,466		17,394		17,466
Preferred Equity (392 shares) (j)					4/12/2018						392		522
Preferred Equity (48 shares) (j)					12/2/2019						48		64
Common Equity (10,622 shares) (j)					4/12/2018						462		777

											18,296		18,829		5	%
Prime AE Group, Inc.		Business Services
First Lien Debt (j)			(L + 6.25%) / (2.00%)	8.25%/0.00%	11/25/2019		11/25/2024		6,667		6,526		6,667
Preferred Equity (500,000 shares) (j)					11/25/2019						500		613

											7,026		7,280		2	%
Pugh Lubricants, LLC (n)		Specialty Distribution
Common Equity (3,062 units) (h)(j)					11/10/2016						—		23		0	%

Revenue Management Solutions, LLC		Information Technology Services
Common Equity (113 shares)					1/4/2017						1,125		3,439		1	%

Rhino Assembly Company, LLC		Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)				12.00%/1.00%	8/11/2017		2/11/2023		10,708		10,686		10,708
Delayed Draw Commitment ($875 unfunded commitment) (i)(j)				12.00%/1.00%	8/11/2017		5/17/2022		—		—		—
Common Equity (Class A Units) (8,864 units) (h)(j)					8/11/2017						944		757
Preferred Equity (Units N/A) (h)(j)					12/10/2020						136		140
Common Equity (Class F Units) (355 units) (h)(j)					12/10/2020						—		—

											11,766		11,605		3	%
Road Safety Services, Inc.		Business Services
Second Lien Debt				11.25%/1.50%	9/18/2018		3/18/2024		10,418		10,392		10,418
Common Equity (655 units)					9/18/2018						621		1,101

											11,013		11,519		3	%
Routeware, Inc.		Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (k)(aa)			(L + 6.75%) / (1.25%)	8.00%/0.00%	2/7/2020		2/7/2026		16,888		16,797		16,888		4	%

SES Investors, LLC (dba SES Foam)		Building Products Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt				13.00%/0.00%	9/8/2016		12/29/2022		1,000		997		1,000
Common Equity (6,000 units) (h)(j)					9/8/2016						537		1,771

											1,534		2,771		1	%
Specialized Elevator Services Holdings, LLC		Business Services
First Lien Debt (j)(y)			(L + 5.25%) / (2.00%)	7.25%/0.00%	5/7/2019		5/3/2024		12,889		12,790		12,889
Common Equity (596 units) (j)					5/8/2019						596		600

											13,386		13,489		3	%
SpendMend LLC		Business Services
Common Equity (1,000,000 units)					1/8/2018						972		1,986		1	%

TransGo, LLC		Component Manufacturing
Common Equity (500 units) (j)					2/28/2017						457		1,154		0	%

The Tranzonic Companies		Specialty Distribution
Subordinated Debt (j)				10.00%/1.00%	3/27/2018		3/27/2025		7,019		6,979		7,019
Preferred Equity (5,653 units) (j)					3/27/2018						565		747
Common Equity (1 units) (j)					3/27/2018						—		999

											7,544		8,765		2	%
UBEO, LLC		Business Services
Subordinated Debt (j)				11.00%/0.00%	4/3/2018		10/3/2024		13,893		13,819		13,893
Common Equity (705,000 units) (h)(j)					4/3/2018						668		659

											14,487		14,552		4	%
United Biologics, LLC		Healthcare Services
Preferred Equity (98,377 units) (h)(j)					4/1/2012						1,008		—
Warrant (57,469 units) (j)(m)					3/5/2012						566		—

											1,574		—		0	%
Virginia Tile Company, LLC		Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (j)				12.25%/0.00%	12/19/2014		4/7/2022		12,000		12,000		12,000
Common Equity (17 units) (j)					12/19/2014						342		706

											12,342		12,706		3	%
Western’s Smokehouse, LLC		Consumer Products
First Lien Debt (j)(ab)			(L + 6.50%) / (1.25%)	7.75%/0.00%	2/28/2020		12/23/2024		10,000		9,884		10,000		2	%

Wheel Pros, Inc.		Specialty Distribution
Preferred Equity (347,222 units) (j)					5/15/2019						301		1,817		0	%

Wonderware Holdings, LLC (dba CORE Business Technologies)		Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt ($2,000 unfunded commitment) (k)(z)			(L + 7.25%) / (1.00%)	8.25%/0.00%	2/10/2021		2/9/2026		6,500		6,453		6,453		2	%

Worldwide Express Operations, LLC		Transportation services
Second Lien Debt (j)			(L + 8.00%) / (1.00%)	9.00%/0.00%	2/27/2017		2/3/2025		20,000		19,804		20,000
Common Equity (2,000 units) (h)(j)					2/27/2017						1,478		2,191

											21,282		22,191		5	%
Xeeva, Inc.		Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (j)			(L + 10.50%) / (1.50%)	12.00%/0.00%	2/11/2021		2/11/2026		8,900		8,849		8,849
Delayed Draw Commitment ($400 unfunded commitment) (j)(o)					2/11/2021						—		—

											8,849		8,849		2	%

Total Non-control/Non-affiliate Investments										$	587,727	$	593,304		144	%

Total Investments										$	656,621	$	711,884		172	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

March 31, 2021

(in thousands, except shares)

(a)	See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for portfolio composition by geographic location.

(b)	Equity ownership may be held in shares or units of companies related to the portfolio companies.

(c)	All debt investments are income producing, unless otherwise indicated. Equity investments are non-income producing unless otherwise noted.

(d)

Variable rate investments bear interest at a rate indexed to LIBOR (L), which is reset monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, or semi-annually. Certain variable rate investments also include a LIBOR interest rate floor. For each investment, the Company has provided the spread over the reference rate and the LIBOR floor, if any, as of March 31, 2021.

(e)	Rate includes the cash interest or dividend rate and paid-in-kind interest or dividend rate, if any, as of March 31, 2021. Generally, payment-in-kind interest can be paid-in-kind or all in cash.

(f)	Investment date represents the date of the initial investment in the security.

(g)

The Company’s investment portfolio is comprised entirely of debt and equity securities of privately held companies for which quoted prices falling within the categories of Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are not available. Therefore, the Company values all of its portfolio investments at fair value, as determined in good faith by the board of directors, using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs.

(h)	Investment is held by a taxable subsidiary of the Company.

(i)	The disclosed commitment represents the unfunded amount as of March 31, 2021. The Company is earning 0.50% interest on the unfunded balance of the commitment. The interest rate disclosed represents the rate which will be earned if the commitment is funded.

(j)	Investment pledged as collateral for the Credit Facility and, as a result, is not directly available to the creditors of the Company to satisfy any obligations of the Company other than the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).

(k)

The portion of the investment not held by the Funds is pledged as collateral for the Credit Facility and, as a result, is not directly available to the creditors of the Company to satisfy any obligations of the Company other than the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).

(l)

As defined in the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be an “Affiliated Person” of this portfolio company because it owns 5% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or it has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. Transactions in which the issuer was an Affiliated Person are detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

(m)	Warrants entitle the Company to purchase a predetermined number of shares or units of common equity, and are non-income producing. The purchase price and number of shares are subject to adjustment under certain conditions until the expiration date, if any.

(n)	Investment in portfolio company that has sold its operations and is in the process of winding down.

(o)	The disclosed commitment represents the unfunded amount as of March 31, 2021. The Company is earning 5.20% interest on the unfunded balance of the commitment. The interest rate disclosed represents the rate which will be earned if the commitment is funded.

(p)	Investment was on PIK-only non-accrual status as of March 31, 2021, meaning the Company has ceased recognizing PIK interest income on the investment.

(q)	Warrant entitles the Company to purchase 4.79% of the outstanding principal of Junior Subordinated Notes prior to exercise, and is non-income producing.

(r)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 5.75% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(s)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.13% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(t)

As defined in the 1940 Act, the Company is deemed to be both an “Affiliated Person” of and “Control” this portfolio company because it owns 25% or more of the portfolio company’s outstanding voting securities or it has the power to exercise control over the management or policies of such portfolio company. Transactions in which the issuer was both an Affiliated Person and a portfolio company that the Company is deemed to Control are detailed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

(u)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 4.50% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(v)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 4.25% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(w)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 7.45% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(x)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.11% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(y)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.86% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(z)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 5.92% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(aa)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.09% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(ab)

(ac)	The disclosed commitment represents the unfunded amount as of March 31, 2021. The Company is earning 1.00% interest on the unfunded balance of the commitment. The interest rate disclosed represents the rate earned on the outstanding, funded balance of the commitment.

(ad)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.33% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(ae)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.31% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(af)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 4.03% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(ag)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 5.50% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b) Investment Type (c)	Industry	Variable Index Spread / Floor (d)	Rate (e) Cash/PIK	Investment Date (f)		Maturity		Principal Amount		Cost		Fair Value (g)		Percent of Net Assets
Control Investments (t)
FDS Avionics Corp. (dba Flight Display Systems)	Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt			6.00%/9.00%		11/5/2014		12/31/2021	$	4,836	$	4,836	$	4,836
Revolving Loan ($30 unfunded commitment)			6.00%/9.00%		4/12/2018		12/31/2021		286		286		286
Common Equity (7,478 shares) (j)					11/10/2017						748		—
Preferred Equity (2,550 shares)					12/26/2019						2,550		2,269

											8,420		7,391		2	%
US GreenFiber, LLC	Building Products Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt (j)			8.00%/5.00%		7/3/2014		8/30/2024		15,382		15,378		13,078
Second Lien Debt (j)			8.50%/6.50%		11/9/2018		8/30/2024		5,028		5,028		5,183
Second Lien Debt (j)			8.50%/6.50%		8/10/2020		8/30/2024		2,533		2,533		2,601
Common Equity (2,522 units) (h)(j)					7/3/2014						586		—
Common Equity (425,508 units) (j)					8/30/2019						1		—
Common Equity (1,022,813 units) (h)(j)					7/1/2020						1,023		—

											24,549		20,862		5	%

Total Control Investments										$	32,969	$	28,253		7	%

Affiliate Investments (l)
FAR Research Inc. (n)	Specialty Chemicals
Common Equity (1,396 units)					3/31/2014					$	—	$	28		0	%

Fiber Materials, Inc. (n)	Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Common Equity (10 units)					11/30/2016						—		41		0	%

Medsurant Holdings, LLC	Healthcare Services
Second Lien Debt (j)			14.00%/0.00%		12/18/2015		3/10/2022		8,031		8,028		8,091
Preferred Equity (63,331 units) (h)(j)					4/12/2011						673		620
Warrant (252,588 units) (h)(j)(m)					4/12/2011						2,258		2,249

											10,959		10,960		3	%
Mirage Trailers LLC	Utility Equipment Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt (k)		(L + 10.00%) / (1.00%)	11.00%/5.00%		11/25/2015		11/25/2021		6,410		6,483		6,410
Common Equity (2,500,000 shares) (o)					11/25/2015						2,188		84

											8,671		6,494		2	%
Pfanstiehl, Inc.	Healthcare Products
Common Equity (4,250 units) (j)					3/29/2013						425		33,505		8	%

Pinnergy, Ltd.	Oil & Gas Services
Common Equity - Class A-2 (42,500 units) (j)					10/13/2016						3,000		20,589		5	%

Steward Holding LLC (dba Steward Advanced Materials)	Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt			12.00%/1.50%		11/12/2015		10/31/2021		7,783		7,781		7,783
Common Equity (1,000,000 units)					11/12/2015						1,000		1,994

											8,781		9,777		2	%

Total Affiliate Investments										$	31,836	$	81,394		20	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b) Investment Type (c)	Industry	Variable Index Spread / Floor (d)	Rate (e) Cash/PIK	Investment Date (f)		Maturity		Principal Amount		Cost		Fair Value (g)		Percent of Net Assets
Non-control/Non-affiliate Investments
Frontline Food Services, LLC (f/k/a Accent Food Services, LLC)	Vending Equipment Manufacturing
Preferred Equity (Class A Units) (46 units) (j)					12/31/2020					$	2,000	$	2,000
Common Equity (Class B Units) (124 units) (j)					12/31/2020						—		—
Preferred Equity (Class C Units) (100 units) (j)					12/31/2020						—		—

											2,000		2,000		0	%
Allied 100 Group, Inc.	Healthcare Products
Subordinated Debt (k)			11.25%/0.00%		7/31/2019		5/26/2023		21,500		21,432		21,500
Common Equity (625,000 units) (j)					11/26/2014						625		1,087

											22,057		22,587		5	%
Allredi, LLC (fka Marco Group International OpCo, LLC)	Industrial Cleaning & Coatings
Second Lien Debt			10.50%/1.75%		3/2/2020		9/2/2026		10,080		9,993		7,761
Common Equity (570,636 units) (h)(j)					7/21/2017						637		275

											10,630		8,036		2	%
Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center, LLC	Healthcare Services
First Lien Debt (j)(w)		(L + 5.75%) / (2.00%)	7.75%/0.00%		10/23/2018		10/23/2023		6,500		6,471		6,584
Common Equity (500 units) (h)(j)					10/23/2018						500		766

											6,971		7,350		2	%
American AllWaste LLC (dba WasteWater Transport Services)	Environmental Industries
Second Lien Debt (j)		(L + 11.00%) / (2.00%)	13.00%/0.00%		5/31/2018		11/30/2023		17,503		17,434		17,503
Preferred Equity (500 units) (h)(j)					5/31/2018						500		241
Preferred Equity (207 units) (h)(j)					8/6/2019						250		226
Preferred Equity (141 units) (h)(j)					11/2/2020						171		171

											18,355		18,141		4	%
Applied Data Corporation	Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (v)		(L + 6.25%) / (1.50%)	7.75%/0.00%		11/6/2020		11/6/2025		8,000		7,949		7,949
Common Equity (22 units)					11/6/2020						—		—
Preferred Equity (1,070,614 units)					11/6/2020						1,071		1,071

											9,020		9,020		2	%
Argo Turboserve Corporation	Business Services
Second Lien Debt (j)		(L + 10.75%) / (2.00%)	12.75%/0.00%		12/26/2018		6/28/2023		13,031		12,990		13,031		3	%

AVC Investors, LLC (dba Auveco)	Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)			11.50%/0.00%		1/3/2018		7/3/2023		22,500		22,448		22,500
Common Equity (5,000 units) (j)					1/3/2018						487		464

											22,935		22,964		6	%
B&B Roadway and Security Solutions, LLC	Component Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt			11.25%/4.00%		2/27/2018		1/1/2022		10,910		10,890		10,782
Common Equity (50,000 units) (h)(j)					2/27/2018						497		—

											11,387		10,782		3	%
Bandon Fitness (Texas), Inc.	Retail
First Lien Debt (j)(z)		(L + 6.50%) / (2.25%)	8.75%/0.25%		8/9/2019		8/9/2024		14,680		14,289		15,591
Common Equity (545,810 units) (j)					8/9/2019						931		554

											15,220		16,145		4	%
BCM One Group Holdings, Inc.	Information Technology Services
Subordinated Debt (k)			11.00%/0.00%		1/3/2019		7/3/2024		30,000		29,887		30,000
Common Equity (1,281 shares)					1/3/2019						48		458
Preferred Equity (74 shares)					1/3/2019						736		737

											30,671		31,195		8	%
Bedford Precision Parts LLC	Specialty Distribution
First Lien Debt (j)(s)		(L + 6.25%) / (2.00%)	8.25%/0.00%		3/12/2019		3/12/2024		4,531		4,507		4,531
Common Equity (500,000 units) (h)(j)					3/12/2019						500		263

											5,007		4,794		1	%
Cardboard Box LLC (dba Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza)	Restaurants
Common Equity (521,021 units) (j)					12/15/2015						521		—
Preferred Equity (1,043,133 units) (j)					12/6/2019						96		34

											617		34		0	%
Combined Systems, Inc.	Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
First Lien Debt		(L + 10.00%) / (2.00%)	12.00%/0.00%		1/31/2020		1/31/2025		7,600		7,553		7,600
Revolving Loan ($1,050 unfunded commitment) (j)(ac)		(L + 9.00%) / (2.00%)	11.00%/0.00%		1/31/2020		1/31/2025		2,950		2,930		2,950

											10,483		10,550		3	%
Comply365, LLC	Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
First Lien Debt (ad)		(L + 8.00%) / (1.00%)	9.00%/0.00%		12/11/2020		12/11/2025		10,000		9,855		9,855
Common Equity (1,000,000 units)					12/11/2020						1,000		1,000

											10,855		10,855		3	%
CRS Solutions Holdings, LLC (dba CRS Texas)	Business Services
Second Lien Debt			10.50%/1.50%		3/14/2018		4/30/2024		11,305		11,270		11,305
Common Equity (450,382 units) (h)(j)					3/14/2018						488		321

											11,758		11,626		3	%
Dataguise, Inc.	Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (j)			11.00%/0.00%		12/31/2020		12/31/2023		20,000		19,900		19,900
Common Equity (909 shares) (j)					12/31/2020						1,500		1,500

											21,400		21,400		5	%
Diversified Search LLC	Business Services
First Lien Debt (k)(r)		(L + 8.00%) / (1.75%)	9.75%/0.00%		2/7/2019		2/7/2024		17,355		17,159		17,355
Common Equity (573 units) (h)(j)					2/7/2019						593		494

											17,752		17,849		4	%
EBL, LLC (EbLens)	Retail
Second Lien Debt (j)(p)			12.00%/1.00%		7/13/2017		1/13/2023		9,253		9,214		5,454
Common Equity (75,000 units) (j)					7/13/2017						750		—

											9,964		5,454		1	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b) Investment Type (c)	Industry	Variable Index Spread / Floor (d)	Rate (e) Cash/PIK	Investment Date (f)		Maturity		Principal Amount		Cost		Fair Value (g)		Percent of Net Assets
ECM Industries, LLC	Component Manufacturing
Subordinated Debt (j)			11.50%/0.00%		4/30/2020		5/23/2026		11,500		11,295		11,500
Common Equity (1,000,000 units) (h)(j)					4/30/2020						1,000		1,562

											12,295		13,062		3	%
Elements Brands, LLC	Consumer Products
First Lien Debt			12.25%/0.00%		12/31/2020		12/31/2025		6,000		5,967		5,967
Revolving Loan ($838 unfunded commitment) (i)(j)			12.25%/0.00%		12/31/2020		12/31/2025		2,162		2,146		2,146

											8,113		8,113		2	%
French Transit, LLC	Consumer Products
First Lien Debt (j)		(L + 10.00%) / (2.25%)	12.25%/0.00%		6/21/2019		6/21/2024		4,116		4,088		4,116		1	%

Global Plasma Solutions, Inc.	Component Manufacturing
Common Equity (947 shares) (j)					9/21/2018						—		9,995		2	%

Gurobi Optimization, LLC	Information Technology Services
Common Equity (3 shares)					12/19/2017						592		1,660		0	%

Haematologic Technologies, Inc.	Healthcare Services
First Lien Debt (x)		(L + 8.25%) / (2.00%)	10.25%/0.00%		10/11/2019		10/11/2024		5,500		5,469		5,500
Common Equity (549 units) (h)(j)					10/11/2019						549		255

											6,018		5,755		1	%
Hallmark Health Care Solutions, Inc.	Healthcare Services
First Lien Debt (j)(ae)		(L + 7.25%) / (1.50%)	8.75%/0.00%		12/4/2020		12/4/2025		8,500		8,437		8,437
Common Equity (750,000 units) (j)					12/4/2020						750		750

											9,187		9,187		2	%
Healthfuse, LLC	Healthcare Services
First Lien Debt (af)		(L + 7.25%) / (1.00%)	8.25%/0.00%		11/13/2020		11/13/2025		6,000		5,960		5,960
Preferred Equity (197,980 units)					11/13/2020						750		750

											6,710		6,710		2	%
Hilco Plastics Holdings, LLC (dba Hilco Technologies)	Component Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt (j)			11.50%/1.50%		9/23/2016		12/31/2019		10,301		10,301		8,878
Revolving Loan (j)		(L + 6.50%) / (0.00%)	6.65%/0.00%		12/20/2019		12/15/2019		5,962		5,962		5,962
First Lien Debt (j)		(L + 6.95%) / (0.00%)	7.10%/0.00%		12/20/2019		12/15/2019		5,092		5,092		5,092
Preferred Equity (1,000,000 units) (h)(j)					4/18/2018						1,000		—
Common Equity (72,507 units) (h)(j)					9/23/2016						473		—

											22,828		19,932		5	%
Hub Acquisition Sub, LLC (dba Hub Pen)	Promotional products
Second Lien Debt (k)			13.00%/0.00%		3/23/2016		3/31/2023		25,000		24,976		24,106
Common Equity (3,750 units)					3/23/2016						131		283
Preferred Equity (868 units) (j)					10/16/2020						154		158

											25,261		24,547		6	%

IBH Holdings, LLC (fka Inflexxion, Inc.)	Business Services
Common Equity (150,000 units)					6/20/2018						—		235		0	%

Ipro Tech, LLC	Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (j)(u)		(L + 8.50%) / (2.00%)	10.50%/0.00%		6/30/2020		6/30/2025		2,469		1,923		2,469		1	%

K2 Merger Agreement Agent, LLC (fka K2 Industrial Services, Inc.) (n)	Industrial Cleaning & Coatings
Second Lien Debt (j)			0.00%/10.00%		1/28/2019		1/28/2021		2,140		2,140		2,140		1	%

The Kyjen Company, LLC (dba Outward Hound)	Consumer Products
Second Lien Debt (k)			12.00%/0.00%		12/8/2017		6/8/2024		15,000		14,960		15,000
Common Equity (765 shares) (j)					12/8/2017						765		841

											15,725		15,841		4	%
LNG Indy, LLC (dba Kinetrex Energy)	Oil & Gas Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)			11.50%/1.50%		12/28/2016		11/12/2021		10,127		10,108		10,127
Common Equity (500 units)					12/28/2016						500		959

											10,608		11,086		3	%
Mesa Line Services, LLC	Utilities: Services
Second Lien Debt (j)			10.50%/0.50%		11/30/2017		8/1/2024		17,511		17,442		17,511
Common Equity (981 shares) (j)					11/30/2017						1,148		1,076

											18,590		18,587		5	%
Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc.	Transportation services
Warrant (7,192 shares) (j)(m)					6/23/2017						180		118
Warrant (4.79% of Junior Subordinated Notes) (j)(q)					6/23/2017						190		248

											370		366		0	%
NGT Acquisition Holdings, LLC (dba Techniks Industries)	Component Manufacturing
Common Equity (378 units) (j)					5/24/2017						500		227		0	%

OMC Investors, LLC (dba Ohio Medical Corporation)	Healthcare Products
Second Lien Debt			12.00%/0.00%		1/15/2016		6/30/2022		10,000		9,985		10,000
Common Equity (5,000 units)					1/15/2016						462		869

											10,447		10,869		3	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b) Investment Type (c)	Industry	Variable Index Spread / Floor (d)	Rate (e) Cash/PIK	Investment Date (f)	Maturity	Principal Amount		Cost		Fair Value (g)		Percent of Net Assets

Palisade Company, LLC	Information Technology Services
Common Equity (50 shares) (j)				11/15/2018					500		630		0	%

Palmetto Moon, LLC	Retail
First Lien Debt (j)			11.50%/2.50%	11/3/2016	10/31/2021		4,779		4,773		4,779
Common Equity (499 units) (j)				11/3/2016					494		159

									5,267		4,938		1	%
Pool & Electrical Products, LLC	Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (j)			11.75%/0.00%	10/28/2020	4/28/2027		12,000		11,883		11,883
Common Equity (15,000 units) (h)(j)				10/28/2020					1,500		1,500

									13,383		13,383		3	%
Power Grid Components, Inc.	Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)			11.00%/1.00%	4/12/2018	12/2/2025		22,433		22,357		22,433
Preferred Equity (392 shares) (j)				4/12/2018					392		509
Preferred Equity (48 shares) (j)				12/2/2019					48		63
Common Equity (10,622 shares) (j)				4/12/2018					462		740

									23,259		23,745		6	%
Prime AE Group, Inc.	Business Services
First Lien Debt (j)		(L + 6.25%) / (2.00%)	8.25%/0.00%	11/25/2019	11/25/2024		6,833		6,683		6,833
Preferred Equity (500,000 shares) (j)				11/25/2019					500		566

									7,183		7,399		2	%
Revenue Management Solutions, LLC	Information Technology Services
Common Equity (113 shares)				1/4/2017					1,125		3,081		1	%

Rhino Assembly Company, LLC	Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (k)			12.00%/1.50%	8/11/2017	2/11/2023		10,682		10,655		10,682
Delayed Draw Commitment ($875 unfunded commitment) (i)(j)			12.00%/1.00%	8/11/2017	5/17/2022		—		—		—
Common Equity (Class A Units) (8,864 units) (h)(j)				8/11/2017					944		629
Preferred Equity (Units N/A) (h)(j)				12/10/2020					136		137
Common Equity (Class F Units) (355 units) (h)(j)				12/10/2020					—		—

									11,735		11,448		3	%
Road Safety Services, Inc.	Business Services
Second Lien Debt			11.25%/1.50%	9/18/2018	3/18/2024		10,379		10,351		10,379
Common Equity (655 units)				9/18/2018					621		882

									10,972		11,261		3	%
Rohrer Corporation	Packaging
Subordinated Debt (j)			10.50%/1.00%	10/1/2018	4/1/2024		14,017		13,976		14,017
Common Equity (400 shares) (j)				7/18/2016					780		1,591

									14,756		15,608		4	%
Routeware, Inc.	Information Technology Services
First Lien Debt (k)(aa)		(L + 7.00%) / (1.75%)	8.75%/0.00%	2/7/2020	2/7/2025		14,888		14,814		14,888		4	%

SES Investors, LLC (dba SES Foam)	Building Products Manufacturing
Second Lien Debt			13.00%/0.00%	9/8/2016	12/29/2022		1,000		997		1,000
Common Equity (6,000 units) (h)(j)				9/8/2016					537		1,869

									1,534		2,869		1	%
Software Technology, LLC	Information Technology Services
Subordinated Debt (k)			11.00%/0.00%	12/23/2016	6/23/2023		10,000		9,980		10,000
Common Equity (6 shares)				12/23/2016					646		942

									10,626		10,942		3	%
Specialized Elevator Services Holdings, LLC	Business Services
First Lien Debt (j)(y)		(L + 5.25%) / (2.00%)	7.25%/0.00%	5/7/2019	5/3/2024		12,889		12,782		12,889
Common Equity (596 units) (j)				5/8/2019					596		647

									13,378		13,536		3	%
SpendMend LLC	Business Services
Common Equity (1,000,000 units)				1/8/2018					972		1,915		0	%

TransGo, LLC	Component Manufacturing
Common Equity (500 units) (j)				2/28/2017					474		996		0	%

The Tranzonic Companies	Specialty Distribution
Subordinated Debt (j)			10.00%/1.00%	3/27/2018	3/27/2025		7,001		6,959		7,001
Preferred Equity (5,653 units) (j)				3/27/2018					565		730
Common Equity (1 units) (j)				3/27/2018					—		683

									7,524		8,414		2	%
UBEO, LLC	Business Services
Subordinated Debt (j)			11.00%/0.00%	4/3/2018	10/3/2024		13,893		13,814		13,893
Common Equity (705,000 units) (h)(j)				4/3/2018					668		661

									14,482		14,554		3	%
United Biologics, LLC	Healthcare Services
Preferred Equity (98,377 units) (h)(j)				4/1/2012					1,008		—
Warrant (57,469 units) (j)(m)				3/5/2012					566		—

									1,574		—		0	%
Virginia Tile Company, LLC	Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (j)			12.25%/0.00%	12/19/2014	4/7/2022		12,000		11,998		12,000
Common Equity (17 units) (j)				12/19/2014					342		521

									12,340		12,521		3	%
Western’s Smokehouse, LLC	Consumer Products
First Lien Debt (j)(ab)		(L + 6.50%) / (1.25%)	7.75%/0.00%	2/28/2020	12/23/2024		10,000		9,876		10,000		2	%

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Consolidated Schedule of Investments

December 31, 2020

(in thousands, except shares)


Portfolio Company (a)(b) Investment Type (c)	Industry	Variable Index Spread / Floor (d)	Rate (e) Cash/PIK	Investment Date (f)	Maturity	Principal Amount	Cost		Fair Value (g)		Percent of Net Assets
Wheel Pros, Inc.	Specialty Distribution
Second Lien Debt (j)		(L + 9.00%) / (1.00%)	10.00%/0.00%	11/10/2020	11/10/2028	20,000		19,411		19,411
Preferred Equity (347,222 units) (j)				5/15/2019				301		1,031

								19,712		20,442		5	%
Worldwide Express Operations, LLC	Transportation services
Second Lien Debt (j)		(L + 8.00%) / (1.00%)	9.00%/0.00%	2/27/2017	2/3/2025	20,000		19,791		20,000
Common Equity (2,000 units) (h)(j)				2/27/2017				1,478		1,942

								21,269		21,942		5	%

Total Non-control/Non-affiliate Investments							$	622,222	$	633,222		154	%

Total Investments							$	687,027	$	742,869		181	%

(a)	See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for portfolio composition by geographic location.

(b)	Equity ownership may be held in shares or units of companies related to the portfolio companies.

(c)	All debt investments are income producing, unless otherwise indicated. Equity investments are non-income producing unless otherwise noted.

(d)

(e)	Rate includes the cash interest or dividend rate and paid-in-kind interest or dividend rate, if any, as of December 31, 2020. Generally, payment-in-kind interest can be paid-in-kind or all in cash.

(f)	Investment date represents the date of the initial investment in the security.

(g)

(h)	Investment is held by a taxable subsidiary of the Company.

(i)	The disclosed commitment represents the unfunded amount as of December 31, 2020. The Company is earning 0.50% interest on the unfunded balance of the commitment. The interest rate disclosed represents the rate which will be earned if the commitment is funded.

(j)	Investment pledged as collateral for the Credit Facility and, as a result, is not directly available to the creditors of the Company to satisfy any obligations of the Company other than the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements).

(k)

(l)

(m)	Warrants entitle the Company to purchase a predetermined number of shares or units of common equity, and are non-income producing. The purchase price and number of shares are subject to adjustment under certain conditions until the expiration date, if any.

(n)	Investment in portfolio company that has sold its operations and is in the process of winding down.

(o)	Income producing. Maturity date, if any, represents mandatory redemption date.

(p)	Investment was on PIK-only non-accrual status as of December 31, 2020, meaning the Company has ceased recognizing PIK interest income on the investment.

(q)	Warrant entitles the Company to purchase 4.79% of the outstanding principal of Junior Subordinated Notes prior to exercise, and is non-income producing.

(r)

(s)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.34% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(t)

(u)

(v)

(w)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.27% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(x)

(y)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 3.93% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(z)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 4.21% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(aa)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 2.84% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(ab)

In addition to the interest earned based on the stated interest rate of this security, the Company is entitled to receive an additional interest amount of 2.95% on its “last out” tranche of the portfolio company’s senior term debt, which was previously syndicated into “first out” and “last out” tranches, whereby the “first out” tranche will have priority as to the “last out” tranche with respect to payments of principal, interest and any other amounts due thereunder.

(ac)	The disclosed commitment represents the unfunded amount as of December 31, 2020. The Company is earning 1.00% interest on the unfunded balance of the commitment. The interest rate disclosed represents the rate earned on the outstanding, funded balance of the commitment.

(ad)

(ae)

(af)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business

Fidus Investment Corporation (“FIC,” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), a Maryland corporation, operates as an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified business development company (“BDC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”). FIC completed its initial public offering, or IPO, in June 2011. In addition, for federal income tax purposes, the Company elected to be treated as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

The Company provides customized debt and equity financing solutions to lower middle-market companies, and may make investments directly or through its two wholly-owned investment company subsidiaries, Fidus Mezzanine Capital II, L.P. (“Fund II”) and Fidus Mezzanine Capital III, L.P. (“Fund III”) (collectively, Fund II and Fund III are referred to as the “Funds”). The Funds are licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) as small business investment companies (“SBIC”). The SBIC licenses allow the Funds to obtain leverage by issuing SBA-guaranteed debentures (“SBA debentures”), subject to the issuance of leverage commitments by the SBA and other customary procedures. As SBICs, the Funds are subject to a variety of regulations and oversight by the SBA under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended (the “SBIC Act”), concerning, among other things, the size and nature of the companies in which they may invest and the structure of those investments.

We believe that utilizing both FIC and the Funds as investment vehicles provides us with access to a broader array of investment opportunities. Given our access to lower cost capital through the SBA’s SBIC debenture program, we expect that we will continue to make investments through the Funds until the Funds reach their borrowing limit under the program. For two or more SBICs under common control, the maximum amount of outstanding SBA debentures cannot exceed $350,000.

Fund II and Fund III are not registered under the 1940 Act and rely on the exclusion from the definition of investment company contained in Section 3(c)(7) of the 1940 Act.

The Company pays a quarterly base management fee and an incentive fee to Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC, our investment advisor (the “Investment Advisor” or “Fidus Investment Advisors”) under an investment advisory agreement (the “Investment Advisory Agreement”).

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) pursuant to the requirements for reporting on Form 10-Q, Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies (“ASC 946”), and Articles 6 or 10 of Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments and reclassifications that are necessary for the fair presentation of financial results as of and for the periods presented. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The current period’s results of operation are not necessarily indicative of results that ultimately may be achieved for the year. Therefore, the unaudited financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Use of estimates: The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Consolidation: Pursuant to Article 6 of Regulation S-X and ASC 946, the Company will generally not consolidate its investments in a company other than an investment company subsidiary or a controlled operating company whose business consists of providing services to the Company. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of the Company include only the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the Funds. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Investment risks: The Company’s investments are subject to a variety of risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to the following:

•

Market risk - In contrast to investment-grade bonds (the market prices of which change primarily as a reaction to changes in interest rates), the market prices of high-yield bonds (which are also affected by changes in interest rates) are influenced much more by credit factors and financial results of the issuer as well as general economic factors that influence the financial markets as a whole. The portfolio companies in which the Company invests may be unseasoned, unprofitable and/or have little established operating history or earnings. These companies may also lack technical, marketing, financial, and other resources or may be dependent upon the success of one product or service, a unique distribution channel, or the effectiveness of a manager or management team, as compared to larger, more established entities. The failure of a single product, service or distribution channel, or the loss or the

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

ineffectiveness of a key executive or executives within the management team may have a materially adverse impact on such companies. Furthermore, these companies may be more vulnerable to competition and to overall economic conditions than larger, more established entities.

•

Credit risk - Credit risk represents the risk that the Company would incur if the counterparties failed to perform pursuant to the terms of their agreements with the Company. Issues of high-yield debt securities in which the Company invests are more likely to default on interest or principal than are issues of investment-grade securities.

•

Liquidity risk - Liquidity risk represents the possibility that the Company may not be able to sell its investments quickly or at a reasonable price (given the lack of an established market).

•

Interest rate risk - Interest rate risk represents the likelihood that a change in interest rates could have an adverse impact on the fair value of an interest-bearing financial instrument.

•

Prepayment risk - Certain of the Company’s debt investments allow for prepayment of principal without penalty. Downward changes in market interest rates may cause prepayments to occur at a faster than expected rate, thereby effectively shortening the maturity of the debt investments and making the instrument less likely to be an income producing instrument through the stated maturity date.

•

Off-Balance sheet risk - Some of the Company’s financial instruments contain off-balance sheet risk. Generally, these financial instruments represent future commitments to purchase other financial instruments at defined terms at defined future dates. See Note 7 for further details.

Fair value of financial instruments: The Company measures and discloses fair value with respect to substantially all of its financial instruments in accordance with ASC Topic 820 — Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC Topic 820”). ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework used to measure fair value, and requires disclosures for fair value measurements, including the categorization of financial instruments into a three-level hierarchy based on the transparency of valuation inputs. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion regarding the fair value measurements and hierarchy.

Investment classification: The Company classifies its investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, “Control Investments” are defined as investments in those companies where the Company owns more than 25% of the voting securities of such company or has rights to maintain greater than 50% of the board representation. Under the 1940 Act, “Affiliate Investments” are defined as investments in those companies where the Company owns between 5% and 25% of the voting securities of such company. “Non-Control/Non-Affiliate Investments” are those that neither qualify as Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments.

Segments: In accordance with ASC Topic 280 — Segment Reporting, the Company has determined that it has a single reporting segment and operating unit structure.

Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of acquisition. The Company places its cash in financial institutions and, at times, such balances may be in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. The Company does not believe its cash balances are exposed to any significant credit risk.

Deferred financing costs: Deferred financing costs consist of fees and expenses paid in connection with the SBA debentures, the Credit Facility and the Notes (as defined in Note 6). Deferred financing costs are capitalized and amortized to interest and financing expenses over the term of the debt agreement using the effective interest method. Unamortized deferred financing costs are presented as an offset to the corresponding debt liabilities on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

Realized losses on extinguishment of debt: Upon the repayment of debt obligations which are deemed to be extinguishments, the difference between the principal amount due at maturity, adjusted for any unamortized deferred financing costs, is recognized as a loss (i.e., the unamortized deferred financing costs are recognized as a loss upon extinguishment of the underlying debt obligation). There is no change in historical net increase in net assets resulting from operations due to this change in presentation.

Deferred offering costs: Deferred offering costs include registration expenses related to shelf filings. These expenses primarily consist of U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) registration fees, legal fees and accounting fees incurred. These expenses are included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. Upon the completion of an equity offering or a debt offering, the deferred expenses are charged to additional paid-in capital or deferred financing costs, respectively. If no offering is completed prior to the expiration of the registration statement, the deferred costs are charged to expense.

Realized gains or losses and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments: Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded upon the sale or disposition of a portfolio investment and are calculated as the difference between the net proceeds from the sale or disposition and the

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the consolidated statements of operations includes changes in the fair value of investments from the prior period, as determined in good faith by the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) through the application of the Company’s valuation policy, as well as reclassifications of any prior period unrealized appreciation or depreciation on exited investments to realized gains or losses on investments.

Interest and dividend income: Interest and dividend income are recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that the Company expects to collect such amounts. Interest is accrued daily based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of the debt. Dividend income is recorded as dividends are declared or at the point an obligation exists for the portfolio company to make a distribution, and is generally recognized when received. Distributions from portfolio companies are evaluated to determine if the distribution is a distribution of earnings or a return of capital. Distributions of earnings are included in dividend income while a return of capital is recorded as a reduction in the cost basis of the investment. Estimates are adjusted as necessary after the relevant tax forms are received from the portfolio company.

PIK income: Certain of the Company’s investments contain a payment-in-kind (“PIK”) income provision. The PIK income, computed at the contractual rate specified in the applicable investment agreement, is added to the principal balance of the investment, rather than being paid in cash, and recorded as interest or dividend income, as applicable, on the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, PIK can be paid-in-kind or all in cash. The Company stops accruing PIK income when there is reasonable doubt that PIK income will be collected. PIK income that has been contractually capitalized to the principal balance of the investment prior to the non-accrual designation date is not reserved against interest or dividend income, but rather is assessed through the valuation of the investment (with corresponding adjustments to unrealized depreciation, as applicable). PIK income is included in the Company’s taxable income and, therefore, affects the amount the Company is required to pay to shareholders in the form of dividends in order to maintain the Company’s tax treatment as a RIC and to avoid corporate federal income tax, even though the Company has not yet collected the cash.

Non-accrual: Debt investments or preferred equity investments (for which the Company is accruing PIK dividends) are placed on non-accrual status when principal, interest or dividend payments become materially past due, or when there is reasonable doubt that principal, interest or dividends will be collected. Any original issue discount and market discount are no longer accreted to interest income as of the date the loan is placed on full non-accrual status. Interest and dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as interest or dividend income or may be applied to the investment principal balance based on management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal, interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, payments are likely to remain current.

Origination and closing fees: The Company also typically receives debt investment origination or closing fees in connection with such investments. Such debt investment origination and closing fees are capitalized as unearned income and offset against investment cost basis on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and accreted into interest income over the life of the investment. Upon the prepayment of a debt investment, any unaccreted debt investment origination and closing fees are accelerated into interest income.

Warrants: In connection with the Company’s debt investments, the Company will sometimes receive warrants or other equity-related securities from the borrower (“Warrants”). The Company determines the cost basis of Warrants based upon their respective fair values on the date of receipt in proportion to the total fair value of the debt and Warrants received. Any resulting difference between the face amount of the debt and its recorded fair value resulting from the assignment of value to the Warrants is treated as original issue discount (“OID”), and accreted into interest income using the effective interest method over the term of the debt investment. Upon the prepayment of a debt investment, any unaccreted OID is accelerated into interest income.

Fee income: Transaction fees earned in connection with the Company’s investments are recognized as fee income and are generally non-recurring. Such fees typically include fees for services, including structuring and advisory services, provided to portfolio companies. The Company recognizes income from fees for providing such structuring and advisory services when the services are rendered or the transactions are completed. Upon the prepayment of a debt investment, any prepayment penalties are recorded as fee income when earned. In 2020, the Company elected to change the manner in which it presents the recognition of management services fees income. Previously, the Company classified management services fees as a component of interest on idle funds and other income on the consolidated statements of operations. Currently management services fees are a component of fee income on the consolidated statements of operations. Comparative prior periods presented have been reclassified retrospectively to conform to the revised presentation. There is no change in historical net increase in net assets resulting from operations due to this change in presentation.

Partial loan and equity sales: The Company follows the guidance in ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, when accounting for loan (debt investment) participations, equity assignments and other partial loan sales. Such guidance requires a participation, assignment or other partial loan or equity sale to meet the definition of a “participating interest,” as defined in the guidance, in order for sale treatment to be allowed. Participations, assignments or other partial loan or equity sales which do not meet the definition of a participating interest should remain on the Company’s

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and the proceeds recorded as a secured borrowing until the definition is met. Management has determined that all participations, assignments and other partial loan or equity sale transactions entered into by the Company have met the definition of a participating interest. Accordingly, the Company uses sale treatment in accounting for such transactions.

Income taxes: The Company has elected to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the Code, which will generally relieve the Company from U.S. federal income taxes with respect to all income distributed to stockholders. To maintain the tax treatment of a RIC, the Company is required to timely distribute to its stockholders at least 90.0% of “investment company taxable income,” as defined by Subchapter M of the Code, each year. Depending on the level of taxable income earned in a tax year, the Company may choose to carry forward taxable income in excess of current year distributions into the next tax year; however, the Company will pay a 4.0% excise tax if it does not distribute at least 98.0% of the current year’s ordinary taxable income. Any such carryover taxable income must be distributed through a dividend declared prior to the later of the date on which the final tax return related to the year in which the Company generated such taxable income is filed or the 15^th day of the 10^th month following the close of such taxable year. In addition, the Company will be subject to federal excise tax if it does not distribute at least 98.2% of its net capital gains realized, computed for any one year period ending October 31.

In the future, the Funds may be limited by provisions of the SBIC Act and SBA regulations governing SBICs from making certain distributions to FIC that may be necessary to enable FIC to make the minimum distributions required to maintain the tax treatment of a RIC.

The Company has certain wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries (the “Taxable Subsidiaries”), each of which generally holds one or more of the Company’s portfolio investments listed on the consolidated schedules of investments. The Taxable Subsidiaries are consolidated for financial reporting purposes, such that the Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the Company’s investment in the portfolio company investments owned by the Taxable Subsidiaries. The purpose of the Taxable Subsidiaries is to permit the Company to hold equity investments in portfolio companies that are taxed as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (such as entities organized as limited liability companies (“LLCs”) or other forms of pass through entities) while complying with the “source-of-income” requirements contained in the RIC tax provisions. The Taxable Subsidiaries are not consolidated with the Company for U.S. federal corporate income tax purposes, and each Taxable Subsidiary will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its taxable income. Any such income or expense is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

U.S. federal income tax regulations differ from GAAP, and as a result, distributions in accordance with tax regulations may differ from net investment income and realized gains recognized under GAAP. Differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences may arise as a result of, among other items, a difference in the book and tax basis of certain assets and nondeductible federal income taxes. Temporary differences arise when certain items of income, expense, gain or loss are recognized at some time in the future.

ASC Topic 740 — Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“ASC Topic 740”) provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. ASC Topic 740 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken in the course of preparing the Company’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” to be respected by the applicable tax authorities. Tax benefits of positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax expense in the current year. It is the Company’s policy to recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits included in the income tax provision, if any. There were no material uncertain income tax positions at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company’s tax returns are generally subject to examination by U.S. federal and most state tax authorities for a period of three years from the date the respective returns are filed, and, accordingly, the Company’s 2017 through 2019 tax years remain subject to examination.

Dividends to stockholders: Dividends to stockholders are recorded on the record date with respect to such distributions. The amount, if any, to be distributed to stockholders, is determined by the Board each quarter and is generally based upon the earnings estimated by management. Net realized capital gains, if any, may be distributed at least annually, although the Company may decide to retain such capital gains for investment.

The determination of the tax attributes for the Company’s distributions is made annually, and is based upon the Company’s taxable income and distributions paid to its stockholders for the full year. Ordinary dividend distributions from a RIC do not qualify for the preferential tax rate on qualified dividend income from domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations, except to the extent that the RIC received the income in the form of qualifying dividends from domestic corporations and qualified foreign corporations. The tax characterization of the Company’s distributions generally includes both ordinary income and capital gains but may also include qualified dividends or return of capital.

The Company has adopted a dividend reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) that provides for the reinvestment of dividends on behalf of its stockholders, unless a stockholder has elected to receive dividends in cash. As a result, if the Company declares a cash dividend, the Company’s stockholders who have not “opted out” of the DRIP at least two days prior to the dividend payment date will have their cash dividend automatically reinvested into additional shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company has the option to satisfy the share requirements of the DRIP through the issuance

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

of new shares of common stock or through open market purchases of common stock by the DRIP plan administrator. Newly issued shares are valued based upon the final closing price of the Company’s common stock on a date determined by the Board. Shares purchased in the open market to satisfy the DRIP requirements will be valued based upon the average price of the applicable shares purchased by the DRIP plan administrator before any associated brokerage or other costs. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements regarding dividend declarations and distributions.

Earnings and net asset value per share: The earnings per share calculations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, are computed utilizing the weighted average shares outstanding for the period. Net asset value per share is calculated using the number of shares outstanding as of the end of the period.

Stock Repurchase Program: The Company has an open market stock repurchase program (the “Stock Repurchase Program”) under which the Company may acquire up to $5,000 of its outstanding common stock. Under the Stock Repurchase Program, the Company may, but is not obligated to, repurchase outstanding common stock in the open market from time to time provided that the Company complies with the prohibitions under its insider trading policies and the requirements of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including certain price, market value and timing constraints. The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by the Company’s management, in its discretion, based upon the evaluation of economic and market conditions, stock price, capital availability, applicable legal and regulatory requirements and other corporate considerations. On October 26, 2020, the Board extended the Stock Repurchase Program through December 31, 2021, or until the approved dollar amount has been used to repurchase shares. The Stock Repurchase Program does not require the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares and the Company cannot assure that any shares will be repurchased under the Stock Repurchase Program. The Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time. The Company did not make any repurchases of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 25,719 shares of common stock on the open market for $268. Refer to Note 8 for additional information concerning stock repurchases.

Recent accounting pronouncements:

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848),” which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2020-04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging transactions as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The Company is evaluating the potential impact that the adoption of ASU 2020-04 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

SEC Rule 1-02(w)(2) Update:

In May 2020, the SEC adopted rule amendments that will impact the requirement of investment companies, including BDCs, to disclose the financial statements of certain of their portfolio companies or certain acquired funds (the “Final Rules”). The Final Rules adopted a new definition of “significant subsidiary” set forth in Rule 1-02(w)(2) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act. Rules 3-09 and 4-08(g) of Regulation S-X require investment companies to include separate financial statements or summary financial information, respectively, in such investment company’s periodic reports for any portfolio company that meets the definition of “significant subsidiary.” The Final Rules adopt a new definition of “significant subsidiary” applicable only to investment companies that (i) modifies the investment test and the income test, and (ii) eliminates the asset test currently in the definition of “significant subsidiary” in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X. The new Rule 1-02(w)(2) of Regulation S-X is intended to more accurately capture those portfolio companies that are more likely to materially impact the financial condition of an investment company. The Final Rules became effective on January 1, 2021, however the Company elected to early adopt this rule change as of December 31, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

SEC Regulation S-K Update:

In November 2020, the SEC issued a final rule that modernized and simplifies Management’s Discussion and Analysis and certain financial disclosure requirements in Regulation S-K (the “Amendments”). Specifically, the Amendments: (i) eliminate Item 301 of Regulation S-K (Selected Financial Data); (ii) simplify Item 302 of Regulation S-K (Supplementary Financial Information); and (iii) amend certain aspects of Item 303 of Regulation S-K (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations). The Amendments became effective on February 10, 2021 and compliance will be required for the registrants’ fiscal year ending on or after August 9, 2021. Early adoption of the Amendments is permitted on an item-by-item basis after the effective date; however, a registrant must fully comply with each adopted item in its entirety. The Company adopted the Amendments on the effective date which did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

Note 3. Portfolio Company Investments

The Company’s portfolio investments principally consist of secured and unsecured debt, equity warrants and direct equity investments in privately held companies. The debt investments may or may not be secured by either a first or second lien on the assets of the portfolio company. The debt investments generally bear interest at fixed rates, and generally mature between five and seven years from the original investment. In connection with a debt investment, the Company also may receive nominally priced equity warrants and/or make a direct equity investment in the portfolio company. The Company’s warrants or equity investments may be investments in a holding company related to the portfolio company. In addition, the Company periodically makes equity investments in its portfolio companies through Taxable Subsidiaries. In both situations, the investment is generally reported under the name of the operating company on the consolidated schedules of investments.

As of March 31, 2021, the Company had active investments in 67 portfolio companies and residual investments in four portfolio companies that have sold their underlying operations. The aggregate fair value of the total portfolio was $711,884 and the weighted average effective yield on the Company’s debt investments was 12.3% as of such date. As of March 31, 2021, the Company held equity investments in 87.3% of its portfolio companies and the weighted average fully diluted equity ownership in those portfolio companies was 5.3%. The weighted average fully diluted equity ownership was computed using the fully diluted equity ownership for equity investments (including warrants) at cost as of March 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2020, the Company had active investments in 66 portfolio companies and residual investments in three portfolio companies that have sold their underlying operations. The aggregate fair value of the total portfolio was $742,869 and the weighted average effective yield on the Company’s debt investments was 12.2% as of such date. As of December 31, 2020, the Company held equity investments in 88.4% of its portfolio companies and the weighted average fully diluted equity ownership in those portfolio companies was 5.8%. The weighted average fully diluted equity ownership was computed using the fully diluted equity ownership for equity investments (including warrants) at cost as of December 31, 2020.

The weighted average yield of the Company’s debt investments is not the same as a return on investment for its stockholders but, rather, relates to a portion of the Company’s investment portfolio and is calculated before the payment of all of the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ fees and expenses. The weighted average yields were computed using the effective interest rates for debt investments at cost as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, including accretion of OID and debt investment origination fees, but excluding investments on non-accrual status, if any.

Purchases of debt and equity investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $63,107 and $68,192, respectively. Proceeds from sales and repayments, including principal, return of capital distributions and realized gains, of portfolio investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $98,565 and $73,772, respectively.

Investments by type with corresponding percentage of total portfolio investments consisted of the following:


	Fair Value								Cost
	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020				March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
Second Lien Debt	$	295,546	41.5	%	$	332,154	44.7	%	$	309,579	47.2	%	$	341,947	49.7	%
Subordinated Debt		99,834	14.0			107,911	14.5			99,358	15.1			107,343	15.6
First Lien Debt⁽¹⁾		195,673	27.5			187,353	25.2			195,261	29.7			184,585	26.9
Equity		118,179	16.6			112,836	15.2			49,229	7.5			49,958	7.3
Warrants		2,652	0.4			2,615	0.4			3,194	0.5			3,194	0.5

Total	$	711,884	100.0	%	$	742,869	100.0	%	$	656,621	100.0	%	$	687,027	100.0	%

(1)

Includes unitranche investments, which account for 18.6% and 20.1% of our portfolio on a fair value and cost basis as of March 31, 2021, respectively. Includes unitranche investments, which account for 17.3% and 18.4% of our portfolio on a fair value and cost basis as of December 31, 2020, respectively.

All investments made by the Company as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were made in portfolio companies headquartered in the U.S. The following table shows portfolio composition by geographic region at fair value and cost and as a percentage of total investments. The geographic composition is determined by the location of the corporate headquarters of the portfolio company, which may not be indicative of the primary source of the portfolio company’s business.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)


	Fair Value								Cost
	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020				March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
Midwest	$	179,123	25.1	%	$	225,745	30.4	%	$	141,691	21.5	%	$	189,560	27.6	%
Southeast		172,972	24.3			153,291	20.6			145,692	22.2			129,974	18.9
Northeast		148,540	20.9			123,268	16.6			156,766	23.9			127,833	18.6
West		97,654	13.7			108,673	14.6			94,363	14.4			109,221	15.9
Southwest		113,595	16.0			131,892	17.8			118,109	18.0			130,439	19.0

Total	$	711,884	100.0	%	$	742,869	100.0	%	$	656,621	100.0	%	$	687,027	100.0	%

The following table shows portfolio composition by type and by geographic region at fair value as a percentage of net assets.


By Type							By Geographic Region
	March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020				March 31, 2021			December 31, 2020
Second Lien Debt		71.6	%		80.9	%	Midwest		43.4	%		55.0	%
Subordinated Debt		24.2			26.3		Southeast		41.9			37.3
First Lien Debt		47.4			45.6		Northeast		36.0			30.0
Equity		28.6			27.5		West		23.6			26.5
Warrants		0.6			0.6		Southwest		27.5			32.1

Total		172.4	%		180.9	%	Total		172.4	%		180.9	%

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had no portfolio company investments that represented more than 10% of the total investment portfolio on a fair value or cost basis. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had no portfolio company investments that represented more than 5% of our total assets.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had debt investments in one portfolio company on non-accrual status:


	March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
Portfolio Company	Fair Value			Cost			Fair Value			Cost
EBL, LLC (EbLens)	$	5,709	⁽¹⁾	$	9,218	⁽¹⁾	$	5,454	⁽¹⁾	$	9,214	⁽¹⁾

Total	$	5,709		$	9,218		$	5,454		$	9,214

(1)	Portfolio company was on PIK-only on non-accrual status at period end, meaning the Company has ceased recognizing PIK interest income on the investment.

Consolidated Schedule of Investments In and Advances To Affiliates

The table below represents the fair value of control and affiliate investments as of December 31, 2020 and any additions and reductions made to such investments during the three months ended March 31, 2021, the ending fair value as of March 31, 2021, and the total investment income earned on such investments during the period.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)


												Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Portfolio Company ⁽¹⁾	March 31, 2021 Principal Amount - Debt Investments		December 31, 2020 Fair Value		Gross Additions ⁽²⁾		Gross Reductions ⁽³⁾			March 31, 2021 Fair Value		Net Realized Gains (Losses) ⁽⁴⁾		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)			Interest Income		Payment-in- kind Interest Income		Dividend Income		Fee Income
Control Investments
Spectra A&D Acquisition, Inc. (fka FDS Avionics Corp.)⁽⁵⁾	$	—	$	7,391	$	1,986	$	(9,377	)	$	—	$	957	$	1,028		$	90	$	—	$	—	$	400
US GreenFiber, LLC		24,784		20,862		1,841		(137	)		22,566		—		(136	)		503		341		—		—

Total Control Investments	$	24,784	$	28,253	$	3,827	$	(9,514	)	$	22,566	$	957	$	892		$	593	$	341	$	—	$	400

Affiliate Investments
FAR Research Inc.	$	—	$	28	$	—	$	—		$	28	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Fiber Materials, Inc.		—		41		1		—			42		—		—			—		—		—		—
Medsurant Holdings, LLC		8,031		10,960		13		—			10,973		—		13			281		—		—		6
Mirage Trailers LLC		6,492		6,494		1,275		—			7,769		—		1,188			186		81		—		—
Pfanstiehl, Inc.		—		33,505		513		—			34,018		—		514			—		—		—		—
Pinnergy, Ltd.		—		20,589		306		—			20,895		—		306			—		—		—		—
Spectra A&D Acquisition, Inc. (fka FDS Avionics Corp.)⁽⁵⁾		8,000		—		12,241		(59	)		12,182		—		1,631			150		—		—		177
Steward Holding LLC (dba Steward Advanced Materials)		7,812		9,777		330		—			10,107		—		300			231		30		—		—

Total Affiliate Investments	$	30,335	$	81,394	$	14,679	$	(59	)	$	96,014	$	—	$	3,952		$	848	$	111	$	—	$	183

(1)	The investment type, industry, ownership detail for equity investments, and if the investment is income producing is disclosed in the consolidated schedule of investments.

(2)

Gross additions include increases in the cost basis of investments resulting from new portfolio investments, follow-on investments, accrued PIK interest and PIK dividend income, accretion of OID and origination fees, and net unrealized appreciation recognized during the period. Gross additions also include transfers of portfolio companies into the control or affiliate classification during the period, as applicable.

(3)

Gross reductions include decreases in the cost basis of investments resulting from principal repayments or sales and net unrealized (depreciation) recognized during the period. Gross reductions also include include transfers of portfolio companies out of the control or affiliate classification during the period, as applicable.

(4)

The schedule does not reflect realized gains or losses on escrow receivables for investments which were previously exited and were not held during the period presented. Gains and losses on escrow receivables are classified in the consolidated statements of operations according to the control classification at the time the investment was exited. Escrow receivables are presented in prepaid expenses and other assets on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities.

(5)	Portfolio company was transferred to Affiliate investments from Control investments during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

The table below represents the fair value of control and affiliate investments as of December 31, 2019 and any additions and reductions made to such investments during the year ended December 31, 2020, including the total investment income earned on such investments during the period.


												Year Ended December 31, 2020
Portfolio Company ⁽¹⁾	December 31, 2020 Principal Amount - Debt Investments		December 31, 2019 Fair Value		Gross Additions ⁽²⁾		Gross Reductions ⁽³⁾			December 31, 2020 Fair Value		Net Realized Gains (Losses) ⁽⁴⁾		Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)			Interest Income		Payment-in- kind Interest Income		Dividend Income		Fee Income
Control Investments
FDS Avionics Corp. (dba Fight Display Systems)	$	5,122	$	5,403	$	1,988	$	—		$	7,391	$	—	$	1,545		$	298	$	442	$	—	$	—
US GreenFiber, LLC		22,943		16,417		5,830		(1,385	)		20,862		—		(363	)		1,591		1,306		—		—

Total Control Investments	$	28,065	$	21,820	$	7,818	$	(1,385	)	$	28,253	$	—	$	1,182		$	1,889	$	1,748	$	—	$	—

Affiliate Investments
FAR Research Inc.	$	—	$	28	$	—	$	—		$	28	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Fiber Materials, Inc.		—		10,449		9,681		(20,089	)		41		9,681		(9,762	)		—		—		354		—
Medsurant Holdings, LLC		8,031		16,980		1,721		(7,741	)		10,960		1,714		(2,304	)		1,145		—		—		79
Microbiology Research Associates, Inc.⁽⁵⁾		—		11,611		21		(11,632	)		—		—		(751	)		84		11		—		—
Mirage Trailers LLC		6,410		7,218		235		(959	)		6,494		—		(959	)		718		159		5		16
Pfanstiehl, Inc.		—		32,822		20,128		(19,445	)		33,505		12,812		7,309			630		—		478		—
Pinnergy, Ltd.		—		32,978		301		(12,690	)		20,589		301		(9,388	)		—		—		—		—
Steward Holding LLC (dba Steward Advanced Materials)		7,783		9,469		308		—			9,777		—		186			934		117		—		25

Total Affiliate Investments	$	22,224	$	121,555	$	32,395	$	(72,556	)	$	81,394	$	24,508	$	(15,669	)	$	3,511	$	287	$	837	$	120

(1)	The investment type, industry, ownership detail for equity investment, and if the investment is income producing is disclosed in the consolidated schedule of investments.

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)	Portfolio company was transferred to Non-control/Non-affiliate investments from Affiliate investments during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.

Note 4. Fair Value Measurements

Investments

The Board has established and documented processes and methodologies for determining the fair values of portfolio company investments on a recurring basis in accordance with ASC Topic 820 and consistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Fair value is the price, determined at the measurement date, that would be received in the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters, or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available or reliable, valuation techniques described below are applied. Under ASC Topic 820, portfolio investments recorded at fair value in the consolidated financial statements are classified within the fair value hierarchy based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their value, as defined below:

Level 1 — Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets as of the measurement date.

Level 2 — Inputs include quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, or that are quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active and inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term, if applicable, of the investment.

Level 3 — Inputs include those that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

An investment’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s investment portfolio is comprised entirely of debt and equity securities of privately held companies for which quoted prices falling within the categories of Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are not available. Therefore, the Company values all of its portfolio investments at fair value, as determined in good faith by the Board, using Level 3 inputs. The degree of judgment exercised by the Board in determining fair value is greatest for investments classified as Level 3 inputs. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair values of investments that do not have readily available market values, the Board’s estimate of fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed, and those differences may be material. In addition, changes in the market environment, portfolio company performance and other events that may occur over the lives of the investments may cause the amounts ultimately realized on these investments to be materially different than the valuations currently assigned.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, the Board undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

•

the quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially evaluated and rated by the investment professionals of the Investment Advisor responsible for the portfolio investment;

•

preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with the investment committee of the Investment Advisor;

•

the audit committee of the Board reviews the preliminary valuations of the Investment Advisor and of the independent valuation firm(s) and responds and supplements the valuation recommendations to reflect any comments; and

•

the Board discusses these valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith, based on the input of the Investment Advisor, the independent valuation firm(s) and the audit committee.

In making the good faith determination of the value of portfolio investments, the Board starts with the cost basis of the security. The transaction price is typically the best estimate of fair value at inception. When evidence supports a subsequent change to the carrying value from the original transaction price, adjustments are made to reflect the expected exit values.

Consistent with the policies and methodologies adopted by the Board, the Company performs detailed valuations of its debt and equity investments, including an analysis on the Company’s unfunded debt investment commitments, using both the market and income approaches as appropriate. Under the market approach, the Company typically uses the enterprise value methodology to determine the fair value of an investment. There is no one methodology to estimate enterprise value and, in fact, for any one portfolio company, enterprise value is generally best expressed as a range of values, from which the Company derives a single estimate of enterprise value. Under the income approach, the Company typically prepares and analyzes discounted cash flow models to estimate the present value of future cash flows of either an individual debt investment or of the underlying portfolio company itself.

The Company evaluates investments in portfolio companies using the most recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts. The Company also consults with the portfolio company’s senior management to obtain further updates on the portfolio company’s performance, including information such as industry trends, new product development and other operational issues.

For the Company’s debt investments the primary valuation technique used to estimate the fair value is the discounted cash flow method. However, if there is deterioration in credit quality or a debt investment is in workout status, the Company may consider other methods in determining the fair value, including the value attributable to the debt investment from the enterprise value of the portfolio company or the proceeds that would be received in a liquidation analysis. The Company’s discounted cash flow models estimate a range of fair values by applying an appropriate discount rate to the future cash flow streams of its debt investments, based on future interest and principal payments as set forth in the associated debt investment agreements. The Company prepares a weighted average cost of capital for use in the discounted cash flow model for each investment, based on factors including, but not limited to: current pricing and credit metrics for similar proposed or executed investment transactions of private companies; the portfolio company’s historical financial results and outlook; and the portfolio company’s current leverage and credit quality as compared to leverage and credit quality as of the date the investment was made. The Company may also consider the following factors when determining the fair value of debt investments: the portfolio company’s ability to make future scheduled payments; prepayment penalties and other fees; estimated remaining life; the nature and realizable value of any collateral securing such debt investment; and changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

that generally may affect the price at which similar investments may be made. The Company estimates the remaining life of its debt investments to generally be the legal maturity date of the instrument, as the Company generally intends to hold its debt investments to maturity. However, if the Company has information available to it that the debt investment is expected to be repaid in the near term, it would use an estimated remaining life based on the expected repayment date.

For the Company’s equity investments, including equity and warrants, the Company generally uses a market approach, including valuation methodologies consistent with industry practice, to estimate the enterprise value of portfolio companies. Typically, the enterprise value of a private company is based on multiples of EBITDA, net income, revenues, or in limited cases, book value. In estimating the enterprise value of a portfolio company, the Company analyzes various factors consistent with industry practice, including but not limited to original transaction multiples, the portfolio company’s historical and projected financial results, applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and leverage levels, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public.

The Company may also utilize an income approach when estimating the fair value of its equity securities, either as a primary methodology if consistent with industry practice or if the market approach is otherwise not applicable, or as a supporting methodology to corroborate the fair value ranges determined by the market approach. The Company typically prepares and analyzes discounted cash flow models based on projections of the future free cash flows (or earnings) of the portfolio company. The Company considers various factors, including, but not limited to, the portfolio company’s projected financial results, applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and leverage levels, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public.

The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classifications on a quarterly basis. Reclassifications impacting Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are reported as transfers in or out of the Level 3 category as of the beginning of the quarter in which the reclassifications occur. There were no transfers among Levels 1, 2, and 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

The following tables present a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for fair valued investments measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


	Second Lien Debt			Subordinated Debt			First Lien Debt			Equity			Warrants			Total
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	383,077		$	140,843		$	108,327		$	126,564		$	8,108		$	766,919
Net realized gains (losses) on investments		100			—			(4	)		29,419			1,862			31,377
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		(18,819	)		(1,247	)		(2,676	)		(49,529	)		(2,319	)		(74,590	)
Purchase of investments		20,000			2,000			45,940			252			—			68,192
Proceeds from sales and repayments of investments		(11,706	)		(1,567	)		(14,026	)		(41,982	)		(4,491	)		(73,772	)
Interest and dividend income paid-in-kind		914			137			30			—			—			1,081
Proceeds from loan origination fees		(158	)		(20	)		(437	)		—			—			(615	)
Accretion of loan origination fees		137			42			81			1			—			261
Accretion of original issue discount		15			—			72			—			—			87

Balance, March 31, 2020	$	373,560		$	140,188		$	137,307		$	64,725		$	3,160		$	718,940

Balance, December 31, 2020	$	332,154		$	107,911		$	187,353		$	112,836		$	2,615		$	742,869
Net realized gains (losses) on investments		—			—			—			3,216			—			3,216
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments		(4,240	)		(92	)		(2,356	)		6,072			37			(579	)
Purchase of investments		6,500			16,000			36,900			3,707			—			63,107
Proceeds from sales and repayments of investments		(40,403	)		(24,039	)		(26,471	)		(7,652	)		—			(98,565	)
Interest and dividend income paid-in-kind		897			41			30			—			—			968
Proceeds from loan origination fees		(50	)		(80	)		(346	)		—			—			(476	)
Accretion of loan origination fees		91			93			563			—			—			747
Accretion of original issue discount		597			—			—			—			—			597

Balance, March 31, 2021	$	295,546		$	99,834		$	195,673		$	118,179		$	2,652		$	711,884

Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of $1,018 and ($73,964) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, was attributable to Level 3 investments held at March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The following tables summarize the significant unobservable inputs by valuation technique used to determine the fair value of the Company’s Level 3 debt and equity investments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The tables are not intended to be all-inclusive, but instead capture the significant unobservable inputs relevant to the Company’s determination of fair values.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)


	Fair Value at March 31, 2021		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range (weighted average)⁽¹⁾
Debt investments:
Second Lien Debt	$	274,891	Discounted cash flow	Weighted average cost of capital	9.3% - 26.4% (14.8%)
		5,710	Enterprise value	EBITDA multiples	4.4x - 4.4x (4.4x)
		14,945	Enterprise value	Asset Coverage	1.1x - 1.2x (1.2x)
Subordinated Debt		99,834	Discounted cash flow	Weighted average cost of capital	11.5% - 13.0% (11.8%)
First Lien Debt		195,673	Discounted cash flow	Weighted average cost of capital	6.9% - 16.4% (10.6%)
Equity investments:
Equity		118,179	Enterprise value	EBITDA multiples	4.4x - 15.3x (7.5x)
Warrants		2,652	Enterprise value	EBITDA multiples	4.5x - 7.0x (6.6x)

(1)	Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments.


	Fair Value at December 31, 2021		Valuation Techniques	Unobservable Inputs	Range (weighted average)⁽¹⁾
Debt investments:
Second Lien Debt	$	306,405	Discounted cash flow	Weighted average cost of capital	9.3% - 27.0% (14.0%)
		5,454	Enterprise value	EBITDA multiples	3.9x - 3.9x (3.9x)
		5,123	Enterprise value	Revenue multiples	2.1x - 2.1x (2.1x)
		15,172	Enterprise value	Asset Coverage	1.2x - 1.2x (1.2x)
Subordinated Debt		107,911	Discounted cash flow	Weighted average cost of capital	11.5% - 12.0% (11.7%)
First Lien Debt		183,238	Discounted cash flow	Weighted average cost of capital	6.8% - 16.3% (10.3%)
		4,115	Enterprise value	Asset Coverage	1.8x - 1.8x (1.8x)
Equity investments:
Equity		110,568	Enterprise value	EBITDA multiples	3.9x - 15.3x (8.1x)
		2,268	Enterprise value	Revenue multiples	2.1x - 2.1x (2.1x)
Warrants		2,615	Enterprise value	EBITDA multiples	4.5x - 6.5x (6.2x)

(1)	Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments.

The significant unobservable input used in determining the fair value under the discounted cash flow technique is the weighted average cost of capital of each security. Significant increases (or decreases) in this input would likely result in significantly lower (or higher) fair value estimates.

The significant unobservable inputs used in determining fair value under the enterprise value technique are revenue and EBITDA multiples, as well as asset coverage. Significant increases (or decreases) in these inputs could result in significantly higher (or lower) fair value estimates.

Other Financial Assets and Liabilities

ASC Topic 820 requires disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate such value. The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its other financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, interest receivable and accounts payable and other liabilities approximate the fair value of such items due to the short maturity of such instruments. The Company’s borrowings under the Credit Facility (as defined in Note 6), SBA debentures, and Notes (as defined in Note 6) are recorded at their respective carrying values.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

The following tables summarize the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt obligations as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.


	March 31, 2021				December 31, 2020
	Carrying Value ⁽¹⁾		Fair Value		Carrying Value ⁽¹⁾		Fair Value
SBA debentures ⁽²⁾	$	133,800	$	133,800	$	147,000	$	147,000
Credit Facility borrowings ⁽³⁾		15,000		15,000		—		—
2023 Notes ⁽⁴⁾		—		—		50,000		50,620
February 2024 Notes ⁽⁴⁾		19,000		19,312		69,000		69,745
November 2024 Notes ⁽⁴⁾		63,250		64,996		63,250		64,389
2026 Notes ⁽⁵⁾		125,000		125,302		125,000		125,000

Total	$	356,050	$	358,410	$	454,250	$	456,754

(1)	Carrying value represents the outstanding principal balance of the debt obligation.

(2)

The fair value of the SBA debentures is estimated by discounting the remaining payments using current market rates for similar instruments and considering such factors as the legal maturity date and the ability of market participants to prepay the debentures, which are Level 3 inputs under ASC Topic 820.

(3)	The fair value of borrowings under the Credit Facility, if valued under ASC Topic 820, are based on a market yield approach and current interest rates, which are Level 3 inputs to the market yield model.

(4)	The Public Notes, if valued under ASC Topic 820, are valued using available market quotes, which is a Level 1 input.

(5)	The fair value of the 2026 Notes is estimated by discounting the remaining payments using current market rates for similar instruments and considering such factors as the legal maturity date, which are Level 3 inputs under ASC Topic 820.

The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Company’s debt obligations if measured at fair value as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.


	Fair Value
Valuation Inputs	March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
Level 1	$	84,308	$	184,754
Level 2		—		—
Level 3		274,102		272,000

Total	$	358,410	$	456,754

Note 5. Related Party Transactions

Investment Advisory Agreement: The Company has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Investment Advisor. On June 4, 2020, the Board approved the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement through June 20, 2021. Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement and subject to the overall supervision of the Board, the Investment Advisor provides investment advisory services to the Company. For providing these services, the Investment Advisor receives a fee, consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee.

The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.75% based on the average value of total assets (other than cash or cash equivalents but including assets purchased with borrowed amounts) at the end of the two most recently completed calendar quarters. The base management fee is payable quarterly in arrears. The base management fee under the Investment Advisory Agreement was $3,176 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and $3,272 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the base management fee payable was $3,176 and $3,244, respectively.

The incentive fee consists of two parts. The first part is calculated and payable quarterly in arrears based on the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income for the quarter. Pre-incentive fee net investment income means interest income, dividend income and any other income (including any other fees such as commitment, origination, structuring, diligence and consulting fees or other fees that the Company receives from portfolio companies but excluding fees for providing managerial assistance) accrued during the calendar quarter, minus operating expenses for the quarter (including the base management fee, any expenses payable under the Administration Agreement (defined below) and any interest expense and dividends paid on any outstanding preferred stock, but excluding the incentive fee and excise taxes on realized gains). Pre-incentive fee net investment income includes, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as market discount, original issue discount, debt instruments with PIK income, preferred stock with PIK dividends and zero-coupon securities), accrued income the Company has not yet received in cash. The Investment Advisor is not under any obligation to reimburse the Company for any part of the incentive fee it receives that was based on accrued interest that the Company never collects.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

Pre-incentive fee net investment income does not include any realized capital gains, taxes associated with such realized capital gains, realized capital losses or unrealized capital appreciation or depreciation. Because of the structure of the incentive fee, it is possible that the Company may pay an incentive fee in a quarter where the Company incurs a loss. For example, if the Company generates pre-incentive fee net investment income in excess of the hurdle rate (as defined below) for a quarter, the Company will pay the applicable incentive fee even if the Company has incurred a loss in that quarter due to a net loss on investments.

Pre-incentive fee net investment income, expressed as a rate of return on the value of the Company’s net assets (defined as total assets less indebtedness and before taking into account any incentive fees payable during the period) at the end of the immediately preceding calendar quarter, is compared to a fixed “hurdle rate” of 2.0% per quarter. If market interest rates rise, the Company may be able to invest funds in debt instruments that provide for a higher return, which would increase the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income and make it easier for the Investment Advisor to surpass the fixed hurdle rate and receive an incentive fee based on such net investment income.

The Company pays the Investment Advisor an incentive fee with respect to pre-incentive fee net investment income in each calendar quarter as follows:

•

no incentive fee in any calendar quarter in which the pre-incentive fee net investment income does not exceed the hurdle rate of 2.0%;

•

100.0% of the Company’s 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 2.5% in any calendar quarter. This portion of the pre-incentive fee net investment income (which exceeds the hurdle rate but is less than 2.5%) is referred to as the “catch-up” provision. The catch-up is meant to provide the Investment Advisor with 20.0% of the pre-incentive fee net investment income as if a hurdle rate did not apply if this net investment income exceeds 2.5% in any calendar quarter; and

•

20.0% of the amount of the Company’s pre-incentive fee net investment income, if any, that exceeds 2.5% in any calendar quarter.

The sum of the calculations above equals the income incentive fee. The income incentive fee is appropriately prorated for any period of less than three months and adjusted for any share issuances or repurchases during the calendar quarter. The income incentive fee was $2,669 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, and $1,855 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the income incentive fee payable was $2,669 and $2,610, respectively.

The second part of the incentive fee is a capital gains incentive fee that is determined and paid in arrears as of the end of each fiscal year (or upon termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement, as of the termination date), and equals 20.0% of the net capital gains as of the end of the fiscal year. In determining the capital gains incentive fee to be paid in cash to the Investment Advisor, the Company calculates the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains and losses since the Formation Transactions (realized capital gains and losses include realized gains and losses on investments, net of income tax provision from realized gains on investments, and realized losses on extinguishment of debt), and the aggregate unrealized capital depreciation on investments as of the date of the calculation. At the end of the applicable year, the amount of capital gains that serves as the basis for the calculation of the capital gains incentive fee to be paid equals the cumulative aggregate realized capital gains on investments, less cumulative aggregate realized capital losses on investments, less aggregate unrealized capital depreciation on investments, and less cumulative aggregate realized losses on extinguishment of debt. If this number is positive at the end of such year, then the capital gains incentive fee to be paid in cash for such year equals 20.0% of such amount, less the aggregate amount of any capital gains incentive fees paid in all prior years. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the capital gains incentive fee payable in cash was $0 (as cumulative aggregate realized capital gains and losses on investments plus aggregate unrealized capital depreciation on investments plus realized losses on extinguishment of debt was negative as of each period). The aggregate amount of capital gains incentive fees paid from the IPO through March 31, 2021 was $348.

In addition, the Company accrues, but does not pay in cash, a capital gains incentive fee in connection with any unrealized capital appreciation on investments, as applicable. If, on a cumulative basis, the sum of (i) net realized gains/(losses) on investments plus (ii) net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments plus (iii) realized losses on extinguishment of debt decreases during a period, the Company will reverse any excess capital gains incentive fee previously accrued such that the amount of capital gains incentive fee accrued is no more than 20.0% of the sum of (i) net realized gains/(losses) on investments plus (ii) net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments plus (iii) realized losses on extinguishment of debt. The capital gains incentive fee accrued (reversed) during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $91, and $(8,878) for the three months ended March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the accrued capital gains incentive fee payable was $11,122 and $11,031, respectively.

Unless terminated earlier as described below, the Investment Advisory Agreement will continue in effect from year to year if approved annually by the Board or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding voting securities, and, in either case, if also approved by a majority of the directors who are not “interested persons” of the Company, as such term is defined under Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”). The Investment Advisory Agreement automatically terminates in the event of its assignment, as defined in the 1940 Act,

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

by the Investment Advisor and may be terminated by either party without penalty upon not less than 60 days’ written notice to the other. The holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding voting securities may also terminate the Investment Advisory Agreement without penalty.

Administration Agreement: The Company also entered into an administration agreement (the “Administration Agreement”) with the Investment Advisor. On June 4, 2020, the Board approved the renewal of the Administration Agreement through June 20, 2021. Under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Advisor furnishes the Company with office facilities and equipment, provides clerical, bookkeeping, and record keeping services at such facilities and provides the Company with other administrative services necessary to conduct its day-to-day operations. The Company reimburses the Investment Advisor for the allocable portion of overhead expenses incurred in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and the Company’s allocable portion of the cost of its chief financial officer and chief compliance officer and their respective staffs. Under the Administration Agreement, the Investment Advisor also provides managerial assistance to those portfolio companies to which the Company is required to provide such assistance and the Company reimburses the Investment Advisor for fees and expenses incurred with providing such services. In addition, the Company reimburses the Investment Advisor for fees and expenses incurred while performing due diligence on the Company’s prospective portfolio companies, including “dead deal” expenses. Under the Administration Agreement, administrative service expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 were $413, and $466 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the accrued administrative service expense payable was $214 and $593, respectively.

Fidus Equity Fund I, L.P.: On February 25, 2020, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Fidus Equity Fund I, L.P. (“FEF I”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will serve as the General Partner of FEF I. Owned by third-party investors, FEF I was formed to purchase 50% of select equity investments from the Company. On February 25, 2020, the Company sold 50% of its equity investments in 20 portfolio companies to FEF I and received net proceeds of $35,903, resulting in a realized gain, net of estimated taxes, of $20,404. The Company will not receive any fees from FEF I for any services provided in its capacity as the General Partner of FEF I.

Note 6. Debt

Revolving Credit Facility: On June 16, 2014, FIC entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with ING Capital LLC (“ING”), as the administrative agent, collateral agent, and lender. The Credit Facility is secured by certain portfolio investments held by the Company, but portfolio investments held by the Funds are not collateral for the Credit Facility. On April 24, 2019, the Company entered into an Amended & Restated Senior Secured Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) among the Company, as borrower, the lenders party thereto, and ING Capital LLC, as administrative agent. The Amended Credit Agreement amends, restates, and replaces the Credit Facility. On June 26, 2020, the Company amended the Amended Credit Agreement, however the material terms were unchanged. Among other revisions, the amendment to the Amended Credit Agreement modifies certain covenants therein, including to amend the minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio to be 2.25 to 1.00 for the four quarter period ending on June 30, 2020, 2.00 to 1.00 for the four quarter periods ending on each of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, and 1.75 to 1.00 for each four quarter period ending at the end of each quarter thereafter.

Under the Amended Credit Agreement, (i) revolving commitments by lenders were increased from $90,000 to $100,000, with an accordion feature that allows for an increase in total commitments up to $250,000, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions at the time of any such future increase, (ii) the maturity date of the Credit Facility was extended from June 16, 2019 to April 24, 2023, and (iii) borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, at our election, at a rate per annum equal to (a) 3.00% (or 2.75% if certain conditions are satisfied, including if (x) no equity interests are included in the borrowing base, (y) the contribution to the borrowing base of eligible portfolio investments that are performing first lien bank loans is greater than or equal to 35%, and (z) the contribution to the borrowing base of eligible portfolio investments that are performing first lien bank loans, performing last out loans, or performing second lien loans is greater than or equal to 60%) plus the one, two, three or six month LIBOR rate, as applicable, or (b) 2.00% (or 1.75% if the above conditions are satisfied) plus the highest of (A) a prime rate, (B) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, (C) three month LIBOR plus 1.0%, and (D) zero. The Company pays a commitment fee that varies depending on the size of the unused portion of the Credit Facility: 3.00% per annum on the unused portion of the credit facility at or below 35% of the commitments and 0.50% per annum on any remaining unused portion of the Credit Facility between the total commitments and the 35% minimum utilization. The Amended Credit Agreement also modifies certain covenants in the credit facility, including to provide for a minimum asset coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1 (on a regulatory basis). The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in all of our assets, excluding the assets of our SBIC subsidiaries.

Amounts available to borrow under the Credit Facility are subject to a minimum borrowing/collateral base that applies an advance rate to certain investments held by the Company, excluding investments held by the Funds. The Company is subject to limitations with respect to the investments securing the Credit Facility, including, but not limited to, restrictions on sector concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status and collateral interests, as well as restrictions on portfolio company leverage, which may also affect the borrowing base and therefore amounts available to borrow.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

The Company has made customary representations and warranties and is required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the documents governing the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company was in compliance in all material respect with the terms of the Credit Facility.

SBA debentures: The Company uses debenture leverage provided through the SBA to fund a portion of its investment purchases.

Under the SBA debenture program, the SBA commits to purchase debentures issued by SBICs; such debentures have 10-year terms with the entire principal balance due at maturity and are guaranteed by the SBA. Interest on SBA debentures is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, approved and unused SBA debenture commitments were $5,500 and $11,500, respectively. The SBA may limit the amount that may be drawn each year under these commitments, and each issuance of leverage is conditioned on the Company’s full compliance, as determined by the SBA, with the terms and conditions set forth in the SBIC Act.

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s issued and outstanding SBA debentures mature as follows:


Pooling Date ⁽¹⁾		Maturity Date		Fixed Interest Rate			March 31, 2021		December 31, 2020
	3/25/2015		3/1/2025		3.277	%	$	22,500	$	22,500
	9/23/2015		9/1/2025		3.571			15,000		16,700
	3/23/2016		3/1/2026		3.267			1,500		1,500
	3/23/2016		3/1/2026		3.249			21,800		21,800
	9/21/2016		9/1/2026		2.793			500		500
	3/29/2017		3/1/2027		3.587			10,000		10,000
	9/20/2017		9/1/2027		3.260			1,000		1,000
	9/20/2017		9/1/2027		3.190			33,000		33,000
	3/21/2018		3/1/2028		3.859			—		16,000
	3/21/2018		3/1/2028		3.534			9,000		10,500
	9/25/2019		9/1/2029		2.377			7,500		7,500
	3/25/2020		3/1/2030		2.172			6,000		6,000
	(2)		(2)		(2)			6,000		—

	Total outstanding SBA debentures						$	133,800	$	147,000

(1)	The SBA has two scheduled pooling dates for debentures (in March and in September). Certain debentures funded during the reporting periods may not be pooled until the subsequent pooling date.

(2)	The Company issued $6,000 in SBA debentures which will pool in September 2021. Until the pooling date, the debentures bear interest at a fixed rate interim interest rate of 0.60%. The Company expects the current interim interest rate will reset to a higher long-term fixed rate on the pooling date.

Notes: On February 2, 2018, the Company closed the public offering of approximately $43,478 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% notes due 2023, or the “2023 Notes.” On February 22, 2018, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $6,522 in aggregate principal of the 2023 Notes. The total net proceeds to the Company from the 2023 Notes, including the exercise of the underwriters’ option, after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $1,500 and offering expenses of $438, were approximately $48,062.

The 2023 Notes mature on February 1, 2023 and bear interest at a rate of 5.875%. The 2023 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after February 1, 2020. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year. The 2023 Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “FDUSL.”

On January 19, 2021, the Company redeemed $50,000 of the aggregate principal amount on the 2023 Notes, resulting in a realized loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $794.

On February 8, 2019, the Company closed the public offering of approximately $60,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 6.000% notes due 2024, or the “February 2024 Notes”. On February 19, 2019, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $9,000 in aggregate principal of the February 2024 Notes. The total net proceeds to the Company from the February 2024 Notes, including the exercise of the underwriters’ option, after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $2,070 and estimated offering expenses of $409, were approximately $66,521.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

The February 2024 Notes mature on February 15, 2024 and bear interest at a rate of 6.000%. The February 2024 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after February 15, 2021. Interest on the February 2024 Notes is payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning May 15, 2019. The February 2024 Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “FDUSZ.”

On February 16, 2021, the Company redeemed $50,000 of the $69,000 aggregate principal amount on the February 2024 Notes, resulting in a realized loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1,081.

On October 16, 2019, the Company closed the public offering of approximately $55,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 5.375% notes due 2024, or the “November 2024 Notes” (and collectively with the 2023 Notes and February 2024 Notes, the “Public Notes”). On October 23, 2019, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $8,250 in aggregate principal of the November 2024 Notes. The total net proceeds to the Company from the November 2024 Notes, including the exercise of the underwriters’ option, after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $1,898 and estimated offering expenses of $300, were approximately $61,053.

The November 2024 Notes will mature on November 1, 2024 and bear interest at a rate of 5.375%. The November 2024 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after November 1, 2021. Interest on the November 2024 Notes is payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning February 1, 2020. The November 2024 Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “FDUSG.”

On December 23, 2020, the Company closed the offering of approximately $125,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.75% notes due 2026, or the “2026 Notes” (collectively with the Public Notes, the “Notes”). The total net proceeds to the Company from the 2026 Notes after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $2,500 and estimated offering expenses of $400, were approximately $122,100.

The 2026 Notes will mature on January 31, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 4.75%. The 2026 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option subject to a make whole provision if redeemed more than three months prior to maturity. Interest on the 2026 Notes is payable on January 31 and July 31 of each year, beginning July 31, 2021. The Company does not intend to list the 2026 Notes on any securities exchange or automated dealer quotation system.

The Notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and rank pari passu with the Company’s future unsecured indebtedness; effectively subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness; and structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of its subsidiaries, financing vehicles, or similar facilities the Company may form in the future, with respect to claims on the assets of any such subsidiaries, financing vehicles, or similar facilities.

As of March 31, 2021, the aggregate amount outstanding of the senior securities issued by the Company was $222,250, for which our asset coverage was 285.8%. The SBA-guaranteed debentures are not subject to the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act as a result of exemptive relief granted to us by the SEC effective June 30, 2014. The asset coverage ratio for a class of senior securities representing indebtedness is calculated as our consolidated total assets, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, divided by total senior securities representing indebtedness.

Interest and Financing Expenses

Interest and fees related to the Company’s debt for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 which are included in interest and financing expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, were as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2021												Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
	SBA			Credit									SBA			Credit
	debentures			Facility			Notes			Total			debentures			Facility			Notes			Total
Stated interest expense	$	1,133		$	362		$	3,116		$	4,611		$	1,332		$	459		$	2,619		$	4,410
Amortization of deferred financing costs		130			112			341			583			141			83			326			550

Total interest and financing expenses	$	1,263		$	474		$	3,457		$	5,194		$	1,473		$	542		$	2,945		$	4,960

Weighted average stated interest rate, period end		3.102	%		4.117	%		5.055	%		4.282	%		3.333	%		3.855	%		5.749	%		4.560	%
Unused commitment fee rate, period end		N/A			1.088	%		N/A			1.088	%		N/A			0.500	%		N/A			0.500	%

Realized Losses on Extinguishment of Debt

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company prepaid $19,200 and $7,000 of SBA debentures, respectively, which were scheduled to mature on dates ranging from 2025 to 2028 and 2024 to 2028, respectively. As a result of the prepayments, the Company recognized realized losses on extinguishment of debt of $305 and $125, respectively, equal to the write-off of the related unamortized deferred financing costs, during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs are amortized into interest and financing expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, using the effective interest method, over the term of the respective financing instrument. Deferred financing costs related to the Credit Facility, SBA debentures, and Notes as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were as follows:


	March 31, 2021												December 31, 2020
	SBA			Credit									SBA			Credit
	debentures			Facility			Notes			Total			debentures			Facility			Notes			Total
SBA debenture commitment fees	$	1,750		$	—		$	—		$	1,750		$	1,750		$	—		$	—		$	1,750
SBA debenture leverage fees		4,112			—			—			4,112			3,966			—			—			3,966
Credit Facility upfront fees		—			3,238			—			3,238			—			3,238			—			3,238
Notes underwriting discounts		—			—			6,468			6,468			—			—			7,968			7,968
Notes debt issue costs		—			—			1,076			1,076			—			—			1,579			1,579

Total deferred financing costs		5,862			3,238			7,544			16,644			5,716			3,238			9,547			18,501
Less: accumulated amortization		(3,154	)		(2,301	)		(2,870	)		(8,325	)		(2,720	)		(2,190	)		(2,591	)		(7,501	)

Unamortized deferred financing costs	$	2,708		$	937		$	4,674		$	8,319		$	2,996		$	1,048		$	6,956		$	11,000

Unamortized deferred financing costs are presented as a direct offset to the SBA debentures, Credit Facility and Notes liabilities on the consolidated statements of assets and liabilities. The following table summarizes the outstanding debt net of unamortized deferred financing costs as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020:


	March 31, 2021												December 31, 2020
	SBA			Credit									SBA			Credit
	debentures			Facility			Notes			Total			debentures			Facility			Notes			Total
Outstanding debt	$	133,800		$	15,000		$	207,250		$	356,050		$	147,000		$	—		$	307,250		$	454,250
Less: unamortized deferred financing costs		(2,708	)		(937	)		(4,674	)		(8,319	)		(2,996	)		(1,048	)		(6,956	)		(11,000	)

Debt, net of deferred financing costs	$	131,092		$	14,063		$	202,576		$	347,731		$	144,004		$	(1,048	)	$	300,294		$	443,250

As of March 31, 2021, the Company’s debt liabilities are scheduled to mature as follows ⁽¹⁾:


	SBA		Credit
Year	debentures		Facility		Notes		Total
2021	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
2022		—		—		—		—
2023		—		15,000		—		15,000
2024		—		—		82,250		82,250
2025		37,500		—		—		37,500
Thereafter		96,300		—		125,000		221,300

Total	$	133,800	$	15,000	$	207,250	$	356,050

(1)

The table above presents scheduled maturities of the Company’s outstanding debt liabilities as of a point in time pursuant to the terms of those instruments. The timing of actual repayments of outstanding debt liabilities may not ultimately correspond with the scheduled maturity dates depending on the terms of the underlying instruments and the potential for earlier prepayments.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

Note 7. Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments: The Company had outstanding commitments to portfolio companies to fund various undrawn revolving loans, other debt investments and capital commitments totaling $7,589 and $5,645 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Such outstanding commitments are summarized in the following table:


	March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
	Total			Unfunded			Total			Unfunded
Portfolio Company - Investment	Commitment			Commitment			Commitment			Commitment
Combined Systems, Inc. - Revolving Loan	$	4,000		$	550		$	4,000		$	1,050
CRS Solutions Holdings, LLC (dba CRS Texas) - Common Equity (Units)		246			74			—			—
Elements Brands, LLC - Revolving Loan		3,000			838			3,000			838
Rhino Assembly Company, LLC - Delayed Draw Commitment		875			875			875			875
Safety Products Group, LLC - Common Equity (Units)		2,852	⁽¹⁾		2,852	⁽¹⁾		2,852	⁽¹⁾		2,852	⁽¹⁾
Spectra A&D Acquisition, Inc. (fka FDS Avionics Corp.) - Revolving Loan		—			—			250			30
Wonderware Holdings, LLC (dba CORE Business Technologies) - Delayed Draw Term Loan		2,000			2,000			—			—
Xeeva, Inc. - Delayed Draw Term Loan		400			400			—			—

Total	$	13,373		$	7,589		$	10,977		$	5,645

(1)	Portfolio company was no longer held at period end. The commitment represents the Company’s maximum potential liability related to certain guaranteed obligations stemming from the prior sale of the portfolio company’s underlying operations.

Additional detail for each of the commitments above is provided in the Company’s consolidated schedules of investments.

The commitments are generally subject to the borrowers meeting certain criteria such as compliance with financial and nonfinancial covenants. Since commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Indemnifications: In the normal course of business, the Company enters into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties that provide indemnifications under certain circumstances. In addition, in connection with the disposition of an investment in a portfolio company, the Company may be required to make representations about the business and financial affairs of such portfolio company typical of those made in connection with the sale of a business. The Company may also be required to indemnify the purchasers of such investment to the extent that any such representations are inaccurate. The Company’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Company that have not yet occurred. The Company expects the risk of future obligation under these indemnifications to be remote.

Legal proceedings: In the normal course of business, the Company may be subject to legal and regulatory proceedings that are generally incidental to its ongoing operations. While the outcome of any such legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe any such legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 8. Common Stock

Public Offerings of Common Stock

The following table summarizes the cumulative total shares issued, net proceeds received, and weighted average offering price in public offerings of the Company’s common stock since the IPO.


Period	Cumulative Number of Shares		Cumulative Gross Proceeds		Cumulative Underwriting Fees and Commissions and Offering Costs ⁽¹⁾		Weighted Average Offering Price
Cumulative since IPO		14,388,414	$	236,597	$	8,989	$	16.44

(1)

Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC agreed to bear a cumulative of $1,925 of underwriting fees and commissions and offering costs associated with these offerings (such amounts are not included in the number reported above). All such payments made by Fidus Investment Advisors, LLC are not subject to reimbursement by the Company.

No shares have been issued for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

Common Stock ATM Program

On August 21, 2014, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement with Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated through which the Company could sell, by means of at-the-market offerings from time to time, shares of the Company’s common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $50,000 (the “ATM Program”). There were no issuances of common stock under the ATM program during the last two fiscal years and for the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Stock Repurchase Program

As described in Note 2, the Company has a Stock Repurchase Program under which the Company may acquire up to $5,000 of its outstanding common stock. The Company did not make any repurchases of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Company repurchased 25,719 shares of common stock, on the open market for $268. The Company’s NAV per share

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

increased by approximately $0.01 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, as a result of the share repurchases. The following table summarizes the Company’s share repurchases under the Stock Repurchase Program for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
Repurchases of Common Stock	2021		2020
Number of shares repurchased		—		25,719
Cost of shares repurchased, including commissions	$	—	$	268
Weighted average price per share	$	—	$	10.37
Net asset value per share at prior quarter end	$	—	$	16.85
Weighted average discount to net asset value at quarter end prior to repurchases		N/A		38.5	%

Refer to Note 9 for additional information regarding the issuance of shares under the DRIP.

The Company had 24,437,400 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

Note 9. Dividends and Distributions

The Company’s dividends and distributions are recorded on the record date. The following table summarizes the dividends paid during the last two fiscal years and for the three months ended March 31, 2021.


Date Declared	Record Date		Payment Date		Amount Per Share		Total Distribution		Cash Distribution		DRIP Shares Value			DRIP Shares			DRIP Share Issue Price
Year Ended December 31, 2019:
1/31/2019		3/8/2019		3/22/2019	$	0.39	$	9,541	$	9,541	$	—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
4/29/2019		6/7/2019		6/21/2019		0.39		9,540		9,540		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
7/29/2019		9/6/2019		9/20/2019		0.39		9,541		9,541		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
10/29/2019		12/6/2019		12/20/2019		0.39		9,541		9,541		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
10/29/2019 (1)		12/6/2019		12/20/2019		0.04		978		978		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—

					$	1.60	$	39,141	$	39,141	$	—			—

Year Ended December 31, 2020:
2/14/2020		3/13/2020		3/27/2020	$	0.39	$	9,537	$	9,537	$	—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
4/29/2020		6/12/2020		6/26/2020		0.30		7,331		7,331		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
8/03/2020		9/11/2020		9/25/2020		0.30		7,331		7,331		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
10/26/2020		12/4/2020		12/18/2020		0.30		7,331		7,331		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
10/26/2020 (2)		12/4/2020		12/18/2020		0.04		978		978		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—

					$	1.33	$	32,508	$	32,508	$	—			—

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021:
2/09/2021		3/12/2021		3/26/2021	$	0.31	$	7,575	$	7,575	$	—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—
2/09/2021 (2)		3/12/2021		3/26/2021		0.07		1,711		1,711		—	⁽³⁾		—	⁽³⁾		—

					$	0.38	$	9,286	$	9,286	$	—			—

(1)	Special dividend.

(2)	Supplemental dividend

(3)

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company directed the DRIP program plan administrator to repurchase shares on the open market in order to satisfy the DRIP obligation to deliver shares of common stock in lieu of issuing new shares. Accordingly, the Company purchased and reissued shares to satisfy the DRIP obligation as follows:


Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019:	Number of Shares Purchased and Reissued		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Amount Paid
January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019		21,855	$	15.25	$	333
April 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019		14,067		16.23		228
July 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019		15,289		15.35		235
October 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019		17,525		15.27		268

Total		68,736	$	15.48	$	1,064

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)


Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020:	Number of Shares Purchased and Reissued		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Amount Paid
January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020		31,586	$	7.58	$	239
April 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020		21,904		9.04		198
July 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020		28,871		10.18		294
October 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020		20,222		12.91		261

Total		102,583	$	9.67	$	992


Three Months Ended March 31, 2021:	Number of Shares Purchased and Reissued		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Amount Paid
January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021		15,562	$	15.62	$	243

Total		15,562	$	15.62	$	243

Note 10. Financial Highlights

The following is a schedule of financial highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021			2020
Per share data:
Net asset value at beginning of period	$	16.81		$	16.85
Net investment income⁽¹⁾		0.45			0.71
Net realized gain (loss) on investments, net of tax (provision)⁽¹⁾		0.13			1.25
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments⁽¹⁾		(0.02	)		(3.05	)
Realized losses on extinguishment of debt ⁽¹⁾		(0.09	)		(0.01	)

Total increase from investment operations⁽¹⁾		0.47			(1.10	)
Accretive (dilutive) effect of share issuances and repurchases		—			0.01
Dividends to stockholders		(0.38	)		(0.39	)

Net asset value at end of period	$	16.90		$	15.37

Market value at end of period	$	15.55		$	6.62

Shares outstanding at end of period		24,437,400			24,437,400
Weighted average shares outstanding during the period		24,437,400			24,457,634
Net assets at end of period	$	413,012		$	375,534
Average net assets⁽⁶⁾	$	411,886		$	393,922
Ratios to average net assets:
Total expenses^(2)(4)(9)		11.9	%		2.6	%
Net investment income⁽²⁾⁽⁵⁾		10.8	%		17.7	%
Total return based on market value⁽³⁾		24.6	%		(52.9	%)
Total return based on net asset value ⁽⁸⁾		2.8	%		(6.5	%)
Portfolio turnover ratio ⁽²⁾		34.8	%		36.8	%
Supplemental Data:
Average debt outstanding ⁽⁷⁾	$	405,150		$	369,250
Average debt per share⁽¹⁾	$	16.58		$	15.10

(1)	Weighted average per share data.

(2)	Annualized.

(3)

Total return based on market value equals the change in the market value of the Company’s common stock per share during the period divided by the market value per share at the beginning of the period, and assumes reinvestment of dividends at prices obtained by our dividend reinvestment plan during the period. The return does not reflect any sales load that may be paid by an investor.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

(4)	The total expenses to average net assets ratio is calculated using the total expenses and the income tax provision (benefit) captions as presented on the consolidated statements of operations.

(5)	The net investment income to average net assets ratio is calculated using the net investment income caption as presented on the consolidated statements of operations, which includes incentive fee.

(6)	Average net assets is calculated as the average of the net asset balances as of each quarter end during the fiscal year and the prior year end.

(7)	Average debt outstanding is calculated as the average of the outstanding debt balances as of each quarter end during the fiscal year and the prior year end.

(8)

Total return based on net asset value per share equals the change in net asset value per share during the period, plus dividends paid per share during the period, less other non-operating changes during the period, and divided by beginning net asset value per share for the period. Non-operating changes include any items that affect net asset value per share other than increase from investment operations, such as the effects of share issuances and repurchases and other miscellaneous items.

(9)	The following is a schedule of supplemental expense ratios to average net assets:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
Ratio to average net assets:	2021			2020
Expenses other than incentive fee ⁽²⁾		9.2	%		9.7	%
Incentive fee ⁽²⁾		2.7	%		(7.1	%)

Total expenses ⁽²⁾⁽⁴⁾		11.9	%		2.6	%

Note 11. Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2021, the Company invested $11,000 in first lien debt of Winona Foods, Inc., a leading provider of natural and processed cheese products, sauces, and plant-based alternatives.

On April 1, 2021, the Company invested $5,500 in first lien debt and $1,000 in common equity of Level Education Group, LLC (dba CE4Less), a leading provider of online continuing education for mental health and nursing professionals.

On April 5, 2021, the Company exited its debt investment in The Kyjen Company, LLC (dba Outward Hound). The Company received payment in full of $15,005 on its second lien debt, which includes a prepayment fee.

On April 5, 2021, the Company invested $25,500 in first lien debt and common equity, and made a commitment up to $2,000 of additional first lien debt of ISI PSG Holdings, LLC (dba Incentive Solutions, Inc.), a tech-enabled incentive rewards and digital marketing firm that facilitates and optimizes its clients’ indirect sales channel strategies.

On April 14, 2021, the Company exited its debt investment in Medsurant Holdings, LLC. The Company received payment in full of $8,031 on its second lien debt.

On April 29, 2021, the Company exited its debt investment in Virginia Tile Company, LLC. The Company received payment in full of $12,000 on its second lien debt.

On May 3, 2021, the Board declared a base quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share and a supplemental dividend of $0.08 per share payable June 28, 2021 to stockholders of record as of June 14, 2021.

COVID-19

Subsequent to March 31, 2021, the global outbreak of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and the related effect on the U.S. and global economies, has continued to have adverse consequences for the business operations of some of the Company’s portfolio companies. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, remain uncertain. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Company invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Company’s investments and negatively impact the Company’s performance.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Fidus Investment Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021. The information contained in this section should also be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

Except as otherwise specified, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Fidus” and “FIC” refer to Fidus Investment Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Fidus Investment Corporation, our current and prospective portfolio investments, our industry, our beliefs, and our assumptions. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “may,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “targets,” “projects” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q involve risks and uncertainties, including statements as to:

•

our future operating results and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;

•

our business prospects and the prospects of our portfolio companies, including our and their ability to achieve our respective objectives as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic;

•

the impact of investments that we expect to make;

•

pandemics or other serious public health events, such as the recent global outbreak of COVID-19;

•

our contractual arrangements and relationships with third parties;

•

the dependence of our future success on the general economy and its impact on the industries in which we invest and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;

•

the ability of our portfolio companies to achieve their objectives;

•

our expected financing and investments;

•

the adequacy of our cash resources and working capital;

•

the timing of cash flows, if any, from the operations of our portfolio companies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;

•

the ability of the Investment Advisor to locate suitable investments for us and to monitor and administer our investments and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic thereon;

•

the ability of our investment advisor to attract and retain highly talented professionals;

•

our regulatory structure and tax status;

•

our ability to operate as a BDC, a SBIC and a RIC;

•

the timing, form and amount of any dividend distributions;

•

the impact of fluctuations in interest rates on our business;

•

the valuation of any investments in portfolio companies, particularly those having no liquid trading market; and

•

our ability to recover unrealized losses.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation:

•

an economic downturn, including as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, could impair our portfolio companies’ ability to continue to operate, which could lead to the loss of some or all of our investments in such portfolio companies;

•

a contraction of available credit and/or an inability to access the equity markets, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could impair our lending and investment activities;

•

interest rate volatility could adversely affect our results, particularly because we use leverage as part of our investment strategy;

•

currency fluctuations could adversely affect the results of our investments in foreign companies, particularly to the extent that we receive payments denominated in foreign currency rather than the U.S. dollars; and

•

the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in Item 1A. – Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC.

FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

(in thousands, except shares and per share data)

Although we believe that the assumptions on which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of those assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those assumptions also could be inaccurate. Important assumptions include our ability to originate new debt investments, certain margins and levels of profitability and the availability of additional capital. In light of these and other uncertainties, the inclusion of a projection or forward-looking statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should not be regarded as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include those described or identified in Item 1.A – Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Overview

General and Corporate Structure

We provide customized debt and equity financing solutions to lower middle-market companies, which we define as U.S. based companies having revenues between $10.0 million and $150.0 million. Our investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns by generating both current income from our debt investments and capital appreciation from our equity related investments. Our investment strategy includes partnering with business owners, management teams and financial sponsors by providing customized financing for ownership transactions, recapitalizations, strategic acquisitions, business expansion and other growth initiatives. Although we are classified as a non-diversified investment company within the meaning of the 1940 Act, we maintain the flexibility to operate as a diversified investment company and have done so for an extended period of time. We seek to maintain a diversified portfolio of investments in order to help mitigate the potential effects of adverse economic events related to particular companies, regions or industries.

FIC was formed as a Maryland corporation on February 14, 2011. We completed our initial public offering, or IPO, in June 2011. FIC has elected to be treated as business development company, or BDC, under the 1940 Act and our investment activities are managed by Fidus Investment Advisors, our investment advisor, and supervised by the Board, a majority of whom are independent of us. On March 29, 2013, we commenced operations of a wholly-owned subsidiary, Fund II. On April 18, 2018, we commenced operations of another wholly-owned subsidiary, Fund III. Fund II and Fund III are collectively referred to as the “Funds.”

Fund II and Fund III received their SBIC licenses on May 28, 2013, and March 21, 2019, respectively. We plan to continue to operate the Funds as SBICs, subject to SBA approval, and to utilize the proceeds of the sale of SBA-guaranteed debentures to enhance returns to our stockholders. We have also made, and continue to make, investments directly through FIC. We believe that utilizing FIC and the Funds as investment vehicles provides us with access to a broader array of investment opportunities.

We have certain wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries (the “Taxable Subsidiaries”), each of which generally holds one or more of our portfolio investments listed on the consolidated schedules of investments. The Taxable Subsidiaries are consolidated for financial reporting purposes, such that our consolidated financial statements reflect our investment in the portfolio company investments owned by the Taxable Subsidiaries. The purpose of the Taxable Subsidiaries is to permit us to hold equity investments in portfolio companies that are taxed as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes (such as entities organized as limited liability companies (“LLCs”) or other forms of pass through entities) while complying with the “source-of-income” requirements contained in the RIC tax provisions. The Taxable Subsidiaries are not consolidated with us for U.S. federal corporate income tax purposes, and each Taxable Subsidiary will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its taxable income. Any such income or expense is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

COVID-19 Update

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, as a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020 the United States declared a national emergency with respect to COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 has severely impacted global economic activity and caused significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving and many countries, including the United States, have reacted by instituting quarantines, restricting travel and hospitality, and temporarily closing or limiting operations at many corporate offices, retail stores, restaurants, fitness clubs and manufacturing facilities and factories in affected jurisdictions. Such actions are creating disruption in global supply chains and adversely impacting a number of industries. The outbreak could have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19. Nevertheless, COVID-19 presents material uncertainty and risks with respect to the underlying value of the Company’s portfolio companies, the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, such as the potential negative impact to financing arrangements, company decisions to delay, defer and/or modify the character of dividends in order to preserve liquidity, increased costs of operations, changes in law and/or regulation, and uncertainty regarding government and regulatory policy.

We have evaluated subsequent events from April 1, 2021 to May 6, 2021. However, as the discussion in this Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020, the analysis contained herein may not fully account for impacts relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. In that regard, for example, as of March 31, 2021, the Company valued its portfolio investments in conformity with GAAP based on the facts and circumstances known by the Company at that time, or reasonably expected to be known at that time. Due to the overall volatility that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused during the months that followed March 31, 2021, any valuations conducted now or in the future in conformity with GAAP could result in a lower fair value of our portfolio. The potential impact to our results going forward will depend to a large extent on future developments and new information that may emerge regarding the duration and severity of COVID-19 and the actions taken by authorities and other entities to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, all of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, the Company cannot predict the extent to which its financial condition and results of operations will be affected at this time.

Investments

We seek to create a diversified investment portfolio that primarily includes debt investments and, to a lesser extent, equity securities. Our investments typically range between $5.0 million to $35.0 million per portfolio company, although this investment size may vary proportionately with the size of our capital base. Our investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns by generating both current income from our debt investments and capital appreciation from our equity related investments. We may invest in the equity securities of our portfolio companies, such as preferred stock, common stock, warrants and other equity interests, either directly or in conjunction with our debt investments.

Second Lien Debt. The majority of our debt investments take the form of second lien debt, which includes senior subordinated notes. Second lien debt investments obtain security interests in the assets of the portfolio company as collateral in support of the repayment of such loans. Second lien debt typically is senior on a lien basis to other liabilities in the issuer’s capital structure and has the benefit of a security interest over assets of the issuer, though ranking junior to first lien debt secured by those assets. First lien lenders and second lien lenders typically have separate liens on the collateral, and an intercreditor agreement provides the first lien lenders with priority over the second lien lenders’ liens on the collateral. These loans typically provide for no contractual loan amortization, with all amortization deferred until loan maturity, and may include payment-in-kind (“PIK”) interest, which increases the principal balance over the term and, coupled with the deferred principal payment provision, increases credit risk exposure over the life of the loan.

Subordinated Debt. These investments are typically structured as unsecured, subordinated notes. Structurally, subordinated debt usually ranks subordinate in priority of payment to first lien and second lien debt and may not have the benefit of financial covenants common in first lien and second lien debt. Subordinated debt may rank junior as it relates to proceeds in certain liquidations where it does not have the benefit of a lien in specific collateral held by creditors (typically first lien and/or second lien) who have a perfected security interest in such collateral. However, subordinated debt ranks senior to common and preferred equity in an issuer’s capital structure. These loans typically have relatively higher fixed interest rates (often representing a combination of cash pay and PIK interest) and amortization of principal deferred to maturity. The PIK feature (meaning a feature allowing for the payment of interest in the form of additional principal amount of the loan instead of in cash), which effectively operates as negative amortization of loan principal, coupled with the deferred principal payment provision, increases credit risk exposure over the life of the loan.

First Lien Debt. To a lesser extent, we also structure some of our debt investments as senior secured or first lien debt investments. First lien debt investments are secured by a first priority lien on existing and future assets of the borrower and may take the form of term loans or revolving lines of credit. First lien debt is typically senior on a lien basis to other liabilities in the issuer’s capital structure and has the benefit of a first-priority security interest in assets of the issuer. The security interest ranks above the security interest of any second lien lenders in those assets. Our first lien debt may include stand-alone first lien loans, “last out” first lien loans, or “unitranche” loans. Stand-alone first lien loans are traditional first lien loans. All lenders in the facility have equal rights to the collateral that is subject to the first-priority security interest. “Last out” first lien loans have a secondary priority behind super-senior “first out” first lien loans in the collateral securing the loans in certain circumstances. The arrangements for a “last out” first lien loan are set forth in an “agreement among lenders,” which provides lenders with “first out” and “last out” payment streams based on a single lien on the collateral. Since the “first out” lenders generally have priority over the “last out” lenders for receiving payment under certain specified events of default, or upon the occurrence of other triggering events under intercreditor agreements or agreements among lenders, the “last out” lenders bear a greater risk and, in exchange, receive a higher effective interest rate, through arrangements among the lenders, than the “first out” lenders or lenders in stand-alone first lien loans. Agreements among lenders also typically provide greater voting rights to the “last out” lenders than the intercreditor agreements to which second lien lenders often are subject.

Many of our debt investments also include excess cash flow sweep features, whereby principal repayment may be required before maturity if the portfolio company achieves certain defined operating targets. Additionally, our debt investments typically have principal prepayment penalties in the early years of the debt investment. The majority of our debt investments provide for a fixed interest rate.

Equity Securities. Our equity securities typically consist of either a direct minority equity investment in common or preferred stock or membership/partnership interests of a portfolio company, or we may receive warrants to buy a minority equity interest in a portfolio company in connection with a debt investment. Warrants we receive with our debt investments typically require only a nominal cost to exercise, and thus, as a portfolio company appreciates in value, we may achieve additional investment return from this equity interest. Our equity investments are typically not control-oriented investments, and in many cases, we acquire equity securities as part of a group of private equity investors in which we are not the lead investor. We may structure such equity investments to include provisions protecting our rights as a minority-interest holder, as well as a “put,” or right to sell such securities back to the issuer, upon the occurrence of specified events. In many cases, we may also seek to obtain registration rights in

connection with these equity interests, which may include demand and “piggyback” registration rights. Our equity investments typically are made in connection with debt investments to the same portfolio companies.

Revenues: We generate revenue in the form of interest and fee income on debt investments and dividends, if any, on equity investments. Our debt investments, whether in the form of second lien, subordinated or first lien loans, typically have terms of five to seven years and most bear interest at a fixed rate, but some bear interest at a floating rate. In some instances, we receive payments on our debt investments based on scheduled amortization of the outstanding balances. In addition, we may receive repayments of some of our debt investments prior to their scheduled maturity dates, which may include prepayment penalties. The frequency or volume of these repayments fluctuates significantly from period to period. Our portfolio activity may reflect the proceeds of sales of securities. In some cases, our investments provide for deferred interest payments or PIK interest. The principal amount of debt investments and any accrued but unpaid interest generally become due at the maturity date. In addition, we may generate revenue in the form of commitment, origination, amendment, or structuring fees and fees for providing managerial assistance. Debt investment origination fees, OID and market discount or premium, if any, are capitalized, and we accrete or amortize such amounts into interest income. We record prepayment penalties on debt investments as fee income when earned. Interest and dividend income is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. Interest is accrued daily based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of the debt investment. Dividend income is recorded as dividends are declared or at the point an obligation exists for the portfolio company to make a distribution, and is generally recognized when received. Distributions of earnings from portfolio companies are evaluated to determine if the distribution is a distribution of earnings or a return of capital. Distributions of earnings are included in dividend income while a return of capital is recorded as a reduction in the cost basis of the investment. Estimates are adjusted as necessary after the relevant tax forms are received from the portfolio company. Debt investments or preferred equity investments (for which we are accruing PIK dividends) are placed on non-accrual status when principal, interest or dividend payments become materially past due, or when there is reasonable doubt that principal, interest or dividends will be collected. Interest and dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as interest or dividend income or may be applied to the investment principal balance based on management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal, interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, payments are likely to remain current. See “Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates – Revenue Recognition.”

We recognize realized gains or losses on investments based on the difference between the net proceeds from the disposition and the cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized. We record current period changes in fair value of investments that are measured at fair value as a component of the net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments in the consolidated statements of operations.

Expenses: All investment professionals of the Investment Advisor and/or its affiliates, when and to the extent engaged in providing investment advisory and management services to us, and the compensation and routine overhead expenses allocable to personnel who provide these services to us, are provided and paid for by the Investment Advisor and not by us. We bear all other out-of-pocket costs and expenses of our operations and transactions, including, without limitation, those relating to:

•

organization;

•

calculating our net asset value (including the cost and expenses of any independent valuation firm);

•

fees and expenses incurred by the Investment Advisor under the Investment Advisory Agreement or payable to third parties, including agents, consultants or other advisors, in monitoring financial and legal affairs for us and in monitoring our investments and performing due diligence on our prospective portfolio companies or otherwise relating to, or associated with, evaluating and making investments, including “dead deal” costs;

•

interest payable on debt, if any, incurred to finance our investments;

•

offerings of our common stock and other securities;

•

investment advisory fees and management fees;

•

administration fees and expenses, if any, payable under the Administration Agreement (including payments under the Administration Agreement between us and the Investment Advisor based upon our allocable portion of the Investment Advisor’s overhead in performing its obligations under the Administration Agreement, including rent and the allocable portion of the cost of our officers, including our chief compliance officer, our chief financial officer, and their respective staffs);

•

transfer agent, dividend agent and custodial fees and expenses;

•

federal and state registration fees;

•

all costs of registration and listing our shares on any securities exchange;

•

U.S. federal, state and local taxes;

•

Independent Directors’ fees and expenses;

•

costs of preparing and filing reports or other documents required by the SEC or other regulators including printing costs;

•

costs of any reports, proxy statements or other notices to stockholders, including printing and mailing costs;

•

our allocable portion of any fidelity bond, directors and officers/errors and omissions liability insurance, and any other insurance premiums;

•

direct costs and expenses of administration, including printing, mailing, long distance telephone, copying, secretarial and other staff, independent auditors and outside legal costs;

•

proxy voting expenses; and

•

all other expenses reasonably incurred by us or the Investment Advisor in connection with administering our business.

Portfolio Composition, Investment Activity and Yield

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we invested $63.1 million and $68.2 million, respectively, in debt and equity investments including four and three new portfolio companies, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we received proceeds from sales or repayments, including principal, return of capital dividends and net realized gains (losses), of $98.6 million and $73.8 million, respectively, including exits of three and one portfolio companies, respectively. The following table summarizes investment purchases and sales and repayments of investments by type for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in millions).


	Purchases of Investments								Sales and Repayments of Investments
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021				2020				2021				2020
Second Lien Debt	$	6.5	10.2	%	$	20.0	29.3	%	$	40.4	41.0	%	$	11.7	15.8	%
Subordinated Debt		16.0	25.4			2.0	2.9			24.0	24.3			1.6	2.2
First Lien Debt⁽¹⁾		36.9	58.5			45.9	67.4			26.5	26.9			14.0	19.0
Equity		3.7	5.9			0.3	0.4			7.7	7.8			42.0	56.9
Warrants		—	—			—	—			—	—			4.5	6.1

Total	$	63.1	100.0	%	$	68.2	100.0	%	$	98.6	100.0	%	$	73.8	100.0	%

(1)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, includes unitranche securities, which account for 43.6% and 49.8% of purchases, respectively. For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, includes unitranche securities, which account for 22.1% and 0.5% of repayments, respectively.

As of March 31, 2021, the fair value of our investment portfolio totaled $711.9 million and consisted of 67 active portfolio companies and four portfolio companies that have sold their underlying operations. As of March 31, 2021, 22 portfolio companies’ debt investments bore interest at a variable rate, which represented $219.7 million, or 37.2%, of our debt investment portfolio on a fair value basis, and the remainder of our debt investment portfolio was comprised of fixed rate investments. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized appreciation of $55.3 million as of March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, our average active portfolio company investment at amortized cost was $9.8 million, which excludes investments in the four portfolio companies that have sold their underlying operations.

As of December 31, 2020, the fair value of our investment portfolio totaled $742.9 million and consisted of 66 active portfolio companies and three portfolio companies that have sold their underlying operations. As of December 31, 2020, 22 portfolio companies’ debt investments bore interest at a variable rate, which represented $230.9 million, or 36.8%, of our debt investment portfolio on a fair value basis, and the remainder of our debt investment portfolio was comprised of fixed rate investments. Overall, the portfolio had net unrealized appreciation of $55.8 million as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, our average active portfolio company investment at amortized cost was $10.4 million, which excludes investments in the three portfolio companies that have sold their underlying operations.

The weighted average yield on debt investments as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was 12.3% and 12.2%, respectively. The weighted average yield of our debt investments is not the same as a return on investment for our stockholders but, rather, relates to a portion of our investment portfolio and is calculated before the payment of all of our and our subsidiaries’ fees and expenses. The weighted average yields were computed using the effective interest rates for debt investments at cost including the accretion of OID and debt investment origination fees, but excluding investments on non-accrual status, if any.

The following table shows the portfolio composition by investment type at fair value and cost and as a percentage of total investments (dollars in millions):


	Fair Value								Cost
	March 31,				December 31,				March 31,				December 31,
	2021				2020				2021				2020
Second Lien Debt	$	295.5	41.5	%	$	332.2	44.7	%	$	309.5	47.2	%	$	341.9	49.7	%
Subordinated Debt		99.8	14.0			107.9	14.5			99.4	15.1			107.3	15.6
First Lien Debt⁽¹⁾		195.7	27.5			187.4	25.2			195.3	29.7			184.6	26.9
Equity		118.2	16.6			112.8	15.2			49.2	7.5			50.0	7.3
Warrants		2.7	0.4			2.6	0.4			3.2	0.5			3.2	0.5

Total	$	711.9	100.0	%	$	742.9	100.0	%	$	656.6	100.0	%	$	687.0	100.0	%

(1)

All investments made by us as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were made in portfolio companies headquartered in the U.S. The following table shows portfolio composition by geographic region at fair value and cost and as a percentage of total investments (dollars in millions). The geographic composition is determined by the location of the corporate headquarters of the portfolio company, which may not be indicative of the primary source of the portfolio company’s business.


	Fair Value								Cost
	March 31,				December 31,				March 31,				December 31,
	2021				2020				2021				2020
Midwest	$	179.1	25.1	%	$	225.7	30.4	%	$	141.6	21.5	%	$	189.6	27.6	%
Southeast		173.0	24.3			153.3	20.6			145.7	22.2			130.0	18.9
Northeast		148.5	20.9			123.3	16.6			156.8	23.9			127.8	18.6
West		97.7	13.7			108.7	14.6			94.4	14.4			109.2	15.9
Southwest		113.6	16.0			131.9	17.8			118.1	18.0			130.4	19.0

Total	$	711.9	100.0	%	$	742.9	100.0	%	$	656.6	100.0	%	$	687.0	100.0	%

The following table shows the detailed industry composition of our portfolio at fair value and cost as a percentage of total investments:


	Fair Value						Cost
	March 31,			December 31,			March 31,			December 31,
	2021			2020			2021			2020
Information Technology Services		14.3	%		12.8	%		14.8	%		13.2	%
Specialty Distribution		13.3			15.8			14.0			17.0
Business Services		12.9			12.3			13.6			13.0
Healthcare Products		11.1			9.0			6.8			4.8
Component Manufacturing		9.5			7.4			8.9			6.9
Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing		6.1			5.2			6.2			5.6
Consumer Products		4.8			5.1			5.1			5.5
Healthcare Services		4.6			5.4			5.3			6.0
Building Products Manufacturing		3.6			3.2			4.3			3.8
Transportation Services		3.2			3.0			3.3			3.1
Promotional Products		3.0			3.3			3.8			3.7
Oil & Gas Services		2.9			2.8			0.5			0.4
Environmental Industries		2.5			2.4			2.8			2.7
Utilities: Services		2.2			2.5			2.8			2.7
Retail		1.6			3.6			2.5			4.4
Oil & Gas Distribution		1.6			1.5			1.6			1.5
Industrial Cleaning & Coatings		1.4			1.4			2.0			1.9
Utility Equipment Manufacturing		1.1			0.9			1.3			1.3
Vending Equipment Manufacturing		0.3			0.3			0.3			0.3
Restaurants		0.0	⁽¹⁾		0.0	⁽¹⁾		0.1			0.1
Specialty Chemicals		0.0	⁽¹⁾		0.0	⁽¹⁾		0.0	⁽¹⁾		0.0	⁽¹⁾
Packaging		—			2.1			—			2.1

Total		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%

(1)	Percentage is less than 0.1% of respective total.

Portfolio Asset Quality

In addition to various risk management and monitoring tools, the Investment Advisor uses an internally developed investment rating system to characterize and monitor the credit profile and our expected level of returns on each investment in our portfolio. We use a five-level numeric rating scale. The following is a description of the conditions associated with each investment rating:

•

Investment Rating 1 is used for investments that involve the least amount of risk in our portfolio. The portfolio company is performing above expectations, the debt investment is expected to be paid in the near term and the trends and risk factors are favorable, and may include an expected capital gain on the equity investment.

•

Investment Rating 2 is used for investments that involve a level of risk similar to the risk at the time of origination. The portfolio company is performing substantially within our expectations and the risk factors are neutral or favorable. Each new portfolio investment enters our portfolio with Investment Rating 2.

•

Investment Rating 3 is used for investments performing below expectations and indicates the investment’s risk has increased somewhat since origination. The portfolio company requires closer monitoring, but we expect a full return of principal and collection of all interest and/or dividends.

•

Investment Rating 4 is used for investments performing materially below expectations and the risk has increased materially since origination. The investment has the potential for some loss of investment return, but we expect no loss of principal.

•

Investment Rating 5 is used for investments performing substantially below our expectations and the risks have increased substantially since origination. We expect some loss of principal.

The following table shows the distribution of our investments on the 1 to 5 investment rating scale at fair value and cost as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in millions):


	Fair Value								Cost
	March 31,				December 31,				March 31,				December 31,
Investment Rating	2021				2020				2021				2020
1	$	114.7	16.1	%	$	109.3	14.7	%	$	41.6	6.3	%	$	38.7	5.6	%
2		519.1	72.9			544.4	73.3			514.9	78.4			537.6	78.3
3		70.3	9.9			80.1	10.8			80.7	12.3			87.5	12.7
4		7.8	1.1			9.0	1.2			12.9	2.0			13.7	2.0
5		—	—			0.1	—			6.5	1.0			9.5	1.4

Total	$	711.9	100.0	%	$	742.9	100.0	%	$	656.6	100.0	%	$	687.0	100.0	%

Based on our investment rating system, the weighted average rating of our portfolio as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was 2.0 and 2.0, respectively, on a fair value basis and 2.1 and 2.2, respectively, on a cost basis.

Non-Accrual

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we had debt investments in one portfolio company on non-accrual status, (dollars in millions):


	March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
	Fair						Fair
Portfolio Company	Value			Cost			Value			Cost
EBL, LLC (EbLens)	$	5.7	⁽¹⁾	$	9.2	⁽¹⁾	$	5.5	⁽¹⁾	$	9.2	⁽¹⁾

Total	$	5.7		$	9.2		$	5.5		$	9.2

(1)	Portfolio company was on PIK-only on non-accrual status at period end, meaning the Company has ceased recognizing PIK interest income on the investment.

Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations

Comparison of three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

Investment Income

Below is a summary of the changes in total investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 (dollars in millions):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020		$ Change			% Change ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾
Interest income	$	19.1	$	17.5	$	1.6			9.6	%
Payment-in-kind interest income		1.0		1.1		(0.1	)		(10.5	%)
Dividend income		0.1		0.1		—			NM
Fee income		3.1		1.3		1.8			139.4	%
Interest on idle funds and other income		—		—		—			NM

Total investment income	$	23.3	$	20.0	$	3.3			16.5	%

(1)	NM = Not meaningful

(2)	Percent change calculated based on underlying dollar amounts in thousands as presented on the consolidated statements of operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, total investment income was $23.3 million, an increase of $3.3 million or 16.5%, from the $20.0 million of total investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2020. As reflected in the table above, the increase is primarily attributable to the following:

•

$1.8 million increase in fee income resulting from an increase in prepayment and amendment fees, partially offset by a decrease in origination fees, during 2021 as compared to 2020.

•

$1.5 million increase in total interest income (which includes a $0.1 million decrease in payment-in-kind interest income) resulting from accelerated closing fee and OID amortization from prepayments and higher weighted average yield on debt investment balances outstanding, partially offset by a decrease in average debt investment balances outstanding, during 2021 as compared to 2020.

Expenses

Below is a summary of the changes in total expenses, including income tax provision, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020 (dollars in millions):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2021		2020			$ Change			% Change ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾
Interest and financing expenses	$	5.2	$	4.9		$	0.3			4.7	%
Base management fee		3.1		3.3			(0.2	)		(2.9	%)
Incentive fee - income		2.7		1.9			0.8			43.9	%
Incentive fee (reversal) - capital gains		0.1		(8.9	)		9.0			(101.0	%)
Administrative service expenses		0.4		0.5			(0.1	)		(11.4	%)
Professional fees		0.4		0.6			(0.2	)		(41.6	%)
Other general and administrative expenses		0.3		0.3			—			NM

Total expenses, before income tax provision		12.2		2.6			9.6			376.4	%
Income tax provision (benefit)		—		—			—			NM

Total expenses, including income tax provision	$	12.2	$	2.6		$	9.6			375.8	%

(1)	NM = Not meaningful

(2)	Percent change calculated based on underlying dollar amounts in thousands as presented on the consolidated statements of operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, total expenses, including income tax provision, were $12.2 million, an increase of $9.6 million or 375.8%, from the $2.6 million of total expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2020. As reflected in the table above, changes across periods were primarily attributable to the following:

•

$9.0 million increase in the capital gains incentive fee due to a $44.8 million increase in net gain on investments (net realized gains (losses), plus net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, plus realized losses on extinguishment of debt during 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020. The reversal in the capital gains incentive fee accrued for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily driven by COVID related write-downs across the portfolio due to fair value calibration to public company multiples.

•

$0.8 million net increase in the income incentive fee due to a $3.5 million increase in pre-incentive fee net investment income during 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020.

•

$0.3 million increase in interest and financing expenses due to an increase in average borrowings outstanding during 2021 as compared to 2020.

•

$0.2 million decrease in base management fee due to lower average total assets during 2021 as compared to 2020.

•

$0.2 million decrease in professional fees due to decreased legal, audit and tax compliance costs during 2021 as compared to 2020.

Net Investment Income

Net investment income decreased by $(6.3) million, or (36.4)%, to $11.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to the same period in 2020, as a result of the $9.6 million increase in total expenses and income tax provision, partially offset by the $3.3 increase in total investment income.

Net Gain (Loss) on Investments

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the total net realized gain/(loss) on investments, before income tax (provision)/benefit, was $3.2 million. There was no income tax (provision) benefit from realized gains on investments for the three months ended March 31, 2021. Significant realized gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are summarized below (dollars in millions):


		Net Realized
Portfolio Company	Realization Event ⁽¹⁾	Gains (Losses)
Software Technology, LLC	Exit of portfolio company	$	1.4
Rohrer Corporation	Exit of portfolio company		0.9
Spectra A&D Acquisition, Inc. (fka FDS Avionics Corp.)	Sale of portfolio company		1.0
Other			(0.1	)

Net realized gain (loss) on investments			3.2
Income tax provision from realized gains on investments			—

Net realized gain (loss), net of income tax provision, on investments		$	3.2

(1)

As it relates to realization events, we define an ‘exit’ of a portfolio company as situations where we have completely exited our position in all of the portfolio company’s securities and no longer carry the portfolio company on our schedule of investments. We define a ‘sale’ of a portfolio company, distinguished from an exit, as situations where the underlying operations of a portfolio company have been sold, but where we retain a residual ownership interest in the legacy entity (we generally distinguish these residual portfolio company investments from ‘active’ portfolio company investments).

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the total net realized gain/(loss) on investments, before income tax (provision)/benefit, was $31.4 million. Income tax (provision) benefit from realized gains on investments was $(1.1) for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Significant realized gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 are summarized below (dollars in millions):


		Net Realized
Portfolio Company	Realization Event ⁽¹⁾	Gains (Losses)
Pfanstiehl, Inc.	Sold 50% of equity investment	$	12.8
Fiber Materials, Inc.	Sale of portfolio company		9.8
Medsurant Holdings, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		1.7
Revenue Management Solutions, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		1.5
Worldwide Express Operations, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		1.1
Gurobi Optimization, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		1.0
Hub Acquisition Sub, LLC (dba Hub Pen)	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.6
Midwest Transit Equipment, Inc.	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.5
Pugh Lubricants, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.4
Microbiology Research Associates, Inc.	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.4
Control Scan, Inc.	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.3
Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment Center, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.3
BCM One Group Holdings, Inc.	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.2
Software Technology, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.2
LNG Indy, LLC (dba Kinetrex Energy)	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.2
Wheel Pros, Inc.	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.1
Allied 100 Group, Inc.	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.1
Restaurant Finance Co, LLC	Escrow distribution		0.1
Marco Group International OpCo, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		0.1
New Era Technology, Inc.	Escrow distribution		0.1
Palisade Company, LLC	Sold 50% of equity investment		(0.1	)

Net realized gain (loss) on investments			31.4
Income tax provision from realized gains on investments			( 1.1	)

Net realized gain (loss), net of income tax provision, on investments		$	30.3

(1)

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments attributable to the following (dollars in millions):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)	2021			2020
Exit, sale or restructuring of investments	$	(1.6	)	$	(30.0	)
Fair value adjustments to debt investments		(5.2	)		(22.7	)
Fair value adjustments to equity investments		6.2			(21.9	)

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)	$	(0.6	)	$	(74.6	)

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was $11.5 million and ($27.0) million, respectively, as a result of the events described above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2021, we had $60.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and our net assets totaled $413.0 million. We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents on hand, our Credit Facility, our continued access to SBA-guaranteed debentures, and our anticipated cash flows from investments will provide adequate capital resources with which to operate and finance our investment business and make distributions to our stockholders for at least the next 12 months. We intend to generate additional cash primarily from the future offerings of securities (including the “at-the-market” program) and future borrowings, as well as cash flows from operations, including income earned from investments in our portfolio companies. On both a short-term and long-term basis, our primary use of funds will be investments in portfolio companies and cash distributions to our stockholders. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, we repaid $19.2 million of SBA debentures which would have matured during the period September 1, 2025 through March 1, 2028. Our remaining outstanding SBA debentures continue to mature in 2025 and subsequent years through 2031, which will require repayment on or before the respective maturity dates.

Cash Flows

For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we experienced a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents in the amount of $64.1 million. During that period, we received proceeds of $43.5 million of cash for operating activities, which included proceeds received from sales and repayments of investments of $98.6 million, which were partially offset by the funding of $63.1 million of investments. During the same period, we received proceeds of $15.0 million from borrowings under our Credit Facility, made principal payments of $100.0 million on outstanding notes, made repayments of SBA debentures of $19.2 million; which were partially offset by proceeds from the issuances of SBA debentures of $6.0 million, paid cash dividends paid to stockholders of $9.3 million, and made payment of deferred financing costs related to our debt financings of $0.1 million.

Capital Resources

We anticipate that we will continue to fund our investment activities on a long-term basis through a combination of additional debt and equity capital.

SBA debentures

The Funds are licensed SBICs, and have the ability to issue debentures guaranteed by the SBA at favorable interest rates. Under the Small Business Investment Act and the SBA rules applicable to SBICs, an SBIC can have outstanding at any time debentures guaranteed by the SBA in an amount up to twice its regulatory capital. The SBA regulations currently limit the amount that is available to be borrowed by any SBIC and guaranteed by the SBA to 300.0% of an SBIC’s regulatory capital or $175.0 million, whichever is less. For two or more SBICs under common control, the maximum amount of outstanding SBA debentures cannot exceed $350.0 million. SBA debentures have fixed interest rates that approximate prevailing 10-year Treasury Note rates plus a spread and have a maturity of ten years with interest payable semi-annually. The principal amount of the SBA debentures is not required to be paid before maturity but may be pre-paid at any time. As of March 31, 2021, Fund II and Fund III had $114.3 million and $19.5 million of outstanding SBA debentures, respectively. Subject to SBA regulatory requirements and approval, Fund III may access up to $155.5 million of additional SBA debentures under the SBIC debenture program. For more information on the SBA debentures, please refer to Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements.

Credit Facility

In June 2014, we entered into the Credit Facility to provide additional funding for our investment and operational activities. On April 24, 2019, we entered into the Amended Credit Agreement, which amends, restates, and replaces the Credit Facility. On June 26, 2020, the Company amended the Amended Credit Agreement, however the material terms were unchanged. Among other revisions, the amendment to the Amended Credit Agreement

modifies certain covenants therein, including to amend the minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio to be 2.25 to 1.00 for the four quarter period ending on June 30, 2020, 2.00 to 1.00 for the four quarter periods ending on each of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2020, and 1.75 to 1.00 for each four quarter period ending at the end of each quarter thereafter. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets, excluding the assets of the Funds.

Under the Amended Credit Agreement, (i) revolving commitments by lenders were increased from $90.0 million to $100.0 million, with an accordion feature that allows for an increase in total commitments up to $250.0 million, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions at the time of any such future increase, (ii) the maturity date of the credit facility was extended from June 16, 2019 to April 24, 2023, and (iii) borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest, at our election, at a rate per annum equal to (a) 3.00% (or 2.75% if certain conditions are satisfied, including if (x) no equity interests are included in the borrowing base, (y) the contribution to the borrowing base of eligible portfolio investments that are performing first lien bank loans is greater than or equal to 35%, and (z) the contribution to the borrowing base of eligible portfolio investments that are performing first lien bank loans, performing last out loans, or performing second lien loans is greater than or equal to 60%) plus the one, two, three or six month LIBOR rate, as applicable, or (b) 2.00% (or 1.75% if the above conditions are satisfied) plus the highest of (A) a prime rate, (B) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, (C) three month LIBOR plus 1.0%, and (D) zero. We pay a commitment fee that varies depending on the size of the unused portion of the Credit Facility: 3.00% per annum on the unused portion of the Credit Facility at or below 35% of the commitments and 0.50% per annum on any remaining unused portion of the Credit Facility between the total commitments and the 35% minimum utilization. The Amended Credit Agreement also modifies certain covenants in the Credit Facility, including to provide for a minimum asset coverage ratio of 2.00 to 1 (on a regulatory basis). The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in all of our assets, excluding the assets of our SBIC subsidiaries.

Amounts available to borrow under the Credit Facility are subject to a minimum borrowing/collateral base that applies an advance rate to certain portfolio investments held by us, excluding investments held by the Funds. We are subject to limitations with respect to the investments securing the Credit Facility, including, but not limited to, restrictions on sector concentrations, loan size, payment frequency and status and collateral interests, as well as restrictions on portfolio company leverage, which may also affect the borrowing base and therefore amounts available to borrow.

We have made customary representations and warranties and are required to comply with various covenants, reporting requirements and other customary requirements for similar credit facilities. These covenants are subject to important limitations and exceptions that are described in the documents governing the Credit Facility. As of March 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all covenants of the Credit Facility and there were $15.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility.

Notes

On February 2, 2018, we closed the public offering of approximately $43.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.875% notes due 2023, or the “2023 Notes.” On February 22, 2018, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $6.5 million in aggregate principal of the 2023 Notes. The total net proceeds to us from the 2023 Notes, including the exercise of the underwriters’ option, after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $1.5 million and offering expenses of $0.4 million, were approximately $48.1 million.

The 2023 Notes will mature on February 1, 2023 and bear interest at a rate of 5.875%. The 2023 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after February 1, 2020. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year. The 2023 Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “FDUSL.”

On January 19, 2021, we redeemed $50.0 million of the aggregate principal amount on the 2023 Notes, resulting in a realized loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $0.8 million.

On February 8, 2019, we closed the public offering of approximately $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 6.000% notes due 2024, or the “2024 Notes”. On February 19, 2019, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $9.0 million in aggregate principal of the 2024 Notes. The total net proceeds to us from the 2024 Notes, including the exercise of the underwriters’ option, after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $2.1 million and offering expenses of $0.4 million, were approximately $66.5 million.

The 2024 Notes will mature on February 15, 2024 and bear interest at a rate of 6.000%. The 2024 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after February 15, 2021. Interest on the 2024 Notes is payable quarterly on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning May 15, 2019. The 2024 Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “FDUSZ.”

On February 16, 2021, we redeemed $50.0 million of the $69.0 million aggregate principal amount on the February 2024 Notes, resulting in a realized loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $1.1 million. As of March 31, 2021, the outstanding principal balance of the 2024 Notes was $19.0 million.

On October 16, 2019, we closed the public offering of approximately $55.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 5.375% notes due 2024, or the “November 2024 Notes” (and collectively with the 2023 Notes and the February 2024 Notes, the “Public Notes”). On October 23, 2019, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional $8.3 million in aggregate principal of the November 2024 Notes. The total net proceeds to us from the November 2024 Notes, including the exercise of the underwriters’ option, after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $1.9 million and offering expenses of $0.3 million, were approximately $61.1 million.

The November 2024 Notes will mature on November 1, 2024 and bear interest at a rate of 5.375%. The November 2024 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after November 1, 2021. Interest on the November 2024 Notes is payable quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning February 1, 2020. The November 2024 Notes are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the trading symbol “FDUSG.” As of March 31, 2021, the outstanding principal balance of the November 2024 Notes was approximately $63.3 million.

On December 23, 2020, we closed the offering of approximately $125.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 4.75% notes due 2026, or the “2026 Notes” (collectively with the Public Notes, the “Notes”). The total net proceeds to us from the 2026 Notes after deducting underwriting discounts of approximately $2.5 million and estimated offering expenses of $0.4 million, were approximately $122.1 million.

The 2026 Notes will mature on January 31, 2026 and bear interest at a rate of 4.75%. The 2026 Notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option subject to a make whole provision if redeemed more than three months prior to maturity. Interest on the 2026 Notes is payable on January 31 and July 31 of each year, beginning July 31, 2021. We do not intend to list the 2026 Notes on any securities exchange or automated dealer quotation system.

The Notes are unsecured obligations and rank pari passu with our future unsecured indebtedness; effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness; and structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries, financing vehicles, or similar facilities we may form in the future, with respect to claims on the assets of any such subsidiaries, financing vehicles, or similar facilities.

As of March 31, 2021, the weighted average stated interest rates for our SBA debentures, Notes, and the Credit Facility were 3.102%, 5.055%, and 4.117% respectively. As of March 31, 2021, we had $85.0 million of unutilized commitment under our Credit Facility, and we were subject to a 1.088% fee on such amount. As of March 31, 2021, the weighted average stated interest rate on total debt outstanding was 4.282%.

As a BDC, we are generally required to meet an asset coverage ratio of at least 150.0% (defined as the ratio which the value of our consolidated total assets, less all consolidated liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities, bears to the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness), which includes borrowings and any preferred stock we may issue in the future. This requirement limits the amount that we may borrow. We have received exemptive relief from the SEC to allow us to exclude any indebtedness guaranteed by the SBA and issued by the Funds from the 150.0% asset coverage requirements, which, in turn, will enable us to fund more investments with debt capital.

As a BDC, we are generally not permitted to issue and sell our common stock at a price below net asset value per share. We may, however, sell our common stock, or warrants, options or rights to acquire our common stock, at a price below the then-current net asset value per share of our common stock if the Board, including the Independent Directors, determines that such sale is in the best interests of us and our stockholders, and if our stockholders approve such sale. On June 4, 2020, our stockholders voted to allow us to sell or otherwise issue common stock at a price below net asset value per share for a period of one year ending on the earlier of June 4, 2021 or the date of our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. We expect to present to our stockholders a similar proposal at our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Our stockholders specified that the cumulative number of shares sold in each offering during the one-year period ending on the earlier of June 4, 2021 or the date of our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders may not exceed 25.0% of our outstanding common stock immediately prior to each such sale.

Stock Repurchase Program

We have an open market stock repurchase program (the “Stock Repurchase Program”) under which we may acquire up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. Under the Stock Repurchase Program, we may, but are not obligated to, repurchase outstanding common stock in the open market from time to time provided that we comply with the prohibitions under our insider trading policies and the requirements of Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including certain price, market value and timing constraints. The timing, manner, price and amount of any share repurchases will be determined by our management, in its discretion, based upon the evaluation of economic and market conditions, stock price, capital availability, applicable legal and regulatory requirements and other corporate considerations. On October 26, 2020, the Board extended the Stock Repurchase Program through December 31, 2021, or until the approved dollar amount has been used to repurchase shares. The Stock Repurchase Program does not require us to repurchase any specific number of shares and we cannot assure that any shares will be repurchased under the Stock

Repurchase Program. The Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time. We did not make any repurchases of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we repurchased 25,719 shares of common stock on the open market for $0.3 million. Refer to Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information concerning stock repurchases.

Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions affecting amounts reported in the financial statements. We have identified investment valuation, revenue recognition and transfers of financial assets as our most critical accounting policies and estimates. We continuously evaluate our policies and estimates, including those related to the matters described below. These estimates are based on the information that is currently available to us and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A discussion of our critical accounting policies follows.

Valuation of Portfolio Investments

As a BDC, we report our assets and liabilities at fair value at all times consistent with GAAP and the 1940 Act. Accordingly, we are required to periodically determine the fair value of all of our portfolio investments.

Our investments generally consist of illiquid securities including debt and equity investments in lower middle-market companies. Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at such market quotations. Because we expect that there will not be a readily available market for substantially all of the investments in our portfolio, we value substantially all of our portfolio investments at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board using a documented valuation policy and consistently applied valuation process. Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of our investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed for such investments, and the difference could be material.

With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available, the Board undertakes a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

•

our quarterly valuation process begins with each portfolio company or investment being initially evaluated and rated by the investment professionals of the Investment Advisor responsible for the portfolio investment;

•

preliminary valuation conclusions are then documented and discussed with the investment committee of the Investment Advisor;

•

the Board engages one or more independent valuation firm(s) to conduct independent appraisals of a selection of our portfolio investments for which market quotations are not readily available. Each portfolio company investment is generally appraised by the valuation firm(s) at least once every calendar year and each new portfolio company investment is appraised at least once in the twelve-month period following the initial investment. In certain instances, we may determine that it is not cost-effective, and as a result it is not in our stockholders’ best interest, to request the independent appraisal of certain portfolio company investments. Such instances include, but are not limited to, situations where we determine that the fair value of the portfolio company investment is relatively insignificant to the fair value of the total portfolio. The Board consulted with the independent valuation firm(s) in arriving at our determination of fair value for 11 and 12 of our portfolio company investments representing 27.3% and 25.8% of the total portfolio investments at fair value (exclusive of new portfolio company investments made during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively) as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively;

•

the Board discusses the valuations and determines the fair value of each investment in our portfolio in good faith, based on the input of the Investment Advisor, the independent valuation firm(s) and the audit committee.

In making the good faith determination of the value of portfolio investments, we start with the cost basis of the security. The transaction price is typically the best estimate of fair value at inception. When evidence supports a subsequent change to the carrying value from the original transaction price, adjustments are made to reflect the expected exit values.

Consistent with the policies and methodologies adopted by the Board, we perform detailed valuations of our debt and equity investments, including an analysis on the Company’s unfunded debt investment commitments, using both the market and income approaches as appropriate. Under the market approach, we typically use the enterprise value methodology to determine the fair value of an investment. There is no one methodology to estimate enterprise value and, in fact, for any one portfolio company, enterprise value is generally best expressed as a range of values, from which we derive a single estimate of enterprise value. Under the income approach, we typically prepare and analyze discounted cash flow models to estimate the present value of future cash flows of either an individual debt investment or of the underlying portfolio company itself.

We evaluate investments in portfolio companies using the most recent portfolio company financial statements and forecasts. We also consult with the portfolio company’s senior management to obtain further updates on the portfolio company’s performance, including information such as industry trends, new product development and other operational issues.

For our debt investments the primary valuation technique used to estimate the fair value is the discounted cash flow method. However, if there is deterioration in credit quality or a debt investment is in workout status, we may consider other methods in determining the fair value, including the value attributable to the debt investment from the enterprise value of the portfolio company or the proceeds that would be received in a liquidation analysis. Our discounted cash flow models estimate a range of fair values by applying an appropriate discount rate to the future cash flow streams of our debt investments, based on future interest and principal payments as set forth in the associated debt investment agreements. We prepare a weighted average cost of capital for use in the discounted cash flow model for each investment, based on factors including, but not limited to: current pricing and credit metrics for similar proposed or executed investment transactions of private companies; the portfolio company’s historical financial results and outlook; and the portfolio company’s current leverage and credit quality as compared to leverage and credit quality as of the date the investment was made. We may also consider the following factors when determining the fair value of debt investments: the portfolio company’s ability to make future scheduled payments; prepayment penalties and other fees; estimated remaining life; the nature and realizable value of any collateral securing such debt investment; and changes in the interest rate environment and the credit markets that generally may affect the price at which similar investments may be made. We estimate the remaining life of our debt investments to generally be the legal maturity date of the instrument, as we generally intend to hold debt investments to maturity. However, if we have information available to us that the debt investment is expected to be repaid in the near term, we would use an estimated remaining life based on the expected repayment date.

For our equity investments, including equity securities and warrants, we generally use a market approach, including valuation methodologies consistent with industry practice, to estimate the enterprise value of portfolio companies. Typically, the enterprise value of a private company is based on multiples of EBITDA, net income, revenues, or in limited cases, book value. In estimating the enterprise value of a portfolio company, we analyze various factors consistent with industry practice, including but not limited to original transaction multiples, the portfolio company’s historical and projected financial results, applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and leverage levels, the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public.

We may also utilize an income approach when estimating the fair value of our equity securities, either as a primary methodology if consistent with industry practice or if the market approach is otherwise not applicable, or as a supporting methodology to corroborate the fair value ranges determined by the market approach. We typically prepare and analyze discounted cash flow models based on projections of the future free cash flows (or earnings) of the portfolio company. We consider various factors, including but not limited to the portfolio company’s projected financial results, applicable market trading and transaction comparables, applicable market yields and leverage levels, the markets in which the portfolio company does business, and comparisons of financial ratios of peer companies that are public.

Determination of fair value involves subjective judgments and estimates. Accordingly, the notes to our consolidated financial statements express the uncertainties with respect to the possible effect of such valuations, and any changes in such valuations, on the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Investments and related investment income. Realized gains or losses on investments are recorded upon the sale or disposition of a portfolio investment and are calculated as the difference between the net proceeds from the sale or disposition and the cost basis of the investment, without regard to unrealized appreciation or depreciation previously recognized. Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on the consolidated statements of operations includes changes in the fair value of investments from the prior period, as determined by the Board through the application of our valuation policy, as well as reclassifications of any prior period unrealized appreciation or depreciation on exited investments to realized gains or losses on investments.

Interest and dividend income. Interest and dividend income are recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. Interest is accrued daily based on the outstanding principal amount and the contractual terms of the debt. Dividend income is recorded as dividends are declared or at the point an obligation exists for the portfolio company to make a distribution, and is generally recognized when received. Distributions from portfolio companies are evaluated to determine if the distribution is a distribution of earnings or a return of capital. Distributions of earnings are included in dividend income while a return of capital is recorded as a reduction in the cost basis of the investment. Estimates are adjusted as necessary after the relevant tax forms are received from the portfolio company.

PIK income. Certain of our investments contain a PIK income provision. The PIK income, computed at the contractual rate specified in the applicable investment agreement, is added to the principal balance of the investment, rather than being paid in cash, and recorded as interest or dividend income, as applicable, on the consolidated statements of operations. Generally, PIK can be paid-in-kind or all in cash. We stop accruing PIK income when there is reasonable doubt that PIK income will be collected. PIK income that has been contractually capitalized to the principal balance of the

investment prior to the non-accrual designation date is not reserved against interest or dividend income, but rather is assessed through the valuation of the investment (with corresponding adjustments to unrealized depreciation, as applicable). PIK income is included in our taxable income and, therefore, affects the amount we are required to pay to our stockholders in the form of dividends in order to maintain our tax treatment as a RIC and to avoid paying corporate-level U.S. federal income tax, even though we have not yet collected the cash.

Non-accrual. Debt investments or preferred equity investments (for which we are accruing PIK dividends) are placed on non-accrual status when principal, interest or dividend payments become materially past due, or when there is reasonable doubt that principal, interest or dividends will be collected. Any original issue discount and market discount are no longer accreted to interest income as of the date the loan is placed on full non-accrual status. Interest and dividend payments received on non-accrual investments may be recognized as interest or dividend income or applied to the investment principal balance based on management’s judgment. Non-accrual investments are restored to accrual status when past due principal, interest or dividends are paid and, in management’s judgment, are likely to remain current.

Warrants. In connection with our debt investments, we will sometimes receive warrants or other equity-related securities (Warrants). We determine the cost basis of Warrants based upon their respective fair values on the date of receipt in proportion to the total fair value of the debt and Warrants received. Any resulting difference between the face amount of the debt and its recorded fair value resulting from the assignment of value to the Warrants is treated as OID and accreted into interest income using the effective interest method over the term of the debt investment. Upon the prepayment of a debt investment, any unaccreted OID is accelerated into interest income.

Fee income. All transaction fees earned in connection with our investments are recognized as fee income and are generally non-recurring. Such fees typically include fees for services, including structuring and advisory services, provided to portfolio companies. We recognize income from fees for providing such structuring and advisory services when the services are rendered or the transactions are completed. Upon the prepayment of a debt investment, any prepayment penalties are recorded as fee income when earned. In 2020, the Company elected to change the manner in which it presents the recognition of management services fees income. Previously, the Company classified management services fees as a component of interest on idle funds and other income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Comparative prior periods presented have been reclassified retrospectively to conform to the revised presentation. There is no change in historical net increase in net assets resulting from operations due to this change in presentation.

We also typically receive debt investment origination or closing fees in connection with investments. Such debt investment origination and closing fees are capitalized as unearned income and offset against investment cost basis on our consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and accreted into interest income over the term of the investment. Upon the prepayment of a debt investment, any unaccreted debt investment origination and closing fees are accelerated into interest income.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Partial loan and equity sales. The Company follows the guidance in ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing, when accounting for loan (debt investment) participations, equity assignments and other partial loan sales. Such guidance requires a participation, assignment or other partial loan or equity sale to meet the definition of a “participating interest,” as defined in the guidance, in order for sale treatment to be allowed. Participations, assignments or other partial loan or equity sales which do not meet the definition of a participating interest should remain on the Company’s consolidated statements of assets and liabilities and the proceeds recorded as a secured borrowing until the definition is met. Management has determined that all participations, assignments and other partial loan or equity sale transactions entered into by the Company have met the definition of a participating interest. Accordingly, the Company uses sale treatment in accounting for such transactions.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

SEC Rule 1-02(w)(2) Update

SEC Regulation S-K Update

In November 2020, the SEC issued a final rule that modernized and simplifies Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and certain financial disclosure requirements in Regulation S-K (the “Amendments”). Specifically, the Amendments: (i) eliminate Item 301 of Regulation S-K (Selected Financial Data); (ii) simplify Item 302 of Regulation S-K (Supplementary Financial Information); and (iii) amend certain aspects of Item 303 of Regulation S-K (Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations). The Amendments became effective on February 10, 2021 and compliance will be required for the registrant’s fiscal year ending on or after August 9, 2021. Early adoption of the Amendments is permitted on an item-by-item basis after the effective date; however, a registrant must fully comply with each adopted item in its entirety. The Company adopted the Amendments on the effective date which did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We may be a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of our portfolio companies. We had off-balance sheet arrangements consisting of outstanding commitments to fund various undrawn revolving loans, other debt investments and capital commitments totaling $7.6 and 5.6 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Such outstanding commitments are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):


	March 31, 2021						December 31, 2020
	Total			Unfunded			Total			Unfunded
Portfolio Company - Investment	Commitment			Commitment			Commitment			Commitment
Combined Systems, Inc. - Revolving Loan	$	4.0		$	0.5		$	4.0		$	1.0
CRS Solutions Holdings, LLC (dba CRS Texas) - Common Equity (Units)		0.2			0.1			—			—
Elements Brands, LLC - Revolving Loan		3.0			0.8			3.0			0.8
Rhino Assembly Company, LLC - Delayed Draw Commitment		0.9			0.9			0.9			0.9
Safety Products Group, LLC - Common Equity (Units)		2.9	⁽¹⁾		2.9	⁽¹⁾		2.9	⁽¹⁾		2.9	⁽¹⁾
Spectra A&D Acquisition, Inc. (fka FDS Avionics Corp.) - Revolving Loan		—			—			0.2			—
Wonderware Holdings, LLC (dba CORE Business Technologies) - Delayed Draw Term Loan		2.0			2.0			—			—
Xeeva, Inc. - Delayed Draw Term Loan		0.4			0.4			—			—

Total	$	13.4		$	7.6		$	11.0		$	5.6

(1)	Portfolio company was no longer held at period end. The commitment represents our maximum potential liability related to certain guaranteed obligations stemming from the prior sale of the portfolio company’s underlying operations.

Additional detail for each of the commitments above is provided in our consolidated schedules of investments.

Related Party Transactions

We have entered into a number of business relationships with affiliated or related parties, including the following:

•

We have entered into the Investment Advisory Agreement with Fidus Investment Advisors as our investment advisor. Pursuant to the agreement, the Investment Advisor manages our day-to-day operating and investing activities. We pay the Investment Advisor a fee for its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement consisting of two components — a base management fee and an incentive fee. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

•

Edward H. Ross, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Thomas C. Lauer, our President, are managers of Fidus Investment Advisors. In May 2015, Fidus Investment Advisors entered into a combination with Fidus Partners, LLC (the “Combination”), by which members of Fidus Investment Advisors and Fidus Partners, LLC (“Partners”) contributed all of their respective membership interest in Fidus Investment Advisors and Partners to a newly formed limited liability company, Fidus Group Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”). As a result, Fidus Investment Advisors is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings, which is a limited liability company organized under the laws of Delaware.

•

We entered into the Administration Agreement with Fidus Investment Advisors to provide us with the office facilities and administrative services necessary to conduct day-to-day operations. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements.

•

We entered into a license agreement with Fidus Partners, LLC, pursuant to which Fidus Partners, LLC has granted us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the name “Fidus.”

•

On February 25, 2020, the Company entered into a Limited Partnership Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Fidus Equity Fund I, L.P. (“FEF I”). Pursuant to the Agreement, we will serve as the General Partner of FEF I. Owned by third-party investors, FEF I was formed to purchase 50% of select equity investments from us. On February 25, 2020, we sold 50% of our equity investments in 20 portfolio companies to FEF I and received net proceeds of $35.9 million, resulting in a realized gain, net of estimated taxes, of approximately $20.4 million. We will not receive any fees from FEF I for any services provided in our capacity as the General Partner of FEF I.

In connection with the IPO and our election to be regulated as a BDC, we applied for and received exemptive relief from the SEC on March 27, 2012 to allow us to take certain actions that would otherwise be prohibited by the 1940 Act, as applicable to BDCs. Effective June 30, 2014, pursuant to separate exemptive relief from the SEC, any SBA debentures issued by Fund II and Fund III are not considered senior securities for purposes of the asset coverage requirements.

While we may co-invest with investment entities managed by the Investment Advisor or its affiliates, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, the 1940 Act imposes significant limits on co-investment. The SEC staff has granted us relief sought in an exemptive application that expands our ability to co-invest in portfolio companies with other funds managed by the Investment Advisor or its affiliates (“Affiliated Funds”) in a manner consistent with our investment objective, positions, policies, strategies and restrictions as well as regulatory requirements and other pertinent factors, subject to compliance with certain conditions (the “Order”). Pursuant to the Order, we are permitted to co-invest with our affiliates if a “required majority” (as defined in Section 57(o) of the 1940 Act) or the Independent Directors make certain conclusions in connection with a co-investment transaction, including that (1) the terms of the transactions, including the consideration to be paid, are reasonable and fair to us and our stockholders and do not involve overreaching by us or our stockholders on the part of any person concerned, and (2) the transaction is consistent with the interests of our stockholders and is consistent with our investment objective and strategies.

In addition, we and our Investment Advisor have each adopted a joint code of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act that governs the conduct of our and the Investment Advisor’s officers, directors and employees. Additionally, the Investment Advisor has adopted a code of ethics pursuant to rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act of 1940 and in accordance with Rule 17j-1(c) under the 1940 Act. We have also adopted a code of business conduct that is applicable to all officers, directors and employees of Fidus and our Investment Advisor. Our officers and directors also remain subject to the duties imposed by both the 1940 Act and the Maryland General Corporation Law.

Recent Developments

On April 1, 2021, we invested $11.0 million in first lien debt of Winona Foods, Inc., a leading provider of natural and processed cheese products, sauces, and plant-based alternatives.

On April 1, 2021, we invested $5.5 million in first lien debt and $1.0 million in common equity of Level Education Group, LLC (dba CE4Less), a leading provider of online continuing education for mental health and nursing professionals.

On April 5, 2021, we exited our debt investment in The Kyjen Company, LLC (dba Outward Hound). We received payment in full of $15.0 million on our second lien debt, which includes a prepayment fee.

On April 5, 2021, we invested $25.5 million in first lien debt and common equity, and made a commitment up to $2.0 million of additional first lien debt of ISI PSG Holdings, LLC (dba Incentive Solutions, Inc.), a tech-enabled incentive rewards and digital marketing firm that facilitates and optimizes its clients’ indirect sales channel strategies.

On April 14, 2021, we exited our debt investment in Medsurant Holdings, LLC. We received payment in full of $8.0 million on our second lien debt.

On April 29, 2021, we exited our debt investment in Virginia Tile Company, LLC. We received payment in full of $12.0 million on our second lien debt.

On May 3, 2021, our Board declared a base quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share and a supplemental dividend of $0.08 per share payable June 28, 2021 to stockholders of record as of June 14, 2021.

Subsequent to March 31, 2021, the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the related effect on the U.S. and global economies, has continued to have adverse consequences for the business operations of some of the Company’s portfolio companies. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, remain uncertain. The operational and financial performance of the issuers of securities in which the Company invests depends on future developments, including the duration and spread of the outbreak, and such uncertainty may in turn adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Company’s investments and negatively impact the Company’s performance.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect both our cost of funding and the valuation of our investment portfolio. Our risk management systems and procedures are designed to identify and analyze our risk, to set appropriate policies and limits and to continually monitor these risks and limits by means of reliable administrative and information systems and other policies and programs. In addition, U.S. and global capital markets and credit markets have experienced a higher level of stress due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in an increase in the level of volatility across such markets and a general decline in value of the securities held by us.

In the future, our investment income may also be affected by changes in various interest rates, including LIBOR and prime rates, to the extent of any debt investments that include floating interest rates. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks have reduced certain interest rates and LIBOR has decreased. A prolonged reduction in interest rates will reduce our gross investment income and could result in a decrease in our net investment income if such decreases in LIBOR are not offset by a corresponding increase in the spread over LIBOR that we earn on any portfolio investments, a decrease in in our operating expenses, including with respect to our income incentive fee, or a decrease in the interest rate of our floating interest rate liabilities tied to LIBOR. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, 22 and 22 portfolio company’s debt investments, respectively, bore interest at a variable rate, which represented $219.7 million and $230.9 million of our portfolio on a fair value basis, respectively, and the remainder of our debt portfolio was comprised entirely of fixed rate investments. Our pooled SBA debentures and our Notes bear interest at fixed rates. Our Credit Facility bears interest, at our election, at a rate per annum equal to (a) 3.00% (or 2.75% if certain conditions are satisfied, including if (x) no equity interests are included in the borrowing base, (y) the contribution to the borrowing base of eligible portfolio investments that are performing first lien bank loans is greater than or equal to 35%, and (z) the contribution to the borrowing base of eligible portfolio investments that are performing first lien bank loans, performing last out loans, or performing second lien loans is greater than or equal to 60%) plus the one, two, three or six month LIBOR rate, as applicable, or (b) 2.00% (or 1.75% if the above conditions are satisfied) plus the highest of (A) a prime rate, (B) the Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, (C) three month LIBOR plus 1.0%, and (D) zero.

Because we currently borrow, and plan to borrow in the future, money to make investments, our net investment income is dependent upon the difference between the rate at which we borrow funds and the rate at which we invest the funds borrowed. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a significant change in market interest rates will not have a material adverse effect on our net investment income. In periods of rising interest rates, our cost of funds would increase, which could reduce our net investment income if there is not a corresponding increase in interest income generated by our investment portfolio.

The following table shows the approximate annualized increase or decrease in the components of net investment income due to hypothetical base rate changes in interest rates, assuming no changes in our investments and borrowings as of March 31, 2021 (dollars in millions):


	Interest Income		Interest Expense
	Increase		Increase		Net Increase		Net Investment
Basis Point Increase (Decrease)	(Decrease) ^(1) (2)		(Decrease)		(Decrease)		Income ⁽³⁾
(200)	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
(150)		—		—		—		—
(100)		—		—		—		—
(50)		—		—		—		—
50		0.1		—		0.1		0.1
100		0.3		0.1		0.2		0.2
150		0.8		0.2		0.6		0.5
200		1.7		0.3		1.4		1.1
250		2.8		0.3		2.5		2.0
300		3.9		0.4		3.5		2.8

(1)	Certain of our variable rate debt investments have a LIBOR interest rate floor, which lessens the impact of decreases in interest rates.

(2)	Interest income calculated assuming three-month LIBOR rate as of March 31, 2021.

(3)	Includes the impact of income incentive fee at 20.0% on net increase (decrease) in net interest.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. It should be noted that any system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

We are not, and the Investment Advisor is not, currently subject to any material legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the “Risk Factors” discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference. These Risk Factors could materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.


Number		Exhibit
3.1		Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Registrant (Filed as Exhibit (a)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-172550) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

3.2		Bylaws of the Registrant (Filed as Exhibit (b)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-172550) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

4.1		Form of Stock Certificate of the Registrant (Filed as Exhibit (d) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File No. 333-172550) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference).

31.1		Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

31.2		Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

32.1		Certification pursuant to Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

*	Filed herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


				FIDUS INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Date: May 6, 2021				/s/ EDWARD H. ROSS
				Edward H. Ross
				Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
				(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: May 6, 2021				/s/ SHELBY E. SHERARD
				Shelby E. Sherard
				Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)