Craig England

TXSE aims to make Texas the next financial hub for businesses looking to list publicly, attempting to break the duopoly held by NYSE and Nasdaq since 2000s. #texasboom #capitalmarkets #public #trading #financialhub #equitymarkets

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This week, Devon Energy announced it has entered into a $5B deal to acquire Grayson Mill Energy’s Williston basin business. While it’s difficult to predict corporate consolidation, we believe public companies in the energy sector will continue to buy private assets and that some public companies will continue to streamline their operations by selling non-core assets. Read more about the deal in The Wall Street Journal: https://on.wsj.com/3xGWdSl #Energy #M&A #Oil #NaturalGas

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I did a great podcast session with Adam Gregory Goern on the forgotten patterns of global demand that are now catching folks out in the #criticalminerals space. For example, copper demand has shifted greatly in the last 25 years. The USA used to dominate, now they are a distant second. US copper demand growth has been flat for twenty years. China now accounts for 50% of final demand and accounts for almost all of global growth. The position in rare earths is even more marked. Why *does* China dominate Critical Minerals supply? Simple. They actually dominate demand. They need it to supply their manufacturing industry. #DemandChain #SupplyChain

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The Texas Stock Exchange Aims to Buck Wall Street The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) is saddling up as a new electronic stock exchange to be located in Dallas. Underpinned by a significant investment of $120 million from industry heavyweights like BlackRock and Citadel Securities, the TXSE aims to shake up the status quo and provide another competitive alternative to the globally recognized New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. A Fresh Perspective The TXSE intends to bring a fresh perspective to the world of finance, capitalizing on the growing dissatisfaction among companies with escalating compliance costs and regulatory burdens associated with listing on the NYSE and NASDAQ. By leaning into Texas's business-friendly environment and favorable tax policies, the TXSE plans to offer a more cost-effective and less intrusive alternative for companies seeking to go public or trade their shares in the secondary market. The exchange plans to court businesses, particularly those from the southern U.S., and list ETFs and American Depository Receipts (ADRs) as well as traditional stocks. Overcoming Challenges While the TXSE's prospects are exciting, the exchange will face significant challenges in its quest to disrupt the industry. Attracting listings from established companies and achieving sufficient trading volumes and liquidity will be crucial for its success, along with proving its credibility and transparency, which are major staples of the NYSE and NASDAQ. Additionally, the TXSE must navigate the lengthy regulatory approval process with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has been a stumbling block for previous upstart exchanges. It plans to register with the SEC later this year, and if successful, begin trading operations in late 2025, and list its first companies in 2026. Economic Impact Local businesses and state leaders have shown favor for the project as it is expected to have a meaningful impact on the economy in Dallas and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Once fully operational, the exchange plans to employ around 100 people in its Dallas headquarters, contributing to job creation and economic growth in the area, even beyond those directly employed by the exchange given the potential for conferences, business investment, and media. Follow this link to read the complete article and important disclosures: https://lnkd.in/gTfu4dm9 Follow this link to learn about independent financial planning and investment management through Mountain-Bishop Private Wealth Management: https://mbpwm.com/ #TexasStockExchange #TXSE #WallStreetAlternative #FinancialDisruption

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Another successful transaction facilitated by Benchmark International! Read all about the deal between Curie Environmental Services, LLC and Tradebe Environmental Services, LLC in this exclusive article. #MergersAndAcquisitions

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CalPERS *continues* to push shareholder damaging messages such as the below from their CEO who has never managed any money and doesn’t even have a college degree. While harsh, this truth must be said publicly because over 2 million people depend on CalPERS for their retirement (which is severely underfunded) and CalPERS’ political advocacy efforts negatively effect *all* Americans with stock market exposure. The proposal that Marcie Frost is referring to, by Arjuna, was attempting to *severely* restrict Exxon’s oil and gas business. It demanded Exxon: “…to go beyond current plans, further accelerating the pace of emission reductions in the medium-term for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3, and to summarize new plans, targets, and timetables.” Kudos to Exxon for a great response: “We believe activists with minimal or even no shares should not be permitted to re-submit proposals that do not grow long-term shareholder value.” I 100% agree, ExxonMobil.

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Thompson Asset Capital, L.L.C. Announces 50% Managing Membership in U.S. Gold and Silver Mints, L.L.C. BLUFFTON, SC - Thompson Asset Capital, L.L.C., a Wyoming registered company focusing on the importance of physical tangible assets, is proud to announce its 50% managing membership in U.S. Gold and Silver Mints, L.L.C. This strategic partnership aims to provide comprehensive consulting and planning services for privately owned mints and vaults within the United States. U.S. Gold and Silver Mints, L.L.C. specializes in assisting, educating, and offering tailored concierge services to individuals, families, businesses, and both for-profit and non-profit organizations in the private minting and vaulting of gold and silver. It’s important to note that U.S. Gold and Silver Mints, L.L.C., specializing in privately minted generic rounds, coins, and bullion, is not affiliated with the Sovereign Mint of the United States, which mints sovereign constitutional coins. Both Thompson Asset Capital, L.L.C. and U.S. Gold and Silver Mints, L.L.C. focus exclusively on physical tangible assets. They do not offer investment advice or recommendations on intangible assets such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, or cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, neither entity is affiliated with any bank or brokerage firm. This partnership underscores the commitment of both entities to promote the importance of physical tangible assets, especially in times of economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions.

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With the Sprott Uranium Trust's discount to NAV at a near YTD high, notable events this past month included: 1) The Department of Energy's $3.40B RFP for low-enriched #uranium . 2) Renewed M&A in the Athabasca Basin via Paladin Energy's takeout bid for Fission Uranium (fair bid, we don't envision any competing bids). Spot uranium ended the month of June -4.5%, settling at $85.50 per lb (Numerco). **Not investment advice, just opinion, observation & analysis. Pls note the disclaimer** https://lnkd.in/gYAn38_d #equityresearch #investmentbanking #nuclear #greentransition #zerocarbon #economics #mining

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We were quoted yesterday by CNN Underscored in an article by Matt Whittaker, Paul Curcio, and David Tony, "How to invest in #uranium in 2024." ⚡Uranium is a heavily regulated, #zerocarbon, supply and demand story. ⚛As of April, Vogtle Unit 4 at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in #Georgia is the newest U.S. nuclear reactor to begin commercial operation—the first since 2016. 🌏Across the world, approximately sixty nuclear #reactors are under construction with most of them in #China, but also in Bangladesh, France, India, South Korea, Slovakia, Argentina, Russia, Turkey, Egypt, and UK. Also quoted in the article was Henry Preston of the World Nuclear Association. QUOTED EXCERPTS: “Helping to push prices up are limited supply and #nuclear power being seen as key in the fight against climate change due to its zero-carbon emissions,” said Michael Ashley Schulman, chief investment officer with Running Point Capital Advisors. “Commodities almost always make for volatile investments,” Schulman, said. “On top of that, uranium is under strict regulation by governments globally, unlike most other #commodities. Government and safety #regulation can affect mining, storage and distribution of this radioactive element and cause sudden swings in price and demand.” “On the negative side are hangover fears of the element from the 1970s and 1980s anti-nuclear protests as well as the more recent Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters,” Schulman said. “Although renewable energy sources like solar and wind are increasingly cost-competitive with nuclear power and could dampen demand for uranium in the long run, neither is as constant or as predictable as nuclear energy since #solar doesn't work at night and climate change makes #wind patterns even more unpredictable for consistent power generation,” Schulman said. “If new nuclear power plants are built or existing ones extended or expanded, future uranium demand is likely to rise above expectations, which could nudge up the price of uranium #stocks and #ETFs,” Schulman said. #investing #CNN #wealthmanagment #financialadvisor #greenenergy ~~ Disclosure: The opinions expressed are those of Running Point Capital Advisors, LLC (Running Point) and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication, may be modified due to changes in the market or economic conditions, and may not necessarily come to pass. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. Running Point is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Running Point’s investment advisory services and fees can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. RP-24-88

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Spartan Capital Securities, LLC has successfully closed a $2.9 million private placement deal with SDRI, a prominent real estate and hospitality development company based in Panama and Central America.   In this strategic collaboration, Spartan Capital Securities played a pivotal role in facilitating the private placement for SDRI, raising a projected total of $2.9 million. This infusion of capital will fuel SDRI's ambitious expansion plans within the real estate and hospitality sectors across Panama and the broader Central American region.   SDRI has been exploring development opportunities in the Caribbean, Central, and South America, with Panama as their flagship location for growth. This deal represents a milestone in their long-term strategy to develop properties that are both economically and socially beneficial. We extend our sincere congratulations to SDRI’s President, Richard Kiibler, along with the entire SDRI team for their collaboration and commitment throughout the offering process.   Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our dedicated team at Spartan Capital Securities, LLC for their hard work and dedication in making this offering a success! We also thank the Issuer counsel Steven Morse, Esq. of Morse & Morse, PLLC, for his guidance on this transaction.   In tandem with SDRI's successful capital raise, the Panama real estate sector is seeing robust growth and innovation, underscored by ambitious projects like the Six Diamonds Resorts. These developments are not just expanding Panama’s hospitality offerings but are transforming its landscape into a premier destination for luxury and leisure. The Panama Report for March 2024 provides further insights into these trends, highlighting the strategic locations and exclusive amenities that are attracting international investors and visitors alike. This report, which can be viewed in detail in the Panama Report by IGR Panama on Issuu, exemplifies how strategic investments are progressively shaping Panama into a key player in the global real estate and hospitality market.   Additionally, SDRI’s President Richard Kiibler ’s insights in a recent Forbes article emphasize the transformative impact of these developments on Panama's landscape. His vision for blending luxurious hospitality with the natural beauty of Panama is setting new standards in the industry, promising an exciting future for the region and continued strategic collaboration.   Curious about Panama’s real estate landscape? Take a look at the Panama Report for March 2024: https://lnkd.in/gGaSWtgM   Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQRRjGpK    #SustainableGrowth #RealEstate #Hospitality #PanamaDevelopment #ourteamornoteam #SpartanCapitalSecurities #InvestmentBanking #PrivatePlacement #RealEstate #Hospitality #Partnerships #Panama  

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Critical Minerals - Dig Deep Guy Winter, Energy and Natural Resources Partner at Fasken. Guy, with his expertise in M&A, Equity Capital Markets, Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Restructures, and the entire battery minerals value chain, discusses why Mining Majors haven’t done more deals in the critical minerals sector and the current deal landscape. Key Takeaways: ✅Mining majors have been hesitant to invest in critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt due to market volatility and lack of transparency in the battery minerals market. ✅Non-traditional players such as Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, government-backed entities, and automotive manufacturers are increasingly investing in critical mineral projects. ✅Governments are starting to understand the complexity of the mining industry, especially in critical minerals, and are developing strategies to support access to these materials. ✅Differential pricing for ESG-compliant minerals is on the horizon, potentially creating a new funding market for projects that meet environmental, social, and governance standards. ✅While stability is being reached in certain critical minerals like lithium and nickel, the future outlook for the remainder of 2024 remains uncertain, with bullish sentiments for copper and potential deficits in nickel by 2028. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts for valuable insights into the critical minerals space. #Mining #MiningPodcast #edenam #MiningIndustry #MiningNews #naturalresources

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Geopolitical pressures have the opportunity to increase the cost of oil should there be instability in the Middle East.  Given a potentially more fragile state of our economy, all eyes will be on the oil prices in times like this.  So much of what we consume is based on oil, gasoline, and petrochemicals.  It affects the cost of virtually everything we touch. Reach out if you have questions about the financial news that you are seeing.

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Energy has outperformed the market over the past four years, but it’s still relatively cheap. Just look at the chart from Devon Energy—the energy sector accounts for 4% of the S&P 500 market cap, but more than 10% of the S&P 500 EBITDA (over a trailing 12 months). AI and increased electrification are compounding our energy needs. As an investor, I remain bullish on energy, including oil and natural gas. We are still at least a decade out from any real transition away from fossil fuels. Natural gas will be the most important global commodity of the decade. And if you are concerned about the geopolitical environment (like I am), energy, especially US domestic production, is a great hedge that also pays a healthy dividend. #naturalgas #energystocks 

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As the cliche goes, you can't outwork your diet. Rising #natgas production overwhelmed decent demand numbers, resulting in the storage surplus expanding for the first time in nine weeks. Fundamentals worldwide point to a soft end of summer, meaning producers may need to focus narrowly around ATM structures to hedge the season's balance. https://lnkd.in/gifDPZzZ #eia #natgasproduction #natgastrading #ng #ngtrading

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No Need to Panic....you have to understand the U.S. solar supply chain and have a financial partner! Over the weekend I was asked will the new Biden tariffs on China produced and assembled solar panels adversely impact U.S. solar and battery storage projects? The bigger question however, involves making sure EPC/developers have access to capital to build these projects and to procure solar panels as they move their projects from pre-development to NTP ready. On that aspect, solar lender relationships will be the key to bring those projects from NTP to COD. Here are some tips in what I call: Navigating Solar Energy in the Midst of New Tariffs: Building Strong Lender Relationships In light of the recently announced Biden Administration tariffs on solar panels and other equipment from China, it's more crucial than ever to have a solid relationship with a lender who understands the current solar energy supply chain market. These new tariffs make it essential to have a financial partner who comprehends the intricacies of solar project underwriting and the overall capital stack. Pros of Having a Solar-Savvy Lender: 1. Expertise in Solar Project Development: Ensures projects stay on track despite supply chain disruptions. 2. Comprehensive Understanding of Solar Underwriting: Facilitates smoother project closings. 3. Tailored Financial Solutions: Helps navigate the financial complexities brought by the new tariffs. Cons of Not Having a Strong Lender Relationship: 1. Increased Financial Risk: Higher chances of project delays and cost overruns. 2. Limited Access to Capital: Difficulty in securing necessary funding. 3. Uncertain Project Outcomes: Potential for incomplete or stalled projects. As EPCs and developers seek to solidify their project funding in the coming years, making your lender your financial partner is key. A lender with deep knowledge of the solar industry will be indispensable in navigating these challenging times and ensuring the success of your solar projects. In sum, let's discuss your solar or battery storage project. #SunRocketCapital #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #LenderRelationship #ProjectFunding #SolarProjects #BidenTariffs #SupplyChain #SolarDevelopment www.sunrocketcapital.com

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Has the Music Finally Stopped Playing for the Texas Two-Step? Last week’s decision by SCOTUS in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma L.P. has ramifications well beyond its impact on the Purdue bankruptcy. Well-capitalized corporations may want to reconsider whether the legal strategy of separating current and future mass tort liabilities from operating assets followed by placing the liable entity into bankruptcy - a.k.a. Texas Two-Step - can achieve the desired finality from future claims in light of this decision. Importantly, investors also need to carefully consider the impact of this decision on equity valuations as a result of its potential to adversely change the cost of resolving mass tort liabilities.

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