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

Benzinga

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

August 19, 2024 08:35 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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

Benzinga

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

August 15, 2024 08:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Deals With Automotive Companies, Top National Security Organization And More: What Aeva Technologies Has Been Up To This Year To Become A Market Leader

Benzinga

By Meg Flippin, Benzinga From trains to trucks, self-driving vehicles and robots will someday rule the world. That’s thanks to companies like Aeva Technologies Inc. (NYSE: AEVA), which are churning out the components that make an autonomous world a reality. Aeva makes LiDAR sensors for use in vehicles, trucks and trains. The sensors act as eyes, providing 3D views of the surroundings. They can also be used in fixed locations to provide monitoring and security. What Aeva says sets it apart from rivals is its Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) 4D LiDAR technology, which uses a low-power continuous laser beam to measure range and velocity at the same time. Aeva says it unlocks new levels of safety and automation by instantaneously discriminating between static and dynamic points and knowing the precise velocity of dynamic objects. Making Deals That edge isn’t going unnoticed. Aeva’s sensors are increasingly finding their way into the autonomous vehicles and machines of big-name players. After all, they know that for self-driving cars, trucks, buses and trains to be ubiquitous, safety is of the utmost importance. Take Aeva’s recent deal with Daimler Truck AG and Torc Robotics, Inc. for starters. Daimler Truck is using Aeva’s sensors in its Class 8 Freightliner Cascadia autonomous truck platform. Daimler Truck intends to integrate the LiDAR sensors directly into its production process, making it easy for customers to buy autonomous-ready trucks directly from its manufacturing plants. Daimler Truck said it chose Aeva’s LiDAR sensors because of its ability to provide enhanced safety and control. “Daimler Truck is committed to leading the industry’s advancement toward autonomous trucks. Selecting the right LiDAR technology is a crucial strategic decision to safely deploy autonomous trucks on the road,” said Joanna Buttler, Head of Global Autonomous Technology Group at Daimler Truck. “We are convinced that Aeva with its cutting-edge and reliable technology is the right production partner for LiDAR sensors and has the manufacturing capabilities to scale along with us.” Overall in the automotive market, Aeva seems to be gaining momentum with the top ten global original equipment manufactures and expects an RFQ award decision from one of them in 2024. What’s more, the company started a collaboration with another global ten OEM to integrate Aeva’s FMCW Lidar. “In automotive, we have made significant progress on opportunities with multiple global top 10 passenger vehicle OEMs,” said Soroush Salehian, Co-Founder and CEO of Aeva during the company’s second-quarter earnings conference call. “With one top passenger OEM, we continue to expect the award decision later this year and with another top passenger OEM, we began a new collaboration around 4D LiDAR vehicle integration.” Expanding Into New Markets On top of Aeva’s progress in the automotive market, the company is making inroads in new markets. That was on display in late July when Aeva won a deal with a top national defense security organization to supply its 4D LiDAR technology to help protect critical energy infrastructure sites across the United States. Aeva’s sensors are expected to be the primary detection sensors to protect sensitive locations in various facilities, including water entries and exits and perimeter fences. Aeva says it was selected because of its FMCW-based technology. Meanwhile, its deal to produce sensors for Nikon industrial machines to scan objects coming off an assembly line for defects is also making progress, with the company on track for the first industrial precision product with Nikon in the fourth quarter of 2024. Then there’s Aeva’s deal with the sector initiative Digitale Schiene Deutschland. Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology is being used in the group’s AutomatedTrain project. The AutomatedTrain project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action with collaboration from ten partners, including Siemens Mobility and Bosch Engineering, aims to create and trial driverless, fully automated passenger trains by 2026. “We continue to achieve key milestones on our production programs with Daimler Truck in auto and Nikon in industrial while also making significant strides on additional automotive opportunities with multiple global top 10 passenger OEMs looking to adopt 4D LiDAR,” said Salehian. “Our increasing list of wins and the significant progress on new opportunities are further indication of the growing demand for our products across a diverse mix of markets and Aeva's leadership position to drive this adoption with our 4D LiDAR technology. Aeva is in the final stages of a number of key opportunities and continues to advance on other engagements across automotive and beyond.” Keep a look out for more Aeva Technologies Inc. announcements here. Featured photo by Samuele Errico Piccarini on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 13, 2024 08:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Highly Anticipated NILU Hypercar has Arrived!

Nilu

Nilu27, the hypercar brand recently founded by celebrated sports car designer Sasha Selipanov, is thrilled to showcase its first vehicle: the self-titled NILU hypercar. Following a number of social media teasers, which created a stir among the sports car community, the car can finally be revealed in its entirety. The NILU hypercar challenges traditional automotive industry trends. By avoiding electrification, digitalization, and other technological aids, NILU will deliver a raw, unfiltered, uncensored driving experience. Taking inspiration from sources such as ’60s F1 and Le Mans racers, classic Italian design houses, the Bauhaus “form follows function” philosophy, old school American muscle, drift cars, mathematics, and avant garde metal music, NILU’s no-nonsense design is as eclectic as it is original. Sasha’s goal was to create a car with an “inevitable” design: fresh and yet somehow familiar. The resulting NILU exterior, with its tight cross sections and sinuous curves, is functional, lean and aerodynamic. For maximum contrast, it juxtaposes clean sculptural surfaces with its mechanical, exposed and intricately detailed engine bay. True to Bauhaus philosophy, NILU eschews superfluous styling features to celebrate essential functional beauty. The NILU chassis features a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque with lightweight aluminum-alloy tubular subframes. In contrast to “fashionable” composite subframes, the designer deliberately chose a tubular approach to improve access to the drivetrain components while effortlessly facilitating heat extraction and celebrating the mechanical aesthetic. The NILU cabin was designed to provide perfect viewing angles with ideal ergonomics and safety. The designer was able to achieve an incredibly low roofline and compact cabin dimensions without sacrificing comfort. NILU seats two adults in a traditional side-by-side layout with best-in-class ingress and egress made possible by substantial gullwing doors, low sill heights, and fixed, sunken seats, which do not obstruct the door apertures with their side bolsters. The NILU human/machine interface is all about manual, analog controls, inputs and feedback. The only screen is the rear view camera/mirror, which addresses the traditional weakness of mid-engined sports cars: the lack of rearward visibility. The steering wheel’s compact size and perfectly round shape allows for incredibly detailed steering feel and input precision. The wheel is void of switches, buttons and toggles; a testament to the belief that performance driving requires full concentration with zero distractions. Gone are the driving modes, settings and options: NILU controls are both primary and intuitive. For this reason, an open-gate, seven-speed manual transmission celebrates raw, analog driving while adding a safety element with its reverse gear lock-out. Steering wheel, pedal box, headrest, door mirrors and other adjustments are deliberately manual, accessed by gratifying manual levers and switches. The tactile, haptic feedback from cold-touch, machined billet controls was deemed both more engaging and, crucially, safer than navigating through screen menus. PRODUCTION The NILU hypercar is Sasha’s vision in its purest form; a vision he’s been perfecting since 2006. It will initially be available in an extremely limited run with production capped at 15 units. “ My path in the industry has never been about following rules and sticking to norms,” Sasha explained. “I was never afraid to follow my intuition or chase my dreams. Breaking conventions is simply a byproduct. The same is true for NILU – a hypercar that discards current trends and conventions in pursuit of an elevated automotive experience. “Unveiling NILU to the world is a dream come true; a moment so profound it is hard to express in words. The vision was the result of a decades-long search, sleepless nights, years of overthinking and overanalyzing. I was fortunate to learn from and contribute to the industry’s best; now my team and I are thrilled to put all this vision and knowledge into action.” V12 ENGINE Nilu27 has partnered with Hartley Engines in New Zealand to produce one of the most powerful and visually striking naturally aspirated engines in the world. The NILU engine bay is fully exposed, showcasing the beautiful 6.5-liter, 80-degree V12. As NILU will not rely on electrification, it aims to be the world’s most powerful, naturally aspirated hypercar. To achieve this, the V12 will deliver more than 1000 horsepower. And while its large bore and short stroke will make it rev like an electric motor, the even-fire engine will provide the driver with the perfect amount of tactile vibration. The Hartley V12 has a refined combustion area, high-flow ports, and performance-style valve geometry: something OEMs typically cannot accommodate in their compact platforms. The engine also features 12 large, individual throttle bodies for instant throttle response. Another key differentiator for the NILU V12 is its unique “Hot V.” In this configuration, the conventional exhaust and intake positions are swapped around. The setup delivers key advantages when it comes to packaging, heat extraction, and aesthetics. And it has allowed the stunning “snakepit” 12-into-1 exhaust headers to serve as a unique highlight of the exterior design. The entire exhaust system was 3D-printed in Inconel, allowing the complex design to be realized; another unique feature when you consider its dimensions. Mated to the seven-speed CIMA manual transmission, and housed in the ceramic-coated aluminum-alloy subframe, the NILU V12 represents functional beauty at its finest. Nelson Hartley, founder and CEO of Hartley Engines, said, “We’ve been quietly working on the design and layout of our own engine for the last few years, taking inspiration from late ’80s and early ’90s Formula 1 cars. We strove for the kind of engineering that’s raw, endearing, emotional, and sometimes a little crazy. “With Sasha’s wishlist for NILU, we finally found the perfect project to dedicate our time and were able to adapt our development into his Hot V configuration, designing the engine around his chassis layout. “Make no mistake; this is not an OEM engine from another manufacturer converted to the Hot V; this is a bespoke, large bore, short stroke monster. It’s got aggressive cams, aggressive port flow, lightweight components and exotic materials. We want to get a cold sweat every time the V12 starts and revs. It’s fair to say, we’re very excited!" DYNAMICS The NILU hypercar employs a double wishbone, pushrod suspension, with its extremely long wishbones visible from the rear; the length contributing to the exceptionally precise and compliant handling characteristics. A set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires were fitted, specified at 265/35 R20 front and 325/30 R21 rear. They have been mounted to 10x20” and 13x21” Nilu27 centerlock wheels, which were designed in-house with intricate lightweight detailing to reduce the unsprung weight. The wheels are produced by AppTech in Italy. Carbon-ceramic braking equipment was sourced from Brembo. The Italian company’s GT | BM calipers are fitted front and rear in a custom white finish. The car also has Brembo’s highest performance CCM-R Plus rotors, which deliver outstanding performance and fade resistance. THE FUTURE The initial NILU prototype vehicles and first batch of customer cars will be assembled by Aria Group in Irvine, CA, allowing Nilu27 to ramp-up its own facilities overseas. Nilu27 is simultaneously developing a street homologated version. This variant will be limited to 54 units, four of which will be unique, one-off designs. “We’ve been fascinated by the strong reaction to our social media teasers alone,” said Inna Selipanov, the company’s Co-Founder and COO. “While the world is moving towards electrification, and for very good reason, we firmly believe the timelessness of these cars will not only keep them relevant but they will continue to find a place in the collections of passionate car lovers.” Nilu27 is proud to have the support of industry leaders such as Aerotak, AppTech, Aria Group, Brembo, CIMA, Hartley Engines, Michelin, and Schroth. The car will be unveiled to a select VIP and media group at a private Los Angeles event on August 8. Its public debut will follow on August 15 on the ramp at Pebble Beach in Monterey, California, before appearing on the Concept Lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18. The NILU hypercar will also debut in CSR Racing 2; the hyper-real mobile racing game from Zynga’s NaturalMotion. Players can experience the high-octane performance and stunning in-game design this November. EDITOR’S NOTE Images for editorial use are available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/slb7tdet19fb5pomdq8vo/AJPBTh72JpXxQSJDFwZA6JI?rlkey=4cn745k7vb2sxs4fmlfwwk5gb&dl=0 Please contact us if high-resolution images are required for print. A NILU video is available to view and share here: https://youtu.be/2gbQEQwedr8 ABOUT Nilu27 Founded in 2024 by Sasha and Inna Selipanov, Nilu27 is on a mission to produce quintessential sports cars that will withstand the test of time. With a primary focus on a visceral driving experience, the company’s purpose is to celebrate all elements of the car that engage the senses, which means divorcing from technology in certain instances. We’re car people; we build cars for people who love cars. For more information, please visit nilu27.com Contact Details Greg Emmerson, The ID Agency greg@theidagency.com Company Website https://www.nilu27.com/

August 07, 2024 05:55 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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NAVEX to Demystify IT Risk Communication at ISACA GRC Conference

NAVEX Global

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

August 06, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Benchmark International Unveils the 2024 Global Transportation & Logistics Industry Report

Benchmark International

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

August 01, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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US Graphite One Secures Lucid Motors Supply Agreement

Graphite One Inc

Graphite One Inc. (TSX-V: GPH) (OTCQX: GPHOF) is proud to report that it has entered into a non-binding supply agreement with Lucid Group Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID) for anode active materials (AAM). This is a significant development for Graphite One as a supply agreement with a high-profile company like Lucid provides credibility and reassurance. Lucid is the maker of the world's most advanced electric vehicles while G1 is planning a complete domestic U.S. supply chain for advanced graphite materials. This landmark collaboration marks the first synthetic graphite supply agreement between a U.S. graphite developer and a U.S. EV company. Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO at Lucid, said: "We are committed to accelerating the transition to sustainable vehicles and the development of a robust domestic supply chain ensures the United States, and Lucid, will maintain technology leadership in this global race, Through work with partners like Graphite One, we will have access to American-sourced critical raw materials, helping power our award-winning vehicles made with pride in Arizona." Meanwhile, Anthony Huston, President and CEO of Graphite One, said: "This is a historic moment for Graphite One, Lucid and North America: the first synthetic graphite Supply Agreement between a U.S. graphite developer and U.S. EV company, G1 is excited to continue pushing forward developing our 100% U.S. domestic supply chain. We appreciate the support from our investors and the grant from the Department of Defense. Subject to project financing required to build the AAM facility, the Supply Agreement with Lucid puts G1 on the path to produce revenue in 2027, and that's just the beginning for Graphite One as we work to meet market demands and create a secure 100% U.S.-based supply chain for natural and synthetic graphite for U.S. industry and national security." This groundbreaking agreement follows Graphite One's recent selection of a site for its proposed AAM facility. Located at a brownfield site in Warren, Ohio, this site was previously used by the U.S. Government to stockpile National Defense critical minerals. It is situated in the heart of the automobile industry, in an area with ample low-cost electricity produced from renewable energy sources. The site's existing power lines are sufficient for Graphite One's Phase 1 production target of 25,000 tonnes per year (tpy) of battery-ready anode material, and land is available for follow-on phases to ramp to 100,000 tpy of production. Discover more about Graphite One's plans to transform the U.S. graphite industry. Graphite One's Domestic Supply Chain Strategy With the United States currently 100% import-dependent for synthetic and natural graphite, Graphite One is developing a complete U.S.-based, advanced graphite supply chain solution anchored by its Graphite Creek deposit, recognized by the U.S. Geological Survey as the largest graphite deposit in the U.S. "and among the largest in the world 1." Developing a U.S.-based advanced anode material manufacturing plant is the second link in the company's comprehensive plan to create a fully domestic graphite supply chain. Here, in Ohio's emerging "Voltage Valley," G1 intends to become the first vertically integrated producer to serve the U.S. EV battery market as it produces high-quality anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems. The plan also includes a recycling facility to reclaim graphite and the other battery materials, to be co-located at the Ohio site, representing the third link in Graphite One's circular economy strategy. Terms of the G1-Lucid Supply Agreement The Supply Agreement is non-binding providing for 5,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of anode material to Lucid once Graphite One commences production. The initial term is for 5 years, subject to earlier termination. Sales are based on an agreed price formula linked to future market pricing as well as satisfying base case pricing agreeable to both parties. The Supply Agreement is subject to other terms, conditions and termination rights standard for an agreement of this nature. About Lucid Motors California-based Lucid Group is focused on creating the world's most advanced electric vehicles. The company's flagship vehicle, Lucid Air, delivers best-in-class performance and efficiency starting at $69,900 and has been recognized with a number of leading awards, including MotorTrend 2022 Car of the Year, World Luxury Car of the Year, and Car and Driver 10 Best. Lucid is preparing its state-of-the-art, vertically integrated factory in Arizona to begin production of the Lucid Gravity SUV. About Graphite One With the plan to create three integrated operational pillars, G1 is on a mission to become a significant player in the U.S. graphite supply chain as its future plans are to mine, process, manufacture, and recycle graphite anode materials. It is anticipated that this will primarily supply the U.S. lithium-ion EV battery market and energy storage systems. As set forth in the company's 2022 pre-feasibility study 2, graphite mineralization mined from the company's Graphite Creek property in Alaska would be processed into concentrate at an adjacent processing plant. Then, natural and artificial graphite anode active materials and other value‐added graphite products would be manufactured from the concentrate and other materials at G1's proposed manufacturing facility in Ohio. Graphite One intends to make a production decision on the project upon the completion of its feasibility study. The powerful backing of the United States Government validates G1's ambitious plans. In addition to a White House invitation, G1 has already received two significant government grants from the Department of Defense (DoD). The first grant is an exceptional $37.5 million towards its feasibility study 3. The second is an impressive $4.7 million to develop a graphite-based foam fire suppressant 4. Better still, substantial Federal support for the industry continues, which G1 plans to also tap into 5. Graphite One's triple-faceted domestic supply chain solution is strategically designed to reduce U.S. dependency on China for graphite. With its forward-thinking approach, Graphite One is not just planning to meet current market demands but also anticipating the future needs of a tech-driven world. Its high-quality graphite materials are anticipated to meet the growing demands of electrification, catalyze sustainable development, and pave the way for the next generation of technological breakthroughs. G1's management team excels in mine construction, process control design, and facility management. Their extensive expertise ensures efficient operations and a commitment to cost efficiency to maximize profitability. Graphite One has assembled a team of individuals who are not just capable but are ready to drive business growth and deliver enduring value to stakeholders over the long term. DISCOVER MORE ABOUT GRAPHITE ONE Data Sources: Springer. Insights into the metamorphic history and origin of flake graphite mineralization at the Graphite Creek graphite deposit, Seward Peninsula, Alaska, USA, February 27, 2023. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00126-023-01161-3 Graphite One. Pre-Feasibility Study Report, October 13, 2022. https://www.graphiteoneinc.com/pfs/ Graphite One Inc. Graphite One awarded $37.5 million Department of Defense grant under the Defense Production Act. July 17, 2023. https://www.graphiteoneinc.com/graphite-one-awarded-37-5-million-department-of-defense-grant-under-the-defense-production-act/ Graphite One Inc. Graphite One awarded US$4.7 million contract by U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Logistics Agency to develop graphite-based foam fire suppressant. September 11, 2023. https://www.graphiteoneinc.com/graphite-one-awarded-us4-7-million-contract-by-u-s-department-of-defenses-defense-logistics-agency-to-develop-graphite-based-foam-fire-suppressant Murkowski Senate. U.S. Critical Mineral Projects Eligible for DOE Loan Guarantees After Push from Murkowski, December 2023. https://www.murkowski.senate.gov/press/release/us-ciritical-mineral-projects-eligible-for-doe-loan-guarantees-after-push-from-murkowski IMPORTANT NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER PAID ADVERTISEMENT This communication is a paid advertisement. ValueTheMarkets is a trading name of Digitonic Ltd, and its owners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and assigns (collectively the “Publisher”) is often paid by one or more of the profiled companies or a third party to disseminate these types of communications. In this case, the Publisher has been compensated by Graphite One Inc. to conduct investor awareness advertising and marketing and has paid the Publisher the equivalent of fifty thousand US dollars per month for a 12-month period starting 24 April 2024 until 23 April 2025 to produce and disseminate this and other similar articles and certain related banner advertisements. 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July 31, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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

Benzinga

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

July 25, 2024 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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

FREELANCER.COM

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

July 18, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time