DURHAM, N.C., Nov. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) (the “Company”), a leading global contract research organization (CRO), today announced that it has completed its debt tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) described in the Offer to Purchase dated October 20, 2025 by purchasing $75,743,000 in aggregate of the Company’s outstanding 7.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2030 (CUSIP No. 34965K AA5 (Rule 144A); U31685 AA5 (Reg S)) (each, a “Note” and collectively, the “Notes”). The Tender Offer to re ...

Core Points - Syensqo SA has decided to exercise its first call option to redeem €500 million of its hybrid bonds, specifically the Undated Deeply Subordinated Fixed-to-Reset Rate Perpetual NC5.5 Bonds [1][2] - The bonds carry an annual coupon of 2.5% and are classified as equity under IFRS standards, with repayment scheduled for December 2, 2025 [2] - This action reflects Syensqo's commitment to disciplined financial management and aims to enhance the efficiency of its capital structure while maintaining a strong investment-grade profile [3] Company Overview - Syensqo is a science company focused on developing innovative solutions that improve various aspects of life, work, travel, and play, with a global workforce of over 13,000 associates across 30 countries [3][4] - The company's solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products in multiple sectors, including homes, food, consumer goods, transportation, and healthcare [4]

Core Viewpoint - Shell plc has initiated exchange offers for six series of USD notes to optimize its capital structure and align its indebtedness with its U.S. business operations [2][3]. Group 1: Exchange Offers Details - The exchange offers involve five series of notes from Shell International Finance B.V. and one series from BG Energy Capital plc, collectively referred to as "Old Notes" [2][3]. - Eligible holders can exchange their Old Notes for a combination of cash and new notes issued by Shell Finance US Inc., which will be fully guaranteed by Shell [2][3]. - The new notes will have similar terms to the Old Notes, including interest rates and maturity dates, with minor exceptions [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Information - The total principal amount of the Old Notes being exchanged is $1,500 million for 3.875% notes due 2028, $2,750 million for 6.375% notes due 2038, $1,000 million for 5.500% notes due 2040, $900 million for 5.125% notes due 2041, $1,250 million for 3.125% notes due 2049, and $1,000 million for 3.000% notes due 2051 [4][5]. - Eligible holders must validly tender their Old Notes in minimum denominations of $1,000 for Shell International Finance Notes and $200,000 for BGEC Notes [6][10]. Group 3: Timeline and Conditions - The exchange offers commenced on November 3, 2025, and will expire on December 3, 2025, unless extended [11]. - To receive the total consideration, eligible holders must tender their Old Notes by November 17, 2025 [11][12]. - The exchange offers are subject to conditions, including the Minimum Size Condition, which must be satisfied for each series of Old Notes [14][17].

Core Points - Customers Bancorp, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.5726314 per share on its Series F Preferred Stock, payable on December 15, 2025, to shareholders of record on November 30, 2025 [1] - The company is redeeming all 3,400,000 shares of its Series F Preferred Stock, totaling $85.0 million, which had a declared dividend rate of 9.06% [2][3] - The redemption date coincides with the dividend payment date, and the cash redemption price will be $25 per share, excluding declared and unpaid dividends [3] - This redemption aligns with the company's strategy to enhance funding efficiency and capital structure, aiming to optimize capitalization and improve long-term profitability [4] - Following the redemption, no shares of the Series F Preferred Stock will remain outstanding, and dividends will cease to accrue on these securities [5] Company Overview - Customers Bancorp, Inc. is a top-performing banking company with over $24 billion in assets, ranking among the 80 largest bank holding companies in the U.S. [7] - The company offers a full suite of technology-enabled products and services, including commercial and consumer banking, and has received multiple accolades for its performance [11]

Core Viewpoint - America's Car-Mart, Inc. has successfully closed a new five-year, $300 million term loan facility, enhancing its capital structure and supporting long-term growth opportunities [1][2][4]. Group 1: Loan Details - The new term loan matures on October 30, 2030, and carries an interest rate of SOFR plus 7.50% per annum [3]. - The loan is secured and subject to customary financial and operational covenants, with warrants issued to Silver Point Capital allowing the purchase of up to 10% of the Company's fully diluted outstanding shares at the current market price [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The repayment of the asset-backed line of credit (ABL) simplifies the balance sheet and creates a more flexible capital structure [2]. - The new capital will provide the Company with the flexibility and agility needed for its operations and originations, aligning with its multi-year efforts to improve its platform and adapt to market dynamics [4][5]. Group 3: Company Background - America's Car-Mart operates automotive dealerships in 12 states, focusing on the "Integrated Auto Sales and Finance" segment of the used car market, emphasizing superior customer service [7]. - The Company is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the U.S., primarily serving smaller cities in the South-Central region [7]. Group 4: Partnership and Advisory - Silver Point Capital, a leading global credit investing firm, provided the financing solution, reflecting confidence in America's Car-Mart's market position and enterprise durability [6][8]. - Jefferies Finance LLC acted as the financial advisor, while Mayer Brown served as legal counsel for the transaction [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported contract drilling revenues of $1.03 billion for Q3 2025, with an average daily revenue of approximately $462,000, slightly above guidance due to the performance of the Deepwater Skiros [18] - Operating and maintenance expenses were $584 million, below guidance primarily due to deferred maintenance costs and a favorable legal dispute outcome [19] - Total liquidity at the end of Q3 was approximately $1.8 billion, including $833 million in unrestricted cash and $510 million from an undrawn revolving credit facility [19][20] - The company expects to end 2025 with total liquidity slightly above $1.4 billion, reflecting cash usage for debt reduction [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to retire nine rigs by mid-2026, including four drillships and one semi-submersible, to align with evolving costs and customer needs [6][7] - The fleet now consists of 24 contracted ultra-deepwater drillships and high-specification harsh environment semi-submersibles, with three additional seventh-generation drillships currently cold stacked [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry projections suggest an increase in upstream investment in offshore drilling, particularly in the deepwater segment, driven by the need to address supply imbalances [10] - The company anticipates a 10% growth in contracted floaters over the next 18 months, with stable activity in the U.S. Gulf and upcoming tenders in Brazil and Africa [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing asset value and maintaining a disciplined approach to deploying its high-specification fleet, while also reducing debt and interest expenses [6][17] - Recent capital market transactions have allowed the company to reduce gross debt by approximately $1.2 billion and annualized interest expense by about $87 million [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in increasing deepwater utilization, projecting over 90% utilization by the end of 2026, with a potential increase in exploration activity from customers [30][31] - The company noted that customers are prioritizing free cash flow for debt reduction and are taking a measured approach to capital commitments, resulting in deferred near-term demand for drilling services [9] Other Important Information - The company achieved a revenue efficiency of 100% in September and 97.5% for the entire third quarter, reflecting strong operational performance [15] - The company is engaged with Petrobras to explore cost reduction opportunities, which could stimulate more work in Brazil [51][52] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence level on deepwater utilization increase - Management remains confident that utilization will exceed 90% by the end of 2026, with expectations for increased exploration activity from oil companies [30][31] Question: Discussions with Petrobras on cost reduction - The company confirmed ongoing discussions with Petrobras focused on reducing costs without materially affecting activity levels [51][52] Question: Future equity raise potential - Management indicated that they anticipate meeting obligations from cash flow and are focused on reducing debt rather than pursuing an equity raise [56][58] Question: Exploratory drilling timelines - Management noted that there is a growing conversation among customers about increasing exploration activity, with expectations for commitments to rigs in 2027 and 2028 [61][62]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported GAAP net income of $18.4 million, or $0.23 per common share, and distributable earnings of $19.9 million, or $0.25 per common share, covering the quarterly dividend of $0.24 per common share [12] - Book value per common share increased to $11.25 from $11.20 due to the share repurchase program and solid operating results [12][14] - Year-over-year, the loan portfolio grew by $1.2 billion, or 12% net [10][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company originated four loans with total commitments of $279.2 million at a weighted average credit spread of 3.22% during the third quarter [13] - Loan repayments totaled $415.8 million, including six full loan repayments of $405.8 million, primarily from multifamily and hotel loans originated in 2021 and 2022 [13][16] - The company repurchased 3.2 million shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $7.89 per share, resulting in $0.13 per share of book value accretion [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The real estate equity market continues to heal, driven by reset valuations and reduced lending appetite from the banking sector [8] - The company closed $279 million of new investments during the quarter and expects to close over $670 million of loans in Q4 [8][9] - The weighted average risk rating for the loan portfolio remains at 3.0, consistent with the prior seven quarters [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue growth through a disciplined approach to capital allocation and asset management, with a focus on multifamily and industrial assets, which represent approximately 91% of closed and in-process investments [9][10] - The company is leveraging its integrated real estate platform to create value for shareholders, with shares currently trading at a 20% discount to book value [11] - The company plans to enhance its liability structure with the recent pricing of a $1.1 billion CRE/CLO, which will provide substantial liquidity for new loan investments [10][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the backdrop for real estate credit remains attractive, driven by a combination of market dynamics and the company's stable credit profile [8] - The company expects an increase in demand for its products as interest rates potentially decrease, which could lead to more acquisition activity in the real estate sector [22][23] - Management emphasized the importance of net balance sheet growth as the primary driver for enhancing return on equity [35] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with near-term liquidity of $216.4 million, consisting of cash on hand and undrawn capacity under secured financing arrangements [16] - The company's liability structure is 87% non-mark-to-market, reflecting a preference for stable, long-dated, and low-cost liabilities [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is there organic portfolio growth available with the current capital base? - Management believes there is potential for organic growth in the portfolio as the balance sheet is currently constructed [20] Question: Is there CRE equity money waiting for a more attractive rate environment? - Management is already seeing some acceleration in investment activity and expects demand to increase with lower SOFR rates and reduced interest rate volatility [22][23] Question: How do you see the cadence of leverage as we head into 2026? - Management indicated that there is a lag in earnings from new investments due to the timing of loan repayments and new investments [29] Question: What went into the decision to lend on a Nashville hotel despite reducing exposure to hospitality? - Management stated it was a unique opportunity to lend on a high-quality asset to a high-quality borrower, which provided a good return on equity [31] Question: Is enhancing ROE a function of taking down the REO portfolio? - Management clarified that net balance sheet growth is the most important driver for enhancing ROE, rather than focusing on REO dispositions [35]

Core Viewpoint - Gran Tierra Energy Inc. has entered into crude oil sale and purchase agreements, enhancing its financial flexibility and capital structure through prepayment arrangements [1][2][4]. Group 1: Oriente Crude Oil Agreements - The agreements involve an initial advance of up to $150 million, with a potential additional advance of $50 million, contingent on certain conditions [2]. - The advances will be fulfilled through scheduled deliveries of Ecuadorian Oriente crude oil production, aimed at strengthening the company's balance sheet [2]. Group 2: Capital Structure Optimization - Gran Tierra has amended its Colombian credit facility, reducing the borrowing base from $75 million to $60 million and adjusting financial covenants to accommodate the prepayment structure [3]. - The amendment allows the execution and performance of the Oriente Crude Oil Agreements, further optimizing the company's capital structure [3]. Group 3: Management Commentary - The Chief Financial Officer emphasized that the prepayment agreement enhances financial flexibility and reflects strong confidence from partners in Gran Tierra's operations [4]. - The company remains committed to maintaining financial discipline and generating sustainable free cash flow through efficient production and prudent capital allocation [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - Gran Tierra Energy Inc. is an independent international energy company focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia, and Ecuador [8]. - The company is actively developing its existing asset portfolio while pursuing new growth opportunities to strengthen its overall position [8].

Core Viewpoint - eHealth, Inc. has amended its term loan credit agreement, extending the maturity date to January 29, 2027, while keeping other key terms unchanged, which enhances its financial flexibility and supports its capital structure initiatives [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Flexibility and Capital Structure - The extension of the term loan maturity provides eHealth with additional financial flexibility to strengthen its capital structure and execute strategic initiatives for long-term success [2][3]. - eHealth's capital strategy focuses on three primary objectives, recognizing that building a best-in-class capital structure may require multiple phases [2]. Group 2: Management Commitment - The management team, along with the Board and external advisors, is committed to evaluating all available options to optimize the capital structure and maximize shareholder value [3].

Core Viewpoint - Alm. Brand A/S is initiating a tender offer to repurchase outstanding DKK tier 2 capital notes for a total nominal amount of DKK 400 million, aiming to optimize its capital structure following regulatory approval [1][4]. Group 1: Tender Offer Details - The tender offer includes repurchasing tier 2 capital notes callable in October 2026, with an outstanding amount of DKK 1.3 billion and a minimum denomination of DKK 1 million, at a purchase price of 100.450% [2]. - The tender offer will expire at 12:00 CEST on 17 September 2025, with settlement expected on 22 September 2025 [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Context - The tender offer is part of the company's strategy to optimize its capital structure, following the Danish FSA's approval for an expansion of the Partial Internal Model (PIM), which is expected to significantly reduce the company's solvency capital requirement [4]. Group 3: Dealer Manager Information - Nordea Bank Abp has been appointed as the dealer manager for the tender offer, and inquiries can be directed to the Head of Investor Relations & ESG, Mads Thinggaard [5].