StepStone Group Inc. (STEP) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade is essentially a reflection of an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.Indivi ...

Figure 2 – La Romana Cross Section A - A' highlighting new drillhole LRD191, and confirming continuation of the higher-grade copper mineralization, open at depth (CNW Group/Pan Global Resources Inc.) Figure 3 – La Romana Cross Section B - B' highlighting new drillhole LRD189, and confirming continuation of the higher-grade copper mineralization (open at depth) and additional copper intercepts in the hanging wall above the main mineralization (CNW Group/Pan Global Resources Inc.) TSXV: PGZ | OTCQB: PGZFF | F ...

Core Viewpoint - STEP Energy Services Ltd. has successfully completed a take-private transaction with ARC Energy Fund 8, resulting in ARC Energy Fund 8 acquiring all outstanding common shares of STEP not already owned by them or related entities for cash consideration of $5.50 per share [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The acquisition was executed through a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) [1]. - ARC Energy Fund 8 acquired 24,700,000 shares, while the Purchaser acquired 7,958,832 shares, leading to ARC Energy Fund 8 owning 70.44% of all outstanding shares post-transaction [7][8]. - Prior to the transaction, ARC Energy Fund 8 held approximately 36.56% of the outstanding shares, and together with ARC Energy Fund 6, they controlled about 55.20% [6]. Group 2: Regulatory and Compliance - STEP has applied to delist its shares from the Toronto Stock Exchange, with an expected delisting date around December 17, 2025 [3]. - The transaction triggers early warning requirements under National Instrument 62-104 and National Instrument 62-103 [2]. Group 3: Company Background - STEP is an energy services company specializing in coiled tubing, fluid and nitrogen pumping, and hydraulic fracturing solutions, primarily serving the North American market [16][17]. - The company has a strong focus on safety and quality execution, differentiating itself in high-pressure and complex well environments [16][18].

Company Overview - STEP Energy Services Ltd. is an energy services company specializing in coiled tubing, fluid and nitrogen pumping, and hydraulic fracturing solutions [4] - Founded in 2011, STEP has evolved into a North American service provider delivering completion and stimulation services to exploration and production companies in Canada and the U.S. [5] - The company focuses its Canadian services in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and its U.S. services in key regions such as the Permian and Eagle Ford in Texas, and the Bakken in North Dakota [5] Recent Developments - The Court of King's Bench of Alberta has granted final approval for a plan of arrangement involving ARC Energy Fund 8 and STEP, allowing the Purchaser Parties to acquire all outstanding common shares of STEP not already owned by ARC Energy Fund 8 [1] - This final court approval follows shareholder approval obtained at a special meeting on December 12, 2025 [1] - The arrangement is expected to close on December 16, 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of conditions outlined in the definitive arrangement agreement dated October 17, 2025 [2] Core Values and Culture - STEP emphasizes a high-performance, safety-focused culture, with core values of Safety, Trust, Execution, and Possibilities guiding its operations [6] - The company is committed to providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to its clients, supported by experienced technical office and field professionals [4]

Core Viewpoint - STEP Energy Services Ltd. has received shareholder approval for an arrangement to be acquired by ARC Energy Fund 8 and related parties at a price of $5.50 per share [1][2]. Group 1: Arrangement Details - The arrangement was approved with 98.65% of votes cast in favor by shareholders present or represented by proxy [2]. - The arrangement is subject to the approval of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta, with a hearing scheduled for December 15, 2025, and anticipated completion on December 16, 2025 [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - STEP is an energy services company specializing in coiled tubing, fluid and nitrogen pumping, and hydraulic fracturing solutions, focusing on safety and quality execution [5]. - Founded in 2011, STEP has evolved into a North American service provider, primarily serving exploration and production companies in Canada and the U.S., with services concentrated in specific basins [6].

PresentationLadies and gentlemen, welcome to the special meeting of STEP Energy Services Ltd. Please note, the meeting will be recorded. I would like to introduce Edward LaFehr, Lead Director of the Corporation's Board of Directors and Chair of the Special Meeting and Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the corporation. Mr. LaFehr, the floor is yours.Edward LaFehr Good morning, fellow shareholders, and welcome to the Special Shareholder Meeting of STEP. Thank you for joining us today. I am Edward ...

Core Insights - StepStone Group Inc. has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Money Management for the third consecutive year by Pensions & Investments [1][2][3] Company Overview - StepStone Group Inc. is a global private markets investment firm that provides customized investment solutions and advisory services [5] - As of September 30, 2025, StepStone managed approximately $209 billion in assets under management and was responsible for about $771 billion in total capital [5] Recognition Process - The recognition by Pensions & Investments is based on a two-part survey process conducted in partnership with Workforce Research Group [4] - The first part evaluates workplace policies and practices, accounting for approximately 20% of the total evaluation, while the second part measures employee experience, contributing about 80% [4]

Core Insights - StepStone Group has appointed Lindsay Creedon as the new Head of Private Equity, effective January 1, 2026, marking a significant leadership change within the firm [1][2] - Scott Hart, the current CEO, will continue to serve on the Private Equity Investment Committee and focus on the firm's global expansion [1] Company Overview - StepStone Group is a global private markets investment firm that provides customized investment solutions and advisory services, managing approximately $771 billion in total capital, including $209 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025 [4] - The firm's client base includes major public and private pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals [4] Leadership and Culture - Lindsay Creedon has been with StepStone since 2010, becoming a Partner in 2015, and currently co-chairs the Private Equity Investment Committee while managing key client relationships [2][3] - She has played a crucial role in establishing StepStone's Talent and Culture Committee, contributing to the firm's award-winning workplace culture and supporting employee development [3] Future Outlook - Ms. Creedon expressed her commitment to leading the private equity business and delivering strong results for clients, emphasizing the firm's growth from a boutique asset manager to a global player while maintaining an entrepreneurial culture [4]

Core Insights - StepStone Group has opened a new office in Madrid, marking its ninth office in Europe and demonstrating the firm's commitment to expansion in the region [1][2] - The Madrid office aims to enhance access to high-quality global investment opportunities for clients in Southern Europe, particularly in Spain, Portugal, and Andorra [2] - StepStone Group manages approximately $771 billion in total capital, with $209 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025 [4] Company Expansion - The establishment of the Madrid office is part of StepStone's long-term growth strategy in Southern Europe [2] - The office will be led by Guglielmo Russo Walti, focusing on business development and client relations in the Iberian region [2] Client Focus - StepStone Group aims to combine local market understanding with global expertise to help clients capitalize on investment opportunities [2] - The firm serves a diverse client base, including large pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals [4] Global Presence - With 31 offices worldwide, StepStone is positioned to meet the rising global demand for investment opportunities that provide attractive risk-adjusted returns [3]

Core Insights - StepStone Group has successfully launched the StepStone Private Equity Strategies Fund (STPEX), raising over $750 million since its inception in September 2025, and it is now available on major custodian platforms [1][7]. Fund Structure and Strategy - STPEX is an evergreen interval fund that invests in private equity assets managed by top-tier sponsors identified by StepStone, aiming for long-term capital appreciation [2][3]. - The fund offers individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions access to a diversified portfolio of private market investments, primarily through secondary purchases and co-investments [2][3]. - STPEX allows for daily capital raising and provides liquidity through semi-annual redemptions, with a current expectation of up to 5% of the Fund's net asset value [4][9]. Investment Approach - The fund's capital is invested alongside StepStone's institutional clients by a global private equity team of over 190 investment professionals, responsible for managing approximately $389 billion of capital as of September 30, 2025 [3][6]. - STPEX was developed in response to feedback from partners in the wealth management channel, focusing on providing a private equity strategy with low minimum investments and daily valuation [3][5]. Accessibility and Investor Requirements - The minimum investment for STPEX is set at $5,000, and it is available to investors in the United States without any accreditation requirements [4][6]. - The fund is structured to offer various share classes tailored for different wealth management platforms, enhancing accessibility for a broader group of investors [4][5].