Computed head-to-head · 6 dimensions
PFLT vs PSEC
PennantPark Floating Rate Capital Ltd. versus Prospect Capital Corporation — yield, safety, growth trend, cost, scale, and tax treatment.
PFLT and PSEC are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
PFLT or PSEC — which is better?
Neither PFLT nor PSEC wins outright — the two are nearly equivalent across all 6 dimensions, making the choice largely a matter of which account you hold them in and personal preference on yield vs stability. PFLT and PSEC are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
On yield alone, PSEC generates 28.09% vs 16.36% — a 11.73% difference that translates to $11,730 more per year on a $100,000 investment.
Scorecard at a glance
| Dimension | PFLT | PSEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield | 16.36% | 28.09% | PSEC wins |
| Dividend safety | 1.9/10 | 1.9/10 | Tie |
| Growth trend | +5.44% vs 5y | +15.05% vs 5y | PFLT wins |
| Volatility (beta) | 0.74 | 0.81 | Tie |
| Scale | $734M | $827M | Tie |
| Tax efficiency | Qualified-eligible | Qualified-eligible | Tie |
| Overall | 1 wins | 1 wins | Tie |
Dimension by dimension
PSEC wins on yield (28.09% vs 16.36%)
On a $10,000 investment that's about $1173 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
PSEC's higher yield (28.09%) looks attractive but investors should weigh whether the extra income compensates for any additional risk versus PFLT's 16.36% — especially if the higher yield is driven by covered calls or a falling share price.
Safety scores are too close to call (1.9/10 vs 1.9/10)
Both score within 0.3 points on our 0-10 dividend safety scale — comparable risk profiles on the signals we measure.
PFLT shows healthier dividend-vs-price trend
PFLT's yield is 5.44% above its 5y average, versus 15.05% for PSEC. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
Volatility (beta) is similar
Both tickers move with comparable sensitivity to the broader market.
Comparable scale ($734M vs $827M)
Within 1.5x of each other on market cap / AUM — similar institutional footprint.
Both pay qualified-dividend-eligible distributions
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
Full breakdown per ticker: are PFLT dividends qualified and are PSEC dividends qualified — each with the after-tax income at every federal bracket.
How we compare these
Every comparison on this page is computed from current public data, not written by hand. Yield comes from the most recent dividend distribution annualized over current price. Safety scores combine yield zone, payout ratio, trend vs 5-year average, instrument type, and size — see our methodology for the exact formula. Tax-efficiency flags identify covered-call ETFs, REITs, and mREITs which distribute primarily as ordinary income.
This is educational, not investment advice. Scores reflect a snapshot of public data on the "as of" dates shown on each ticker's safety page. Verify on the issuer's investor relations page or your brokerage before making decisions.
Frequently asked
PFLT or PSEC — which is better?
Neither — PFLT and PSEC tie 1–1 across the six dimensions we score. PFLT and PSEC are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
Which is better for income, PFLT or PSEC?
PFLT and PSEC are evenly matched (1–1 across six dimensions) — the right pick comes down to which dimension you weight most.
PFLT vs PSEC: which has a higher dividend yield?
PFLT yields 16.36% and PSEC yields 28.09%. On a $10,000 investment that's about $1173 more in annual dividend income before taxes — though higher yield often comes with higher risk.
Is PFLT or PSEC a safer dividend in 2026?
PFLT scores 1.9/10 (Risky) on the Infnits dividend safety scale. PSEC scores 1.9/10 (Risky). Both have comparable safety scores.
Which has better dividend growth, PFLT or PSEC?
PFLT's yield is 5.44% above its 5y average, versus 15.05% for PSEC. Lower (or below-average) yield trend often means price appreciation outpaced distributions — a healthier signal.
PFLT vs PSEC: which is more tax-efficient?
Neither is structurally flagged for ordinary-income tax treatment. Most distributions should qualify for the lower long-term capital gains rate if holding-period requirements are met.
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Compare both against your actual holdings
Put PFLT and PSEC into the free analyzer with the rest of your portfolio. You'll see what each one contributes to your annual income, your weighted safety score, and whether adding either diversifies you or just duplicates what you hold. No account, no download.