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OPAL Fuels (NASDAQ: OPAL) raises Series A-1 preferred dividend to 12%

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

OPAL Fuels Inc., through subsidiary OPAL Fuels LLC, has amended and restated the terms of its Series A-1 Preferred Units to largely align them with its Series A Preferred Units while keeping board appointment rights solely with Series A holders. The annual dividend on Series A-1 increases from 8% to 12%, compounding quarterly, with only up to 2% per annum payable in kind and the remaining 10% in cash. A new “Trigger Event” regime replaces prior default language, adding step-up penalty coupons, mandatory use of Excess Cash Flow for redemptions, and broader mandatory redemption triggers tied to Change of Control, uncured Trigger Events, and the fifth anniversary of March 6, 2026. The amendment removes the prior discounted conversion right on delayed redemptions, tightens preemptive and conversion rights, and adds expanded protective and “Triggered Protective” provisions plus a defined Redemption Price schedule based on time from the first and second anniversary dates.

Positive

  • None.

Negative

  • None.

Insights

OPAL Fuels makes Series A-1 preferred more creditor-like with higher coupon and stricter protections.

The Series A-1 Preferred Units now carry a higher 12% annual dividend versus 8% previously, with limited payment-in-kind flexibility. This shifts value toward preferred holders and increases the fixed-charge burden on the operating subsidiary, especially because most of the coupon must be paid in cash.

The new Trigger Event framework adds quarterly step-up penalties up to an extra 4% per year and forces Excess Cash Flow into redemptions when issues arise. Combined with earlier and broader mandatory redemption rights and tighter refinancing and indebtedness limits, this makes the instrument more protective for preferred holders and more restrictive for common equity.

Removing the discounted conversion option on delayed redemptions and expanding protective and “Triggered Protective” provisions reduce dilution risk from forced conversions but increase the risk of cash drains or constraints on future financing if performance or credit conditions weaken. How frequently Trigger Events or mandatory redemption rights are activated will shape the long-term impact on OPAL Fuels’ capital flexibility.

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders Securities
A change was made that materially affects the rights of existing shareholders (e.g., dividend rights, voting rights).
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Previous dividend rate 8% per annum Series A-1 Preferred Units under Prior COD
New dividend rate 12% per annum Series A-1 Preferred Units under A&R COD
PIK dividend limit 2% per annum Maximum portion of 12% coupon payable in kind
Cash dividend requirement 10% per annum Portion of 12% coupon required to be paid in cash
Penalty step-up rate 0.50% per quarter Additional coupon after Trigger Event, capped at 4% per year
Penalty cap 4.00% per annum Maximum additional rate above Preferred Coupon
Early redemption MOIC 1.15x Redemption Price per unit on or before 1st Anniversary Date
Intermediate redemption premium 102% of Original Issue Price Redemption Price after 1st but on or before 2nd Anniversary Date
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations regulatory
"approved and adopted an Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series A-1 Preferred Units"
Series A-1 Preferred Units financial
"The annual dividend rate on the Series A-1 Preferred Units has been increased"
Change of Control financial
"Under the A&R COD, the definition of “Change of Control” has been revised"
A change of control occurs when the ownership or management of a company shifts significantly, such as through a sale, merger, or acquisition, resulting in new leadership or ownership structure. This change can impact the company's direction and decision-making, which is important for investors because it may affect the company's stability, strategy, and future prospects.
Trigger Event financial
"The A&R COD replaces the Prior COD's "Event of Default" provisions with a new "Trigger Event" framework"
Mandatory Redemption Request financial
"become effective upon the 30th day following a Mandatory Redemption Request"
Redemption Price financial
"Under the A&R COD, the Redemption Price means (A) on or prior to 1st Anniversary Date"
The redemption price is the amount of money a person receives when they sell or redeem a bond or investment before it matures. It’s important because it determines how much you get back and can affect your overall profit or loss on the investment. Think of it like the price you get when returning a gift card early—it's the value you receive at that time.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
___________________________________
FORM 8-K
___________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 18, 2026
___________________________________
OPAL Fuels Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
___________________________________

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
001-40272
(Commission File Number)
98-1578357
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
One North Lexington Avenue, Suite 1450
White Plains, New York
10601
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (914) 705-4000
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
___________________________________
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share
OPAL
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company    



If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.





Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

On May 18, 2026, OPAL Fuels LLC (the “Company”), a Delaware limited liability company and subsidiary of OPAL Fuels Inc., approved and adopted an Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series A-1 Preferred Units (the "A&R COD"), which amends and restates in its entirety that certain Certificate of Designations of Series A-1 Preferred Units of the Company, dated November 29, 2021 (the "Prior COD"). The A&R COD conforms the terms and conditions of the Company's Series A-1 Preferred Units to those of the Company’s Series A Preferred Units in accordance with the Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series A Preferred Units, which was approved and adopted by the Company on March 6, 2026, other than as described in the paragraph immediately below.

The A&R COD does not, however, provide holders of Series A-1 Preferred Units with any rights to appoint members to the board of directors of the Company, which rights are provided to holders of Series A Preferred Units under the Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series A Preferred Units.

Additionally, below is a description of certain of the terms of the A&R COD. The below description of the A&R COD is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the A&R COD, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.1 hereto. Terms that are capitalized, but not defined, shall have the meanings provided in the Prior COD and A&R COD, as applicable.

Dividend Rate and Payment-in-Kind Changes
The annual dividend rate on the Series A-1 Preferred Units has been increased from eight percent (8%) to twelve percent (12%) per annum, accruing daily and compounding quarterly (changed from monthly under the Prior COD). In addition, the payment-in-kind option has been restructured. Under the Prior COD, the Company could elect to pay all Series A-1 Mandatory Cumulative Dividends in kind on any of the first eight Dividend Payment Dates by issuing additional Series A-1 Preferred Units. Under the A&R COD, the Company may elect on any Dividend Payment Date to pay in kind only up to two percent (2%) per annum of the twelve percent (12%) per annum dividend rate, with the remaining ten percent (10%) per annum payable in cash.

Change of Control Definition
Under the A&R COD, the definition of “Change of Control” has been revised to occur when (a) (i) Fortistar LLC and its Affiliates and (ii) any Qualified Transferees, collectively, shall cease to own and Control, on a fully diluted basis, directly or indirectly, more than fifty and one tenth percent (50.1%) of the voting interest in the equity of, or otherwise control the management and operations of Parent; and (b) Fortistar LLC ceases to own and Control more than 50% of the direct or indirect voting interests of the equity of Parent held by it as of March 6, 2026.

Mandatory Redemption Triggers
Under the Prior COD, mandatory redemption could be requested (i) in connection with a Change of Control or (ii) on or after the four-year anniversary of the original exchange date (subject to certain conditions relating to the Series A Preferred Units). Under the A&R COD, holders may request mandatory redemption (i) upon a Change of Control, (ii) at any time on or following a Trigger Event that remains uncured for sixty (60) days, or (iii) at any time on or following the 5th Anniversary Date (i.e., the fifth anniversary of March 6, 2026).

Trigger Event and Penalty Rate
The A&R COD replaces the Prior COD's "Event of Default" provisions with a new "Trigger Event" framework. A Trigger Event occurs if (i) any material Indebtedness of the Company is accelerated by a lender, or (ii) the Company materially breaches its obligations to a holder under the A&R COD. Upon a Trigger Event, the Preferred Coupon increases at an additional rate of 0.50% per quarter (subject to a maximum of 4.00% per annum), accrued but unpaid cash distributions compound quarterly at the Preferred Coupon plus the Penalty Rate, and any Excess Cash Flow of the Company and its Subsidiaries must be applied to redeem the Series A-1 Preferred Units at the Redemption Price until the Trigger Event is cured.

Delayed Redemption Conversion Rights
Under the Prior COD, if Series A-1 Preferred Units subject to a Mandatory Redemption Request were not timely redeemed (a "Delayed Redemption"), the holders of such unredeemed units had the right to convert their Delayed Redemption Units into Common Units at a discounted Conversion Price. The A&R COD removes this conversion right. Instead, Delayed Redemption Units remain outstanding and entitled to all rights and preferences under the A&R COD, including the Trigger Event and Penalty Rate provisions described above.




Preemption and Conversion
The A&R COD provides that holders shall have no rights of preemption or rights to convert Series A-1 Preferred Units into units of any other class or series of the Company.

Additional Protective Provisions
The A&R COD includes revised and expanded protective provisions requiring the written consent or affirmative vote of the Requisite Holders for certain actions by the Company and its Subsidiaries, including, among other things, the incurrence of Indebtedness in excess of the applicable Incurrence Limitation, the issuance of Senior Units or Pari Passu Units, certain affiliate transactions, amendments to the Operating Agreement or the A&R COD that adversely affect holders' rights, and certain other actions. In addition, the A&R COD introduces "Triggered Protective Provisions" that become effective upon the 30th day following a Mandatory Redemption Request if the Company has failed to redeem the applicable Series A-1 Preferred Units, imposing additional restrictions on the issuance of equity securities and Indebtedness, the creation of liens, tax distributions, asset dispositions, and discretionary capital expenditures. The A&R COD also includes new provisions governing the refinancing of the Intermediate Loan, requiring Requisite Holders consent for certain actions relating to Paragon JV in connection with any such refinancing where the applicable credit rating is below B+ (or equivalent).

Redemption Price
Under the A&R COD, the Redemption Price means (A) on or prior to 1st Anniversary Date, a per Unit price equal to a MOIC of 1.15, inclusive of all accrued and unpaid dividends, (B) after the 1st Anniversary Date, but on or prior to the 2nd Anniversary Date, at per Unit price equal to 102% of the aggregate Original Issue Price, or (C) at any time after the 2nd Anniversary Date, at a per Unit price equal to the Base Amount.













Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit Number
Description
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Designations of Series A-1 Preferred Units of OPAL Fuels LLC, dated May 18, 2026
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File.






SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


Date: May 20, 2026
OPAL Fuels Inc.
By:
/s/ Kazi Hasan
Name:
Kazi Hasan
Title:
Chief Financial Officer

FAQ

How did OPAL (OPAL) change the dividend terms on its Series A-1 Preferred Units?

OPAL increased the Series A-1 Preferred annual dividend from 8% to 12%, now compounding quarterly. Under the new structure, only up to 2% per annum can be paid in kind, while the remaining 10% must be paid in cash on each dividend payment date.

What new Trigger Event provisions affect OPAL (OPAL) Series A-1 Preferred Units?

A Trigger Event occurs if material indebtedness is accelerated or OPAL materially breaches A&R COD obligations. When triggered, the preferred coupon steps up by 0.50% per quarter, capped at an extra 4% per year, and Excess Cash Flow must be applied to redeem Series A-1 units until cured.

How did OPAL (OPAL) revise mandatory redemption rights for Series A-1 Preferred Units?

Holders may now request mandatory redemption upon a Change of Control, after a Trigger Event that remains uncured for 60 days, or any time on or after the fifth anniversary of March 6, 2026. These expanded rights give preferred holders more structured exit and repayment options over time.

What happened to the delayed redemption conversion right for OPAL (OPAL) Series A-1 units?

Previously, unredeemed Series A-1 units in a delayed redemption could convert into common units at a discounted price. The A&R COD removes this conversion right; instead, those units remain outstanding with full rights, including higher coupon, Trigger Event mechanics, and penalty rate provisions.

How is the Redemption Price for OPAL (OPAL) Series A-1 Preferred Units defined now?

If redeemed on or before the first anniversary date, the price equals a MOIC of 1.15 including accrued dividends. After the first but on or before the second anniversary, it is 102% of the Original Issue Price; after the second anniversary, it equals the Base Amount per unit.

Do OPAL (OPAL) Series A-1 Preferred holders gain board appointment rights under the new terms?

No, the amended and restated certificate keeps board appointment rights with Series A Preferred holders only. Series A-1 Preferred Units are conformed to many Series A terms but explicitly do not receive any rights to appoint members to the company’s board of directors.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

4 documents