PennantPark Floating Rate Capital .(PFLT) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Debt Structure and Interest Rates - The 2023 Notes paid interest at a rate of 4.3% per year, with principal repayments of 15% on December 15 for 2020, 2021, and 2022, and 55% on December 15, 2023[11]. - As of September 30, 2024, the Company had $185.0 million of 2026 Notes outstanding, bearing interest at 4.25% per year, maturing on April 1, 2026[11]. - The 2031 Asset-Backed Debt had a weighted average interest rate of 7.1% as of September 30, 2023, with $228.0 million outstanding[11]. - In July 2024, the Company refinanced the 2031 Asset-Backed Debt through a $351.0 million debt securitization, resulting in $266.0 million of 2036-R Asset-Backed Debt outstanding with a weighted average interest rate of 7.2%[11]. - The 2036 Asset-Backed Debt issued in February 2024 had $287.0 million outstanding as of September 30, 2024, with a weighted average interest rate of 8.1%[11]. - Total outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2024, amounted to $1,181.9 million, with a weighted average annual interest rate of 7.0%[82]. - The company had $443.9 million under the Credit Facility, $185.0 million under the 2026 Notes, and $287.0 million under the 2036 Asset-Backed Debt as of September 30, 2024[82]. Investment Strategy and Portfolio - The Company targets an investment size of $5 million to $30 million in floating rate loans, expecting first lien secured debt to represent at least 65% of the overall portfolio[12]. - The Company may invest up to 35% of its portfolio in other types of investments, including second lien secured debt and subordinated debt[12]. - The investment philosophy emphasizes stable borrowers with positive cash flow, focusing on companies with strong cash flows and profitability[21]. - The company primarily invests in floating rate loans to U.S. middle-market companies across various industries, targeting those that generate positive cash flows[36]. - The company has a diversified investment focus, including sectors such as Aerospace and Defense, Healthcare, and IT Services, among others[37]. - The company seeks to limit downside risk by requiring a total return on investments that compensates for credit risk and incorporating covenants into investment structures[28]. - The company may invest in below investment grade instruments, which could present special tax issues and affect RIC qualification[66]. Management Fees and Incentives - For the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022, the company recorded a base management expense of $14.9 million, $11.4 million, and $11.9 million, respectively[38]. - The base management fee is calculated at an annual rate of 1.00% of the average adjusted gross assets, which was $165 million for the two most recently completed calendar quarters[38]. - The incentive fee for the years ended September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $18.1 million, $16.9 million, and $11.6 million, respectively[40]. - The hurdle rate for the incentive fee is set at 1.75% per quarter, equivalent to 7.00% annualized[41]. - The incentive fee has two components: a quarterly fee based on Pre-Incentive Fee Net Investment Income and an annual fee based on realized capital gains[40]. - The incentive fee structure may encourage the Investment Adviser to make riskier investments, potentially increasing the likelihood of default and affecting common stockholders negatively[111]. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements - The company is classified as a Business Development Company (BDC) under the 1940 Act and intends to maintain its election as a Regulated Investment Company (RIC) under Subchapter M of the Code[50]. - The company must ensure that qualifying assets represent at least 70% of its total assets, with significant managerial assistance provided to portfolio companies[54]. - The company is subject to periodic examinations by the SEC for compliance with the 1940 Act[62]. - The company has adopted updated policies to comply with SEC Rule 18f-4 regarding the use of derivatives, which may affect leverage calculations[115]. - The company is required to invest at least 70% of its total assets in U.S. private companies or thinly traded public companies, which may limit investment opportunities[74]. - If the company fails to qualify as a RIC, it will be subject to corporate-level federal income tax on all taxable income, reducing available distributions to stockholders[67]. Risks and Challenges - Credit risk is a significant concern, as the quality of the portfolio directly impacts earnings, with potential defaults negatively affecting financial performance[70]. - Rising interest rates could increase the cost of capital and negatively impact net investment income, as well as the ability of portfolio companies to meet payment obligations[72]. - Increased delinquencies and default rates could adversely impact results of operations, particularly in a rising interest rate environment[70]. - The company may face challenges in managing future growth effectively, which is crucial for achieving investment objectives[72]. - The company has identified material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting, which could negatively impact investor confidence and the trading price of its common stock[74]. - The company may face conflicts of interest due to overlapping investment objectives with affiliated funds managed by the Investment Adviser[86]. Financial Performance and Distributions - The asset coverage ratio as of September 30, 2024, was 174%, down from 230% in 2023, indicating increased leverage risk[82]. - The company intends to distribute substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gains each taxable year to maintain its RIC tax status[78]. - If the company fails to meet its Annual Distribution Requirement, it may need to sell investments at disadvantageous times or raise additional capital[78]. - The company may face difficulties in paying its Annual Distribution Requirement due to recognizing income before receiving cash, such as OID and PIK interest[74]. - The company may issue additional common stock to finance operations, but must comply with NAV per share requirements[79]. Market Conditions and Economic Factors - The company operates in a highly competitive market for investment opportunities, facing competition from larger entities with greater financial resources[70]. - Economic downturns could increase non-performing assets and decrease the value of the portfolio, potentially harming operating results and revenues[106]. - A general disruption in credit markets could impair the company’s ability to maintain required asset coverage ratios, affecting its BDC status[101]. - The market price of the company's common stock may fluctuate significantly due to various factors, including changes in interest rates and operating performance[121]. - Public health emergencies could significantly disrupt operations and financial performance, affecting supply chains and economic activity[142]. Securitization and Loan Performance - The company completed a $351.0 million debt securitization on July 25, 2024, through the 2036-R Securitization, involving approximately $277 million in middle market loans[132]. - The 2036 Securitization was completed on February 22, 2024, with a total of approximately $265.03 million in middle market loans sold or contributed[132]. - The company holds 100% equity interests in the 2036-R Securitization Issuers and the 2036 Securitization Issuer, consolidating their financial statements[132]. - The company faces risks related to the performance of the loan portfolios in the securitizations, which could affect cash distributions and overall financial health[134]. - An event of default in the 2036-R Securitization or the 2036 Securitization could trigger cross-default provisions in other material indebtedness, impacting financial stability[132].