Core Viewpoint - Neuberger Berman Municipal Fund Inc. has declared a distribution of $0.05417 per share, payable on August 15, 2025, with a record and ex-date of July 31, 2025, aiming to provide income exempt from federal income tax [1]. Group 1: Distribution Details - The distribution may consist of net investment income, realized capital gains, and return of capital, with potential implications for the net asset value (NAV) per share and investors' cost basis [2]. - A notice will be provided for any distribution that does not consist solely of net investment income, detailing the estimated portions of the distribution [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, independent investment manager founded in 1939, managing $538 billion across various asset classes for global institutions and individuals [3]. - The firm emphasizes active management, fundamental research, and engaged ownership, and has been recognized as one of the best places to work in money management for eleven consecutive years [3].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Property and Casualty (P&C) Insurance industry is experiencing growth due to solid retention, exposure growth across business lines, and improved pricing, which are driving higher premiums and maintaining profitability [1] - The industry is focusing on personalized offerings to enhance customer experience and is leveraging digitalization [1] - Catastrophic activities, both natural and man-made, may have negatively impacted underwriting profit [1] Company Analysis: Axis Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) - AXS has seen an increase in its top line driven by higher net premiums earned and net investment income [4] - The Insurance segment is performing well, contributing to improved premiums, with favorable market conditions expected to continue across property lines [5] - AXS is focused on growth in Marine Cargo, Cyber, and Renewable Energy, with a return on equity (ROE) of 19%, significantly above the industry average of 7.8% [6] - The company’s net investment income has shown a four-year CAGR of 21.4%, supported by increased fixed maturity assets and yields [7] - AXS has a strong track record of shareholder value enhancement through stock buybacks and consecutive dividend increases, with a ten-year CAGR of 4.2% [8] Company Analysis: Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL) - ACGL focuses on writing specialty lines of insurance and reinsurance, maintaining a strong track record of net premiums written with a four-year CAGR of 20.6% [9][10] - The company expects continued growth in its Insurance and Reinsurance segments due to rate increases and new business opportunities [11] - ACGL has seen a four-year CAGR of 30.2% in net investment income, benefiting from rising investment yields and a growing investment portfolio [12] - The company maintains a robust capital position and has improved its balance sheet, with a return on equity of 15.7%, also above the industry average [13] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXS' 2025 revenues and EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 7.8% and 3.4%, respectively [14] - For ACGL, the 2025 revenue estimate suggests a year-over-year increase of 13.5%, while EPS is projected to decline by 14.7% [15] Valuation Metrics - AXS is trading at a price-to-book multiple of 1.49, above its five-year median of 1.06, while ACGL's price-to-book multiple is at 1.69, above its median of 1.64 [16] Conclusion - AXS is well-positioned for growth in its Specialty Insurance and Reinsurance business, particularly in Marine Cargo, Cyber, and Renewable Energy [17] - ACGL is set to benefit from specialty lines of insurance and reinsurance, with growth driven by rate increases and a growing investment portfolio [17] - AXS has a solid dividend yield of 1.7%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.2%, making it attractive for yield-seeking investors [18] - AXS has outperformed the industry with a year-to-date gain of 14.5%, while ACGL has gained only 0.7% [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the quarter ending March 31, 2025, the company reported net investment income before taxes of $700,000 or $0.05 per share, down from $0.06 per share in the prior quarter [4] - The net asset value per share increased by $0.02 to $5.42 compared to $5.39 as of September 30, 2024 [5] - The fair value of the portfolio was $192.4 million, up from $191.6 million on December 31 [14] - Net assets increased by $500,000 from the prior quarter to $78.1 million [14] - The weighted average yield of the debt portfolio increased to 10.8% from 10.4% in the previous quarter [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company invested in one new portfolio company and two existing portfolio companies during the quarter, with total fundings for new investments amounting to $5.1 million [10] - Realized investments totaled $7.3 million with an internal rate of return (IRR) of approximately 9.6% [10] - The largest industry concentrations by fair market value included professional services at 15.5%, containers and packaging at 9.2%, and trading companies and distributors at 8.6% [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a noticeable slowdown in new deal activity, particularly in M&A volume and sponsor-less financing [6] - Less than 20% of the portfolio may experience moderate direct effects from tariffs, with proactive measures being implemented to mitigate impacts [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on maintaining net asset value stability and sustainable net investment income while selectively deploying capital in high-quality opportunities [17] - The management expressed cautious optimism about potential investment opportunities in the second half of 2025 as market volatility decreases [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that the portfolio remains stable despite reduced investment activity and prepayment trends, with a significant reduction in non-accrual investments [5][6] - The company expects more stabilized profiles for the remainder of 2025, notwithstanding any macroeconomic shocks [6] - Management is optimistic about the potential for increased net investment income in the second quarter due to spread widening in new opportunities [32] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors declared a distribution of $0.12 per share payable in cash on June 14, 2025 [16] - As of March 31, the company had approximately $13 million in cash, with $10.7 million being restricted cash [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: How can the adviser scale or provide benefits to the BDC? - Management indicated that waiving fees is always a consideration and that scaling the private credit platform is an ongoing effort that will help absorb overhead and expenses [20][22] Question: What is the timeline for capital raising? - Management confirmed that they are currently in the process of raising another pool of capital, expected to benefit shareholders in the second half of 2025 [26][27] Question: Why not consider share repurchases given the current stock price? - Management acknowledged that share repurchases are a tool they consider but have no immediate plans in place [30] Question: Should there be an increase in net investment income in the second quarter? - Management suggested that there could be an increase in net investment income due to spread widening, holding other factors constant [32]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company generated GAAP net investment income of $0.35 per share and core net investment income of $0.37 per share, which excludes estimated excise taxes [6] - Net asset value per share decreased by $0.21 during the quarter, primarily due to company-specific write-downs in the loan portfolio and a reduction of spillover income [6] - The company has paid $295 million in dividends since its IPO, representing $17.9 per share to an investor in the IPO [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment portfolio at fair value increased to $991.1 million across 110 portfolio companies, up from $953.5 million across 105 companies as of December 31, 2024 [7] - During Q1, the company invested $46.7 million in seven new portfolio companies and had $8.7 million in other investment activity at par [7] - 90% of the loans were secured, and 91% were priced at floating rates, with an average loan per company of $9.4 million [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that 52% of the portfolio is rated two or on or ahead of plan, while 21% is marked at an investment category of three or below [8] - Loans to five portfolio companies are on non-accrual, comprising 6.7% of the total cost and 4% of the fair value of the total loan portfolio, representing a decrease from the prior quarter [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to draw new leverage under the SBIC III license to continue funding qualifying portfolio company investments [9] - The company aims to grow the portfolio to over $1 billion, with potential for more than $10 million in equity gains by year-end [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects new loan originations to be offset by loan repayments for the remainder of Q2 2025, indicating a flat portfolio [11] - The management expressed optimism about the return of M&A activity, which was temporarily disrupted due to tariff-related uncertainties [20][50] Other Important Information - The company issued $75 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.25% notes due April 1, 2030, to repay the bank facility [9] - The company has received a green light letter from the Small Business Administration for Stellus Capital SBIC III, which is a significant step in the licensing process [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of first quarter originations on interest income - Management indicated that the average portfolio in Q1 was higher than in Q4, which should lead to a pickup in yield for Q2 [15][16] Question: Pipeline status and lending opportunities - Management noted that the pipeline is slower compared to three months ago, but they expect interesting opportunities to close in the upcoming quarters [19][20] Question: Trajectory of net investment income (NII) to cover dividends - Management acknowledged that NII is currently less than the dividend but expects to be in a good position by the end of the year due to potential equity co-investments [23][24] Question: Trade education acquisition restructuring - Management confirmed that the business was restructured and recapitalized satisfactorily, expecting it to perform well moving forward [27][28] Question: Logic behind issuing fixed-rate debt - Management explained that the issuance was necessary to retire maturing bonds and to have some unsecured debt in the capital stack [34][35] Question: Future issuance of unsecured debt - Management indicated that more unsecured debt will be needed before the maturity of existing bonds, with the magnitude still being determined [54]

Core Insights - MSC Income Fund, Inc. reported a net investment income of $16.8 million, or $0.38 per share, for the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year [4][7][8] - The Fund's net asset value as of March 31, 2025, was $718.9 million, or $15.35 per share, showing a slight decrease from the previous quarter [8][28] - The Fund declared a total dividend of $0.36 per share for the first quarter, which includes a regular quarterly dividend of $0.35 and a supplemental dividend of $0.01 [8] Financial Performance - Total investment income for the first quarter of 2025 was $33.2 million, a decrease of 2% from $33.9 million in the same period of 2024 [4][8] - Interest income decreased by 6% to $27.4 million, while dividend income increased by 108% to $5.1 million [4][8] - Total expenses decreased by 15.3% to $16.4 million, primarily due to a reduction in incentive fees and interest expenses [5][8] Operational Highlights - The Fund achieved a return on equity of just under 10% for the quarter [3] - The net increase in net assets resulting from operations was $15.9 million, a 50% increase compared to the first quarter of 2024 [8][10] - The Fund's liquidity as of March 31, 2025, was $163.5 million, including $39.5 million in cash and cash equivalents [12] Investment Portfolio - As of March 31, 2025, the Fund's private loan portfolio had a fair value of $767.8 million, while the lower middle market (LMM) portfolio was valued at $439.7 million [15][18] - The Fund's investment portfolio consisted of approximately 61% private loans, 35% LMM, and 2% middle market investments [18] - The weighted-average annual effective yield for the private loan portfolio was 11.6%, while for the LMM portfolio, it was 13.1% [15][16] Capital Structure - The Fund completed a follow-on equity offering in January 2025, generating net proceeds of $90.5 million, enhancing its liquidity and leverage capacity [13][14] - The Fund's debt-to-equity ratio was 0.79x as of March 31, 2025, reflecting a decline from target leverage levels due to the equity offering [17][18] - The Fund's credit facilities included a Corporate Facility with total commitments of $245 million and a SPV Facility with total commitments of $300 million [17]

Financial Performance - Net Investment Income (NII) was $187 million, or $0.67 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $171 million, or $0.61 per share, for the previous quarter[2] - Adjusted Net Investment Income (Adjusted NII) was $182 million, or $0.65 per share, for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, compared to $185 million, or $0.66 per share, for the previous quarter[2] - Net Asset Value (NAV) per share as of March 31, 2025, was $23.37, compared to $23.64 as of December 31, 2024[2] - The Adjusted NII / total dividend coverage ratio was 93% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025[2] Investment Activity - New investment fundings in the first quarter were approximately $2 billion[2] - Net investment activity in the first quarter was $881 million, including $290 million of sales to Credit Opportunities Partners JV, LLC (COPJV)[2] Capital Structure and Liquidity - $3.2 billion of liquidity in undrawn debt, cash, and unsettled trades[2] - 54% of drawn leverage was unsecured as of March 31, 2025, and the weighted average effective rate on borrowings was 5.5%[2] - In the first quarter, KKR FSK CLO 2 was closed, issuing $380 million of notes to third parties at a weighted average rate of S+1.58%[2] - 89% of liabilities mature in 2027 and beyond[2] Portfolio Composition - The fair value of investments was $14.1 billion with 224 portfolio companies[9] - Senior secured investments total 72.6% of the portfolio, looking through to the investments in COPJV as of March 31, 2025[14]

Core Insights - CNA Financial Corporation reported first-quarter 2025 core earnings of $1.03 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.2%, and reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 20.7% [1] - Total operating revenues increased by 5.9% year over year to $3.2 billion, driven by higher premiums, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.5% [1] Financial Performance - Net written premiums for Property & Casualty Operations rose by 9% year over year to $2.6 billion, surpassing the estimate of $2.3 billion [2] - Net investment income decreased by 0.8% year over year to $604 million, falling short of the estimate of $698.2 million [2] - Total claims, benefits, and expenses increased by 8.6% to $3.3 billion, primarily due to higher insurance claims and policyholders' benefits, exceeding the estimate of $3 billion [3] - Underwriting income fell by 68.2% year over year to $40 million, with catastrophe losses amounting to $97 million, including $53 million for California wildfires, compared to a loss of $88 million in the prior year [3] Combined Ratio and Segment Results - The combined ratio deteriorated by 380 basis points year over year to 98.4, including 3.8 points of catastrophe loss from California wildfires [4] - Specialty's net written premiums increased by 6% year over year to $842 million, exceeding the estimate of $748 million, with a combined ratio of 95.1 [5] - Commercial's net written premiums climbed by 12% year over year to $1.5 billion, surpassing the estimate of $1.3 billion, with a combined ratio of 101.1 [5] - International's net written premiums rose by 2% year over year to $266 million, slightly above the estimate of $262 million, with a combined ratio of 95.4 [5] - Life & Group's net earned premiums decreased by 3.6% year over year to $106 million, with core income of $6 million, reflecting a 20% increase year over year [6] Corporate and Financial Update - Corporate & Other's core loss widened to $36 million from a loss of $22 million in the prior year, primarily due to a $17 million after-tax charge related to legacy mass tort claims [7] - Total assets increased by 1.2% from the end of 2024 to $67.6 billion, while stockholders' equity decreased by 2.2% to $10.2 billion [8] - The core return on equity contracted by 230 basis points to 9.2%, with book value, excluding AOCI, rising by 2% to $44.58 per share [8] - Statutory surplus decreased by 1.9% to $10.9 billion, and debt-to-capital ratio deteriorated by 40 basis points to 22.4 [8] - Net cash flows from operating activities increased by 26.5% from the end of 2024 to $638 million [9] Dividend Update - CNA Financial's board approved a quarterly dividend of 46 cents per share, payable on June 5 to shareholders as of May 19 [10]

Financial Performance - Total Investment Income (TII) increased by 367% from $91 million in 4Q 2024 to a record $125 million in 1Q 2025 [6, 12] - Net Investment Income (NII) increased from $21 million or $020 per share in 4Q 2024 to $46 million or $040 per share in 1Q 2025 [6, 14] - Net assets decreased from $1361 million or $1179 per share in 4Q 2024 to $1323 million or $1146 per share in 1Q 2025 [6, 17] Portfolio Composition - The fair value of the total investment portfolio was $3419 million as of March 31, 2025 [11, 29] - Debt investments comprised 710% of the portfolio with a fair value of $2429 million and a weighted average current yield of 123% [23] - CLO investments accounted for 153% of the portfolio with a fair value of $522 million [23, 30] Distribution - The Board approved a quarterly distribution of $037 per share for the quarter ending June 30, 2025 [6, 7] - This equates to a 147% annualized yield on the May 2, 2025 closing market price of $1009 and a 129% annualized yield on the March 31, 2025 NAV of $1146 per share [6, 7] CLO Joint Venture - GECC deployed approximately $48 million into the CLO JV and holds a 7125% interest [47] - The CLO JV generated a 29% IRR since inception in April 2024 [50] - The CLOs and Warehouse have exposure to approximately $11 billion of underlying assets [50]

Core Viewpoint - Great Elm Capital Corp. reported strong financial results for Q1 2025, achieving record total investment income of $12.5 million, driven by cash flows from its CLO joint venture and new investments, with net investment income (NII) exceeding the increased quarterly distribution [3][5]. Financial Highlights - Total investment income for Q1 2025 was $12.5 million, or $1.08 per share, compared to $8.9 million in Q1 2024 [8][20]. - NII for Q1 2025 was $4.6 million, or $0.40 per share, up from $2.1 million, or $0.20 per share, in Q4 2024 [5][20]. - The company increased its quarterly distribution by 5.7% to $0.37 per share for Q1 2025, with a second quarter distribution of the same amount approved, equating to a 14.7% annualized yield based on the closing price of $10.09 on May 2, 2025 [5][10]. Portfolio and Investment Activity - As of March 31, 2025, GECC held total investments of $341.9 million at fair value, with a significant portion in corporate credit [5][19]. - The weighted average current yield on the debt portfolio was 12.3%, with floating rate instruments comprising approximately 73% of the fair market value of debt investments [6][11]. - During Q1 2025, GECC deployed approximately $37.4 million into 16 investments at a weighted average current yield of 15.1% [6]. Asset and Liability Overview - Net assets were $132.3 million, or $11.46 per share, as of March 31, 2025, down from $136.1 million, or $11.79 per share, at the end of Q4 2024 [5][19]. - Total debt outstanding was $207.4 million, with various senior notes and $12.0 million outstanding on a revolving line of credit [9][19]. Management Commentary - The CEO expressed optimism about the company's ability to cover distributions throughout 2025 and emphasized a focus on capital deployment into opportunities with compelling risk-adjusted returns [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net investment income of $3.5 million or $0.26 per share for the first quarter, down from $0.30 per share in the prior quarter [4][11] - The net asset value per share decreased to $11.97 from $12.85 in the previous quarter, representing a decline of approximately 7% or $0.88 [4][12] - Total investment income decreased by approximately 12% to $10.3 million this quarter, primarily due to lower nonrecurring dividend and fee income [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on rotating non-interest earning equity positions into interest-earning assets to improve net investment income in the long term [5] - The loan portfolio remains stable with no new non-accrual loans during the quarter, and 85% of loan holdings are in first lien positions [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall economic outlook remains uncertain, with potential impacts from global tariffs and a possible slowdown in economic activity [6][17] - The company noted that M&A activity has been quiet in 2025, more than expected, due to macroeconomic uncertainty [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to increase net investment income over the long term by exploring the sale of non-interest earning equity positions and redeploying proceeds into interest-earning assets [17] - The company is committed to capital preservation during uncertain economic times and focuses on investing higher in the capital structure [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of macroeconomic uncertainty on the economy but believes the portfolio is generally stable [17] - The company is proactively exploring refinancing options for debt facilities with upcoming maturities [12] Other Important Information - Approximately 73% of the company's outstanding debt is unsecured, providing additional liquidity and flexibility [9][12] - The adviser managing the company has a track record of over 25 years through multiple credit cycles and manages approximately $4.1 billion across loan and structured credit markets [10][18] Q&A Session Summary - There were no questions during the Q&A session, and the conference call concluded without any inquiries [21]