FDUS
Fidus Investment Corporation
Asset Management
Market Cap$728M
5Y Perf.+101.0%
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Stock Comparison
FDUS vs GAIN
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
GAIN
Gladstone Investment Corporation
Asset Management
Market Cap$677M
5Y Perf.+53.3%
FDUS vs GAIN — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | FDUS | GAIN |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Asset Management | Asset Management |
| Market Cap | $728M | $677M |
| Revenue (TTM) | $159M | $90M |
| Net Income (TTM) | $82M | $130M |
| Gross Margin | 72.6% | 68.6% |
| Operating Margin | 76.1% | 72.7% |
| Forward P/E | 9.5x | 41.9x |
| Total Debt | $231M | $456M |
| Cash & Equiv. | $70M | $14M |
FDUS vs GAIN — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
FDUS
GAIN
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fidus Investment Co… (FDUS) | 100 | 201.0 | +101.0% |
| Gladstone Investmen… (GAIN) | 100 | 153.3 | +53.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: FDUS vs GAIN
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: GAIN leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Fidus Investment Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
FDUS
Fidus Investment Corporation
The Banking Pick
FDUS is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.67, yield 11.1%
- Rev growth 40.1%, EPS growth -3.3%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.67, Low D/E 31.1%, current ratio 25.62x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
GAIN
Gladstone Investment Corporation
The Banking Pick
GAIN carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for long-term compounding.
- 324.1% 10Y total return vs FDUS's 145.4%
- 72.7% margin vs FDUS's 51.7%
- Beta 0.53 vs FDUS's 0.67
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | FDUS | 40.1% NII/revenue growth vs GAIN's -12.9% |
| Value | FDUS | Lower P/E (9.5x vs 41.9x) |
| Quality / Margins | GAIN | 72.7% margin vs FDUS's 51.7% |
| Stability / Safety | GAIN | Beta 0.53 vs FDUS's 0.67 |
| Dividends | FDUS | 11.1% yield, vs GAIN's 9.8% |
| Momentum (1Y) | GAIN | +34.4% vs FDUS's +13.2% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | GAIN | 10.5% ROA vs FDUS's 6.3%, ROIC 5.3% vs 8.6% |
FDUS vs GAIN — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLFDUSLAGGINGGAIN
GAINGladstone Investment …
3leads
FDUSFidus Investment Corp…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs GAINMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
GAIN3/5
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
FDUS5/5
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
FDUS7/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
GAIN5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
GAIN2/2
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
FDUS1/1
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GAIN leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
FDUS is the larger business by revenue, generating $159M annually — 1.8x GAIN's $90M. GAIN is the more profitable business, keeping 72.7% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to FDUS's 51.7%.
| Metric | FDUSFidus Investment … | GAINGladstone Investm… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $159M | $90M |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $120M | $58M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $82M | $130M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$147M | -$82M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +72.6% | +68.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +76.1% | +72.7% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +51.7% | +72.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -92.3% | +126.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | — | — |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -3.8% | +58.1% |
GAIN leads this category, winning 3 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
FDUS leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 8.3x trailing earnings, FDUS trades at a 13% valuation discount to GAIN's 9.6x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, FDUS's 7.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than GAIN's 17.1x.
| Metric | FDUSFidus Investment … | GAINGladstone Investm… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $728M | $677M |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $889M | $1.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 8.27x | 9.55x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 9.54x | 41.87x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | 0.65x | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 7.39x | 17.12x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 4.57x | 7.53x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.92x | 1.25x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 5.94x |
FDUS leads this category, winning 5 of 5 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
FDUS leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
GAIN delivers a 21.9% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $22 in annual profit, vs $12 for FDUS. FDUS carries lower financial leverage with a 0.31x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to GAIN's 0.91x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), FDUS scores 5/9 vs GAIN's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | FDUSFidus Investment … | GAINGladstone Investm… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +11.7% | +21.9% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +6.3% | +10.5% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.6% | +5.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +9.5% | +6.8% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.31x | 0.91x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $161M | $441M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $70M | $14M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $231M | $456M |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.40x | 1.58x |
FDUS leads this category, winning 7 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
GAIN leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in FDUS five years ago would be worth $18,024 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $17,434 for GAIN. Over the past 12 months, GAIN leads with a +34.4% total return vs FDUS's +13.2%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors GAIN at 16.9% vs FDUS's 12.1% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | FDUSFidus Investment … | GAINGladstone Investm… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +0.9% | +24.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +13.2% | +34.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +41.1% | +59.9% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +80.2% | +74.3% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +145.4% | +324.1% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +12.1% | +16.9% |
GAIN leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GAIN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GAIN is the less volatile stock with a 0.53 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than FDUS's 0.67 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. GAIN currently trades 99.8% from its 52-week high vs FDUS's 86.8% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | FDUSFidus Investment … | GAINGladstone Investm… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.67x | 0.53x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $22.09 | $17.04 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $16.86 | $13.11 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +86.8% | +99.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 63.2 | 77.5 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 284K | 363K |
GAIN leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
FDUS leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates FDUS as "Buy" and GAIN as "Hold". For income investors, FDUS offers the higher dividend yield at 11.09% vs GAIN's 9.76%.
| Metric | FDUSFidus Investment … | GAINGladstone Investm… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $15.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 12 | 7 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +11.1% | +9.8% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $2.13 | $1.66 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
FDUS leads this category, winning 1 of 1 comparable metric.
Key Takeaway
GAIN leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Total Returns). FDUS leads in 3 (Valuation Metrics, Profitability & Efficiency).
Best OverallFidus Investment Corporation (FDUS)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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FDUS vs GAIN: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is FDUS or GAIN a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) is the stronger pick with 40.
1% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -12. 9% for Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN). Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) offers the better valuation at 8. 3x trailing P/E (9. 5x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) a "Buy" — based on 12 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — FDUS or GAIN?
On trailing P/E, Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) is the cheapest at 8.
3x versus Gladstone Investment Corporation at 9. 6x. On forward P/E, Fidus Investment Corporation is actually cheaper at 9. 5x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — FDUS or GAIN?
Over the past 5 years, Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) delivered a total return of +80.
2%, compared to +74. 3% for Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: GAIN returned +324. 1% versus FDUS's +145. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — FDUS or GAIN?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN) is the lower-risk stock at 0.
53β versus Fidus Investment Corporation's 0. 67β — meaning FDUS is approximately 26% more volatile than GAIN relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 31% versus 91% for Gladstone Investment Corporation — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — FDUS or GAIN?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) is pulling ahead at 40.
1% versus -12. 9% for Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Fidus Investment Corporation grew EPS -3. 3% year-over-year, compared to -27. 9% for Gladstone Investment Corporation. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — FDUS or GAIN?
Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN) is the more profitable company, earning 72.
7% net margin versus 51. 7% for Fidus Investment Corporation — meaning it keeps 72. 7% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: FDUS leads at 76. 1% versus 72. 7% for GAIN. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — FDUS leads at 72. 6%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is FDUS or GAIN more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) trades at 9.
5x forward P/E versus 41. 9x for Gladstone Investment Corporation — 32. 3x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — FDUS or GAIN?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Fidus Investment Corporation (FDUS) offers the highest yield at 11. 1%, versus 9. 8% for Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN).
09Is FDUS or GAIN better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Gladstone Investment Corporation (GAIN) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0.
53), 9. 8% yield, +324. 1% 10Y return). Both have compounded well over 10 years (GAIN: +324. 1%, FDUS: +145. 4%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between FDUS and GAIN?
Both stocks operate in the Financial Services sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: FDUS is a small-cap high-growth stock; GAIN is a small-cap deep-value stock. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(FDUS: 40.1% · GAIN: -12.9%)Net Margin>
%
(FDUS: 51.7% · GAIN: 72.7%)P/E Ratio<
x
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