The United Soccer League has received a strategic investment from a firm founded by Kewsong Lee, the former chief executive officer of Carlyle Group https://t.co/O2wi8PC8yl ...

Group 1 - Owens Corning has selected Prattville, Alabama as the location for its new shingle plant in the southeastern United States [1] - This strategic investment aims to expand the company's Roofing manufacturing network [1] - The Prattville facility will operate a four-wide laminator capable of producing around six million squares of laminate shingles per year [1]

Investment Overview - US-based private equity firm L Catterton has agreed to make a strategic investment in Japan's Seki Furniture, although financial specifics were not disclosed [1] - The investment aims to support Seki Furniture's expansion in Japan, leveraging L Catterton's expertise in consumer-focused businesses [1] Company Background - Seki Furniture, established in 1968 in Okawa, started as a wholesaler and has transformed into an omnichannel business with brands like RELAXFORM and CRASH GATE [2] - The company currently holds the largest share of Japan's wholesale residential furniture market and is expanding into other sectors such as offices, hotels, restaurants, and hospitals [3] Operational Insights - Seki Furniture operates 26 physical stores and has a presence in e-commerce, indicating a diversified sales strategy [3] - CEO Hideki Haruta emphasized the collaboration with L Catterton to achieve medium- to long-term growth and enhance corporate value while maintaining customer service quality [2] Leadership and Growth - L Catterton partner Taka Shimizu highlighted Seki Furniture's growth over 57 years under the leadership of the founding Seki Family and CEO Hideki Haruta, a veteran with 27 years at the company [4] - The company has successfully navigated various macroeconomic cycles and expanded into multiple product and customer segments [5] Previous Investments - L Catterton has a history of investments in the home fixture and furnishing sector, including brands like Restoration Hardware and Boll & Branch, indicating a strategic focus on the home goods market [5]

Core Insights - Great Elm Group, Inc. announced a strategic investment from Woodstead, an institutional investor, involving the purchase of 4.0 million shares of GEG's common stock at $2.25 per share, totaling $9.0 million [1][2] - Booker Smith has joined GEG's Board of Directors, bringing extensive experience in corporate credit and real estate investing, which will support GEG's strategic priorities [3][4] - The transaction aims to provide growth capital for GEG to expand its assets under management and enhance profitability, with long-term alignment between Woodstead and GEG shareholders through warrants [5][6] Transaction Details - Woodstead is purchasing 4.0 million shares at $2.25 per share, generating gross proceeds of $9.0 million, and will hold 10-year warrants for an additional 2.0 million shares at prices of $3.50 and $5.00 [2][7] - Separately, Great Elm Capital Corp. issued approximately 1.3 million shares to Poor Richard LLC, an affiliate of Booker Smith, at $11.65 per share, raising $15.0 million, which strengthens GECC's balance sheet [6][7] Strategic and Financial Impact - The investment is expected to provide new growth capital for GEG, facilitating the expansion of assets under management and profitability enhancement [5] - The capital raised by GECC is anticipated to generate incremental management fees for GEG once deployed, reflecting investor confidence in GECC's turnaround since March 2022 [6][7] Upcoming Events - GEG will release its fiscal 2025 earnings after market close on September 2, 2025, followed by a conference call on September 3, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET [1][8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, total revenues reached $104 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 30.6 [12][18] - Net income surged to $727.4 million compared to $2.5 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to increased other income [18] - Non-GAAP net income was $8.3 million, up from $3.2 million in the same period last year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription business revenue was $36.4 million, a 10.5% increase year-over-year, with subscribers reaching 6.4 million [7][13] - Live streaming and other services generated $37.6 million, marking an 85.5% year-over-year growth, driven by overseas expansion and advertising revenue from the acquisition of Hupu [8][14] - Cloud computing revenue increased to $30 million, a 13.6% rise year-over-year, attributed to recovering demand from major clients [9][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition of Hupu contributed approximately $3.2 million to total revenues in June 2025, with expectations for further contributions in upcoming quarters [24] - The overseas live streaming business alone experienced a growth rate of about 80.3% when excluding Hupu's contribution [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The successful acquisition of Hupu is expected to enhance community-driven content and advertising strategies, creating new growth opportunities [6][9] - The company aims to deepen its presence in international markets and improve user engagement through continuous feature enhancements [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the financial flexibility gained from the IPO of Arashi Vision Inc, which will support core business strengthening and investments in high-growth markets [10][11] - The company anticipates total revenues for 2025 to be between $116 million and $124 million, indicating a quarter-over-quarter increase of approximately 15.4% [21] Other Important Information - Research and development expenses were $18.4 million, representing 17.7% of total revenues, while sales and marketing expenses increased significantly to $21.6 million [15][16] - The company has authorized a stock repurchase plan of up to $20 million, with $6.5 million spent on buybacks as of June 2025 [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Breakdown of live streaming and other services - The live streaming and other services revenue was $37.6 million, with Hupu contributing about $3.2 million in June, leading to an 80.3% growth rate for overseas live streaming when excluding Hupu [24] Question: Performance of main business segments - The subscription business is profitable, while live streaming and cloud computing are still in the growth stage and currently losing money [28][29]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 19% increase in operating earnings for Q4 and a 15% increase for the year [9] - EPS grew by 13% in Q4 and over 9% for the year [9] - Adjusted free cash flow for the year was $2.5 billion, exceeding expectations by $500 million [10] - Total company revenue was $60.2 billion, relatively flat on a reported basis, but increased by 21% when adjusting for contract expiration [10][11] - Gross profit grew 17% to $2.2 billion, with a gross margin improvement of approximately 50 basis points [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharmaceutical segment revenue was flat at $55.4 billion, but increased by 22% excluding customer contract expiration, driven by brand and specialty pharmaceutical sales [14] - The GMPD segment saw a 3% revenue increase to $3.2 billion, with segment profit reaching $70 million, its highest profit quarter [16] - Other growth businesses reported a 37% revenue increase to $1.6 billion, with segment profit increasing 44% to $160 million [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong pharmaceutical demand across all business areas, including brand, specialty, generics, and consumer health [14] - The At Home Solutions segment, including the ADS acquisition, saw significant growth, contributing to the overall revenue increase [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving simplification and operational efficiencies while making strategic investments for growth [5] - The acquisition of Solaris Health is expected to enhance the company's position in the specialty market, particularly in urology [6][35] - The company aims to expand its distribution capabilities and modernize its technology platforms to support long-term growth [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal year 2026, expecting EPS growth of 13% to 15% [21] - The company remains confident in its resilient business model and ability to navigate regulatory changes [46] - Management highlighted strong demand across the business and a positive outlook for the upcoming fiscal year [62] Other Important Information - The company completed four strategic acquisitions during the year, including Green Specialty and At Home Solutions [10] - The ending cash balance for fiscal year 2025 was $3.9 billion, reflecting strong cash flow generation [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the updated guidance for the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions division? - Management confirmed that the guidance was raised by $0.20, with half attributed to liability classification and the other half to higher expectations for Pharma and other businesses [50] Question: What are the drivers of the SG&A increase quarter over quarter? - Management indicated that the increase in SG&A was primarily due to recent acquisitions, with ongoing efforts to simplify and optimize operating costs [55] Question: Can you elaborate on the gross profit performance in the quarter? - Management noted that the margin expansion was driven by a favorable mix, particularly from specialty distribution and MSO acquisitions [66] Question: What are the utilization trends across the GMPD segment? - Management stated that utilization remains consistent, with ongoing efforts to increase penetration of Cardinal Health branded products [72] Question: What capabilities does Solaris Health bring to the company? - Management highlighted that Solaris Health adds over 750 providers and diverse revenue streams, enhancing the company's MSO structure [81]

Investment Overview - Dexterra Group Inc. has acquired a 40% stake in Pleasant Valley Corporation for US$58.3 million, effective July 31, 2025, with an option to acquire the remaining 60% by Q3 2027 [1][2] - The investment will be financed through the company's credit facility [1] Company Profile - Pleasant Valley Corporation, founded in 1976, provides facility management services primarily to commercial and industrial clients in the U.S. [2] - PVC generates approximately US$175 million in annual revenues and has a strong history of profitability and growth potential [2] Strategic Alignment - The investment in PVC is expected to enhance Dexterra's U.S. presence and support long-term profitable growth [3] - Both companies share similar values and commitment to customer service, growth, and technology [3] Workforce and Services - Dexterra employs over 9,000 people and offers a range of support services for infrastructure management and operation across Canada and the U.S. [4] - The company provides integrated facilities management services and workforce accommodation solutions for diverse clients [5]

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hampton Financial Corporation ("Hampton" or the "Company", TSXV: HFC) today announced its financial results for the 3 quarter ended May 31, 2025. Third Quarter ended May 31, 2025. IFRS results highlights: Fiscal results (IFRS results adjusted for non-cash Items) highlights: Hampton's commercial lending business, via its wholly owned subsidiary Oxygen Working Capital ("OWC"), ha ...

Core Viewpoint - Surge Copper Corp. has successfully closed a non-brokered private placement, raising approximately $5.9 million through the issuance of common shares and charity flow-through common shares [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The Offering consisted of 19,218,893 common shares priced at $0.175 each and 9,433,963 charity flow-through common shares priced at $0.265 each [1]. - The gross proceeds from the charity flow-through shares will be allocated for exploration expenditures qualifying as "Canadian exploration expenses" and "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" before December 31, 2026 [3]. - The net proceeds from the common shares will fund engineering, environmental, and early-stage permitting activities at the Berg Project, supporting the completion of a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) and advancement into the Environmental Assessment (EA) process [4]. Group 2: Insider Participation and Fees - Insiders subscribed for a total of 285,714 common shares, which is classified as a related party transaction [6]. - The company paid cash finder's fees totaling approximately $62,295 to various financial institutions involved in the Offering [5]. Group 3: Concurrent Private Placement - Surge Copper is also conducting a concurrent private placement expected to raise up to $4.5 million, with a significant strategic investor aiming to increase ownership to 19.9% of the company's shares [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's EPS for the quarter was reported at $1.78, which includes significant one-time items that impacted EPS by $0.60, while excluding these items, the adjusted EPS would be $1.20, reflecting an increase from both the prior year and prior quarter [16][17] - Consolidated operating margins improved slightly year over year but declined sequentially due to one-time expenses in corporate overhead [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private banking revenue increased both year over year and sequentially, supported by larger clients going live in the quarter [16] - Investment managers revenue grew by 8% year over year, with double-digit growth in alternatives, offsetting a 1% decline in traditional revenue [17] - Advisor and institutional businesses realized flat sequential revenue growth, with market appreciation in May and June offsetting significant declines in April [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - AUM net flows for advisor and institutional businesses were negligible year to date, significantly improving from the first half of the previous year [22] - Traditional mutual fund outflows were largely offset by growth in models and custom portfolios, indicating a shift in resource allocation towards tax-sensitive ETFs and SMAs [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a strategic investment in Stratos, aiming to integrate Stratos' client-centric model with SEI's technology and investment management capabilities, enhancing their position in the wealth management landscape [5][6] - The focus remains on flawless execution to ensure client satisfaction, with proactive investments in talent, technology, and platforms [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength and depth of their sales pipeline, despite temporary delays in private banking due to market volatility [36][37] - The competitive landscape is shifting in favor of the company, with increased interest in outsourcing from banks and alternative asset managers [9][10] Other Important Information - The company has returned significant capital to shareholders, with buybacks exceeding $700 million on a trailing twelve-month basis [24] - The upcoming Investor Day is expected to provide deeper insights into the company's strategic priorities and anticipated outcomes [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key investments in talent and technology - Management highlighted investments in talent and technology, particularly in IMS to streamline systems for better scalability and cost efficiency [29][30] Question: Temporary delays in private banking - Management attributed delays to market conditions in April but emphasized a strong pipeline moving forward [34][36] Question: Differentiation of Stratos acquisition - Management noted Stratos' experienced executive team, centralized investment platform, and cultural fit as key differentiators [42][44] Question: Sales cycle characterization and drivers of strength - Management indicated a robust pipeline across all segments, particularly in alternatives, with a focus on strategic outsourcing partnerships [55][58]