News Hub | News Direct

Investors Could Increase Exposure To Small- and Micro-Caps Over The Next Year: Research Published By New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR)

Benzinga

By James Blacker, Benzinga With interest rate cuts expected soon and other market conditions potentially set to improve, savvy investors are turning their attention to small-cap and micro-cap stocks, a new study suggests. According to the research, which was commissioned by advanced aerospace engineering company New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR), both institutional and retail investors might significantly boost their allocation to these market segments over the next 12 months. Visit New Horizon Aircraft’s website to learn more about its approach to innovating and how it is building its position as a key player in the advanced air mobility market. Growing Appeal Of Small- And Micro-Cap Stocks The study, carried out by PureProfile, surveyed fund managers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia with a collective $82.4 billion in assets under management. A notable 76% of the respondents said they anticipate that institutional investors will increase their exposure to small- and micro-caps over the next six to 12 months. Of this number, 34% think the allocations will increase by 25% or more. Furthermore, retail investors are also expected to allocate more to micro- and small-caps, with 83% of the study’s respondents saying this will be the case. Around half said retail investors will boost their investments by more than 25%, while 12% think retail investors could increase their exposure by as much as 50%. The study also found there to be a perception among some fund managers that current exposure to small- and micro-cap stocks is underweight. Approximately one-third of respondents described institutional investor exposure to these segments as underweight, while 59% expressed this sentiment regarding retail investors. However, the research also found that 27% of respondents consider institutional investor exposure to these stocks as overweight, while 30% think the same for retail investors. According to Horizon Aircraft CEO Brandon Robinson, this shift in investment strategy could be driven by the potential for higher growth rates in small-cap companies compared to their larger counterparts. “As the economy rebounds, small and micro-cap companies are likely to have higher growth potential than large-cap companies. This is due to their agility in capitalizing on new technologies alongside investors looking for significantly higher growth potential over the magnificent seven and other ultra-large cap stocks that are showing signs of being overbought,” Robinson notes. Lessons From The Dot-Com Bubble The late-1990s/early 2000s period provides an interesting parallel to today’s market environment, showcasing how small-cap stocks can rebound strongly after a period of underperformance. During the dot-com bubble, large-cap stocks, particularly those tied to the internet boom, significantly outpaced small caps. These tech giants, much like Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) today, saw their valuations skyrocket, creating a significant valuation gap between large and small-cap stocks. However, in the years after the dot-com bubble burst, small caps began to outperform large caps as the market recovered. Those who invested in stocks in the S&P 500’s Information Technology index in 2000 lost 29% cumulatively over the next five years. In contrast, those who continued to invest in small-cap value gained 89%, based on the Russell 2000 Value Index from the start of 2001 through 2005. Today, the valuation gap between small and large caps is the widest it has been since the dot-com era. In terms of forward price-to-earnings, small caps are currently trading at 14 times earnings, while large caps are trading at 20 times. This disparity suggests that small caps could potentially be once again poised for a period of outperformance. Horizon Aircraft: A Small-Cap Stock In The Advanced Air Mobility Space One small-cap stock that could benefit from this reallocation of investments is HOVR. New Horizon Aircraft is promising to shake up the advanced air mobility industry with its hybrid electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, called the Cavorite X7. With a projected useful load of 1,500 lbs, an anticipated maximum speed of 250 miles per hour and a range of 500 miles, the Cavorite X7 is designed for a wide range of applications ranging from medical evacuation to critical supply delivery, disaster relief, special military missions and regional air mobility. For those looking to stay ahead of the curve, keeping an eye on New Horizon Aircraft and similar small-cap innovators could be a smart move. Read more about New Horizon Aircraft: On The Horizon: How One Company Plans To Use Its Innovative Aircraft Design To Revolutionize Regional Air Travel New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) Announces Key Technical Updates On Development Of eVTOL Prototype From Stage To Stage: How New Horizon Aircraft's eVTOLs Could Simplify Tour Logistics For Taylor Swift Sustainably Featured photo by Sergei Tokmakov on Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 19, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Pilotless Planes Are Coming, But Not Just Yet, Says New Horizon Aircraft CEO

Benzinga

By James Blacker, Benzinga Autonomous vehicles have captured the imagination of consumers in recent years. With billions of dollars invested into making driverless cars a reality, companies like Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) have taken the lead in pushing this technology forward. What many don’t know, however, is that the aviation industry is also on the brink of an autonomous revolution, with the market for autonomous aircraft projected to be worth some $22.71 billion by 2030. One company using its aviation expertise to take on this challenge is Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR). The company, led by CEO Brandon Robinson, is seeking to shake up the future of air travel with its groundbreaking hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Cavorite X7. In a recent interview with Benzinga, Robinson, a former CF-18 fighter pilot, spoke about the use of autonomous technology in aviation, whether there will still be a role for human pilots and the company’s strategy for leading this transformation. Autonomous Flight Tech And The Need For Pilots As Robinson points out, commercial aircraft are already somewhat autonomous, with most commercial airliners able to fly and land autonomously. Despite this, most commercial aircraft still require not one but two pilots present in the cockpit. "The air environment is very complicated and unforgiving. There are many unforeseen circumstances that often arrive, and it has been historically important to have a human in control of the aircraft in order to properly analyze the myriad of possibilities and choose an action that prioritizes safety," he explained. However, while we might not be getting rid of pilots just yet, the industry could be on a path to pilotless flight within a decade. Robinson notes that “many commercial aircraft are largely completely autonomous now, with several able to fly the majority of the route, land and stop on the runway without any human pilot intervention. It is logical to assume that eventually, the system may evolve to have human pilots trained only in a remote monitoring role." Horizon Aircraft’s Medium-Term Outlook While the technology for fully autonomous flight is still developing, Horizon Aircraft is focusing on piloted aircraft for the foreseeable future, recognizing that customer comfort and trust are paramount. However, the company is already preparing for a future where autonomous air travel could become the norm. Its current eVTOL prototype, the Cavorite X7, is equipped with advanced sensors and fly-by-wire systems that set the stage for a potentially smooth transition to autonomy when the time is right. Long-Term Future: Autonomous Air Taxis In the long term, Robinson sees an exciting future for autonomous flight where pilotless air taxis are as routine as taking an Uber (NYSE: UBER). Aside from the futuristic aesthetic, the potential benefits of urban air travel are massive – by taking advantage of the “third dimension” of the sky, air taxis can bypass ground traffic, stack at different altitudes and reduce congestion. This ability to keep aircraft separated improves safety and efficiency when compared to driving on roads. Cavorite X7 Latest Developments Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7 is an eVTOL, which means it can take off and land vertically – just like a helicopter. The company reports that what makes this eVTOL unique is its ability to reconfigure its wings en route to fly like a traditional aircraft, using Horizon’s patented HOVR Wing technology. This wing reconfiguration allows it to fly twice as fast as a helicopter and more efficiently. It also uses a hybrid-electric main power system, which allows it to recharge its battery array in flight and after landing. The Cavorite X7 has already proven to perform well in hover and in slow forward flight. The company’s current flight-testing program is focused on flying at higher speeds and reaching “transition speed,” at which point the wings can reconfigure. Earlier this year, Horizon announced a number of promising technical updates on the development of its prototype, including the validation of its patent-pending yaw control system, as well as the start of production and testing of its full-scale core vertical lifting fan technology. With progress on the technology gaining momentum, Robinson is confident that Horizon can soon make its vision a reality. “For the past few years there have been many groups questioning the reports calling for explosive growth across the industry. We’re now seeing technology and advanced air mobility companies mature to the point that this optimism can be justified,” said the CEO. Watch the complete interview with Benzinga here: https://www.youtube.com/live/rnLgQdMaAPM?t=10351s Read more about New Horizon Aircraft: On The Horizon: How One Company Plans To Use Its Innovative Aircraft Design To Revolutionize Regional Air Travel New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) Announces Key Technical Updates On Development Of eVTOL Prototype From Stage To Stage: How New Horizon Aircraft's eVTOLs Could Simplify Tour Logistics For Taylor Swift Sustainably Featured photo by Kim Hunter from Pixabay. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 15, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

NAVEX to Demystify IT Risk Communication at ISACA GRC Conference

NAVEX Global

NAVEX, the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software, will deliver a key session at the upcoming ISACA Governance, Risk, and Control (GRC) Conference in Austin, Texas, August 12-14, 2024. The session, " Getting Our Wires Crossed: How to Speak IT Risk as a Compliance Professional," will be presented by Kyle Martin, Vice President of GRC Solutions at NAVEX, and Robert Clark, Chief Audit and Compliance Officer at Howard University. In an era where cybersecurity threats and regulatory pressures are at an all-time high, the ability to effectively communicate IT risks across organizational silos has become a critical skill for compliance professionals. Attendees can join the session, CS 7–4, on August 13th at 11:00 to gain valuable insights into: Understanding and translating risk and compliance terminology. Evaluating program maturity levels and their organizational implications. Assessing risks and controls across all business facets, including third-party risk management. Crafting compelling IT risk reports for executive teams and board directors. "In today's interconnected business environment, the ability to translate IT risk insights into compelling narratives for CEOs is no longer optional—it's essential," said Kyle Martin. "As a result, this session aims to empower compliance professionals with the tools they need to navigate this critical intersection confidently." The ISACA GRC Conference, now in its 11th year, brings together leading minds in governance, risk management, and control to provide world-class content and practical guidance. NAVEX's participation underscores its commitment to advancing the field of integrated risk and compliance management. For more information about NAVEX's participation in the ISACA GRC Conference 2024 or to schedule an interview with the speakers, please contact Senior Public Relations Manager, Scott Levesque at scott.levesque@navex.com. NAVEX is trusted by thousands of customers worldwide to help them achieve the business outcomes that matter most. As the global leader in integrated risk and compliance management software and services, we deliver solutions through the NAVEX One platform, the industry’s most comprehensive governance, risk and compliance (GRC) information system. For more information, visit NAVEX.com and our blog. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact Details Navex Global scott.levesque@navex.com Company Website https://navex.com

August 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Benchmark International Unveils the 2024 Global Transportation & Logistics Industry Report

Benchmark International

Benchmark International is excited to announce the release of its latest industry analysis, the 2024 Global Transportation & Logistics Industry Report. This detailed report provides vital insights into the growth, trends, and dynamics shaping the global transportation and logistics sector. The global freight and logistics market is projected to grow to $18.69 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. The logistics segment alone is expected to reach $6.55 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2022 to 2027. This growth is driven by the increasing need for efficient and cost-effective transportation and storage solutions across various industries. The report highlights key drivers of market growth, including the rapid proliferation of trade agreements, technological advancements, and the surge in e-commerce. Technological innovations such as automated material handling equipment, robotics, GPS, and blockchain integration are transforming logistics operations, enabling real-time tracking and predictive management. The rise of e-commerce has significantly increased the volume of shipments, creating both opportunities and challenges for logistics companies. Key trends identified in the report include the adoption of green logistics solutions, the integration of advanced technologies, and the growth of the "last mile" gig economy delivery. These trends are shaping the future of logistics, with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. The report also explores the anticipated activity in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape within the transportation and logistics sector. Lower interest rates and improved market conditions are expected to drive consolidation and expansion efforts, particularly in the U.S. and Canada. For more information and to access the full 2024 Global Transportation & Logistics Industry Report, please visit https://www.benchmarkintl.com/insights/2024-global-transportation-logistics-industry-report/ ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL: Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $11 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive Privately-held M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook and Refinitiv's Global League Tables. Contact Details Brittney Zoeller +1 813-898-2350 zoeller@benchmarkintl.com Company Website https://www.benchmarkintl.com/

August 01, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

US Graphite One Secures Lucid Motors Supply Agreement

Graphite One Inc

Graphite One Inc. (TSX-V: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) is proud to report that it has entered into a non-binding supply agreement with Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID) for anode active materials (AAM). This is a significant development for Graphite One as a supply agreement with a high-profile company like Lucid provides credibility and reassurance. Lucid is the maker of the world's most advanced electric vehicles while G1 is planning a complete domestic U.S. supply chain for advanced graphite materials. This landmark collaboration marks the first synthetic graphite supply agreement between a U.S. graphite developer and a U.S. EV company. Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO at Lucid, said: "We are committed to accelerating the transition to sustainable vehicles and the development of a robust domestic supply chain ensures the United States, and Lucid, will maintain technology leadership in this global race, Through work with partners like Graphite One, we will have access to American-sourced critical raw materials, helping power our award-winning vehicles made with pride in Arizona." Meanwhile, Anthony Huston, President and CEO of Graphite One, said: "This is a historic moment for Graphite One, Lucid and North America: the first synthetic graphite Supply Agreement between a U.S. graphite developer and U.S. EV company, G1 is excited to continue pushing forward developing our 100% U.S. domestic supply chain. We appreciate the support from our investors and the grant from the Department of Defense. Subject to project financing required to build the AAM facility, the Supply Agreement with Lucid puts G1 on the path to produce revenue in 2027, and that's just the beginning for Graphite One as we work to meet market demands and create a secure 100% U.S.-based supply chain for natural and synthetic graphite for U.S. industry and national security." This groundbreaking agreement follows Graphite One's recent selection of a site for its proposed AAM facility. Located at a brownfield site in Warren, Ohio, this site was previously used by the U.S. Government to stockpile National Defense critical minerals. It is situated in the heart of the automobile industry, in an area with ample low-cost electricity produced from renewable energy sources. The site's existing power lines are sufficient for Graphite One's Phase 1 production target of 25,000 tonnes per year (tpy) of battery-ready anode material, and land is available for follow-on phases to ramp to 100,000 tpy of production. Discover more about Graphite One's plans to transform the U.S. graphite industry. Graphite One's Domestic Supply Chain Strategy With the United States currently 100% import-dependent for synthetic and natural graphite, Graphite One is developing a complete U.S.-based, advanced graphite supply chain solution anchored by its Graphite Creek deposit, recognized by the U.S. Geological Survey as the largest graphite deposit in the U.S. "and among the largest in the world 1." Developing a U.S.-based advanced anode material manufacturing plant is the second link in the company's comprehensive plan to create a fully domestic graphite supply chain. Here, in Ohio's emerging "Voltage Valley," G1 intends to become the first vertically integrated producer to serve the U.S. EV battery market as it produces high-quality anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems. The plan also includes a recycling facility to reclaim graphite and the other battery materials, to be co-located at the Ohio site, representing the third link in Graphite One's circular economy strategy. Terms of the G1-Lucid Supply Agreement The Supply Agreement is non-binding providing for 5,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of anode material to Lucid once Graphite One commences production. The initial term is for 5 years, subject to earlier termination. Sales are based on an agreed price formula linked to future market pricing as well as satisfying base case pricing agreeable to both parties. The Supply Agreement is subject to other terms, conditions and termination rights standard for an agreement of this nature. About Lucid Motors California-based Lucid Group is focused on creating the world's most advanced electric vehicles. The company's flagship vehicle, Lucid Air, delivers best-in-class performance and efficiency starting at $69,900 and has been recognized with a number of leading awards, including MotorTrend 2022 Car of the Year, World Luxury Car of the Year, and Car and Driver 10 Best. Lucid is preparing its state-of-the-art, vertically integrated factory in Arizona to begin production of the Lucid Gravity SUV. About Graphite One With the plan to create three integrated operational pillars, G1 is on a mission to become a significant player in the U.S. graphite supply chain as its future plans are to mine, process, manufacture, and recycle graphite anode materials. It is anticipated that this will primarily supply the U.S. lithium-ion EV battery market and energy storage systems. As set forth in the company's 2022 pre-feasibility study 2, graphite mineralization mined from the company's Graphite Creek property in Alaska would be processed into concentrate at an adjacent processing plant. Then, natural and artificial graphite anode active materials and other value‐added graphite products would be manufactured from the concentrate and other materials at G1's proposed manufacturing facility in Ohio. Graphite One intends to make a production decision on the project upon the completion of its feasibility study. The powerful backing of the United States Government validates G1's ambitious plans. In addition to a White House invitation, G1 has already received two significant government grants from the Department of Defense (DoD). The first grant is an exceptional $37.5 million towards its feasibility study 3. The second is an impressive $4.7 million to develop a graphite-based foam fire suppressant 4. Better still, substantial Federal support for the industry continues, which G1 plans to also tap into 5. Graphite One's triple-faceted domestic supply chain solution is strategically designed to reduce U.S. dependency on China for graphite. With its forward-thinking approach, Graphite One is not just planning to meet current market demands but also anticipating the future needs of a tech-driven world. Its high-quality graphite materials are anticipated to meet the growing demands of electrification, catalyze sustainable development, and pave the way for the next generation of technological breakthroughs. G1's management team excels in mine construction, process control design, and facility management. Their extensive expertise ensures efficient operations and a commitment to cost efficiency to maximize profitability. Graphite One has assembled a team of individuals who are not just capable but are ready to drive business growth and deliver enduring value to stakeholders over the long term. DISCOVER MORE ABOUT GRAPHITE ONE Data Sources: Springer. Insights into the metamorphic history and origin of flake graphite mineralization at the Graphite Creek graphite deposit, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, USA, February 27, 2023. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00126-023-01161-3 Graphite One. Pre-Feasibility Study Report, October 13, 2022. https://www.graphiteoneinc.com/pfs/ Graphite One Inc. Graphite One awarded $37.5 million Department of Defense grant under the Defense Production Act. July 17, 2023. https://www.graphiteoneinc.com/graphite-one-awarded-37-5-million-department-of-defense-grant-under-the-defense-production-act/ Graphite One Inc. Graphite One awarded US$4.7 million contract by U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Logistics Agency to develop graphite-based foam fire suppressant. September 11, 2023. https://www.graphiteoneinc.com/graphite-one-awarded-us4-7-million-contract-by-u-s-department-of-defenses-defense-logistics-agency-to-develop-graphite-based-foam-fire-suppressant Murkowski Senate. U.S. Critical Mineral Projects Eligible for DOE Loan Guarantees After Push from Murkowski, December 2023. https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/us-ciritical-mineral-projects-eligible-for-doe-loan-guarantees-after-push-from-murkowski IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER PAID ADVERTISEMENT This communication is a paid advertisement. ValueTheMarkets is a trading name of Digitonic Ltd, and its owners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and assigns (collectively the “Publisher”) is often paid by one or more of the profiled companies or a third party to disseminate these types of communications. In this case, the Publisher has been compensated by Graphite One Inc. to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing and has paid the Publisher the equivalent of fifty thousand US dollars per month for a 12-month period starting 24 April 2024 until 23 April 2025 to produce and disseminate this and other similar articles and certain related banner advertisements. This compensation should be viewed as a major conflict with the Publisher’s ability to provide unbiased information or opinion. CHANGES IN SHARE TRADING AND PRICE Readers should beware that third parties, profiled companies, and/or their affiliates may liquidate shares of the profiled companies at any time, including at or near the time you receive this communication, which has the potential to adversely affect share prices. Frequently companies profiled in our articles experience a large increase in share trading volume and share price during the course of investor awareness marketing, which often ends as soon as the investor awareness marketing ceases. The investor awareness marketing may be as brief as one day, after which a large decrease in share trading volume and share price may likely occur. NO OFFER TO SELL OR BUY SECURITIES This communication is not, and should not be construed to be, an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. INFORMATION Neither this communication nor the Publisher purport to provide a complete analysis of any company or its financial position. This communication is based on information generally available to the public and on an interview conducted with the company’s CEO, and does not contain any material, non-public information. The information on which it is based is believed to be reliable. Nevertheless, the Publisher does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. Further, the information in this communication is not updated after publication and may become inaccurate or outdated. No reliance should be placed on the price or statistics information and no responsibility or liability is accepted for any error or inaccuracy. Any statements made should not be taken as an endorsement of analyst views. NO FINANCIAL ADVICE The Publisher is not, and does not purport to be, a broker-dealer or registered investment adviser or a financial adviser. The Publisher has no access to non-public information about publicly traded companies. The information provided is general and impersonal, and is not tailored to any particular individual’s financial situation or investment objective(s) and this communication is not, and should not be construed to be, personalized investment advice directed to or appropriate for any particular investor or a personal recommendation to deal or invest in any particular company or product. Any investment should be made only after consulting a professional investment advisor and only after reviewing the financial statements and other pertinent corporate information about the company. Further, readers are advised to read and carefully consider the Risk Factors identified and discussed in the advertised company’s SEC, SEDAR+ and/or other government filings. Investing in securities, particularly microcap securities, is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding expected continual growth of the featured companies and/or industry. Statements in this communication that look forward in time, which include everything other than historical information, are based on assumptions and estimates by our content providers and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the profiled company’s actual results of operations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results and performance to differ materially from any future results or performance expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: the success of the profiled company’s operations; the size and growth of the market for the company’s products and services; the company’s ability to fund its capital requirements in the near term and long term; pricing pressures; changes in business strategy, practices or customer relationships; general worldwide economic and business conditions; currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; government, statutory, regulatory or administrative initiatives affecting the company’s business. INDEMNIFICATION/RELEASE OF LIABILITY By reading this communication, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this disclaimer in full, and agree and accept that the Publisher provides no warranty in respect of the communication or the profiled company and accepts no liability whatsoever. You acknowledge and accept this disclaimer and that, to the greatest extent permitted under applicable law, you release and hold harmless the Publisher from any and all liability, damages, injury and adverse consequences arising from your use of this communication. You further agree that you are solely responsible for any financial outcome related to or arising from your investment decisions. TERMS OF USE AND DISCLAIMER By reading this communication you agree that you have reviewed and fully agree to the Terms of Use found here https://www.valuethemarkets.com/terms-conditions/ and acknowledge that you have reviewed the Disclaimer found here https://www.valuethemarkets.com/disclaimer/. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use, please contact valuethemarkets.com to discontinue receiving future communications. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY All trademarks used in this communication are the property of their respective trademark holders. Other than valuethemarkets.com, the Publisher is not affiliated, connected, or associated with, and the communication is not sponsored, approved, or originated by, the trademark holders unless otherwise stated. No claim is made by the Publisher to any rights in any third-party trademarks other than valuethemarkets.com. AUTHORS: VALUETHEMARKETS valuethemarkets.com and Digitonic Ltd and our affiliates are not responsible for the content or accuracy of this article. The information included in this article is based solely on information provided by the company or companies mentioned above. This article does not provide any financial advice and is not a recommendation to deal in any securities or product. News and research are not recommendations to deal, and investments may fall in value so that you could lose some or all of your investment. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.ValueTheMarkets do not hold any position in the stock(s) and/or financial instrument(s) mentioned in the above piece. ValueTheMarkets have been paid to produce this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Digitonic Ltd, the owner of valuethemarkets.com, has been paid for the production of this piece by the company or companies mentioned above. Contact Details ValueTheMarkets +44 141 530 4080 editor@valuethemarkets.com Company Website https://www.valuethemarkets.com

July 31, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Battery-Swapping Stocks Are Trending: Here’s Why U Power Is On The List

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga Electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping services are taking off as the industry seeks ways to overcome barriers to widespread adoption. Getting stuck because of a dead battery is a big one. The time it takes to get charged up is another. Battery swapping fixes that, enabling drivers to have a full charge in minutes. It also makes owning an EV cheaper. The customer has to purchase the vehicle body and lease the battery pack. According to some estimates, that could save drivers thousands of dollars. All of this is driving this burgeoning industry and its players. U Power Ltd (NASDAQ: UCAR), the Chinese EV power solution company, is one of them. It is going after the market with its advanced UOTTA technology that enables consumers and fleet operators to replace dead EV batteries with fully charged ones in under five minutes. That alone is a big deal, but U Power also offers a battery-swapping ecosystem which includes building the infrastructure through to managing it. U Power Takes On The Competition U Power has some impressive competitors including Nio (NYSE: NIO) the Chinese EV maker, CATL, the leading Chinese EV battery producer and Ample, a San Francisco battery-swapping station start-up. But this isn't stopping U Power from seeing double-digit growth. The company credits that with its ecosystem of services, which it says its competitors don’t have. U Power is also differentiating itself with the customers it is courting. Last year, U Power's UOTTA ecosystem achieved industry-leading full product coverage for commercial vehicles. This coverage spans a wide range of vehicles from long-haul buses to light passenger vehicles, and container tractors to small trucks. U Power offers customized solutions tailored to customer needs. Setting The Standards Then there’s U Power’s partnerships, which will be key to the growth of this market. Battery-swapping is in its infancy and in the beginning the government will play a role in helping develop the market, but eventually the private sector will take over. Companies with broad partnerships with vehicle manufacturers and operators will have a seat at the table when it comes to setting battery-swapping technology standards. That will give them a lead in the market and they could emerge as the company others look to. U Power is among those standard-setting companies, spearheading the initiative. The company’s strong network of partnerships puts U Power in a position to expand the market. Those partnerships include a deal with Dutch electric vehicle company UNEX to provide battery-swapping vehicles and swapping station services to Associação Nacional dos Transportes Rodoviários em Automóveis Ligeiros (ANTRAL), a partnership with Cornerstone Technologies Holdings Limited, a leading EV charging solution provider and charge point operator based in Hong Kong, to jointly explore and develop a strategic business relationship and an agreement with a Peruvian miner to evaluate electric heavy-duty vehicles on an established haulage route. U Power also has a partnership with a major taxi company in China and is forging partnerships with Chinese automobile manufacturers to jointly develop commercial-use UOTTA-powered EVs, such as ride-hailing passenger EVs, small logistics EVs and light electric trucks. At last check, U Power has already sold eleven battery swapping stations, and has 14 patents and 24 pending patent applications in China. All of that is leading to impressive revenue growth. For 2023, revenue increased by 153.5% while gross profit margins reached 61.6%, up from 34.1%. Is U Power Undervalued? But you wouldn’t know it from its stock price. U Power’s valuation pales in comparison to some of its rivals, including Ample, which designs EV battery-swapping stations specifically for Uber drivers. Its stations are optimized for urban settings, and take up a small footprint equivalent to two parking spaces. Like U Power, Ample is forming partnerships within the industry. Back in 2021, Ample reached unicorn status, and while its valuation has come down a bit since then, it's still a highly valued player. U Power could follow a similar trajectory, as it is sporting a market cap of only $17.4 million, despite high growth, key partnerships and strong gross margins. The EV battery-swapping services market is just taking off as the EV market itself grows. Last year the US sold a record 1.2 million EVs. Meanwhile, China forecasts an estimated 20 million EVs will be on the road as of the start of this year. U Power is positioning itself to be a big player in the market and stand out from its rivals focused on battery swapping stations alone. With a broad portfolio of services, strong partnerships and a focus on the commercial market, U Power could be the next breakout stock in the evolving EV battery-swapping marketplace. Featured photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

July 25, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Classiq Transforms Quantum Computing with Qmod, The First High-Level Language for Quantum Programming

Classiq Technologies

Classiq today announced the general availability of Qmod (Quantum Modeling Language), the first high-level language (HLL) for quantum coding. Following successful pilot projects with enterprise partners, Qmod is now accessible to developers, researchers and enterprises worldwide and will transform quantum computing with its efficient, approachable method of programming. Qmod facilitates advanced quantum modeling and enables developers to describe quantum algorithms at a high level of abstraction. It supports unique quantum-computing concepts alongside conventional constructs found in high-level classical programming languages. This innovative approach allows developers to focus on the functional intent of their algorithms while Classiq’s powerful compiler and synthesis engine handle the intricate hardware-aware quantum implementation details. “To deliver a business or scientific value, quantum computing must be useful and accessible to scientists and engineers seeking to use quantum computing to solve real-world problems, which today it is not,” said Heather West, PhD, Research Manager, Quantum Computing at IDC. “Today, programming a quantum computer happens at the hardware level, making the technology only accessible to quantum physicists and other quantum specialists. As we begin to talk about quantum utility and near-term applications, abstraction-level application programming will become a necessity for wide-spread quantum adoption and usage.” Why The Qmod Language Is Different Declarative programming: Qmod’s declarative nature lets users define what their algorithm should achieve rather than how to achieve it; Classiq’s synthesis engine compiler optimizes for hardware and other constraints automatically. Flexibility and interoperability: Whether through native syntax, Python or graphical representation, Qmod descriptions are easily translatable and compatible across different formats and hardware. Industry-ready: Qmod is a tool for researchers and industry applications, providing robust scalable solutions for enterprise-grade quantum software development in an era of steadily growing qubit counts and the resulting coding complexity. “As we go further in building a complete quantum software stack, our groundbreaking Qmod language enables quantum experts to produce sophisticated programs while also allowing developers without a quantum background to innovate and solve complex problems across a variety of industry domains,” said Nir Minerbi, CEO and co-founder of Classiq. “By abstracting the complexities of quantum programming, Qmod delivers the ability to create and deploy dynamic quantum applications effortlessly. In some cases, it’ll use perhaps five lines of code instead of the traditional 100 lines of code. Like Java for the worldwide web or BASIC for PCs, Qmod is intended to open the gates to advanced quantum implementation.” Classiq’s platform ensures that quantum algorithms designed with Qmod can be seamlessly compiled for a broad range of hardware and simulation environments, as well as supporting seamless HPC integration. The platform's synthesis engine dynamically adapts implementations to different hardware configurations, allowing for rapid benchmarking and ensuring optimal implementations that make the very most of the available hardware. About Classiq Classiq Technologies, the leading quantum software company, provides an all-encompassing platform (IDE, compiler and OS) with a single point of entry into quantum computing, taking you from algorithm design to execution. The high-level descriptive quantum software development environment, tailored to all levels of developer proficiency, automates quantum programming. This ensures that a broad range of talents, including those with backgrounds in AI, ML and linear algebra, can harness quantum computing without requiring deep, specialized knowledge of quantum physics. Classiq democratizes access to quantum computing and equips its users to take full advantage of the quantum computing revolution, including access to a broad range of quantum hardware. Classiq’s core technology, algorithmic quantum circuit compilation, is engineered to power the quantum ecosystem of today and the future. Classiq works closely with quantum cloud providers and advanced computation hardware developers providing software for use with quantum computers, HPC, and quantum simulators. Backed by investors such as HPE, HSBC, Samsung, Intesa Sanpaolo and NTT, Classiq’s world-class team of scientists and engineers has distilled decades of quantum expertise into its groundbreaking quantum engine. Follow Classiq on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) or YouTube, and visit the Slack community and https://www.classiq.io to learn more. Contact Details Rainier Communications Michelle Allard McMahon classiqPR@rainierco.com Company Website http://www.classiq.io/

July 23, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Classiq and QuEra Announce Integration of Neutral-Atom Quantum Computers into Classiq Platform

Classiq Technologies

Classiq, the leader in quantum software development, and QuEra Computing, the leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, today announced a strategic collaboration to integrate QuEra’s cutting-edge neutral-atom quantum computers into the Classiq platform. This integration will enable customers to optimize a wide variety of quantum and hybrid quantum/classical algorithms for QuEra’s quantum computers, leveraging the unique capabilities of QuEra’s advanced quantum technology. With this collaboration, Classiq users will be able to exploit the distinctive features of QuEra’s neutral-atom quantum computers, such as the ability to simultaneously operate on multiple qubits and advanced qubit shuttling. Additionally, the integration provides access to Classiq’s extensive pre-written algorithmic blocks and allows customers to estimate the resources needed to run their algorithms. These capabilities enable the creation of highly resource-efficient algorithms with a large number of qubits and, in the future, for logical qubits as well. “Our partnership with QuEra represents a significant step forward in the quantum computing landscape,” said Nir Minerbi, CEO of Classiq. “By integrating QuEra’s neutral-atom technology into our platform, we are providing our users with unprecedented opportunities to enhance and optimize their quantum algorithms. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering the most versatile and powerful quantum computing solutions available.” “We are thrilled to collaborate with Classiq and bring the power of our neutral-atom quantum computers to a broader audience,” said Yuval Boger, Chief Commercial Officer of QuEra. “Classiq’s platform is renowned for its ease of use and flexibility, and by integrating our technology, we can help users unlock new potential and achieve groundbreaking results in their quantum computing projects.” The integration of QuEra’s quantum computers into the Classiq platform is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum applications across various fields, including pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics and more. Customers who have purchased on-premises computers will be able to use the Classiq platform for the rapid development of quantum algorithms. This partnership highlights the ongoing commitment of both companies to drive innovation and make quantum computing more accessible and impactful. About Classiq Classiq Technologies, the leading quantum software company, provides an all-encompassing platform (IDE, compiler and OS) with a single point of entry into quantum computing, taking you from algorithm design to execution. The high-level descriptive quantum software development environment, tailored to all levels of developer proficiency, automates quantum programming. This ensures that a broad range of talents, including those with backgrounds in AI, ML and linear algebra, can harness quantum computing without requiring deep, specialized knowledge of quantum physics. Classiq democratizes access to quantum computing and equips its users to take full advantage of the quantum computing revolution, including access to a broad range of quantum hardware. Classiq’s core technology, algorithmic quantum circuit compilation, is engineered to power the quantum ecosystem of today and the future. Classiq works closely with quantum cloud providers and advanced computation hardware developers providing software for use with quantum computers, HPC, and quantum simulators. Backed by investors such as HPE, HSBC, Samsung, Intesa Sanpaolo and NTT, Classiq’s world-class team of scientists and engineers has distilled decades of quantum expertise into its groundbreaking quantum engine. Follow Classiq on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) or YouTube, and visit the Slack community and https://www.classiq.io to learn more. About QuEra QuEra Computing is the leader in commercializing quantum computers using neutral atoms—widely recognized as a highly promising quantum modality. Based in Boston and built on pioneering research from nearby Harvard University and MIT, QuEra operates the world’s largest publicly accessible quantum computer, available over a major public cloud and for on-premises delivery. QuEra is developing large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers to tackle classically intractable problems, becoming the partner of choice in the quantum field. Simply put, QuEra is the best way to quantum. For more information, visit us at quera.com and follow us on X or LinkedIn. Contact Details Rainier Communications on behalf of Classiq Michelle Allard McMahon classiqPR@rainierco.com Merrill Freund on behalf of QuEra +1 415-577-8637 press@quera.com Company Website http://www.classiq.io/

July 23, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Freelance jobs grow despite AI, finds new data from Freelancer.com

FREELANCER.COM

Freelancer.com (ASX: FLN), the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by number of users and jobs posted, today released its quarterly Fast 50 Index for Q2 2024 based on data from 251,000 jobs posted to the platform. Computer Security (up 27.1% from 868 to 1,103 jobs) emerges as the fastest-growing freelance skill on Freelancer.com, based on job postings across more than 2,000 skill categories from April 1 to June 30, 2024. This trend in cybersecurity skills suggests more small-to-medium businesses are turning to freelancers for cyber security support, further backed by Network Administration (up 9.9%, from 1,229 to 1,351) also placing in the top 25 fastest growing jobs on the platform. The data also shows no negative impact on generative AI tools on freelance jobs, evident in the growth of Writing, Business Service, and Legal Skills seen in this quarter’s Fast 50 report, all of which were predicted to decrease with the rise in generative AI. PDF writing (up 26.7%, from 2,533 to 3,210) was the second fastest growing job, followed by third place being Microsoft Word (up 23.9%, from 3,368 to 4,173) projects which are also associated with content writing. Writing job Copy Typing came in at the 16th place, growing 11.6% (from 4,428 to 4,941). Legal jobs, which were expected to have been ‘at threat’ to AI, have also increased (up 12.0% from 1,138 to 1,274), as well as Legal Research (up 10.8% from 917 to 1,016). In addition to the index, Freelancer.com ’s annual AI survey, which surveyed more than 4,100 workers globally, investigated AI impact on income and the initial results are shedding light on earnings. When asked how the introduction of AI tools have impacted earnings, more than half of workers (52.5%) reveal they’re earning either the same or more. One fifth (19.2%) say that they’re earning a lot more since generative AI tools were introduced, while only one sixth (17.7%) admit to earning less. “AI is creating more jobs than it takes. While many critics continue to speculate which jobs will be made redundant with AI tools, the data shows that freelance jobs which are labeled as the ‘most at risk to AI disruption’ are in fact growing. The preliminary results from our AI survey also dispel the myth that freelancer are earning less since the introduction of generative AI as more three quarters of workers we surveyed are either earning the same or earning more, with a subset taking advantage of AI and earning a lot more.” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive at Freelancer.com. Cybersecurity threats are on the rise across all organizations, but are particularly harmful for small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs) which have little-to-no security expertise and usually minimal protection. As a result, businesses turned to freelancers for help. In 2Q24, Computer Security jobs ranked as the fastest growing skills (up 27%), indicating there has been an uptick in cyber security threats targeting SMBs. Many of the projects posted throughout the quarter require help with network security, security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities, and creation of cyber security response play books. General business services are also increasing on the platform as more employers are hiring freelancers to support their small businesses. A clear indication of this is the popularity of Market Research and Telemarketing jobs coming in as the fourth and fifth fastest growing skills in Q2 2024, up by 21.1% (from 1,525 to 1,859) and 19.4% (from 1,177 to 1,405), respectively. Other business related skills grew in Q2 2024, including Sales (up 15.5% from 3.467 to 4,005), Lead Generation (up 12.2% from 1,802 to 2,021) and Business Plans (up 10.9% from 1,197 to 1,328). A sudden increase in General business services means that many of the new businesses, which are usually started at the beginning of the year, now require further assistance in helping grow and scale their business. Fastest Falling Skills for Q2 2024 The main category of jobs that fell in Q2 2024 was eCommerce related jobs, which saw a significant increase in Q1 2024. Shopify Templates, ranked as the fastest falling skill and was down by 13% (from 1,476 to 1,284). CSS, which is commonly used in website development, was also down (11.8% from 9.486 to 8,368). Both WooCommerce (from 1.072 to 952) and Shopify (2,545 to 2,269) also fell in the quarter. The easing of eCommerce jobs in this quarter was mainly due to seasonality. Typically, entrepreneurs will start a business at the beginning of the year, requiring help to set up their websites or eCommerce platforms. From there, the entrepreneur either pivots to hiring freelancers for other business services, such as sales or research which we’ve seen in Q2 2024 fastest growing jobs, or are equipped with enough to run their business without any further help. Fastest Growing Overall Job The most popular online freelancing job by total volume is currently Graphic Design with almost double the amount of projects than the other top skills. Graphic Design is followed by PHP (programming), Photoshop, Website Design and HTML (programming). These are typically the best skills for any new freelancer to focus on initially when starting their freelancing journey. How Electronic Repairs Are Becoming the Fastest Growing Skill Globally Electronic Repairs has emerged as one of the fastest-growing job categories on the platform over the past year. In Q2 2024, it ranked 19th among the top 25 fastest-growing jobs, with a 10.7% increase (from 14,945 to 16,548 jobs). However, its most impressive growth is evident in the year-over-year comparison, where Electronic Repairs jobs surged by 162%, from 6,315 in Q2 2023 to 16,548 in Q2 2024. Electronic Repairs are in-person jobs where freelancers are deployed across select countries and cities to fix laptops, printers and computer hardware as part of the Freelancer Global Fleet Program. ##### Freelancer.com Fast 50 The Freelancer.com Fast 50 index is the world’s largest forward indicator of trends in online jobs related to industries, technologies, products, and companies. The data is based on 251,000 jobs posted to the Freelancer.com platform between 1st April to 30th June 2024. Data: Fast 50 Quarterly Index – Q2 2024 2023 Q2 v 2024 Q2 Fastest Growing Jobs for Q2 2024 Fastest Falling Jobs for Q2 2024 About Freelancer Twelve-time Webby award-winning Freelancer.com is the world’s largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace by total number of users and projects posted. More than 74 million registered users have posted over 23.8 million projects and contests to date in over 2,000 areas as diverse as website development, logo design, marketing, copywriting, astrophysics, aerospace engineering and manufacturing. Freelancer owns Escrow.com and Loadshift. Freelancer Limited is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ticker ASX:FLN and is quoted on OTCQX Best Market under the ticker FLNCF. Contact Details Freelancer.com Marko Zitko +1 650-800-6863 mzitko@freelancer.com

July 18, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time