Category

Investing

Category

Nova Minerals (ASX:NVA,NASDAQ:NVA) announced on Wednesday (January 8) that it has reached an agreement with Nebari Gold Fund 1 to eliminate its existing convertible debt facility.

The full outstanding balance of US$5.42 million will be converted into ordinary shares, priced at AU$0.25 each.

The deal follows Nova’s sale of its non-core investment in Snow Lake Resources (NASDAQ:LITM) for AU$10.85 million.

According to Nova, Nebari’s intent is to continue in its partner role, now as a supportive shareholder, as Nova works to unlock future value at the Alaska-based Estelle gold and critical minerals project.

“This conversion is a serious vote of confidence by Nebari, which brings us a step closer to realizing our vision which is to concurrently develop Estelle into a tier one gold asset and to help secure a US domestic supply chain for the strategically important mineral antimony,” said Nova CEO Christopher Gerteisen in a release.

After the conversion, Nova will retain all the proceeds of the Snow Lake sale for the development of Estelle. The company said that after the exercise of NASDAQ warrants over the last few ays its cash position stands at AU$16 million.

‘Establishing a domestic source of the critical mineral antimony is more important than ever, and we stand ready to responsibly produce critical resources here at home and help strengthen America’s national and economic security,’ Nova said.

Gerteisen added that the company will continue to work with Nebari in the operational phase of Estelle.

The conversion is set to happen on January 13.

West Red Lake, Lion One working with Nebari

Nebari has also been involved in other transactions over the past few weeks.

Canadian company West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV:WRLG,OTCQB:WRLGF) announced on January 2 that it has entered into a completed credit agreement with Nebari to borrow up to US$35 million.

The companies first entered into a non-binding term sheet in October 2024.

In addition, gold producer Lion One Metals (TSXV:LIO,OTCQX:LOMLF) entered into an agreement with Nebari to amend certain terms and draw down a further US$4 million of its senior secured financing facility.

The agreement was announced on December 2, 2024, along with the company’s updated financial results.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Fintech, or financial technology, has become an integral part of everyday life, and many US fintech stocks are seeing success.

Firms like Boston Consulting Group and Silicon Valley Bank are projecting growth in the market, and since the fintech umbrella covers such a wide range of companies, diverse businesses can profit as the industry develops.

Read on for a look at the NASDAQ’s best-performing fintech stocks of the year. Data was gathered using TradingView’s stock screener on January 8, 2025, and companies with market caps of at least US$50 million were considered.

1. Sezzle (NASDAQ:SEZL)

Year-over-year gain: 1,241.19 percent
Market cap: US$1.39 billion
Share price: US$248.12

Sezzle is a buy now-pay later (BNPL) fintech company that launched in 2016. Its digital payment platform provides an alternative for millions of consumers with limited access to traditional credit.

Sezzle offers a full-suite of interest-free installment plans at online stores and select in-store locations across the US, Canada and Australia. It is the only BNPL platform in North America to offer credit reporting optionality through its Sezzle Up program, allowing users to build credit.

As of September 2024, Sezzle had an estimated 529,000 active subscribers. Since its inception it has generated US$8.1 billion in underlying merchant sales, and 15 million completed sign ups. The company achieved its first quarter of profitability in November 2022.

Sezzle’s stock increased in value gradually in the first half of 2024 to reach over US$78 per share in early August. After the company released its positive Q2 2024 financials, its share price shot up to US$106.50 on August 8. The report showed that total revenue (less transaction related costs) reached a record high for the quarter, up 71.7 percent year-over-year to US$32.2 million.

The company’s share price continued to climb, hitting US$170.59 by the end of the third quarter. After releasing its stellar Q3 2024 financial report on November 7, which showed total revenue growth up 71.3 percent year-over-year, its stock value skyrocketed from US$250.47 to US$431.48 in one day.

Shares in Sezzle reached their yearly peak of US$464 on November 25, before pulling back to the US$260 range by the end of the year following a critical short report released by Hindenburg Research on December 18.

2. Dave (NASDAQ:DAVE)

Year-over-year gain: 859.06 percent
Market cap: US$1.09 billion
Share price: US$85.26

Dave is a US-based neobank and a pioneer in the fintech space. The company offers digital banking services through its mobile banking app, launched in 2017. Its offerings include the Dave Debit Card through a license from Mastercard, and its ExtraCash cash advance program. Dave partners with Evolve Bank & Trust, an FDIC member.

Dave’s share price has benefited greatly over the past year from the company’s record-setting growth quarter after quarter. In May 2024, its Q1 2024 financial report highlighted record revenue of US$73.6 million, up 25 percent year-over-year. The company’s share price jumped over 12 percent in one day to US$52.30 on May 7.

But it was the company’s Q3 2024 financial report that really rallied the stock. Dave saw its revenues for the quarter rise by 41 percent year-over-year to US$92.5 million, the company’s fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth. In response, the value of the fintech stock surged from US$62.80 to US$90.43 per share. Shares in Dave hit their yearly peak of US$103.96 on December 17.

3. Root (NASDAQ:ROOT)

Company Profile

Year-over-year gain: 600 percent
Market cap: US$1.17 billion
Share price: US$77.42

Founded in 2015, Root is the parent company of Root Insurance Company, which through the Root app brings data science and technology to the auto insurance market. Currently operating in 34 states, it is the largest insurtech company in the United States.

Like the other tech stocks on this list, Root’s share price over the past year has been driven in large part by its excellent quarterly financial performance. After posting its Q4 2023 financials, which included the best bottom-line quarterly results in the company’s history, Root’s share price grew by more than 350 percent from February 21 to US$39.11 on March 1, 2024. The following month, Root’s stock value had more than doubled to US$82.90 on April 5.

The company’s Q3 2024 financials report was also a significant catalyst for the stock. Root achieved net income profitability for the first time in its history on both a quarter-to-date and year-to-date basis. Shares in Root grew by nearly 69 percent from US$40.49 on October 30 to US$68.39 on October 31. The stock reached its yearly peak of US$109.40 on November 21.

4. Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD)

Year-over-year gain: 233.14 percent
Market cap: US$36.08 billion
Share price: US$40.81

Robinhood Markets is a California-based fintech company that offers commission-free stock trading and emphasizes “democratizing access to the markets for millions of investors.” On its digital platform, users can trade stocks, options, commodity interests and crypto. In June, the company said it will acquire global cryptocurrency exchange Bitstamp.

Robinhood’s stock had its best quarter of 2024 in Q4. On October 30, the company released its Q3 2024 financials, highlighting its second highest revenues on record (up 36 percent year-over-year to US$637 million). Additionally, its year-to-date net deposits of US$34 billion and year-to-date revenues of US$1.94 billion were both higher than any prior full year period.

In its October 2024 operating data report released on November 11, Robinhood reported funded customers at the end of October were 24.4 million, which was up over 1 million year-over-year. Additionally, assets under custody totaled US$159.7 billion, up 5 percent from September 2024 and up 89 percent year-over-year. The following month, the company reported its November 2024 operating data, which showed funded customers had grown to 24.8 million and assets under custody hit US$195 billion.

Shares in Robinhood grew by more than 66 percent over the fourth quarter to US$37.26 on December 31, 2024. The company’s highest yearly peak came on December 16 at US$43.20.

5. Priority Technology Holdings (NASDAQ:PRTH)

Year-over-year gain: 215.79 percent
Market cap: US$880.06 million
Share price: US$11.40

Priority Technology Holdings is a payments and banking fintech firm that provides services to more than 1.1 million active customers spanning small to medium businesses, business to business and enterprises. Its platform allows for the collecting, storing, lending and sending of money.

Priority is another fintech stock on this list that had a great fourth quarter in 2024. Shares in the company rose 88 percent over the period to reach US$11.75 per share on December 31.

In its Q3 2024 financials, Priority’s reported revenues were up 20.1 percent year-over-year to US$227 million. Adjusted gross profit grew by 18.9 percent to US$86 million over the same period, and its operating income rose 62 percent to US$38.1 million.

Priority’s stock value reached its highest yearly peak of US$12.29 on January 3, 2025.

Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: LODFF) (‘Lode Gold ‘ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce it has updated its trading symbol in the US on OTCQB.

The company’s common shares, which were previously traded under the ticker symbol LODFF on the OTCQB, will now be traded on the OTCQX under the same symbol LODFF, starting from December 10th, 2024. Lode Gold Resource will still be trading on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada under the symbol LOD.V.

No action is required by current shareholders with respect to the ticker symbol change.

About Lode Gold

Lode Gold (TSXV: LOD) is an exploration and development company with projects in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.

In Canada, its Golden Culvert and WIN Projects in Yukon, covering 99.5 km2 across a 27-km strike length, are situated in a district-scale, high grade gold mineralized trend within the southern portion of the Tombstone Gold Belt. A total of four RIRGS targets have been confirmed on the property. A NI 43-101 technical report has been completed in May 2024.

In New Brunswick, Lode Gold has created one of the largest land packages with its Acadian Gold JV Co; consisting of an area that spans 420 km2 and a 42 km strike. McIntyre Brook covers 111 km2 and a 17-km strike in the emerging Appalachian/Iapetus Gold Belt; it is hosted by orogenic rocks of similar age and structure as New Found Gold’s Queensway Project. Riley Brook is a 309 km2 package covering a 25 km strike of Wapske formation with its numerous felsic units. A NI 43-101 technical report has been completed in August 2024.

In the United States, the Company is advancing its Fremont Gold project. This is a brownfield project with over 43,000 m drilled and 23 km of underground workings. It was previously mined at 8 g/t Au in the 1940’s.

Mining was halted in 1942 due the gold prohibition in WWII just as it was ramping up production. Unlike typical brownfield projects that are mined out; only 11% of the veins – in 2 out of 7 deposits have been exploited. The Company is the first owner to investigate an underground high grade mine potential at Fremont.

The project is located on 3,351 acres of private and patented land in Mariposa County. The asset is a 4 km strike on the prolific 190 km Mother Lode Gold Belt, California that produced over 50,000,000 oz of gold and is instrumental in the creation of the towns, the businesses and infrastructure in the 1800s gold rush. It is 1.5 hours from Fresno, California. The property has year-round road access and is close to airports and rail.

Previously, in March 2023 the company completed an NI 43 101 Preliminary Economic Assessment(‘ PEA’). Project Valuation has an after-tax NPV (5%) of USD $370M at $2000 2 /oz gold, IRR 31% and an 11-year LOM, averaging 118,000 oz per year. At $1,750 /oz gold, NPV (5%) is $217M. The project hosts an NI 43-101 resource of 1.16 Moz at 1.90 g/t Au within 19.0 MT Indicated and 2.02 Moz at 2.22 g/t Au within 28.3 MT Inferred. The MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike of Fremont property. Three step-out holes at depth (up to 1200 m) hit structure and were mineralized.

All NI 43-101 technical reports are available on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company’s website (www.lode-gold.com).

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, Director, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology – UCT), FAusIMM, and who is a ‘qualified person’ as defined by NI-43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

Wendy T. Chan, CEO & Director

Information Contact

Winfield Ding
CFO
info@lode-gold.com
+1 (604) 977-4653

Kevin Shum
Investor Relations
kevin@lode-gold.com
+1 (647) 725-3888 ext. 702

Cautionary Note Related to this News Release and Figures

This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company’s properties.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

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 release.

This news release includes ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the completion of the transaction and the timing thereof, the expected benefits of the transaction to shareholders of the Company, the structure, terms and conditions of the transaction and the execution of a definitive agreement, the timing of submission to the CSE and TSXV, Gold Orogen raising an additional $1,500,000 and the anticipated use of proceeds. Forward-Looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘budget’ and ‘intend’ and statements that an event or result ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or ‘might’ occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-Looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: that the Company and GRM will be able to negotiate the definitive agreement on the terms and within the time frame expected, that the Company and GRM will be able to make submissions to the CSE and TSXV within the time frame expected, that the Company and GRM will be able to obtain shareholder approval for the transaction, that the Company and GRM will be able to obtain necessary third party and regulatory approvals required for the transaction, if completed, that the transaction will provide the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include adverse market conditions, general economic, market or business risks, unanticipated costs, the failure of the Company and GRM to negotiate the definitive agreement on the terms and conditions and within the timeframe expected, the failure of the Company and GRM to make submissions to the CSE and TSXV within the timeframe expected, the failure of the Company and GRM to obtain shareholder approval for the transaction, the failure of the Company and GRM to obtain all necessary approvals for the transaction, and r other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading ‘Risks and Uncertainties’ in the Company’s most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236682

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Fintech, or financial technology, has become an integral part of everyday life, and many US fintech stocks are seeing success.

Firms like Boston Consulting Group and Silicon Valley Bank are projecting growth in the market, and since the fintech umbrella covers such a wide range of companies, diverse businesses can profit as the industry develops.

Read on for a look at the NASDAQ’s best-performing fintech stocks of the year. Data was gathered using TradingView’s stock screener on January 8, 2025, and companies with market caps of at least US$50 million were considered.

1. Sezzle (NASDAQ:SEZL)

Year-over-year gain: 1,241.19 percent
Market cap: US$1.39 billion
Share price: US$248.12

Sezzle is a buy now-pay later (BNPL) fintech company that launched in 2016. Its digital payment platform provides an alternative for millions of consumers with limited access to traditional credit.

Sezzle offers a full-suite of interest-free installment plans at online stores and select in-store locations across the US, Canada and Australia. It is the only BNPL platform in North America to offer credit reporting optionality through its Sezzle Up program, allowing users to build credit.

As of September 2024, Sezzle had an estimated 529,000 active subscribers. Since its inception it has generated US$8.1 billion in underlying merchant sales, and 15 million completed sign ups. The company achieved its first quarter of profitability in November 2022.

Sezzle’s stock increased in value gradually in the first half of 2024 to reach over US$78 per share in early August. After the company released its positive Q2 2024 financials, its share price shot up to US$106.50 on August 8. The report showed that total revenue (less transaction related costs) reached a record high for the quarter, up 71.7 percent year-over-year to US$32.2 million.

The company’s share price continued to climb, hitting US$170.59 by the end of the third quarter. After releasing its stellar Q3 2024 financial report on November 7, which showed total revenue growth up 71.3 percent year-over-year, its stock value skyrocketed from US$250.47 to US$431.48 in one day.

Shares in Sezzle reached their yearly peak of US$464 on November 25, before pulling back to the US$260 range by the end of the year following a critical short report released by Hindenburg Research on December 18.

2. Dave (NASDAQ:DAVE)

Year-over-year gain: 859.06 percent
Market cap: US$1.09 billion
Share price: US$85.26

Dave is a US-based neobank and a pioneer in the fintech space. The company offers digital banking services through its mobile banking app, launched in 2017. Its offerings include the Dave Debit Card through a license from Mastercard, and its ExtraCash cash advance program. Dave partners with Evolve Bank & Trust, an FDIC member.

Dave’s share price has benefited greatly over the past year from the company’s record-setting growth quarter after quarter. In May 2024, its Q1 2024 financial report highlighted record revenue of US$73.6 million, up 25 percent year-over-year. The company’s share price jumped over 12 percent in one day to US$52.30 on May 7.

But it was the company’s Q3 2024 financial report that really rallied the stock. Dave saw its revenues for the quarter rise by 41 percent year-over-year to US$92.5 million, the company’s fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth. In response, the value of the fintech stock surged from US$62.80 to US$90.43 per share. Shares in Dave hit their yearly peak of US$103.96 on December 17.

3. Root (NASDAQ:ROOT)

Company Profile

Year-over-year gain: 600 percent
Market cap: US$1.17 billion
Share price: US$77.42

Founded in 2015, Root is the parent company of Root Insurance Company, which through the Root app brings data science and technology to the auto insurance market. Currently operating in 34 states, it is the largest insurtech company in the United States.

Like the other tech stocks on this list, Root’s share price over the past year has been driven in large part by its excellent quarterly financial performance. After posting its Q4 2023 financials, which included the best bottom-line quarterly results in the company’s history, Root’s share price grew by more than 350 percent from February 21 to US$39.11 on March 1, 2024. The following month, Root’s stock value had more than doubled to US$82.90 on April 5.

The company’s Q3 2024 financials report was also a significant catalyst for the stock. Root achieved net income profitability for the first time in its history on both a quarter-to-date and year-to-date basis. Shares in Root grew by nearly 69 percent from US$40.49 on October 30 to US$68.39 on October 31. The stock reached its yearly peak of US$109.40 on November 21.

4. Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD)

Year-over-year gain: 233.14 percent
Market cap: US$36.08 billion
Share price: US$40.81

Robinhood Markets is a California-based fintech company that offers commission-free stock trading and emphasizes “democratizing access to the markets for millions of investors.” On its digital platform, users can trade stocks, options, commodity interests and crypto. In June, the company said it will acquire global cryptocurrency exchange Bitstamp.

Robinhood’s stock had its best quarter of 2024 in Q4. On October 30, the company released its Q3 2024 financials, highlighting its second highest revenues on record (up 36 percent year-over-year to US$637 million). Additionally, its year-to-date net deposits of US$34 billion and year-to-date revenues of US$1.94 billion were both higher than any prior full year period.

In its October 2024 operating data report released on November 11, Robinhood reported funded customers at the end of October were 24.4 million, which was up over 1 million year-over-year. Additionally, assets under custody totaled US$159.7 billion, up 5 percent from September 2024 and up 89 percent year-over-year. The following month, the company reported its November 2024 operating data, which showed funded customers had grown to 24.8 million and assets under custody hit US$195 billion.

Shares in Robinhood grew by more than 66 percent over the fourth quarter to US$37.26 on December 31, 2024. The company’s highest yearly peak came on December 16 at US$43.20.

5. Priority Technology Holdings (NASDAQ:PRTH)

Year-over-year gain: 215.79 percent
Market cap: US$880.06 million
Share price: US$11.40

Priority Technology Holdings is a payments and banking fintech firm that provides services to more than 1.1 million active customers spanning small to medium businesses, business to business and enterprises. Its platform allows for the collecting, storing, lending and sending of money.

Priority is another fintech stock on this list that had a great fourth quarter in 2024. Shares in the company rose 88 percent over the period to reach US$11.75 per share on December 31.

In its Q3 2024 financials, Priority’s reported revenues were up 20.1 percent year-over-year to US$227 million. Adjusted gross profit grew by 18.9 percent to US$86 million over the same period, and its operating income rose 62 percent to US$38.1 million.

Priority’s stock value reached its highest yearly peak of US$12.29 on January 3, 2025.

Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

First Helium Inc. (‘First Helium’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: HELI) (OTCQB: FHELF) (FRA: 2MC) today announced receipt of regulatory licensing approval to proceed with the drilling of its 7-15 high impact exploration location, along with its previously licensed proven undeveloped (‘PUD’) 7-30 location, which has been assigned proved plus probable undeveloped reserves of 196,700 barrels² by Sproule Associates Limited (‘Sproule’)¹, its independent evaluator. The Company is working to secure drilling and ancillary services to drill both wells in a sequential, cost-effective manner. In preparation, the Company has commenced construction of the 7-30 drilling location.

‘With drilling license now in hand for the 7-15 location, we are moving ahead to secure the required services necessary to drill both our 7-30 PUD well along with our high impact Leduc anomaly, 7-15, which on seismic is approximately 5X the areal extent of our successful 1-30 light oil pool discovery,’ said Ed Bereznicki, President & CEO of First Helium. ‘With success, the combined oil potential from these two operations would provide immediate cash flow and meaningful near-term value for our shareholders. It would also set the stage to execute on ten additional, highly prospective lower risk drilling locations,’ added Mr. Bereznicki.

Follow Up Drilling Inventory – 10 Additional Targets Identified on Proprietary 3D Seismic

The Company has identified 10 additional primary Leduc locations using the same interpretation of its proprietary 3D seismic data that identified its 7-30 and the 7-15 targets (See Figure 1). Success in the current drilling program would immediately de-risk these locations for follow-up development.

Each of the 10 Leduc drilling locations also has the potential to encounter one or more of up to six additional shallower formations/zones which have been historically proven to produce oil, and helium-enriched natural gas along the Peace River Arch at Worsley. The Company would look to exploit those potentially economic zones from the same wellbore, and/or drill additional well(s) to accelerate the development of potential discoveries in such an ‘up hole’ zone, once it had extracted all the hydrocarbons economically possible from a successful Leduc well.

Figure 1:
  Worsley Project Inventory
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/415989da-a4be-422b-aed1-034855a011eb

Photo1

Based on historical successful drilling results from the 1-30 and 4-29 Leduc oil wells, which together have produced more than 113,000 barrels of light oil and generated more than $13 million in revenue and $8 million in cash flow, the Company has achieved a direct correlation between its Leduc seismic interpretation and the potential for economic quantities of producible hydrocarbons. Notably, this same seismic signature is seen across all additional drilling locations.

Given the large potential opportunity for scalable growth at Worsley, all on 100% owned lands, the Company will continue to explore strategic partnerships to accelerate development of its extensive asset base.

Notes:
(1) Prepared by Sproule Associates Limited (‘Sproule’), independent qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with COGE Handbook.
(2) Gross Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves, per Sproule, Evaluation of the P&NG Reserves of First Helium Inc. in the Beaton Area of Alberta (as of March 31, 2023). See First Helium’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .


ABOUT First Helium

Led by a core Senior Executive Team with diverse and extensive backgrounds in Oil & Gas Exploration and Operations, Mining, Finance, and Capital Markets, First Helium seeks to be one of the leading independent providers of helium gas in North America.

First Helium holds over 53,000 acres along the highly prospective Worsley Trend in Northern Alberta which has been the core of its exploration and development drilling activities to date.

Building on its successful 15-25 helium discovery well, and 1-30 and 4-29 oil wells at the Worsley project, the Company has identified numerous follow-up drill locations and acquired an expansive infrastructure system to facilitate future exploration and development across its Worsley land base. Cash flow from its successful oil wells at Worsley has helped support First Helium’s ongoing exploration and development growth strategy. Further potential oil drilling locations have also been identified on the Company’s Worsley land base.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.firsthelium.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Edward J. Bereznicki
President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

First Helium Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@firsthelium.com
Phone: 1-833-HELIUM1 (1-833-435-4861)

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

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘anticipate’, ‘plan’, ‘continue’, ‘expect’, ‘estimate’, ‘objective’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘should’, ‘predict’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the completion of future planned activities. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the equity financing markets and regulatory approval.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company’s future operations. The Company’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

SOURCE: First Helium Inc.

Primary Logo

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

(TheNewswire)

Pinnacle Silver and Gold Corp.
  • To receive the annual financial statements of the company for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2024, together with the report of the auditor thereon;

  • To fix the number of directors of the company at four;

  • To elect directors of the company for the ensuing year;

  • To appoint the auditor of the company for the ensuing year and to authorize the directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditor;

  • To ratify, confirm and approve the company’s rolling share option plan, as more particularly described in the accompanying information circular.

The company has satisfied all the conditions of, and is relying on, the exemption from the requirement to send proxy-related materials provided under Canadian Securities Administrators Coordinated Blanket Order 51-931 dated Dec. 4, 2024.

The Company’s annual financial statements and related management discussion and analysis, as well as interim financial statements and related management discussion and analysis are available on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile and the Company’s website as noted below.  

Pinnacle is currently focused on district-scale exploration for precious metals in the prolific Red Lake District of northwestern Ontario. The past-producing high-grade Argosy Gold Mine is open to depth, while the adjacent North Birch Project offers additional district-scale potential. Pinnacle is also actively looking for other district-scale opportunities in the Americas, with a particular focus on silver and gold. With a seasoned, highly successful management team and quality projects, Pinnacle Silver and Gold is committed to building long -term , sustainable value for shareholders.

Signed: ‘Robert Archer’ President & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Email: info@pinnaclesilverandgold.com

Tel.: +1-877-271-5886 ext. 110

Website: www.pinnaclesilverandgold.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release .

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Bold Ventures Inc. (TSXV: BOL) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Bold’) is pleased to announce that it has received additional grab sample results ranging from 10 ppb Au up to 68,000 ppb Au (68 gt or 2.2 ozt gold (Au)) at the newly identified 111 (‘one-eleven’) Zone at its Burchell Gold and Copper Property (‘the Property’). The samples were collected during a short follow up sampling program in December 2024, in the vicinity of previous samples taken in November 2024. The November samples returned values ranging from

The 8 new samples collected at the 111 Zone in December consist of strongly sheared, strongly silicified, sericitized, tuffaceous mafic to intermediate volcanics, containing generally minor but up to 5% disseminated pyrite, and several fine specks of visible gold in the case of the sample which returned 68 g/t Au. The east-northeast-trending zone has limited exposure and appears to be at least 3 meters wide in outcrop, situated within a broad (>100 m wide) alteration zone that coincides with a prominent magnetic low. The zone of anomalous gold remains open in all directions.

Except for limited prospecting and sampling along strike during previous work by the Company, the 111 Zone has seen no known historical exploration work. During the upcoming 2025 field season, the Company intends to carry out backhoe stripping as well as mapping and sampling to ascertain the width of the zone. This work will be combined with additional prospecting and soil sampling along the 111 Zone and its strike extension to the southwest and northeast.

For a sketch map of the gold-bearing zone see Figure 1.

For descriptions of samples collected in December 2024 please see Table 1 below.

For descriptions and locations of samples collected in November 2024 please see Bold press release dated December 12, 2024.

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://insiderlegacysecret.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/236526_c3c6912c74989af5_001.jpg

Photo 1: Sample C277097, 68 g/t Au or 2.2 oz/t gold (Au)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5762/236526_c3c6912c74989af5_001full.jpg

Table 1

Table 1: December 2024 111 Zone Grab Samples
Sample No. Date Area X (UTM Z15) Y (UTM Z15) Source Description Au ppb
C277092 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676832.3 5380320 Outcrop Strongly silicified, sheared, sericitized mafic volcanic with rusty yellow-brown (iron carb + sericite?) seams / shear planes, trace pyrite. Outcrop 0.5m NE of C277090 from Nov. (56.9 g/t Au sample). 66
C277093 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676833.1 5380321 Outcrop Similar to previous but local bands of increased silica alteration associated with pyrite, trace-0.5% overall. Outcrop 1m NE of previous. 10
C277094 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676833.9 5380321 Outcrop Similar to previous. Outcrop 1m NE of previous. 29
C277095 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676835.5 5380323 Outcrop Similar to C277092. Outcrop 2.5m NE of previous. 304
C277096 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676835.1 5380323 Outcrop Similar to C277092. Outcrop 0.5m NW of previous. 54
C277097 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676832.5 5380323 Subcrop Similar to C277092 but with trace visible gold within or near orange-brown seams / shear planes. Subcrop near Nov. sample C277089. 68000
C277098 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676841 5380329 Outcrop Similar to C277092 but more quartz-flooded, with 4-5% pyrite as stringers / disseminations. 1810
C277099 2024-12-04 111 Zone 676843 5380327 Outcrop Strongly silicified, sheared mafic volcanic with minor pyrite. Outcrop 2.5m SE of previous. 80

 

Cannot view this image? Visit: https://insiderlegacysecret.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/236526_c3c6912c74989af5_002.jpg

Photo 2: 111 Zone in outcrop, southwest end of sampling, looking north

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5762/236526_c3c6912c74989af5_002full.jpg

QAQC Protocols

Grab samples were collected, documented and photographed in the field, then placed in sealed bags and delivered to Activation Laboratories (ActLabs) in Thunder Bay, which is an ISO / IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. Grab sample collection is subject to Bold’s internal quality assurance / quality control (QAQC) protocols, which include the insertion of blank material and certified reference material into each batch of samples submitted. Samples referenced in this news release were analyzed using ActLabs methods 1A2-50, a 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish, with over-limit results analyzed using method 1A3-50, a 50g fire assay with gravimetric finish.

The technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Coleman Robertson, B.Sc., P. Geo., the Company’s V.P. of Exploration and a qualified person (QP) for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Bold Ventures management believes our suite of Battery, Critical and Precious Metals exploration projects are an ideal combination of exploration potential meeting future demand. Our target commodities are comprised of: Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd) and Chromium (Cr). The Critical Metals list and a description of the Provincial and Federal electrification plans are posted on the Bold Critical and Battery Minerals page.

About Bold Ventures Inc.

The Company explores for Precious, Battery and Critical Metals in Canada. Bold is exploring properties located in active gold and battery metals camps in the Thunder Bay and Wawa regions of Ontario. Bold also holds significant assets located within and around the emerging multi-metals district dubbed the Ring of Fire region, located in the James Bay Lowlands of Northern Ontario.

For additional information about Bold Ventures and our projects please visit boldventuresinc.com or contact us at 416-864-1456 or email us at info@boldventuresinc.com.

‘Bruce A MacLachlan’ ‘David B Graham’
Bruce MacLachlan David Graham
President and COO CEO
   
Direct line: (705) 266-0847
Email: bruce@boldventuresinc.com

 

Neither 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 release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘will’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to such risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with the mining industry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interest rate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236526

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Brunswick Exploration Inc. ( TSX-V: BRW OTCQB: BRWXF ; FRANKFURT: 1XQ ; ‘ BRW ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) is pleased to report the last results from the Mirage summer drilling campaign. The Mirage Project is located in the Eeyou Istchee-James Bay region of Quebec, approximately 40 kilometers south of the Trans-Taiga Road. This campaign focused on the Central Zone including the MR-6 and MR-3 dykes (see October 8, 2024 press release ) and has continued to intersect wide and well-mineralized intervals on their extension and at depth.

Highlights include:

  • 37 meters at 1.14% Li2O in hole MR-24-87 and 1.15% Li2O over 23 meters in hole MR-24-89 extending mineralization at MR-3 down dip where it remains open.
  • New interval at the MR-6 Dyke with 1.74% Li2O over 19.7 meters in hole MR-24-84 and 0.93% Li2O over 13.5 meters in hole MR-24-75 extending the dyke to the northwest.
  • New multiple intervals in the stacked dyke area east of MR-6 with 1.39% Li2O over 12.9 meters and 1.99% Li2O over 10 meters in hole MR-24-78, 1.32% Li2O over 16.1 meters in hole MR-24-80 and 1.61% Li2O over 9.9 meters in hole MR-24-85
  • Hole MR-24-91, drilled for forthcoming metallurgical results, reaffirms the thick, near-surface continuous mineralization at MR-6 with 56 meters at 1.40% Li2O .

Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO of BRW, commented: ‘Once more, our drilling continues to expand the known mineralized zones at Mirage both along strike and down-dip. I’m particularly pleased to see the wide, well-mineralized intercept in MR-3 where the dyke appears to thicken at depth. This is something observed across many well-mineralized lithium systems globally and Mirage is no different. Our primary objective at Mirage and across our portfolio is focused on defining a resource of at least 50Mt within 50km from infrastructure and drilling to date continues to underscore this potential.

‘While 2024 has been a challenging year for lithium markets, we have kept our focus on expanding Mirage and outlining new targets across our portfolio. We drilled approximately 12,000 meters just at Mirage, outlined several new significant dykes and substantially expanded the near-surface MR-6 dyke. Outside of Mirage, we also made the first greenfield lithium discovery in Greenland.

‘As we look to 2025, we will build upon these successes with a major winter drill program at Mirage, which will target new zones that have never been drilled before and launch one of the largest grassroot exploration program ever in Greenland.’

Mirage Project Drilling Overview

The Mirage Project comprises 427 claims located roughly 40 kilometers south of the Trans-Taiga Highway in Quebec’s James Bay region and 34 kilometers northeast of Winsome Resources’ Adina Project.

The summer drilling campaign focused on extending the mineralized dykes identified during the last two drilling campaigns. Highlights discussed in this release are shown in Table 1 and Figure 1.

Figure 1 : Central Zone of the Mirage Project

Central Zone of the Mirage Project

The holes MR-24-86, MR-24-87 and MR-24-89 extended the MR-3 dyke 150m to the South (Figure 2). MR-3 has been now drill traced over an area measuring over 250 meters by 250 meters as seen on Figure 2 with an average thickness of 25 meters. Identified at surface to the north, the dyke plunges to the South where it remains open with the last intercept at a depth of only 125 meters vertical.

Interestingly, hole MR-24-87 shows a significant thickening of the pegmatite where it reaches an overall size of 58 meters downhole. This is associated with a larger core of higher-grade lithium mineralization highlighted in the intercept of 37.0 meters at 1.14% Li2O.

Figure 2 : Cross Sections A to A’

Cross Sections A to A

Holes MR-24-75 and MR-24-84 expanded the MR-6 dyke 100 meters to the Southwest. MR-6 has been now drill traced over an area measuring over 350 meters by 350 meters with an average thickness of 30 meters with a core zone where the average thickness increases to 50 meters. MR-6 continues to be open to the Northwest from surfaces to 170 meters vertical (Figure 3).

Figure 3 : Cross Sections B to B’

Cross Sections B to B

Holes MR-24-78, MR-24-81 and MR-24-85 were drilled in the stacked dyke zone located immediately to the East of MR-6. These new holes continue to confirm the potential of this zone with multiple wide high-grade lithium mineralization. Contained within an envelope of 250 meters by 300 meters, this zone remains open to the North, East and South. More drilling is needed to improve the interpretation of the geometry of each dyke in this zone.

Figure 4 : Cross Sections C to C’

Cross Sections C to C

Table 1 : 2024 Summer Drilling Program Mentioned in this Release

Hole ID From
(m)
To (m) Length
(m)
Li2O
(%)
Ta2O5
(ppm)
MR-24-75 21.55 23.75 2.2 0.6 190.4
and 78.55 82 3.5 0.7 235.9
and 131.7 138.1 6.4 1.5 133.0
and 226.55 240 13.5 0.9 93.8
and 252.8 254.3 1.5 1.7 441.3
and 264 268.55 4.6 1.9 277.3
MR-24-78 49 52.1 3.1 1.7 670.1
and 72.7 85.55 12.9 1.4 233.0
and 103.85 110.2 6.4 1.0 189.1
and 139.5 146.25 6.8 1.1 228.7
and 178.75 180.35 1.6 1.3 209.2
and 271.65 279.3 7.7 1.8 233.7
and 294.1 304.1 10.0 2.0 221.3
and 309.7 310.3 0.6 1.1 99.3
and 315.65 321.3 5.7 1.7 143.6
MR-24-80 114 120 6.0 0.5 237.0
and 146.55 149.75 3.2 1.0 184.3
and 157.8 173.85 16.1 1.3 188.8
and 182.05 185.35 3.3 1.2 326.5
MR-24-81 70.5 77.05 6.6 1.0 154.5
and 82.5 89.1 6.6 1.1 210.5
and 186.45 188.2 1.75 0.7 161.9
and 212.85 222.6 9.75 1.3 153.3
MR-24-82 3.8 4.14 0.3 0.8 203.9
and 166.8 170.3 3.50 0.7 195.0
MR-24-83 161.15 161.5 0.35 0.0 512.9
and 173.8 174.4 0.55 0.6 192.9
MR-24-84 20.35 21.6 1.25 0.0 314.4
and 157.75 160.4 2.60 1.1 119.1
and 178.7 198.4 19.70 1.7 148.9
incl. 179.75 185.8 6.00 2.6 162.3
MR-24-85 19.5 19.8 0.30 0.0 456.7
and 33.4 33.7 0.25 0.1 363.9
and 62.9 63.9 1.00 0.5 305.3
and 72.25 76.5 4.3 1.4 285.5
and 79.5 82.25 2.8 0.6 157.4
and 141.1 141.9 0.8 0.4 255.2
and 149.75 151.35 1.6 0.9 250.7
and 152.25 153.15 0.9 0.6 211.9
and 167.65 177.55 9.9 1.6 248.7
and 185.4 188.2 2.8 1.4 246.4
MR-24-86 161.45 162.9 1.5 0.1 812.1
and 166.8 169.8 3.0 1.8 152.0
and 173.45 175.45 2.0 1.0 70.2
and 237.2 237.45 0.3 0.0 2252.9
MR-24-87 137.9 142.9 5.0 1.5 104.8
and 149 186 37.0 1.1 63.4
incl. 157 163 6.0 2.4 69.6
and 192 196 4.0 1.8 91.8
and 201.15 202.15 1.0 0.9 174.6
MR-24-89 100 123 23.0 1.1 86.8
MR-24-90 43 53.8 10.8 2.4 57.4
MR-24-91 45 101 56.0 1.4 130.5
MR-24-92 72.8 86.9 14.1 3.3 52.4
MR-24-93 82.35 92.2 9.9 2.4 80.0
MR-24-94 4.15 19.85 15.7 1.1 74.7


QAQC

All drill core samples were collected under the supervision of BRW employees and contractors. The drill core was transported by helicopter and by truck from the drill platform to the core logging facility in Val-d’Or. Each core was then logged, photographed, tagged, and split by diamond saw before being sampled. All pegmatite intervals were sampled at approximately 1-meter intervals to ensure representativity. Samples were bagged; duplicated on reject, blanks and certified reference materials for lithium were inserted every 20 samples. Samples were bagged and groups of samples were placed in larger bags, sealed with numbered tags, in order to maintain a chain of custody. The sample bags were transported from the BRW contractor facility to the ALS laboratory in Val-d’Or. All sample preparation and analytical work was performed by ALS using ICP-AES according to the ALS method ME-MS89L. All results passed the QA/QC screening at the lab and all inserted standard and blanks returned results that were within acceptable limits. All reported drill intersections are calculated based on a lower cutoff grade of 0.3% Li2O, with maximum internal dilution of 5 meters. Host basalts adjacent to the dykes may grade up to 0.3% Li2O but were excluded from the reported intersections.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Simon T. Hébert, VP Development. He is a Professional Geologist registered in Quebec and is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Brunswick Exploration

Brunswick Exploration is a Montreal-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V under symbol BRW. The Company is focused on grassroots exploration for lithium in Canada, a critical metal necessary to global decarbonization and energy transition. The company is rapidly advancing the most extensive grassroots lithium property portfolio in Canada and Greenland.

Investor Relations/information

Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO ( info@brwexplo.ca )

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Corporation’s public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Corporation believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. 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.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0276c271-a28f-482c-8ce9-7046ef8247f8  
  https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb06ae78-e34f-47f8-9cc2-2d6580942ad9  
  https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f7b023fe-f494-4c3b-8f5b-c56000fde710  
  https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f7d9b6d-1ca5-46de-a0f0-c3d4fcd5fa67

Primary Logo

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is not just important — it’s essential.

The alarming rise in cyberattacks is fueling the demand for cybersecurity solutions; in 2024, we witnessed data breaches targeting large corporations such as AT&T (NYSE:T), Fidelity, Dell (NYSE:DELL) and Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW), and on January 1, 2025, the US accused China of hacking into the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Office of the Treasury Secretary.

Not only is the frequency of cyberattacks growing, but they are costing companies more. In 2023, an IBM (NSE:IBM) research report found that the average data breach cost in the previous year was US$4.45 million. A 2024 report reveals that the price of a data breach had risen to US$4.88 million between March 2023 and February 2024, attributed primarily to business disruption and post-breach recovery efforts.

As a result, 23.5 percent of organizations surveyed for IBM’s report said they would increase security investments following a breach, and 63 percent said they would raise the price of goods and services as a result of increased cybersecurity spending.

With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and the cost of breaches skyrocketing, what investment opportunities are available for those looking to capitalize on this critical and growing market?

Market research paints a compelling picture. MarketsAndMarkets projects the global cybersecurity market size will reach US$298.5 billion by 2028, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4 percent from 2022. Grand View Research sets the bar even higher, projecting a market value of US$500.7 billion by 2030.

Both firms highlight emerging opportunities in areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for threat detection and response.

North America, currently dominating the cybersecurity market, is poised for continued growth. In the US, Statista projects revenue growth at a CAGR of 7.12 percent between 2025 and 2029. Meanwhile, Mordor Intelligence estimates Canada’s cybersecurity sector will reach US$24.23 in value.

AI: Cybersecurity’s double-edged sword

AI advancements are changing the threat landscape, requiring AI-powered cybersecurity solutions. While AI offers powerful tools to combat cybercrime, it also empowers malicious actors with new and sophisticated methods of attack.

The IBM report highlighted a concerning trend: customer personally identifiable information (PII) remains the most common target for cybercriminals. AI amplifies the potential damage caused by PII breaches, as attackers now have more tools to leverage this information. The report also determined that, despite the benefits of AI and automation in reducing breach costs, only 12 percent of organizations say they have fully recovered from a data breach. Experts foresee AI-powered attacks — along with ransomware, supply chain attacks, deepfakes, and cloud jacking — as major cybersecurity threats in the coming years.

The ‘weaponization of AI’, such as the use of deepfakes and AI-replicated voices, also poses a growing threat, as Mark Fernandes, Global Chief Information Security Officer at CAE, emphasized at the Toronto Global Forum. This trend was substantiated in a report published by The Financial Times on January 1, 2025, that examined AI-generated phishing attempts targeting corporate executives.

Additionally, IBM found that shadow data, the unmanaged data within organizations, was involved in 35 percent of breaches and led to higher costs and longer breach lifecycles. To combat this, a multi-layered approach combining various technologies and strong data governance practices is crucial for effectively managing shadow data risks.

Modern cybersecurity programs leverage a combination of AI-powered solutions. AI-driven Attack Surface Management (ASM) provides continuous visibility into potential vulnerabilities, while AI-powered Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) automates threat detection. AI also enhances posture management by enabling automated red-teaming exercises to proactively identify weaknesses.

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW), for example, offers a platform approach with Prisma Cloud, integrating AI across various security domains, including network security, cloud security and security operations. The company projects its security offerings will lead to continued growth in the second quarter of 2025 after expanding its offerings to the industrial sector and acquiring a cloud-based version of IBM’s AI-enabled QRadar SIEM

CrowdStrike (NASDAQ:CRWD) progressively incorporated AI into its SIEM offering throughout 2024. The company unveiled new AI-powered functions for its Falcon Next-Gen SIEM platform in May 2024, then upgraded the model in July by integrating generative AI with its Falcon Complete Next-Gen MDR service, which co-monitors the IT environment with data collected by its SIEM system. Despite experiencing a major outage in July caused by a faulty update to the Falcon sensor software, CrowdStrike’s Falcon platform and AI integration earned the company the distinction of being named a leader and outperformer in the 2024 GigaOm Radar Report for Ransomware Prevention, with multiple research firms also recognizing CrowdStrike as an innovator in this sector.

Furthermore, AI can now automate red-teaming exercises, simulating attacks to identify vulnerabilities before real attackers do. In May 2024, IBM announced new X-Force Red testing services that leverage generative AI techniques to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

AI-driven automation that continuously analyzes security posture and recommends improvements helps ensure optimized defenses. However, organizations must extend their security posture management to encompass the AI models themselves. In AI-powered applications, a rising security risk is prompt injection attacks, where attackers insert malicious instructions to control AI models. Recognizing this need, Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) acquired Robust Intelligence, a company specializing in protecting AI systems from vulnerabilities and attacks, in September 2024. According to a press release announcing the deal, the acquisition will “serve as a safety layer for Cisco Security Cloud, providing AI applications and models with default protection.”

While AI provides powerful tools for threat detection and response, its effectiveness can be further amplified by integrating it with other technologies.

The power of blockchain in cybersecurity

Blockchain offers unique capabilities for securing data, building trust, and enhancing resilience through its secure and immutable record of transactions. Each block in the chain contains transaction data and a unique hash, relying heavily on cryptography to ensure data integrity and prevent tampering. This is particularly crucial in the realm of cryptocurrencies, where encryption prevents double-spending and secures the transfer of funds.

This gives blockchains major applications in securing digital identities, transactions and supply chains. Recognizing its potential, tech companies are investing in blockchain cybersecurity.

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), and IBM are all making significant contributions to the field of blockchain cybersecurity. Microsoft’s Azure Confidential Ledger provides a highly secure environment for storing sensitive data, while Amazon, IBM and Oracle all offer enterprise-grade blockchain platforms and services to facilitate the development of secure applications for various use cases, including supply chain management and data sharing.

Companies like privately-held Guardtime are developing solutions to address existing challenges to implementing blockchain with cybersecurity, such as scalability issues faced by traditional blockchains like Bitcoin. Guardtime’s Keyless Signature Infrastructure (KSI) is based on a special kind of Merkel Tree — a data structure that allows for efficient verification of data integrity without needing to download the entire blockchain — called a hash calendar, which only records the hashes of data at specific time intervals.

Not only does this drastically reduce storage requirements, KSI doesn’t rely on a Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism, eliminating the need for energy-intensive computations without compromising the speed of transaction processing.

The quantum leap in cybersecurity

Quantum computing, an emerging technology, utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations beyond the capabilities of traditional computers.

Quantum computing is based on qubits, which can exist in a state of superposition (being in multiple states at once until measured), unlike classical bits, which can be expressed as either 0 or 1. This allows quantum computers to process more data in less time than it would take traditional computers, giving them the potential to revolutionize cryptography.

Although NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang suggested that “very useful quantum computers” are likely still 20 years away, quantum computing poses both a risk and an opportunity for cybersecurity. Dr. Michele Mosca from the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing argues that while quantum computing may initially appear to threaten cybersecurity by potentially breaking current encryption, it also presents an opportunity to establish stronger and more resilient security foundations for the digital economy.

Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), a leader in quantum computing research since 2014 and the first to claim quantum supremacy in 2019, achieved a breakthrough with its Willow quantum processor at the end of 2024 when it demonstrated significantly improved error correction and scalability in quantum computing.

This brought the possibility of potentially breaking current encryption methods closer to reality and underscored the urgency of developing and implementing quantum-resistant solutions.

While established players such as IBM continue to advance quantum computing with platforms like Qiskit, new entrants like Quantinuum, backed by investors including JP Morgan (NYSE:JPM), are emerging to build quantum computers and develop applications for them.

Other companies like PQShield, ISARA Corporation and SandboxAQ are developing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions using mathematical algorithms that are believed to be resistant to attacks from both classical and quantum computers. Sandbox AQ, which began as a team within Google, held its latest US$300 million funding round in December, bringing its valuation to US$5.3 billion.

Investor takeaway

The cybersecurity market is a compelling area to watch in 2025. Investors should focus on companies that are adapting to emerging trends, driving innovation and fostering collaboration to protect the future of the digital landscape.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com