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SRM Entertainment (NASDAQ: SRM): Capitalizing on a $156.5 Billion Entertainment Licensing Boom

SRM

The global licensed merchandise market is a dynamic and rapidly growing sector, valued at USD 269.93 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 400.93 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%. This growth is fueled by consumers’ deep emotional connections with entertainment franchises, driving demand for branded products across categories such as apparel, toys, homeware, and collectibles. Amid this booming market, SRM Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRM) is carving out its niche by aligning with fan-favorite franchises and creating custom-designed products for globally renowned entertainment venues. SRM Entertainment: Bridging Media and Merchandise SRM Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRM) is emerging as a key player in the licensed merchandise sector. The company specializes in custom-designed products for globally renowned entertainment venues, including Walt Disney Parks, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Six Flags. Its product range spans plush toys, figures, apparel, and home goods tied to multi-billion-dollar franchises. By focusing on high-traffic venues like theme parks, zoos, and aquariums, SRM taps into the worldwide demand for fan-centric merchandise. In recent years, SRM has expanded beyond traditional categories, entering areas like location-based entertainment (LBE) and media. This diversification positions the company to capture a broad audience of fans eager to express their love for favorite franchises in new ways. Strategic Licensing Partnerships Drive Success SRM's success is built on strong licensing agreements with major brands, including The Smurfs, Zoonicorn LLC, and The ICEE Company. By creating unique and stylized products based on popular intellectual properties, SRM enhances fan engagement while delivering long-term value for its partners. The company's product lineup caters to a diverse audience, from children to adult collectors, with prices ranging from $2.50 to $50. By offering both trend-driven designs and timeless classics from franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars, SRM has developed strong relationships with retailers and content providers while earning a loyal customer base. Product Innovation Fuels Growth SRM continues to innovate with its merchandise offerings. In 2023, the company introduced several high-demand products, including holiday-themed items and licensed merchandise based on blockbuster films. Its patented Sip With Me drinkware collection, featuring beloved characters like The Smurfs and Zoonicorn, has become a standout hit in theme parks worldwide. SRM’s recent launch of Bluetooth-enabled RGB LED light sticks underscores its ability to integrate technology into its products. Designed for use at theme parks, concerts, and sports arenas, these interactive light sticks enhance the customer experience, reflecting SRM’s commitment to evolving with consumer trends. Expanding into Media A pivotal step in SRM’s evolution is its recent foray into media with the creation of SRM Media. This new division builds on a partnership with Suretone Pictures and allows SRM to leverage its merchandising expertise in the film and television space. In 2024, SRM Media acquired the rights to The Kid, a 2019 Western starring Ethan Hawke, Chris Pratt, and Dane DeHaan. Streaming on Amazon Prime, this acquisition marks SRM’s entry into content distribution. It also provides new merchandising opportunities tied to the growing popularity of Western films, a genre whose demand in the U.S. increased by 146% between 2021 and 2023. A Synergistic Media-Merchandise Model SRM’s partnership with Suretone Pictures, led by industry veteran Jordan Schur, positions the company to create a robust portfolio of film and television content. By owning both the media and the associated merchandise rights, SRM can maximize the value of its intellectual properties and build a sustainable, integrated business model. The Road Ahead With its foundation in licensed merchandise, expanding media division, and innovative product lineup, SRM Entertainment is poised for continued growth. Its ability to forge lasting relationships with entertainment venues, retailers, and licensors provides a solid platform for long-term success. Products like the RGB LED light sticks and the Sip With Me collection showcase SRM's commitment to meeting consumer demand with creativity and relevance. Meanwhile, the launch of SRM Media offers diversification and a promising new revenue stream. Investors seeking exposure to a company that bridges entertainment content with consumer products should keep an eye on SRM Entertainment as it charts an exciting path forward. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performances are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by Awareness Consulting to assist in the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third-party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details RazorPitch Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 mark@razorpitch.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com

December 04, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Audible Names ‘Bistec’ Podcast Series about Betrayal and Redemption in Revolutionary Cuba a 2024 ‘Lo Mejor del Año’ Best Series for Fiction

Nuestro Stories

Global audio leader Audible has named the duo-language podcast series ‘ Bistec ’, the eight-part audio series about betrayal and redemption in Revolutionary Cuba, one of its 2024 “Lo Mejor del Año” Podcast Winners for Fiction. Audible’s inaugural award is being widely promoted across its platform and as part of a media campaign that also highlights other best of 2024 audiobooks, podcasts, and Originals. The full list of winners can be found at https://www.audible.com/es_US. “This is an awesome honor for me and the entire team of producers, actors, editors, and musicians who joined to tell this story,” said Manuel Ruiz-Barrera, who wrote and directed the historical drama and is co-founder of Nuestro Studios, a division of Nuestro Stories and Brilla Media that produced ‘Bistec.’ “This prestigious recognition, and the massive views and listens we’ve generated across digital platforms underscore why the timeless and timely story of ‘Bistec’ must come to the big screen, which is our ultimate goal.” Following its sizzling summer debut, Bistec has generated more than 1.5 million views and listens across multiple digital platforms in Spanish and English, including YouTube in Spanish, and English, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Instagram, and more. (The visual trailer for the audio series, which represents the next stage of what producers believe will become a feature film, can be viewed here ). As part of the next stage of the ‘Bistec’ film project, the producers are about to launch pre-orders for the related photobook called ‘Surreal Cuba’ that will launch in early 2025. The Story Behind ‘Bistec’ Produced by Nuestro Studios, a division of Brilla Media Ventures, ‘Bistec’ is the riveting story of a longtime Cuban Revolutionary and what happens when one of the nation’s prominent dissidents moves into his neighborhood, exposing secrets, upending lives, and testing loyalties. Set during the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution in 2009, ‘Bistec’ unveils the contemporary world of Cuba’s enigmatic surveillance and snitches system, all within the framework of a compelling, emotional narrative filled with unexpected twists. This is the first story to ever delve deeply into the secret world of Cuba’s widely despised but little known Comités de Defensa de la Revolución (CDR), the neighborhood government apparatus Fidel Castro cherished so much he branded “the vanguard of the Revolution.” Bistec leans on events from the life of Micaela Ruiz, the late poet grandmother of writer Ruiz-Barrera, as well as the strange adventures he experienced during four documentary photography trips he made to Cuba in the early ‘90s. Prominent dissidents Amaury Pacheco del Monte, and his wife Iris Hernandez, co-founders of El Movimiento San Isidro, served as key story consultants and also play characters in the series. To learn more about Bistec or support the production for the film, follow @Bistec.Film on Instagram or visit our website at www.BistecFilm.com. Bistec is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BistecFilm. Producers and cast Adapted from a screenplay written 15 years ago by Ruiz-Barrera, and masterfully sound engineered and edited by Jaime Almiral, Jr, the series took 15 months to produce. In addition to Pacheco and Hernandez, the production was also anchored by Ernesto Fundora, who was an assistant director, associate producer, and story consultant, as well as Efrain Gonzalez, and Felix Montelara, who executive produced the series, and Elena Ruiz, who served as an associate producer. Bistec features a Who’s Who of actors, musicians, and producers with more than 60 novelas and 12 feature film credits between them. The production team leads includes Venezuelans, Nicaraguans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Peruvians, Mexicans, and Colombians. Bistec talent represents every single generation of Cubans, including children of dissidents, TikTok influencer and hip-hop artist Jawndarko, and Venezuelan influencer and actress Laura Termini. The musical score of ‘Bistec’, ‘Canción de un Disidente’, was composed by nine-time EMMY-winning Maestro Alberto Bade, and features a beautiful performance by the University of Miami Orchestra. The Spanish and English-language cast of ‘Bistec’ includes Albertico Pujol and Roberto Escobar as Echauri Suarez, Adrian Mas and Rene Granado as Orlando Contreras, Vivian Ruiz and Mayte Vilan as Micaela Martinez, Mauricio Renteria and Rene Lavan as Colonel Ramiro Roca, Laura Termini as Hortensia, Amaury Pacheco Del Monte and Robert Ramos as Vizcaino “El Bizco”, Andy Barbosa as Vladimir Suarez, Omar Gonzalez and Michael Ferreiro as Orlandito Contreras, Iris Hernandez and Maggie Zafra as Cecilia, and Alejandra Cossio and Melissa Ann Hubiscsak as Marlene Presley. Bistec’s narrators were Ray Guiu, Gregg Weiner, and Scott Fortney. Additional voice actors include Frank Egusquiza, Teresa Rodriguez, Ramonín Veloz, Efrain Gonzalez, Cecilia “Ceci” Diaz Arguelle, Rick Najera, Julian Najera, Jeffrey Batista, Juan Camilo Jurado, Tanya Cecilia Diaz, Alex Hernandez, Naomi Ruiz, Briani Ruiz, Katherine Costa, Rameh Ali Echeverri, and Manuel Ruiz-Barrera. Additional music was produced and/or performed by Federico Colloca, Elimir Colloca, Leandro Tresero y Luthier, Bernardo Izaguirre, Alfredo Chacon, Odalys Salina, Humberto Casanova, Juan A. Diaz, Lianet Ulloa, Lazaro Fundora, Pavel de la Noval, and Bernardo Izaguirre. Additional executive producers include Armando Azarloza, Santiago Eljaiek, III, Lourdes Castillo and Angela Sustaita-Ruiz. The poster for Bistec was designed by Hiram Henriquez. Casting was led by Ana Braga Morfi. Media and marketing distribution are being handled by Brilla Media Ventures, and Audio Dice Network. The producers are grateful for the collaboration of the University of Miami School of Music, Ochenta Studio, Ralph Rivera, Celines Toribio, Katherine Costa, Robert Armband, and Piera Garibaldi. They are also grateful for the contributions of Iris Fraga, Pedro Fraga, Ravi Baichwal, Yolanda, and Jose Garcia, Michael Ortega, Sonia Diaz, and Cristy Clavijo-Kish. Bistec was recorded at South Point Productions, and Panoramik Audio. To learn more about Bistec or support the production for the film, follow @Bistec.Film on Instagram or visit our website at www.BistecFilm.com. Bistec is also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BistecFilm. About Brilla Media Ventures Brilla Media Ventures provides engaging cultural content for multicultural marketers through its owned and operated platforms, Nuestro Stories, Minivela, Nuestro Studios, and Brilla Latina. Offerings also include programmatic advertising technology services for scalable media delivery, digital shorts, influencer marketing, creative studio services, and brand activations. Brilla Media is a certified women-owned Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). The company is led by Angela Sustaita-Ruiz, its chairwoman, and Manny Ruiz, creators of Hispanicize, and trailblazers in the Hispanic media, social and influencer marketing industries, the Latino press release wire industry, and the first network of Hispanic print media companies online. Contact Details On behalf of Brilla Media / Nuestro Studios Rameh Ali Echeverri +1 305-303-2322 rameh@brillamedia.com Company Website https://bistecfilm.com/

December 03, 2024 12:39 PM Eastern Standard Time

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KRYTON INTERNATIONAL OFFERS CURE FOR THE “CONCRETE CANCER” THAT HAS PLAGUED MAJOR SPORTS VENUES AROUND THE U.S.

Kryton International

Kryton International, the world’s leading Smart Concrete® solutions provider, is studying recent structural failures in sports venues like Kauffman Stadium, home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals, to illustrate the dire consequences of “concrete cancer” and highlight available solutions that protect new venues from suffering the same fate. The company points to recent high-profile incidents of “concrete cancer,” a condition known more technically as alkali-aggregate-reaction caused when water penetrates concrete containing reactive aggregates. The expansive reaction results in microscopic cracks – invisible to the naked eye – and causes significant concrete degradation and rebar corrosion, which can drastically reduce the lifespan of beloved sports venues throughout the nation. Kauffman Stadium is a prime example and cautionary tale of how concrete cancer can drastically shorten the life expectancy of some of the country’s famed sports venues. “Though invisible to the naked eye and easily overlooked, the effects of these microscopic cracks are often underestimated until the situation escalates and becomes a serious problem,” said Kevin Yuers, Kryton’s vice president of product development. “The same concrete cancer that infected Kauffman Stadium and threatens other major sports venues is completely preventable when concrete is mixed with permeability-reducing and self-healing additives that repair microcracks as they form.” As construction and renovation of sports venues gains momentum in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, combined with other major sports facilities under development – notably a state-of-the-art Major League Baseball stadium being built in advance of the Oakland A’s relocation to Las Vegas – there exists a limited window of time when “Smart Concrete” solutions can be executed to ensure long-term durability of these structures well after the closing ceremonies. Kauffman Stadium was completed just over 50 years ago – around the time of Kryton International’s founding – prior to the advent of concrete technologies that extend a structure’s life expectancy. These smart concrete solutions, for which Kryton has become a global leader for over a half century, could easily add another 50 years to the stadium’s lifespan. A pair of university research studies – undertaken at the University of Hawaii and the University of Ottawa – employed multi-year analyses of concrete additives such as those developed by Kryton. Both studies found that Kryton’s self-healing Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM), a hydrophilic crystalline admixture used to create permanently waterproof concrete, is highly effective in repairing microcracks as they form. As a result, the microscopic access point that allows water and other elements to corrode concrete and rebar from the inside out remained watertight, thereby preventing “concrete cancer.” Despite the obvious benefits, Yuers noted that some developers bypass the use of Smart Concrete additives to control up-front construction costs. “This decision often has much more costly and structurally catastrophic consequences years later. I truly believe that when sports franchises and even taxpayers invest $1 billon to build a world-class stadium, it shouldn’t come with an expiration date. There are cost-effective solutions that ensure these facilities outlive all of us.” As the construction of Olympic venues and other sports facilities gains momentum in the coming months, Yuers urges contractors to take decisive action. These soon-to-be iconic buildings must be fortified to withstand the passage of time, rather than facing premature demolition in just a few decades. ### ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with their proprietary Krystol® technology since 1973. They have won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports their products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com Contact Details Kryton International Leeza Hoyt +1 310-343-3197 llhoyt@hoytorg.com

December 03, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

YourFMO Enhances Agent ACA Marketplace Sales Experience

AmeriLife

YourFMO.com, a non-government agent resource site built for today’s valued health and life insurance agent, today announced the integration of Agility Insurance Services and its MyAdmin by Agility platform to support Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan sales. This exclusive offering is now available to YourFMO-contracted, licensed agents for the ACA Open Enrollment Period and beyond, with a comprehensive, real-time, and turnkey solution. As a result, this integration provides YourFMO-affiliated insurance agents with access to 20 contracted carriers offering ACA plans through a digitized process that eliminates paperwork, streamlines enrollments, and is designed to help increase productivity and efficiency. The platform serves as a one-stop shop, empowering agents to successfully manage their clients' ACA needs and track commissions seamlessly. "We are thrilled to integrate this innovative technology offered by Agility Insurance to enhance YourFMO’s comprehensive suite of agent resources," said JC Moreno, National Director of ACA at AmeriLife. "For ACA sales, this platform is a game-changer that simplifies enrollment and provides our agents with complete training guides powered by a robust CRM system." Agility Insurance Services offers its comprehensive platform for everything related to ACA sales. MyAdmin by Agility enables agents to manage client relationships, track interactions, and organize their sales efforts more effectively. This integration ensures that YourFMO contracted and licensed agents have all the necessary tools in one place, providing security and simplifying their workflow. Key features of this exclusive offering include: Digitization: Automates the enrollment experience, resulting in speed and efficiency. Real-time solutions: Instant access to plan details, quotes, and registration status. Turnkey solution: A single platform for everything ACA sales-related, from carrier plans to commission tracking. Comprehensive training: Complete guides to ensure agents are well-equipped to navigate the platform and ACA plans. YourFMO-affiliated agents can now leverage this powerful platform to better serve their clients and maximize their opportunities during the Open Enrollment Period and beyond. To sign up or learn more, please visit YourFMO.com. ### About YourFMO.com YourFMO is a non-government agent resource platform designed and managed by AmeriLife that is built to make selling insurance easy for our valued agents. YourFMO.com understands the need for the right technology, tools, and training for our independent agent partners to be successful in today’s health and life insurance marketplace. Contact us today to see how this suite of tools will benefit your business. For more information, visit YourFMO.com. About Agility Insurance Agility Insurance Services is an agency focused on equipping health insurance agents with all the tools they need to make health insurance available to anyone who might need it – from individuals to small business owners. Agility’s sales professionals specialize in health insurance marketing and contracting, and they provide ample resources to agents, ensuring their ability to better serve customers. Whether through assisting an individual or small business owners, Agility agents are dedicated to helping their customers find the best coverage possible. Learn more here. Contact Details YourFMO Jeff Maldonado media@yourfmo.com Luminos Creative Frank Vasquez fvasquez@luminoscreative.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

December 03, 2024 10:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

The Awareness Group Has A Bold, Differentiated Vision For Building A National Platform Of Solar Energy Financing And Project Solutions – Introducing The TAG GRID

Benzinga

By Anthony Termini, Benzinga In September, Arizona-based The Awareness Group (OTC: FHLD) (“TAG”) became a fully SEC-reporting, publicly traded company through a reverse merger with Freedom Holdings, Inc. The deal made TAG a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of Freedom. With control of the public entity, TAG is moving forward with an interesting growth strategy to build a leading business targeting both commercial and residential solar projects within the alternative energy sector. The TAG GRID TAG competes in the solar power segment of the alternative energy industry and reports it is creating an exciting model within the space. It does this through The TAG GRID – an ecosystem that enables its third-party members, which are solar industry service providers, including solar project sales and lead generation organizations, brokers and solar installation contractors (engineering, procurement and construction firms, or EPCs), to take a project from conception to completion. TAG then oversees all or parts of the sales, engineering, procurement, construction and financing functions that are key to bringing solar projects to life. A major industry analysis is that individual companies are only as good as their next lead. By working with hundreds of service providers, TAG says it significantly reduces this risk. The company also says that this provides a seamless experience for TAG GRID members and their customers, pointing out that this model results in higher satisfaction for service providers and end users. TAG Financial, the company’s finance unit, has two divisions that serve as a key part of the TAG GRID. TAG Financial Services, or TFS, supports and manages the process for sales and lead gen organizations and EPCs, from a project's conception to the signing of the contract. The company’s fintech enables a seamless process for these organizations to access TAG’s project funding solutions – either TAG’s proprietary underwritten lending products or third-party lending products. TAG Capital serves as the fund management arm for TAG Financial. This organization services or securitizes TAG’s underwritten lending portfolios and monetizes investment tax credits (ITCs). The company says this helps to maximize the value of its loan portfolios and investment tax credits. TAG has also acquired five companies across the alternative energy space. These acquisitions plug into the TAG GRID and serve to both enhance revenue growth opportunities for the company and enable TAG to guarantee projects in case a TAG GRID member is unable to complete a project. One TAG Innovation Seeks To Shake Up Project Financing While attending the recent RE+ 24 tradeshow, one of the country’s largest renewable energy conventions, TAG announced its new Residential National Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) program. PPAs are contracts where a third-party developer installs, owns and operates a solar system on a property. The property owner then buys the electricity that the system generates. Price and terms are set by the PPA. Traditionally, the property owner’s creditworthiness would be a major factor in the contract’s financing terms. TAG seeks to make such financing arrangements easier. Its pre-paid PPA program is not driven by minimum FICO credit scores and income requirements. The company believes this program could disrupt the renewables market by breaking down one of the traditional barriers to financing. TAG says it will allow more customers to embrace renewable energy. Today, the PPA is available in 28 states plus Washington D.C., where PPAs are legal and TAG expects to imminently introduce another proprietary product that will enable it to expand to all 50 states. The program is designed to boost contractor project profitability and provide homeowners with immediate electricity utility cost savings. According to Pablo Diaz, CEO and founder of TAG, the company is providing “TAG GRID members with exclusive access to cutting-edge lending and financing tools, accelerating renewable energy adoption” and that its “proprietary non-credit score-driven pre-paid PPAs, make clean energy projects more accessible than ever before.” Solar Energy Is A Rapidly Growing Component Of The Renewable Energy Market TAG notes that the domestic solar market exceeds $320 billion. Solar power generation is also expected to remain one of the leading components of the renewable energy market. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects “solar and wind to lead growth of U.S. power generation for the next two years.” It notes that “solar is the fastest-growing renewable source” of electricity generation. Research firm Mordor Intelligence estimates that the residential solar energy market will exceed 190 gigawatts by 2029. A gigawatt equals a billion watts of energy. CNET says that’s enough to power about 750,000 homes for a year. Mordor currently estimates the residential market to be about 139 gigawatts. It credits “factors such as favorable government policies, increasing investments in upcoming rooftop solar projects, and the reduced cost of solar energy…to drive the market” between now and 2029. TAG’s business model also appears to be a key differentiator in the industry, which is populated by many competitors, few of whom seem to have integrated the various components the way TAG has. For example, Synergy Solar, a large contractor in the commercial solar sector, is mostly focused on installation. Companies like SunPower (OTC: SPWRQ) and Sunrun (NASDAQ: RUN) design and install residential solar systems, but don’t offer the end-to-end ecosystem TAG has created. While powerhouse Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) offers design and installation of both residential and commercial systems, it is more focused on storage than any of the revenue-generators TAG is building. TAG Focuses On The Future The acquisition of Southwest Financial Services, from which TFS was created, was intended to revolutionize financing options for TAG GRID members. It marries traditional financial expertise with next-generation fintech. For example, TAG says it is the first in the market to offer financing to non-contractors. And acquisitions are a key part of the company’s growth strategy. The TAG team helps acquired companies focus on strategic growth and operational planning to drive future success. TAG’s M&A strategy identifies assets or companies it believes can enhance the TAG GRID or provide unique technologies. An example of this is the company’s crypto and blockchain incentive programs. It plans to introduce a program where customers can earn specialized coins for the energy their solar systems produce. By using blockchain technology, TAG expects to enable the owners of solar systems and TAG GRID members to sell energy to other users. It believes this will bring each of them better returns on their systems. Featured photo by Sebastian Ganso on Pixabay. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 03, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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You Had To Be There – But If You Weren’t Here Is The Recap Of Crossroads Summit Day One, Navigating Chaos In Turbulent Times

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga The world is a scary place, and that couldn't be truer today with the threat of geopolitical turmoil, natural disasters and wars. Add a new U.S. president entering the White House to the mix, and you can see why many investors are concerned. Many investors also know the best antidote to doom and gloom is knowledge. Understanding and navigating the chaos of the world was the major focus of day one of the Crossroads Summit sponsored by TradeStation Group, the two-day event held in Miami that brings together thought leaders and visionaries to discuss the challenges facing business leaders of today and the solutions to solve the problems of tomorrow. Surviving A Geopolitical Avalanche Navigating a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape was a focal point of acclaimed geopolitical strategist Peter Zeihan’s kick-off keynote. In it, Zeihan painted a very different view of the world and the future than what many have become accustomed to. Zeihan, leaning in on his research prowess, provided predictions across the globe. Take South Korea for one example. Right now, the population is dominated by young people who are spending money on cars, housing, clothing and other entertainment. But as they age, and with a very low birth rate in South Korea, consumption will slow, hurting the overall economy. The same, according to Zeihan, could happen to the U.S. by 2070-2075. Then there’s Russia’s war with Ukraine. If Russia is successful, Ukraine will be the latest but not the last country the Kremlin sets its sights on. Russia, predicts Zeihan, will move on to its next country and it could very well be a NATO state. If Ukraine can keep up the fight for a few more years it could deplete Russia’s military to the point it is no longer a threat, argues Zeihan. However, for those who are worried about the state of the world, Zeihan offered some grounded clarity, “Many of the things people think we lack today as a country are things we will rediscover. That’s one of the good things about cycles. Community. Equality. Greater room for social authority.” Commodities A Play For The Future? Understanding the changing chaos is only part of it; making money from it is what investors want and the topic the first panel at the Crossroads Summit covered. Panelists Michael Khouw, Mike McGlone and Kathryn Rooney Vera came together to discuss how to prepare for turbulence in the U.S. markets; their combined experience at CNBC, Bloomberg Intelligence, and StoneX made for a formidable panel. All of the panelists agreed that material resources should be solid sources of investment returns. McGlone pounded the table on commodities as a play for 2025, namely copper, predicting copper will go up. He also likes U.S. treasury long bonds, arguing they could be the “next big trade.” Vera likes gold for a commodity play and thinks the biggest risk in 2025 is inflation. Her contrarian bet is that the Federal Reserve won’t cut interest rates in 2025 and could potentially raise them before 2025 is over. Vera is currently overweight equities and is negative on the energy market, largely because there will be a lot of supply when President-Elect Donald Trump takes office. More Volatility To Come From keynotes to panels, the Crossroads Summit had it all, including a fireside chat with renowned historian Neil Howe who took to the stage to discuss his book "The Fourth Turning is Here," which explores the cyclical patterns of history and their implications for our current era of crisis and transformation. During the fireside chat with John Bartleman, CEO of TradeStation Group – the title sponsor of the summit – Howe weighed in on key things impacting the global economy and business owners. He predicted volatility will be front and center in the next ten years with inflation remaining a big issue. Only a few S&P companies will do well, and investors will need to inflation-proof their portfolios as much as possible, warned Howe. Following the Fireside chat, a panel of investment professionals, including Mike Green of Simplify Asset Management, Susan Lindeque, CEO of Avestix Group & Empowerture and Luke Gromen, CEO of Forest for the Trees, discussed strategies for preserving and potentially growing wealth during the "Fourth Turning," a period of significant upheaval and transformation as laid out by Howe. The panelists focused on the need to protect assets by understanding the difference between nominal and real returns and diversifying. That means not having all your assets in the public markets. Preparing For A Collapse Day one of the Crossroads Summit closed out with a keynote by acclaimed economist Alan Beaulieu who shared his thoughts on the potential for a major economic collapse in the early 2030s. Beaulieu, basing it on his long-standing forecasting models, discussed indicators of a collapse, the importance of population growth and how business owners can use inflation to their advantage. The economist also warned of the real possibility that by 2034 a 24% reduction in Social Security will occur, likely resulting in more federal taxes – how much will vary based on state. Heading into this environment, Beaulieu said business owners should see if their operation is interest rate and/or price sensitive, dependent on a market that could be hard hit, positively correlated to the financial markets and a potential acquisition target. Knowledge is key to making the right moves in times of chaos. Chaos is front and center but the good news is there are steps investors and business leaders can take to prepare – these were the key takeaways on day one of the summit. Expert after expert laid out what could be coming down the pike and how to prepare. With day one offering much insight, stay tuned to hear what occurred on day two of the Crossroads Summit. Featured photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 03, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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YXT.com Narrows Its Loss For The First Nine Months Of The Year As It Shifts Focus To Large Business Customers

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga YXT.com Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YXT), the Chinese digital enterprise learning solutions provider, narrowed its losses in the first nine months of the year as operational efficiency improvements, including the use of artificial intelligence, took hold. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, YXT.com, which leverages a SaaS services model to usher in a new era in corporate training, posted a net loss of RMB14.9 million, which was much narrower than the RMB245.3 million loss it had in the same period a year ago. It marked the first time YXT.com reported its financial results as a public company. In August, YXT.com went public on the NASDAQ, raising about $25 million. “ While the period presented macro challenges that impacted enterprise training spending, we remained focused on executing our strategic priorities. We continued to deepen our relationships with large enterprise clients, as evidenced by our growing penetration among Fortune 500 companies,” said Peter Lu, Director, Founder and Chairman of YXT.com, who was recently appointed CEO. With his years of experience, YXT.com expects Lu’s appointment as CEO will improve its strategic decision-making efficiency and effective execution. “Our product's new AI features have been well-received by key customers, enabling us to maintain healthy retention rates despite the challenging environment. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic about our long-term growth prospects, supported by the fundamental need for digital learning solutions, our strengthening position in the large enterprise segment, and our continuous product innovation and enhancement." Margin Improvement On Display For the first nine months of the year YXT.com reported margins expanded to 60.4% from 59.3%. What’s more, revenue generated from subscription-based solutions accounted for 91.7% of total revenue, up from 82.5% in the year-ago period. YXT.com has been purposefully focused on large enterprise clients that bring with it recurring revenue. Also aiding margins were operational efficiency improvements driven by AI automation and optimization of the company’s service team structure. During the first nine months of 2024, YXT.com was focused on implementing AI-powered solutions across several business functions. YXT.com pointed to the deployment of automated sales assistants as one example. That AI tool helps the sales team identify and prioritize opportunities. The company also introduced Smart ServiceDesk, which handles routine service inquiries and in its development process, YXT.com is using AI-assisted code development and testing tools, which has streamlined its ability to deliver customized solutions for its enterprise clients. As of the end of September, YXT.com had cash of RMB488.7 million, slightly lower than the RMB496.2 million as of December 31, 2023. YXT.com’s Big Business Push YXT.com leverages advanced technologies, including AI, speech recognition, adaptive learning, anti-cheating and simulation, to provide customers with targeted training and learning paths for employees based on their positions and required skills. Using the insights the company has gleaned across different industries and business scenarios, YXT.com says it can offer companies a personalized recommendation engine that designs optimal learning paths for employees. The company says its solutions accurately match personnel, positions and courses for employees across China. It’s a big market YXT.com is going after. As of 2023, the digital corporate learning market in China was valued at RMB126.0 billion, according to Frost & Sullivan. Its forecast is to reach RMB 300.0 billion in 2028, growing at a CAGR of 18.9%. Among large enterprises in China, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 20.5%. YXT.com reports that according to Frost & Sullivan, it is the largest digital corporate learning solution provider in China in terms of total revenue, subscription revenue and number of subscription customers in 2023. That’s not to say there won’t be hiccups along the way. The first nine months of the year have been a challenging environment for training spending in China, with companies cutting budgets for everything from new hardware to digital training. YXT.com isn’t immune to that, but it has been pivoting away from the small and medium businesses sector and toward large enterprises that have more stable spending patterns. It’s resulting in short term pain but for what YXT.com thinks will be long term gain. For the first nine months of 2024 ending September 30, revenue was RMB241.7 million, compared with RMB328.8 million in the same period of last year. The net decrease was RMB20.1 million excluding the deconsolidation effect, says the company. Net revenue retention rates of subscription customers decreased to 101.0% from 104.8%. The change was due to YTX.com’s strategic shift toward large enterprise accounts which the company says has consistent demand for corporate learning solutions. This realignment resulted in a planned reduction of small and medium-sized customers from its portfolio. Opportunities Abound It makes sense YXT.com would double down on the large business market for training. Not only does YXT.com get to show off its AI-driven capabilities but it gets to do it at a larger scale. There’s also the potential for higher revenue since large businesses typically have bigger training budgets. Budgets also tend to be more steady and reliable than with small businesses. There’s also the potential for bigger brand recognition. Working with big companies puts YXT.com’s brand in front of a lot of individuals. YXT.com is focused on three main areas: deepening its relationships with large enterprise customers, expanding its AI-powered learning solutions and maintaining operational efficiency, all of which should help it grow. “Our financial results for the first nine months of 2024 demonstrate the effectiveness of our operational optimization initiatives. Through strategic cost management and AI-enabled operational improvements across multiple functions, we significantly narrowed our net loss,” said Pun Leung Liu, Chief Financial Officer of YXT.com.”We remain committed to disciplined cost control while continuing to invest in strategic areas that drive long-term growth, particularly our technology capabilities and enterprise-focused solutions.” Featured photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

December 03, 2024 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Milemarker Empowers RIA’s, Family Offices & Broker Dealers with AI-Ready Data Solutions and Industry-Leading Data Model

Milemarker

Milemarker, a fintech firm revolutionizing wealth management technology, now offers a technology audit, data strategy service, and the industry-leading Milemarker Data Model as part of its comprehensive data solution. These enhancements are designed to help financial advisors maximize the success of their data strategy and unlock the full potential of their data warehouses, enabling them to harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). Milemarker partners with leading cloud providers like Snowflake, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud to deliver best-in-class data solutions that give financial advisors ownership and control of their data. By integrating and centralizing data from diverse sources such as Portfolio Accounting Systems, Financial Planning Systems, CRM systems, and Custodians, Milemarker ensures firms have clean, actionable data to fuel AI programs effectively. “ We’re not just offering tools; we’re creating clarity and strategy, ” said Milemarker CEO Kyle Van Pelt. “Many firms are stuck in a cycle of fragmented data and disconnected systems, which limits their ability to make meaningful use of AI. With Milemarker, advisors can streamline their data ecosystem and take decisive steps toward becoming truly data-driven.” Introducing the Milemarker Data Model Central to Milemarker’s offering is the Milemarker Data Model, a proprietary, industry-best framework that helps financial firms connect all their data sources with their advisors, clients, and team members. Unlike generic data solutions, this model is: • Uniquely Built for Wealth Management Firms: Designed around the ever-evolving needs of RIAs, IBDs, and advisor platforms. • Tailored to Each Firm’s Data Rules: Provides firms with the flexibility to manage their data according to their unique operational requirements. • Future-Proof: Adapts to the constantly changing needs of advisors, ensuring scalability and relevance over time. • Universal User IDs: Milemarker’s Data Model allows your advisors, clients, and team members to unite their data through a universal user ID that allows you to connect all relevant data to each user, regardless of the system of origin. By leveraging the Milemarker Data Model, firms can integrate disparate data sources into a cohesive system that supports better decision-making, delivers actionable insights, and enhances client outcomes. A Holistic Approach to Data Strategy Accenture’s study, AI in Wealth Management: A Financial Advisor Study, [1] revealed that 83% of financial advisors believe AI will have a direct, measurable, and consistent impact on client-advisor relationships. Additionally, 80% of advisors view AI as essential for automating manual and time-consuming tasks, and 90% believe AI can help grow their business by more than 20%. Despite this optimism, many firms lack the foundational data infrastructure—such as data lakes or warehouses—that enables AI to deliver actionable insights. Milemarker solves this challenge by combining proprietary data solutions with a robust technology audit, data strategy roadmap, and the Milemarker Data Model, helping advisors maximize the value of their existing systems while positioning them for long-term success. Here’s how Milemarker helps financial advisors transform their data strategy: • Comprehensive Technology Audits: Assess the firm’s tech stack and identify opportunities for optimization and integration. • Data Strategy Roadmap: Provide a clear, written plan for leveraging data and technology to align with business goals. • Milemarker Data Model: Connect advisors, clients, and teams with a unified, AI-ready data ecosystem. • Data Warehousing Solutions: Integrate disparate data sources into a centralized, cloud-backed platform for easy access and AI enablement. “ To access the benefits of AI, advisors don’t need a magic bullet. They simply need clean, actionable data, ” said Milemarker Co-founder and Partner Jud Mackrill. “With the Milemarker Data Model, firms gain a clear framework to organize their data in a way that reflects their unique business structure while unlocking insights to grow their firms.” Turning Data into Actionable Insights Milemarker’s platform, Firm Intelligence, seamlessly integrates with all major wealth-tech platforms, offering advisors: • A single source of truth for their data. • Automated workflows to save time and reduce inefficiencies. • AI-ready data to unlock deeper client insights and growth opportunities. Firms using Milemarker gain the confidence and control to: • Identify profitable clients and optimize client acquisition strategies. • Understand advisor and team capacity for better resource allocation. • Benchmark internal teams to drive performance. By simplifying complex workflows, leveraging the Milemarker Data Model, and enabling ownership of their data, Milemarker allows financial advisors to focus on what truly matters—growing their business and serving clients effectively. Why Milemarker? Unlike competitors that rely on proprietary systems, Milemarker offers: • Partnerships with World-Class Cloud Providers: Cloud computing partnership with Snowflake and compatibility with your local data, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. • Comprehensive Data Ownership: Advisors retain full control of their data, ensuring scalability and flexibility. • Milemarker Data Model: Industry-leading framework for unifying data sources and aligning them with a firm’s unique operational needs. • Cloud Compliance: Built-in controls to ensure all data is managed and stored in a compliant manner. • Ongoing Support: Milemarker provides continuous guidance to ensure firms put their data to work and adapt their strategies over time. “ Our clients don’t just integrate their systems—they amplify their value, ” said Van Pelt. “ We ensure every firm we work with can move beyond the idea stage into action, maximizing their ROI and truly becoming data-driven.” [1] Accenture, AI in Wealth Management: A Financial Advisor Study, 2024. Available at: https://www.accenture.com/in-en/insights/capital-markets/wealth-management-artificial-intelligence-all-systems-go About Milemarker Launched in 2022, Milemarker is the force behind the next evolution in wealth management technology. Through its platform, Firm Intelligence, and proprietary Milemarker Data Model, Milemarker synthesizes insights, automates workflows, and empowers financial advisors to break free from fragmented data and disjointed systems. Milemarker is more than a technology provider—it’s a strategic partner helping firms turn data into their most valuable asset. Own your data. Amplify your impact. Contact Details Jud Mackrill +1 402-651-7679 jud@milemarker.co Company Website https://milemarker.co/

December 03, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

AmeriLife’s Insurance Services Partners Acquires One Health Benefits

AmeriLife

Insurance Services, a family-run agency providing health, Medicare, and life insurance, and an affiliate of AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), announced today that it has acquired One Health Benefits (“OHB”), a full-service independent insurance agency specializing in individual, group and senior insurance solutions. Per the agreement, terms of the deal were not disclosed. "We're excited to partner with One Health Benefits and its founder, Dena Schmid," said Chad Mikolajcik, principal of Insurance Services. "We’ve worked with Dena for many years and are continually impressed by her expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional service to her clients. Her passion and dedication align perfectly with our mission and AmeriLife's values, and we look forward to continuing to grow the company’s footprint and product solution offerings.” Through this partnership, Insurance Services gains a vital presence in South Carolina, allowing the company to serve its growing client base and ensuring that customers receive personalized and timely support for their health and life insurance needs. This strategic location enables Insurance Services to maintain OHB’s localized approach, strengthening the company’s market position and reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible health benefits to the residents of South Carolina. “Joining Insurance Services and AmeriLife's affiliate partnership program is a significant milestone for One Health Benefits," said Dena. "We look forward to the growth opportunities this acquisition presents and are eager to contribute our expertise to the Insurance Services team." As an affiliate partner of AmeriLife’s Health Distribution platform, OHB will access best-in-class platforms, tools, industry expertise, and an expansive product portfolio to move quickly into new markets, accelerate production, and drive the firm’s growth. "This partnership is another example of AmeriLife’s Health Distribution network continued growth," said Scotty Elliott, Chief Distribution Officer for AmeriLife Health. "With each strategic partnership, we enhance our ability to deliver innovative and comprehensive health and life insurance solutions, meeting consumer needs with unparalleled service and expertise." ### About Insurance Services Insurance Services is a leading provider of insurance solutions, offering various products and services to meet clients' unique needs. As a member of AmeriLife's affiliate partnership program, Insurance Services is committed to providing peace of mind and helping people live longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit MyInsuranceTeam.com. About One Health Benefits One Health Benefits is a full-service independent insurance agency specializing in Individual, Group, and Senior Insurance Solutions. We work with dozens of insurance companies so we can offer our clients appropriate coverage for them. Our clients are located across the United States, giving us an excellent feel for the insurance landscape. We design plans focusing on low costs and proper benefit structure, which we combine with personalized insurance advice aimed at helping our clients make better-informed decisions. For more information, visit OneHealthBenefits.com. About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. In doing so, AmeriLife has become recognized as the leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a distribution network of over 300,000 insurance agents, financial professionals, and over 160 marketing organizations and insurance agency locations nationwide. For more information, visit AmeriLife.com and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Jeff Maldonado media@amerilife.com Partnership Inquiries Alex Hyer corporatedevelopment@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

December 03, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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