Group 1: Runway Growth Finance Corp. (RWAY) - Runway Growth Finance Corp. is an externally managed business development company focused on providing flexible capital solutions to late-stage and growth companies [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 7.4% over the last 60 days [1] Group 2: Flex LNG (FLNG) - Flex LNG is a shipping company specializing in the transportation of liquefied natural gas [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 12.1% over the last 60 days [2] - Flex LNG has a dividend yield of 12.6%, compared to the industry average of 2% [2] Group 3: Upbound Group, Inc. (UPBD) - Upbound Group, Inc. is a leading lease-to-own provider with operations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2% over the last 60 days [3] - Upbound Group has a dividend yield of 6.5%, compared to the industry average of 4.1% [3]

Core Viewpoint - Golar LNG Limited has achieved the Commercial Operations Date (COD) for the FLNG Gimi, marking a significant milestone for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, which is expected to generate approximately $3 billion in Adjusted EBITDA backlog for the company [1][2]. Group 1 - The COD signifies the commencement of a 20-year Lease and Operate Agreement, establishing Mauritania and Senegal as LNG exporters [1][2]. - Golar LNG is collaborating with GTA operator bp and partners Kosmos, PETROSEN, and SMH, along with local authorities, to ensure safe operations and stakeholder value creation [2]. - Following the COD, Golar is expediting the development of its next FLNG units and is engaged in commercial discussions to guide the design of the fourth FLNG unit [3]. Group 2 - Golar has signed a final engineering study for a 5mtpa MKIII FLNG and is updating pricing and scheduling for an up to 2.7mtpa MKI FLNG, in addition to the existing 3.5mtpa MKII option [3].

Company Overview - Flex LNG (FLNG) is currently ranked 1 (Strong Buy) in the Zacks Rank system, indicating strong analyst sentiment and an improving earnings outlook [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FLNG's full-year earnings has increased by 12.1% over the past three months, reflecting positive revisions in earnings estimates [3] Performance Comparison - Year-to-date, Flex LNG has gained approximately 6.4%, outperforming the average loss of 7.8% in the Transportation sector [4] - In comparison, LATAM (LTM), another outperforming stock in the Transportation sector, has returned 37.8% year-to-date [4] Industry Context - Flex LNG is part of the Transportation - Shipping industry, which consists of 36 companies and currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 186, with an average gain of 0.5% this year [5] - In contrast, LATAM belongs to the Transportation - Airline industry, which has seen a decline of 10.7% this year and is ranked 57 [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry is currently facing significant challenges due to high inflation, tariff-related tensions, and ongoing supply-chain disruptions, compounded by geopolitical and environmental issues [1] Industry Overview - The industry is cyclical and primarily involved in the marine transportation of liquefied natural gas and crude oil under long-term, fixed-rate contracts with major energy and utility companies [3] - The shift in the e-commerce landscape due to COVID-19 has led shippers to increasingly rely on third-party logistics providers, indicating a direct correlation between the industry's health and the overall economy [3] Shipping Industry Trends - Supply-chain disruptions and high operational costs continue to negatively impact shipping stocks, with increased costs expected to persist due to ongoing issues like the Red Sea crisis [4][5] - Tariff uncertainties remain a concern, as the shipping industry is likely to experience a demand slowdown until a long-term trade deal is established, leading to potential disruptions in trade routes [6] - Environmental challenges are significant, with the shipping industry being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization aims for a 20% reduction by 2030, but current disruptions may hinder progress [7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry ranks 171 within the broader Zacks Transportation sector, placing it in the bottom 30% of 244 Zacks industries, indicating poor near-term prospects [8][9] - The industry's earnings estimates for 2025 have decreased by 26.6% year-over-year, reflecting analyst pessimism regarding earnings growth [10] - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500, declining by 33% compared to the S&P 500's increase of 11.9% [11] Current Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 6.37X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 21.94X and the sector's 14.09X [14] Investment Opportunities - FLEX LNG Ltd. (FLNG) is highlighted for its strong demand for LNG and commitment to shareholder dividends, with a Zacks Rank of 1 and a projected 8% increase in 2026 earnings [17] - Euroseas Limited (ESEA) benefits from profitable contracts and maintains a time charter equivalent rate exceeding $30,000 per day, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 with a 2.1% increase in 2025 earnings estimates [20] - KNOT Offshore Partners (KNOP) specializes in shuttle tankers for crude oil transport and has consistently surpassed earnings estimates, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [23]

Group 1 - Flex LNG Ltd. shares will trade ex-dividend of USD 0.75 per share on June 5, 2025, for Oslo Stock Exchange and on June 6, 2025, for New York Stock Exchange [1][2] - The dividend payment is scheduled for approximately June 25, 2025, for Oslo Stock Exchange and June 20, 2025, for New York Stock Exchange [1][2] - Flex LNG operates a fleet of thirteen state-of-the-art LNG carriers, utilizing the latest generation two-stroke propulsion technology, which enhances fuel efficiency and reduces carbon footprint compared to older vessels [2]

Core Viewpoint - Flex LNG Ltd. has successfully completed a $175 million JOLCO lease financing for the vessel Flex Courageous, which will enhance its financial position by generating net proceeds of approximately $42 million and reducing the cost of debt by about 1.5% per annum [1][2]. Group 1: Financing Details - The refinancing of Flex Courageous is part of a broader Balance Sheet Optimization Program 3.0, which aims to refinance three vessels and has secured up to 37 years of combined contract backlog [2]. - The company plans to complete the refinancing of Flex Resolute and Flex Constellation in the second half of 2025, expecting to release an additional $120 million in net proceeds [3]. Group 2: Financial Position - As of the end of Q1-2025, Flex LNG reported a cash balance of $410 million, indicating a strong liquidity position supported by substantial charter backlog [4]. - The successful refinancing at attractive terms reflects the company's financial flexibility and the trust from banking partners and lease providers [4].

Investors interested in Transportation stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Flex LNG (FLNG) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Transportation peers, we might be able to answer that question.Flex LNG is one of 123 companies in the Transportation group. The Transportation group current ...

Core Insights - Flex LNG declared an ordinary dividend of $0.75 per share for the quarter, resulting in a trailing twelve-month yield of 12%, supported by $410 million in cash at the end of Q1 2025 [1] - The company reaffirmed full-year 2025 revenue guidance in the range of $340 million to $360 million [1][8] Financial Performance - The balance sheet optimization program aims to unlock an additional $120 million in free cash, with plans for refinancing ships Flex Resolute and Flex Constellation [2] - At the end of Q1 2025, the company held $410 million in cash and has its first scheduled debt maturity in 2028 [2] - The refinancing initiatives are expected to lower the average cost of capital and extend debt maturities, supporting liquidity [3] Risk Management - Flex LNG increased its interest rate swap portfolio to $700 million notional by the end of Q1 2025, providing 70% hedge coverage over the next 24 months [4] - The company added an additional $150 million in swaps, increasing the total to $850 million at a weighted average rate of approximately 3.5% [5] Contractual Strength - As of May 2025, Flex LNG has a minimum contract backlog of 59 vessel-years, potentially rising to 88 years if charter options are exercised [6][7] - This exceptional contractual coverage provides predictability and cushions earnings against short-term spot rate pressure [7] Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed full-year 2025 revenue guidance of $340 million to $360 million, with debt maturities extended and interest costs reduced [8]

Interim Financial Information Flex LNG Ltd. First Quarter 2025 May 21, 2025 May 21, 2025 - Hamilton, Bermuda Flex LNG Ltd. ("we", "us", "our", "Flex LNG", or the "Company") today announced its unaudited financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Highlights: A summary of our financial highlights for the quarter are below: | | Q1 2025 | Q4 2024 | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 Vessel operating revenues | $88.4m | $90.9m | | Net income | $18.7m | $45.2m | | Earnings per share (basic) | $0.35 | $0.84 ...

Company Information - Flex LNG Ltd. is a shipping company focused on the growing market for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) [4] - The company operates a fleet of thirteen state-of-the-art LNG carriers equipped with the latest generation two-stroke propulsion systems, which enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon footprint compared to older vessels [4] Cash Distribution Details - For the first quarter of 2025, Flex LNG will distribute $0.75 per share to shareholders [3] - The distribution will be made from the Company's Contributed Surplus Account [1] - The payment dates differ for NYSE and OSE shareholders: - NYSE: Payment date is June 20, 2025 [3] - OSE: Payment date is June 25, 2025 [3] - The last day including right for NYSE shareholders is June 5, 2025, and for OSE shareholders, it is June 4, 2025 [3] Settlement Cycle Changes - Starting May 28, 2024, the standard settlement cycle for transactions on the NYSE will change from T+2 to T+1, while the Oslo Stock Exchange will continue with T+2 [2] - This change may affect the timing of share movements between the two exchanges during the interim period [2]