Markets

Comstock (NYSE:LODE) will participate in the virtual Lytham Partners Fall 2025 Investor Conference on September 30, 2025. Management will deliver a live webcast presentation at 4:15 p.m. ET and conduct virtual one-on-one meetings with investors. The webcast can be accessed via the conference website, with a replay available afterward. Interested parties can schedule meetings with management through Lytham Partners. The company focuses on sustainable resource utilization and clean energy systems, refining under-utilized resources into re-usable electrification metals.

Empire Metals released an updated presentation on the Pitfield Project, a titanium prospect in Western Australia, ahead of the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) expected in October 2025. Airborne surveys indicate a large anomaly, and drill results show consistent TiO₂ grades. An Exploration Target estimates 26.4-32.2 billion tonnes at 4.5-5.5% TiO₂. The company aims to develop high-value titanium products on-site and also has exploration projects in Australia and Austria. The presentation is available on the company’s website.

Diversified Energy PLC (LSE:DEC, NYSE:DEC) repurchased 129,323 shares on September 22, 2025, at a volume-weighted average price of $13.9757 per share through Mizuho Securities USA LLC, as part of its buyback program initiated on March 20, 2025. The repurchased shares will be cancelled, reducing the total outstanding shares to 77,563,402. The buyback reflects management’s confidence and aims to enhance shareholder value. Detailed trade information is provided in compliance with market abuse regulations.

Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Restaurants celebrate the top 1% of global dining experiences based on traveler reviews. New categories include a ’25th Anniversary’ section and ‘One-of-a-Kind’ experiences. Winners range from fine dining establishments like Argentina’s Fogón Asado to hidden gems like Prague’s Indian Kitchen By R&R. The awards showcase trends in experiential dining, regional cuisines, and a preference for authentic, locally-sourced ingredients.

Starwood Property Trust (STWD) has priced a private offering of $500 million in unsecured senior notes due 2028, with a 5.250% coupon. Proceeds are earmarked for “green and/or social projects,” aligning with ESG investment trends. Initially, funds will finance sustainable initiatives, with any remaining amount potentially used for debt repayment or general corporate purposes. The offering, targeting qualified institutional buyers, is expected to close October 6, 2025, subject to customary conditions. Starwood focuses on real estate and infrastructure financing, holding over $27 billion in investments.

Huntsman Exploration (TSXV: HMAN) will rebrand as Lux Metals Corp on September 25, 2025, under the new ticker LXM (CUSIP: 55067G108/ISIN: CA55067G1081). The TSX Venture Exchange approved the change, signaling a strategic shift towards high-value metals for emerging technologies and renewable energy. This reflects an intensified focus on resources like lithium and nickel, driven by the electric vehicle market and global demand for critical minerals.

Weatherford (WFRD) announced credit rating upgrades from Moody’s (to Ba2, Positive Outlook), S&P (to BB, Stable Outlook), and Fitch (to BB, Stable Outlook). The upgrades reflect Weatherford’s improved financial profile, driven by conservative policies, debt reduction, positive free cash flow, and operational enhancements. CEO Girish Saligram views the upgrades as validation of the company’s business model and capital allocation strategy. The agencies acknowledge Weatherford’s enhanced liquidity and consistent profitability, despite potential challenges in E&P activity.

CPS Technologies (CPSH) secured a $1.15M Phase II Army STTR contract to develop controlled fragmentation tungsten warheads, focusing on a 40mm variant using their proprietary injection molding process. This marks their 5th federally funded project in 2025 and 3rd successful Phase I to Phase II conversion since June 2024. Partnering with the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology’s EMRTC for testing, CPS aims to meet stringent Army performance standards, leveraging Dr. Mark Occhionero’s expertise in injection molding.

WTW’s 2025 survey reveals U.S. employers anticipate a 9.1% rise in healthcare costs for 2026, driven by specialty drugs, GLP-1 medications, and chronic conditions. In response, 59% plan cost-saving measures like vendor management and alternative plan designs. A significant 75% will re-evaluate pharmacy benefit managers. While 57% cover GLP-1s for weight loss, some consider removing coverage. 80% expect AI to transform healthcare benefits management within three years, improving navigation and personalization.

Winmark Corporation appointed Lisa Hake as Chief Marketing Officer, effective October 1st, 2025. Hake brings 25 years of experience, most recently from Great Clips. The appointment signifies Winmark’s strategic investment in its franchise system to enhance brand presence and growth. Winmark, a franchisor focused on resale brands like Plato’s Closet, aims to leverage Hake’s expertise to meet the demands of modern consumers and capitalize on sustainable consumerism trends. Winmark has 1,371 franchises and significant growth potential.