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INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — For the second straight season, the Philadelphia Eagles are headed to SoFi Stadium with a lengthy winning streak and a team that looks like one of the best in the NFC. The Los Angeles Rams (5-5) couldn't do much to slow them down last season, but they'll try again Sunday night with a young team that hopes to get where the Eagles (8-2) are already standing — atop their division with a six-game winning streak. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more.Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet, Including QUBT, QBTS
Northland Securities Issues Positive Forecast for Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) Stock PriceTAMPA, Fla. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marpai, Inc. ("Marpai" or the "Company") (OTCQX: MRAI), a technology platform company, which operates as a national Third-Party Administrator (TPA) through its subsidiaries and is transforming the $22 billion TPA market by offering affordable, intelligent, healthcare solutions to self-funded employer health plans, today announced the pricing of a private placement offering consisting of the issuance and sale of 621,194 shares of its Class A common stock (the "Common Stock"), par value $0.0001 per share, at a purchase price of $1.13 per Common Stock, for aggregate gross proceeds of $701,950 . The investors in the offering consisted of an institutional fund and certain officers and directors of the Company. The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or before December 6 , 2024.The company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general working capital. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The debut of the Apple Studio Display in early 2022 came with much fanfare, as it was the first dedicated monitor from the brand in nearly three years and boasted staggering visual specs for a relatively reasonable price . Currently, a standard glass model of the Apple Studio Display retails for $1,599, while you can get a nano-texture glass model for $1,899. While that's not cheap, it is a high-quality 5K Retina display — a 27-inch screen with 5120-by-2880 resolution at 218 pixels per inch (PPI). Its impressive specs also include 600 nits of brightness, DCI-P3, True Tone, and support for a billion (you read that right — a billion, not a million) colors. Of course, there are a number of reasons the Apple Studio Display isn't the right monitor for you — whether you have an Apple computer or a PC. (Especially if you have a PC, as using the Apple Studio Display with Windows can be difficult .) For one thing, the Apple Studio Display isn't as beloved as some other products from the brand and was met with mixed reviews when it first became available. Another good reason is that, for many of us, $1,600 is just too much to spend for a monitor. Fortunately, there are cheaper options that are comparable to the Apple Studio Display, though each has its own pros and cons. To help you decide which may be right for you, here are six top-rated Apple Studio Display alternatives that won't break the bank, based on professional reviews by reputable publications who've tested them. You can find more information on how these alternatives were evaluated at the end of this list. When it comes to smartphones, Samsung and its Galaxy line is one of the biggest rivals to Apple and the iPhone (though several models have used displays manufactured by Samsung), so it shouldn't be a huge surprise that the brand also makes a solid alternative to the Apple Studio Display. The Samsung 27-inch ViewFinity S9 5K IPS Smart Monitor was Samsung's first 5K monitor and offers visuals that rival Apple's. Both displays are 27" and offer 5K at 218 PPI, as well as 600 nits of brightness. It's also capable of 99% DCI-P3 for vibrant color saturation, though you can customize color temperature, luminance, gamma settings, and other preferences. True color representation is calibrated in the factory, with no extra steps needed during setup. Samsung built the monitor with a matte display that reduces reflections, and Intelligent Eye Care software that can optimize brightness and reduce blue light and screen flickering for even better visuals. It's also compatible with Apple AirPlay and has three USB-C slots, a DisplayPort connection, and a Thunderbolt 4 port rated for 40 Gbps transfer speeds and 90W charging. The ViewFinity S9 received a positive review from 9to5Mac , though the publication noted its dual stereo speakers pale in comparison to the Apple Studio Display's six speakers, which are capable of spatial audio. However, while the output is subpar, Samsung's monitor has a much better 4K webcam when compared to Apple's 1080p camera, which may be more important to you. Originally the same price as the Apple Studio Display, you can now find the Samsung 27-inch ViewFinity S9 5K IPS Smart Monitor for considerably less — Amazon sells the display for $679.99. While not as big of a name as Apple or Samsung, Alogic has made a solid alternative to the Apple Studio Display with its Alogic Clarity Pro Touch 27-inch UHD 4K Monitor . It's less expensive and will still make a great display for your Mac Mini M2 Pro or other device. The Alogic Clarity Pro is the same physical size as Apple's 5K monitor, though its max resolution is 4K. However, it makes up for fewer pixels by offering touchscreen functionality, which can be an incredibly useful feature that Apple seems intent on not incorporating into its desktops, laptops, or external displays. Built-in touch settings also make it even easier to adjust your brightness, control apps, and more. Alogic's monitor also comes with 8 ports that include USB-A, USB-B, and USB-C, as well as an HDMI port, DisplayPort, and audio output. It also has an 8-megapixel webcam that's built into the top of the display and is cleverly designed to be retractable, so you can pop it upwards when you need it, forgoing the need for having to cover up the camera when you don't. After spending some hands-on time with the monitor, Forbes recommends the product and says it "performs well and has excellent color reproduction" and that it's "probably the most affordable 4K display with a touch function that you can buy." The review does note that the speakers are inferior to Apple's for what it's worth. You can purchase the Alogic Clarity Pro Touch 27-inch UHD 4K Monitor from Best Buy for $1,199 and find it even cheaper on Amazon . In SlashGear's list of the best major PC monitor brands , LG sits at the very top, and its LG 27-inch 5K UHD UltraFine IPS Monitor makes for an ultra-fine alternative to the Apple Studio Display. After testing the product, The Verge calls the LG 5K UltraFine a "great option" for MacBook Pros and "perhaps one of the single best monitors" the reviewer has ever seen. However, this review — and the monitor — predate the Apple Studio Display, so the only fair comparison is to look at the specs. Fortunately, LG's alternative still holds up, as it's the same size display and offers the same resolution, as well as 99% DCI-P3. The brightness level of the 5K UltraFine maxes out at 500 nits, which is 100 less than the Apple Studio Display. Its webcam is 1080p, which doesn't offer the same quality of some other monitors but matches Apple's. The device is also compatible with macOS and includes three USB-C ports and a Thunderbolt 3 PD port capable of 94W charging, the latter also being roughly equivalent to what the Apple Studio Display comes with. Despite being several years older, LG's 5K UltraFine is still only slightly cheaper than the Apple Studio Display — so if money isn't a factor, and you own an Apple iMac or other computer, there's really no reason not to opt for the latter. However, even saving a little bit of money can be helpful for many buyers, so the slightly cheaper alternative might still be your first choice. The LG 27-inch 5K UHD UltraFine IPS Monitor is available from Amazon for $1,350. Some people prefer Mini-LED displays to OLED, since they can technically provide more brightness per pixel than OLED technology, which typically offers better contrast. The Apple Studio Display doesn't use Mini-LEDs, although some of the brand's products — such as the Apple MacBook Pro M4 — do. So, if you're looking for a Mini-LED display that's the same size as the Apple Studio Display and costs a little less, the Asus ProArt Mini-LED Display is a solid option. (It's also available in a more expensive 32-inch model if you want an even bigger screen than the Apple Studio Display.) In fact, Digital Trends included the device on its list of the monitors you should buy instead of the Apple Studio Display. One reason it made that list is, because of its Mini-LED technology, its maximum brightness far outshines that of the Apple Studio Display: 1,000 nits of brightness to Apple's 600. That makes it incredibly useful for all sorts of applications, from gaming to graphic design. Other features include 576 zones of local dimming, 97% DCI-P3, support for Dolby Vision, HDR-10, and HLG. The monitor uses Asus Off-Axis Contrast Optimization technology to drastically reduce halo effects and provide a 7x contrast-ratio boost for dark parts of the image when viewing the screen at an angle. There are two notable downsides to the Asus ProArt when compared to the Apple Studio Display, however. For one thing, it's a 4K monitor — not a 5K. For another, it doesn't come with a webcam, so you'll have to purchase one separately if you don't already have one lying around. The Asus ProArt Mini-LED Display has product code PA27UCX-K and retails for $1,369, making it slightly cheaper than the Apple Studio Display. The BenQ 27-inch PD2725U made the list of best currently available Mac monitors and displays published by MacWorld , and it's not hard to see why. It's the same size as the Apple Studio Display and has a sleek design with a stand you can raise or lower. It offers 100% sRGB, HDR-10, and DisplayHDR 400, and BenQ's AQCOLOR technology has earned Calman and Pantone certification for professional-grade accuracy. The monitor has a wealth of ports available, including Thunderbolt 3, three USB-C, two HDMI, one DisplayPort, and even a 4-port USB hub. One very useful feature Apple users will appreciate is the display's M-Book mode, which can provide active color syncing with Mac and MacBook Pro devices with a single click. Even the factory settings match Apple's colors by default, and you can even set your Mac keyboard's brightness buttons as a hotkey adjuster for the external monitor. The BenQ PD2725U falls short in many categories when compared to the Apple Studio Display, though. It's a 4K monitor — not 5K — and it's a third less bright than the Apple Studio Display, topping off at 400 nits. It supports 95% DCI-P3, which is also less than Apple's monitor and it lacks a webcam. However, even if you have to buy a webcam separately, you'll likely still save money by opting for BenQ's display over Apple's, and while the picture won't be quite as hi-def, the 4K display will still be plenty sharp. Amazon sells the BenQ 27-inch PD2725U for $699.99. Many Apple Studio Display competitors will roughly match its shape and size (27 inches), which is pretty standard for many graphic designers, editors, and other desktop power users. The Philips Brilliance 499P9H isn't one such alternative, however, as it instead sports a 49-inch, 32:9 ultrawide curved screen. Some people love the benefits you can get out of a monitor that is essentially two side-by-side screens in one convenient package, as such a layout can allow you to view more windows at the same time, have easier access to icons, shortcuts, and other UI elements, and can take your multitasking to the next level. It can also be a great way to immerse yourself when gaming. After testing many different options, TechRadar included the Philips 499P9H on its list of the best Apple Studio Display alternatives and named it the best 5K ultrawide alternative to Apple's monitor, period. It has a color accuracy that covers 91% of Adobe RGB and 103% of NTSC color gamut. Its 450 nits of brightness isn't as much as the Apple Studio Display's 600, but is still fairly impressive considering there is a lot more screen in front of your face. The device comes with DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C ports, as well as a USB hub, though it lacks Thunderbolt connectivity. Unlike some other options, the Philips 499P9H comes with a webcam, which has a convenient pop-up feature. Of course, ultrawide isn't for everyone, and the monitor might not even fit your workspace. But, many people swear by the display option, and if you're looking for an Apple Studio Display alternative that's both cheaper and comes in ultrawide, you won't have to look further than the Philips 499P9H. The Philips Brilliance 499P9H is available for $999.99 from Best Buy. While we referenced the specifications offered by the manufacturers while compiling this list of Apple Studio Display alternatives, we put more emphasis on professional reviews conducted by reputable publications that have tested the devices, as this is a more reliable way to find out if a product actually works as advertised. These reputable publications included Forbes, as well as several known for their expert tech journalism, such as Digital Trends, MacWorld, TechRadar, The Verge, and 9to5Mac. One factor that was of course considered when putting together this list was price — all of these alternatives have retail prices that are indeed less than either model of the Apple Studio Display. However, other factors were also taken into consideration when weighing the pros and cons of each monitor versus the Apple Studio Display, such as display resolution, brightness level, connectivity, and useful features such as integrated webcams or touchscreen functionality. Rather than focusing on just one or two factors — such as the visuals — the entire device as a whole was taken into account, as different users prioritize different features when it comes to using an external monitor. That way, if you're looking for top-rated Apple Studio Display alternative that won't break the bank, there's a good chance at least one of these options is a good fit for you.ATLANTA (AP) — Deliberations are underway in Atlanta after a year of testimony in the gang and racketeering trial that originally included the rapper Young Thug. Jurors are considering whether to convict Shannon Stillwell and Deamonte Kendrick, who raps as Yak Gotti, on gang, murder, drug and gun charges. The original indictment charged 28 people with conspiring to violate Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. Opening statements in the trial for six of those defendants happened a year ago . Four of them, including Young Thug, pleaded guilty last month. The rapper was freed on probation. Stillwell and Kendrick rejected plea deals after more than a week of negotiations, and their lawyers chose not to present evidence or witnesses. Both seemed to be in good spirits Tuesday morning after closings wrapped the previous night. Kendrick was chatting and laughing with Stillwell and his lawyers before the jury arrived for instructions. The jury started deliberating Tuesday afternoon and was dismissed at 5 p.m. Jurors are expected to resume deliberations Wednesday morning. If they don’t reach a verdict by 3 p.m. Wednesday, the judge will send them home for the Thanksgiving weekend and they will return Monday morning. Kendrick and Stillwell were charged in the 2015 killing of Donovan Thomas Jr., also known as “Big Nut,” in an Atlanta barbershop. Prosecutors painted Stillwell and Kendrick as members of a violent street gang called Young Slime Life, or YSL, co-founded in 2012 by Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams. During closings on Monday, they pointed to tattoos, song lyrics and social media posts they said proved members, including Stillwell, admitted to killing people in rival gangs. Prosecutors say Thomas was in a rival gang. Stillwell was also charged in the 2022 killing of Shymel Drinks, which prosecutors said was in retaliation for the killing of two YSL associates days earlier. Defense attorneys Doug Weinstein and Max Schardt said the state presented unreliable witnesses, weak evidence and cherry-picked lyrics and social media posts to push a false narrative about Stillwell, Kendrick and the members of YSL. Schardt, Stillwell's attorney, reminded the jury that alleged YSL affiliates said during the trial that they had lied to police. Law enforcement played a “sick game” by promising they would escape long prison sentences if they said what police wanted them to say, Schardt said. He theorized that one of those witnesses could have killed Thomas. The truth is that their clients were just trying to escape poverty through music, Schardt said. “As a whole, we know the struggles that these communities have had,” Schardt said. “A sad, tacit acceptance that it’s either rap, prison or death.” Young Thug’s record label is also known as YSL, an acronym of Young Stoner Life. Kendrick was featured on two popular songs from the label’s compilation album Slime Language 2, “Take It to Trial" and “Slatty," which prosecutors presented as evidence in the trial. Weinstein, Kendrick’s defense attorney, said during closings it was wrong for prosecutors to target the defendants for their music and lyrics. Prosecutor Simone Hylton disagreed, and said surveillance footage and phone evidence supported her case. “They have the audacity to think they can just brag about killing somebody and nobody’s gonna hold them accountable,” Hylton said. The trial had more than its fair share of delays. Jury selection took nearly 10 months , and Stillwell was stabbed last year at the Fulton County jail, which paused trial proceedings. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker took over after Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville was removed from the case in July because he had a meeting with prosecutors and a state witness without defense attorneys present. Whitaker often lost patience with prosecutors over moves such as not sharing evidence with defense attorneys, once accusing them of “poor lawyering.” But the trial sped up under her watch. In October, four defendants, including Young Thug , pleaded guilty, with the rapper entering a non-negotiated or “blind” plea, meaning he didn't have a deal worked out with prosecutors. Nine people charged in the indictment, including rapper Gunna , accepted plea deals before the trial began. Charges against 12 others are pending. Prosecutors dropped charges against one defendant after he was convicted of murder in an unrelated case. Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon
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AirX Climate Solutions Acquires Powrmatic USANoneThe Bears look for an interim coach bump when they visit the struggling 49ersWASHINGTON — Donald Trump threatened the United States's closest neighbours with big tariffs this week, in a move that has reminded many of the unpredictable tactics the president-elect deployed during his first tenure in the White House. Trump said Monday he would use an executive order to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all goods coming from Canada and Mexico until the two countries stop drugs and migrants from illegally crossing the U.S. border. The announcement, made on Truth Social, brought swift responses from officials and industry in both countries who are bracing for chaos during Trump's second tenure. He has long used the threat of import taxes to pressure other countries to do his bidding, saying this summer that "the most beautiful word in the dictionary is 'tariff.'" It's unlikely the move would violate the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, which was negotiated during the first Trump administration. Laura Dawson, an expert on Canada-U. S. relations and the executive director of the Future Borders Coalition, said the president can impose tariffs under his national security powers. This type of duty has a time limit and can only be made permanent through Congressional approval, but for Trump, national security powers are like a "get out of jail free card," Dawson said. "This is exactly what happened in the last Trump administration," Dawson said. "Everyone said, 'Well, that is ridiculous. Canada is the U.S.'s best security partner. What do you mean our steel and aluminum imports are somehow a source of insecurity?'" But within the global trade system, she said, no country challenges another's right to define their own national security imperatives. Trump's first administration demonstrated how vulnerable Canada is to America's whims when the former president scrapped the North American Free Trade Agreement. The U.S. is Canada's closest neighbour and largest trading partner. More than 77 per cent of Canadian exports go to the U.S. Negotiation of CUSMA, commonly dubbed "the new NAFTA," was a key test for Ottawa following Trump's first victory. The trilateral agreement is up for review in 2026 and experts suspect this week's tariff announcement is a negotiating tactic. Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for treasury secretary, said in a recent op-ed that tariffs are "a useful tool for achieving the president's foreign policy objectives." "Whether it is getting allies to spend more on their own defence, opening foreign markets to U.S. exports, securing co-operation on ending illegal immigration and interdicting fentanyl trafficking, or deterring military aggression, tariffs can play a central role." During the initial CUSMA negotiations in 2018, Trump floated the idea of a 25 per cent tariff on the Canadian auto sector — something that would have been crippling for the industry on both sides of the border. It was never implemented. At the time, he did use his national security powers to impose a 25 per cent tariff on steel and 10 per cent tariff on aluminum imports, casting fear of an all-out trade war that would threaten the global economy. The day after announcing those levies, Trump posted on social media "trade wars are good, and easy to win." Former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer recounted in his book that the duties sent an "unmistakable signal that business as usual was over." "The Trump administration was willing to ruffle diplomatic feathers to advance its trade agenda." It led to a legendary clash between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Trump at the G7 in Quebec. Trudeau said Canada would impose retaliatory measures, saying the argument that tariffs on steel and aluminum were a matter of national security was "kind of insulting." Trump took to social media, where, in a flurry of posts he called Trudeau "very dishonest and weak." Canada and other countries brought their own duties against the U.S. in response. They targeted products for political, rather than economic, reasons. Canada hit yogurt with a 10 per cent duty. Most of the product impacted came from one plant in Wisconsin, the home state of then-Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan. The European Union, Mexico and Canada all targeted U.S. whiskey products with tariffs, in a clear signal to then Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his home state of Kentucky’s bourbon industry. Ultimately, Canada and Mexico were able to negotiate exemptions. Carlo Dade, the director of trade and trade infrastructure at the Canada West Foundation, said Trump is returning to the White House with more experience and a plan. But he suspects Americans will not like the blow to their bank accounts. Trump’s new across-the-board tariff strategy would not only disrupt global supply chains, it would also cause a major shakeup to the American economy. It's unclear if Trump will go through with them, or for how long, after campaigning on making life more affordable and increasing the energy market. "I think it will be short-term," Dade said. "The U.S. can only inflict damage on itself for so long." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. — With files from The Associated Press Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press
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Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Clippers (12/8): Starting five, injury report, start time, game prediction, betting tips, how to watch, and moreST. LOUIS, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Marketing Alliance, Inc. (OTC: MAAL) (“TMA” or the “Company”), announced its financial results today for its fiscal 2025 second quarter ended September 30, 2024. Fiscal Q2 2025 Financial Key Items (all comparisons to the prior year period) Revenues were $4,928,950 compared to $4,891,830. The increase was primarily due to 10% revenue growth in the insurance distribution business that was offset by a decline in construction revenue Operating income from continuing operations of $486,639 compared to $591,187 in the prior year period Net income was $401,511 or $0.05 per share compared to $236,599 or $.03 per share in the prior year period Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on October 28, the Company announced its Board of Directors had authorized a share repurchase program to repurchase up to 800,000 shares of issued and outstanding common stock and decided to discontinue paying dividends effective immediately Management Comments Timothy M. Klusas, TMA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “While our bottom-line results were similar to the second fiscal quarter last year, this quarter showed a 10% revenue increase in the insurance distribution business. The investments in the business we made, and continue to make, appeared to begin to result in growth. During this quarter the Company filled two key open leadership roles, introduced a new logo to reflect a more modern customer-centric company, and integrated new tools and technologies on to our insurance distribution platform for customers to save time, save expense, and in turn drive better outcomes for their customers. In the construction business we completed a large job that was initiated in the prior fiscal year. We continued to maintain a very disciplined approach to only undertaking jobs that were economically profitable with respect to our capabilities. We continued to believe this approach positions us to perform better and have capacity to undertake more suitable jobs.” Mr. Klusas added, “Our general and administrative operating expenses increased this quarter due to a one-time $147,720 non-cash compensation expense. While we have worked very hard to reduce our expenses, we recognized that we may have to adjust these expenses to continue to perform at a high level. We continued to reduce debt and further strengthened our balance sheet by changing our position on dividends.” On October 28 the Company announced its approval of a share repurchase authorization and its decision to discontinue the dividend. At the time, Timothy Klusas, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The share repurchase authorization represents our financial strength and commitment to enhance shareholder value, and the Board’s willingness to change tactics to do so. The Board recognized, nor did it take lightly, that this action would be a significant change in our shareholder distribution strategy of paying dividends, which the Company has paid consistently since its founding in 1996. The Board arrived at this decision after monitoring the stock price while paying dividends and has concluded in its judgement that its dividend policy was not adequately reflected in the stock price." As of November 27, the Company has repurchased approximately 62,000 shares under this authorization. Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Review Revenues were $4,928,950 compared to $4,891,830, due to 10% growth in the insurance distribution business that was offset by a decrease in the construction business. Net operating revenue (gross profit) for the quarter was $1,367,731, compared to net operating revenue of $1,427,796 in the prior year fiscal period. While Net operating revenue was greater this quarter in the insurance business, it was offset by a decrease in the construction business versus the prior year quarter. Operating expenses increased to $881,092 compared to $836,609 for the prior year. The increase was due to a one-time non-cash expense of $147,720. The Company reported operating income from continuing operations of $486,639 compared to $591,187 in the prior year period, with differences due to factors discussed above. Operating EBITDA (excluding investment portfolio income) of $553,396 was less than the prior year quarterly EBITDA of $669,709. A note reconciling operating EBITDA to operating income can be found at the end of this release. Investment gain (loss), net (from non-operating investment portfolio) for the quarter was $61,203 as compared with ($129,263) during the same period the previous year. The Company has reduced its holdings of equity securities by 32% at the end of the quarter versus the prior year. Net income was $401,511, or $0.05 per share, compared to $236,599 or $0.03 per share. Common shares outstanding increased 100,000 pursuant to Director retention plans. Balance Sheet Information TMA’s balance sheet on September 30, 2024, reflected cash and cash equivalents of $1.4 million; working capital of $6.1 million; and shareholders’ equity of $6.4 million; compared to cash and cash equivalents of $1.8 million, working capital of $6.1 million, and shareholders’ equity of $6.5 million as of September 30, 2023. About The Marketing Alliance, Inc. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, TMA provides support to independent insurance brokerage agencies, with a goal of integrating insurance and “insuretech” engagement platforms to provide members value-added services on a more efficient basis than they can achieve individually. Investor information can be accessed through the shareholder section of TMA’s website at: http://www.themarketingalliance.com/shareholder-information . TMA’s common stock is quoted on the OTC Markets (http://www.otcmarkets.com) under the symbol “MAAL”. Forward Looking Statement Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect TMA's business and prospects. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding our expectations of growth based upon our investments in our business, our recently announced stock repurchase program, our plans to reduce expenses, and our ability to undertake more suitable jobs and generate earnings from our construction business. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our estimates, expectations or intentions only as of the date hereof, or as of such earlier dates as are indicated, and should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, expectations of the economic environment, material adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets we serve and in the general economy; the ways that insurance carriers may react in their underwriting policies and procedures to the continuing risks they perceive from public health matters; the ability of our construction business to be engaged for projects and for those projects to commence on the anticipated timetable and with the anticipated profitability; our reliance on a limited number of insurance carriers and any potential termination of those relationships or failure to develop new relationships; privacy and cyber security matters and our ability to protect confidential information; future state and federal regulatory actions and conditions in the states in which we conduct our business; our ability to work with carriers on marketing, distribution and product development; pricing and other payment decisions and policies of the carriers in our insurance distribution business, changes in the public securities markets that affect the value of our investment portfolio; and weather and environmental conditions in the areas served by our construction business. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. . Note – Operating EBITDA (excluding investment portfolio income) The Company elects not to include investment portfolio income because the Company believes it is non-operating in nature. The Company uses Operating EBITDA as a measure of operating performance. However, Operating EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and when analyzing its operating performance, investors should use Operating EBITDA in addition to, and not as an alternative for, income as determined in accordance with GAAP. Because not all companies use identical calculations, its presentation of Operating EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and is therefore limited as a comparative measure. Furthermore, as an analytical tool, Operating EBITDA has additional limitations, including that (a) it is not intended to be a measure of free cash flow, as it does not consider certain cash requirements such as tax payments; (b) it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, its working capital needs; and (c) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and Operating EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements, or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments. To compensate for these limitations, the Company evaluates its profitability by considering the economic effect of the excluded expense items independently as well as in connection with its analysis of cash flows from operations and through the use of other financial measures. The Company believes Operating EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating its operating performance because it is widely used to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to certain non-cash or unrealized expenses (such as depreciation and amortization) and expenses that are not reflective of its core operating results over time. The Company believes Operating EBITDA presents a meaningful measure of corporate performance exclusive of its capital structure, the method by which assets were acquired, and non-cash charges and provides additional useful information to measure performance on a consistent basis, particularly with respect to changes in performance from period to period.
Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to usher in a " new golden era of building " as he takes aim at "blockers and bureaucrats" who he claims have throttled economic growth and made homeownership unattainable. Writing in The Times , the prime minister attacked nimbys and environmentalists who he says have stymied economic progress in the UK. Sir Keir has directed ministers to draft laws that would simplify complex environmental regulations, which he argues can add millions to the cost of development and cause lengthy delays. These proposed reforms aim to eliminate the "case-by-case negotiations" currently required under habitat regulations inherited from EU law. By allowing developers to offset environmental damage by funding broader environmental improvements, Sir Keir hopes to avoid protracted negotiations over individual projects. He highlighted the HS2 project, which was compelled to spend £100 million constructing a tunnel for bats, as an "absurd spectacle" that must end. "This government will not accept this nonsense any more," he said. Ministers are considering designating specific areas of the country as key infrastructure sites to expedite project approvals. This move would streamline the process, allowing projects to avoid the lengthy and uncertain approval procedures currently in place. Sir Keir’s comments came as he unveiled a new "plan for government" focused on six key areas: health, housebuilding, education, the economy, crime, and net zero. He said these milestones would enable the public to hold the government accountable by the next election. However, Sir Keir faced criticism for appearing to dilute Labour’s election pledge to generate "100 per cent" clean power by 2030 and for not setting specific targets to reduce either legal or illegal migration. Central to Sir Keir’s economic strategy is Labour’s target of building 1.5 million homes by 2030 and fast-tracking planning decisions on 150 major infrastructure projects. He promised to build "roads, grid connections, laboratories, train lines, warehouses, wind farms, power stations," and to confront the "alliance of naysayers" that he says have impeded progress. Writing in The Times , Sir Keir explicitly targeted those who use environmental regulations to delay building, asserting that he would not shy away from confronting local development opponents. He described rising homelessness and falling homeownership as "a shame and a failure of our politics." He lamented Britain’s failure to build a reservoir for over 30 years and criticized the "endless hoops" that every infrastructure project must jump through, only to face opposition and delays. Using the example of the costly bat tunnel in the HS2 project, he underscored the need for more efficient processes. Sir Keir pledged to double infrastructure project approvals compared to the previous Conservative government, acknowledging that both the government and developers would need to "stretch ourselves to the max" to achieve these goals. He anticipated resistance to his planning reforms but welcomed the challenge, saying: "I always knew there would be resistance to our planning reform. Let me say this — I won’t shy from this argument. In fact, I welcome it. Where there are blockers putting the brakes on, it’s a sign you are delivering real change." Sir Keir’s remarks coincided with deputy prime minister Angela Rayner approving a multimillion pound plan by Marks and Spencer to redevelop its flagship Oxford Street store, a project previously blocked by Michael Gove. Stuart Machin, M&S’s chief executive, expressed his satisfaction with the decision but criticized the "three unnecessary years of delays, obfuscation and political posturing" under the previous government.
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SigmaTron International, Inc. (NASDAQ: SGMA), an electronic manufacturing services company (the “Company”), today reported revenues and earnings for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2024. For the three month period ended October 31, 2024, revenues decreased $24 million, or 24 percent, to $74.7 million compared to $98.7 million for the same quarter in the prior year. Net income/(loss) for the three month period ended October 31, 2024 was a loss of $9.5 million compared to break even for the same period in the prior year. Approximately $3.3 million of expenses were recorded during the second quarter related to debt modification, expensing of deferred financing costs and lender warrants after remeasurement. Basic and diluted income/(loss) per share for the three month period ended October 31, 2024 was a loss of $1.55, compared to $0.00 income per share for the same period in the prior year. For the six month period ended October 31, 2024, revenues decreased $37.3 million, or 19 percent, to $159.5 million, compared to $196.8 million for the same period in the prior year. Net income/(loss) for the six month period ended October 31, 2024, was a net loss of $12.8 million, compared to net income of $0.3 million for the same period in the prior year. Approximately $3.3 million of expenses were recorded during the second quarter related to debt modification, expensing of deferred financing costs and lender warrants after remeasurement. Basic and diluted income/(loss) per share for the six month period ended October 31, 2024 was a loss of $2.08, compared to $0.05 income per share for the same period in the prior year. Commenting on SigmaTron International Inc.’s second quarter fiscal 2025 results, Gary R. Fairhead, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, said “Unfortunately the softness we’ve seen in our revenue stream has continued during the second quarter. Sequentially, our first quarter for fiscal 2025 revenue was $84.8 million and for the second quarter, our revenue was $74.7 million. We currently expect the depressed revenue levels to continue for our third fiscal quarter, in part because of the holidays in December for North America and at the end of January in Asia. As you would expect, this level of revenue resulted in another loss for the second quarter, which included a non-cash charge for deferred financing and warrant expenses that totaled approximately $3.3 million. On a positive note, the Company reported an operating profit in October, demonstrating that our restructuring efforts are now showing a significant impact. We continue to right-size our Company offering significant upside for the operations. The softness we continue to encounter was tied to the general economy and exacerbated by the supply chain volatility in the electronic component marketplace, with customers having overordered in the recent past because of the uncertainty related to acquiring certain components for the electronic assemblies. We believe that the excess inventory that was the result of this behavior has in large part been consumed, which should lead to overall demand increasing in 2025. “In the short term, we continue to see soft revenue in terms of our backlog. However, most of our customers are starting to indicate that they view calendar 2025 as a stronger and growing economy and expect the current trend to have bottomed out. We have seen this with several customers where some modest orders have been pulled in and there has been increased activity with new opportunities. It will still take a while to get to where we want to be but at least the current trend appears to be positive after the third quarter. In addition to right-sizing the Company, we have continued to remain focused on reducing inventory further. We made modest progress in that area in the second quarter, but we fully expect to see significant gains in our reduction efforts during the third quarter. “In our first quarter press release, I also mentioned that we were focused on activities to de-lever our balance sheet. I’m pleased to announce that on December 13, 2024, SigmaTron entered into a sale/leaseback of our Elk Grove Village property. We have signed a three-year lease with two one-year options on the property. From an accounting perspective, not only have we reduced our bank debt, but we will have a one-time capital gain of approximately $7 million to report in our third quarter results. We continue to look at other options for the Company strategically, with the assistance of Lincoln International. We continue to enjoy good relationships with our customers and supply chain and expect that to continue as we continue to go through the process.” About SigmaTron International, Inc. Headquartered in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, SigmaTron International, Inc. operates in one reportable segment as an independent provider of electronic manufacturing services (“EMS”). The EMS segment includes printed circuit board assemblies, electro-mechanical subassemblies and completely assembled (box-build) electronic products. The Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries operate manufacturing facilities in Elk Grove Village, Illinois; Acuna, Chihuahua, and Tijuana Mexico; Union City, California; Suzhou, China; and Biên Hòa City, Vietnam. In addition, the Company maintains an International Procurement Office and Compliance and Sustainability Center in Taipei, Taiwan. The Company also provides design services in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, U.S. Forward-Looking Statements Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as “continue,” “anticipate,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “plan,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the Company. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the Company’s plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Such statements should be evaluated in the context of the direct and indirect risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business including, but not necessarily limited to, the Company’s continued dependence on certain significant customers; the continued market acceptance of products and services offered by the Company and its customers; pricing pressures from the Company’s customers, suppliers and the market; the activities of competitors, some of which may have greater financial or other resources than the Company; the variability of the Company’s operating results; the impact of material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting; the results of long-lived assets and goodwill impairment testing; the risks inherent in any merger, acquisition or business combination, including the ability to achieve the expected benefits of acquisitions as well as the expenses of acquisitions; the collectability of aged account receivables; the variability of the Company’s customers’ requirements; the impact of inflation on the Company’s operating results; the availability and cost of necessary components and materials; the impact acts of war may have to the supply chain; the ability of the Company and its customers to keep current with technological changes within its industries; regulatory compliance, including conflict minerals; the continued availability and sufficiency of the Company’s credit arrangements; the costs of borrowing under the Company’s senior and subordinated credit facilities, including under the rate indices that replaced LIBOR; increasing interest rates; the ability to meet the Company’s financial and restrictive covenants under its loan agreements; changes in U.S., Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese or Taiwanese regulations affecting the Company’s business; the turmoil in the global economy and financial markets; public health crises, including COVID-19 and variants; the continued availability of scarce raw materials, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions, necessary for the manufacture of products by the Company; the stability of the U.S., Mexican, Chinese, Vietnamese and Taiwanese economic, labor and political systems and conditions; global business disruption caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and related sanctions and the Israel-Hamas conflict; currency exchange fluctuations; and the ability of the Company to manage its growth. These and other factors which may affect the Company’s future business and results of operations are identified throughout the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, and as risk factors, may be detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak as of the date of such filings, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements in light of future events or otherwise unless otherwise required by law. For Further Information Contact: SigmaTron International, Inc. Frank Cesario 1-800-700-9095After shooting and stabbing deaths, Nashville mayor addresses safety with WeGo buses110+ early Black Friday 2024 deals we found worth shopping before ThanksgivingFirst-ever athlete and fan-owned network boasts 2,200 Fan Owners and 70+ superstar athlete investors and partners by the likes of Chris Paul , Travis Kelce , Dwayne Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard , Natasha Cloud , Alysha Clark , Carmelo Anthony , and many more LOS ANGELES , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayersTV , the first athlete and fan-owned media company, today announced the acquisition of Cloud Media Center , an AI-driven sports adtech and media distribution company. This strategic year-end move boosts PlayersTV's reach to a total of 500 million monthly ad impressions, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in athlete-driven lifestyle entertainment while broadening its ability to connect with advertiser and inventory networks. PlayersTV empowers athletes to control their narratives while giving brands access to engagement opportunities with an expansive global audience. It is known for its groundbreaking athlete-fan ownership model, supported by more than 70 high-profile athlete investors and partners across the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB, and a community of more than 2,200 Fan Owners (shareholders in the company). The network features high-profile athletes, including Travis Kelce , Chris Paul , Damian Lillard , Dwyane Wade , Chiney Ogwumike, Carmelo Anthony , Allen Iverson , Natasha Cloud , Kyrie Irving, Ken Griffey, Jr. , Vernon Davis , Austin Ekeler , DeAndre Jordan , CJ McCollum, AJ Andrews, Angel McCoughtry , Alysha Clark , and more. PlayersTV currently reaches more than 300 million households via OTT and CTV via DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . Its proprietary ad network called Players360 generates an additional 500 million monthly ad impressions. Through the acquisition of Cloud Media Center, PlayersTV now owns technologies responsible for more than 1 billion combined monthly ad impressions. "This is a transformative moment for PlayersTV and the future of sports media," said Deron Guidrey , co-founder of PlayersTV. "The acquisition of Cloud Media Center catapults us into a new era of innovation, expanding our reach to an astounding 500 million monthly ad impressions. With cutting-edge AI technology now at the core of our operations, we are setting the gold standard for athlete-driven media, revolutionizing how athletes connect with fans and how brands engage with audiences worldwide. This is more than an acquisition, it's a declaration of our vision to lead the global sports media industry." PlayersTV Co-founder Collin Castellaw added, "This acquisition is a monumental step forward for our organization. By integrating Cloud Media Center's AI-driven tech we're significantly expanding our reach while revolutionizing how athletes and sports content is created, distributed and consumed. This is an exciting time for our company and the future of athlete media and sports media." Cloud Media Center's innovative platform brings state-of-the-art AI technology to PlayersTV, enabling more precise audience targeting, dynamic content distribution, and scalable adtech. With this acquisition, PlayersTV is poised to deliver highly personalized and impactful content experiences, meeting the growing demand for athlete-centered stories and authentic fan connections. About PlayersTV PlayersTV is the first-ever athlete-owned media network and content provider. As the premier athlete lifestyle content destination, PlayersTV empowers athletes to own their stories while engaging fans with authentic and meaningful connections, bridging the worlds of sports, lifestyle, and entertainment. PlayersTV's 24/7 channel can be found on DirecTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Philo . See more at https://playerstv.com/ . About Cloud Media Center Cloud Media Center (CMC), based in Ponte Vedra, FL , sells digital advertising inventory through a cloud-based, analytically driven distribution platform that seamlessly connects advertisers with content providers and publishers. The result maximizes collaboration — unleashing next-level ad campaign synergies. CMC's next-gen platform and best-in-class dashboards — built by next-generation premier developers — provide AI-based microtargeting on the frontend, and real-time, easy-to-understand analytics on the back end. Content producers, advertisers, and publishers will have all the tools and data needed to optimize campaigns — and do it with speed and granular accuracy. Visit the CMC website at https://cloudmc.us/ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/playerstv-acquires-cloud-media-center-integrates-sports-ai-ad-technology-to-surpass-1b-monthly-impressions-302337699.html SOURCE PlayersTV