PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. Announces Financial Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

PennantPark Floating Rate Capital reported financial results for Q2 2024, with net assets of $720.7 million and a net asset value per share of $11.40, a 1.8% increase. The company's investment portfolio totaled $1,477.9 million, with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.3%. Net investment income per share was $0.31. The company declared distributions of $0.31 per share. PSSL investment portfolio stood at $869.7 million with a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.0%. For Q2 2024, investment income was $44.4 million, expenses were $25.3 million, and net investment income was $19.1 million. Net change in net assets from operations was $31.1 million.

Positive

• Net asset value per share increased by 1.8% in Q2 2024.

• Weighted average yield on debt investments stood at 12.3%.

• The company's PSSL investment portfolio had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.0%.

Negative

• The company reported a net unrealized depreciation of $11.8 million.

• Expenses for Q2 2024 totaled $25.3 million, impacting net investment income.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The reported quarterly increase in GAAP net asset value per share of 1.8% is a modest positive signal, indicating an uptick in asset value which is beneficial for shareholders. However, one should scrutinize the weighted average yield on debt investments, which declined slightly from 12.6% to 12.3%. This could suggest margin compression or a shift in the portfolio composition toward slightly lower-yielding investments. Given the company's focus on variable-rate investments, investors should be aware of the interest rate risk and its potential impact on investment income, especially in a volatile rate environment. The reported net investment income is a important metric, standing at $19.1 million, or $0.31 per share, which aligns with the declared distributions, demonstrating the company's ability to cover its payouts with operational performance. Given these figures, I would assign a rating score of 1 for positive impact.

Credit Market Analyst

PennantPark's increase in investment portfolio size to $1,477.9 million from $1,067.2 million suggests an aggressive strategy in capital deployment, which can be a double-edged sword for investors. The increase in operating expenses, primarily due to higher interest and performance-based incentive fees, underscores the cost of leveraging for growth. The regulatory debt to equity ratio of 1.21x is within a reasonable range and does not raise immediate leverage concerns. The one portfolio company on non-accrual indicates controlled credit risk. However, the current macroeconomic conditions could place additional stress on credit markets, affecting the portfolio's performance. The net realized gains of $4.0 million compared to the previous losses suggest better market conditions or strategic exits. My rating for this aspect would be a 0, indicating a neutral standpoint as credit conditions and market volatility could sway the outlook.

Portfolio Analyst

The growth of PennantPark's portfolio, with net unrealized depreciation shrinking from $25.7 million to $11.8 million, is indicative of a potential recovery in valuation levels or improved performance of underlying assets. This aligns with the broader economic context where fluctuating market valuations can play a significant role. Moreover, the diversification across 146 companies and a commitment to first lien secured debt positions the portfolio defensively against defaults. Nonetheless, the slight decrease in weighted average yield on debt investments could signal a need for careful monitoring of the risk-return profile. The strategy to invest in new core middle market loans, supported by the joint venture PSSL, signals an appetite to fuel growth while managing risk through secured lending. Taking these factors into consideration, I would assign a 1 for positive impact, albeit with caution.

MIAMI, May 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. (NYSE: PFLT) announced today its financial results for the second quarter ended March 31, 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS
Quarter ended March 31, 2024 (Unaudited)
($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Assets and Liabilities:
Investment portfolio (1)				$	1,477.9
Net assets				$	720.7
GAAP net asset value per share				$	11.40
Quarterly increase in GAAP net asset value per share					1.8	%
Adjusted net asset value per share (2)				$	11.40
Quarterly increase in adjusted net asset value per share (2)					1.8	%
Credit Facility				$	168.9
2036 Asset-Backed Debt				$	283.8
2031 Asset-Backed Debt				$	225.3
2026 Notes				$	183.4
Regulatory debt to equity				1.21x
Weighted average yield on debt investments at quarter-end					12.3	%
Operating Results:
Net investment income				$	19.1
Net investment income per share (GAAP)				$	0.31
Core net investment income per share (3)				$	0.31
Distributions declared per share				$	0.31
Portfolio Activity:
Purchases of investments				$	338.3
Sales and repayments of investments				$	144.9
PSSL Portfolio data:
PSSL investment portfolio				$	869.7
Purchases of investments				$	80.1
Sales and repayments of investments				$	49.5

 

1. Includes investments in PennantPark Senior Secured Loan Fund I LLC, or PSSL, an unconsolidated joint venture, totaling $263.2 million, at fair value.
2. This is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that this number provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company’s financial performance excluding the impact of the unrealized amounts on the Company's multi-currency senior secured revolving credit facility with Truist Bank and the other lenders (the "Credit Facility"). The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
3. Core net investment income (“Core NII”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company believes that Core NII provides useful information to investors and management because it reflects the Company's financial performance excluding one-time or non-recurring investment income and expenses. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP. For the quarter ended March 31, 2024, there were no one-time events resulting in $0.31 of Core NII.

CONFERENCE CALL AT 9:00 A.M. ET ON MAY 9, 2024

The Company will also host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Thursday May 9, 2024 to discuss its financial results. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing toll-free (888) 256-1007 approximately 5-10 minutes prior to the call. International callers should dial (929) 477-0448. All callers should reference conference ID #3708929 or PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. An archived replay will also be available on a webcast link located on the Quarterly Earnings page in the Investor section of PennantPark’s website.

PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT ACTIVITY

“We are pleased to have another quarter of solid performance. We are actively investing in this strong vintage of new core middle market loans,” said Art Penn, Chairman and CEO. “Through the growing balance sheets of PFLT and our PSSL joint venture, we are well positioned to be driving meaningfully increased income.”

As of March 31, 2024, our portfolio totaled $1,477.9 million, and consisted of $1,284.9 million of first lien secured debt (including $210.1 million in PSSL), $0.2 million of second lien secured debt and subordinated debt and $192.8 million of preferred and common equity (including $53.1 million in PSSL). Our debt portfolio consisted of approximately 100% variable-rate investments. As of March 31, 2024, we had one portfolio company on non-accrual, representing 0.4% and 0.3% of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. As of March 31, 2024, the portfolio had net unrealized depreciation of $11.8 million. Our overall portfolio consisted of 146 companies with an average investment size of $10.1 million and had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.3%.

As of September 30, 2023, our portfolio totaled $1,067.2 million and consisted of $906.2 million of first lien secured debt (including $210.1 million in PSSL), $0.1 million of second lien secured debt and $160.9 million of preferred and common equity (including $50.9 million in PSSL). Our debt portfolio consisted of approximately 100% variable-rate investments. As of September 30, 2023, we had three portfolio companies on non-accrual, representing 0.9% and 0.2% of our overall portfolio on a cost and fair value basis, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, the portfolio had net unrealized depreciation of $25.7 million. Our overall portfolio consisted of 131 companies with an average investment size of $8.1 million, had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.6%.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we invested $338.3 million in 11 new and 48 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.6%. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, sales and repayments of investments totaled $144.9 million, including $77.2 million of sales to PSSL. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, we invested $640.9 million in 24 new and 64 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.8%. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, sales and repayments of investments totaled $248.7 million, including $139.9 million of sales to PSSL.

PennantPark Senior Secured Loan Fund I LLC

As of March 31, 2024, PSSL’s portfolio totaled $869.7 million and consisted of 106 companies with an average investment size of $8.2 million and at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.0%. As of September 30, 2023, PSSL’s portfolio totaled $785.9 million, consisted of 105 companies with an average investment size of $7.5 million and at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.1%.

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, PSSL invested $80.1 million (including $77.2 million purchased from the Company) in six new and four existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.6%. Sales and repayments of investments for the three months ended March 31, 2024 totaled $49.5 million. For the six months ended March 31, 2024, PSSL invested $155.9 million (including $139.9 million purchased from the Company) in 10 new and 11 existing portfolio companies at a weighted average yield on debt investments of 11.9%. Sales and repayments of investments for the six months ended March 31, 2024 totaled $77.2 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Set forth below are the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

Investment Income

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, investment income was $44.4 million and $82.3 million, respectively, which was attributable to $39.0 million and $72.2 million from first lien secured debt and $5.4 million and $10.1 million from other investments, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, investment income was $34.6 million and $65.9 million, respectively, which was attributable to $30.6 million and $58.2 million from first lien secured debt and $4.0 million and $7.7 million from other investments. The increase in investment income was primarily due to the increase in the size and cost yield of our debt portfolio.

Expenses

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, expenses totaled $25.3 million and $43.8 million, respectively and were comprised of: $14.7 million and $23.6 million of debt related interest and expenses, $3.4 million and $6.4 million of base management fees, $4.8 million and $9.6 million of performance-based incentive fees, $1.8 million and $3.5 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.5 million and $0.7 million of taxes. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, expenses totaled $17.8 million and $35.4 million, respectively and were comprised of; $9.8 million and $19.6 million of debt related interest and expenses, $2.9 million and $5.8 million of base management fee, $4.2 million and $7.6 million of performance-based incentive fee, $0.8 million and $1.7 million of general and administrative expenses and $0.2 million and $0.7 million of taxes. The increase in expenses was primarily due to the increase in interest expense from increased borrowings and an increase in performance-based incentive fees as a result of higher pre-incentive fee net investment income.

Net Investment Income

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, net investment income totaled $19.1 million or $0.31 per share, and $38.5 million or $0.64 per share, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, net investment income totaled $16.7 million or $0.35 per share, and $30.5 million or $0.65 per share, respectively. The increase in net investment income was primarily due to an increase in investment income partially offset by an increase in expenses.

Net Realized Gains or Losses

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, net realized gains (losses) totaled $4.0 million and $0.9 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, net realized gains (losses) totaled $(7.5) million and $(7.5) million, respectively. The change in net realized gains (losses) was primarily due to changes in the market conditions of our investments and the values at which they were realized

Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation on Investments and Debt

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, we reported net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments of $7.7 million and $13.9 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, we reported net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments of $(4.2) million and $(20.9) million, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, our net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments totaled $(11.8) million and $(25.7) million, respectively. The net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on our investments was primarily due to the operating performance of the portfolio companies within our portfolio and changes in the capital market conditions of our investments.

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, our Credit Facility had a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of less than $0.1 million and less than $(0.1) million, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, our Credit Facility and the 2023 Notes had a net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of $1.2 million and $(0.9) million, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the Credit Facility and the 2023 Notes totaled less than $0.1 million and zero, respectively. The net change in net unrealized appreciation or (depreciation) was primarily due to changes in the capital markets. 

Net Change in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

For the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations totaled $31.1 million or $0.51 per share and $53.6 million, or $0.89 per share, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations totaled $7.2 million or $0.15 per share and $5.6 million, or $0.12 per share, respectively. The net increase (decrease) from operations was primarily due to operating performance of our portfolio and changes in capital market conditions of our investments along with changes in size and cost yield of our debt portfolio and costs of financing.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our liquidity and capital resources are derived primarily from cash flows from operations, including income earned, proceeds from investment sales and repayments, and proceeds of securities offerings and debt financings. Our primary use of funds from operations includes investments in portfolio companies and payments of fees and other operating expenses we incur. We have used, and expect to continue to use, our debt capital, proceeds from our portfolio and proceeds from public and private offerings of securities to finance our investment objectives and operations.

As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, we had $168.9 million and $9.4 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 7.7% and 7.7%, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, we had $217.1 million and $376.6 million of unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, as applicable, respectively, subject to leverage and borrowing base restrictions.

As of March 31, 2024 and September 30, 2023, we had cash equivalents of $125.3 million and $100.6 million, respectively, available for investing and general corporate purposes. We believe our liquidity and capital resources are sufficient to allow us to efficiently operate the business.

For the six months ended March 31, 2024, our operating activities used cash of $354.5 million and our financing activities provided cash of $379.2 million. Our operating activities used cash primarily due to our investment activities and our financing activities provided cash primarily due to borrowings under our Credit Facility and proceeds from the 2036 Asset-Backed Debt partially offset by the repayment of the 2023 Notes.

For the six months ended March 31, 2023, our operating activities provided cash of $15.3 million and our financing activities used cash of $16.2 million. Our operating activities provided cash primarily realized from our investment activities and our financing activities used cash primarily due to repayments under our Credit Facility and principal repayment of our 2023 Notes partially offset by proceeds from our equity offering.

DISTRIBUTIONS

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2024, we declared distributions of $0.3075 and $0.615 per share for total distributions of $18.8 million and $36.9 million, respectively. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, we declared distributions of $0.29 and $0.575 per share for total distributions of $14.0 million and $26.9 million, respectively. We monitor available net investment income to determine if a return of capital for tax purposes may occur for the fiscal year. To the extent our taxable earnings fall below the total amount of our distributions for any given fiscal year, stockholders will be notified of the portion of those distributions deemed to be a tax return of capital. Tax characteristics of all distributions will be reported to stockholders subject to information reporting on Form 1099-DIV after the end of each calendar year and in our periodic reports filed with the SEC.

RECENT DEVELOPMENT

On April 9, 2024, Our Credit Facility's size was increased by $50.0 million resulting in total commitment of $436.0 million.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company makes available on its website its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, and stockholders may find such report on its website at www.pennantpark.com.

PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
		March 31, 2024				September 30, 2023
Assets
Investments at fair value
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments (amortized cost— $1,164,243  and  $768,240, respectively)		$	1,176,680			$	772,178
Controlled, affiliated investments (amortized cost— $325,436  and  $324,639, respectively)			301,203				294,996
Total investments (amortized cost— $1,489,679 and $1,092,878, respectively)			1,477,883				1,067,174
Cash and cash equivalents (cost— $125,246 and $100,555, respectively)			125,252				100,555
Interest receivable			11,888				10,423
Distributions receivable			577				565
Due from affiliate			240				—
Prepaid expenses and other assets			—				894
Total assets			1,615,840				1,179,611
Liabilities
Credit Facility payable, at fair value (cost— $168,855 and $9,400, respectively)			168,878				9,400
2036 Asset-Backed Debt, net (par—$287,000)			283,816				—
2031 Asset-Backed Debt, net (par—$226,259 and $228,000, respectively)			225,333				226,759
2026 Notes payable, net (par—$185,000)			183,443				183,054
Interest payable on debt			11,304				8,615
Distributions payable			6,481				6,020
Payable for investments purchased			3,917				4,905
Incentive fee payable			4,767				4,628
Base management fee payable			3,424				2,759
Deferred tax liability			1,564				1,794
Accounts payable and accrued expenses			2,098				1,287
Due to affiliates			104				566
2023 Notes payable, at fair value (par—$0 and $76,219, respectively)			—				76,219
Total liabilities			895,129				526,006
Commitments and contingencies
Net assets
Common stock, 63,228,138 and 58,734,702 shares issued and outstanding, respectively    Par value $0.001 per share and 100,000,000 shares authorized			63				59
Paid-in capital in excess of par value			815,587				765,187
Accumulated deficit			(94,939	)			(111,641	)
Total net assets		$	720,711			$	653,605
Total liabilities and net assets		$	1,615,840			$	1,179,611
Net asset value per share		$	11.40			$	11.13

PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,								Six months Ended March 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Investment income:
From non-controlled, non-affiliated investments:
Interest		$	30,470			$	22,717			$	54,238			$	43,452
Dividend			577				635				1,085				1,212
Other income			1,268				586				3,031				727
From controlled, affiliated investments:
Interest			8,320				7,641				16,754				14,550
Dividend			3,719				2,975				7,219				5,950
Total investment income			44,354				34,554				82,327				65,891
Expenses:
Interest and expenses on debt			14,688				9,752				23,630				19,610
Performance-based incentive fee			4,767				4,186				9,630				7,619
Base management fee			3,424				2,873				6,375				5,804
General and administrative expenses			1,255				705				2,243				1,410
Administrative services expenses			585				144				1,211				288
Expenses before provision for taxes			24,719				17,660				43,089				34,731
Provision for taxes on net investment income			547				150				701				684
Total expenses			25,266				17,810				43,790				35,415
Net investment income			19,088				16,744				38,537				30,476
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments and debt:
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments			4,010				(7,518	)			921				(7,455	)
Non-controlled and controlled, affiliated investments			—				—				—				—
Provision for taxes on realized gain on investments			—				(300	)			—				(300	)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments			4,010				(7,818	)			921				(7,755	)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Non-controlled, non-affiliated investments			3,278				(2,561	)			8,506				(15,254	)
Controlled and non-controlled, affiliated investments			4,466				(1,618	)			5,408				(5,682	)
Provision for taxes on unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments			230				3,654				230				2,929
Debt (appreciation) depreciation			39				(1,158	)			(23	)			909
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments and debt			8,013				(1,683	)			14,121				(17,098	)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from investments and debt			12,023				(9,501	)			15,042				(24,853	)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations		$	31,111			$	7,243			$	53,579			$	5,623
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations per common share		$	0.51			$	0.15			$	0.89			$	0.12
Net investment income per common share		$	0.31			$	0.35			$	0.64			$	0.65

ABOUT PENNANTPARK FLOATING RATE CAPITAL LTD.

PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is a business development company which primarily invests in U.S. middle-market companies in the form of floating rate senior secured loans, including first lien secured debt, second lien secured debt and subordinated debt. From time to time, the Company may also invest in equity investments. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. is managed by PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC.

ABOUT PENNANTPARK INVESTMENT ADVISERS, LLC

PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is a leading middle-market credit platform, managing $7.2 billion of investable capital, including available leverage. Since its inception in 2007, PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC has provided investors access to middle-market credit by offering private equity firms and their portfolio companies as well as other middle-market borrowers a comprehensive range of creative and flexible financing solutions. PennantPark Investment Advisers, LLC is headquartered in Miami   and has offices in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should understand that under Section 27A(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E(b)(2)(B) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 do not apply to forward-looking statements made in periodic reports we file under the Exchange Act. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance or results, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. You should not place undue influence on such forward-looking statements as such statements speak only as of the date on which they are made.

We may use words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “seeks,” “plans,” “estimates” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations.

The information contained herein is based on current tax laws, which may change in the future. The Company cannot be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information provided in this publication or from any other source mentioned. The information provided in this material does not constitute any specific legal, tax or accounting advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for this type of advice.

CONTACT:	Richard T. Allorto, Jr.
	PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd.
	(212) 905-1000
	www.pennantpark.com

FAQ

What was PennantPark Floating Rate Capital 's net asset value per share for Q2 2024?

PennantPark Floating Rate Capital 's net asset value per share for Q2 2024 was $11.40, with a 1.8% quarterly increase.

What was the weighted average yield on debt investments for the company's portfolio?

The company's portfolio had a weighted average yield on debt investments of 12.3%.

What was the total investment income for Q2 2024?

The total investment income for Q2 2024 was $44.4 million.

What was the net investment income per share for Q2 2024?

The net investment income per share for Q2 2024 was $0.31.

What was the size of PennantPark Floating Rate Capital 's PSSL investment portfolio?

As of Q2 2024, the PSSL investment portfolio totaled $869.7 million.