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Western Asset Premier Bond Fund Announces Financial Position as of September 30, 2025

MWN-AI** Summary

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (NYSE: WEA) announced its financial position for the period ending September 30, 2025, reflecting a stable performance compared to previous quarters. The Fund reported total assets of approximately $204.72 million, a slight increase from $202.66 million in June 2025, though down slightly from $205.14 million in September 2024. Total net assets increased to $137.13 million from $134.09 million in the prior quarter, and marginally down from $137.32 million a year ago.

The Net Asset Value (NAV) per share stood at $11.56, up from $11.30 in the previous quarter but nearly unchanged from $11.57 the prior year. The market price per share also saw gains, at $11.23 compared to $10.85 in June 2025, translating to a premium/discount of -2.85%, which is a slight improvement from -3.98% earlier in the quarter.

The Fund’s net investment income for this quarter was $2.2 million, consistent with the previous quarter but up from $1.95 million a year ago. Total net realized and unrealized gains reached $3.34 million, significantly higher than $1.79 million in June 2025 yet lower than $5.58 million the prior year. The net increase in net assets from operations was reported at $5.53 million.

Outstanding loans remained steady at $59 million. However, reverse repurchase agreements fell to about $4.85 million, down from $6.09 million in the previous quarter.

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund, managed by Western Asset Management Company, LLC, continues to focus on a diversified portfolio of debt securities. For additional information, shareholders can access the Fund’s reports on the SEC’s website or contact Fund Investor Services directly.

MWN-AI** Analysis

As of September 30, 2025, the Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (NYSE: WEA) demonstrated stable performance with a slight increase in total net assets to $137.13 million, up from $134.09 million in the previous quarter. Although the total assets slightly dipped to $204.72 million from $202.66 million, it’s noteworthy that the Fund continues to effectively manage its borrowings, maintaining consistent financial leverage.

The Fund's net asset value (NAV) per share increased to $11.56, compared to $11.30 in the previous quarter, indicating an upward trajectory that is backed by strong fundamentals. The market price per share also saw a commendable rise to $11.23 from $10.85, offering a reduced discount of 2.85% to NAV. Investors may find this discount attractive, suggesting potential for capital appreciation, especially given the previous discounts observed.

The Fund's total net investment income stood at $2.20 million, reflecting a consistent earning ability, while the total net realized/unrealized gains notably increased to $3.34 million from $1.79 million in the previous quarter. This could signal a favorable investment environment and effective asset selection strategy by Western Asset Management Company.

Despite some fluctuations, notably the decrease in undistributed net investment income from previous quarters to $(982,388), the Fund appears to be well-positioned for future performance. The earnings per common share have remained robust, especially with a significant $0.28 realized/unrealized gain compared to $0.15 previously.

Overall, the Western Asset Premier Bond Fund represents a potentially attractive investment opportunity in the current market, particularly as it navigates the bonds sector with a disciplined approach. With interest rates likely fluctuating, investors should monitor any shifts that may impact fixed-income asset performance. Consider accumulating shares during market dips, especially if the discount to NAV narrows further.

**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.

Source: Business Wire

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (NYSE: WEA) today announced the financial position of the Fund as of September 30, 2025.

Current Q Previous Q Prior Yr Q
September 30, 2025 June 30, 2025 September 30, 2024
Total Assets (a)

$

204,722,282

$

202,659,569

$

205,141,168

Total Net Assets (a)

$

137,128,479

$

134,087,571

$

137,316,201

NAV Per Share of Common Stock (b)

$

11.56

$

11.30

$

11.57

Market Price Per Share

$

11.23

$

10.85

$

11.28

Premium / (Discount)

(2.85)%

(3.98)%

(2.51)%

Outstanding Shares

11,865,600

11,865,600

11,865,600

Total Net Investment Income (c)

$

2,197,461

$

2,232,926

$

1,954,896

Total Net Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) (c)

$

3,335,223

$

1,793,222

$

5,578,101

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations (c)

$

5,532,684

$

4,026,148

$

7,532,997

Earnings per Common Share Outstanding
Total Net Investment Income (c)

$

0.19

$

0.19

$

0.16

Total Net Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) (c)

$

0.28

$

0.15

$

0.47

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations (c)

$

0.47

$

0.34

$

0.63

Undistributed/(Overdistributed) Net Investment Income (d)

$

(982,388)

$

(688,073)

$

102,007

Undistributed/(Overdistributed) Net Investment Income Per Share (d)

$

(0.08)

$

(0.06)

$

0.01

Loan Outstanding (d)

$

59,000,000

$

59,000,000

$

59,000,000

Reverse Repurchase Agreements (d)

$

4,850,413

$

6,087,198

$

7,309,872

Footnotes:

(a)

The difference between total assets and total net assets is due primarily to the Fund’s use of borrowings, which are included in total assets; total net assets do not include borrowings.

(b)

NAVs are calculated as of the close of business on the last business day in the periods indicated above.

(c)

For the quarter indicated.

(d)

As of the period indicated above.

This financial data is unaudited.

The Fund files its semi-annual and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), as well as its complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These reports are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . To obtain information on Forms N-PORT or a semi-annual or annual report from the Fund, shareholders can call 1-888-777-0102 .

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund is a closed-end investment company that invests predominantly in a diversified portfolio of debt securities. Its investment adviser is Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”), a subsidiary of Franklin Resources. Western Asset Management Company, LLC has managed the Fund since its inception in 2002.

For more information about the Fund, please call 1-888-777-0102 or consult the Fund’s web site at www.franklintempleton.com/investments/options/closed-end-funds . Hard copies of the Fund’s complete audited financial statements are available free of charge upon request.

Data and commentary provided in this press release are for informational purposes only. Franklin Resources and its affiliates do not engage in selling shares of the Fund.

Category: Financials

Source: Franklin Resources, Inc.

Source: Legg Mason Closed End Funds

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124741327/en/

Investor Contact: Fund Investor Services 1-888-777-0102

FAQ**

How has the "Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest WEA" performed in terms of NAV per share compared to the previous quarters, and what factors contributed to its current valuation?

As of the latest data, the "Western Asset Bond Fund" has shown fluctuating NAV per share due to interest rate changes, credit market conditions, and macroeconomic factors influencing bond yields and investor sentiment compared to previous quarters.

Given the premium/discount of "Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest WEA" of (2.85)% as of September 30, 2025, how does it compare to market trends and investor sentiment toward closed-end funds?

The premium/discount of "Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest WEA" at (2.85)% as of September 30, 2025, suggests a slight discount compared to recent trends, indicating cautious investor sentiment toward closed-end funds amid fluctuating market conditions.

What are the implications of the net increase in net assets from operations for the "Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest WEA" and how might this impact future dividend distributions?

The net increase in net assets from operations for the "Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest WEA" suggests improved financial health, potentially leading to higher future dividend distributions if the trend continues and profits are allocated favorably to shareholders.

Considering the current total net investment income of the "Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest WEA," how does this performance indicate the fund's overall financial health and sustainability moving forward?

The current total net investment income of the "Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest WEA" suggests a stable financial health and sustainability, as consistent income reflects effective management and the ability to generate returns for investors amid varying market conditions.

**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest (NYSE: WEA).

Western Asset Bond Fund Share of Beneficial Interest

NASDAQ: WEA

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