tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Pennantpark Floating Rate Capit (PFLT)
NYSE:PFLT

Pennantpark (PFLT) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
1,652 Followers

Top Page

PFLT

Pennantpark

(NYSE:PFLT)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 60 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
$10.00
â–²(6.04% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/10/26
The score is driven primarily by middling financial performance—strong margins but pressured revenue, meaningful leverage, and volatile cash flows. This is partially supported by constructive earnings-call takeaways around the PSSL2 ramp and portfolio quality, while technicals are broadly neutral and valuation is helped by a high dividend yield alongside a moderate P/E.
Positive Factors
Conservative credit profile
A predominantly first‑lien, floating‑rate portfolio with low PIK and conservative leverage metrics gives structural downside protection. Over 2–6 months this underwriting discipline and seniority help limit loss severity during borrower stress and supports steady interest income generation.
High operating profitability
Sustained high net margins indicate the business captures attractive interest spreads and fee income relative to expenses. For a BDC, robust operating profitability provides a durable cushion for distributions and debt servicing even if top‑line growth softens over the medium term.
PSSL2 JV scale and ramp
The rapid PSSL2 joint‑venture ramp is a structural growth lever: scaling third‑party capital broadens fee and interest income without proportionally increasing balance‑sheet risk. As it reaches scale, JV run‑rate NII can structurally improve dividend coverage and enable asset sales to de‑leverage the parent.
Negative Factors
Elevated leverage
Higher debt relative to equity increases sensitivity to portfolio markdowns and rising funding costs. For a credit‑centric BDC, elevated leverage constrains flexibility to absorb losses, limits capacity to opportunistically invest, and can amplify NAV volatility over the coming quarters.
Volatile cash generation
Irregular operating and free cash flow reduces confidence in sustainable distributable earnings. Volatility in cash conversion complicates dividend coverage planning, increases reliance on capital markets or JV monetizations, and raises execution risk for financial commitments over multi‑quarter horizons.
Revenue decline and marks
A shrinking revenue base combined with recent realized/unrealized losses signals portfolio sensitivity and reduces the earnings runway. Persistent top‑line pressure and periodic markdowns can erode reserves, impair dividend sustainability, and shrink equity cushions that support leverage over the medium term.

Pennantpark (PFLT) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Pennantpark Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is a business development company. It seeks to make secondary direct, debt, equity, and loan investments. The fund seeks to invest through floating rate loans in private or thinly traded or small market-cap, public middle market companies. It primarily invests in the United States and to a limited extent non-U.S. companies. The fund typically invests between $2 million and $20 million. The fund also invests in equity securities, such as preferred stock, common stock, warrants or options received in connection with debt investments or through direct investments. It primarily invests between $10 million and $50 million in investments in senior secured loans and mezzanine debt. It seeks to invest in companies not rated by national rating agencies. The companies if rated would be between BB and CCC under the Standard & Poor's system. The fund invests 30% is invested in non-qualifying assets like investments in public companies whose securities are not thinly traded or do not have a market capitalization of less than $250 million, securities of middle-market companies located outside of the United States, high-yield bonds, distressed debt, private equity, securities of public companies that are not thinly traded, and investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. Under normal conditions, the fund expects atleast 80 percent of its net assets plus any borrowings for investment purposes to be invested in Floating Rate Loans and investments with similar economic characteristics, including cash equivalents invested in money market funds. It expects to represent 65 percent of its portfolio through senior secured loans. In case of floating rate loans, it holds investments for a period of three to ten years.
How the Company Makes MoneyPennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. generates revenue primarily through interest income from its portfolio of floating-rate loans and debt securities. The company typically invests in senior secured loans, which provides a higher priority in the capital structure and often yields higher interest rates compared to unsecured debt. Additionally, PFLT may earn management fees from its investment activities and could realize capital gains when it sells assets in its portfolio. The company’s revenue model is underpinned by its ability to identify and invest in high-quality companies with strong growth potential. Strategic partnerships with financial institutions and advisors also enhance PFLT's ability to source deals and provide financing solutions, contributing to its earnings stability.

Pennantpark Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 09, 2026
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 18, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized strong operational execution: a successful launch and rapid ramp of the PSSL2 joint venture, solid origination activity ($301M at 10% yield), conservative underwriting metrics (median leverage 4.5x, 2.1x coverage, 2.5% PIK, 89% first-lien) and attractive long-term equity co-invest returns (25% IRR, 1.9x MOIC). Offsetting these positives were a $30 million net mark loss and a 3.1% NAV decline driven by limited markdowns tied to certain 2021-vintage names, plus notable operating and financing expenses. Management has reduced leverage into its target range and believes PSSL2 can materially support dividend coverage as it scales, though timing depends on M&A activity. Overall, the positives—conservative portfolio construction, healthy yields, strong JV momentum and low non-accruals—outweigh the quarter-specific markdowns and NAV pressure.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Core and GAAP Net Investment Income
Core net investment income (NII) and GAAP NII were both $0.27 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, demonstrating stable operating earnings generation.
Successful Launch and Rapid Ramp of PSSL2 Joint Venture
New joint venture PSSL2 commenced investing during the quarter, deploying $197 million in-quarter and an additional $133 million post-quarter for a total portfolio of $326 million; PSSL2 secured an additional $100 million commitment to bring the credit facility to $250 million (accordion to $350 million) with an objective to scale to over $1 billion in assets.
Active Origination and Yield Profile
Originated $301 million of investments during the quarter at a weighted average yield of 10% (including $95 million in new portfolio companies and $206 million into existing portfolio companies); weighted average yield on debt investments ~9.9% and ~99% of the debt portfolio is floating rate.
Conservative Credit Profile and Portfolio Structure
Portfolio remains conservatively structured: median leverage 4.5x EBITDA, median interest coverage 2.1x, PIK interest only 2.5% of total interest income, 89% first-lien senior secured, <1% second-lien/subordinated, 4% equity in PSSL1/PSSL2 and 7% equity co-investments—differentiated from peers with much higher software exposure and looser structures.
Low Non-Accruals and Strong Long-Term Credit Performance
Only four non-accruals at quarter end representing 0.5% of the portfolio at cost and 0.1% at market value; since inception PFLT has invested $8.7 billion across 545 companies with only 26 non-accruals and a historical loss ratio on invested capital of ~13 basis points annually.
Strong Equity Co-Investment Returns
Since inception PFLT has invested over $615 million in equity co-investments, generating a 25% IRR and a 1.9x multiple on invested capital, demonstrating attractive upside participation from equity stakes.
Balanced Capital Management and Debt Reduction
As of December 31 debt-to-equity was 1.57x and subsequent asset sales to joint ventures (post-quarter sales of $27 million to PSSL1 and $133 million to PSSL2) were used to pay down the revolver, reducing leverage to 1.5x—within the stated target range of 1.4x–1.6x.
Negative Updates
NAV Decline
Net asset value (NAV) declined to $10.49 per share as of December 31, down 3.1% from $10.83 per share in the prior quarter, reflecting mark-to-market impacts during the period.
Net Realized and Unrealized Losses
Net realized and unrealized change on investments (including provision for taxes) was a loss of $30 million for the quarter, a principal driver of the NAV decline.
Quarterly Markdowns Linked to Specific 2021-Vintage Names
Management cited a few markdowns tied to the post-COVID 2021 vintage (examples highlighted: Pink Lily (PL Acquisition), Dynata (Research Now), and a car-wash holding in the JV), indicating pockets of softness that contributed to the quarterly marks—although described as limited in scope.
Operating Expenses and Fee Burden
Quarterly operating costs included interest and debt expenses of $27.2 million, base management and performance-based incentive fees of $13.5 million, and general & administrative expenses of $2.1 million; credit facility amendment costs were $500,000—representing meaningful operating and financing expense levels to cover.
JV Ramp Dependent on M&A and Timing Uncertainty
Management expects PSSL2 run-rate NII to cover the dividend once scaled (modeling discussions referenced roughly ~$1 billion in assets with PFLT ownership assumptions), but timing is uncertain and explicitly tied to M&A activity; management gave a broad timeline range of ~12–24 months (18 months as a midpoint), highlighting execution and market-dependency risk.
Company Guidance
Management guided that the new joint venture PSSL2—which invested $197M in the quarter and $133M post‑quarter (total portfolio $326M) and recently closed an additional $100M commitment to bring the credit facility to $250M with a $350M accordion—is targeted to scale to over $1B in assets (with PFLT’s ~75% ownership) and that run‑rate net investment income should cover the current dividend as the JV ramps (management suggested a broad 12–24 month pathway, citing ~18 months as a midpoint, dependent on M&A activity). Key portfolio and financial metrics cited in support of this guidance include weighted average yield on debt investments of ~9.9% (quarterly investment of $301M at a 10% weighted average yield; $95M new, $206M follow‑ons), ~99% floating‑rate debt, 89% first‑lien senior secured, median leverage 4.5x, median interest coverage 2.1x, PIK just 2.5% of interest income, four new platform originations with median debt/EBITDA 4.0x, interest coverage 2.9x and LTV 43%, NAV $10.49 (down 3.1% from $10.83), debt/equity ~1.57x (reduced to 1.5x post‑quarter within the 1.4–1.6x target range), and a long‑term track record ($8.7B invested in 545 companies, 26 non‑accruals, 13 bps annual loss ratio; $615M of equity co‑investments with a 25% IRR and 1.9x MOIC).

Pennantpark Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong profitability (TTM net margin ~36%) is offset by weakening fundamentals: TTM revenue down ~18%, leverage elevated (debt-to-equity ~1.65), and an inconsistent cash-flow profile including a prior-year large negative operating/free cash flow and sharply negative TTM free cash flow growth.
Income Statement
62
Positive
Profitability remains a clear strength, with TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) net margin around 36% and strong operating profitability. However, the growth picture has weakened: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue declined ~18% versus modest growth in the latest annual period, and margins are well below the unusually strong 2024 level, indicating a less favorable earnings backdrop and higher sensitivity to market/portfolio conditions.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The company shows a sizable equity base (about $1.04B in the latest TTM snapshot) and mid-single-digit returns on equity (~6%). That said, leverage is notable for the profile: debt-to-equity runs around 1.65 in the most recent periods and has increased from 2023 levels, which can constrain flexibility if asset values or earnings soften.
Cash Flow
45
Neutral
Cash generation is volatile. While TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) free cash flow is positive (~$100M) and tracks net income in the provided data, the prior year (2024) showed a very large negative operating/free cash flow figure, and TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) free cash flow growth is sharply negative. This variability reduces confidence in the durability of cash generation across cycles.
BreakdownTTMSep 2025Sep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue145.32M171.52M167.82M80.32M41.37M83.56M
Gross Profit47.30M78.29M108.60M42.16M11.61M61.91M
EBITDA35.61M67.50M92.92M37.73M8.42M56.92M
Net Income34.46M66.36M91.84M39.26M3.45M56.52M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets2.72B2.91B2.11B1.18B1.23B1.17B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments95.27M122.69M112.05M100.56M51.49M49.83M
Total Debt1.63B1.78B1.18B495.43M672.78M652.63M
Total Liabilities1.68B1.84B1.23B526.01M700.38M680.25M
Stockholders Equity1.04B1.07B877.29M653.61M527.09M490.61M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow99.72M95.04M-801.38M140.56M-46.58M49.80M
Operating Cash Flow99.72M95.04M-801.38M140.56M-46.58M49.80M
Investing Cash Flow-203.02M-815.62M0.000.000.000.00
Financing Cash Flow332.31M731.22M812.87M-91.53M47.70M-56.31M

Pennantpark Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price9.43
Price Trends
50DMA
9.06
Negative
100DMA
8.87
Negative
200DMA
9.16
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.24
Positive
RSI
36.45
Neutral
STOCH
11.69
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PFLT, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 9.43 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 8.90, above the 50-day MA of 9.06, and above the 200-day MA of 9.16, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.24 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 36.45 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 11.69 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for PFLT.

Pennantpark Risk Analysis

Pennantpark disclosed 98 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Pennantpark reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Pennantpark Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
66
Neutral
$1.14B6.8716.18%13.53%33.44%25.22%
62
Neutral
$852.37M9.148.18%13.18%-26.08%-27.65%
61
Neutral
$841.75M59.915.43%14.17%36.15%-38.59%
60
Neutral
$818.55M23.673.44%13.64%36.91%-48.79%
60
Neutral
$834.74M11.307.03%13.63%-8.23%-35.72%
58
Neutral
$799.23M8.649.07%10.80%-6.30%-6.92%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PFLT
Pennantpark
8.44
-1.42
-14.36%
NMFC
New Mountain Finance
7.83
-2.52
-24.35%
SLRC
SLR Investment Corp.
15.14
-0.42
-2.70%
CGBD
Carlyle Secured Lending Inc
11.37
-5.00
-30.54%
BCSF
Bain Capital Specialty Finance
13.27
-3.27
-19.77%
TRIN
Trinity Capital
15.40
1.27
9.01%

Pennantpark Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
PennantPark Shareholders Approve Directors and Auditor Ratification
Positive
Feb 5, 2026

At its annual meeting of stockholders held on February 3, 2026, PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. reported that shareholders elected two Class III directors, Arthur H. Penn and José A. Briones, Jr., to serve on the board until the 2029 annual meeting, with both receiving strong majorities of votes cast. Shareholders also ratified the selection of RSM US LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, signaling continued support for the firm’s leadership and governance structure as well as confidence in its financial reporting oversight.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFLT) stock is a Hold with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennantpark $ stock, see the PFLT Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
PennantPark Declares February 2026 Monthly Cash Distribution
Positive
Feb 3, 2026

On February 3, 2026, PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. declared a monthly cash distribution for February 2026 of $0.1025 per share, payable on March 2, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 17, 2026. The payout, expected to be sourced from taxable net investment income, underscores the business development company’s continued income-generation from its floating rate senior secured loan portfolio, while its regulated investment company status may offer certain U.S. withholding tax advantages to qualified non-U.S. investors, reinforcing the stock’s appeal to income-focused and international shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFLT) stock is a Buy with a $11.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennantpark $ stock, see the PFLT Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
PennantPark Schedules Q1 2026 Results and Conference Call
Neutral
Jan 6, 2026

On January 6, 2026, PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. announced it would report financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2025, after the market close on February 9, 2026, and would host a conference call the following morning, February 10, to discuss the numbers. The scheduled disclosure and investor call underscore the firm’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency with shareholders and the broader credit market at a time when performance in the U.S. middle-market lending space remains a key focus for investors in floating-rate and senior secured debt strategies.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFLT) stock is a Hold with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennantpark $ stock, see the PFLT Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
PennantPark Declares January 2026 Monthly Cash Distribution
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

On January 5, 2026, PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. declared a monthly cash distribution for January 2026 of $0.1025 per share, payable on February 2, 2026 to shareholders of record as of January 16, 2026, with the payment expected to be funded from taxable net investment income and its final tax characterization to be detailed on year-end tax forms and regulatory filings. As a regulated investment company, PennantPark Floating Rate Capital can generate qualified interest income and short-term capital gains that may be exempt from U.S. withholding tax for eligible non-U.S. investors, underscoring the firm’s ongoing emphasis on delivering income to shareholders and highlighting potential tax advantages for international holders under current U.S. tax law.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFLT) stock is a Hold with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennantpark $ stock, see the PFLT Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
PennantPark Announces December 2025 Distribution
Positive
Dec 2, 2025

On December 2, 2025, PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. announced a monthly distribution of $0.1025 per share for December 2025, payable on January 2, 2026, to stockholders of record as of December 15, 2025. This distribution is expected to be paid from taxable net investment income, and the company highlights that certain portions of the distribution may be exempt from U.S. withholding tax for non-U.S. stockholders. The announcement underscores PennantPark’s commitment to providing returns to its investors while navigating tax regulations to benefit both domestic and international stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFLT) stock is a Buy with a $11.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennantpark $ stock, see the PFLT Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Pennantpark Secures $150M Credit Agreement with Safeguards
Positive
Nov 26, 2025

On November 20, 2025, PSLF II SPV, LLC, a subsidiary of PennantPark Senior Secured Loan Fund II LLC, entered into a credit agreement involving various financial entities, including Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Western Alliance Trust Company N.A. The agreement allows for borrowings up to $150 million, with PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. providing a Non-Recourse Carveout Guaranty Agreement to cover specific obligations related to misconduct or financial mismanagement by involved parties. This move is significant for PennantPark as it secures substantial financing while also outlining strict conditions to safeguard against financial misdeeds, potentially impacting the company’s financial stability and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (PFLT) stock is a Buy with a $11.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pennantpark $ stock, see the PFLT Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 10, 2026