Month: December 2024

Release – LODE: Comstock Fuels Executes License Agreement with Gresham’s Eastern LTD

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on LODE

Bringing Renewable Fuel Production to Pakistan with Sustainable Biomass Refining Solutions

VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA, December 30, 2024 – Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced the execution of a binding agreement between Comstock Fuels Corporation (“Comstock Fuels”) and Gresham’s Eastern (Pvt) Ltd (“Gresham’s”), a leading sustainable energy engineering, equipment and construction company based in Pakistan, under which Comstock Fuels agreed to grant Gresham’s exclusive project and site development rights in Pakistan to enable Gresham’s to deploy Comstock Fuels’ proprietary and patented lignocellulosic biomass refining technologies to produce sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and other renewable fuels in Pakistan.

Global Market Impact

Gresham’s will develop an initial demonstration facility in Lahore, Pakistan, capable of processing 75,000 metric tons of biomass annually. This facility is designed to generate the prerequisite operational and economic data for scaling up to a 1,000,000 metric tons per year commercial facility, aligning with rapid global market demand for increased SAF production, thereby positioning Pakistan as an emerging leader in the renewable fuels sector. Gresham’s plans on utilizing abundant, locally available agricultural and forestry residuals, as well as sustainably grown energy crops, unlocking billions of dollars in export potential, becoming a leading contributor of Pakistan’s commitment to producing 60% renewable energy by 2030.

Mian Suhall Husain, CEO of Gresham’s, commented, “This partnership exemplifies Gresham’s commitment to deploying both quality systems and cutting-edge technologies for truly sustainable energy solutions in Pakistan. We are on the doorstep of a globally significant opportunity where our combined competencies can create wealth for nations and communities alike.”  

Under the agreement, Gresham’s will lead the development, financing, construction, and management of renewable fuel production facilities based on Comstock Fuels’ proprietary Bioleum refining technologies. Each Bioleum Refinery will operate under a site-specific license agreement to ensure compliance with Comstock Fuels’ performance and quality standards. Comstock Fuels will contribute site specific technology rights in exchange for a 20% equity stake in each Bioleum Refinery, plus a royalty fee equal to 6% of each refinery’s sales of licensed products, and engineering fees equal to 6% of total capital and construction costs.

The inclusion of cellulosic ethanol production using Comstock Fuels’ advanced lignocellulosic refining process adds significant value to Pakistan’s existing renewable energy sector, where most of the domestically produced ethanol is exported. This process positions the partnership to capitalize on the country’s widely available agricultural residue biomass, currently representing over 100 million metric tons annually, enabling a sustainable, societal and economically impactful use for these resources. That amount of feedstock has the potential to yield upwards of 14 billion gallons of renewable fuels per year at Comstock Fuels’ proven yields exceeding about 140 gallons per dry metric ton of biomass (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis, or “GGE”).

Wide Open Market Hidden in Plain Sight

Pakistan’s abundance of renewable biomass resources provides an ideal foundation for developing a robust renewable fuel production ecosystem. The Gresham’s projects will prioritize fulfilling regional demand while targeting export markets across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The combination of Gresham’s engineering, equipment fabrication, construction and extensive quality-systems operating and supply chain network, positions for strong market leadership. 

“Mian’s extraordinary track record and commitment to both quality systems and societal impact align perfectly with Comstock’s mission and approach,” stated David Winsness, President of Comstock Fuels. “Gresham has positioned itself as a leading integrator in Pakistan’s economic development and sustainable energy goals. We believe this partnership will be transformative to Pakistan’s leadership in SAF and renewable fuel production and showcases the quality and speed of the global adoption of our industry-leading solution. We are excited to get started in Lahore and well beyond.”

About Gresham’s Eastern (Pvt) Ltd. 

For the better part of six decades, Gresham’s name has been synonymous with Quality and Innovation. Today, Pakistan-based Gresham’s is a premier project developer, engineering, equipment fabricator and construction company focused on deploying technology-leading, sustainable energy solutions and initiatives across Pakistan. To learn more, visit www.gel1947.com.

About Comstock Fuels Corporation

Comstock Fuels delivers advanced lignocellulosic biomass refining solutions that set industry benchmarks for production of cellulosic ethanol, gasoline, renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), and other renewable fuels, with extremely low carbon intensity scores of 15 and market-leading yields of up to 140 gallons per dry metric ton of feedstock (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis, or “GGE”), depending on feedstock, lignin content, site conditions, and other process parameters. Comstock Fuels plans to directly build, own, and operate a network of Bioleum Refineries in the U.S. to refine 50 million tons of biomass annually into 8 billion gallons of renewable fuel by 2035, corresponding to 50% of the U.S. renewable fuel mandate. Comstock Fuels is currently evaluating several U.S. sites for construction of its Demonstration Scale Facility to validate its fully integrated process at 75,000 tons per year, paving the way for rapid full-scale commercialization. Comstock Fuels also licenses its advanced refining solutions to third parties for additional production in the U.S. and global markets, including several recently announced and other pending projects. To learn more, please visit www.comstockfuels.com. 

About Comstock Inc.

Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) innovates and commercializes technologies that are deployable across entire industries to contribute to global decarbonization and the clean energy transition by efficiently extracting and converting under-utilized natural resources, such as waste and other forms of woody biomass into renewable fuels, and end-of-life electronics into recovered electrification metals. Comstock’s innovations group is also developing and using artificial intelligence technologies for advanced materials development and mineral discovery for sustainable mining. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc. 

Comstock Social Media Policy

Comstock Inc. has used, and intends to continue using, its investor relations link and main website at www.comstock.inc in addition to its Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts, as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

Contacts

For investor inquiries:
RB Milestone Group LLC
Tel (203) 487-2759
ir@comstockinc.com

For media inquiries or questions:
Comstock Inc., Tracy Saville
Tel (775) 847-7532
media@comstockinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future market conditions; future explorations or acquisitions; future changes in our research, development and exploration activities; future financial, natural, and social gains; future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products and services; land entitlements and uses; permits; production capacity and operations; operating and overhead costs; future capital expenditures and their impact on us; operational and management changes (including changes in the Board of Directors); changes in business strategies, planning and tactics; future employment and contributions of personnel, including consultants; future land and asset sales; investments, acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, operational, tax, financial and restructuring initiatives, including the nature, timing and accounting for restructuring charges, derivative assets and liabilities and the impact thereof; contingencies; litigation, administrative or arbitration proceedings; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; offerings, limitations on sales or offering of equity or debt securities, including asset sales and associated costs; business opportunities, growth rates, future working capital, needs, revenues, variable costs, throughput rates, operating expenses, debt levels, cash flows, margins, taxes and earnings. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control and could cause actual results, developments, and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in our filings with the SEC and the following: adverse effects of climate changes or natural disasters; adverse effects of global or regional pandemic disease spread or other crises; global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, and lithium, nickel and cobalt recycling, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, metal recycling, processing or mining activities; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with precious and other metal based activities, including environmentally friendly and economically enhancing clean mining and processing technologies, precious metal exploration, resource development, economic feasibility assessment and cash generating mineral production; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with metal recycling, processing or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from our stock issuances, recapitalization and balance sheet restructuring activities; potential inability to comply with applicable government regulations or law; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting constraints or delays; challenges to, or potential inability to, achieve the benefits of business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us, including those involving battery technology and efficacy, quantum computing and generative artificial intelligence supported advanced materials development, development of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and related material production; commercialization of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and generative artificial intelligence development services; ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, asset sales, and investments that we may be party to in the future; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to capital constraints; equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, lithium, nickel, cobalt, cyanide, water, diesel, gasoline and alternative fuels and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; adverse effects of war, mass shooting, terrorism and geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment and raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to satisfy debt and lease obligations; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission; potential inability to list our securities on any securities exchange or market or maintain the listing of our securities; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation with respect to any securities of the Company, the fund, or any other issuer.

Release – Bit Digital, Inc. Executes MSA for 576 H200 GPU Deal with DNA AI Compute Fund

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on BTBT

NEW YORK, December 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”), a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York, announced today that it has executed an MSA with a new client, an AI Compute Fund managed by DNA Holdings Venture Inc., which provides for 576 Nvidia H200 GPUs over a two-year term. The contract represents an aggregate revenue opportunity of approximately $20.2 million for Bit Digital and is expected to commence in February 2025.

This announcement builds on the term sheet previously signed and disclosed on November 20, 2024. Under the terms of the deal, Bit Digital will supply the customer with 72 H200 servers (576 GPUs) for an initial two-year term. Bit Digital will fulfill the contract with GPUs that are currently on order and awaiting delivery to a third-party data center in Iceland. Earlier this month, Bit Digital placed a purchase order for 130 H200 servers (1,040 GPUs) for approximately $30 million. The Company anticipates deploying the remainder of those GPUs to separate customer contracts.

Sam Tabar, Bit Digital’s CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to formalize our partnership with DNA Fund. This strategic collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions tailored to our clients’ evolving needs.

This contract is a meaningful step toward achieving our long-term growth objectives. While we now expect to reach our $100MM annualized revenue run-rate goal for our HPC business in early 2025, this timeline reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize high-quality revenue opportunities and disciplined capital management. As we navigate a significant chip upgrade cycle, we have been selective about the deals we pursue, focusing on the right customers, favorable terms, and pricing. This approach enables us to mitigate residual value risk while maintaining the financial flexibility needed to support our data center expansion and next-generation GPU investments.

With a robust balance sheet and a strong pipeline of opportunities, we remain confident in our ability to achieve sustained growth and strengthen our leadership position in the HPC market.”

About DNA Fund

DNA Holdings Venture Inc. aims to spearhead the next wave of financial innovation by seamlessly integrating Web 3, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and capital markets. DNA’s mission is to create a financial ecosystem that delivers cutting-edge fund management, strategic advisory services, and visionary financial solutions. By leading this technological and financial convergence, DNA Holdings empowers emerging brands to architect the future of finance, transforming the global economy and reshaping the world of capital markets. For additional information please contact investors@dna.fund or www.dna.fund.  For information on investing in DNA Funds please visit DNADealDesk.com

About Bit Digital

Bit Digital, Inc. is a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York City. Our bitcoin mining operations are located in the US, Canada, and Iceland. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or visit our website at www.bit-digital.com.

Investor Notice 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“Annual Report”). Notwithstanding the fact that Bit Digital Inc. has not conducted operations in the PRC since September 30, 2021 we have previously disclosed under Risk Factors in our Annual Report: “We may be subject to fines and penalties for any noncompliance with or any liabilities in our former business in China in a certain period from now on.” Although the statute of limitations for non-compliance by our former business in the PRC is generally two years and the Company has been out of the PRC, for more than two years, the Authority may still find its prior bitcoin mining operations involved a threat to financial security. In such event, the two-year period would be extended to five years. If any material risk was to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. Future changes in the network-wide mining difficulty rate or bitcoin hash rate may also materially affect the future performance of Bit Digital’s production of bitcoin. Actual operating results will vary depending on many factors including network difficulty rate, total hash rate of the network, the operations of our facilities, the status of our miners, and other factors. See “Safe Harbor Statement” below.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Bit Digital, Inc., and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Release – Cocrystal Pharma to Extend Phase 2a Influenza Challenge Study with Oral PB2 inhibitor CC-42344

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on COCP

December 31, 2024

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  • Data support favorable safety and tolerability profile with no serious adverse events (SAEs) or study-related drug discontinuations
  • Enrollment to be extended due to low influenza infection among challenged participants; virology results are uninterpretable

BOTHELL, Wash., Dec. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: COCP) (“Cocrystal” or the “Company”) announces plans to extend enrollment in the Phase 2a human challenge study with its investigational, broad-spectrum, oral influenza PB2 inhibitor CDI-42344 due to unexpectedly low influenza infection among study participants who were challenged with a H3N2 viral strain. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2a study is evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), antiviral activity and clinical measurements of CC-42344 at a single site in the United Kingdom.

CC-42344 is a drug candidate in development as an oral treatment for pandemic avian and seasonal influenza A infections. In December 2023, Cocrystal Pharma announced enrollment of the first patient in this study and in May 2024, the Company announced full enrollment of 78 subjects.

“While CC-42344 showed a favorable safety and tolerability profile, we’re disappointed by the low infectivity rate of the challenge influenza strain used in this study. The establishment of robust influenza infection in healthy, uninfected study subjects is critical to determine clinical endpoints for evaluating antiviral molecules. The low infectivity obtained in this study hindered antiviral data analysis,” said Sam Lee, Ph.D., Cocrystal’s President and co-CEO.

“We remain optimistic about CC-42344 due to its unique mechanism of action with a high barrier to developing resistance, which could render it a best-in-class antiviral treatment for pandemic and seasonal influenza infections. We are also encouraged by CC-42344’s favorable safety and tolerability profile from the Phase 2a study to date, with no SAEs and no drug-related discontinuations by study participants.

“We are working with the clinical research organization to prepare a protocol amendment for approval by the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in order to extend enrollment in this study, and to ensure necessary infection rates among enrolled study subjects,” he added.

About CC-42344

CC-42344 is a new class of antiviral treatment designed to effectively block an essential step in the viral replication and transcription of pandemic and seasonal influenza A and was discovered using the Company’s proprietary structure-based drug discovery platform technology. CC-42344 showed excellent in vitro antiviral activity against pandemic and seasonal influenza A strains, as well as strains that are resistant to Tamiflu® and Xofluza®. In late 2022, Cocrystal reported favorable safety and tolerability results from a Phase 1 study in healthy subjects conducted in Australia. The Company initiated the Phase 2a human challenge study in December 2024 following authorization from the MHRA. In June 2024, the Company reported in vitro studies demonstrating that CC-42344 inhibited the activity of the PB2 protein in the new highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) PB2 protein recently identified in humans.

About Influenza A

Influenza is a major global health threat that may become more challenging to treat due to the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and resistance to approved influenza antivirals. Each year there are approximately 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza worldwide, 3-5 million severe illnesses and up to 650,000 deaths. On average, about 8% of the U.S. population contracts influenza each season. In addition to the health risk, influenza is responsible for an estimated $11.2 billion in direct and indirect costs in the U.S. annually.

Structure-Based Platform Technology

Cocrystal’s proprietary structural biology, along with its expertise in enzymology and medicinal chemistry, enable its development of novel antiviral agents. The Company’s platform provides a three-dimensional structure of inhibitor complexes at near-atomic resolution, providing immediate insight to guide Structure Activity Relationships. This helps to identify novel binding sites and allows for a rapid turnaround of structural information through highly automated X-ray data processing and refinement. The goal of this technology is to facilitate the development of best-in-class antiviral therapies that have fast onset of action and/or shortened treatment time, are safe, well tolerated and easy to administer, are effective against all viral subtypes that cause disease and have a high barrier to viral resistance.

About Cocrystal Pharma, Inc.

Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), noroviruses and hepatitis C viruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the extension of enrollments, regulatory approval and achieving the necessary infection rate. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events. Some or all of the events anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to our ability to obtain regulatory authority for and proceed with clinical trials including the recruiting of volunteers for such studies by our clinical research organizations and vendors, the results of such studies, our collaboration partners’ technology and software performing as expected, general risks arising from clinical studies, receipt of regulatory approvals, regulatory changes, and potential development of effective treatments and/or vaccines by competitors, including as part of the programs financed by the U.S. government, and potential mutations in a virus we are targeting that may result in variants that are resistant to a product candidate we develop. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Investor Contact:
Alliance Advisors IR
Jody Cain
310-691-7100
jcain@allianceadvisors.com

Media Contact:
JQA Partners
Jules Abraham
917-885-7378
Jabraham@jqapartners.com

Chinese Hackers Breach U.S. Treasury in Major Cybersecurity Incident

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Chinese state-sponsored hackers accessed Treasury desktops via compromised third-party software.
– Multi-agency efforts are underway to assess the breach and mitigate its impact.
– The incident underscores the urgent need for strengthened cybersecurity in federal agencies.

The U.S. Treasury Department has confirmed a major cybersecurity breach attributed to a state-sponsored Chinese hacking group. The attack leveraged vulnerabilities in third-party software, BeyondTrust, enabling unauthorized access to the desktop computers of Treasury employees and compromising unclassified documents. Treasury officials, along with federal agencies, are actively investigating the incident to assess its full impact and prevent future breaches.

The breach was first reported to the Treasury Department on December 8, when BeyondTrust informed the department that the hackers had exploited a cryptographic key securing a cloud-based service used for remote technical support. This unauthorized access allowed the attackers to bypass security protocols and infiltrate user workstations within the Treasury’s Departmental Offices.

In a letter addressed to Senators Sherrod Brown and Tim Scott, Aditi Hardikar, Assistant Secretary for Management at the Treasury Department, outlined the timeline and scope of the breach. While the accessed information was unclassified, the incident has raised alarms about vulnerabilities in government cybersecurity measures, especially given the sensitive nature of Treasury operations.

China has denied the allegations, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning asserting that the claims are politically motivated and lack evidence. “China consistently opposes all forms of hacking and is firmly against the spread of false information targeting China for political purposes,” Ning stated during a press briefing.

The Treasury Department is collaborating with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, and other intelligence agencies to evaluate the breach. Third-party forensic investigators are also involved in determining the overall impact and addressing potential vulnerabilities. According to Treasury officials, the compromised BeyondTrust service has been deactivated, and there is no evidence that the attackers retain access to Treasury systems or data.

This incident highlights the persistent threat of cyberattacks targeting government agencies. Over the past four years, the Treasury Department has enhanced its cybersecurity defenses, yet this breach underscores the evolving tactics of state-sponsored hackers. Treasury officials emphasized their commitment to working with public and private sector partners to safeguard critical financial infrastructure from cyber threats.

The breach has also reignited discussions on the broader implications of state-sponsored cyber activities and the need for robust international cooperation to address such threats. In response to the incident, the Treasury Department has pledged to release a supplemental report within 30 days, providing additional details on the breach and steps taken to mitigate future risks.

As cybersecurity threats become increasingly sophisticated, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of securing digital systems in both public and private sectors. The U.S. government’s response to this breach will likely influence ongoing efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity protocols and protect sensitive data from malicious actors.

Bit Digital (BTBT) – A Tier-3 Data Center Site Acquired

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

New Site. Yesterday, Bit Digital announced the acquisition of real estate and a building for a “build-to-suit” 5MW Tier-3 data center in Montreal, Canada. The 160,000 square feet site was purchased for CAD $33.5 million (or $23.3 million assuming a CAD/USD exchange rate of 0.70) and closed on December 27, 2024. The Company funded the purchase with cash on hand and is in the process of securing mortgage financing for the site acquisition and subsequent infrastructure capex. A new customer is expected to fill the capacity with new-generation Nvidia GPUs.

Building the Site Up. Bit Digital expects to spend roughly CAD $27.6 million (or $19.3 million) to develop the site to meet Tier-3 standards. The initial gross load for the site is at 5MW, which has the potential to expand, allowing scalability by market demand. In our view, the potential allows for the expansion of an owned site with an average cost per MW of $8 million, below market rates. Development is expected to be completed and operational by May 2025.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Comstock (LODE) – Comstock Plants a Flag in Pakistan

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

License agreement with Gresham’s Eastern Ltd. Comstock Inc. announced the execution of an agreement between Comstock Fuels and Gresham’s Eastern (Pvt) Ltd., a sustainable energy engineering, equipment, and construction company based in Pakistan, pursuant to which Comstock Fuels will grant Gresham’s exclusive project and site development rights in Pakistan. The agreement will allow Gresham’s to utilize Comstock Fuels’ proprietary and patented lignocellulosic biomass refining technologies to produce sustainable aviation fuel and other renewable fuels in Pakistan.

Demonstration facility in Pakistan. Gresham’s will lead the development, financing, construction, and management of renewable fuel production facilities based on Comstock Fuel’s proprietary Bioleum refining technologies. Gresham’s will develop an initial demonstration facility in Lahore, Pakistan capable of processing 75,000 metric tons of biomass annually with the potential to scale up to a 1,000,000 metric ton per year facility. Site-specific license agreements associated with each Bioleum refinery will help ensure compliance with Comstock Fuels’ performance and quality standards.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – Bit Digital, Inc. Acquires Another Metropolitan Site for Tier-3 Data Center Expansion

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on BTBT

NEW YORK, December 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”), a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York, announced today that is has acquired the real estate and building for a build-to-suit 5MW Tier-3 data center expansion project in Montreal, Canada. This acquisition is part of Bit Digital’s strategy to expand its HPC data center footprint to 32MW during 2025. This site also comprises part of Bit Digital’s 288MW proprietary pipeline announced earlier this year.

Bit Digital purchased the site (“MTL2”) for CAD $33.5 million (approximately USD $23.3MM assuming a CAD/USD exchange rate of 0.70) excluding fees. The acquisition closed on December 27, 2024. Bit Digital initially funded the purchase with cash on hand and is in the process of securing mortgage financing for both the site acquisition and subsequent infrastructure capex.

The Company expects to spend approximately CAD $27.6 million (approx. USD $19.3MM) to develop the site to Tier-3 standards with an initial gross load of 5MW. The site is expected to be completed and operational by May 2025.

MTL2, a 160,000 square feet site that was previously used as an encapsulation manufacturing facility, is located in Pointe-Claire, QC. Bit Digital plans to retrofit the site with advanced cooling technology, including direct-to-chip liquid cooling, which enhances energy efficiency and supports AI and other high-performance workloads with 150kW rack density. The Company is collaborating with third parties to implement a heat reject loop to further enhance the sustainability profile of the datacenter. The facility will be powered by 100% renewable hydroelectricity provided by Hydro-Quebec. Additionally, the site offers the potential to expand, enabling scalable growth aligned with market demand.

Sam Tabar, Bit Digital’s CEO, commented: “This site acquisition marks an important step forward in our data center growth plans. This site is a Class A industrial property that was a former encapsulation manufacturing facility that included premium infrastructure specifications. It is located in one of the most desirable commercial real estate locations in Montreal. By leveraging the existing infrastructure, including over CAD $750 thousand worth of advanced HVAC equipment included in the purchase, we are able to lower our development costs and accelerate our time to market – a key advantage and core tenet of our development strategy. The development timeline aligns with the demands of a new customer that intends to fill the capacity with new generation Nvidia GPUs.

We are in the process of securing cost-effective mortgage financing for this project which we intend to announce upon finalization. We believe this will ultimately showcase Bit Digital’s ability to cost-effectively finance its data center buildout in a non-dilutive manner.”

About Bit Digital

Bit Digital, Inc. is a global platform for high-performance computing (“HPC”) infrastructure and digital asset production headquartered in New York City. Our bitcoin mining operations are located in the US, Canada, and Iceland. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or visit our website at www.bit-digital.com.

Investor Notice 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under “Risk Factors” in Item 3.D of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (“Annual Report”). Notwithstanding the fact that Bit Digital Inc. has not conducted operations in the PRC since September 30, 2021 we have previously disclosed under Risk Factors in our Annual Report: “We may be subject to fines and penalties for any noncompliance with or any liabilities in our former business in China in a certain period from now on.” Although the statute of limitations for non-compliance by our former business in the PRC is generally two years and the Company has been out of the PRC, for more than two years, the Authority may still find its prior bitcoin mining operations involved a threat to financial security. In such event, the two-year period would be extended to five years. If any material risk was to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. Future changes in the network-wide mining difficulty rate or bitcoin hash rate may also materially affect the future performance of Bit Digital’s production of bitcoin. Actual operating results will vary depending on many factors including network difficulty rate, total hash rate of the network, the operations of our facilities, the status of our miners, and other factors. See “Safe Harbor Statement” below.

Safe Harbor Statement 

This press release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” relating to the business of Bit Digital, Inc., and its subsidiary companies. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” or similar expressions, involving known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Release – V2X Awarded $170 Million Contract to Support DEA’s Mission in Combating Drug Trafficking and Enhancing National Security

Posted on by dburczyk@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Research News and Market Data on VVX

RESTON, Va., Dec. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — V2X, Inc. (NYSE: VVX) is proud to announce the award of a $170 million contract to continue its critical support of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) fleet of over 100 aircraft. This award reinforces V2X’s commitment to enabling the DEA’s vital mission against the war on drugs and protecting national security.

“V2X has consistently demonstrated a complete understanding of the DEA’s mission, and the flexibility required to support its special mission aircraft and pilot development,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and CEO of V2X. “This award reflects the trust placed in our team to deliver high-impact solutions that empower the DEA to combat drug trafficking and safeguard national security.”

V2X has been steadfast in supporting this vital mission since 1997 and this five-year contract will ensure continued operational readiness for the DEA’s aircraft fleet. V2X remains dedicated to advancing national security by leveraging its decades of experience and innovative solutions to support critical missions.

About V2X
V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.

Media Contact
Angelica Spanos Deoudes 
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com 
571-338-5195

Investor Contact
Mike Smith, CFA 
Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations 
IR@goV2X.com 
719-637-5773

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SOURCE V2X, Inc.

Jimmy Carter’s Energy Legacy: A Lasting Impact on Solar, Fracking, and Conservation

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Jimmy Carter’s presidency spurred advancements in solar energy and laid groundwork for fracking.
– His energy policies balanced environmentalism with fossil fuel development.
– Conservation efforts during his term highlighted the importance of efficiency in energy consumption.

Jimmy Carter’s presidency left an indelible mark on the U.S. energy landscape, bridging the divide between renewable energy innovation and fossil fuel expansion. While widely celebrated for his environmental foresight, Carter’s policies also propelled the development of oil and natural gas sectors. His multifaceted energy strategy continues to shape America’s approach to energy production and conservation.

Carter’s commitment to renewable energy emerged early in his presidency. Declaring the energy crisis the “moral equivalent of war,” he initiated policies to promote clean energy. Notable milestones included the installation of solar panels on the White House in 1979 and the passage of the National Energy Act of 1978 and the Energy Security Act of 1980. These laws incentivized solar energy, wind power, and non-fossil fuel usage, while establishing the Department of Energy as a key player in energy innovation.

His genuine environmentalism, rooted in his experience as a farmer, extended beyond renewable energy. Carter’s conservation efforts protected over 150 million acres of Alaskan wilderness while also encouraging efficiency in energy consumption nationwide. These actions, coupled with his appointment of climate advocates to federal agencies, underscored his commitment to sustainability.

Despite his green reputation, Carter’s policies also favored fossil fuel development. In response to the twin oil crises of the 1970s, he adopted an “all of the above” energy strategy. This included deregulating natural gas prices, a move that later catalyzed the fracking boom. His administration’s support for increased coal production and crude oil drilling reflected the urgency of reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, cutting imports by half between 1979 and 1983.

Carter’s nuanced approach also extended to Alaska. While protecting vast swaths of land, he signed legislation permitting limited drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, igniting a decades-long debate over resource extraction in the region.

Carter’s emphasis on conservation set him apart from other leaders. His televised appeal to Americans to lower thermostats and adopt energy-saving measures became iconic, symbolized by his signature cardigan sweater. However, these calls for personal sacrifice faced ridicule and dwindled after his term. Conservation—a cornerstone of his energy policy—was reframed as “efficiency” in subsequent administrations, diminishing its prominence in national discourse.

Despite these challenges, Carter’s conservation initiatives yielded measurable success. The reduction in oil imports during his tenure was driven by widespread adoption of energy-saving practices, a testament to the effectiveness of his vision.

Jimmy Carter’s farewell address in 1981 acknowledged the enduring energy challenges facing the nation. His prediction of continued competition for scarce resources remains relevant today. Carter’s energy policies, balancing environmental stewardship with practical fossil fuel use, provide a blueprint for addressing modern energy needs while fostering innovation and sustainability.

Commercial Vehicle Group (CVGI) – CVG Amends its Credit Agreement

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Monday, December 30, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

New Amendment. As CVG continues to implement strategic portfolio actions, including paying down debt to create a more streamlined, lower cost entity, the Company amended its credit agreement. In the amendment, CVG’s existing term loan facility is reduced to $85 million from $175 million, while the revolving credit facility is reduced to $125 million from $150 million. At the end of September, CVG had approximately $115 million outstanding under the term loan and $14 million outstanding under the revolver. The maturity date of the credit facilities remains May 12, 2027.

Rate Changes. The new amendment altered the rate and leverage table. If the leverage ratio is 4:1 or above, the maximum SOFR loan rate is now at SOFR +3.25%, and the base rate loan is now at base rate +2.25%. Previously, the maximum rates of  SOFR +2.75% and base +1.75% were hit at a leverage ratio of 3.5:1.


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Nvidia Finalizes $700 Million Acquisition of AI Firm Run:ai

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Nvidia’s $700 million acquisition of Run:ai was approved by the European Commission after addressing antitrust concerns.
– Run:ai plans to open-source its AI optimization software, expanding its use beyond Nvidia GPUs.
– The deal strengthens Nvidia’s position as a leader in AI technologies amid growing regulatory scrutiny.

Nvidia’s recent acquisition of Israeli AI firm Run:ai marks a significant milestone in the tech industry. The $700 million deal, finalized after regulatory scrutiny, underscores Nvidia’s strategic focus on AI infrastructure optimization. Run:ai, known for its innovative solutions in AI development, is set to amplify Nvidia’s dominance in the AI graphics processing unit (GPU) market.

The acquisition, announced in April, faced hurdles from regulatory authorities on both sides of the Atlantic. The European Commission granted unconditional approval earlier this month, following an investigation into potential antitrust concerns. Regulators initially expressed fears that the deal might stifle competition in markets where Nvidia and Run:ai operate. Nvidia, which commands approximately 80% of the market share for AI GPUs, has long been a pivotal player in the sector. However, the Commission concluded that the acquisition would not harm competition, allowing the deal to proceed.

Run:ai specializes in software that helps developers optimize AI infrastructure, making it an appealing addition to Nvidia’s portfolio. In a blog post following the acquisition, Run:ai announced plans to make its software open-source. While the software currently supports only Nvidia GPUs, the open-sourcing initiative aims to broaden its reach to the entire AI ecosystem. This move aligns with Nvidia’s vision of fostering innovation while addressing concerns about market dominance.

The U.S. Department of Justice is also scrutinizing the acquisition on antitrust grounds, reflecting a broader trend of heightened regulatory oversight of tech giants. In August, reports surfaced that the Department of Justice had launched a probe into the deal, focusing on its potential implications for competition. This increased scrutiny comes amid growing concerns that large tech companies may use acquisitions to eliminate potential rivals, thereby consolidating their market power.

Despite these challenges, the acquisition reflects Nvidia’s commitment to advancing AI technologies and infrastructure. The company’s GPUs are integral to AI-linked tasks, powering innovations across industries from healthcare to autonomous vehicles. By integrating Run:ai’s expertise, Nvidia aims to enhance its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its customers.

The deal also highlights the dynamic nature of the AI market, where rapid advancements necessitate strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Run:ai’s capabilities in optimizing AI workloads complement Nvidia’s hardware dominance, creating synergies that could accelerate progress in the field. As the demand for AI applications continues to grow, Nvidia’s strategic investments position it to remain at the forefront of the industry.

Regulatory scrutiny of tech acquisitions has intensified in recent years, with authorities seeking to prevent market monopolization. Nvidia’s successful navigation of these challenges in the Run:ai deal demonstrates its ability to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape. The European Commission’s approval, in particular, sets a precedent for future acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluations to balance innovation with fair competition.

Nvidia’s acquisition of Run:ai signifies more than just an expansion of its capabilities; it represents a pivotal moment in the AI sector. By addressing regulatory concerns and committing to open-source initiatives, Nvidia is shaping the future of AI development. This acquisition not only solidifies Nvidia’s leadership in the AI GPU market but also reinforces its role as a catalyst for innovation in a rapidly evolving industry.

Credit Card Debt Hits Record Levels Amid Holiday Spending Surge

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– U.S. holiday spending in 2024 is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion, driven by wage growth and consumer demand.
– Over one-third of Americans incurred debt this holiday season, with an average balance of $1,181.
– Credit card interest rates remain above 20%, making it crucial to pay off balances quickly to avoid long-term financial strain.

As the holiday season winds down, American consumers are grappling with the financial aftermath of record-breaking spending. Fueled by strong consumer demand and elevated prices, holiday expenditures are set to reach historic levels. However, this surge in spending has coincided with a sharp rise in credit card debt, painting a mixed picture of financial resilience and vulnerability.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), U.S. holiday spending for the 2024 season is projected to hit between $979.5 billion and $989 billion. These numbers reflect robust consumer activity from November 1 through December 31, buoyed by wage growth, modest inflation, and healthy household balance sheets.

Jack Kleinhenz, the NRF’s chief economist, commented that these factors have “led to solid holiday spending.” Despite economic uncertainties, consumers have shown remarkable willingness to shop for gifts, experiences, and celebrations.

This holiday season, however, many Americans have leaned heavily on credit cards to fund their purchases. A LendingTree survey revealed that 36% of shoppers took on debt during the season, with the average amount owed climbing to $1,181, up from $1,028 last year.

Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree, pointed to inflation as a key driver behind this trend, saying, “Prices are still really high, and that means lots of Americans simply didn’t have any choice.” For many, the combination of rising costs and the desire to maintain holiday traditions has outweighed concerns about accumulating debt.

Even before the holiday shopping frenzy, credit card debt in the U.S. was at an all-time high. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows that balances were 8.1% higher year-over-year heading into the season. Compounding this issue, a NerdWallet report found that 28% of consumers had not fully paid off the credit card debt incurred during last year’s holiday season.

While some see increased spending as a sign of consumer confidence, the costs associated with credit card borrowing remain a significant concern. Interest rates on credit cards now average more than 20%, with some retail card rates climbing even higher.

For those unable to pay off their balances quickly, the financial repercussions can be steep. LendingTree’s survey indicated that 21% of those with holiday debt expect it to take five months or longer to pay off. This extended timeline can lead to ballooning interest charges, diminishing consumers’ ability to save or meet other financial goals.

Schulz warns, “High-interest debt means less money to put towards building an emergency fund, saving for college, or even covering basic expenses. In extreme cases, it can lead to financial insecurity.”

As the new year approaches, financial experts urge consumers to prioritize paying down holiday debt as quickly as possible. Strategies such as creating a repayment plan, consolidating debt, or transferring balances to a lower-interest option can help mitigate the impact of high interest rates.

While the 2024 holiday season may have been a record-setter in terms of spending, its legacy will likely serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying too heavily on credit in an era of rising costs.

Amedisys and UnitedHealth Extend Deadline for $3.3 Billion Merger Amid Regulatory Challenges

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Amedisys and UnitedHealth extended the merger deadline to Dec. 31, 2025, or 10 days after a court ruling, amid DOJ and state regulatory challenges.
– The agreement includes a breakup fee ranging from $275 million to $325 million if certain divestitures are not completed by May 1, 2025.
– Amedisys shares rose by over 4% following the extension announcement, reflecting investor optimism.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) and Amedisys (AMED) have announced an extension of the deadline to finalize their $3.3 billion merger as regulatory hurdles persist. Initially set for completion this week, the merger now faces delays as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and state regulators challenge its potential market implications.

The DOJ and multiple state regulators have raised concerns over the merger, citing its potential to give UnitedHealth disproportionate control in the home health and hospice care market. This market is a critical component of the healthcare sector, providing essential services to aging populations and those requiring specialized care. Regulators argue that the deal could stifle competition, leading to higher costs and reduced innovation.

The case is currently under review in a Maryland federal court, where a judge will decide whether the merger can proceed. UnitedHealth and Amedisys have committed to addressing these concerns, emphasizing the potential benefits of the merger, including improved service delivery and expanded care options.

In a regulatory filing on Friday, Amedisys disclosed that both companies waived their right to terminate the merger agreement until Dec. 31, 2025, or the 10th business day following the court’s final ruling, whichever comes first. This extension reflects the companies’ confidence in resolving the legal challenges and underscores their commitment to completing the transaction.

To mitigate antitrust concerns, the companies have agreed to a regulatory breakup fee. If the deal falls apart, Amedisys could be entitled to $275 million, increasing to $325 million if the firms fail to divest specific assets by May 1, 2025. These provisions highlight the high stakes of the merger and the potential financial consequences of a failed agreement.

News of the extended deadline brought a positive response from investors, with Amedisys shares rising by over 4% in early trading on Friday. The surge reflects market optimism about the companies’ ability to navigate the legal landscape. Conversely, UnitedHealth shares saw minimal change, reflecting the market’s cautious outlook on the prolonged regulatory process.

The merger, announced in June 2023, represents a strategic move for both companies. Amedisys specializes in home health and hospice care, and its integration into UnitedHealth’s portfolio would significantly enhance the latter’s healthcare offerings. Despite the challenges, both firms remain steadfast in their commitment to completing the transaction and addressing regulatory concerns.

The federal court’s ruling will be pivotal in determining the merger’s future. If approved, the deal could reshape the home healthcare landscape, introducing new efficiencies and expanded services. However, failure to secure approval could force both companies to reevaluate their strategies.