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Stocks Climb Toward Records as Retail Strength and Earnings Drive Optimism

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– S&P 500 and Nasdaq near record highs as strong June retail sales and jobless claims data signal economic resilience.
– Tech sector leads gains, boosted by TSMC’s record earnings and rising AI-related demand.
– Investors look past political noise, focusing instead on steady consumer activity and strong corporate performance.

U.S. stock markets continued their upward momentum on Thursday, with major indexes climbing toward record highs as upbeat economic data and solid corporate earnings supported investor sentiment. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite were both on track to close at fresh all-time highs, bolstered by renewed strength in technology stocks and encouraging signals from consumers and the labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted modest gains, contributing to a broadly positive tone across equities.

Retail sales rose in June, easing concerns that recently imposed tariffs by President Donald Trump would dampen consumer spending. The rebound in sales provided reassurance that household demand remains resilient, even amid ongoing trade policy uncertainty. The data served as a key indicator of economic stability, reinforcing the notion that U.S. consumers—who drive a significant portion of economic activity—remain active despite geopolitical and financial headwinds.

At the same time, the Department of Labor reported that weekly jobless claims fell to 221,000 in the week ending July 12, the lowest in three months. After an uptick in claims earlier this spring, the recent decline suggests that the labor market remains relatively strong. The drop in new unemployment filings adds to growing optimism that the broader economy is on stable footing heading into the second half of the year.

Corporate earnings also played a major role in Thursday’s market momentum. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a key supplier to Nvidia and other major chipmakers, posted record quarterly profits, citing strong demand for artificial intelligence-related components. The announcement sent TSMC shares higher and sparked a rally among semiconductor stocks, further fueling the tech-heavy Nasdaq’s gains. Meanwhile, PepsiCo surprised investors with a revenue beat and revised its 2025 profit forecast to a smaller decline, suggesting stronger-than-expected consumer demand in the beverage and snack sectors.

Attention also turned to Netflix, which was scheduled to report earnings after the market close. As the first of the Big Tech companies to release quarterly results this season, the streaming giant’s performance is seen as a bellwether for investor expectations in the sector. Netflix shares have been on a strong run in 2025, reflecting optimism about its growth trajectory and content strategy.

In the background, political developments in Washington continued to simmer, with President Trump’s criticisms of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell drawing attention. While Trump said he had no current plans to remove Powell, his public comments have reignited speculation about potential interference with central bank policy. However, markets appeared to shrug off the rhetoric for now, focusing instead on tangible economic and earnings data.

Looking ahead, investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting in two weeks. Market expectations overwhelmingly point to no change in interest rates, as inflation data remains mixed and the Fed stays cautious. For the moment, the combination of strong consumer data, robust earnings, and a relatively stable economic outlook appears to be outweighing political noise, helping stocks push further into record territory.

Release – GeoVax Highlights Growing Urgency for Diversified Mpox Vaccine Supply as Global Outbreaks Expand

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on GOVX

    European Medicines Agency Supports Streamlined Development Pathway for GEO-MVA Vaccine Candidate via a Single Phase 3 Immuno-bridging Trial

    ATLANTA, GA – July 16, 2025 – GeoVax Labs, Inc. (Nasdaq: GOVX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing vaccines and immunotherapies for infectious diseases and cancer, today issued a statement underscoring the increasing urgency of expanding global Mpox vaccine access, as recent data from the Airfinity July 2025 Mpox Report highlight significant new outbreaks and rising global transmission of Clade I and Clade II Mpox.

    The company previously announced favorable Scientific Advice from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) supporting the company’s proposed expedited development pathway for GEO-MVA. EMA confirmed that a single Phase 3 immuno-bridging trial, combined with proposed preclinical data, would be sufficient to support a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) via the centralized procedure. Immuno-bridging studies allow for vaccine approval by demonstrating comparable immune responses—rather than requiring traditional large-scale efficacy trials—thereby reducing development time while maintaining regulatory rigor.  GeoVax is now accelerating engagement with global and regional health authorities as Mpox re-emerges with more virulent and transmissible strains in vulnerable populations.

    “The global Mpox situation is expanding in both scope and severity, especially with the silent spread of Clade I in China, Europe, and the United States,” said David Dodd, Chairman and CEO of GeoVax. “The increasing number of breakthrough infections, pregnancy-related complications, and international importation threats make the need for second-source MVA-based vaccines not only strategic—but urgent. We are encouraged by EMA’s endorsement of a streamlined regulatory approach, which enables us to accelerate clinical development and scale-up planning for GEO-MVA.”

    Global Spread of Clade I Mpox Highlights Need for Vaccine Diversification

    The Airfinity report shows:

    • Clade I Mpox cases now span all continents, with new detections confirmed in China, United Kingdom, Italy and the U.S., including wastewater tracing.
    • Local Clade I transmission in China raises concern of sustained spread in one of the world’s most populous regions.
    • Travel-linked cases from Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) indicate high exportation risk to G7 countries, including the U.S. and France.
    • New data from the DRC confirmed vertical transmission of Mpox—meaning the virus was passed from mother to child during pregnancy—prompting renewed calls for next-generation vaccines with broader safety data and global availability.

    GEO-MVA Positioned as Scalable, Strategic Alternative

    GeoVax’s GEO-MVA vaccine candidate is being positioned as a second source MVA-based vaccine to address emerging global needs with:

    • EMA Scientific Advice concurrence on the company’s proposed expedited development pathway offering a near-term alternative MVA supply option.
    • Planned transition to a modernized AGE1 continuous cell-line-based manufacturing system, offering the potential for scalable, lower-cost, and U.S.-based production.

    “As the global MVA vaccine stockpile is stretched and a single supplier model becomes increasingly untenable, GEO-MVA offers both immediate and long-term solutions to expand access, improve durability, and restore resilience to the world’s Mpox vaccine infrastructure,” added Dodd.

    GeoVax is actively engaging with global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, and Gavi, as well as the U.S. Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to explore advance purchase agreements, regional partnerships, and manufacturing alliances to enable rapid deployment of GEO-MVA in current and emerging hotspots.

    About GeoVax

    GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel vaccines against infectious diseases and therapies for solid tumor cancers. The Company’s lead clinical program is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, being evaluated as (1) a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, (2) a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and (3) a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. In oncology the lead clinical program is evaluating a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, having recently completed a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax is also developing a vaccine targeting Mpox and smallpox and, based on recent regulatory guidance, anticipates progressing directly to a Phase 3 clinical evaluation, omitting Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. GeoVax has a strong IP portfolio in support of its technologies and product candidates, holding worldwide rights for its technologies and products. For more information about the current status of our clinical trials and other updates, visit our website: www.geovax.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking statements regarding GeoVax’s business plans. The words “believe,” “look forward to,” “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 and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Actual results may differ materially from those included in these statements due to a variety of factors, including whether: GeoVax is able to obtain acceptable results from ongoing or future clinical trials of its investigational products, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines can provoke the desired responses, and those products or vaccines can be used effectively, GeoVax’s viral vector technology adequately amplifies immune responses to cancer antigens, GeoVax can develop and manufacture its immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines with the desired characteristics in a timely manner, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will be safe for human use, GeoVax’s vaccines will effectively prevent targeted infections in humans, GeoVax’s immuno-oncology products and preventative vaccines will receive regulatory approvals necessary to be licensed and marketed, GeoVax raises required capital to complete development, there is development of competitive products that may be more effective or easier to use than GeoVax’s products, GeoVax will be able to enter into favorable manufacturing and distribution agreements, and other factors, over which GeoVax has no control.

    Further information on our risk factors is contained in our periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K that we have filed and will file with the SEC. 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.

    Company Contact:

    info@geovax.com

    678-384-7220

    Investor Relations Contact:

    geovax@precisionaq.com

    212-698-8696

    Media Contact:

    Jessica Starman

    media@geovax.com 

    Release – Bit Digital, Inc. Announces Public Filing for WhiteFiber’s Proposed Initial Public Offering

    Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

    Research News and Market Data on BTBT

    • July 16, 2025

    NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bit Digital, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBT) (“Bit Digital” or the “Company”), today announced that its wholly-owned HPC subsidiary, WhiteFiber Inc. (“WhiteFiber”), has publicly filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) relating to the proposed initial public offering of WhiteFiber’s ordinary shares.

    The number of shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined. The initial public offering is subject to market and other conditions and the completion of the SEC’s review process. WhiteFiber intends to list its ordinary shares on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “WYFI.”

    B. Riley Securities and Needham & Company are acting as the joint-bookrunning managers for the proposed offering.

    The proposed offering of these securities will be made only by means of a prospectus. When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus relating to the proposed initial public offering may be obtained from: B. Riley Securities, 1300 17th Street North, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209, Attention: Prospectus Department, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by email at prospectuses@brileysecurities.com; or from: Needham & Company, LLC, 250 Park Avenue, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10177, Attn: Prospectus Department, prospectus@needhamco.com or by telephone at (800) 903-3268.

    A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.

    This press release is being made pursuant to, and in accordance with, Rule 134 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. Any offers, solicitations or offers to buy, or any sales of securities will be made in accordance with the registration requirements of the Securities Act and other applicable securities laws.

    About Bit Digital

    Bit Digital is a publicly traded digital asset platform focused on Ethereum-native treasury and staking strategies. The Company began accumulating and staking ETH in 2022 and now operates one of the largest institutional Ethereum staking infrastructures globally. Bit Digital’s platform includes advanced validator operations, institutional-grade custody, active protocol governance, and yield optimization. Through strategic partnerships across the Ethereum ecosystem, Bit Digital aims to deliver exposure to secure, scalable, and compliant access to onchain yield. For additional information, please contact ir@bit-digital.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

    Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Announces Notice of Non-Binding Offer for Obsidian Energy Common Share Position

    Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com
    InPlay Oil Logo (CNW Group/InPlay Oil Corp.)

    Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

    Jul 16, 2025, 07:00 ET

    CALGARY, AB, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company“) announces that Obsidian Energy Ltd. (“Obsidian“) has provided the Company notice of a non-binding agreement between Obsidian and a third party in respect of the sale of all 9,139,784 common shares (“Common Shares“) in the capital of InPlay currently held by Obsidian (the “Third Party Offer“).

    InPlay understands that the proposed price per Common Share under the Third Party Offer is in excess of the closing price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of July 15, 2025. The sale of any Common Shares by Obsidian to the third party remains subject to numerous terms and conditions, including, without limitation, execution of a definitive agreement and the approval of the Company pursuant to its investor rights agreement with Obsidian. While negotiations are continuing, there is no assurance that any binding agreement will be entered into in the future or that any transaction will be completed. 

    As a result of the Third Party Offer, Obsidian announced today that it will not launch its previously announced exchange offer to purchase up to approximately $10 million of its common shares for consideration consisting of Common Shares.  

    InPlay does not intend to issue any further public updates regarding this matter unless the situation warrants or as may be required by applicable securities laws or stock exchange rules.

    SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

    For further information please contact: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Kevin Leonard, Vice President, Business & Corporate Development, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 893-6804

    The GEO Group (GEO) – Amends Senior Revolving Credit Facility

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


    Wednesday, July 16, 2025

    The GEO Group, Inc. (NYSE: GEO) is a leading diversified government service provider, specializing in design, financing, development, and support services for secure facilities, processing centers, and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. GEO’s diversified services include enhanced in-custody rehabilitation and post-release support through the award-winning GEO Continuum of Care®, secure transportation, electronic monitoring, community-based programs, and correctional health and mental health care. GEO’s worldwide operations include the ownership and/or delivery of support services for 103 facilities totaling approximately 83,000 beds, including idle facilities and projects under development, with a workforce of up to approximately 18,000 employees.

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

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

    Amended Facility. The GEO Group announced amendments to its April 2024 Credit Agreement that provide enhanced flexibility, better terms, and an extended maturity. Along with the additional payments on the outstanding debt, GEO has taken another step closer to being able to return capital to shareholders, in our view.

    Details. The Amendment increases GEO’s revolver commitments from $310 million to $450 million and extends the maturity to July 14, 2030. The Amendment further provides that interest will accrue on outstanding revolving credit loans at a rate determined with reference to the Company’s total leverage ratio, which, as of today, reduces the rate by 0.50% from the prior applicable rate. The Amendment also increases GEO’s capacity to make restricted payments over the next five years.


    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. 

    SelectQuote (SLQT) – Temporary Pressure, Strong Path Forward

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


    Wednesday, July 16, 2025

    Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

    Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

    Setting up fiscal 2026. We are adjusting our fiscal Q4 estimates to reflect updated expectations for the Medicare Advantage market, with a particular focus on recent regulatory changes affecting Special Needs Plans (SNPs). While these developments introduce near-term challenges, we believe SelectQuote is well-positioned heading into fiscal 2026. We expect the company to rebuild agent capacity ahead of the next Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), to support a trajectory of sustained revenue growth and adj. EBITDA margin expansion.

    Special Needs changes. Our revised Q4 outlook is primarily driven by recent changes implemented by CMS that restructure Special Needs Plan switching rights. The policy shift narrows mid-year enrollment flexibility for a significant portion of dual-eligible consumers (those enrolled in non-integrated D-SNPs), leading to the prospect of a smaller pool of shopping beneficiaries during the middle of calendar 2025. In addition, we are accounting for SelectQuote’s reduced year-over-year agent count, which entered fiscal 2025 approximately 22% below the prior-year level due to capital constraints at the time. These factors combined create a more muted backdrop for near-term Medicare Advantage performance.


    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. 

    Hemisphere Energy (HMENF) – Extending a Track Record of Returning Capital to Shareholders

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


    Wednesday, July 16, 2025

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

    Hans Baldau, Associate Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

    Special dividend. Hemisphere Energy declared a special dividend of C$0.03 per common share that is payable on August 15 to shareholders of record as of July 31. It is in addition to the company’s quarterly base dividend of C$0.025 per common share and is Hemisphere’s second special dividend payment in 2025.

    Normal course issuer bid. Hemisphere Energy recently announced that the TSX Venture Exchange had accepted its notice to renew its Normal Course Issuer Bid (NCIB) to purchase for cancellation up to 7,934,731 common shares. Purchases will be made on the open market at prevailing market prices through the TSXV. The NCIB commenced on July 14, 2025, and will terminate on July 13, 2026.


    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. 

    Breakthrough in Type 1 Diabetes: Stem Cell-Derived Islets Offer Hope for a Cure

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    In a major milestone for type 1 diabetes treatment, a groundbreaking clinical trial has shown that stem cell-derived islet cell transplantation can effectively eliminate the need for insulin in patients. This advancement marks a turning point in diabetes care and highlights the efforts of leading researchers, including Dr. Piotr Witkowski at the University of Chicago, and the collaborative work of Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) and Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN).

    Historically, islet cell transplantation involved harvesting pancreatic islets from deceased organ donors—a limited and logistically challenging source. Patients often required multiple transplants to see long-term benefits, and donor scarcity severely limited access to the therapy. But now, lab-manufactured islets derived from stem cells are changing the game, offering a consistent, scalable, and potentially off-the-shelf solution to treating the most severe forms of type 1 diabetes.

    In the ongoing multicenter clinical trial, presented at the American Diabetes Association’s Scientific Sessions and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 10 of 12 patients remained insulin-independent for over a year after just a single infusion of stem cell-derived islets. This level of success, particularly from a single dose, is unprecedented in the field and demonstrates the power of scientific innovation to transform chronic disease management.

    Dr. Witkowski, a lead investigator and transplant surgeon at the University of Chicago, has been at the forefront of this effort. His involvement traces back to the early development of the clinical protocol in 2019 with Andrea Vergani at Semma Therapeutics. After Vertex Pharmaceuticals acquired Semma, Dr. Witkowski continued his work as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board and as a principal investigator performing transplants. As of last week, his team has successfully infused their 10th patient with Vertex’s stem cell-derived islets.

    While these results are promising, patients receiving the treatment still require immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection—typically involving drugs like tacrolimus, which can be toxic over time. That’s where Eledon Pharmaceuticals (ELDN) enters the picture. In a parallel pilot study, researchers are evaluating Tegoprubart, Eledon’s novel immunosuppressive agent designed to reduce toxicity while maintaining immune protection. If successful, Tegoprubart could offer a safer path forward and expand access to islet transplantation for a broader population.

    The future is bright. Trials are now underway to test the therapy in kidney transplant recipients—patients already on immunosuppressants—providing an ideal setting to further prove the therapy’s safety and effectiveness. With continued success, stem cell-derived islets could soon become a standard-of-care treatment, immediately benefitting the 40,000+ patients in the U.S. suffering from the most unmanageable forms of diabetes.

    Thanks to the visionary work of scientists, clinicians, and companies like Vertex and Eledon, what was once a highly experimental and limited therapy is on track to become a scalable medical solution. As Dr. Piotr Witkowski and his team continue their work, the path to a functional cure for type 1 diabetes is finally within reach.

    Learn more about Eledon Pharmaceuticals here.

    AngloGold Ashanti to Acquire Augusta Gold, Strengthening Its Hold in Nevada’s Beatty District

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    AngloGold Ashanti has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Augusta Gold Corp. in a deal valued at approximately C$152 million (US$111 million), marking a strategic move to consolidate its footprint in the Beatty District of Nevada—one of the most promising gold regions in North America.

    The all-cash transaction offers C$1.70 per share to Augusta Gold shareholders, representing a 28% premium over the company’s July 15 closing price and a 37% premium over its 20-day volume-weighted average. The acquisition also includes the repayment of shareholder loans amounting to US$32.6 million as of March 31, 2025.

    AngloGold Ashanti’s acquisition of Augusta Gold is aimed at bolstering its development plans in the Beatty District. The deal includes Augusta Gold’s key assets—namely the Reward and Bullfrog projects, both adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti’s existing land holdings.

    “This acquisition reinforces the value we see in one of North America’s most prolific gold districts,” said Alberto Calderon, CEO of AngloGold Ashanti. “It strengthens our ability to plan and develop this region under an integrated strategy—streamlining operations, improving infrastructure access, and enhancing stakeholder collaboration.”

    The Reward project is a permitted, feasibility-stage asset, while the Bullfrog deposit brings significant additional mineral resources. The acquired properties also come with surrounding tenements, further expanding AngloGold’s regional influence.

    Under the agreement, Augusta Gold will become an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti. Upon closing, its shares will be delisted from public exchanges and cease trading over-the-counter.

    The deal has received unanimous approval from Augusta Gold’s board of directors and its audit committee. Furthermore, key shareholders—representing approximately 31.5% of Augusta’s outstanding stock—have signed voting support agreements to approve the merger.

    The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending standard regulatory and shareholder approvals. Augusta Gold will seek approval from a majority of shareholders, excluding related parties, at a special meeting later this year.

    AngloGold Ashanti is working with RBC Capital Markets as financial advisor, with legal counsel provided by Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in the U.S., and Stikeman Elliott LLP in Canada.

    Headquartered in Denver, AngloGold Ashanti is a leading global gold mining company with operations, projects, and exploration activities across ten countries on four continents. The company’s expansion in the U.S. through strategic acquisitions is part of its broader plan to enhance production capabilities and resource access in high-potential districts.

    As the Beatty District emerges as a critical gold hub, this acquisition marks a significant milestone for AngloGold Ashanti. By integrating Augusta Gold’s assets, the company aims to unlock further value in the region, streamline its development efforts, and reinforce its status as a dominant force in North American gold mining.

    Release – Snail, Inc. Announces Intent to Explore Proprietary USD-Backed Stablecoin

    Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

    Research News and Market Data on SNAL

    July 15, 2025 at 3:09 PM EDT

    PDF Version

    CULVER CITY, Calif., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) (“Snail Games” or the “Company”), a leading global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment, announced its intention to explore pursuing a strategic digital asset initiative that includes the evaluation and feasibility for introduction of its own proprietary stablecoin. This initiative would be subject to a range of factors, including but not limited to, regulatory approvals, market conditions, technical feasibility, cybersecurity safeguards, financial controls, and internal governance. The Company believes that exploring stablecoin infrastructure may position it as an early mover within the digital entertainment industry. While no decisions have been made to integrate such technology into the Company’s corporate strategy, it continues to evaluate and explore opportunities as part of its broader innovation roadmap.

    Recognizing the growing potential of crypto-based transactions in the digital entertainment and gaming industry, the Company is currently assessing the feasibility of developing and exploring its stablecoin with multiple external use cases, with no current timeline or commitment.

    To support this initiative, Snail Games has retained Dr. George Cao, an external consultant. Dr. Cao earned his PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of Chicago and is the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of AscendEX, a full-stack cryptocurrency financial platform that offers simple solutions for investing, trading, and earning to global users. In addition, the Company also retained seasoned legal advisors, including a nationally recognized law firm ranked by Chambers FinTech Legal USA as a leading firm serving cryptocurrency and blockchain clients.

    “This stablecoin exploration is a natural evolution of our innovation-led strategy and will support a broader effort to evaluate how blockchain-based technologies could be aligned with the Company’s long-term goal to be at the forefront of digital transformation in the entertainment space,” said Snail, Inc. co-CEO Hai Shi. “To support this initiative, we’ve engaged a nationally recognized law firm and a seasoned strategic advisor to support and guide the successful exploration of this opportunity. We are evaluating potential future phase hiring needs for professionals with specialized experience in blockchain, stablecoins, and digital asset strategy. While our focus continues to remain on gaming across our ARK franchise, indie titles, and other up-and-coming genres, this investigation into the crypto space and evaluation of the feasibility of launching our own stablecoin would mark a key step in advancing our vision of driving innovation across digital entertainment. We’re excited to share continued updates as we reach meaningful milestones in our evaluation.”

    About Snail, Inc.
    Snail, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNAL) is a leading, global independent developer and publisher of interactive digital entertainment for consumers around the world, with a premier portfolio of premium games designed for use on a variety of platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. For more information, please visit: https://snail.com/.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “should,” “plan,” “intend,” “may,” “predict,” “continue,” “estimate” and “potential,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this press release and in our public filings with the SEC and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding (i) the evaluation and feasibility for introduction of Snail’s own proprietary stablecoin and any future implementation, which will depend on multiple factors, including regulatory considerations, technical readiness, risk assessments and strategic alignment with Snail’s core business, (ii) Snail as a pioneer among public companies within the digital entertainment industry to integrate stablecoin infrastructure directly into its corporate strategy, (iii) Snail showcasing its ongoing commitment to fostering creativity and innovation across its global portfolio, (iv) Snail’s long-term investment in the next generation of gamers and creators, and (v) Gen Alpha projected to become the most digitally fluent and commercially influential generation to date. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on March 26, 2025 and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC, including the Company’s Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

    Disclaimer:

    This press release does not constitute an offer, sale or solicitation of an offer to buy any digital asset or security. The Company has not committed to a specific launch timeline or use case deployment. Any future implementation will depend on multiple factors, including regulatory considerations, technical readiness, risk assessments and strategic alignment with Snail’s core business. Snail may determine at any time to abandon its current intent to explore the issuance of A proprietary US dollar-backed stablecoin.

    Investor Contact:
    John Yi and Steven Shinmachi
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860 
    SNAL@gateway-grp.com

    Release – Hemisphere Energy Declares Special Dividend

    Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

    Research News and Market Data on HMENF

    July 15, 2025 8:30 AM EDT | Source: Hemisphere Energy Corporation

    Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – July 15, 2025) – Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME) (OTCQX: HMENF) (“Hemisphere” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved the declaration of a special dividend to shareholders.

    Special Dividend

    Given the strong financial position and performance outlook of the Company, Hemisphere’s board of directors has approved the declaration of a special dividend of $0.03 per common share, in accordance with its dividend policy. The special dividend will be paid on August 15, 2025 to shareholders of record on July 31, 2025, and is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. It is in addition to the Company’s quarterly base dividend of $0.025 per common share and is the Company’s second special dividend payment in 2025.

    Hemisphere remains committed to delivering value to its shareholders, having already returned a total of $12.2 million ($0.13 per common share) to date in 2025, including $4.5 million in share repurchases and cancellations under the Company’s normal course issuer bid, $4.8 million in quarterly dividend payments, and $2.9 million in special dividends. This return of capital is funded entirely by the Company’s free cash flow and is supported by Hemisphere’s high-margin enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”) assets, ultra-low production decline, and healthy balance sheet.

    About Hemisphere Energy Corporation

    Hemisphere is a dividend-paying Canadian oil company focused on maximizing value-per-share growth with the sustainable development of its high netback, ultra-low decline conventional heavy oil assets through polymer flood EOR methods. Hemisphere trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol “HME” and on the OTCQX Venture Marketplace under the symbol “HMENF”.

    For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca to view its corporate presentation or contact:

    Don Simmons, President & Chief Executive Officer
    Telephone: (604) 685-9255
    Email: info@hemisphereenergy.ca

    Website: www.hemisphereenergy.ca

    Forward-looking Statements

    Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “could”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “outlook”, “potential”, “target” and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release includes forward-looking statements including that a special dividend will be paid to shareholders on August 15, 2025 to shareholders of record on July 31, 2025 and the Company’s views of a strong performance outlook.

    Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of Hemisphere which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Hemisphere believes that the expectations reflected in such forward‐looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking statements because Hemisphere can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the timing for payment of the special dividend; the general continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which Hemisphere has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and expansion and the ability of Hemisphere to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Hemisphere operates; and the ability of Hemisphere to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.

    The forward‐looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward‐looking statements including, without limitation: changes in project timelines and workstreams; changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Hemisphere’s products, the early stage of development of some of the evaluated areas and zones; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Hemisphere or by third party operators of Hemisphere’s properties, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Hemisphere’s oil and gas reserve volumes; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time‐to‐time in Hemisphere’s public disclosure documents, (including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release and in Hemisphere’s Annual Information Form).

    The forward‐looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and Hemisphere does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

    All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    info

    SOURCE: Hemisphere Energy Corporation

    Release – Perfect Corp. to Announce Financial Results for Second Quarter of 2025 on July 29, 2025

    Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

    Research News and Market Data on PERF

    July 15, 2025

      NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Perfect Corp. (NYSE: PERF) (“Perfect” or the “Company”), a global leader in providing augmented reality (“AR”) and artificial intelligence (“AI”) Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) solutions to beauty and fashion industries, today announced that it plans to release its financial results for the second quarter of 2025 before U.S. markets open on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

      About Perfect Corp.

      Founded in 2015, Perfect Corp. is a leading AI company offering self-developed AI- and AR- powered solutions dedicated to transforming the world with digital tech innovations that make your virtual world beautiful. On its direct to consumer business, Perfect operates a family of YouCam consumer apps and web-editing services for photo, video and camera users, centered on unleashing creativity with AI-driven features for creation, beautification and enhancement. On the enterprise business side, Perfect empowers major beauty, skincare, fashion, jewelry, and watch brands and retailers by supplying them with omnichannel shopping experiences through AR product try-ons and AI-powered skin diagnostics. With cutting-edge technologies such as Generative AI, real-time facial and hand 3D AR rendering and cloud solutions, Perfect enables personalized, enjoyable, and engaging shopping journey and helps brands elevate customer engagement, increase conversion rates, and propel sales growth. Throughout this journey, Perfect maintains its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and fulfilling social responsibilities. For more information, visit https://ir.perfectcorp.com/.

      Category: Investor Relations

      Investor Relations Contact
      Investor Relations, Perfect Corp.
      Email: Investor_Relations@PerfectCorp.com

      Source: Perfect Corp.

      Lucky Strike Entertainment (LUCK) – A Compelling Transaction

      Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


      Tuesday, July 15, 2025

      Lucky Strike Entertainment is one of the world’s premier location-based entertainment platforms. With over 360 locations across North America, Lucky Strike Entertainment provides experiential offerings in bowling, amusements, water parks, and family entertainment centers. The company also owns the Professional Bowlers Association, the major league of bowling and a growing media property that boasts millions of fans around the globe. For more information on Lucky Strike Entertainment, please visit ir.luckystrikeent.com.

      Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

      Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

      Purchases real estate. The company announced that it purchased the real estate of 58 existing bowling centers for $306 million from Carlyle Group, its main sale leaseback partner. The real estate is located in California, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, and Colorado. With the purchase, the company now owns roughly 75 of its over 350 bowling centers. 

      Financing set. The company amended its existing credit facility to provide a bridge loan of $230 million towards the purchase. Cash was used for the remaining purchase amount. We believe that the company will reduce the bridge loan over the course of the next year through free cash flow generation. 


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