NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fitch Ratings (Fitch) yesterday announced that it has revised the outlook of Marex Group plc’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to positive from stable, and has affirmed its Long-Term IDR at ‘BBB-’. The revision of the outlook reflects Marex’s strong and growing earnings across variable market conditions, expansion and diversification of the franchise both organically and through bolt-on acquisitions, well-managed liquidity and adequate buffer over regulator ...

In this article GSBD Pedestrians walk past an Itau Unibanco Holding SA bank branch in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Patricia Monteiro/Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Investors have been piling into emerging market bonds as Treasurys' long-held reputation as a safe haven took a beating following U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs. Emerging market local currency bond yields slid by 13 basis points between April 2 — when Trump announced the tariffs — and April 25, according to the most recent data pr ...

Global Industrial Company (GIC) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 05:00 PM ET Company Participants Mike Smargiassi - Founding PartnerAnesa Chaibi - CEOTex Clark - Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerMichael Francis - Equity Research Associate Conference Call Participants Anthony Lebiedzinski - Senior Equity Research AnalystMatt Kaelberer - Research Analyst Operator Industrial Company First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Call. All participants will be in a listen only mode. After today's ...

Core Insights - The company reported a slight improvement in its second quarter results, reflecting some recovery in the Capital Markets industry, although still below 2023 levels [2][3] - The company plans to pursue initiatives to expand its business portfolio while growing its Wealth Management, Commercial Lending, and Capital Markets operations [2][3] Financial Performance - Q2 revenue reached $2,854,000, marking a 53% increase year-over-year [8] - The company reported a net loss of $(1,312,000) or $(0.02) per share for Q2 [8] - Adjusted net loss for Q2 was $(421,000) or $(0.01) per share, with EBITDA at $(690,000) compared to $(441,000) in the same quarter last year [8] Corporate Developments - The company is exploring opportunities to diversify revenue sources through strategic investments in both complementary and non-core sectors [9] - The purchase of subordinate voting shares by the Executive Chairman constitutes a related party transaction but is exempt from shareholder approval due to the fair market value being less than 25% of the company's market capitalization [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue of $746 million for Q1 2025, representing a 22% increase year over year and a 2% increase sequentially [9][18] - Adjusted EPS increased by 56% year over year to $2.98 per diluted share [28] - Total company originations rose 26% year over year to $1.7 billion [9][18] - Combined loan and finance receivables increased 20% year over year to a record $4.1 billion [9][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Small business revenue increased by 29% year over year to $305 million, while consumer revenue increased by 18% to $431 million [10][19] - Small business originations rose 27% year over year to $1.2 billion, and consumer originations grew by 22% to $578 million [19] - Small business products represented 65% of the total portfolio, while consumer products accounted for 35% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consolidated net charge-off ratio for the quarter declined to 8.6% from 8.9% in the previous quarter, indicating stable credit performance [11][20] - The U.S. added 228,000 jobs in March, reflecting a resilient labor market that benefits the company's customer base [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains committed to a balanced approach that has led to predictable outcomes and a strong track record of consistency [8] - The focus is on helping hardworking individuals access fast, trustworthy credit while ensuring sustainable and profitable growth [8][16] - The company plans to continue investing in its business and share repurchases to drive long-term shareholder value [17][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate various operating environments despite potential impacts from government tariff policies [6][16] - The company expects revenue growth for the full year 2025 to be slightly faster than originations growth, with adjusted EPS growth of at least 25% [30] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for Q1 was 20%, down from 25% in the previous year, driven by tax benefits on stock compensation [27] - The company ended Q1 with $1.1 billion in liquidity, providing financial flexibility [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs and inflation on small business loan demand - Management noted no significant changes in application volumes related to tariff discussions, indicating demand follows typical seasonal patterns [32][34] Question: Payment frequency for consumer and SMB loans - Most loans are structured with weekly or biweekly payment frequencies, allowing for quick performance assessments [35] Question: Outlook for second quarter interest expense - The CFO indicated that funding costs are expected to remain steady, with only slight changes anticipated [38] Question: Fair value premiums and credit performance - Fair value premiums are sensitive to lifetime credit performance, with stable expectations for the current environment [44] Question: Expectations for small business credit performance - Management expects small business credit performance to remain stable, similar to historical trends observed during past recessions [55][56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter adjusted EBITDA of $57.5 million, up 12% year over year [5][11] - Adjusted net income was $19.3 million, a 32% increase compared to $14.7 million in the prior year [7][10] - The effective tax rate decreased to 20% from the normal range of 24% to 26% due to favorable discrete items [11][12] - Free cash flow was negative at $25.8 million, down $37.2 million year over year [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surfactants segment net sales were $430.3 million, a 10% increase year over year, with a 3% growth in sales volume [13][14] - Polymers segment net sales were flat at $146.1 million, with a 7% increase in sales volume but a 7% decrease in selling prices [15][16] - Specialty products net sales increased by 11% to $16.8 million, driven by higher selling prices [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volume growth was broad-based, with agricultural and oilfield end markets experiencing double-digit growth [6][20] - North American and European rigid polyol volume grew in low single digits, while specialty polyols and commodity PA businesses showed strong growth [6][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on customer acquisition, particularly in Tier two and Tier three markets, with over 400 new customers added in Q1 [18][19] - The company aims to develop next-generation rigid polyol technologies to enhance energy efficiency [21] - The new Pasadena, Texas site is operational, with expectations for full contribution in the second half of 2025 [22][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2025, expecting adjusted EBITDA and net income growth despite market uncertainties [24] - The company is monitoring the impact of tariffs and is working on pricing strategies to mitigate potential effects [63][64] - There is a belief that pent-up demand exists in the construction market, which could lead to growth as economic conditions improve [81][82] Other Important Information - The company paid $8.7 million in dividends during the first quarter and has increased its dividend for 57 consecutive years [7][8] - The company is investing in capital expenditures and anticipates positive free cash flow for the full year 2025 [17][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: About the Pasadena alkoxylation startup and product qualification - Management confirmed that the Pasadena facility is producing six products currently, with plans to produce over 60 products, and full contribution expected in 2026 [30][32] Question: Earnings contribution from Pasadena facility - Management indicated that Q2 will still be negative but better than Q1, with positive contributions expected in Q3 and Q4 [33] Question: Decline in commodity consumer products - Management clarified that the decline is not intentional and is due to sluggish demand from consumer product customers [35][36] Question: Polymer business and inventory costs - Management stated that high-cost inventory is being cleared out, and margins should improve in Q2 [38] Question: Down channel inventory levels - Management reported no significant overstocking in Q1 and noted strong demand continuing into April [44] Question: Customer mix and growth - Management confirmed that growth is coming from both Tier two and Tier three customers, as well as end market diversification [48] Question: Agricultural and oilfield surfactants growth - Management confirmed that the majority of growth is driven by the agricultural side, with no significant inventory buildup expected [56][57] Question: Tariff impacts and sourcing strategy - Management is monitoring both direct and indirect impacts of tariffs and is adjusting sourcing strategies accordingly [63][64] Question: Raw material pricing environment - Management indicated that raw material prices have stabilized, but tariffs may introduce new dynamics [76] Question: Construction market outlook - Management believes there is pent-up demand in the construction market, with expectations for growth as economic conditions improve [81][82]

Core Insights - EPH European Property Holdings has achieved stable operational growth in 2024 despite global market challenges, focusing on high-quality properties in prime European locations with strong sustainability standards [3] - The company's real estate portfolio is valued at EUR 812 million, consisting of ten prime assets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with a strategic expansion into the hotel segment [3] - EPH's net rental income increased from EUR 32.60 million in 2023 to EUR 35.11 million in 2024, primarily driven by the property Lass 1 in Vienna [3] Financial Highlights - As of December 31, 2024, total assets amounted to EUR 978.79 million, up from EUR 973.22 million in 2023, while net assets decreased slightly to EUR 500.23 million from EUR 500.94 million [3] - The company reported a total net loss of EUR 3.03 million in 2024, a significant improvement from a loss of EUR 162.30 million in 2023, mainly due to non-cash accounting adjustments in the previous year [3] - Finance costs rose from EUR 15.3 million in 2023 to EUR 17.2 million in 2024 due to increased interest rates on bonds [3] Strategic Developments - EPH has acquired a historic 5-star hotel in Vevey, Switzerland, as part of its strategy to diversify its property portfolio, now owning three hotels in total [3] - The company continues to focus on major European cities and core properties, particularly in the office and hotel sectors, with robust demand for modern spaces [7] - EPH plans to redevelop the newly acquired hotel over the coming years, reflecting confidence in the Swiss hotel market [3]

Summary of CMB Tech and Golden Ocean Merger Presentation Industry and Companies Involved - **Industry**: Maritime and Shipping - **Companies**: CMB Tech and Golden Ocean Key Points and Arguments 1. **Merger Overview**: The merger between CMB Tech and Golden Ocean is a stock-for-stock transaction, with CMB Tech as the surviving entity. Post-merger, shareholders will own approximately 67.33% of the new company [3][2] 2. **Exchange Ratio**: The exchange ratio is set at 0.95 CMB Tech shares for one Golden Ocean share, valuing CMB Tech at $15.23 per share and Golden Ocean at $14.49 per share [3][2] 3. **Headquarters and Listings**: CMB Tech is headquartered in Antwerp with global offices. It is listed on NYC and Euronext in Brussels, while Golden Ocean's listings will disappear post-merger, with plans for a relisting on Oslo Burs [4][5] 4. **CMB Tech's Fleet**: CMB Tech operates a fleet of approximately 160 ships across five divisions, including dry bulk, chemical tankers, containerships, crude oil tankers, and offshore wind [6][8] 5. **Financials**: CMB Tech reported a net profit of CHF 870 million and has a liquidity of GBP 350 million, with a contract backlog of GBP 3 billion and outstanding CapEx of GBP 2.2 billion [8][9] 6. **Golden Ocean's Fleet**: Golden Ocean is the largest listed owner of Capesize vessels, with a fleet of 91 ships, an average age of around eight years, and a leverage of 37% on loan facilities [10][11] 7. **Combined Fleet Post-Merger**: The combined fleet will exceed 250 vessels, with a projected net asset value (NAV) of $14.9 per share and a significant reduction in average fleet age to six years [13][14] 8. **Decarbonization Strategy**: The merged entity will focus on low-carbon solutions, including modern eco fleets and ships capable of being retrofitted for hydrogen and ammonia [15][21] 9. **Market Outlook**: The company is positive on the tanker and dry bulk markets, with expectations of structural undersupply in the tanker market and healthy demand from Asia, particularly China [33][36][47] 10. **Regulatory Support**: The strategy aligns with European regulations aimed at decarbonization, including the proposed greenhouse gas tax set to be implemented in 2028 [22][21] Additional Important Content 1. **Investment Strategy**: The company aims to diversify investments across segments, allowing for flexibility in capital allocation based on market conditions [16][17] 2. **Fleet Modernization**: There is a focus on rejuvenating the fleet by potentially selling older vessels and investing in modern tonnage [60][61] 3. **Long-term Contracts**: The company emphasizes the importance of long-term contracts to stabilize cash flows and reduce risk [71][72] 4. **Bauxite Trade Growth**: The bauxite trade is expected to grow significantly, contributing to increased shipping demand for Capesize vessels [51][52] 5. **Challenges in Chemical Tankers**: The company remains cautious about the chemical tanker market, with limited spot exposure [55][56] This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of the merger presentation, highlighting the strategic direction, financial metrics, and market outlook for the combined entity.

NETSTREIT (NTST) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Amy An - Director, Investor RelationsMark Manheimer - President, CEO, Secretary & DirectorDaniel Donlan - CFO & TreasurerHaendel St. Juste - Managing DirectorGreg Mcginniss - DirectorJohn Kalinowski - Senior Securities Operations RepresentativeSmedes Rose - DirectorMichael Gorman - Managing Director Ki Bin Kim - Managing DirectorJana Galan - DirectorJay Kornreich - VP - Equity Research Conference Call Participants Michael ...

PRESS RELEASE Luxembourg, 29th April 2025 VELCAN HOLDINGS: ANNUAL RESULTS 2024 STRONG FINANCIAL RESULTS, STABLE TURNOVER OF THE RODEIO BONITO PLANT, NON-AUDITED KEY CONSOLIDATED FIGURES2024 2023 Var %Revenues (EUR m)3.02.9+2%EBITDA (EUR m)-5.61.8NA%Net Income (EUR m)11.2<td style="width:7.26%; ...