(3) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements:

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Although we believe the estimates and assumptions used in preparing these financial statements and related notes are reasonable in light of known facts and circumstances, actual results could differ from those estimates. We have identified valuation of investments and revenue recognition as our most critical accounting estimates.

Consolidation—In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, we do not consolidate portfolio company investments. Under Accounting Standards Committee (“ASC”) 946, we are precluded from consolidating any entity other than another investment company, except that ASC 946 provides for the consolidation of a controlled operating company that provides substantially all of its services to the investment company or its consolidated subsidiaries.

Fair Value Measurements— Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and sets out a fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). Inputs are broadly defined as assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

Level 1—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and fair value is determined through the use of models or other valuation methodologies.

Level 3—Inputs are unobservable for the asset or liability and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. The inputs into the determination of fair value are based upon the best information under the circumstances and may require significant management judgment or estimation.

Valuation of Investments—For most of our investments, market quotations are not available. With respect to investments for which market quotations are not readily available or when such market quotations are deemed not to represent fair value, our Board has approved a multi-step valuation process each quarter, as described below:

During the first twelve months after an investment is made, we rely on the original investment amount to determine the fair value unless significant developments have occurred during this twelve-month period which would indicate a material effect on the portfolio company (such as results of operations or changes in general market conditions).

We determine the fair value of equity securities, warrants, and other ownership interests in our portfolio companies using valuation methods appropriate for each investment. When an instrument is traded in an active public market, we generally use the quoted market price as of the measurement date. For privately held or infrequently traded equity positions, we may consider factors such as the portfolio company’s financial performance, recent transactions, market conditions, and the rights and preferences of the security. For derivative securities such as warrants, we estimate the value of warrant positions using option-pricing techniques.

Other investments are valued utilizing a yield analysis, enterprise value (“EV”) analysis, net asset value analysis, liquidation analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, or a combination of methods, as appropriate. The yield analysis uses loan spreads and other relevant information implied by market data involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. Under the EV analysis, the EV of a portfolio company is first determined and allocated over the portfolio company’s securities in order of their preference relative to one another (i.e., “waterfall” allocation). To determine the EV, we typically use a market multiples approach that considers relevant and applicable market trading data of guideline public companies, transaction metrics from precedent M&A transactions and/or a discounted cash flow analysis. The net asset value analysis is used to derive a value of an underlying investment (such as real estate property) by dividing a relevant earnings stream by an appropriate capitalization rate. For this purpose, we consider capitalization rates for similar properties as may be obtained from guideline public companies and/or relevant transactions. The liquidation analysis is intended to approximate the net recovery value of an investment based on, among other things, assumptions regarding liquidation proceeds based on a hypothetical liquidation of a portfolio company’s assets. The discounted cash flow analysis uses valuation techniques to convert future cash flows or earnings to a range of fair values from which a single estimate may be derived utilizing an appropriate discount rate. The measurement is based on the net present value indicated by current market expectations about those future amounts.

In estimating the fair value of our equity interest in Morgan, we have given equal emphasis to an income approach that examines expected cash flows from the development of leasehold interests held by Morgan, with a market approach that examines comparable acreage values. Our management received advice and assistance from a third-party valuation firm to support our determination of the fair value of this investment.

In applying these methodologies, additional factors that we consider in fair value pricing our investments may include, as we deem relevant: security covenants, call protection provisions, and information rights; the nature and realizable value of any collateral; the portfolio company’s ability to make payments; the principal markets in which the portfolio company does business; publicly available financial ratios of peer companies; the principal market; and enterprise values, among other factors. Also, any failure by a portfolio company to achieve its business plan or obtain and maintain its financing arrangements could result in increased volatility and result in a significant and rapid change in its value.

Our general intent is to hold our loans to maturity when appraising our privately held debt investments. As such, we believe that the fair value will not exceed the cost of the investment. However, in addition to the previously described analysis involving allocation of value to the debt instrument, we perform a yield analysis assuming a hypothetical current sale of the security to determine if a debt security has been impaired. The yield analysis considers changes in interest rates and changes in leverage levels of the portfolio company as compared to the market interest rates and leverage levels. Assuming the credit quality of the portfolio company remains stable, the Fund will use the value determined by the yield analysis as the fair value for that security if less than the cost of the investment.

In addition to the previously described analysis involving allocation of value to the debt instrument, we perform a yield analysis assuming a hypothetical current sale of the security to determine if a debt security has been impaired. The yield analysis considers changes in interest rates and changes in leverage levels of the portfolio company as compared to the market interest rates and leverage levels.

We record unrealized depreciation on investments when we determine that the fair value of a security is less than its cost basis and will record unrealized appreciation when we determine that the fair value is greater than its cost basis.

In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an investment’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the investment.

Investments for which prices are not observable are generally private investments in the debt and equity securities of operating companies. One of the primary valuation methods used to estimate the fair value of these Level 3 investments is the discounted cash flow method (although a liquidation analysis, option theoretical, or other methodology may be used when more appropriate). The discounted cash flow approach to determine fair value (or a range of fair values) involves applying an appropriate discount rate(s) to the estimated future cash flows using various relevant factors depending on investment type, including comparing the latest arm’s length or market transactions involving the subject security to the selected benchmark credit spread, assumed growth rate (in cash flows), and capitalization rates/multiples (for determining terminal values of underlying portfolio companies). The valuation based on the inputs determined to be the most reasonable and probable is used as the fair value of the investment. The determination of fair value using these methodologies may take into consideration a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the nature of the investment, local market conditions, trading values on public exchanges for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment and anticipated financing transactions after the valuation date. In the case of our investment in Morgan E&P, Inc. (“Morgan”), we also examine acreage values in comparable transactions and assess the impact upon the working interests held by Morgan. The determination of fair value using these methodologies may take into consideration a range of factors including, but not limited to, the price at which the investment was acquired, the nature of the investment, local market conditions, trading values on public exchanges for comparable securities, current and projected operating performance, financing transactions subsequent to the acquisition of the investment and anticipated financing transactions after the valuation date. In the case of our holding of shares and warrants in CitroTech, Inc. (“CITR”), we examined the trading price of the CITR shares on the relevant measurement date and, in the case of the warrants, employed a Black-Scholes analysis with a 1- and 2-year stock variance to determine value.

To assess the reasonableness of the discounted cash flow approach, the fair value of equity securities, including warrants, in portfolio companies may also consider the market approach—that is, through analyzing and applying to the underlying portfolio companies, market valuation multiples of publicly-traded firms engaged in businesses similar to those of the portfolio companies. The market approach to determining the fair value of a portfolio company’s equity security (or securities) will typically involve: (1) applying to the portfolio company’s trailing twelve months (or current year projected) EBITDA, a low to high range of enterprise value to EBITDA multiples that are derived from an analysis of publicly-traded comparable companies, in order to arrive at a range of enterprise values for the portfolio company; (2) subtracting from the range of calculated enterprise values the outstanding balances of any debt or equity securities that would be senior in right of payment to the equity securities we hold; and (3) multiplying the range of equity values derived therefrom by our ownership share of such equity tranche in order to arrive at a range of fair values for our equity security (or securities). Application of these valuation methodologies involves a significant degree of judgment by Management.

Due to the inherent uncertainty of determining the fair value of Level 3 investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for such investments and may differ materially from the values that may ultimately be received or settled. Further, such investments are generally subject to legal and other restrictions or otherwise are less liquid than publicly traded instruments. If we were required to liquidate a portfolio investment in a forced or liquidation sale, we might realize significantly less than the value at which such investment had previously been recorded. With respect to Level 3 investments, where sufficient market quotations are not readily available or for which no or an insufficient number of indicative prices from pricing services or brokers or dealers have been received, we undertake, on a quarterly basis, our valuation process as described above.

We assess the levels of the investments at each measurement date, and transfers between levels are recognized on the subsequent measurement date closest in time to the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers to or from Level 3 for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

As of December 31, 2025, investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the tables below based on the lowest level of significant input to the valuations:

As of December 31, 2024, investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the tables below based on the lowest level of significant input to the valuations:

The following table provides a reconciliation of fair value changes during 2025 for all investments for which we determine fair value using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs:

The following table provides a reconciliation of fair value changes during 2024 for all investments for which we determine fair value using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs:

The following table provides a reconciliation of fair value changes during 2023 for all investments for which we determine fair value using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs:

Fair value measurements can be sensitive to changes in one or more of the valuation inputs. Changes in discount rates, EBITDA or EBITDA multiples (or revenue or revenue multiples), each in isolation, may change the fair value of certain of our investments. Generally, an increase/(decrease) in market yields, discount rates, or an increase/(decrease) in EBITDA or EBITDA multiples (or revenue or revenue multiples) may result in a corresponding increase/(decrease), respectively, in the fair value of certain of our investments. In the case of our holdings in Morgan and Equus Energy, we may also consider acreage value, proved reserve multiples, daily production multiples, and discount rates.

Finally, industry trends, market forecasts, and comparable transactions in sectors in which we hold a Level 3 investment are also taken into account when assessing the value of these investments.

The following table summarizes the significant non-observable inputs in the fair value measurements of our Level 3 investments by category of investment and valuation technique as of December 31, 2025:

The following table summarizes the significant non-observable inputs in the fair value measurements of our Level 3 investments by category of investment and valuation technique as of December 31, 2024:

The various weighted averages in the table above were determined based on acreage, reserves, production and, in the case of discount rates, an arithmetic average of minimum and maximum rates. Because of the inherent uncertainty of the valuation of portfolio securities which do not have readily ascertainable market values, our fair value determinations may materially differ from the values that would have been used had a ready market existed for the securities.

We adjust our net asset value for the changes in the value of our publicly held securities, if applicable, and material changes in the value of private securities, generally determined on a quarterly basis or as announced in a press release, and report those amounts to Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. Our net asset value appears in various publications, including Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal.

Financial instruments not measured at fair value

In estimating the fair values of its financial instruments not measured at fair value, the Company used the following methods and assumptions.

The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable from affiliates, accrued interest, other assets, accounts payable and other, accrued compensation and accounts payable to related parties approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these assets and liabilities. The fair value of notes payable approximates carrying values as the notes have almost reached their maturity date.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:

Investment Transactions— Investment transactions are recorded at fair value on the trade date. Current-period changes in fair value of investments are reflected as a component of the net unrealized appreciation of portfolio securities on the Statements of Operations. The net change in unrealized appreciation primarily reflects the change in investment fair values as of the last business day of the reporting period, including the reversal of previously recorded unrealized gains or losses for investments sold during the period. Realized gains or losses are recognized as the difference between the net proceeds received (excluding prepayment fees, if any) and the amortized cost basis of the investment using the specific identification method without regard to unrealized gains or losses previously recognized, and include investments written off during the period, net of recoveries. As of December 31, 2025, we have no assets going through foreclosure. Realized gains and losses on investments sold are computed on a specific identification basis.

We classify our investments in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, “Control Investments” are defined as investments in companies in which the Fund owns more than 25% of the voting securities or maintains greater than 50% of the board representation. Under the 1940 Act, “Affiliate Investments” are defined as those non-control investments in companies in which we own between 5% and 25% of the voting securities. Under the 1940 Act, “Non- affiliate Investments” are defined as investments that are neither Control Investments nor Affiliate Investments.

Interest and Dividend Income Recognition—We record interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, on an accrual basis to the extent that we expect to collect such amounts. We accrete or amortize discounts and premiums on securities purchased over the life of the respective security using the effective yield method. The amortized cost of investments represents the original cost adjusted for the accretion of discount and/or amortization of premium on debt securities. We stop accruing interest on investments when we determine that interest is no longer collectible. We may also impair the accrued interest when we determine that all or a portion of the current accrual is uncollectible. If we receive any cash after determining that interest is no longer collectible, we treat such cash as payment on the principal balance until the entire principal balance has been repaid, before we recognize any additional interest income. We will write off uncollectible interest upon the occurrence of a definitive event such as a sale, bankruptcy, or reorganization of the relevant portfolio interest. Dividend income is recorded as dividends are declared by the portfolio company or at the point an obligation exists for the portfolio company to make a distribution.

Payment in Kind Interest (PIK)—We may make loans in our portfolio that may pay PIK interest. We add PIK interest, if any, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, to the principal balance of the loan and recorded as interest income. If we seek to requalify as a RIC, we must pay out to stockholders this non-cash source of income in the form of dividends even if we have not yet collected any cash in respect of such investments. We will continue to pay out net investment income and/or realized capital gains, if any, on an annual basis as required under the 1940 Act.

Earnings Per Share—Basic and diluted per share is computed by dividing net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Other potentially dilutive common stock, and the related impact to earnings, are considered when calculating earnings per share on a diluted basis. Diluted earnings per share adjusts the basic EPS for the potential dilution that could occur if the Equus Note (1,333,333 shares) and Warrants (1,999,999 shares) were exercised or converted into common stock. The impact of the Equus Note and Warrants were anti-dilutive for the year ended December 31, 2025, due to the net loss for the period. We use the treasury stock method in the computation of earnings per share.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share as of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively:

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash— Cash includes unrestricted demand deposits at highly rated financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash balances may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured limits from time to time. Although the Company bears risk to amounts in excess of those insured by the FDIC, it does not anticipate any losses as a result due to the financial position and creditworthiness of the depository institutions in which those deposits are held. We include our investing activities within cash flows from operations.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash as reported within the consolidated balance sheet that sums to the total of the same amounts shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows as of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023:

Taxes— Historically, the Company has filed an income tax return as Regulated Investment Company. However, as a result of the Company’s election to not qualify as a RIC in the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company is now classified as a C corporation for income tax purposes and subject to guidance under ASC 740, accounting for income taxes. This change in tax status is reflected in the footnotes below.

The Company records deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more-likely-than-not be realized. In making such determinations, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company believes its deferred tax assets will more-likely-than-not be realized and has recorded a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets.

On July 4, 2025, Public Law No. 119-21, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (the “Act”), was enacted. Key provisions of the Act affecting the Company include: (i) a permanent reduction in the corporate tax rate, (ii) the permanent extension of 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property, and (iii) modifications to the calculation of the §163(j) business interest expense limitation.

In accordance with ASC 740, the Company recognized the effects of the new tax law in the period of enactment. The adoption of the Act did not result in any material impact to current or deferred income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2025. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the Act on its financial statements and will update its estimates as additional guidance becomes available.

ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes, provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized in the financial statements when it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on technical merits. This guidance also addresses measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition. The Company has no material uncertain tax positions in its prior or current filings

All corporations incorporated in the State of Delaware are required to file an Annual Report and to pay a franchise tax. As a result, the Company paid Delaware Franchise tax in the amount of $0.02 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, $0.03 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, $0.03 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

Texas margin tax applies to legal entities conducting business in Texas. The margin tax is based on our Texas sourced taxable margin. Because the margin tax is calculated on a base that incorporates both revenue and expense elements, it is treated as an income tax under ASC 740. The tax is calculated by applying a tax rate to a base that considers both revenue and expenses and therefore has the characteristics of an income tax. For the year ended December 31, 2025, no state income tax is expected. No state income tax was due for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Distributable Earnings—The components that make up distributable earnings (accumulated undistributed deficit) on the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 are as follows:

Share-Based Incentive Compensation—On June 13, 2016, our shareholders approved the adoption of our 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”). The Incentive Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Fund by encouraging officers, employees, and directors of the Fund and its affiliates to acquire or increase their equity interest in the Fund and to provide a means whereby they may develop a proprietary interest in the development and financial success of the Fund, to encourage them to remain with and devote their best efforts to the business of the Fund, thereby advancing the interests of the Fund and its stockholders. The Incentive Plan is also intended to enhance the ability of the Fund and its affiliates to attract and retain the services of individuals who are essential for the growth and profitability of the Fund. The Incentive Plan permits the award of restricted stock as well as common stock purchase options. The maximum number of shares of common stock that are subject to awards granted under the Incentive Plan is 2,434,728 shares. The term of the Incentive Plan will expire on June 13, 2026. On March 17, 2017, we granted awards of restricted stock under the Plan to certain of our directors and executive officers in the aggregate amount of 844,500 shares. The awards are each subject to a vesting requirement over a 3-year period unless the recipient thereof is terminated or removed from their position as a director or executive officer without “cause”, or as a result of constructive termination, as such terms are defined in the respective award agreements entered into by each of the recipients and the Fund. As of December 31, 2020, all shares were vested. Accordingly, for restricted stock awards, we measure the grant date fair value based upon the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant and amortize the fair value of the awards as share-based compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting term. Inasmuch as all existing awards under the Incentive Plan became fully-vested prior to 2021, we recorded no compensation expense relating to awards made under the Incentive Plan for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2025, we awarded an additional 380,523 shares of restricted stock under the Incentive Plan of which, 200,523 shares were awarded to officers of the Fund and 180,000 shares were awarded to consultants of Morgan. These awards were fully vested at the grant date. The Fund recorded $0.3 million of share-based incentive expense related to the shares awarded to officers of the Fund, and charged Morgan $0.4 million of share-based incentive expense related to the shares issued to the consultants of Morgan. As of December 31, 2025, pursuant to agreements entered into with the Morgan consultants, we were obligated to issue an additional 180,000 Equus shares thereunder, and charged Morgan $0.3 million related to this obligation.

Segments—Equus operates as a single segment with a principal investment objective to maximize total return from generating current income from debt investments and current income and capital appreciation from equity and equity-related investments. The Company’s Investment Committee and Chief Executive Officer collectively perform the function that allocates resources and assesses performance, and thus together, serve as the Company’s chief operating decision maker (the “CODM”). Among other metrics, the CODM uses net investment income as a primary GAAP profit or loss metric used in making operating decisions, which can be found on the Statement of Operations along with significant expenses. The measure of segment assets is reported on the Balance Sheets as total assets.

Convertible Note—The Fund accounts for the Convertible Note under ASC 470-20, “Debt—Debt with Conversion and other Options” (“ASC 470”). The Convertible Note is assessed under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, for any conversion features which may require bifurcation, and the substantial premium model in accordance with ASC 470. Based on our assessment, separate accounting for the conversion feature of the Convertible Note is not required. The Fund is not required to account for the Convertible Note at fair value and did not elect to measure it at fair value in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and ASC 825, Financial Instruments.

In accordance with ASC Topic 470-20, when the Fund issues convertible note with warrants, the Fund treats the fair value of the warrants as a debt discount, recorded as a contra-liability against the convertible note, and amortizes the balance over the life of the underlying note as interest expense in the consolidated statements of operations using the effective interest rate. The offset to the contra-liability is recorded as either equity or liability in the Fund’s consolidated balance sheets depending on the accounting treatment of the warrants.

Warrants—The Fund evaluates all contracts on its own equity, including common stock purchase warrants, to determine whether such instruments should be classified as equity or as assets or liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40, Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity. Contracts that require or may be settled in the Fund’s own shares are classified as equity when (i) the contract is indexed to the Fund’s own stock, as defined in ASC 815-40, and (ii) the contract meets all equity classification conditions, including that the contract requires physical settlement or net-share settlement, or provides the Fund with the ability to settle the contract in shares. Contracts that require net-cash settlement, or that provide the counterparty with a choice of net-cash settlement, or that allow the holder of the contracts to get more favorable terms if other securities are issued with better terms, are classified as assets or liabilities. Additionally, contracts that contain provisions requiring net-cash settlement upon the occurrence of an event that is outside the Fund’s control, or that otherwise fail to meet the equity classification criteria under ASC 815-40, are classified as assets or liabilities.

Contracts classified as assets or liabilities are initially recognized at fair value and subsequently remeasured at each reporting date, with changes in fair value recognized in consolidated statements of operations. The Fund reassesses the classification of such contracts at each reporting date to determine whether a change in classification is required.