Abacus Global to acquire $53M stake in Manning & Napier

Electric Royalties CEO Brendan Yurik joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company’s growth strategy, expanding royalty portfolio, and outlook for clean energy metals markets. Yurik emphasized that Electric Royalties is uniquely positioned as a royalty company focused exclusively on metals critical to the global energy transition. The company has built a diversified portfolio of 43 royalties spanning North America, Europe, and Australia, targeting assets tied to electrification, energy storage, and the increasing demands of artificial intelligence infrastructure. A key strategic shift for the company is its focus on adding cash-flowing assets. Yurik highlighted recent progress in this area, including exposure to producing operations such as the Punitaqui Mine, which provides copper and gold revenue streams. He also noted that operational improvements at existing assets—such as production increases at the Arizona Copper project—can meaningfully enhance portfolio value, effectively adding incremental royalty exposure without new acquisitions. Looking ahead, Electric Royalties is advancing several near-term catalysts, including feasibility studies across five to six portfolio assets. These milestones are expected to support the transition toward stronger and more consistent cash flow generation in the coming years. Yurik also pointed to long-life development projects such as the Battery Hill Project, which could deliver sustained returns over extended periods. On the macro side, he highlighted strong demand drivers for clean energy metals, including rapid growth in artificial intelligence infrastructure and energy storage technologies. At the same time, limited capital availability in the mining sector is creating attractive opportunities for royalty companies to secure high-quality assets at favorable terms. Overall, Electric Royalties is positioning itself to benefit from long-term structural trends while building a scalable, cash-generating portfolio aligned with the future of global energy and technology markets. #proactiveinvestors #electricroyaltiesltd #neo #snta #otcqb #sntaf #mining #royalty #RoyaltyCompany #CleanEnergyMetals #EnergyTransition #Copper #Gold #BatteryMetals #MiningRoyalties #ResourceStocks #FeasibilityStudy #CashFlow #PortfolioGrowth #AIInfrastructure #EnergyStorage #MiningNews #NaturalResources #JuniorMining #SustainableEnergy #InvestmentStrategy

Abacus Global Management CEO Jay Jackson joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce that the company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire an approximately $53 million minority equity stake in Manning & Napier, a diversified investment manager with roughly $18 billion in assets under management. Jackson explained that alongside the equity investment, the companies will establish a Strategic Alliance Agreement aimed at creating growth opportunities across three key areas: product distribution, lead generation and referrals, and joint product development. The strategic alliance is expected to be the primary value driver of the transaction, providing a framework for collaboration while allowing Manning & Napier to continue operating independently. According to Abacus Global, the partnership represents a significant milestone in the company’s evolution from a life solutions originator into a fully integrated, longevity-focused alternative asset management platform. Manning & Napier brings a well-established wealth advisory business with approximately 3,400 clients and more than 55 years of investment management experience. By combining this platform with Abacus Global’s LifeARC data and actuarial capabilities, the partnership is designed to strengthen the company’s integrated model linking life solutions origination with a dedicated wealth management distribution channel. Management believes the collaboration will help accelerate growth by connecting Abacus’s life solutions origination engine with Manning & Napier’s wealth advisory network, creating new opportunities for product innovation and client engagement. #proactiveinvestors #abacusglobalmanagement #nasdaq #abl #EarningsBeat #FinancialGrowth #LifeSettlements #InvestorDemand #CashFlow #AssetManagement #2025Outlook #ProactiveInvestors #JayJackson #ManningAndNapier #AssetManagement #WealthManagement #StrategicAlliance #AlternativeAssets #InvestmentManagement #AUM #Finance #Fintech #Longevity #LifeSolutions #GrowthStrategy #Partnership #PrivateMarkets #InstitutionalInvestors #CapitalMarkets #BusinessGrowth #Innovation

Arizona Gold and Silver CEO Mike Stark joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the company has entered into a binding agreement with institutional investors Sorbie Bornholm LP and Sorbie Investments LLP for a C$18 million financing. The transaction remains subject to final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange and will not result in the creation of a new control position. Stark noted the investment represents the largest commitment to date from Sorbie and is structured as a 22.5 million unit placement at an approximate 18% premium. A portion of the shares will also form the basis of a Sharing Agreement, designed to provide the company with additional non-dilutive upside as key milestones are achieved. Proceeds from the financing will be used to advance exploration and development at the company’s flagship Philadelphia Gold-Silver Project in Arizona. Planned activities include expanding drilling programs led by Senior Vice President of Exploration Lex Lambeck, targeting prospective vein and stockwork systems, and supporting ongoing technical and operational progress. The Philadelphia project is located near the historic Oatman Mining District in northwestern Arizona, a prolific region that has historically produced more than 2.5 million ounces of gold from high-grade epithermal vein systems. Arizona Gold & Silver continues to focus on expanding mineralization along the Philadelphia vein while testing additional targets across its broader land package. Recent drilling has confirmed continuity and the potential scale of gold-silver mineralization at both shallow and deeper levels, supporting the company’s strategy to advance the project toward future development. #proactiveinvestors #arizonagoldandsilverinc #tsxv #azs #otcqb #azasf #GoldExploration #sorbiebornholm #PhiladelphiaProject #PerryZone #MikeStark #PhiladelphiaProject #OatmanMiningDistrict #ArizonaMining #Gold #Silver #Epithermal #Drilling #Exploration #MiningNews #ResourceStocks #JuniorMining #Financing #TSXV #GoldExploration #HighGrade #Stockwork #NaturalResources #Development

Revival Gold Vice President of Corporate Development Scott Trebilcock joined Steve Darling from Proactive to outline the company’s strategy for advancing its U.S.-based gold projects, with a near-term focus on development in Utah while continuing exploration efforts in Idaho. Trebilcock explained that Revival Gold is working to restart two brownfield mining operations across Utah and Idaho, positioning the company to benefit from favorable gold market conditions. The Utah project has emerged as the top priority, with plans to bring it into production as quickly as possible. According to the company, the Utah asset is expected to produce approximately 100,000 ounces of gold annually over a ten-year mine life, supported by a preliminary economic assessment based on a 1.4-million-ounce resource. A key advantage of the project is its location on private land, which enables a more streamlined permitting process. Trebilcock noted this could significantly accelerate the development timeline. Revival Gold is targeting completion of a pre-feasibility study later this year, supported by ongoing drilling and technical advancement work at the site. Meanwhile, in Idaho, the company continues to advance its Beartrack-Arnett Gold Project, where exploration is focused on expanding a deeper, high-grade underground discovery beneath an existing oxide resource. Current drilling efforts are aimed at growing the resource base and enhancing the project’s long-term development potential. Trebilcock also pointed to strong gold market fundamentals and supportive U.S. mining jurisdictions as key tailwinds, highlighting increasing momentum for domestic mineral production as a favorable backdrop for Revival Gold’s growth strategy. #proactiveinvestors #revivalgold #tsxv #rvg #otcqx #rvlgf #ScottTrebilcock #BeartrackArnett #IdahoMining #Gold #Exploration #Drilling #JossZone #PantherCreekShearZone #PCSZ #HighGrade #ResourceExpansion #HeapLeach #PFS #MiningNews #ResourceStocks #JuniorMining #GoldExploration #DrillResults #NaturalResources

Alvopetro Energy Ltd (TSX-V:ALV, OTC:ALVOF, FRA:A6Y0) CEO Corey Ruttan talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company’s strong 2025 performance and growth outlook for 2026, highlighting record production, reserve expansion, and a disciplined capital allocation strategy. Ruttan described 2025 as a “transformational year,” driven primarily by the success of the 183-D4 well in Brazil’s Murucututu project and the addition of a new growth platform in Canada. The company delivered 41% year-over-year production growth and increased proved plus probable (2P) reserves by 43%, replacing production nearly five times. He also emphasized that Alvopetro returned over 45% of funds flow from operations to stakeholders while continuing to invest in growth. The company exited 2025 with record quarterly production of nearly 2,900 barrels of oil equivalent per day and continued that momentum into 2026. As Ruttan noted, “we’ve really kicked off 2026 with a very strong start… nearly 3,100 barrels of oil equivalent per day.” Alvopetro is also advancing a facilities expansion at Murucututu, targeting increased capacity up to 600,000m³ per day, alongside optimization of its natural gas processing infrastructure. At the same time, the company is progressing drilling opportunities in Canada, with over 100 tier-one locations identified. With a quarterly dividend yielding 8% and a balanced reinvestment strategy, Alvopetro positions itself as a value, yield, and growth story. The company expects continued momentum, with potential for 25% production growth in 2026. For more videos like this, visit Proactive’s YouTube channel, like this video, subscribe, and enable notifications so you never miss an update. #AlvopetroEnergy #OilAndGas #EnergyStocks #TSXV #ALV #OTCQX #ALVOF #DividendStocks #NaturalGas #BrazilEnergy #InvestorNews #StockMarket #EnergyInvesting #ProductionGrowth #OilGasIndustry

Ocean Power Technologies CEO Philipp Stratmann joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company’s financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended January 31, 2026, highlighting a record backlog and a major new government contract. The company announced it has secured a multi-buoy contract valued at approximately $6.5 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in support of a United States Coast Guard maritime domain awareness mission off San Diego. Stratmann explained that the award provides multi-quarter revenue visibility, with delivery of four newly built MERROWS®-equipped PowerBuoy® systems expected to begin in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. The contract also supports the company’s strategic shift toward higher-margin, recurring revenue streams. The deployment will be carried out in collaboration with Anduril Industries, the project’s prime contractor. Integrating PowerBuoy® systems alongside Anduril’s surveillance towers positions Ocean Power Technologies within a next-generation, scalable defense sensing architecture in one of the United States’ most critical maritime regions. The initiative also establishes a significant relationship with both DHS and the U.S. Coast Guard. Financially, the company reported a backlog of approximately $19.9 million as of January 31, 2026, representing an increase of $12.4 million, or 165%, compared to the prior year. Its project pipeline reached $163.9 million, up $74.7 million, or 84%, from $89.2 million a year earlier. Stratmann noted that the quarter reflects strong contract momentum and positions the company at the forefront of evolving maritime security and autonomy solutions. He added that Ocean Power Technologies is helping to define a new category of scalable maritime infrastructure, enabling autonomous systems to power, recharge, and operate continuously at sea. #proactiveinvestors #oceanpowertechnologiesinc #nyseamerican #optt #PhillipStratmann, #USGovernmentContract, #USCoastGuard #MaritimeSecurity #DefenseTech #AutonomousSystems #BuoySystems #WAMV #PowerBuoy #MERROWS #USCoastGuard #HomelandSecurity #AndurilIndustries #MaritimeSecurity #DefenseTech #AutonomousSystems #CleanEnergy #OceanTech #GovContracts #EnergyInnovation #TechStocks #SmallCap #EmergingTech #SecuritySolutions #BlueEconomy #Innovation

Nextech3D.ai CEO Evan Gappelberg joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce that its recently acquired subsidiary Kraftylabs achieved profitability in February 2026, marking its first full month of operations under Nextech3D.ai. Gappelberg highlighted that Krafty Labs generated approximately $130,000 in revenue during the month, delivering a gross margin of 66%, or about $85,000, and a net margin of roughly 55%, equating to approximately $71,000. Management believes these results validate both the quality of the acquisition and the operating leverage embedded within Nextech3D.ai’s platform-driven model. The company noted continued progress in improving operating efficiency and expanding margins, reinforcing its view that Nextech3D.ai is on track toward achieving cash-flow positive operations in 2026, subject to execution and broader market conditions. Nextech3D.ai operates a platform-centric AI technology model that supports multiple solutions across event technology, spatial computing, and enterprise applications. Unlike traditional single-product SaaS businesses, the company’s architecture is designed to capture value across multiple customer entry points and use cases, enabling scalable growth opportunities. Based on existing contracts and historical activity, Nextech3D.ai estimates its current customer base represents approximately $3.0 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). While not all of this revenue is expected to be recognized within 2026, management believes the ARR profile underscores the scalability and durability of its recurring revenue model. #proactiveinvestors #nextech3d.al #otcqx #nexcf #cse #ntar #EvanGappelberg #KraftyLabs #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #SpatialComputing #EventTech #EnterpriseTech #SaaS #TechStocks #SmallCap #Profitability #ARR #RecurringRevenue #GrowthStocks #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #3DTechnology #EmergingTech #BusinessGrowth

Guardforce AI Co Ltd (NASDAQ:GFAI, NASDAQ:GFAIW) CEO and chairperson Lei ‘Olivia’ Wang talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the company’s acquisition of MGAI and how it supports Guardforce AI’s broader strategy to build AI-driven productivity infrastructure. Wang explained that Guardforce AI is evolving from its legacy businesses in cash management, smart retail and robotics into an AI-focused technology company, with a mission to “build AI agents as productivity infrastructure” and create a “super assistant for both personal and the professionals to make better decisions.” The acquisition of MGAI marks a move into healthcare, specifically children’s speech and language rehabilitation. Wang highlighted that MGAI is not an early-stage venture but a proven platform with “110,000 patients already served” and “20,000 rehabilitation professionals on the platform.” The company provides AI-powered tools to support therapists, standardise assessments and improve therapy management. She said the deal structure combines cash and equity, with performance-based milestones tied to revenue targets over three years. This approach limits downside risk while aligning long-term growth incentives. Wang emphasised that the acquisition fits into Guardforce AI’s wider strategy, noting that MGAI and its travel-focused AI agent DVGO are “two minds, but one strategy.” She added that further acquisitions are likely as the company builds a repeatable model for scaling AI solutions across industries. Looking ahead, Wang outlined goals including predictable recurring AI revenue, expansion across Asia, and establishing Guardforce AI as a scalable AI application company. For more videos like this, visit Proactive’s YouTube channel, like this video, subscribe, and enable notifications so you never miss an update. #GuardforceAI #MGAI #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthcareAI #DigitalHealth #AIInvesting #TechStocks #AIPlatform #RehabilitationTech #AsiaGrowth #AIAgents #ProactiveInvestors

International Biotechnology Trust (IBT) portfolio manager Ailsa Craig talked with Proactive’s Stephen Gunnion about the trust’s recent outperformance, the resurgence of biotech markets, and why merger and acquisition (M&A) activity is becoming a key driver of returns. Craig explained that after a prolonged downturn, biotech is regaining momentum, supported by improved performance and renewed investor interest. She highlighted that IBT benefited from gearing during market weakness and from multiple acquisitions within the portfolio, noting that “we have nine acquisitions out of the fund, making performance really strong.” The trust employs a flexible investment strategy, combining both top-down and bottom-up approaches while actively rotating holdings based on clinical progress and market conditions. Craig emphasized that this adaptability has enabled IBT to outperform its peer group over the long term. A major theme discussed was the acceleration in M&A activity, driven by large pharmaceutical companies facing significant patent expiries. Craig stated, “we're seeing a pickup in M&A right now because big pharma companies are facing massive patent expiry,” adding that further deal momentum is expected. She also pointed to attractive valuations in late-stage biotech firms, particularly those nearing commercialization, and noted increasing IPO activity as a sign the sector is returning to normal. With strong demand from cash-rich pharma companies and improving fundamentals, Craig suggested now is a compelling time for investors to revisit biotech. For more insights like this, visit Proactive’s YouTube channel, give this video a like, subscribe, and enable notifications so you never miss future content. #BiotechInvesting #HealthcareStocks #BiotechM&A #PharmaIndustry #StockMarketInsights #IPO2026 #BiotechStocks #InvestmentStrategy #LifeSciences #ProactiveInvestors

Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF, FRA:I8A) CEO Graeme Purdy talked with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the successful safety testing of the company’s Goliath solid-state batteries under battlefield conditions, highlighting a key validation from a UK defence agency. Purdy explained that the batteries were subjected to live-fire testing on a firing range, where they were penetrated by various types of ammunition to assess their response. The results demonstrated the inherent safety advantages of Ilika’s solid-state battery technology compared to traditional lithium-ion alternatives. As Purdy noted, “they are intrinsically safer because they don't have a flammable liquid electrolyte component,” which significantly reduces the risk of dangerous reactions under extreme conditions. The interview also explored the growing opportunity within the defence sector. While Ilika originally developed Goliath batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics, increasing global tensions and the electrification of military equipment have opened up new demand. Applications such as drones, communication systems, and intelligence devices are driving the need for safer, high-performance battery solutions. Purdy highlighted that validation from a UK defence agency is particularly important, given its influence with the Ministry of Defence. The company is now working with partners across the supply chain to convert this interest into commercial agreements and deliver returns on its technology investment. Stay tuned for more updates on Ilika’s progress in solid-state battery development. Visit Proactive’s YouTube channel for more videos, give this video a like, subscribe to the channel, and enable notifications so you never miss future content. #Ilika #SolidStateBatteries #BatteryTechnology #EVBatteries #DefenseTech #EnergyStorage #GoliathBattery #LithiumIon #CleanEnergy #DroneTechnology #MilitaryTech #BatterySafety #UKDefense #TechInnovation #ElectricVehicles