MSC Income Fund Announces Preliminary Estimate of Fourth Quarter 2025 Operating Results

Rhea-AI Summary

MSC Income Fund (NYSE:MAIN) provided preliminary fourth quarter 2025 operating results, federal tax characteristics of 2025 dividends, and its earnings release and conference call schedule.

Preliminary Q4 NII is estimated at $0.26–$0.30 per share (including a $0.06 capital gains incentive fee). ANII is estimated at $0.32–$0.36 per share. Estimated NAV per share as of December 31, 2025 is $15.81–$15.89, up 1.8%–2.3% from $15.54 on Sept 30. MSC Income estimates annualized Q4 return on equity > 16% and full-year 2025 ROE > 12%. Total 2025 dividends were $1.44 per share with ~81% ordinary income, ~18% qualified dividends, ~1% long-term capital gains. Q4 earnings release is scheduled for Feb 26, 2026 with a conference call on Feb 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET.

Positive

• Preliminary NAV up 1.8%–2.3% to $15.81–$15.89 as of Dec 31, 2025
• Preliminary ANII of $0.32–$0.36 per share for Q4 2025
• Estimated annualized Q4 return on equity of > 16%
• Q4 private loan investments of $100.9M producing net cost-basis increase of $57.1M
• Q4 lower middle market follow-on investments of $23.0M with net cost-basis increase of $14.9M
• Low non-accrual exposure at 1.0% of portfolio at fair value as of Dec 31, 2025

Negative

• Dividends declared in excess of NII in Q4 partially reduced NAV growth
• Net tax provision in Q4 partially offset NAV gains
• Fair value decline in the residual middle market portfolio reduced overall portfolio gains
• Non-accruals represent 3.9% of portfolio at cost as of Dec 31, 2025

News Market Reaction

+2.91%

1 alert

+2.91% News Effect

On the day this news was published, MSIF gained 2.91%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Q4 2025 NII: $0.26–$0.30 per share Q4 2025 ANII: $0.32–$0.36 per share ANII before taxes: $0.35–$0.39 per share +5 more

8 metrics

Q4 2025 NII $0.26–$0.30 per share Preliminary net investment income including $0.06 capital gains incentive fee

Q4 2025 ANII $0.32–$0.36 per share Preliminary adjusted NII per share excluding capital gains incentive fee

ANII before taxes $0.35–$0.39 per share Preliminary NII before taxes excluding capital gains incentive fee

NAV per share $15.81–$15.89 Dec 31, 2025; up $0.27–$0.35 (1.8%–2.3%) from $15.54 on Sept 30, 2025

Q4 2025 ROE Over 16% (annualized) Estimated return on equity for the fourth quarter of 2025

Investments on non-accrual 1.0% FV; 3.9% cost Portfolio on non-accrual basis as of Dec 31, 2025

2025 dividends $1.44 per share Total 2025 dividends; 81% ordinary, 18% qualified, 1% long-term gains

Q4 private loan activity $100.9M investments; $57.1M net increase Private loan portfolio activity and net cost basis increase in Q4 2025

Market Reality Check

Price: $13.44 Vol: Volume 448661 is below th...

normal vol

$13.44 Last Close

Volume Volume 448661 is below the 20-day average of 600024, suggesting muted pre-news trading. normal

Technical Price 63.96 is trading above the 200-day MA of 59.81, indicating a sustained longer-term uptrend before this release.

Peers on Argus

MSIF (using MAIN price context) was down 0.37% while key asset management peers ...

MSIF (using MAIN price context) was down 0.37% while key asset management peers showed mixed moves (e.g., BXSL +0.88%, FSK -1.02%, OBDC -1.1%). The mixed peer tape and lack of scanner momentum suggest this reaction was more stock-specific than sector-driven.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 15 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 15	Dividend declaration	Positive	-0.4%	Quarterly cash dividend announcement with defined record and pay dates.
Jan 15	Earnings preview	Positive	+3.1%	Preliminary Q4 2025 results and strong NII, DNII and NAV metrics.
Jan 13	Portfolio exit	Positive	+0.0%	Realized gain and strong long-term returns on KBK Industries exit.
Jan 08	Loan activity update	Positive	+2.4%	Significant origination and funding growth in private loan portfolio.
Jan 08	Loan activity update	Positive	+2.4%	MSC Income private loan growth and portfolio composition detail.

Pattern Detected

Recent news for this ticker has more often seen price strength on positive operational updates, with only one notable divergence on a dividend-related headline.

Recent Company History

Over the last several months, the company has issued multiple updates on investment activity and operating performance. On Jan 8, 2026, both Main Street and MSC Income reported strong private loan portfolio growth with positive price reactions. Preliminary Q4 2025 operating results for Main Street on Jan 15, 2026 also coincided with a gain. Earlier, detailed Q3 2025 results for both Main Street and MSC Income showed solid NII, NAV growth and robust portfolio metrics. Today’s preliminary MSC Income earnings and tax treatment update fits into this pattern of frequent, data-rich disclosures on portfolio performance and returns.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement provides a detailed preview of Q4 2025 performance, highlighting preliminary ANII ...

Analysis

This announcement provides a detailed preview of Q4 2025 performance, highlighting preliminary ANII of $0.32–$0.36, NAV improving to $15.81–$15.89, and an annualized quarterly ROE above 16%. Non-accruals remained low at 1.0% of the portfolio by fair value, while private loan and LMM investments expanded. The disclosure also clarifies the $1.44 per-share 2025 dividend tax character for U.S. and non-U.S. holders. Investors may watch the late-February full release for final figures and updated portfolio credit metrics.

Key Terms

net investment income, adjusted net investment income, capital gains incentive fee, net asset value, +4 more

8 terms

net investment income financial

"MSC Income's preliminary estimate of fourth quarter 2025 net investment income"

Net investment income is the money an investor or fund actually keeps from its investments after subtracting the costs of running those investments (like management fees, interest, and losses). Think of it as your paycheck from owning assets: gross returns minus the bills needed to earn them. Investors watch it because it shows how profitable the investment activities are, influences dividend payouts and cash available for growth, and helps compare true performance across funds or companies.

adjusted net investment income financial

"MSC Income's preliminary estimate of adjusted net investment income ("ANII")"

Adjusted net investment income is a measure of the cash a fund or investment vehicle earns from its core investing activities after removing one-time, accounting-only items such as paper gains or losses and unusual expenses. Think of it like a household budget that strips out one-off windfalls or repairs to show the money available for regular spending. Investors use it to judge the sustainability of dividend payments and the underlying earning power separate from short-term accounting swings.

capital gains incentive fee financial

"including an estimated capital gains incentive fee of $0.06 per share"

A capital gains incentive fee is a payment to a fund manager or advisor that is tied specifically to the profits realized when investments are sold for more than they were bought. It matters to investors because it aligns the manager’s pay with producing real, cash profits rather than paper gains; like a chef earning a bonus only when diners rave about a finished meal, it encourages focus on transactions that turn into actual returns and can reduce or increase net investor returns depending on timing and structure.

net asset value financial

"MSC Income's preliminary estimate of net asset value ("NAV") per share"

Net asset value is the total value of an investment fund's assets minus any liabilities, divided by the number of shares or units outstanding. It represents the per-share worth of the fund, similar to how the value of a house is determined by its total worth after debts are subtracted. Investors use it to gauge the true value of their holdings and to compare different investment options.

return on equity financial

"it generated a return on equity of over 16% for the fourth quarter of 2025"

Return on equity shows how effectively a company uses its shareholders' money to generate profit. It is calculated by dividing the company's net profit by its shareholders' equity, indicating how much profit is earned for each dollar invested by owners. Higher return on equity suggests the company is good at turning investments into earnings, which can be an important factor for investors assessing its profitability and efficiency.

non-accrual status financial

"investments on non-accrual status comprised 1.0% of the total investment portfolio"

A loan or credit account is placed in non-accrual status when the lender stops recording expected interest income because the borrower is not making scheduled payments or repayment is doubtful. Think of it like a landlord who stops counting unpaid rent as future income once a tenant stops paying; it signals rising credit problems and potential losses. For investors, non-accrual levels indicate loan quality and can foreshadow write-downs, lower earnings, and increased risk to a lender’s balance sheet.

Regulated Investment Company regulatory

"Non-U.S. Shareholders in a Regulated Investment Company ("RIC"), such as MSC Income"

A regulated investment company is a type of pooled investment (like a mutual fund or ETF) that meets specific tax-law rules allowing it to pass most income, gains and losses directly to shareholders instead of being taxed at the company level. For investors this matters because it affects how distributions are taxed, how often income is paid, and the overall net return—think of it like a collective account that funnels earnings straight to owners rather than keeping profits inside a separate corporate layer.

qualified dividends financial

"approximately 18% taxed as qualified dividends and approximately 1% taxed as long-term"

Dividends that meet tax rules allowing them to be taxed at the lower long-term capital gains rates instead of higher ordinary income rates. For investors, that means more of the payment stays in your pocket; it influences which dividend-paying stocks you buy and how long you hold them, similar to getting a discount for meeting a store’s membership conditions.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Announces Federal Tax Treatment of 2025 Dividends

Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call Schedule

HOUSTON, Jan. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MSC Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE: MSIF) ("MSC Income" or the "Fund") is pleased to announce its preliminary operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025, the federal tax treatment of its 2025 dividends and its fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings release and conference call schedule.

In commenting on the Fund's preliminary operating results for the fourth quarter of 2025, Dwayne L. Hyzak, MSC Income's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are very pleased with the Fund's performance in the fourth quarter. The Fund's preliminary operating results highlight that the fourth quarter performance resulted in strong operating results, including favorable adjusted net investment income per share and a significant net increase in the fair value of the Fund's investments, including the benefit of material net realized gains in both the Fund's private loan and lower middle market investment portfolios, which resulted in a significant increase in net asset value per share. The Fund's fourth quarter resulted in an estimated return on equity of over 16% for the quarter, reflecting the overall strength of the quarter. And lastly, the favorable investment activity in the quarter generated meaningful growth of the Fund's investment portfolio. We are pleased with the Fund's fourth quarter and full year 2025 results and look forward to sharing the full details of the results in late February."

Preliminary Estimates of Fourth Quarter 2025 Results

MSC Income's preliminary estimate of fourth quarter 2025 net investment income ("NII") is $0.26 to $0.30 per share, including an estimated capital gains incentive fee of $0.06 per share⁽¹⁾. MSC Income's preliminary estimate of adjusted net investment income ("ANII")⁽²⁾, which is NII excluding the impact of the capital gains incentive fee, is $0.32 to $0.36 per share and ANII before taxes⁽³⁾, which is NII before taxes excluding the impact of the capital gains incentive fee, is $0.35 to $0.39 per share.

MSC Income's preliminary estimate of net asset value ("NAV") per share as of December 31, 2025 is $15.81 to $15.89, representing an increase of $0.27 to $0.35 per share, or 1.8% to 2.3%, from the NAV per share of $15.54 as of September 30, 2025. The estimated NAV per share increase is primarily due to the net fair value increase of the Fund's investments and the accretive impact of common stock repurchases, partially offset by the net tax provision for the quarter and the dividends declared in excess of NII in the quarter. The net fair value increase of the Fund's investments is primarily the result of net fair value increases of the investments in the lower middle market ("LMM") and private loan investment portfolios, partially offset by the fair value decrease of the residual middle market investment portfolio.

As a result of MSC Income's preliminary estimates of NII, the net changes in the fair value of its investment portfolio and the net tax provision as noted above, MSC Income estimates that it generated a return on equity of over 16% for the fourth quarter of 2025 on an annualized basis and a return on equity of over 12% for the full year of 2025.⁽⁴⁾

MSC Income preliminarily estimates that investments on non-accrual status comprised 1.0% of the total investment portfolio at fair value and 3.9% at cost as of December 31, 2025.

Investment Portfolio Activity

The Fund's fourth quarter 2025 operating activities include the following investment activity in the private loan investment strategy and LMM investment portfolio:

• $100.9 million in total private loan portfolio investments, which after aggregate repayments, return of invested equity capital associated with the exit of three private loan portfolio investments and a decrease in cost basis due to realized losses on two private loan portfolio investments resulted in a net increase of $57.1 million in the total cost basis of the private loan investment portfolio; and
  
  
• $23.0 million in total LMM portfolio follow-on investments, which after aggregate repayments and return of invested equity capital, including a decrease in cost basis associated with the exit of a LMM portfolio investment, resulted in a net increase of $14.9 million in the total cost basis of the LMM investment portfolio.

Federal Tax Treatment of 2025 Dividends

MSC Income has posted information regarding the U.S. federal income tax characteristics of its 2025 dividends on its website under "2025 Form 1099 Information" (https://www.mscincomefund.com/investors/listed-securities-information/tax-information).⁽⁵⁾ MSC Income's total dividends for 2025 were $1.44 per share, with approximately 81% of such dividends taxed as ordinary income, approximately 18% taxed as qualified dividends and approximately 1% taxed as long-term capital gains. Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends paid to non-corporate taxpayers (including individuals) qualify for favorable tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code ("IRC") and, for 2025, will generally be subject to a maximum 20% U.S. federal income tax rate (plus a 3.8% Medicare surtax, if applicable).

Federal Tax Treatment of 2025 Dividends – Non-U.S. Shareholders

Non-U.S. resident and foreign corporation shareholders ("Non-U.S. Shareholders") in a Regulated Investment Company ("RIC"), such as MSC Income, are exempt from U.S. withholding tax on both "interest-related" dividends and short-term capital gains in accordance with the IRC Sections 871(k) and 881(e). In addition, Non-U.S. Shareholders in a RIC are also exempt from U.S. withholding tax on long-term capital gains. MSC Income's total dividends for 2025 were $1.44 per share, with approximately 64% of such dividends relating to "interest-related" dividends, short-term capital gains and long-term capital gains. See "Tax Treatment of 2025 Dividends to Non-U.S. Shareholders" posted on MSC Income's website for more details (https://www.mscincomefund.com/investors/listed-securities-information/tax-information).⁽⁵⁾

To the extent Non-U.S. Shareholder taxes were withheld on dividends distributed, this information may be considered in connection with any claims for refund on taxes made with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Non-U.S. Shareholders should contact their tax advisor with any questions regarding this information.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call Schedule

MSC Income will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after the financial markets close. In conjunction with the release, MSC Income has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live via phone and over the Internet, on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time. Investors may participate either by phone or audio webcast.⁽⁵⁾

By Phone:	Dial 412-902-0030 at least 10 minutes before the call. A replay will be available through March 6, 2026 by dialing 201-612-7415 and using the access code 13758250#.
By Webcast:	Connect to the webcast via the Investor Relations section of the Fund's website at www.mscincomefund.com. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay of the conference call will be available on the Fund's website shortly after the call and will be accessible until the date of the Fund's earnings release for the next quarter.

ABOUT MSC INCOME FUND, INC.

The Fund (www.mscincomefund.com) is a principal investment firm that primarily provides debt capital to private companies owned by or in the process of being acquired by a private equity fund. The Fund's portfolio investments are typically made to support leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, growth financings, refinancings and acquisitions of companies that operate in diverse industry sectors. The Fund seeks to partner with private equity fund sponsors and primarily invests in secured debt investments within its private loan investment strategy. The Fund also maintains a portfolio of customized long-term debt and equity investments in lower middle market companies, and through those investments, the Fund has partnered with entrepreneurs, business owners and management teams in co-investments with Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN) ("Main Street") utilizing the customized "one-stop" debt and equity financing solutions provided in Main Street's lower middle market investment strategy. The Fund's private loan portfolio companies generally have annual revenues between $25 million and $500 million. The Fund's lower middle market portfolio companies generally have annual revenues between $10 million and $150 million.

ABOUT MSC ADVISER I, LLC

MSC Adviser I, LLC ("MSCA") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Main Street that is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. MSCA serves as the investment adviser and administrator of the Fund in addition to several other advisory clients.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER MATTERS

MSC Income cautions that statements in this press release which are forward-looking and provide other than historical information, including but not limited to the preliminary estimates of fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial information and results, are based on current conditions and information available to MSC Income as of the date hereof. Although its management believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, MSC Income can give no assurance that those expectations will prove to be correct. Those forward-looking statements are made based on various underlying assumptions and are subject to numerous uncertainties and risks, including, without limitation, such factors described under the captions "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" included in MSC Income's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") (www.sec.gov). MSC Income undertakes no obligation to update the information contained herein to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances, except as required by applicable securities laws and regulations.

The preliminary estimates of fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial information and results furnished above are based on MSC Income management's preliminary determinations and current expectations, and such information is inherently uncertain. The preliminary estimates provided herein have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, management and are subject to completion of MSC Income's customary year-end closing and review procedures and third-party audit, including the determination of the fair value of MSC Income's portfolio investments. As a result, actual results could differ materially from the current preliminary estimates based on adjustments made during MSC Income's year-end closing and review procedures and third-party audit, and MSC Income's reported information in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 may differ from this information, and any such differences may be material. In addition, the information furnished above does not include all of the information regarding MSC Income's financial condition and results of operations for the fourth quarter and full year periods ended December 31, 2025 that may be important to readers. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the information furnished in this press release and should view this information in the context of MSC Income's full fourth quarter and full year 2025 results when such results are disclosed by MSC Income in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. The information furnished in this press release is based on MSC Income management's current expectations that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed in, or implied by, such information.

Neither this press release nor the 2025 Form 1099 Information or the Tax Treatment of 2025 Dividends to Non-U.S. Shareholders information referenced above is intended to constitute tax, legal, investment or other professional advice. This is general information and reference should be made to your 2025 Form 1099-DIV for tax reporting purposes. Shareholders should receive their 2025 Form 1099-DIVs by mid-February 2026 (generally from their brokers) and should consult a tax advisor for tax guidance pertinent to their specific facts and circumstances. If you did not hold MSC Income stock for all of calendar year 2025, your 1099-DIV will only reflect the tax characteristics for the portion of the year you owned MSC Income stock.

MSC Income has an existing effective Registration Statement on Form N-2 on file with the SEC relating to the offer and sale from time to time of its securities. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objective, risks and charges and expenses of MSC Income before investing in any of MSC Income's securities. The prospectus included in the Registration Statement on Form N-2, together with any related prospectus supplement, contain this and other information about MSC Income and should be read carefully before investing. A copy of the prospectus and any related prospectus supplement may be obtained by contacting MSC Income.

Endnotes

(1)	Excluding the impact of an estimated capital gains incentive fee of $0.06 per share, MSC Income's preliminary estimate of fourth quarter 2025 NII and NII before taxes is $0.32 to $0.36 per share and $0.35 to $0.39 per share, respectively.
(2)	ANII is NII as determined in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, or U.S. GAAP, excluding the impact of the capital gains incentive fee. MSC Income believes presenting ANII per share is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing the Fund's financial performance since the calculation of the capital gains incentive fee is based on realized gains and losses and unrealized fair value appreciation and depreciation, none of which are included in NII. However, ANII is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for NII or other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, ANII should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing MSC Income's financial performance. In order to reconcile estimated ANII per share to estimated NII per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the fourth quarter of 2025, an estimated capital gains incentive fee of $0.06 per share is added back to estimated NII to calculate estimated ANII per share.
(3)	ANII before taxes is NII before taxes as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, excluding the impact of the capital gains incentive fee. MSC Income believes presenting ANII before taxes per share is useful and appropriate supplemental disclosure for analyzing the Fund's financial performance since (i) the calculation of the capital gains incentive fee is based on realized gains and losses and unrealized fair value appreciation and depreciation, none of which are included in NII, and (ii) tax expenses may include (a) excise tax expense, which is not solely attributable to NII, and (b) deferred taxes, which are not payable in the current period. However, ANII before taxes is a non-U.S. GAAP measure and should not be considered as a replacement for NII, NII before taxes or other earnings measures presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Instead, ANII before taxes should be reviewed only in connection with such U.S. GAAP measures in analyzing MSC Income's financial performance. In order to reconcile estimated ANII before taxes per share to estimated NII per share in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the fourth quarter of 2025, an estimated capital gains incentive fee of $0.06 per share and estimated NII related tax expenses of $0.03 per share are added back to estimated NII to calculate estimated ANII before taxes per share.
(4)	Return on equity equals the net increase in net assets resulting from operations divided by the average quarterly total net assets.
(5)	No information contained on the Fund's website or disclosed on the February 27, 2026 conference call, including the webcast and the archived versions, is incorporated by reference in this press release or any of the Fund's filings with the SEC, and you should not consider that information to be part of this press release or any other such filing.

Contacts:
MSC Income Fund, Inc.
Dwayne L. Hyzak, CEO, dhyzak@mainstcapital.com 
Cory E. Gilbert, CFO, cgilbert@mainstcapital.com  
713-350-6000

Dennard Lascar Investor Relations
Ken Dennard / ken@dennardlascar.com 
Zach Vaughan / zvaughan@dennardlascar.com 
713-529-6600

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/msc-income-fund-announces-preliminary-estimate-of-fourth-quarter-2025-operating-results-302664865.html

SOURCE MSC Income Fund, Inc.

FAQ

What is MSC Income Fund's (MAIN) preliminary Q4 2025 net investment income per share?

Preliminary Q4 2025 NII is estimated at $0.26–$0.30 per share, including a $0.06 capital gains incentive fee.

How much did MSC Income Fund (MAIN) report for NAV per share as of December 31, 2025?

Estimated NAV per share is $15.81–$15.89, up 1.8%–2.3% from $15.54 on Sept 30, 2025.

When will MSC Income Fund (MAIN) release fourth quarter and full year 2025 results and hold the conference call?

The Fund will release results on Feb 26, 2026 after market close and host a conference call on Feb 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET.

What were MSC Income Fund's (MAIN) total dividends for 2025 and their tax treatment?

Total dividends for 2025 were $1.44 per share: ~81% ordinary income, ~18% qualified dividends, and ~1% long-term capital gains.

How large were MSC Income Fund's (MAIN) private loan and LMM investment activities in Q4 2025?

Q4 activity included $100.9M in private loan investments (net cost-basis +$57.1M) and $23.0M in LMM follow-on investments (net cost-basis +$14.9M).

What portfolio credit metrics did MSC Income Fund (MAIN) report for Dec 31, 2025?

Investments on non-accrual were 1.0% of the portfolio at fair value and 3.9% at cost as of Dec 31, 2025.