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AITX Expands Market Reach with 20% Growth in Channel Partners

RazorPitch AITX

The global security robots market, valued at USD 27.32 billion in 2021, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.65% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by escalating security concerns and the increasing adoption of advanced automation techniques worldwide. Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTC: AITX) is capitalizing on these trends, recently achieving significant milestones in revenue and expanding its distribution network. Market Context and Demand Drivers The demand for security robots is increasing due to several key factors, including geopolitical instabilities and substantial government investments in security technologies. These robots' advanced capabilities, such as operating in challenging terrains and hazardous environments and performing analytical surveillance, are driving their adoption globally. Additionally, improvements in sensor technology and automation, alongside advancements in neural technology, are enhancing the functionality and adoption of these robots. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions AITX is at the forefront of delivering AI-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insights, address complex challenges, and foster innovative business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings—RAD-I, RAD-R, RAD-M, and RAD-G—the company helps organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and enhance business efficiency. AITX's technology simplifies and reduces the cost of patrolling and guard services, allowing experienced personnel to focus on more critical tasks. The solutions are widely applicable across multiple industries, including enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Q1 FY 2025 Revenue Surge On June 17, 2024, AITX announced a notable increase in its recurring monthly revenue (RMR) for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, marking a 385% year-over-year growth. The company's unaudited operating revenue for Q1 FY 2025 stood at $1,098,975, up from $384,277 in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. This significant milestone underscores the company's ongoing exponential growth. Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO of AITX, expressed his satisfaction, stating, "Achieving continuous, exponential growth is what we forecasted, and what we have delivered once again. Although we have smartly added some general expenses in sales, support, and development, we remain committed to operational profitability this fiscal year. It’s important that we position ourselves to be a dominant player in the solar security tower market, support the launch of AIR in our Gen4 solutions, and prepare for the upcoming relaunch of ROAMEO. I am pleased to say we are on track." Recent Update: Expansion of Channel Partners On June 25, 2024, AITX announced a significant milestone: a 20% expansion of its distribution channel partners over the past six months. This growth underscores AITX's commitment to extending its market reach and solidifying its position as a leader in AI-driven security solutions. “The expansion of our distribution network is a clear indicator of the trust and confidence our partners have in RAD’s technology. This 20% increase in channel partners will allow us to reach even more customers and provide them with the security solutions they need to protect their assets and people,” said Troy McCanna, Senior Vice President of Revenue Operations at RAD. Mark Folmer, President of RAD, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic value of these partnerships: “Each of our channel partners brings a unique set of clients and immediate opportunities to RAD. Their diverse portfolios and strong relationships within their respective markets are invaluable. We are excited about the potential each partnership holds and are confident that together, we can deliver unparalleled security solutions to a wider audience.” RAD's distribution network now includes 83 partners covering the US, Canada, and the European Union. One of the standout products driving this expansion is the ROSA™ system, a compact, self-contained, portable security and communication solution. ROSA™ can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes and features AI-driven security analytics such as human, firearm, and vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage, and audio messaging. It also integrates seamlessly with RAD’s software suite for notifications and autonomous responses, offering two-way communication optimized for cellular, including live video from its high-resolution cameras. Looking ahead, AITX remains committed to scaling its operations and enhancing its technological capabilities. The company is investing in research and development to introduce new features and products that align with market demands and client needs. With a prospective sales pipeline that includes over 35 Fortune 500 companies, AITX is well-positioned for sustained growth. Conclusion AITX's recent achievements and the broader market dynamics highlight the potential for substantial growth in the security robots market. The company's focus on AI-driven solutions and recurring revenue models positions it well to capitalize on the increasing demand for advanced security technologies. As AITX continues to innovate and expand its market presence, the future looks promising, with significant opportunities for further growth and development, making AITX an OTC stock to watch. 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 performance are not statements of historical fact 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 which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through 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 investors investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by Cambridge Consulting to assist in the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by RazorPitch or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. RazorPitch is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 mark@razorpitch.com Company Website http://razorpitch.com

July 01, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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DOGE’s Rebound Attempt Fails, Amid Raboo’s Dominating Price Action Surpassing Rival Coin Pepe

Total Media

The cryptocurrency market is expanding, but so is the volatility. On one hand we have Dogecoin on a bullish trend, on the other hand we have Pepe on a bearish trend. Raboo, a new AI meme coin has appeared with loads of amazing features. Raboo is still in its presale and has raised over $1.6 million, which is very impressive. Analysts expect the Initial Coin Offering (ICO) to grow 233% during presale and 100x on launch day. Keep reading to find out more. DOGE attempts to validate bullish pattern Dogecoin is presently trading in a bullish wave. But the coin may not be able to maintain the pattern to start meaningful price climb, if investors do not take control. The dynamics around DOGE are being keenly watched by the market. This is because changes in its price could have an impact on the altcoin market as a whole. The distribution of Dogecoin's supply among its holders is showing a noticeable shift, which could lead to additional declines in the meme coin's price that'll be presented on a daily chart. The shift in ownership of DOGE mid- and long-term investors to short-term holders raises questions over the stability of the altcoin price. The amount of DOGE held by short-term holders has increased significantly over the last month. It has increased from 10.5 billion DOGE to 13.4 billion DOGE. This noteworthy expansion emphasizes the growing tendency toward short-term trading activity, which may increase market volatility. Pepe: bulls struggle to recover from downward trend Pepe is down by 27% from its all time high in May this year, however, some traders think the coin could become victorious, especially if Bitcoin’s BTC/USD performance picks up. A recent deal was released by Binance, for cryptocurrency users who want to earn PEPE coins simply by buying and holding PEPE for increased interest rates. Users can get rewards if they send at least $0.01 using Binance Pay for the first time. With this promotion, cryptocurrency users can win up to 100 million PEPE coins. The price of PEPE coins has been dropping lately. PEPE saw a 7.84% decrease in value following the announcement of Binance Pay's offer. Investors are switching to Raboo since the PEPE coin price prediction does not yet present any advantages. Satoshi, a popular crypto analyst, detailed in a tweet the wave patterns he observed on the Pepe chart and predicted a wave of 3 candles. He also suggested that there might be a mirror wave 2 retracement before the green candle happens. The altcoin price still has a chance of going bullish and even breaking it all time high. But only patient enough investors will witness this. Raboo grabs investors attention with 100x potential Raboo ($RABT) is a popular new meme coin that is making waves in the market as an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), demonstrating why ICOs are fantastic avenues for making investments. Raboo's initial coin offering (ICO) offers investors the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge initiatives from the very beginning. By incorporating artificial intelligence to improve user engagement and content creation, Raboo sets itself apart from other meme coins. Raboo stands out in the competitive meme coin market thanks to its AI-driven strategy, which also highlights the company's potential for significant expansion and influence in the cryptocurrency field. By taking part in the Raboo presale, investors will become a part of a ground-breaking initiative that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to reimagine the meme coin genre, providing a special fusion of community, technology, and entertainment. Raboo’s presale is now underway, with tokens available at $0.0048, analysts say $RABT can easily explode 100x by the time it hits the markets this year. Conclusion Between the rise of Dogecoin and Pepe's price, Raboo is standing out as the best crypto to invest in this year. Meme coins are now making noise, becoming the money makers of the crypto market. Raboo is very affordable, giving the opportunity for anyone to join in. Small risk for a great reward. Even though it is yet to launch, Raboo has aimed to be a top 20 coin and it is currently on the right path. You can participate in the Raboo presale here: Telegram: https://t.me/RabootokenPortal Twitter: https://twitter.com/Raboo_Official Contact Details Total Media Solutions media@Totalsolutionspr.io Company Website https://rabootoken.com

June 30, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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A comprehensive guide to estate planning in Canada

Money Canada

by Tamar Satov More than one-third (37%) of Canadians say that getting their end-of-life plans in order—including writing a will, funeral planning, and having difficult conversations with family about estate planning—is a priority for 2021, according to a survey from Willful, a leading digital estate planning company. If you’re among that cohort (and you should be), our handy guide to everything estate planning will help you get it done. IN THIS ARTICLE What is estate planning? Why should you plan your estate? How to develop an estate plan Critical components of an estate plan Taxation and estate planning Bottom line What is estate planning? Estate planning is the process of pre-arranging how your finances and other assets will be used or managed when you die or become incapacitated. Estate planning can include creating a will, power of attorney, living will and trusts; choosing an executor or trustee; purchasing life insurance; naming a guardian for minor children, and even outlining details about how you’d like to be laid to rest. Why should you plan your estate? In the same way that a financial plan can help you map out a path to your financial goals, an estate plan can ensure your final financial objectives—namely a timely and tax-efficient transfer of assets to your loved ones—are achieved. Here are a few more specific reasons why you should plan your estate: You get to choose your heirs: If you die without a will (called dying “intestate”), there’s no telling who will receive your assets as it’s up to the courts to decide. Even worse, if you have kids and both you and the other parent die while they are minors (under age 18), the court will name a guardian for them. You make things easier on your loved ones: A proper estate plan will not only put your assets in the hands of your heirs as quickly as possible but will also help them make important decisions about your finances and care if you are ill and can’t do so yourself. You can implement tax-saving strategies: By planning ahead you may be able to avoid some taxes on your estate through the use of trusts and other tools. Life insurance death benefits, for example, are paid out to beneficiaries tax-free. How to develop an estate plan Estate planning in Canada is a multi-step process that may involve consultation with various experts—such as legal, tax and insurance professionals—who can help you prepare the required documents and point out various Canadian estate planning strategies to best serve your needs. Depending on the complexity of your estate and your family situation, you may be able to handle some or all of the estate planning process on your own or with the help of online services. They will walk you through the process of creating a legal will online. But whether you reach out to the pros or not, these are the estate planning tasks you’ll need to complete: Take stock of your assets: This includes all your cash assets ( bank accounts, investments, TFSAs or RRSPs, and any other registered accounts) as well as insurance policies and non-cash assets (a business, home or other real estate holdings, motor vehicle, jewelry, collections of value, heirlooms, etc.). Decide who should receive your assets, and when: In some cases, this can be a very straightforward decision. If you’re married with no children, for example, you might want all your assets to go directly to your spouse when you die. If, on the other hand, you’re divorced with kids, you’ll have to decide if you want your children to receive your assets right away, when they come of age, or a bit of both—which can be accomplished by creating a trust, as we’ll explain later on. There may be other individuals or organizations to whom you want to leave some of your assets or specific items that you want to bequest as gifts. Choose guardian(s): If you have minor children, this is who will take legal, moral and financial responsibility for them if you and your spouse pass away. You should also select someone to take care of any pets you have. Select the individuals who you want to carry out your plans: This includes choosing an executor, who must file your final tax return and make sure your heirs receive their inheritances; naming powers of attorney, who will make financial or health decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so; and appointing a trustee, if applicable, who will administer any assets you put in a trust according to your wishes. Critical components of an estate plan A thorough estate plan consists of several parts, including legal documents and financial instruments. Here’s an overview of the key components you should have in your estate plan. Legal will A will is a legal document in your estate plan that spells out who should receive your assets (your beneficiaries) and how those assets will be divided among those beneficiaries. It also names your executor and guardians for minor children (if applicable). For a will to be legal in Canada, it must be: written by an adult of sound mind; a paper document signed in ink by the will’s author (called the testator); witnessed and signed by two people who will not benefit from the testator’s estate. There are various ways to make a legal will, and each comes with its own pros and cons. A holograph will, for example, is one that you write by hand yourself. (This type of will does not require the signatures of witnesses, since the entire document is in the testator’s handwriting.) While you can prepare a holograph will for free (a pro), it’s unlikely you’ll know what to include or how to word it, which could create problems for your heirs down the road (a major con). Similarly, do-it-yourself will kits are a low-cost ($40 or less) option that uses fill-in-the-blank templates. Much of the wording is provided in these kits (a pro), but you still need to be comfortable with legalese as it does not include any guidance or explanation, and there is no easy way to update or customize your will (cons). For most people, there are really only two viable methods for preparing a will: Use an online service. There are websites to guide you through the process of creating a will online. This can be a cost-effective option for those with simple estates and family arrangements. A reputable online will platform will ask you questions about your situation and assets to prepare a will that meets your specific needs at an affordable rate. You can do the whole thing from home in about 20 minutes, and you’re able to change or update your will as needed (for example, following a marriage, divorce or birth of a child). Once you print out the document and sign it (in the presence of two witnesses who will not benefit from your estate), the will is legally binding. (During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Willful has partnered with Notary Pro to help customers in some provinces get their wills witnessed virtually.) Hire an estate lawyer. While a lawyer will charge you hundreds of dollars to prepare your will, that can be money well spent when you have a complex estate. That’s because a lawyer may be able to help your heirs avoid or mitigate estate taxes by using various tools, such as trusts, which are not available through an online will service. Certainly, anyone with a high net worth, investment properties/vacation homes (which are taxed differently than a primary residence at death) or a large business should consult a lawyer. Even if you don’t have a large estate, but you have complicated needs as to when and how your assets will be divided (because of a blended family, for example), it’s usually wise to consult a lawyer. Trusts A trust is a financial instrument that holds assets you want to give to someone else and sets out conditions for when and how those assets will be transferred. A third-party trustee (that you name) is responsible for managing and administering the assets held in the trust. There are living trusts, which are used to give assets to your beneficiaries while you’re still alive, and testamentary trusts that only come into effect once you die. Both can be used for estate planning purposes. If, for example, one of your heirs receives disability supports, you might create a testamentary trust to administer a series of small annual payouts to them after you die, rather than a single lump-sum inheritance that could disqualify them from receiving benefits, which are calculated based on annual income. Similarly, a testamentary trust may be used to provide an income to a current spouse for as long as he or she lives, with any remaining assets in the trust then going to your children from a previous marriage. Living trusts are commonly used to transfer ownership of real estate, such as a cottage or rental property, as any assets held in such a trust are not included in the value of your estate when calculating probate taxes. Power of attorney A power of attorney is a legal document that names a specific person to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated due to an accident or illness. Without this document, no one will be able to manage or access your assets for you during your period of incapacitation. Many online will services offer an option to draft a power of attorney, as well as a living will, which provides instructions as to your preferred end-of-life care. Insurance As you go through the estate planning process and consider the many tax implications (which we’ll get to below), you might realize that your estate won’t provide enough for your loved ones to manage after you’re gone, especially if you have dependents. That’s where life insurance comes in. Any personal or workplace life insurance coverage you have will provide a tax-free lump sum to your beneficiaries when you die. By taking a proactive approach to estate planning while you’re young, you have the option of implementing one of the best Canadian estate planning strategies—purchasing life insurance coverage—at much better rates than you’ll get when you’re older. Use an online search platform to compare rates from the top life insurance companies in Canada. Taxation and estate planning There are two types of taxes that a deceased’s estate must pay before the remaining assets go to the beneficiaries: probate taxes and income taxes. Probate taxes Think of this as an estate administration fee. It is about 1.5% of the entire value of the estate. So, for example, if you are unmarried and leave behind a principal residence worth $750,000, $150,000 in RRSPs, $65,000 in TFSAs and $35,000 in cash or other assets, the total value of your estate would be $1 million, and the probate taxes would be about $15,000. Income taxes Your appointed executor is responsible for filing your final income tax return after you die. But this can include a great deal more than your regular earnings up until the time of your death. In the estate described above, for example, the $150,000 in RRSPs would be collapsed and added as income to the estate, as would any interest income on the $35,000 cash. The TFSA is not taxable income (remember, all withdrawals from a TFSA are tax-free), and the home does not trigger any taxable earnings because of the capital gains tax exemption on a primary residence. In this situation, total income for the year could exceed $225,000, which in Ontario is in the highest tax bracket, resulting in income taxes of about $80,000 or more. Other types of investments and assets, such as a business or vacation property, would boost a deceased’s income—and their final tax bill—even further. A tax advisor or estate planning specialist can help you come up with strategies to reduce the tax hit on your estate to leave more for your heirs. Assets in a trust, for example, bypass probate taxes, while properties that are jointly owned with a spouse pass directly to them rather than going through the estate. Bottom line Estate planning may not be the most enjoyable task—nearly one-quarter (24%) of Canadians would even rather clean their bathroom, a survey found—but it is an essential one, especially for those who have young children. So, don’t put it off any longer. Look into online providers, such as Willful, that can help you draft a legal will and power of attorney, and make use of digital platforms to compare the best rates on life insurance in Canada. By planning ahead while you’re young, you’ll also have more opportunities to implement tax-efficient Canadian estate planning strategies. Contact Details Aaron Young +1 310-500-8744 aaron.young@wisepublishing.com Company Website https://money.ca/

June 29, 2024 07:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Kootenay Silver Expands Drilling Programme with Second Rig

Kootenay Silver Inc.

Kootenay Silver CEO Jim McDonald joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce that coring is underway with a second drill at the Columba Project in Chihuahua state, Mexico. This effort focuses on extending the known limits of the "D-Vein," with the second drill testing the southeastern extensions of the "B-Vein" and "B2-Vein." McDonald explained that the second drill will work southeastward along the B-Vein trend towards a priority target zone where surface mapping indicates intersections between the "D-Vein" and the "B-Vein" trends. The B-Vein trend lies along the southeastern extension of the "F-Vein" and contains well-mineralized veins, as evidenced by previous intercepts. The current drilling program aims to find the strike extent of D-Vein mineralization, preparing for infill drilling and a fully funded follow-up program of 20,000 meters. This extensive drilling effort aims to delineate a maiden resource expected by late 2024. Initially, the second drill will support this goal before moving on to test extensions of other known vein intercepts and conduct initial tests on promising yet undrilled targets. These initiatives mark significant progress in the exploration and potential development of the Columba Project, highlighting Kootenay Silver's commitment to expanding its resource base and advancing its projects in Mexico. Contact Details Proactive United States +1 347-449-0879 action@proactiveinvestors.com

June 28, 2024 04:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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North Bay Resources Completes Testing at Bishop Gold Mill, Targets Initial 5,000 Tons for Processing

North Bay Resources Inc

North Bay Resources CEO Jared Lazerson joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the completion of flooding and operational testing of flotation cells and frothing equipment at the Bishop Gold Mill in California. These flotation cells, used in combination with frothing reagents, play a critical role in separating gold and sulphides from the host rock. The process produces a gold concentrate that is then dried and refined into gold bars. Lazerson shared that the company has received assays confirming the presence of 0.5 troy ounces of gold per ton of material from the surface. The company has targeted an initial 5,000 tons of material for test processing, which equates to approximately 2,500 troy ounces of gold. Metallurgical analyses are currently underway to determine the composition and make-up of the material, including the final grind and the efficacy of the selected frothing agent and flocculent used in the flotation cells. North Bay Resources continues to review gold mine acquisitions and joint ventures throughout the Western US and Canada. The company is committed to acquiring ounces in the ground to support the Bishop Mill and any potential future expansions. This development marks a significant step in North Bay Resources' efforts to enhance its gold production capabilities and expand its asset base in North America. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

June 28, 2024 04:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Serve Robotics Expands Delivery Operations into Koreatown with Enhanced Fleet Technology

Serve Robotics

Serve Robotics CEO Dr. Ali Kashani joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the expansion of the company's delivery operations into Koreatown. This move is part of Serve's long-term plan to broaden its geographic reach in Los Angeles and across the U.S. Koreatown was selected for its dense and vibrant commercial hub, growing residential community, and well-maintained sidewalk infrastructure, which are ideal for robotic delivery. This coverage expansion follows ongoing collaboration with the Los Angeles city government and local stakeholders. In preparation for scaling up its fleet for future expansions, Serve has announced the signing of an expanded supply agreement with Ouster, Inc. This agreement will equip Serve's next-generation robots with the latest-generation lidar sensors, providing equipment for 2,000 robots. Lidar technology is critical to Serve's autonomy stack, enabling the robots to perceive their environment, identify their precise location, and safely navigate alongside pedestrians and other sidewalk users. Serve anticipates that the new sensors will improve the safety, speed, and cost-effectiveness of its fleet. This strategic expansion and technological enhancement highlight Serve Robotics' commitment to advancing its autonomous delivery services and meeting the growing demand for efficient, sustainable delivery solutions. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

June 28, 2024 04:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Western Metallica Resources Prepares for Inaugural Drilling at the Cana Brava Copper Project

Western Metallica Resources Corp.

Western Metallica Resources CEO Greg Duras joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company's current and upcoming projects. Western Metallica's flagship project is the Cana Brava copper project in Peru, encompassing the Luz Maria and Cana Brava 1 prospects, which cover approximately 3100 hectares. The company plans to commence drilling in mid-July 2024, following significant preparatory work. This includes assembling a geological team in Peru and identifying 2.7 km by 1.5 km of alteration typical of Andean porphyry systems. The upcoming drill program will be a scout drilling operation, consisting of 2000 to 2500 meters. The primary objective is to achieve a discovery drill hole, with targets such as 0.5% copper over 100 meters. Duras emphasized the importance of copper in the electrification story and noted the company's strategic position in Peru, a leading copper mining jurisdiction. Collaboration with neighboring projects, such as HudBay's, has provided valuable insights. Local geological teams are sharing data and strategies, which may lead to future cooperative opportunities. Western Metallica is well-funded for its exploration plans, and the company is optimistic about its potential discoveries and contributions to the copper market. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

June 28, 2024 04:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Shedding Light on Cystic Fibrosis

YourUpdateTV

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, progressive, and genetic disease that currently affects about 40,000 people in the United States. CF is the result of a defective gene, inherited from each parent, and the disease can impact people of all races and ethnicities. Recently, KC White, Board Chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the disease, her personal journey, and how the Foundation is helping progress care and treatment options. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/8wj8u0JEqLU CF is a life-shortening disease that prevents our bodies from clearing mucus. This can lead to lung infections, poor nutrition, lung disease, and a host of unique challenges that can impact every aspect of a person’s life. When it was first discovered, it was considered a fatal pediatric disease. But due to transformative advancements in treatments and high-quality care, the life-expectancy for someone born with CF today is 56. While that number is climbing there is still a long way to go and unfortunately, not all people with CF equally benefit from this progress. KC White was elected chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2022 after serving on the Board since 2005. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 3, White has been a committed volunteer and inspiring advocate for the Foundation since childhood and is the first person with CF to serve as board chair. When she was diagnosed, she wasn’t expected to live past high school age, but her family refused to accept that fate, which prompted their dedication to the Foundation’s work. Because of recent treatments known as modulators, about 90% of the CF population (including KC) experienced an incredible transformation in their health. With this though, comes navigating unplanned challenges including careers, finances, family, and more. In addition to fueling the research, particularly in genetic therapies, that will lead to transformative treatments for the entire CF population, the CF Foundation works to support the CF community in all aspects of their lives through support programs and fostering connection opportunities. The CF Foundation is committed to finding a cure and providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives. The Foundation is aggressively funding research and drug development, advancing high-quality, specialized care, and partnering with and advocating for the CF community. For more information, visit CFF.ORG About KC White KC White was elected chair of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Board of Trustees in 2022 after serving on the Board since 2005. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at age 3, White has been a committed volunteer and inspiring advocate for the Foundation since childhood, speaking at her first Foundation event when she was only 9 years old. She is the first person with CF to serve as board chair. White received her Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2022 and currently serves as an assistant instructor in the program. She is also the Head Varsity Women’s Lacrosse coach for the Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Tigers. She and her husband, Justin, have one son, Mac. About the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization leading the relentless pursuit of a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation is committed to providing all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, advancing high-quality, specialized care, and partnering with and advocating for the CF community. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. The organization supports and accredits a national network of over 130 CF care centers recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. Also, the Foundation manages support programs and fosters connection opportunities for the CF community. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation’s impact is made possible by the work of nearly 70 local chapters across the country. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

June 28, 2024 12:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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$1.8 Trillion Investment In Clean Energy In 2023 Highlights Importance Of Critical Materials

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga Society is moving toward decarbonization and electrification. At the same time, demand for electricity is rising as new middle classes emerge in countries around the world, and the power requirements of new technologies such as AI data centers increase. The importance of critical materials – mined minerals such as copper, uranium, lithium and nickel -- in the global energy transition is growing. The mass adoption of sustainable energy sources, such as nuclear, solar, wind, hydro and geothermal energy, and rising demand for electricity are driving the supply and demand pressure for the raw materials necessary to create and maintain clean-energy technologies. For investors, the energy shift is no longer a future outlook, but a present reality – one that they can participate in by having exposure to equities that are economically tied to critical materials. The Importance Of Critical Minerals Critical materials, both metallic and non-metallic, are natural elements that play a pivotal role in the global economy. They are indispensable for the production of various products, including electronics, renewable energy technologies, aerospace, defense and medical applications. The critical importance of these materials stems from their economic significance and the associated supply risk. Key factors that render these materials vital encompass their limited availability, geographical concentration of production, vulnerabilities in the supply chain and the absence of easily accessible substitutes. Given the importance of critical materials, companies that facilitate their global supply chain access are well-positioned to benefit from the increased investment in them. According to data from BloombergNEF’s Energy Transition Investment Trends 2024, globally, $1.8 trillion was invested in the energy transition sector in 2023, which benefited many companies involved in the prospecting and refinement of critical materials for usage in clean energy technology. Decarbonization: Global Commitment In the global economy, the need to transition away from greenhouse gas has gained significant importance, as evidenced by the Paris Climate Accord and the 196 parties that signed the treaty, which covers climate change mitigation, adaptation and finance. Though the overarching aim of the treaty is to “hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and “pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels;” the stark truth is world leaders have stressed the need to limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of this century. According to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, surpassing the 1.5°C threshold could lead to significantly more severe climate change impacts, such as more frequent and intense droughts, heat waves and rainfall. To keep global warming within the 1.5°C limit, greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 at the latest and decrease by 43% by 2030. Nations around the world have committed to a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Simply put, the need to move away from fossil fuels sets the stage for elevated demand for critical materials for renewable energy. According to Bloomberg NEF, to meet net-zero targets, global investment may need to accelerate to a yearly average of $4.8 trillion from 2024 to 2030. Critical Minerals Across Renewable Energy Generation, Transmission And Storage Critical minerals are needed at every stage of the renewable energy value chain, as they underpin the conversion of primary energy, such as wind and solar, to consumable forms of energy. The roles and attributes of critical minerals within the renewable energy ecosystem include: Generation: Uranium, Silver And Rare Earth Metals For many, nuclear energy is viewed as a viable source due to its low greenhouse gas profile, and its ability to deliver the highest capacity, meaning that actual electricity production is close to its maximum potential output compared to other greener energy sources. Essential to nuclear energy is uranium; a very heavy metal that can be used as an abundant source of concentrated energy for nuclear reactors. Silver is unique as a critical mineral due to its superior electrical conductivity profile. It ranks as the most conductive metal on Earth, even more than copper. Silver plays an important role in the solar energy sector and is used to help solar panels generate electricity. As the use of solar panels grows over time, industrial demand for silver is expected to expand significantly. The World Bank estimates that green technology demand for silver will double between 2017 and 2050, from 1.4 thousand metric tons to 3.2 thousand metric tons, driven primarily by solar panels. Rare earth elements are a collection of 17 metallic elements that are essential in many high-tech products due to their strong magnetic properties. Rare earths play an important role in electric motors, with 90% of electric vehicles (EVs) using rare earths as part of their drivetrains. They help power the wheels of an EV — electric motors use the force produced when two magnets repel one another, causing the axle to spin rapidly and creating sufficient torque to turn the wheels. Without certain rare earths, this process would be very difficult to replicate. Rare earths are also critical to the construction of wind turbines, which rely on rare earths in significant quantities to create the same torque-generating magnet functionality. Transmission: Copper Copper’s exceptional electrical conductivity and contribution to energy efficiency make it a critical element in energy transmission. Its broad market demand and versatility in use across many industries have historically positioned its price as a gauge of the global economy. As the global economy moves towards decarbonization and electrification, emerging clean-energy technologies require significantly more copper than traditional systems. Storage: Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt And Graphite Lithium plays a pivotal part in battery construction. The movement of lithium ions back and forth between the anode and cathode of a battery generates the free electrons in the anode, producing the actual charge at the positive end of the battery. That charge flows into a vehicle’s motor or the electronics being powered. The lithium market is of pressing interest to a world looking to replace internal combustion engine vehicles with EVs in the decades to come. Estimates put the global market for lithium at $7 billion in 2022, and some project that it will reach more than $22 billion by 2030. As stated by the Nickel Institute, the major advantage of using nickel in batteries is that it helps deliver higher energy density and greater storage capacity at a lower cost. Further advances in nickel-containing battery technology mean it is set for an increasing role in energy storage systems, helping make the cost of each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage more competitive. Ultimately, this will allow energy derived from sustainable but intermittent sources, such as solar and wind, to be captured and stored more efficiently. Cobalt is another mineral of critical importance to clean energy, used as a core component of cathodes in rechargeable batteries. Cobalt imparts thermal stability and high energy density to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which is key to the range and stability of EV batteries. It is one of the most costly components of a battery, and researchers have been hard at work trying to reduce the amount of cobalt in an EV battery – but it presently remains essential in battery design. Graphite is another mineral critical to the design of lithium-ion batteries, specifically the anode – and each battery needs a lot of graphite. By weight, graphite is one of the largest components of an EV battery, accounting for 20-30%. And EV batteries are quite heavy, far heavier than ICE components, so the graphite weight is quite substantial. An average plug-in EV contains more than 115 pounds of graphite. Energy transition demand for graphite is already climbing and is expected to grow somewhere between 750% and 2,500% by 2040, relative to 2020 levels, depending on how aggressive global players are about meeting 2050 net-zero targets. The Broader Economic Landscape While demand for critical minerals is partially driven by clean energy, there is also an economic imperative. Increasingly, governments are competing for critical materials for national security or to stimulate their national economy through domestic production of technological inputs used in clean energy. The ripple effect of this increased demand has also impacted commodity markets, catalyzing miners and production facilities that were underinvested to take renewed action and begin scaling production to meet anticipated future demand. Gaining Exposure To Critical Minerals Critical materials are essential to decarbonization and electrification. The Sprott Energy Transition Materials ETF (NASDAQ: SETM) aims to capitalize on the growing demand for critical materials and its integral role in transitioning to a carbon-neutral society. The ETF provides pure-play exposure to a broad range of critical minerals and mining equities essential to the transition to cleaner energy. These critical materials, metals and raw materials include uranium, copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, rare earths and silver. As reflected in Sprott’s recent special report, A New Era: How Critical Minerals are Driving the Global Energy Transition, as EVs and clean energy technologies become mainstays in our global economy, the companies that reflect the value of critical minerals will represent real economic value and be a source of wealth-building for investors. Thus, decarbonization and electrification are not only about energy advancement but also an opportunity for wealth generation within an ecosystem focused on sustainability. Featured photo by Chelsea 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

June 28, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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