Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (GBDC) AI Stock Analysis

NASDAQ: GBDCAI research summary: business, growth, valuation, analysts, bull and bear case.

GBDC AI stock analysis summary

AI Research

Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (GBDC) is an externally managed business development company focused on debt and minority equity investments in middle-market enterprises. Over the trailing twelve months, the company generated $800.7M in revenue with an operating margin of 77.9%. GBDC carries a forward dividend yield of 10.89% while facing a 14.0% year-over-year revenue decline in its latest quarter.

Market cap
$3.15B
Revenue (TTM)
$800.7M
P/E
18.4x
fwd 9.8x
1Y return
-1.4%
S&P 500 16.8%
Avg. target
$13.62
12.4% vs last close

Bull case

  • GBDC delivers a high dividend yield of 10.89% backed by 17 consecutive years of regular dividend payments.
  • The stock trades at a price-to-book ratio of 0.9x and a forward P/E of 9.8x, which is below the median of its US-listed Financial Services peers of 10.8x.
  • Analyst coverage remains positive with 6 Buy or Strong Buy ratings and a mean target of $13.62, representing 12.4% upside over the last close.

Bear case

  • Quarterly performance weakened in the latest quarter with revenue dropping 14.0% and earnings falling 35.1% year-over-year.
  • Operating cash flow and free cash flow both remained negative at -$113.6M in FY2025.
  • The company carries total debt of $4.54B against $13.0M in cash and short-term investments, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22.

What Golub Capital BDC does

Golub Capital BDC, Inc. is an externally managed closed-end non-diversified management investment company that operates as a business development company. It specializes in debt and minority equity investments predominantly in middle-market companies that are often backed by private equity sponsors. The company's investment portfolio covers a wide range of industries, including consumer services, healthcare, technology, hospitality, and retail. Additionally, Golub Capital BDC has begun exploring opportunities within the cryptocurrency realm to enhance liquidity options, streamline transactions, and diversify its portfolio while navigating regulatory considerations, market volatility, and security concerns.

Growth and profitability

GBDC grew revenue from $172.6M in FY2022 to $284.4M in FY2023, $611.1M in FY2024, and $870.8M in FY2025, achieving a 5-year revenue CAGR of 67.1% from FY2020 to FY2025. Annual net income reached $376.1M in FY2025, up from $273.8M in FY2024, though net margin narrowed from 44.8% to 43.2%, and EPS fell from $1.91 to $1.50. In the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2026, revenue stood at $800.7M with EPS of $0.66. For the latest quarter ended June 30, 2026, quarterly revenue fell 14.0% year-over-year and quarterly earnings declined 35.1%.

GBDC income statement →

Balance sheet and cash flow

As of June 30, 2026, Golub Capital BDC held $13.0M in cash and short-term investments against total debt of $4.54B, resulting in net debt of $4.52B and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.22. Shareholders' equity was $3.70B, total assets were $8.34B, and the current ratio stood at 1.48. In FY2025, operating cash flow and free cash flow were both -$113.6M. Capital returns during FY2025 included $77.8M allocated to share buybacks and $368.2M paid out in dividends.

GBDC balance sheet →

Valuation and performance

GBDC trades at a trailing P/E of 18.4x, higher than the 12.1x median of its US-listed Financial Services peers, but its forward P/E of 9.8x is below the peer median of 10.8x. The stock trades at a price-to-book ratio of 0.9x and a price-to-sales ratio of 3.9x compared to the peer median of 3.2x. Over the past year, GBDC generated a return of -1.4%, trailing the 16.8% return for the S&P 500 benchmark. Over five years, the stock returned 27.4% versus 83.0% for the S&P 500.

GBDC key metrics →

GBDC dividend

GBDC pays a quarterly dividend with an annual forward payout of $1.32 per share, representing a dividend yield of 10.89%. The company has paid dividends for 17 consecutive years and achieved a 5-year annualized dividend growth rate of 5.7%. Its payout ratio stands at 97.2%, with the last ex-dividend date on September 14, 2026.

GBDC dividend history →

What analysts expect

Wall Street coverage consists of 4 Strong Buy, 2 Buy, and 1 Hold ratings, with zero Sell or Strong Sell recommendations. The mean price target is $13.62, implying 12.4% upside compared to the last close of $12.12. Over the last four quarters, GBDC beat EPS estimates 1 time. For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, analysts estimate revenue of $773.2M and EPS of $1.37, representing an EPS decline of 8.7%. The next earnings date is November 17, 2026.

GBDC forecast and price target →

Key risks and what to watch

  • A high dividend payout ratio of 97.2% leaves little operational margin if investment income continues to face pressure.
  • GBDC holds net debt of $4.52B alongside a low cash position of $13.0M, creating exposure to debt service obligations.
  • Analyst estimates project EPS to decline 8.7% in the current fiscal year to $1.37 and another 7.3% next fiscal year to $1.27.
  • The stock has lagged the broader market over multiple horizons, returning -1.4% over the past year compared to 16.8% for the S&P 500.

AI-generated research summary. Written with AI from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 and checked so every figure matches that data. For information only, not investment advice. Disclaimer

About this GBDC AI stock analysis

This page is an AI-written research summary of Golub Capital BDC, Inc. (GBDC). The text was generated on October 30, 2026 from Quotelinks data as of October 16, 2026 (company profile, annual results, latest balance sheet, valuation, price performance and analyst estimates). An automatic check rejects any draft that contains a figure not found in that data. It is not investment advice; verify figures on the linked tabs before making decisions.

Related: GBDC income statement, GBDC balance sheet, GBDC key metrics, GBDC analyst forecast, GBDC chart. See the GBDC stock overview for the latest quote and news.

GBDC AI stock analysis FAQ

What is Golub Capital BDC's dividend yield and payout schedule?

GBDC pays an annual forward dividend of $1.32 per share, representing a dividend yield of 10.89%. The payout is distributed quarterly and carries a payout ratio of 97.2%.

How does GBDC's valuation compare to its industry peers?

GBDC trades at a price-to-book ratio of 0.9x and a forward P/E of 9.8x, compared to the median forward P/E of 10.8x among its US-listed Financial Services peers.

What were GBDC's full-year financial results in FY2025?

In FY2025, GBDC recorded revenue of $870.8M, which was up 42.5%, and net income of $376.1M, with an operating margin of 78.9%.

What are analysts forecasting for GBDC's earnings?

For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, analysts forecast revenue of $773.2M and EPS of $1.37, representing a projected EPS decline of 8.7%.

When is Golub Capital BDC's next earnings report?

Golub Capital BDC's next scheduled earnings date is November 17, 2026.

More Financial Services AI stock analysis