Latest news with #Spark
Globe and Mail
29 minutes ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Check Point Announces 2025 Annual Shareholders Meeting
Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. The latest announcement is out from Check Point ( (CHKP)). Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. has announced its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, scheduled for September 3, 2025, at its principal executive offices in Tel Aviv, Israel. The agenda includes the reelection of six non-outside directors, ratification of the appointment of its independent accounting firm, and approval of executive compensation and policies. The meeting will also address amendments to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Shareholders of record as of July 23, 2025, are eligible to vote on these matters. The outcomes of these proposals could influence Check Point's governance and operational strategies, impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests. The most recent analyst rating on (CHKP) stock is a Hold with a $210.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Check Point stock, see the CHKP Stock Forecast page. Spark's Take on CHKP Stock According to Spark, TipRanks' AI Analyst, CHKP is a Outperform. Check Point's strong financial health and robust earnings performance are key strengths, contributing positively to the overall score. However, the valuation appears high with no dividend yield, and technical indicators show mixed signals, which pose some risks. To see Spark's full report on CHKP stock, click here. More about Check Point Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. is a company in the cybersecurity industry, primarily offering software and hardware products for IT security, including network security, endpoint protection, cloud security, and mobile security solutions. The company focuses on providing comprehensive security solutions to protect enterprises and consumers from cyber threats. Average Trading Volume: 702,425 Technical Sentiment Signal: Buy Current Market Cap: $23.85B See more insights into CHKP stock on TipRanks' Stock Analysis page.
Cision Canada
an hour ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
FRONTIER LITHIUM FILES YEAR-END MARCH 31, 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS
GREATER SUDBURY, ON, July 29, 2025 /CNW/ - Frontier Lithium Inc. (TSXV: FL) (OTCQX: LITOF) ("Frontier" or the "Company") is pleased to report its financial and operational results for the year ended March 31, 2025 ("FY 2025") and to outline recent milestones that have been achieved by the Company that support its plan to become a critical supplier of battery-grade lithium chemicals for the nascent North American electric vehicle (EV) market. FY2025 Highlights and Recent Developments As at March 31, 2025, Frontier held approximately $17.9 million in cash, an increase from $12.6 million the prior year period. The increase was driven by a strategic financing, including proceeds from the previously announced Mitsubishi Corporation joint venture transaction. Frontier's financial position will allow it to execute on the next phase of its project development. Feasibility Study Confirms Robust Mine & Mill Project In May 2025, Frontier released results of its independent Mine and Mill Feasibility Study ("Feasibility Study"), demonstrating strong project economics for the standalone development of its PAK and Spark deposits. The Feasibility Study outlined average annual production of 200,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate (SC6) over a 31-year mine life, with an after-tax net present value of $932 million at an 8% discount rate and an internal rate of return of 17.9%. C1 operating costs for the project are estimated at $602 per tonne of SC6 and these metrics position the project to be among one of the most competitive globally. Advancing Environmental and Infrastructure Work Frontier continued work on environmental baseline studies to support permitting efforts. Through Canada's Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, the Company secured up to $6 million in non-repayable funding for pre-construction activities on mine access and power infrastructure. Significant Government Support for Downstream Facility In March 2025, the federal and Ontario governments jointly announced conditional funding to support Frontier's proposed lithium salts conversion facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The funding will supplement capital costs for the facility, which is intended to supply North American cathode and battery makers. Exploration Success and Ember Pegmatite Discovery The Company completed over 11,000 metres of drilling in FY 2025, including geomechanical, hydrogeological, and condemnation drilling in support of project feasibility. A new lithium-bearing zone, the Ember pegmatite, was identified 1 kilometre from the Spark deposit. Initial drilling at the Ember Pegmatite has confirmed high-grade mineralization beneath a surface outcrop previously sampled through channel sampling. Land Secured for Lithium Chemical Facility In February 2025, Frontier secured a vacant industrial site on Mission Island in Thunder Bay, Ontario to host its proposed lithium conversion facility. The purchase was funded by a $3.35 million unsecured convertible loan that was completed in February 2025. Outlook With one of North America's highest-grade spodumene resources, a positive feasibility study, a global strategic partner, and strong government support for downstream infrastructure, Frontier is well positioned to become a key player in North America's critical minerals supply chain. The Company will focus on advancing project permitting, completing technical studies, and finalizing Indigenous partnership agreements. Feasibility work on the lithium conversion facility will continue in parallel, with the goal of converting strong expressions of interest from both the Federal Government and Provincial Government of Ontario into contribution agreements. About Frontier Lithium Frontier Lithium Inc. is a pre-production mining company with an objective to become a strategic and integrated supplier of premium spodumene concentrates as well as battery-grade lithium salts to the growing electric vehicle, and energy storage markets in North America. The Company's PAK Lithium project maintains the largest land position and resource in a premium lithium mineral district located in Ontario's Great Lakes region. About the PAK Lithium Project The PAK Lithium Project is a fully integrated critical minerals initiative in Ontario, developing North America's highest-grade known lithium resource. Operated as a joint venture between Frontier (92.5%) and Mitsubishi Corporation (7.5%), the project is advancing in parallel with a mine and mill and a downstream lithium conversion facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which are both key to supporting a secure domestic lithium supply for the clean energy transition. A 2025 Mine and Mill Feasibility Study (FS), prepared by DRA and entitled National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report FS PAK Lithium Project, Mine and Mill, outlines a 31-year Project life with an after-tax net present value of $932 million at an 8% discount rate and an after-tax internal rate of return of 17.9%.These results were disclosed in a press release dated May 28, 2025, and the accompanying technical report was filed on July 9, 2025 on SEDAR+ ( Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements contained in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: capital requirements and private and/or public financing initiatives and completion of these financings (if any), estimated mineral resources, estimated capital costs to construct mine facilities, estimated operating costs, the duration of payback periods, estimated amounts of future production, estimated cash flows, net present value, the Feasibility Study and statements that address future production, resource and reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects, including but not limited to capital and operating costs, timelines, internal rates of return, and project development milestones. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include: market prices for commodities, increases in capital or operating costs, construction risks, availability of infrastructure including roads, regulatory and permitting risks, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, financing costs, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, please review the Company's public filings available at 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. SOURCE Frontier Lithium Inc.
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Sudhir Kumar IFGICT: Transforming Financial Technology
In the rapidly evolving landscape of financial technology, where data-driven innovation and strategic modernization are crucial for success, exceptional professionals emerge to lead transformative initiatives. Among these distinguished experts is Sudhir Kumar IFGICT, an accomplished Data Solutions Architect whose career spans over 17 years of groundbreaking contributions in the fintech sector. Based in Glen Allen, Virginia, his expertise in modernizing credit bureau reporting systems, customer data management, and ETL processes has positioned him as a visionary leader whose technical acumen consistently delivers exceptional value through strategic solutions and comprehensive organizational transformations. Sudhir Kumar has established himself as a transformative force in the data architecture domain, building an impressive career trajectory that showcases his commitment to technological advancement and operational excellence. His journey from Senior ETL Developer at Cognizant to his current role as Data Solutions Architect at Capital One Services LLC demonstrates a relentless pursuit of innovation in big data processing, distributed computing, and cloud migrations. This extensive background has equipped him with unparalleled expertise in transforming legacy systems into scalable, cloud-based solutions that drive innovation and improve operational efficiency across the financial services industry. Throughout his distinguished career, Sudhir Kumar has demonstrated exceptional prowess in leading complex system migrations and modernization initiatives. His expertise encompasses a comprehensive array of cutting-edge technologies including Spark, Hadoop, Apache Kafka, AWS Kinesis, and various data warehousing platforms such as DB2, Netezza, and Snowflake. His current role involves spearheading the modernization of credit bureau reporting systems, incorporating cloud-based solutions for improved accuracy, real-time capabilities, and enhanced scalability. His ability to migrate legacy systems using microservices and real-time data streaming has consistently delivered tangible results, reducing operational costs while significantly improving data availability. Sudhir Kumar's technical expertise spans the complete spectrum of modern data technologies and methodologies. His proficiency includes Python, SQL, dimensional modeling, star schema design, and data lake architectures. His engagement with cloud platforms has been particularly impactful, where he has been instrumental in developing distributed computing strategies and implementing big data frameworks for efficient data processing and faster reporting cycles. A prime example of his innovative leadership is demonstrated through his work on customer demographic and relationship data management at Capital One. Here, Sudhir Kumar designed and implemented modern data pipelines that ensure efficient data aggregation and processing. Sudhir Kumar IFGICT's leadership in migrating to cloud platforms, leveraging distributed computing to enhance data processing speed and enable real-time updates, has significantly improved system performance and scalability. Furthermore, his transformative work on card offer management and customer acquisition systems showcases his ability to modernize complex business processes. By developing real-time data pipelines using Apache Kafka and Spark, he ensured timely card offers and personalized customer recommendations, directly contributing to enhanced customer engagement and expanded user base effectiveness. Beyond his technical brilliance, Sudhir Kumar's leadership philosophy centers on designing robust data pipelines and optimizing data-driven strategies for business growth and regulatory compliance. His impressive technical portfolio, including expertise in Power BI, Tableau, QuickSight for data visualization, and customer segmentation and acquisition strategies, highlights his comprehensive understanding of the entire data ecosystem. He has consistently demonstrated success in leading high-value modernization projects across various organizations, from customer audit log modernization initiatives that improved data security and accessibility, to comprehensive ETL process transformations that enhanced data performance and optimized storage solutions. His specialization in migrating systems from legacy platforms to modern cloud-based architectures has enabled organizations to achieve significant operational improvements and cost reductions. At IBM Services, Sudhir Kumar directed the modernization of ETL processes, transitioning from DB2 to Netezza data warehouses. This initiative improved data performance, optimized storage, and enhanced ETL pipelines to ensure faster processing and efficient data flow across the organization. His work in integrating ETL solutions improved data pipeline flexibility and enabled on-demand data access, showcasing his comprehensive approach to data architecture transformation. Sudhir Kumar's commitment to professional excellence is demonstrated through his Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect – Associate certification and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified AI Practitioner certification, which validate his expertise in cloud computing and distributed systems. These certifications underscore his dedication to staying current with industry best practices and emerging technologies in the rapidly evolving field of data architecture and cloud computing. His ability to lead teams, design robust data pipelines, and optimize data-driven strategies for business growth and regulatory compliance positions him as a leader who not only understands technology but also its strategic application in driving organizational success. This professional recognition underscores his enduring impact on the financial technology landscape and his role in shaping its future. As Sudhir Kumar continues his distinguished career, his focus remains steadfast on integrating technical expertise with exceptional leadership skills to elevate organizational performance to unprecedented levels. His proven track record as a data solutions architect, strategic planner, and effective implementer continues to generate immense value across the financial technology landscape. His expertise in big data processing, distributed computing, and cloud computing, combined with his specialization in transforming legacy systems into scalable, cloud-based solutions, makes him an invaluable asset to the global fintech community. His ongoing commitment to excellence in modernizing credit bureau reporting, customer data management, and ETL processes ensures his lasting impact on technology innovation in the ever-evolving field of financial data architecture. His recent recognition as a Fellow by IFGICT, the world's largest ICT federation, further solidifies his standing as a global leader in the field, acknowledging his significant contributions to advancing information and communication technology. This prestigious grade is a testament to his expertise, dedication, and the profound influence he has had on shaping the future of financial data systems worldwide. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DeFi Sector TVL Hits 3-Year High of $153B as Investors Rush to Farm Yields
The decentralized finance (DeFi) market ballooned to a three-year high of $153 billion on Monday, spurred by ETH's ascent toward $4,000 and significant inflows into restaking protocols. DefiLlama data shows that the uptick in inflows and asset prices over the past week lifted the sector above its December 2024 high to its highest point since May 2022, at the time of $60 billion collapse of Do Kwon's Terra network. ETH has risen 60% from $2,423 to $3,887 over the past 30 days following a wave of institutional investment including a $1.3 billion treasury investment from Sharplink Gaming and BitMine's $2 billion acquisition. Ethereum still commands the monopoly over DeFi total value locked (TVL) with 59.5% of all capital locked on-chain, the majority of which can be attributed to liquid staking protocol Lido and lending platform Aave, both of which have between $32 billion and $34 billion in TVL. Institutions acquiring assets like ether is one part of the equation, the other is securing a yield on top of that investment. Investors can stake ETH directly and earn a modest annual yield between 1.5% and 4%, or they can go one step further and use a restaking protocol, which will award native yield and a liquid staking token that can be used elsewhere across the DeFi ecosystem for additional yield. X user OlimpioCrypto revealed a more complex strategy that can secure an annual return of up to 25% on USDC and sUSDC with low risk and full liquidity. It loops assets between Euler and Spark on Unichain: Users supply USDC on Euler, borrow sUSDC, re-supply it, and repeat. Incentives from Spark (SSR + OP rewards) and Euler (USDC subsidies, rEUL) boost returns. An easier but less profitable alternative starts by minting sUSDC via Spark and looping with USDC borrow/lend on Euler. Despite UI discrepancies, both methods are reportedly yielding strong returns, likely lasting about a week unless incentives change. While much of the attention is understandably on the Ethereum network, Solana's TVL has grown by 23% in the past month to $12 billion, with protocols like Sanctum, Jupiter and Marinade all outperforming the wider SOL ecosystem with significant inflows, according to DefiLlama. Investors have also been pouring capital into Avalanche and Sui, which are up 33% and 39%, respectively, in terms of TVL this month. The Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem has been more muted, rising by just 9% to $6.2 billion despite a recent drive to new record highs at $124,000.
Scoop
a day ago
- Business
- Scoop
Download Weekly: Concern as 3G shutdown nears
Breaking news: Major Starlink outage A message on the Starlink website earlier this morning (Friday July 25, NZ time) told customers the SpaceX low Earth orbit satellite broadband network was "experiencing a service outage". By 8:00AM the Starlink site was also offline, possibly because of the high traffic from customers looking for answers. The problem appears to be worldwide with users from all over reporting problems on sites like Reddit. Down Detector shows the outage was first reported at around 7:00 NZ time. Mixed awareness, lots of worries as carriers prepare to pull 3G plug Research carried out for the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa (Deca) shows mixed awareness of the coming 3G mobile network shutdown and high levels of concern among those most likely to be affected. One New Zealand and 2degrees plan to switch off their 3G networks before the end of the year. Spark will keep its 3G service running until March 2026. That means most remaining 3G users have less than six months before their phones stop working. One in five unaware Presenting the results in a webinar, Deca co-chair Vic McLennan said only three percent of survey respondents were 'very aware' of the shutdown. Another 36 percent were 'somewhat aware'. One in five had no awareness at all. This suggests mobile companies have not done a good job informing their customers. 'Everyone seems to be concerned about the shutdown,' McLennan says. The survey found 53 percent of respondents are very concerned. A further 43 percent are somewhat concerned. Not ready A report published in June 2024 by OpenSignal also found few users were ready for the change. At that point, One NZ planned a March 2025 shutdown. Spark was aiming to close its 3G service by the end of this year. Deca says barriers to upgrading are a concern. For many, the issue is financial. While it's possible to buy a basic 4G phone for under $100, there were reports of vulnerable users being sold far more expensive models. In some cases, customers took on debt they could not afford. A lack of digital confidence There are other issues. Some users lack digital confidence and struggle to make the shift. Others worry about losing access to emergency calling. That's also a particular concern for users with older 4G handsets that rely on 3G for voice. Another worry is coverage. In some areas, 3G signals reach further than 4G. The change could leave people in those fringe locations without service On a more positive note, the number of 3G-only users continues to fall. Tuanz CEO Craig Young told the webinar that 3G now accounts for just two percent of Spark's mobile data traffic. Voice calls over 3G have dropped by 85 percent. That suggests a shrinking number of users could be left behind when the service is switched off. Who are most at risk to the 3G shutdown? Deca identifies: Older people with basic phones, less well off, rural communities, Whānau using refurbished or older devices, Medically dependent or vulnerable people. Number porting services to remain regulated In a draft decision published this week, the Commerce Commission says there are no reasonable grounds to investigate number portability services. Local and Mobile Number Portability (LMNP) is what lets you keep your phone number when switching providers. Although they are two different services, the rules are much the same for landline numbers, which are now on the way out, and for mobile numbers. While portability is convenient for phone customers, it is also important for competition as it lowers the barriers that might otherwise stop people switching service providers. Number portability services have been regulated services since 2001. Under the Telecommunications Act, the Commerce Commission has to consider whether to stop regulating these services every five years. The Commission says there is no practical alternative to LMNP. If the rules were removed there would be no mechanism to stop phone companies from either refusing to change numbers or from charging excessive fees to do so. Which means, for now, the Commerce Commission wants to keep the rules in place. Chorus CTO Ewen Powell to step down A Linkedin post from Chorus chief technology officer says he will step down from the role at the end of July. Powell has been in the role for more than 14 years. In his post he says his journey took him from the Post Office to Telecom to Chorus. For now he will be taking a break before looking for a new role. Collins grants Tāwhaki Joint Venture $5.85 million Space minister Judith Collins has granted the Tāwhaki Joint Venture $5.85 million for three years of operational funding. Collins says: 'This funding will help it scale up aerospace operations, attract new customers and strengthen New Zealand's position in the global advanced aviation sector.' In other news... Starlink could be facing a congestion problem — Interest. Why Sky TV bought Three — NZ Herald. How many landlines are in service worldwide in 2025? — Telegeography. The Department of Internal Affairs has new digital identity rules — Reseller News. NCSC and Cert NZ integration now complete The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says it has now completed integrating CertNZ into its organisation. As part of the change, the Cert brand, the website and the hotline will disappear. In a statement on the now merged website the government agency says the integration 'improves the experience for all New Zealanders reporting cyber security incidents, making it easier for people to know where to go for help'. They are nice words. Yet while the new structure might make sense from a cost point of view, there is no visible evidence of improved experience or ease of use. Download Weekly five years ago Spark upgrades to self healing Optical Transport Network. The telco built a 800 Gbps link connecting Glenfield and Papakura. It was the first self-healing fibre connection of its kind in New Zealand with the ability to automatically restore services after an outage. Enjoy the Download Weekly? Feel free to pass this email on to your colleagues. Have your say subscribers are able to comment on any newsletter or story on the website. Just scroll to the bottom of the page. Reader emails are also welcome. The Download Weekly is supported by Chorus New Zealand. Concern as 3G shutdown nears was first posted at Bill Bennett Freelance journalist. Auckland-based Bill Bennett writes technology and business stories that are directly relevant to New Zealand readers. His emphasis is on telecommunications, but he also covers other aspects of technology and business. You can find his features in the New Zealand Herald and hear him regularly on RNZ Nine to Noon and the NZ Tech Podcast. Bennett's The Download Weekly here. If you want to support his work, you can make a donation to his PressPatron account.
