The Basis Point

May 4, 2026

PIK – the Silent Stress Indicator

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Source: Company filings; U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Forms 10-K and 10-Q) for selected BDCs.

Takeaway: BDC PIK income reached nearly 10% in Q4 2025, exceeding its COVID-era peak - highlighting increased reliance on non-cash interest, often consistent with rising borrower liquidity pressure. Lenders and borrowers are increasingly relying on PIK interest to preserve the optics of performing loans while quietly compounding risk.

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