Core Viewpoint - Plaid Technologies Inc. is clarifying its previous disclosures regarding its graphite/graphene technology, intellectual property, and supply plans following a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission [1] Technology and Supply Plan - The company anticipates that its current graphene inventory will sustain operations for approximately the next 18 months based on current usage forecasts [2] - As the inventory approaches depletion, the company will consider either purchasing additional graphene from the market or producing more graphene using its Expanded Graphite Technology and Graphene Conversion Technology [2] Patent Application Transfer Risks - The original patent applicant, Attimar, sold its patent application to Future Investments Holding OU (FIHO), which then sold it to the company. A promissory note issued by FIHO to Attimar remains outstanding, posing a risk that Attimar may not transfer the patent application unless the note is fully paid [3] - If the patent application is not transferred, the company will rely on its existing graphene inventory and Graphene Conversion Technology or market purchases, potentially affecting the timing, cost, and availability of future graphene supply [4] Company Overview - The company focuses on developing and commercializing graphene-enhanced concrete technology, refining proprietary technology for uniform graphene dispersion in cement, and advancing a patent application related to expanded graphite production for industrial use [5]

Core Insights - U.S. stock indices rose over 1.5% on August 22, 2025, following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's indication of a potential interest rate cut next month, leading to increased trader optimism and a notable rise in Wall Street [1][10] Investment Strategy - Investors are encouraged to consider low-leverage stocks such as NatWest Group, Sterling Infrastructure, Luxfer Holdings, Evercore, and Hillman Solutions Corp. as safer investment options due to their lower risk profile [2][10] - The focus on low-leverage stocks is based on the understanding that companies with excessive debt financing may face significant losses during economic downturns [5][6] Low-Leverage Stocks - Leverage refers to the practice of borrowing capital for operations and expansion, typically through debt financing, which can pose risks if returns do not exceed interest costs [4][5] - A lower debt-to-equity ratio indicates improved solvency and reduced financial risk for a company, making it a crucial metric for investors [7][9] Company Highlights - **NatWest Group (NWG)**: Announced a £140 million lending for essential upgrades to the UK's Haweswater Aqueduct, with a projected 20.1% sales improvement for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.9% [15][16] - **Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)**: Reported a 21% year-over-year revenue increase and a 40.8% surge in earnings per share for Q2 2025, with a projected 45.9% earnings improvement for 2025 [17][18] - **Luxfer Holdings (LXFR)**: Achieved a 5.8% increase in adjusted net sales and a 25% rise in adjusted earnings per share for Q2 2025, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 8% [19][20] - **Evercore (EVR)**: Reported a 20.7% increase in adjusted revenues and a 30.4% rise in earnings for Q2 2025, with a projected 15.9% sales improvement for 2025 [20][21] - **Hillman Solutions (HLMN)**: Experienced a 6.2% sales increase and a 6.3% growth in adjusted earnings per share for Q2 2025, with a projected 6.6% sales improvement for 2025 [22][23]

Core Viewpoint - Mattr Corp. has appointed Jane Skoblo as a director, effective August 13, 2025, facilitating a transition as current director Laura Cillis plans to retire at the next Annual General Meeting [1] Group 1: Appointment Details - Jane Skoblo will serve on both the Audit and Compensation & Organizational Development Committees [1] - The appointment is part of an orderly transition process within the company's board [1] Group 2: Ms. Skoblo's Background - Ms. Skoblo has extensive financial services experience across Canada, the USA, and international markets [2] - She previously held the position of Vice President, Digital Operations at Rogers Communications, focusing on digital transformation [2] - Ms. Skoblo has served as CFO for AMEX Bank of Canada and Global Rewards for American Express [2] - She has also held senior finance roles at CIBC and BMO, and was CFO and COO of two start-ups [2] Group 3: Current Board Positions - Ms. Skoblo is currently on the Board of Directors for Medavie, chairing the Audit and Risk Committee [3] - She serves on the Board of Teranet as Audit Chair and is also a board member of KOHO, a Canadian fintech company [3] Group 4: Previous Board Experience and Qualifications - Ms. Skoblo has been a board member for Allstate Canada, Logistec Corporation, and other organizations [4] - She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business and is a CPA with additional designations [4] Group 5: Company Overview - Mattr is a growth-oriented global materials technology company serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy, and electrification [5] - The company operates in two business segments: Connection Technologies and Composite Technologies [5]

Core Insights - Major U.S. stock indices experienced a decline of nearly 1% on August 5, 2025, due to weaker-than-expected services data and ongoing tariff uncertainties, particularly with Trump threatening tariffs as high as 250% on pharmaceuticals [1][10] - Despite market volatility, low-leverage stocks are highlighted as safer investment options during economic uncertainty, with specific companies recommended for their strong earnings growth and low debt levels [2][10] Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is currently facing challenges due to tariff-related uncertainties and weaker economic data, leading to a lack of confidence among investors [2][10] - The recent wave of corporate earnings that exceeded estimates has been overshadowed by tariff concerns, impacting overall market optimism [1] Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks as a protective measure against potential economic downturns, with a focus on companies that exhibit solid earnings growth and lower debt-to-equity ratios [6][9] - The debt-to-equity ratio is emphasized as a critical metric for assessing financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency [7][9] Recommended Low-Leverage Stocks - **NatWest Group (NWG)**: Collaborating with Google Cloud to enhance growth, with a projected 20.1% sales improvement for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.9% [15][16] - **Zions Bancorporation (ZION)**: Reported a 9% year-over-year increase in net interest income, with a 5% expected earnings growth for 2025 [17][18] - **Luxfer Holdings (LXFR)**: Achieved a 5.8% increase in adjusted net sales and a 25% rise in adjusted earnings per share, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 8% [19][20] - **Kingstone Companies (KINS)**: Declared a quarterly cash dividend, indicating strong financial health, with a projected 37.9% improvement in both sales and earnings for 2025 [21][22] - **Ingredion Inc. (INGR)**: Reported a 1% increase in adjusted operating income, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11% and a 1% sales improvement expected for 2025 [23][24]

Core Viewpoint - The company is committed to increasing its investment in research and development in the field of metamaterials, aiming to drive continuous innovation and application across various industries [1]. Group 1: Company Development and Achievements - Over 15 years, the company has transformed metamaterial technology from laboratory research to large-scale production, establishing a complete industrial chain [2]. - The company has expanded its production capacity by setting up new research and production bases in Zhuzhou, Tianjin, and Leshan, in addition to existing facilities in Foshan and Luoyang [2]. - The company has achieved full-capacity production at its Foshan and Luoyang bases, with new bases expected to alleviate delivery pressure and enhance production efficiency [2]. Group 2: Core Competitiveness - The company identifies its core competitiveness in three areas: advanced metamaterial technology, significant cost control through digital transformation, and strong order delivery capabilities [3]. - The introduction of the Metamaterials 4.0 technology group is expected to enhance aerospace equipment performance and create new product categories [3]. Group 3: Industrial Ecosystem Construction - The company is focused on building a complete industrial ecosystem for metamaterials, integrating around 2,000 upstream and downstream enterprises to foster innovation and high-quality development [4]. - The industrial layout includes upstream raw material research, midstream key component manufacturing, and downstream end products and services, creating a comprehensive industrial chain [4]. Group 4: Application Expansion - The company is actively expanding the application of metamaterials in various fields, including smart vehicles and robotics, addressing technical challenges and improving performance [7]. - Future developments will focus on integrating sensing and semiconductor technologies, leading to fundamental changes in industrial models [7].

Core Viewpoint - Mattr Corp. has received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to renew its normal course issuer bid (NCIB) for common shares, aiming to enhance shareholder value through share repurchases [1][2]. Group 1: NCIB Details - The company may purchase up to 4,991,584 common shares, which is approximately 10% of its public float as of June 16, 2025 [2]. - The NCIB will commence on June 30, 2025, and will last for one year unless the maximum number of shares is reached or the NCIB is terminated earlier [2]. - The NCIB will be funded using existing cash resources, and repurchased shares will be cancelled [3][4]. Group 2: Purchase Mechanism - Purchases will be made through the TSX and other permitted trading systems at prevailing market prices, with daily purchases limited to 68,375 common shares, representing about 25% of the average daily trading volume [3]. - The company has established an automatic share purchase plan with a designated broker to facilitate share repurchases during black-out periods [5][6]. Group 3: Previous NCIB Performance - Under the previous NCIB that started on June 28, 2024, the company repurchased 4,982,824 common shares for a total cost of approximately $65.16 million, at an average price of $13.07 per share [7]. Group 4: Company Overview - Mattr is a growth-oriented global materials technology company serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy, and electrification [8].

Core Insights - Mattr Corp. has completed the sale of its subsidiary, Thermotite do Brazil, to Vallourec Tubular Solutions Ltda. for proceeds of $17.5 million USD, approximately $24 million CAD [1] - The sale marks the divestiture of Mattr's final remaining pipe coating business, allowing the company to focus on its core operations [1][2] - Mattr's President and CEO, Mike Reeves, emphasized the completion of a strategic review process and the establishment of new facilities to drive high-return growth in remaining core businesses [2] Company Overview - Mattr is a growth-oriented global materials technology company serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy, and electrification [2] - The company operates through two business segments: Composite Technologies and Connection Technologies, aimed at responsible renewal and enhancement of critical infrastructure [2]

Core Points - Mattr Corp. announced the voting results from its Annual Meeting held on May 15, 2025, with 43,559,302 common shares voted, representing 69.87% of all outstanding shares [1] - All director nominees were elected with high approval rates, indicating strong shareholder support for the company's strategic direction and governance [1] - The company is experiencing growth due to expanded production facilities, strong customer adoption of new technologies, and growth opportunities from the recently acquired AmerCable business [1] Company Overview - Mattr is a growth-oriented global materials technology company serving critical infrastructure markets, including transportation, communication, water management, energy, and electrification [2] - The company operates in two business segments: Connection Technologies and Composite Technologies, focusing on the responsible renewal and enhancement of critical infrastructure [2]