(In United States dollars, except where noted otherwise) TORONTO, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (“First Quantum” or the “Company”) (TSX: FM) is pleased to announce that, through a wholly owned subsidiary incorporated in Canada, it has entered into a gold streaming agreement (the “Agreement”) with RGLD Gold AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Gold, Inc. (“Royal Gold”). Under the terms of the Agreement, First Quantum will receive a $1.0 billion upfront cash payment in exchan ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an EBITDA of BRL 2.6 billion with a margin of 23.5%, reflecting a 5% increase and a 1.4 percentage point expansion compared to Q1 2025 [5] - Gross debt was reduced by BRL 5.7 billion year-to-date, with a reduction of BRL 2.1 billion in the current quarter, leading to a leverage decrease from 3.33x to 3.24x [5][12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Mining**: Achieved the second highest sales volume in history with 11.8 million tons sold, but EBITDA dropped by 36% due to falling iron ore prices [6][20] - **Steel**: Despite a 10% drop in sales volume, EBITDA increased by 79% year-on-year, reaching a margin of 10.8% due to effective cost control and a focus on higher-margin products [7][18] - **Cement**: Sales volume grew by 8% quarter-on-quarter, with a 10% increase in net revenue compared to Q1 2025, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 24% [8][23] - **Logistics**: Achieved a record EBITDA of BRL 519 million with a margin of 41.4%, driven by strong performance and the incorporation of TORA [9][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The steel market faced significant competition from imported materials, leading to a loss of market share for the company, although it maintained a focus on value over volume [16][33] - The cement market showed resilience with strong demand, particularly in the housing sector, despite challenges from low pricing compared to other Latin American markets [35][91] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, cost reduction, and enhancing productivity across all segments, with a commitment to deleveraging and managing cash effectively [31][37][84] - The strategy includes prioritizing high-margin products in steel and expanding logistics capabilities through acquisitions like TORA [24][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over the impact of imported products on the domestic market and the need for government intervention to protect local industries [33][81] - The outlook for the steel market remains cautious, with expectations of improved margins and production levels in the coming quarters, contingent on market conditions and government actions [58][79] Other Important Information - The company is actively working on infrastructure projects, with significant investments planned to enhance operational capacity and efficiency [10][88] - ESG initiatives are progressing, with improvements in occupational health and safety metrics and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions [26][28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on infrastructure partner and Usiminas stake - The company is in discussions regarding infrastructure assets, with potential liquidity injection of BRL 8 billion and has not yet defined the next steps for the Usiminas stake [42][46] Question: Impact of dumping decisions on margins - The company is facing challenges due to high import penetration and is advocating for quicker government action on anti-dumping measures to protect local production [49][56] Question: Steel market and government conversations - Management highlighted ongoing discussions with the government regarding protective measures for the steel sector, emphasizing the need for decisive action to combat import pressures [72][80] Question: CapEx flexibility and asset sales - The company plans to maintain a CapEx focus on expansion and productivity, with ongoing discussions about potential asset sales to improve cash flow [66][68] Question: Long steel market dynamics - The long steel segment has seen price increases, but the company is cautious about entering this market due to previous low margins and high competition [72][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The second quarter marked solid operational and financial results with core FFO of $0.17 and same store NOI growth of 5.6% [3][4] - Year to date, FFO per share was $0.33 compared to $0.32 last year, indicating slight growth [14] - Same store NOI growth for the quarter was 5.6%, while year to date growth was 4.4% [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The portfolio achieved a blended net rental growth rate of 4.7% for the quarter, up from 2.3% in the first quarter [9] - Occupancy rates improved to 95.5% excluding Liberty Towers, up from 94.7% a year ago [8] - Retention rates improved to approximately 60%, indicating stronger tenant stability [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Northeast multifamily landscape is performing well, with New York City showing historically low vacancy rates below 3% [5][6] - Jersey City Waterfront has absorbed 3,900 units with minimal impact on occupancy rates over the past five years [6] - Demand remains strong in Boston, with rent growth above national levels [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing leverage to around 10 times by year-end 2025 and below nine times by year-end 2026 [4] - Significant progress has been made in executing nonstrategic asset sales, with $450 million targeted by the end of 2026 [4] - The company is investing in technology to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the Northeast multifamily market is benefiting from favorable supply-demand dynamics and urban migration trends [5][6] - The company anticipates continued strong rental growth due to the competitive nature of the market and the quality of its assets [10] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to manage debt maturities and refinancing options effectively [49][50] Other Important Information - The company has raised its core FFO guidance range to $0.63 to $0.64 per share, reflecting robust portfolio performance [20][21] - Same store NOI guidance has been raised to between 22.8%, indicating strong market rent growth visibility [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on board change and CIO departure - Management acknowledged the departure of the CIO and expressed confidence in the investment team led by Brian Primost to continue executing the company's strategy [25][26] Question: Guidance on taxes and insurance for the back half of the year - Management indicated that they expect mid to high single-digit increases in insurance and noted the volatility of real estate taxes in Jersey City [29][30] Question: Future sales and disposition strategy - Management highlighted the challenges in the transaction market but expressed a desire to realize NAV on smaller assets and land [32][33] Question: Market dynamics for larger buildings - Management confirmed that there is a discount for larger properties, making smaller transactions more accessible to a broader buyer pool [37][38] Question: Debt maturities and refinancing plans - Management outlined plans to address upcoming debt maturities through sales and refinancing, emphasizing the quality of their assets [46][48] Question: Rent to income ratio and pricing power - Management explained that the low rent to income ratio reflects the high income of residents, providing substantial pricing power [53][54] Question: Impact of New York City mayoral election on Jersey City - Management suggested that Jersey City could benefit from potential policies affecting development and taxation in New York City [59][60] Question: Trajectory of occupancy for Liberty Towers - Management indicated that occupancy may fluctuate but expects to stabilize in the low 80s as renovations progress [70][72]

Core Viewpoint - Ring Energy, Inc. is actively engaging in discussions regarding its recent asset acquisition and strategies for maximizing synergies, which are crucial for its growth and operational efficiency [2][6]. Group 1: Event Participation - Ring Energy will participate in a fireside chat with Water Tower Research on July 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM Central Time [1]. - The discussion will be led by Jeff Robertson, Managing Director at WTR, and will feature Paul McKinney, Ring's Chairman and CEO [2]. Group 2: Discussion Topics - Key topics will include the integration of Central Basin Platform assets acquired from Lime Rock Resources IV, LP at the end of Q1 2025 [2]. - The conversation will also cover strategies to maximize cost synergies and adapt the capital program during market turbulence [6]. Group 3: Company Overview - Ring Energy, Inc. focuses on oil and gas exploration, development, and production, with current operations centered on its Permian Basin assets [4].

Core Viewpoint - A lawsuit has been filed against Organon & Co. and certain senior executives for potential violations of federal securities laws, particularly related to misleading statements about the company's dividend policy following a significant acquisition [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, titled Hauser v. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322, and claims are made under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [2]. - Investors are encouraged to seek additional information and have until July 22, 2025, to request to lead the case [2]. Group 2: Company Background and Acquisition - Organon is a global healthcare company focused on women's health, known for rewarding shareholders with dividends [3]. - In October 2024, Organon completed a $1.2 billion acquisition of Dermavant, a biopharmaceutical company, which increased the company's debt [3]. Group 3: Dividend Policy and Stock Performance - Following the acquisition, Organon assured investors it would maintain its dividend, which was stated as the "1 capital allocation priority," but later shifted focus to debt reduction, leading to a significant dividend cut [3]. - On May 1, 2025, Organon announced a reduction in its dividend payout from $0.28 per share to $0.02 per share, resulting in a stock price decline of approximately 27%, from $12.93 to $9.45 per share [4].

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation & plc has announced a private offering of $3.0 billion in senior unsecured notes, aimed at refinancing existing debt and managing future debt maturities [1][2][4]. Group 1: Notes Offering Details - The offering consists of $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior unsecured notes due 2032 [1][6]. - The proceeds will be used to fully repay borrowings under the senior secured term loan facility maturing in 2028 and to redeem $2.4 billion of 5.750% senior unsecured notes due 2027 [2][4]. - The transaction is expected to close on July 16, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions [5]. Group 2: Redemption and Debt Management - A conditional notice of redemption has been issued for the $2.4 billion of 2027 Unsecured Notes, set to be redeemed on July 17, 2025, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus applicable premiums and interest [3]. - Following the completion of this transaction, the company's remaining senior secured debt will be $3.1 billion, with provisions for security fall away upon receiving investment grade ratings from two of the three rating agencies [4]. Group 3: Financial Terms - The notes will pay interest semi-annually at a rate of 5.75% per year, starting February 1, 2026, and will mature on August 1, 2032 [6]. - The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis by Carnival plc and certain subsidiaries [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company and among the largest leisure travel companies, operating a portfolio of well-known cruise lines [10].

Core Viewpoint - Carnival Corporation & plc has successfully closed a private offering of €1.0 billion in senior unsecured notes, which will be used to repay existing borrowings and enhance its capital structure [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Details - The offering consists of 4.125% senior unsecured notes due in 2031, with interest payments starting on July 15, 2026 [2]. - Proceeds will be utilized to fully repay borrowings under the 2027 Term Loan Facility and partially repay borrowings under the 2028 Term Loan Facility [1]. - The company made a prepayment of $450.0 million towards the 2027 Term Loan Facility on June 27, 2025, as part of its deleveraging strategy [1]. Group 2: Investment Grade Status - The company is one notch away from achieving an investment grade credit rating, and this transaction is a step towards that goal [2]. Group 3: Offering Details - The notes were offered only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and to non-U.S. investors under Regulation S [3]. - The notes are not registered under the Securities Act and cannot be sold in the U.S. without registration or an exemption [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest global cruise company and one of the largest leisure travel companies, operating a portfolio of well-known cruise lines [6].

Financial Performance - Zenvia's net revenues increased from BRL 213 million in Q1 2024 to BRL 296 million in Q1 2025[4] - G&A expenses decreased from BRL 31 million in Q1 2024 to BRL 24 million in Q1 2025[4] - Non-GAAP adjusted gross profit decreased from BRL 93.6 million in Q1 2024 to BRL 74.2 million in Q1 2025[10] - Non-GAAP adjusted gross margin consolidated decreased from 44% in Q1 2024 to 25.1% in Q1 2025[4] - EBITDA decreased from BRL 23 million in Q1 2024 to BRL 20 million in Q1 2025[4] - EBITDA minus CAPEX decreased from BRL 11.2 million in Q1 2024 to BRL 10.1 million in Q1 2025[16] Business Segments - CPaaS revenue increased from BRL 136 million in Q1 2024 to BRL 215 million in Q1 2025[7] - SaaS revenue increased from BRL 77 million in Q1 2024 to BRL 81 million in Q1 2025[7] - Non-GAAP adjusted gross margin for SaaS decreased from 56.4% in Q1 2024 to 53.7% in Q1 2025[4] - Non-GAAP adjusted gross margin for CPaaS decreased from 37% in Q1 2024 to 14.3% in Q1 2025[10]

UK Housing Market Overview - UK house prices have stagnated in nominal terms since late 2022 [1] - House prices have decreased relative to wages and consumer prices [1] Deleveraging Analysis - The market may have achieved a "beautiful deleveraging" [1]

Core Insights - Equinox Gold Corp. (EQX) has a robust financial position with significant cash flows, supporting its development projects and liquidity [1][6] - The Greenstone mine is a key asset, expected to produce approximately 390,000 ounces of gold annually at full capacity [2][6] - The company plans to pursue deleveraging in the second half of 2025, leveraging strong cash flow generation [1][6] Financial Position - EQX ended Q1 with $173 million in unrestricted cash and $65 million in an undrawn credit facility, indicating strong liquidity [1][6] - B2Gold Corp. (BTG) reported cash and cash equivalents of $330 million and $800 million available for future drawdowns under its credit facility [3] - Eldorado Gold Corporation (EGO) had $978 million in cash and $241 million in available credit, totaling around $1.2 billion in liquidity [4] Production and Growth - The ramp-up at the Greenstone mine is currently underway, targeting an annual production of 390,000 ounces of gold [2][6] - The recent business combination with Calibre Mining Corp. is expected to enhance production growth and cash flow for EQX [2] Valuation and Market Performance - EQX is trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 7.83, which is about 40.5% lower than the industry average of 13.17 [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings rise of 135% for 2025 and 123.4% for 2026, although EPS estimates have been trending down recently [9]