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Broad Coalition Applauds Bipartisan Reintroduction of Homeless Children and Youth Act

SchoolHouse Connection

SchoolHouse Connection, National Network for Youth, Family Promise, and Covenant House International applaud the reintroduction of the bipartisan Homeless Children and Youth Act (S.1667) by Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). All children, youth, and families deserve a safe place to call home. And yet, public schools identified nearly 1.4 million children and youth experiencing homelessness in the 2022-2023 school year. National estimates show that 4.2 million youth, young adults, and young parents experience homelessness on their own each year. An alarming number of these young people—especially young women—are pregnant or parenting. Nationally, an estimated 29 percent of young men and 43 percent of young women ages 18 to 25 who experience homelessness are parents to an estimated 1.1 million children. A recent study found that 447,000 infants and toddlers from birth through age three experienced homelessness. Despite this urgent crisis, many of these children, youth, and families are excluded from federal homeless assistance administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) due to restrictive definitions and funding priorities. The vast majority of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness stay temporarily with others or in motels because they have no safe or stable alternatives—living situations that are often unsafe and highly unstable. Even when children, youth, and families in these situations are recognized by other federal agencies as experiencing homelessness and having high levels of vulnerability, they are still not eligible to be assessed for and subsequently receive HUD homeless assistance. The bipartisan Homeless Children and Youth Act addresses these problems by: Increasing Access to Housing and Services: HCYA aligns HUD’s definition of homelessness with other federal programs, allowing children, youth, and families who are verified as homeless by specific federal programs to be assessed for HUD housing and services based on that person or family’s vulnerability. Supporting Local Priorities: HCYA requires HUD to base funding decisions on local needs, plans, and outcomes—not rigid national priorities—allowing communities the flexibility to tailor resources to their most urgent needs, including youth and family homelessness. Improving Visibility and Accountability: HCYA requires local counts to include children and youth who meet the broader federal definition of homelessness, ensuring a fuller picture of the crisis and more effective local and national responses. In addition to SchoolHouse Connection, National Network for Youth, Family Promise, and Covenant House, more than 50 national organizations and hundreds of state and local organizations support this legislation. SchoolHouse Connection, Barbara Duffield, Executive Director “Now more than ever, HUD homeless assistance must be reformed to reflect how children and youth experience homelessness. Their homelessness is more hidden, but not less harmful. Bringing HUD in line with federal early care and education programs will not only remove barriers to assistance, it also will help communities leverage all available resources to stabilize some of our nation’s most vulnerable children, youth, and families.” National Network for Youth, Darla Bardine, Executive Director “Far too many youth experiencing homelessness—like those who are couch surfing—are invisible under HUD’s current definition. Because of this, they are not even assessed for services, let alone given access to the housing help they urgently need. The Homeless Children and Youth Act would fix this by aligning HUD’s definition with other federal programs, ensuring all youth experiencing homelessness are seen, counted, and supported. It’s time to remove bureaucratic barriers and meet youth where they are, so they can access the housing and stability every young person deserves.” Family Promise, Cheryl Schuch, Chief Executive Officer “At Family Promise, we believe that every child deserves a safe and stable place to call home. We work in over 40 states to prevent and end homelessness for the millions of families in a housing crisis in the United States, and we are witnesses to the negative consequences of homelessness for children’s healthy development. We applaud the bipartisan introduction of the Homeless Children and Youth Act, which will help the most vulnerable children experiencing homelessness in our communities get the assistance they need to achieve stability. This common-sense bill recognizes that intervening to help homeless children before they reach adulthood is critical for their future success and for ultimately breaking the cycle of intergenerational homelessness.” Covenant House, Bill Bedrossian, President & CEO “No young person should be denied access to critical, timely services designed to prevent longer-term homelessness. With a unified approach, stronger data systems, and greater flexibility to meet the unique needs of each young person, we can make meaningful progress toward ending youth homelessness as we know it today. We are deeply grateful to Senators Alsobrook and Britt for their leadership in introducing the Homeless Children and Youth Act, a critical step toward addressing family, child, and youth homelessness. And we look forward to collaborating with our national partners, and many others to ensure that all youth and young families in need are accounted for and supported.” For more information: Fact Sheet: https://nn4youth.org/wp-content/uploads/HCYA-Fact-Sheet.pdf Bill Text: https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MIR25534-1.pdf Endorsing Organizations: https://nn4youth.org/wp-content/uploads/HCYA-Organizational-Endorsers.pdf Senator Alsobrooks Press Release: https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/press-releases/alsobrooks-and-britt-introduce-bipartisan-homeless-children-and-youth-act/ NN4Y Take Action Page: nn4youth.org/take-action-center/hcya/ SHC HCYA Page: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/article/bipartisan-legislation-to-help-homeless-children-and-youth-reintroduced CONTACT INFORMATION: SchoolHouse Connection: barbara@schoolhouseconnection.org National Network for Youth: darla.bardine@nn4youth.org Covenant House International: lmaloney@covenanthouse.org Family Promise: cbaldari@familypromise.org ### SchoolHouse Connection works to overcome homelessness, from prenatal to postsecondary, through strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with youth, families, schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, and service providers. To learn more, please visit schoolhouseconnection.org. Contact Details SchoolHouse Connection Barbara Duffield, (202) 549-7668 +1 202-549-7668 barbara@schoolhouseconnection.org Company Website https://schoolhouseconnection.org/

May 08, 2025 05:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Broad Coalition Applauds Bipartisan Reintroduction of Homeless Children and Youth Act

SchoolHouse Connection

SchoolHouse Connection, National Network for Youth, Family Promise, and Covenant House International applaud the reintroduction of the bipartisan Homeless Children and Youth Act (S.1667) by Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD). All children, youth, and families deserve a safe place to call home. And yet, public schools identified nearly 1.4 million children and youth experiencing homelessness in the 2022-2023 school year. National estimates show that 4.2 million youth, young adults, and young parents experience homelessness on their own each year. An alarming number of these young people—especially young women—are pregnant or parenting. Nationally, an estimated 29 percent of young men and 43 percent of young women ages 18 to 25 who experience homelessness are parents to an estimated 1.1 million children. A recent study found that 447,000 infants and toddlers from birth through age three experienced homelessness. Despite this urgent crisis, many of these children, youth, and families are excluded from federal homeless assistance administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) due to restrictive definitions and funding priorities. The vast majority of children, youth, and families experiencing homelessness stay temporarily with others or in motels because they have no safe or stable alternatives—living situations that are often unsafe and highly unstable. Even when children, youth, and families in these situations are recognized by other federal agencies as experiencing homelessness and having high levels of vulnerability, they are still not eligible to be assessed for and subsequently receive HUD homeless assistance. The bipartisan Homeless Children and Youth Act addresses these problems by: Increasing Access to Housing and Services: HCYA aligns HUD’s definition of homelessness with other federal programs, allowing for children, youth, and families verified as homeless by specific federal programs can be assessed for HUD housing and services based on that person or family’s vulnerability. Supporting Local Priorities: HCYA requires HUD to base funding decisions on local needs, plans, and outcomes—not rigid national priorities—allowing communities the flexibility to tailor resources to their most urgent needs, including youth and family homelessness. Improving Visibility and Accountability: HCYA requires local counts to include children and youth who meet the broader federal definition of homelessness, ensuring a fuller picture of the crisis and more effective local and national responses. In addition to SchoolHouse Connection, National Network for Youth, Family Promise, and Covenant House, more than 50 national organizations and hundreds of state and local organizations support this legislation. SchoolHouse Connection, Barbara Duffield, Executive Director “Now more than ever, HUD homeless assistance must be reformed to reflect how children and youth experience homelessness. Their homelessness is more hidden, but not less harmful. Bringing HUD in line with federal early care and education programs will not only remove barriers to assistance, it also will help communities leverage all available resources to stabilize some of our nation’s most vulnerable children, youth, and families.” National Network for Youth, Darla Bardine, Executive Director “Far too many youth experiencing homelessness—like those who are couch surfing—are invisible under HUD’s current definition. Because of this, they are not even assessed for services, let alone given access to the housing help they urgently need. The Homeless Children and Youth Act would fix this by aligning HUD’s definition with other federal programs, ensuring all youth experiencing homelessness are seen, counted, and supported. It’s time to remove bureaucratic barriers and meet youth where they are, so they can access the housing and stability every young person deserves.” Family Promise, Cheryl Schuch, Chief Executive Officer “At Family Promise, we believe that every child deserves a safe and stable place to call home. We work in over 40 states to prevent and end homelessness for the millions of families in a housing crisis in the United States, and we are witnesses to the negative consequences of homelessness for children’s healthy development. We applaud the bipartisan introduction of the Homeless Children and Youth Act, which will help the most vulnerable children experiencing homelessness in our communities get the assistance they need to achieve stability. This common-sense bill recognizes that intervening to help homeless children before they reach adulthood is critical for their future success and for ultimately breaking the cycle of intergenerational homelessness.” Covenant House, Bill Bedrossian, President & CEO “No young person should be denied access to critical, timely services designed to prevent longer-term homelessness. With a unified approach, stronger data systems, and greater flexibility to meet the unique needs of each young person, we can make meaningful progress toward ending youth homelessness as we know it today. We are deeply grateful to Senators Alsobrook and Britt for their leadership in introducing the Homeless Children and Youth Act, a critical step toward addressing family, child, and youth homelessness. And we look forward to collaborating with our national partners, and many others to ensure that all youth and young families in need are accounted for and supported.” For more information: Fact Sheet: https://nn4youth.org/wp-content/uploads/HCYA-Fact-Sheet.pdf Bill Text: https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MIR25534-1.pdf Endorsing Organizations: https://nn4youth.org/wp-content/uploads/HCYA-Organizational-Endorsers.pdf Senator Alsobrooks Press Release: https://www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/press-releases/alsobrooks-and-britt-introduce-bipartisan-homeless-children-and-youth-act/ NN4Y Take Action Page: nn4youth.org/take-action-center/hcya/ SHC HCYA Page: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/article/bipartisan-legislation-to-help-homeless-children-and-youth-reintroduced SchoolHouse Connection works to overcome homelessness, from prenatal to postsecondary, through strategic advocacy and practical assistance in partnership with youth, families, schools, early childhood programs, institutions of higher education, and service providers. To learn more, please visit schoolhouseconnection.org. Contact Details SchoolHouse Connection Barbara Duffield barbara@schoolhouseconnection.org National Network for Youth Darla Bardine darla.bardine@nn4youth.org Covenant House International Lori Maloney lmaloney@covenanthouse.org Family Promise Cara Baldari cbaldari@familypromise.org Company Website https://schoolhouseconnection.org/

May 08, 2025 04:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Callan Family Office Names Jeffrey Getty Chief Tax Strategist

Callan Family Office

Callan Family Office, a registered investment advisor serving ultra-high-net-worth families, family offices, foundations and endowments across the United States, today announced that it had named Jeff Getty as Chief Tax Strategist. In this new role, Getty will oversee firm‑wide research and strategy on complex income, transfer and international tax issues for ultra‑high‑net‑worth families, closely held businesses and private investment firms. “For ultra-high-net-worth families, every decision they make carries significant tax implications, so it is vital that we incorporate taxes into all the work we do,” said Jack Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of Callan Family Office. “Jeff’s deep experience and decades of work in taxes makes him an ideal person to lead this effort on behalf of our clients.” Previously, Getty held positions with Key Private Bank, including leading the family wealth consulting team and forming the bank’s Business Advisory practice. At Callan Family Office, he will continue to advise on transaction tax strategies for business owners preparing for a sale. “Many firms offer investment management and traditional wealth management, but we believe that strategic tax planning is essential to ensuring that we are taking complete accountability for our clients’ wealth,” Getty said. “I look forward to helping our team and clients navigate the ever-changing landscape of tax policy.” Getty holds a Juris Doctor and Master of Science in Taxation. In addition, he is a Fellow in the American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC®), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®), Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA®), Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), and Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA®). He is author of the book The Descent is the Real Climb: The Unexpected Truths About Successful Business Transitions. Last year, Callan Family Office introduced a technology-enabled, Tax Overlay Management program developed to maximize after-tax returns for wealthy families. The program empowers Callan Family Office’s investment partners to make personalized, tax-aware trading decisions in client portfolios instead of outsourcing portfolio implementation to third-party asset managers with a partial view of clients' assets. This gives clients greater control over the size and timing of capital gains taxes in their portfolios, allowing them to optimize outcomes across complex ownership structures, with CFO investment partners using firsthand knowledge of the family's overall financial situation to deliver a tailored solution for equity portfolio management. About Callan Family Office Independently owned and operated, Callan Family Office was founded by experienced wealth professionals to provide investment management, thoughtful personalized advice, and holistic financial planning to ultra-high-net-worth families, family offices, foundations, and endowments. The firm's principals have spent their careers serving ultra-high-net-worth clients, family offices, and institutions. Callan Family Office has agreements with Callan LLC to use the Callan ® tradename in providing investment advisory services to the ultra-high-net-worth market segment and to access Callan's institutional quality research, education, and investment guidance experience. Callan Family Office and Callan LLC are independent, unaffiliated investment advisory firms separately registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Contact Details Lisa Aldape +1 917-676-1716 laldape@vocatusllc.com Company Website https://callanfamilyoffice.com/

May 08, 2025 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Self-Therapy is Free!

The Stuttering Foundation

To mark National Stuttering Awareness Week (May 12-18), our classic book, Self-Therapy for the Stutterer, is now available as a 65-minute film from The Stuttering Foundation ( StutteringHelp.org ). It is available free to everyone through the end of National Stuttering Awareness Week by visiting our streaming video library at http://www.stutteringhelp.org/streaming and using the promotion code: NSAW25. Based on the timeless self-help book, now in its 11 th edition, by Stuttering Foundation Founder, Malcolm Fraser, this new video, Self-Therapy for Those Who Stutter, provides a powerful message to all who view it: If you stutter, you do not need to surrender helplessly to your speech difficulty because you can change the way you talk. There is no quick and easy way to tackle the problem, but with the right approach, self-therapy can be effective! Noted speech therapist, Dr. Charles Van Riper, praised this important guide and the concepts it explains: “There are always some who stutter who are unable to get professional help and others who do not seem to be able to profit from it. There are some who prefer to be their own therapist. Malcolm Fraser has provided guidance for those who must help themselves. Knowing well from his own experience as a stutterer the difficulties of self-therapy, he outlines a series of objectives and challenges that should serve as a map for the person who is lost in the dismal swamp of stuttering and wants to find a way out.” “While there are many differing opinions today about stuttering therapy, one thing is for sure, the tried and true techniques in this video have been effective for decades,” said Bob O’Brien, producer of the film. “When I first read Malcolm Fraser’s book, I was struck by how it reads like a self-training program. I knew then it needed to be made into a video, and that it would have a great impact on the audience.” Tom Sharstein, co-founder and chairman of the World Stuttering Network, demonstrated the techniques introduced by Malcom Fraser and shared his own personal experience with stuttering throughout the video. “Malcolm Fraser’s concepts are timeless, and this book changed my life,” said Sharstein. “When I was asked to be part of this project, I had to dig back many years to the dark ages of my stutter, and hopefully through this video, you'll be able to see my progression. The techniques laid out in this film will help you obtain smoother speech, if you want it.” A trusted source of information on stuttering, Stuttering Foundation materials are as close as your nearest public library. For decades, The Stuttering Foundation has made its books and videos available for free to public libraries across the country. Today, through the generosity of benefactors, more than 16,000 libraries shelve these materials. Public libraries can request the DVD free of charge by submitting the updated request form. About the Stuttering Foundation Malcolm Fraser, a successful businessman who struggled with stuttering, established the nonprofit Stuttering Foundation in 1947 and endowed it throughout his lifetime. The Foundation provides free online resources at StutteringHelp.org for people who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering. Contact Details The Stuttering Foundation Greg Wilson +1 571-239-7474 gregwilsonpr@gmail.com

May 08, 2025 09:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time

IotaComm® Completes Acquisition of Iota Spectrum Partners, LP, Creating Unified Ownership of Nationwide Spectrum Assets

IotaComm

IotaComm, Inc. ("IotaComm" or the "Company"), a leading private wireless communications and Internet of Things (IoT) solution provider, announced today that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Iota Spectrum Partners, LP ("the Partnership"). As a result of the transaction, IotaComm now owns 100% of the outstanding partnership units and, accordingly, consolidates full ownership and control of its nationwide FCC-licensed 800 MHz spectrum portfolio. The acquisition was completed through a structured Tender Offer to Exchange, whereby holders of the Partnership Units received shares of IotaComm Common Stock at an exchange ratio of 0.0125 shares for every 1 Partnership Unit. With the closing of the acquisition, former Partnership Unit holders collectively own more than 80% of IotaComm’s outstanding Common Stock. The consolidated ownership positions IotaComm to better execute its strategic vision of building the nation’s leading carrier-grade, low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) dedicated to smart buildings, smart cities, and the future of data-driven infrastructure. "This transaction marks a significant milestone in IotaComm’s evolution," said Terrence DeFranco, Chairman and CEO of IotaComm. "By unifying the ownership of our licensed spectrum assets under a single corporate structure, we have simplified our business model, strengthened our financial and operational foundation, and enhanced our ability to raise growth capital. This positions IotaComm to accelerate the deployment of our nationwide LPWAN network, expand our data services, and drive innovation at the intersection of connectivity, data analytics, and sustainability." IotaComm’s network leverages LoRaWAN® technology — the globally recognized open standard for secure, low-power, wide-area IoT connectivity — and the Company is an active participant in the LoRa Alliance®. With full ownership of its FCC-licensed spectrum portfolio, IotaComm is uniquely positioned to deliver a premium, carrier-grade LoRaWAN® service offering that enables new possibilities for smart building, smart city, and industrial IoT applications across the United States. The decision to pursue full consolidation was unanimously recommended by the Board of Directors of IotaComm and the General Partner of the Partnership after careful evaluation. The unified structure is expected to eliminate complexities that previously hindered valuation and financing opportunities and to improve the Company’s strategic flexibility. With this consolidation, IotaComm owns approximately 500 million MHz-pops of licensed spectrum, a critical strategic asset valued at approximately $84 million. IotaComm remains focused on enabling a healthier, safer, and more sustainable society by providing ubiquitous IoT connectivity and valuable data-driven insights to customers across the commercial, municipal, and industrial sectors. The Company expects that the strengthened corporate structure will support its continued growth and leadership in the fast-expanding market for smart infrastructure solutions. About IotaComm, Inc. IotaComm® is a private wireless communications and data services company that provides secure, carrier-grade low-power connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). Through its nationwide FCC-licensed 800 MHz spectrum portfolio and proprietary Delphi360TM platform, IotaComm® delivers critical data-driven solutions for smart buildings, smart cities, and sustainable infrastructure. IotaComm® leverages the globally adopted LoRaWAN® standard and is a member of the LoRa Alliance®, the leading global association driving the adoption of LoRaWAN® worldwide. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, with operations in Allentown, PA, IotaComm is committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering value for customers, communities, and shareholders.For more information, visit www.iotacomm.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our beliefs regarding the role that IoT will play in the future, our ability to implement our strategic goals, our ability to raise capital and reduce costs, and any other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, and financial condition. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated include, but are not limited to: risks related to our growth strategy; risks relating to the results of research and development activities; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to attract, integrate, and retain key personnel; the early stage of products under development; our need for substantial additional funds; government regulation; patent and intellectual property matters; competition; as well as other risks. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Contact Details IotaComm, Inc. Kim Velez, Chief of Staff to the CEO +1 484-861-2994 kvelez@iotacomm.com Company Website https://iotacomm.com/

May 08, 2025 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

HNO International Chairman & CEO To Share ‘The Future Is Hydrogen’ Interview from the Floor of the NYSE

HNO International

HNO International, Inc. (OTC: HNOI), a leader in hydrogen-based clean energy technologies, is pleased to announce the future release of an exclusive interview featuring Donald Owens, Chairman and CEO of HNO International, outlining his vision for hydrogen infrastructure. The interview was conducted from the floor of NYSE, right in the heart of Wall Street, New York. The full interview will be released on May 14 th, 2025. The selection of topics covered included: What are the challenges with hydrogen energy and how do you plan to overcome them? What makes HNO International stand out from the well known and larger hydrogen production companies? What exactly is involved in the distributed hydrogen production model? What do you mean by “anywhere and everywhere” power? How much power is required to produce hydrogen in your distribution network? Who are your customers? What's the future for HNO International? Leading HNO International’s mission to revolutionize the energy sector, Mr. Owens brings unparalleled expertise in hydrogen production and combustion technology. Transitioning from his early career as a patent attorney, he has secured 19 patents in the hydrogen energy industry, solidifying HNO International’s position as a leader in hydrogen-based clean energy solutions. “Expanding our reach to the floor of the NYSE is just another indication of how HNO International is catching the eye of the energy sector. Discussing the importance of decentralizing gaseous hydrogen production and empowering entrepreneurs worldwide reaffirms our mission to make hydrogen energy accessible to everyone,” commented Mr. Owens. HNO International (OTC: HNOI) specializes in the design, integration, and development of green hydrogen-based energy technologies. With over 15 years of experience, HNOI is at the forefront of the renewable energy transition, pioneering solutions such as the Scalable Hydrogen Energy Platform (SHEPâ¢), the Compact Hydrogen Refueling System(CHRSâ¢) and the Mobile Hydrogen Refueling System (MHRS) to make hydrogen accessible for businesses and communities worldwide. This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate", "seek", intend", "believe", "estimate", "plan", or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov. Contact Details Donald Owens dowens@hnointl.com Company Website https://hnointl.com/

May 08, 2025 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

HorizonPointe Financial Group Enhances Quantitative Investment Platform for Changing Market Conditions

Grand Newswire

HorizonPointe Financial Group today announced updates to its proprietary technology-driven investment platform, designed to assist portfolio management in current market environments. The enhanced Quantitative Investment Platform (QIP 2.0), initially introduced in 2019 and updated in 2024, reflects the firm's ongoing development of analytical tools for investment decision-making amid changing market dynamics. "Investment management continues to evolve with technological capabilities," said Andrew Evan Watkins, Chief Analyst and Director at HorizonPointe Financial Group. "Our updated platform interprets market indicators in context, combining analytical efficiency with experienced judgment." Recent industry research indicates increasing adoption of analytical tools across the asset management sector for various investment functions. Simultaneously, market observers have noted that contemporary market conditions require more sophisticated approaches to portfolio construction and risk assessment. Technology Capabilities HorizonPointe Financial Group's updated QIP 2.0 platform includes several analytical functions designed to identify potential opportunities while addressing risk considerations during market fluctuations. The system includes signal analysis functionality that evaluates various information sources including news developments, market indicators, and liquidity measures. This allows for adjustments based on substantive market signals while reducing responses to temporary movements. Through text analysis techniques, the platform examines communications from policy institutions, corporate statements, and sentiment information. The system identifies language patterns that may precede market developments, providing forward-looking perspectives. The platform also includes pre-configured response capabilities that adjust client positions based on specific scenarios. During a recent yield curve development in February, HorizonPointe Financial Group reports the system adjusted numerous client portfolios promptly, helping to reduce potential negative impacts. Balanced Approach HorizonPointe Financial Group has designed its platform to complement rather than replace professional assessment, where technology enhances rather than substitutes for experienced judgment and client service. "We utilize technology to identify potential opportunities, while maintaining professional judgment," Watkins explained. "Our clients appreciate technological capabilities combined with experienced oversight when making important financial decisions." Recent market research suggests many clients prefer this balanced approach, combining technological analysis with professional guidance rather than fully automated solutions. HorizonPointe Financial Group has developed methods to communicate technical insights in clear terms. The firm's advisors receive specific training to effectively explain technology-assisted decisions using accessible concepts rather than technical terminology. Client Applications HorizonPointe Financial Group notes adoption across various client segments, with applications differing based on client needs and objectives. Institutional clients using the platform have implemented portfolio structures that maintain growth potential while including protective elements. Family office clients have utilized the system to identify potential opportunities in smaller market segments that conventional methods might overlook. For individual clients, HorizonPointe Financial Group has customized the platform to provide allocation approaches responding to life changes, access requirements, and preference adjustments—moving beyond fixed models toward more responsive portfolio alignment. The firm plans to introduce a mobile information dashboard later in 2025, providing clients with clear visibility into portfolio decisions, customized notifications, and individual market updates based on the platform's analytical capabilities. Ongoing Development HorizonPointe Financial Group's commitment to analytical capabilities reflects its assessment that differentiation in investment services increasingly involves technological capabilities alongside traditional services. "The investment management field continues to integrate human expertise with technological capabilities," Watkins noted. "HorizonPointe Financial Group has oriented its investment processes and client experience around this industry development." The firm has expanded its research team over the past 18 months and established a dedicated review committee to ensure technology development adheres to appropriate investment principles. This committee includes external technology specialists alongside HorizonPointe Financial Group investment professionals. As markets continue displaying increased complexity, HorizonPointe Financial Group's technology-enhanced approach reflects broader changes in investment management—where analytical capabilities serve as core components rather than supplementary tools. About HorizonPointe Financial Group: HorizonPointe Financial Group provides investment advisory services for institutional and individual clients. Founded in 2003 in Singapore and based in California since 2018, the firm manages assets with offices in multiple locations. Andrew Evan Watkins, Chief Analyst and Director, leads the firm's research initiatives. For more information, visit www.horizonpointefinance.com. Contact Details HorizonPointe Financial Group (HPFG) Andrew Evan Watkins service@horizonpointefinance.com Company Website https://horizonpointefinance.com

May 08, 2025 07:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

The Fintech Future: Stocks to Watch as the Sector Surges Toward $1.1T

PAPL OPEN PAYO PAGS

Fintech is charging forward—and it’s on track to surpass $1.1 trillion by 2032. The global fintech market, already valued at around $340 billion in 2024, is being turbocharged by surging demand for digital wallets, AI-driven financial solutions, and cross-border payments. From revolutionizing banking to streamlining international commerce, fintech is no longer a niche—it’s the backbone of modern finance. For investors looking to tap into this rapid growth, the opportunities are enormous. With new innovations reshaping the way money moves and grows, it’s clear: fintech isn’t just here to stay, it’s accelerating at an unprecedented pace. For investors looking to tap into this momentum, here are four stocks worth a closer look. Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) is a Canadian fintech firm redefining the mortgage brokerage space with its innovative, tech-first approach. As one of Canada's leading mortgage networks, Pineapple combines AI-driven tools with cloud-based systems to empower hundreds of brokers across the country. The company not only streamlines the home-buying experience for Canadians but also supports its agents with scalable technology designed for long-term success. Despite a challenging real estate market, Pineapple has demonstrated impressive financial momentum in recent quarters. For the six months ending February 28, 2025, the company reported an 11.8% year-over-year revenue increase, alongside a 15.2% rise in gross billings—reaching $9.33 million. At the same time, operating efficiencies helped reduce net losses and improve cash flow. Pineapple cut SG&A expenses by 3.6%, lowered advertising costs by over 60%, and saw a 47% improvement in cash used for operations. “Our second-quarter results highlight the successful transition to an integrated platform, driving meaningful cost savings and enhancing our ability to scale,” said CEO Shubha Dasgupta. “We are now in a position to continue growing revenue at scale while reducing expenses as we move toward profitability.” Investors have taken notice. On May 5, 2025, Pineapple successfully closed a $1.5 million public offering, raising fresh capital to support growth. The company is actively scaling in response to a surge in Canadian mortgage renewals—a trend expected to continue over the next two years. CFO Sarfraz Habib added, “These improvements ensure that we are well-positioned to achieve profitability in the near term, even amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.” In the first quarter of fiscal 2025, Pineapple reported a 34.6% increase in revenue and a 26.8% reduction in net loss, further underscoring the company's accelerating momentum. Its growing footprint, cost discipline, and ability to execute in a volatile market position Pineapple as a compelling fintech stock to watch. As Canada's mortgage landscape continues to evolve—with lower interest rates, policy shifts, and increased housing demand—Pineapple stands to benefit from the rising need for modern, tech-powered financial solutions. With a strong leadership team and a scalable platform, Pineapple Financial is aiming to turn today's investments into tomorrow's profitability. Opendoor Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: OPEN) is redefining how Americans buy and sell homes through its pioneering e-commerce platform for residential real estate. Operating in markets across the U.S. since 2014, Opendoor simplifies what is often one of life’s most complex transactions, providing homeowners with flexibility, speed, and certainty. From instant cash offers to partnerships with trusted agents, Opendoor empowers customers with choice—all backed by technology and data-driven insights. Opendoor entered 2025 with a clear focus: driving toward profitability while enhancing its customer experience. The company’s first-quarter results demonstrate meaningful progress. For Q1 2025, Opendoor reported $1.2 billion in revenue, marking a 6% increase quarter-over-quarter. The company sold nearly 3,000 homes, with a gross profit of $99 million and a gross margin of 8.6%, up from 7.8% in Q4 2024. Opendoor also continued to narrow its losses, with net loss improving to $85 million, down from $113 million the previous quarter. On a non-GAAP basis, Adjusted EBITDA improved to $(30) million, from $(49) million in Q4. Contribution profit came in at $54 million, representing a 42% increase quarter-over-quarter. The company ended Q1 with a robust inventory of 7,080 homes valued at $2.4 billion, up 26% year-over-year. Opendoor purchased 3,609 homes in the quarter—a 22% increase sequentially—positioning itself well for future sales growth. While homes under contract for future purchase declined, the company remains focused on disciplined acquisition strategies and operational efficiencies. Opendoor’s Q2 2025 guidance reflects continued growth and a potential turning point in profitability. The company expects: Revenue between $1.45 billion and $1.525 billion Contribution profit of $65 million to $75 million Adjusted EBITDA between $10 million and $20 million With improving margins, disciplined cost control, and a clear strategic roadmap, Opendoor is moving closer to positive EBITDA and long-term scalability. As the real estate market evolves and digitization accelerates, Opendoor stands at the forefront of reshaping the U.S. housing transaction experience. Payoneer Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYO) is a global financial technology company on a mission to democratize access to cross-border commerce for the world’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Founded in 2005, the company has built an end-to-end financial stack that helps millions of entrepreneurs and enterprises—especially in emerging markets—get paid, manage multi-currency funds, and grow globally. With customers in over 190 countries and a presence across 7,000+ trade corridors, Payoneer is a critical infrastructure layer for modern global commerce. In Q1 2025, Payoneer continued to deliver robust growth, with revenue (excluding interest income) rising 16% year-over-year. This performance was driven by 7% volume growth and a 22% increase in average revenue per user (ARPU). Notably, revenue from SMBs grew 18%, led by strong momentum in high-value segments: Marketplace SMBs generated $110 million in revenue, up 8% YoY B2B SMBs grew 37% to $52 million Checkout services nearly doubled YoY to $7 million Payoneer Cards processed $1.4 billion in spend, up 29% YoY This marks the seventh consecutive quarter of ARPU acceleration and underscores the growing adoption of Payoneer’s broader financial services offerings. In early April, Payoneer completed its acquisition of Easylink Payment Co., Ltd., a licensed China-based payment service provider. This move strengthens the company’s regulatory foundation in a key market and enhances its ability to deliver localized, compliant solutions for Chinese exporters navigating global trade. Just weeks later, Payoneer celebrated its 20th anniversary, commemorating two decades of powering global entrepreneurship. The milestone included a $2 million donation to Endeavor, a leading global network supporting high-impact entrepreneurs, and culminated in a Nasdaq closing bell ceremony. These celebrations highlighted Payoneer’s long-term commitment to enabling ambition without borders. Despite strong underlying performance, Payoneer is taking a cautious stance amid global economic uncertainty and has suspended its full-year 2025 guidance. Management cited shifting global trade dynamics and potential headwinds for cross-border businesses as key factors. However, the company remains confident in its long-term strategy, underpinned by a diverse customer base and a differentiated product offering. Payoneer ended Q1 with $6.6 billion in customer funds, up 11% YoY, and continued to return capital to shareholders with $17 million in share repurchases during the quarter. As global trade evolves, Payoneer is uniquely positioned to support SMBs navigating new supply chains, regulatory environments, and digital ecosystems. With a proven track record of innovation, disciplined execution, and a global-first approach, Payoneer is well-equipped to lead the next chapter of cross-border commerce. PagBank (NYSE: PAGS) the digital banking arm of Brazil’s UOL Group, is rapidly solidifying its position as a dominant player in Latin America’s fintech space. With a focus on simplifying financial life for individuals and businesses alike, the company offers a broad suite of services—from digital accounts and mobile payments to credit products and insurance—backed by a robust regulatory framework under Brazil’s Central Bank. In Q4 2024, PagBank posted impressive results, recording net revenue of R$5.1 billion—a year-over-year increase of 18%. Even more compelling was its 21% jump in net income, reaching R$631 million. These gains came despite a volatile macroeconomic environment marked by high interest rates and currency swings. Notably, the company achieved a return on average equity (ROAE) of 15.2%, underscoring its operational efficiency and financial discipline. Growth metrics were equally strong: Total Payment Volume (TPV): R$146 billion in Q4 alone (+28% YoY), R$518 billion for the year (+32% YoY) Customer Base: 33.2 million, with 2.1 million new users added in 2024 Credit Portfolio: R$48 billion (+46% YoY) Deposits: R$36.1 billion (+31% YoY) PagBank’s expanding ecosystem includes 6.3 million merchant clients and nearly 18 million active users who rely on it as their primary banking platform. Continued innovation—such as their Multiple Card (debit + credit) and cashback offerings—has enhanced customer engagement and loyalty. From a financial performance perspective, PagBank has become a consistent earnings beat story. It has topped Wall Street’s EPS estimates for the last two quarters by an average of nearly 12%, with a 17.24% beat in the most recent quarter. Its focus on operational leverage, funding cost reduction, and risk management has built a strong foundation for future growth. Looking ahead, the company maintains a bullish outlook for 2025. It plans to continue investing in technology, expanding its product portfolio, and leveraging its scale to maximize returns. With a current share price under $5, PAGS presents an intriguing opportunity for investors seeking fintech growth in emerging markets, backed by strong fundamentals, consistent profitability, and scalable innovation. 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 the company to assist in the production and distribution of content related to PAPL. 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 https://razorpitch.com/

May 08, 2025 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

MoonPay Enters Strategic Collaboration with TRON

TRON DAO

As the first phase of the collaboration, users in the U.S. can now purchase TRX directly through the MoonPay platform Geneva, Switzerland, May 7, 2025 – TRON DAO, the community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet through blockchain technology and decentralized applications (dApps), has announced a strategic collaboration with MoonPay, the global leader in crypto payments. The first phase of the collaboration enables users across the United States to purchase TRX, the native utility token of the TRON network, directly through the MoonPay platform. The addition of TRX for MoonPay’s U.S. users creates accessibility to TRON’s dynamic ecosystem of decentralized finance where an average of 8.3 million transactions are completed each day across the TRON blockchain. TRX is listed on over 130 exchanges and ranks among the top cryptocurrencies by market capitalization – exceeding $23 billion as of April 2025. “TRON continues to deliver impressive results across its entire ecosystem – from DeFi and stablecoin leadership to powering some of today’s most innovative platforms,” said MoonPay’s co-founder and CEO, Ivan Soto-Wright. “We’re excited to make TRX accessible to our U.S. users, unlocking new opportunities to participate and benefit from TRON’s diverse, fast-growing ecosystem, with more to come in the near future.” Alongside TRX, the ecosystem supports a variety of tokens, including the second-largest circulating supply of USDT, the USD-pegged stablecoin issued by Tether. TRON also recently announced that the total circulating supply of USDT on the TRON blockchain has exceeded $70 billion. Particularly in emerging markets and cross-border transactions, TRON has become a foundational layer for real-world blockchain applications. “Having TRX available for US users on MoonPay’s instant, programmable payments platform is a very positive development for our ecosystem,” said Sam Elfarra, Community Spokesperson for TRON DAO. “As a leader in payment and stablecoin solutions, MoonPay’s integration greatly enhances TRON’s trajectory as a global settlement network.” About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON blockchain has experienced significant growth since its MainNet launch in May 2018. Until recently, TRON hosted the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin, exceeding $70 billion. As of April 2025, the TRON blockchain has recorded over 303 million in total user accounts, more than 10 billion in total transactions, and over $20 billion in total value locked (TVL), based on TRONSCAN. TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | X | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum Media Contact Yeweon Park press@tron.network About MoonPay MoonPay creates a world where you own your digital future, giving you control of your identity, money, property and data. We are the market leader in end-to-end solutions simplifying access to the crypto economy for 30M+ verified accounts across 180+ countries, and trusted by iconic global brands to power the creation and movement of digital value. Media Contact media@moonpay.com Contact Details Yeweon Park press@tron.network Company Website https://trondao.org/

May 07, 2025 12:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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