HOUSTON, TX, Aug. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) and Abundia Global Impact Group (AGIG) today announced the appointment of Corvus Construction Company, Inc. (Corvus) as its design and construction partner for the infrastructure development underpinning AGIG’s Plastics Recycling Facility and the construction of the Abundia Innovation Center on the site acquired this July at the Cedar Port Industrial Park in Baytown, TX. HUSA plans to ...

Financial Performance - Western asset gross profit improved by $56 million from a loss of $(38) million in Q2 2024 to a profit of $18 million in Q2 2025[31] - Adjusted EBITDA improved by $57 million, from $(59) million to $(02) million comparing Q2 2024 to Q2 2025[32, 34] - The company's borrowing availability was $70 million as of June 30, 2025, including $5 million under the operating line and $65 million under the term loan facility[33] Regulatory and Market Opportunities - The 45Z credit is extended through the end of 2029, increasing the focus on domestic production[14] - National year-round E15 adoption could potentially increase U S ethanol demand by 50%, or 5-7 billion gallons annually[14] - California could see an increase of approximately 670 million gallons per year in ethanol demand when transitioning from E10 to E15, pending approval[14] Strategic Initiatives - The company is applying for 45Z credits for Alto Columbia and Alto Pekin Dry Mill, estimated to total approximately $18 million over the next two years[15] - The company is prioritizing projects to lower carbon intensity to capture more benefits from 45Z[7] - The company aims to increase CO2 utilization at the Pekin campus and at Columbia, building upon the successful Carbonic acquisition[7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Second quarter reported earnings were $877 million or $2.15 per share, while adjusted earnings were $973 million or $2.38 per share, reflecting a significant recovery from a prior quarter's adjusted loss of $368 million [13][15] - Operating cash flow generated was $845 million, with cash flow excluding working capital at $1.9 billion [14][16] - Net debt to capital ratio stood at 41%, influenced by the acquisition of Coastal Bend assets for $2.2 billion [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Refining assets operated at 98% utilization, the highest since 2018, with clean product yield exceeding 86% [5][7] - Midstream generated adjusted EBITDA of approximately $1 billion, on track to meet the $4.5 billion annual EBITDA target by 2027 [5][10] - Marketing and Specialties reported its strongest quarter since 2022, contributing to a robust capital allocation framework [6][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date market capture improved by 5% compared to the first half of the previous year, reaching 99% in the second quarter [8][15] - The second quarter PSX market indicator was just over $11 per barrel, with an estimated EBITDA increase of approximately $170 million for every dollar per barrel increase [8][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on enhancing refining competitiveness, driving organic growth in midstream, reducing debt, and returning over 50% of net operating cash flow to shareholders [11][12] - Strategic investments include the acquisition of Coastal Bend and capacity expansion projects aimed at growing Midstream EBITDA [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capture market opportunities and improve performance despite external challenges [4][22] - The outlook for refining remains positive, with expectations of strong margins driven by tight distillate markets and seasonal demand [90] Other Important Information - The company plans to reduce turnaround expenses by $100 million for the full year, reflecting improved execution and planning [18][110] - New board members have been onboarded to enhance strategic discussions and shareholder value creation [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategy after recent shareholder engagement - Management remains committed to the integrated company strategy, with ongoing evaluations of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value [21][24] Question: Debt levels and mid-cycle conditions - Current debt levels are viewed as manageable, with plans to reduce debt through operational cash flow and asset dispositions [31][62] Question: Refining performance drivers - The significant quarter-over-quarter improvement in refining was attributed to higher utilization rates and disciplined operational focus [36][38] Question: Chemicals and renewable fuels outlook - Chemicals faced challenges due to tariffs, but long-term outlook remains positive; renewable fuels are running at reduced rates due to weak margins [70][74] Question: Midstream growth and integration - The company is confident in its midstream growth outlook, supported by contracted third-party volumes and ongoing integration efforts [82][83]

Core Viewpoint - Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. has executed an amended and restated settlement agreement with Expander Energy Inc. and related parties, effectively unwinding certain previous transactions, with the unwinding closing on July 16, 2025, pending approval from the TSX Venture Exchange [1][2]. Group 1: Amended Settlement Agreement - The Amended Settlement Agreement replaces a prior settlement agreement executed on April 29, 2025, which was initially expected to close on June 13, 2025 [1]. - The unwinding pertains to transactions completed under an asset purchase agreement dated November 8, 2023, amended on September 16, 2024 [2]. Group 2: Share Cancellation and Legal Proceedings - Approximately 40 million shares have been surrendered by the Settlement Parties for cancellation, with an additional 20 million shares potentially to be surrendered by December 31, 2025 [5]. - All agreements between Cielo and the Settlement Parties, including a license agreement and several service agreements, have been terminated, and Cielo has relinquished its interest in the assets initially acquired [5]. Group 3: Financial Obligations - Cielo has issued a promissory note and general security agreement totaling C$748,208.79 to certain Settlement Parties, which is subject to Exchange approval [5]. - The Settlement Parties have agreed to dismiss all legal proceedings against Cielo [5]. Group 4: Company Overview - Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. focuses on transforming waste materials into renewable fuels, aiming to address global waste challenges and contribute to the circular economy [4]. - The company is committed to using environmentally friendly technologies and seeks to generate positive returns for shareholders [4].

Core Viewpoint - Comstock Inc. has appointed Mr. Judd B. Merrill as Chief Financial Officer and President of its wholly-owned mining subsidiary, Comstock Mining LLC, effective May 19, 2025, to enhance its financial and operational capabilities in the mining sector [1][3]. Group 1: Appointment Details - Mr. Judd B. Merrill brings extensive experience in the mining and clean mineral technology industries, having served as CFO of Aqua Metals, Inc. and held key financial positions at Klondex Mines Ltd., Fronteer Gold Inc., and Newmont Mining Corporation [2][3]. - Mr. Merrill previously worked with Comstock for over six years in various roles, including CFO and Corporate Secretary, indicating familiarity with the company's operations [3]. Group 2: Executive Commentary - Mr. Corrado De Gasperis, Executive Chairman and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about Mr. Merrill's return, highlighting his systems-based approach and experience in Nevada-based mining and metal recycling, which aligns with the company's strategic goals [3]. - Mr. Walter "Del" Marting, Chairman of the Audit Committee, noted that Mr. Merrill's expertise will strengthen the company's financial organization, particularly in liquidity management, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance [5]. Group 3: Company Overview - Comstock Inc. focuses on innovating and commercializing technologies for efficient extraction and conversion of under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and recovered electrification metals [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant increase in R&D expenses, which rose by $2,400,000 in Q1 compared to the prior year, primarily due to collaborations with the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and the acquisition of the Madison facility [10][11][12] - Revenue from Comstock Metals soared to GBP 1,340,000 in Q1, a nearly fourfold increase from just over GBP 350,000 in the previous quarter [21][22] - The company expects to increase its revenue guidance for Metals from $2,500,000 to over $3,000,000 due to strong performance and market demand [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comstock Fuels and Comstock Metals are both experiencing rapid growth, with significant capital attracted from sophisticated industry partners [6][7] - The integration of the Wausau and Madison facilities allows for the production of up to two barrels of fuel per week, enhancing operational capabilities [32][41] - The company has established a master services agreement with RWE Clean Energy for recycling and decommissioning solar installations, which is expected to drive future revenue [21][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for clean sustainable energy, with increasing interest from long-term equity investors [17][72] - The market for recycling solar panels is expanding, with the company currently processing a small fraction of the total end-of-life panels expected in the coming years [23][24] - The company is the only R2 certified recycler in North America, which enhances its competitive position in the market [25][31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic focus is on spinning out Comstock Fuels as a separate entity, with plans for a public offering and significant funding through Series A [39][47] - The company aims to deliver 200,000,000 barrels a year by 2035, leveraging high-yielding energy crops and advanced processing technologies [39][40] - The integration of innovative technologies and partnerships is a key part of the company's strategy to enhance operational efficiency and market reach [12][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the macroeconomic conditions for mining and renewable energy, noting a resurgence in interest and investment in junior mining companies [45][52] - The company is actively evaluating options for monetizing its mining assets, with significant inbound inquiries from potential partners and investors [51][68] - The outlook for both fuels and metals remains strong, with expectations for robust cash margins and revenue growth as operations scale up [29][39] Other Important Information - The company has successfully eliminated significant cash obligations through strategic settlements, resulting in a financial gain recorded in Q1 [9][10] - A new Director of Aviation for Comstock Fuels has been appointed to lead sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, enhancing the company's capabilities in this area [12][13] - The company is focused on building a strong base of capital to support its growth objectives, with a significant increase in authorized shares to facilitate this [8][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the plan and timetable for restarting or monetizing mining assets? - Management noted a bullish outlook on gold prices and significant inbound inquiries regarding mining assets, indicating a potential for monetization as market conditions improve [50][52] Question: Can you clarify the projected timeline for the expansion of the metals business? - The company expects to receive permits for storage expansion in Q2, with financing and equipment orders planned for Q3, aiming for industry-scale production and revenue by Q2 of the following year [55][57] Question: How will the growth of other businesses be funded while limiting dilution? - Management confirmed plans to engage sophisticated banks for funding, with a focus on maintaining equity value and minimizing dilution as the company progresses towards cash flow generation [66][70]

Core Insights - Comstock Inc. reported significant growth in its metals recycling and renewable fuels sectors, with a focus on sustainable practices and strategic partnerships [1][10][30] Metals Recycling - Comstock Metals achieved billings of $1.34 million in Q1 2025, a substantial increase from $0.2 million in Q4 2024, with $0.6 million deferred [6] - The company has processed over 4 million pounds of end-of-life solar materials and operates under the R2v3/RIOS Responsible Recycling Standard, ensuring a zero-landfill solution [4][6] - Plans are in place to expand operations with three industry-scale recycling facilities, initially targeting 50,000 tons of annual capacity, with potential to double that [21][24] Renewable Fuels - Comstock Fuels aims to produce 200 million barrels (approximately 8 billion gallons) of biofuel annually by 2035, utilizing waste and energy crops [8] - The company has secured a $152 million allocation of Qualified Private Activity Bonds and closed a strategic Series A investment from Marathon Petroleum Corp. [7] - Comstock Fuels is developing a commercial demonstration facility and pursuing joint development agreements, which could generate significant future revenues [25][26] Mining Operations - Comstock Mining is positioned to capitalize on rising silver demand and has plans to monetize legacy real estate and non-strategic investments for over $50 million [10][22] - The company has developed actionable plans to expand and upgrade its mineral resources, particularly in the Dayton area, in response to higher gold prices [14][29] - A focus on integrating renewable fuels with mining operations is expected to enhance overall growth and operational efficiency [27][30] Corporate Strategy - The company plans to separate its Fuels and Metals divisions to better unlock value and enhance growth potential in both sectors [12][20] - Comstock aims to maximize production and revenue from its demonstration facility while securing funding for scaling operations [24][23] - The corporate objectives for 2025 include advancing R&D efforts to improve material recovery and securing additional financing for growth initiatives [24][26]

Financial Performance - Alto Ingredients reported a gross loss of $(1.8) million in Q1 2025, an improvement from $(2.4) million in Q1 2024[35] - Adjusted EBITDA improved by $2.7 million, from $(7.1) million in Q1 2024 to $(4.4) million in Q1 2025[35] - Net sales decreased from $240.629 million in Q1 2024 to $226.540 million in Q1 2025[50] - The company had $26.8 million in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, compared to $35.5 million as of December 31, 2024[33] Strategic Initiatives - Alto Ingredients is targeting premium markets with high-quality products to improve profitability[7, 36] - The company is pursuing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reduce carbon emissions[7, 36] - Alto Ingredients acquired a beverage-grade liquid CO2 processor to optimize carbon usage[7, 13] - The company is exploring opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), blue ethanol, and other renewable fuels[15] Market Opportunities - National year-round E15 adoption could potentially increase U S ethanol demand by 50%, or 5-7 billion gallons[20] - California could see an increase of approximately 670 million gallons per year in ethanol demand when transitioning from E10 to E15, pending approval[20]