PSEC – A Prospect Capital Fund

Prospect Capital Announces Results for Quarter Ended March 31, 2009

May 11, 2009

NEW YORK, NY — (MARKET WIRE) — 05/11/09 — Prospect Capital Corporation (NASDAQ: PSEC)(“Company” or “Prospect”) today announced financial results for its thirdfiscal quarter and the nine months ended March 31, 2009.

For the nine months ended March 31, 2009, our net investment income was$47.2 million, or $1.59 per share, an increase of $15.7 million, or $0.18per weighted average share, from the results for the nine months endedMarch 31, 2008. For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, our net investmentincome was $11.7 million, or $0.39 per weighted average share, a decreaseof $1.2 million from the results for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (suchdecrease due primarily to the one-time realization during the year earlierquarter of the overriding royalty interest we received in connection withthe Ken-Tex Energy Corp. debt investment).

For the quarter ended March 31, 2009, our net increase in net assetsresulting from operations was $0.51 per weighted average share. Our netasset value per share decreased by $0.24 per share from $14.43 as ofDecember 31, 2008 to $14.19 per share as of March 31, 2009. The primarydriver of the decrease in net asset value per share was the issuance of newshares during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 at prices below our then netasset value per share. We estimate our net investment income for thecurrent fourth fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2009 will be $0.30 to $0.40per share. We recently completed an issue of common shares which may have ashort-term dilutive effect but which we believe will enhance the Company’sfinancial flexibility and available resources to capitalize on attractivelong-term accretive investment opportunities.

We expect to announce our fourth fiscal quarter dividend next month. Ourbusiness objective continues to be to generate long-term dividend growth,as we have delivered to date with 18 consecutive quarterly dividendincreases. We have under-distributed dividends relative to taxable incomein calendar year 2008, resulting in a modest 4% excise tax, which anover-distribution of dividends relative to taxable income in calendar year2009 would help to correct going forward, should we so choose.

As of March 31, 2009, debt as reduced by cash and money market securitieson hand was 17.4% of total assets, or 575% asset coverage. As of May 11,2009, we have reduced our outstanding debt to $129.0 million, and as of May11, 2009 we have increased our cash and money market investments on hand to$48.4 million.

OPERATING RESULTS

HIGHLIGHTS

Equity Values:  Net assets as of March 31, 2009: $444.02 million  Net asset value per share as of March 31, 2009: $14.19Third Fiscal Quarter Operating Results:  Net investment income: $11.72 million  Net investment income per share: $0.39  Net increase in net assets resulting from operations: $15.33 million  Net increase in net assets resulting from operations per share: $0.51  Dividends to shareholders per share: $0.405Third Fiscal Quarter Portfolio Summary:Total portfolio investments at cost: $567.3 million  Number of portfolio companies at end of period: 31

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

On January 20, 2009, Diamondback Operating, LP (“Diamondback”) repaid our$9.2 million loan in full from the sale of 65% of Diamondback’s RockSprings oil and gas property interests. We have realized an approximately17% cash on cash internal rate of return (“IRR”) on the Diamondbackinvestment. We continue to hold the right to receive 15% of any futureDiamondback equity distributions.

On March 31, 2009, the fair value of our portfolio of 31 long-terminvestments was approximately $555.0 million. As of March 31, 2009, ourportfolio generated a current yield of approximately 15.1% across all ourlong-term debt and equity investments. This current yield includes interestfrom all our long-term investments as well as dividends from certainportfolio companies.

During the quarter ended March 31, 2009, we continued to evaluate a numberof new investment opportunities in the primary and secondary markets. Weare currently pursuing multiple investment opportunities, includingpurchases of portfolios from private and public companies, as well asindividual transactions. We believe such opportunities, if successfullyconsummated, would drive long-term value for our company, and we haverecently expanded our capital base with such opportunities in mind.Motivated sellers, including commercial finance companies, hedge funds,other business development companies, total return swap counterparties,banks, collateralized loan obligation funds, and other entities, aresuffering from excess leverage, and we believe we are well positioned tocapitalize as potential buyers of such assets at attractive prices.

On May 6, 2009, we received a net profits distribution from Charlevoix, agas marketing company in the Midwest, raising our cash on cash IRR on ourCharlevoix investment to 22%. We have previously exited our debt investmentin Charlevoix with full repayment by the borrower.

We continue to negotiate a sale of Gas Solutions with several interestedparties. While we wish to monetize the value we see in Gas Solutions, we donot wish to enter into any final agreement that does not recognize the longterm value we see in Gas Solutions. As a hedged midstream asset generatingsignificant cash flows to us, Gas Solutions is a valuable asset that wewish to sell at a value-maximizing price, or not at all. The multi-yearputs purchased by Gas Solutions in 2008 are substantially in the money,providing downside protection against commodity price declines. GasSolutions has generated approximately $26.2 million of EBITDA during theyear ended December 31, 2008, an increase of 67.1% from 2007 results.

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESULTS

At March 31, 2009, borrowings under our credit facility stood atapproximately $137.6 million. We are currently seeking an increase in ourrevolving credit facility from its present size of $200 million. Over thepast few months we have worked with rating agencies to structure thisexpanded facility. The closing of the facility is subject to lendersyndication and other conditions customary for a transaction of this type.As of March 31, 2009, debt as reduced by cash and money market securitieson hand was 17.4% of total assets, or 575% asset coverage. As of May 11,2009, we have reduced our outstanding debt to $129.0 million, and as of May11, 2009 we have increased our cash and money market investments on hand to$48.4 million.

On March 19, 2009 and April 27, 2009, we completed two offerings of commonshares aggregating 5.18 million shares and $40.82 million in grossproceeds. In the second quarter, we announced the authorization by ourboard of directors to repurchase up to $20 million of our outstandingstock. To date, we have not made any such repurchases, but we continue tomaintain the flexibility to do so should we deem such purchases to be inthe best interest of our shareholders.

On April 30, 2009, we gave a 60-day notice to Vastardis Fund Services LLC(“Vastardis”) regarding termination, effective June 30, 2009, of theagreement with Vastardis to provide sub-administration services. The priorcost of this agreement has been approximately $700 thousand per annum basedon approximately $600 million of assets. With our chief financial officerhaving expanded his finance and administration team in recent months, we nolonger require significant services from Vastardis.

CONFERENCE CALL

We will host a conference call on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.Eastern Time. The conference call dial-in number will be 800-860-2442. Arecording of the conference call will be available for approximately 30days. To hear a replay, please call 877-344-7529 and use passcode 430576.

                PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY            CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES                     March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2008              (in thousands, except share and per share data)                                                   March 31,     June 30,                                                      2009         2008                                                  (Unaudited)   (Audited)                                                  -----------  -----------AssetsInvestments at fair value (cost of $567,306 and $496,805, respectively)  Control investments (cost of $221,744 and   $203,661, respectively)                        $   220,263  $   205,827  Affiliate investments (cost of $33,546 and   $5,609, respectively)                               30,819        6,043  Non-control/Non-affiliate investments (cost   of $312,016 and $287,535, respectively)            303,959      285,660                                                  -----------  -----------    Total investments at fair value                   555,041      497,530                                                  -----------  -----------Investments in money market funds                      39,254       33,000Cash                                                      449          555Receivables for:  Interest, net                                         5,929        4,094  Dividends                                                16        4,248  Loan principal                                           --           71  Managerial assistance                                   473          380  Prepaid prospective deal expenses                        86           --  Other                                                   109          187Prepaid expenses                                          221          273Deferred financing costs                                1,228        1,440                                                  -----------  -----------    Total Assets                                      602,806      541,778                                                  -----------  -----------LiabilitiesCredit facility payable                               137,567       91,167Dividends payable                                      12,671       11,845Due to Prospect Administration                            742          695Due to Prospect Capital Management                      5,813        5,946Accrued expenses                                        1,324        1,104Other liabilities                                         665        1,398                                                  -----------  -----------    Total Liabilities                                 158,782      112,155                                                  -----------  -----------Net Assets                                        $   444,024  $   429,623                                                  ===========  ===========Components of Net AssetsCommon stock, par value $0.001 per share (100,000,000 and 100,000,000 common shares authorized, respectively; 31,286,128 and 29,520,379 issued and outstanding, respectively)                                    $        31  $        30Paid-in capital in excess of par                      456,398      441,332Undistributed net investment income                    12,171        1,508Accumulated realized losses on investments            (12,311)     (13,972)Unrealized (depreciation) appreciation on investments                                          (12,265)         725                                                  -----------  -----------Net Assets                                        $   444,024  $   429,623                                                  ===========  ===========Net Asset Value Per Share                         $     14.19  $     14.55                                                  ===========  ===========                PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS        For The Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008              (in thousands, except share and per share data)                                (Unaudited)                                For The Three Months  For The Nine Months                                   Ended March 31,       Ended March 31,                                --------------------- --------------------                                   2009       2008       2009       2008                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------Investment IncomeInterest Income  Control investments (Net of   foreign withholding tax of   $28, $35, $137, and $193,   respectively)                $    5,503 $   4,556  $  17,300  $  15,111  Affiliate investments (Net   of foreign withholding tax   of $0, $0, $0, and $70,   respectively)                       730       290      2,365      1,612  Non-control/Non-affiliate   investments                       9,832    10,044     31,197     25,815                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------    Total interest income           16,065    14,890     50,862     42,538                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------Dividend income  Control investments                4,400     3,300     13,568      6,950  Money market funds                    45       123        265        557                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------    Total dividend income            4,445     3,423     13,833      7,507                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------Other income:  Control/Affiliate investments         --       200        831        210  Non-control/Non-affiliate   investments                         159     3,487     13,155      5,699                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------    Total other income                 159     3,687     13,986      5,909                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------  Total Investment Income           20,669    22,000     78,681     55,954                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------Operating ExpensesInvestment advisory fees:  Base management fee                2,977     2,388      8,740      6,366  Income incentive fee               2,930     3,230     11,795      7,861                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------    Total investment advisory     fees                            5,907     5,618     20,535     14,227Interest and credit facility expenses                            1,345     1,863      4,828      4,719Sub-administration fees (including former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer)                   177       228        644        620Legal fees                             107       449        590      2,224Valuation services                     139       198        561        431Audit, compliance and tax related fees                          219        45        848        348Allocation of overhead from Prospect Administration               588       588      1,764      1,108Insurance expense                       61        64        185        192Directors' fees                         61        55        204        165Other general and administrative expenses               345       (27)       807        476Excise taxes                            --        --        533         --                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------  Total Operating Expenses           8,949     9,081     31,499     24,510                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------Net Investment Income               11,720    12,919     47,182     31,444                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------Net realized gain (loss) on investments                            --       208      1,661    (18,413)Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments                         3,611   (14,386)   (12,990)    (9,426)                                ---------- ---------  ---------  ---------Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations                     $   15,331 $  (1,259) $  35,853  $   3,605                                ========== =========  =========  =========Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per share           $     0.51 $   (0.05) $    1.21  $    0.16                                ========== =========  =========  =========Dividends declared per share:   $     0.41 $    0.40  $    1.21  $    1.18                                ========== =========  =========  =========                PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY                 ROLLFORWARD OF NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE        For The Three and Nine Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008                            (in actual dollars)                                (Unaudited)                                For The Three Months  For The Nine Months                                        Ended                Ended                                --------------------  --------------------                                March 31,  March 31,  March 31,  March 31,                                  2009       2008       2009       2008                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------Per Share Data:Net asset value at beginning of period                         $   14.43  $   14.58  $   14.55  $   15.04Net investment income                0.39       0.54       1.59       1.41Net realized gain (loss)               --       0.01       0.06      (0.82)Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)                      0.12      (0.60)     (0.44)     (0.42)Shares issued for dividend reinvestments                      (0.01)        --      (0.02)        --Net (decrease) increase in net assets as a result of public offerings                          (0.33)      0.02      (0.34)      0.12Dividends declared                  (0.41)     (0.40)     (1.21)     (1.18)                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------Net asset value at end of period                         $   14.19  $   14.15  $   14.19  $   14.15                                =========  =========  =========  =========

ABOUT PROSPECT CAPITAL CORPORATION

Prospect Capital Corporation (www.prospectstreet.com/) is a closed-endinvestment company that lends to and invests in private and microcap publicbusinesses. Our investment objective is to generate both current income andlong-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments.

We have elected to be treated as a business development company under theInvestment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”). We are required to comply witha series of regulatory requirements under the 1940 Act as well asapplicable NASDAQ, federal and state rules and regulations. We have electedto be treated as a regulated investment company under the Internal RevenueCode of 1986. Failure to comply with any of the laws and regulations thatapply to us could have an adverse effect on us and our shareholders.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaningof the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, whose safe harborfor forward-looking statements does not apply to business developmentcompanies. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact,are highly likely to be affected by other unknowable future events andconditions, including elements of the future that are or are not under ourcontrol, and that we may or may not have considered; accordingly, suchstatements cannot be guarantees or assurances of any aspect of futureperformance. Actual developments and results are highly likely to varymaterially from these estimates and projections of the future. Suchstatements speak only as of the time when made, and we undertake noobligation to update any such statement now or in the future.

For additional information, contact:Grier EliasekPresident and Chief Operating OfficerEmail ContactTelephone (212) 448-0702