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The Top 4 Credit Cards for Everyone’s Wallet

Benzinga

Finding the best credit cards for your lifestyle isn’t always easy. Fortunately, these four make a great place to start. Secured Credit Card A secured credit card is a type of credit card backed by a cash deposit. The deposit acts as collateral to protect the lender if you default and don’t make repayments. Secured credit cards are simple: After you deposit cash, the lender issues a credit line often equal to your security deposit. Then, you use the card and pay it off like any other card. When you close the account or graduate to an unsecured card, you receive your deposit back. Secured credit cards make great options for credit card beginners and anyone with a poor or no credit history. Because the issuer reports the card to credit bureaus, secured cards can boost your score quickly. As you try to improve your credit, the cash-backed credit limit helps to build responsible credit habits. Cashback Card Cashback credit cards offer cash rewards on everyday purchases. Most rewards take the form of dollars or points and operate on a percentage basis. (For instance, earning 2% cashback or 2x points on every dollar spent.) You can usually redeem your rewards for a check, bank transfer, or credit statement. Cashback cards come in three main flavors: Flat-rate cards offer the same cash back on every purchase (usually 1-2%), making them ideal if you want cashback without complicated reward programs. Bonus category or tiered cards offer “tiers” of rewards depending on where or what you buy. (For example, 2% on dining out, 3% on groceries, etc.) You may prefer a tiered card if you tend to shop at specific retailers. Rotating rewards cards change their bonus categories quarterly or yearly. You may like rotating rewards cards if you’re highly organized and want to earn more cashback on seasonal purchases. Cashback cards make it easy to earn money on the money you’d spend anyway – helping you “save” through shopping. Gas Card Gas stations may issue gas credit cards that offer discounts, rewards and perks for filling up. Many, like those offered by Shell or ExxonMobil, offer 5-10 cents off per gallon. Gas cards tend to operate more like store cards in that you can only use them at particular stations or brands. Gas station credit cards can help you earn cashback on gas while curbing your credit use. Due to their limited acceptance, you can also use them to establish or rebuild your credit without worrying that you’ll overspend. Travel Points Card Travel points cards make some of the best rewards cards for frequent travelers. As the name suggests, they help you earn travel-specific rewards and discounts. Depending on the card, you may receive points or miles on every dollar spent that can help you score free or discounted: Airline tickets Airport lounge stays Hotel stays Car rentals Meals Or upgrades For many people, travel rewards cards make it easy to save up for that much-needed vacation. Some travel points cards also offer redemption options for non-travel expenses, though your points may not go as far. How Do Credit Cards Help You Achieve Your Financial Goals? Your credit cards can work for or against your financial goals. It all depends on how you manage your spending. Build Your Credit Score You can use credit cards (especially secured cards) to build your credit score and responsible credit habits at the same time. In time, you may qualify for better interest rates or larger loans, such as a car or home loan. Boost Your Savings with Everyday Spending Rewards cards make it easy to earn cashback and travel points on everyday purchases. The key is finding cards that align with your spending habits and advance your financial goals. You can use the cash or points saved to cover your holiday shopping, save for your future, enjoy a free vacation, or reduce your grocery bill. And if you pay off your bill monthly, you’ll enjoy all these perks without paying interest or fees. Safeguard Against Fraud Most credit cards now offer built-in fraud protection, too. Aside from letting you off the hook for fraudulent purchases, they may also provide identity theft protection. Defending your financial status from scammers helps you stay on track with your financial goals. Track Spending More Easily Credit cards also make it easier to tally up your monthly budget. When you pay for purchases with cards, it’s difficult to keep track of all your receipts. But with a credit card, you can use the online or mobile app to break down your spending by category, simplifying the budgeting process. Compare the best credit cards for you Finding the best credit card can be a hassle – but not with Benzinga. We make it easy to shop and compare credit cards that fit your lifestyle. Frequently Asked Questions What type of credit card is most widely accepted? Visa and Mastercard tie for the most widely-accepted credit card by global merchant acceptance at 52.9 million apiece. Discover comes in second with 44 million merchants. What is the best option for credit cards? The best credit card is the one that meets your needs. For instance, while cashback cards can help your savings goals, secured credit cards make it easy to control spending and build credit. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 05, 2022 09:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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This Is How Often You Should Change Your Insurance Plans

Benzinga

As you move through life, your wants, needs and long-term goals will change with your lifestyle. Often, that means your insurance requirements evolve, too. Knowing when to change insurance carriers or plans ensures your coverage stays in line with your busy life. Here are a few important considerations when you need to shop for insurance. How Often Should You Change Your Insurance Plans? As a general rule, it’s wise to review your insurance plans: Every 6-12 months or once per coverage period Anytime your insurer hikes premium costs or slashes benefits When you experience a major event that impacts your coverage needs, like: Moving to a new house or region Making a major purchase (vehicles, fine jewelry) A birth or death in the immediate family Any of these reasons is enough to change insurance plans or carriers. Updating your coverage to match your needs (and your budget) ensures you protect the people and possessions you value most. But while cash is king, getting a good deal isn’t everything – the content of your policy matters, too. Sometimes, it’s worth paying a little more for your peace of mind. Benzinga explores a few potential reasons to change insurance carriers. You Can Find Cheaper Rates Elsewhere Regularly shopping for insurance helps you sniff out the carriers that offer better rates or discounts. Compare offers from at least three to five companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal on coverage. You’ve Recently Moved You may need to change insurance carriers when you move, especially if the move impacts your rates or coverage. Not all insurers operate in all regions – and even if yours does, your rates may rise based on location. For instance, you may pay higher auto insurance premiums in more populated areas. You Experience a Qualifying Event or Lifestyle Change Generally, you should reevaluate your coverage anytime you experience a “qualifying event” or major milestone like: Getting married or divorced Adding your teenager to your auto insurance Having or adopting a baby Retirement Whether you need more coverage, less coverage or a more affordable policy, consider such events an opportunity to evaluate and change insurance plans or carriers to fit your new lifestyle. Your Insurance Carrier Changes its Terms Maybe it’s not you who changes but your insurer. Carriers periodically update their geographic policies, prices, coverage offerings and accepted service providers. While the company may suggest alternatives, there’s no guarantee a replacement will suit your needs. You might as well take that opportunity to shop for insurance on your own. Your Provider Stops Accepting Insurance Health insurance is particularly finicky, with providers, insurers and in-network hospitals in flux. Maybe your doctor stops accepting Medicare insurance – or your Medicare plan stops paying for your doctor. Either way, you’ll have to switch insurance plans, doctors or both. Poor Customer Service or Claims Experiences When you’re paying your premiums, your insurance company is happy to take your money. But when you actually need to make a claim, you may find that it is reluctant to pay out. If you have to go through a major hassle to make a claim, receive your funds or just get a call back, it’s time to reconsider your carrier. Which Insurance Plans Should Change Regularly? You should review and compare insurance at least once a year, regardless of the type of policy. But some plans may need to change more – or less – frequently. Homeowners Shopping for homeowner’s insurance at least once a year ensures you don’t miss a better deal elsewhere. You may also change insurance carriers when your rates increase or you move to a new city. Making expensive renovations or purchases that require enhanced coverage also provides opportunities to change insurance plans. Auto Car insurance policies may not last a full year; some offer six-month plans. Either way, it’s wise to re-shop your auto insurance before every renewal, as car insurance rates famously fluctuate on a dime. Time, location, your driving history and even accidents that aren’t your fault can impact your individual premiums. Health Health insurance is a bit unique because many insurers limit plan switches or sign-ups to their annual open enrollment period. However, special exceptions exist for “qualifying life events” like marriage and divorce, having children, losing work coverage or moving to a new zip code. Life Life insurance pays out when the policyholder dies. Because it’s designed to pay for end-of-life expenses, lost income and housing costs, it’s crucial to buy enough coverage to secure your family’s future. On top of your annual evaluation, consider whether other life events impact your coverage needs, like: Your age and relationship status Having a baby Buying a home You might need to switch if your rates rise or you need higher coverage amounts. You may also want to switch to a different type of policy, such as moving from whole to permanent life insurance). Business Business insurance is a must for business owners to cover property damage, liability and business interruption costs. Because business needs are change, you may need to shop for insurance more than once a year. For instance, when you hire more employees, move to a new office or release new products, it’s probably time to increase your coverage or change insurance carriers. Compare Insurance Companies If you’re ready to shop for insurance plans, Benzinga has the insights you need to make an informed decision, from pet insurance to vision insurance. Frequently Asked Questions How frequently can you change car insurance? You can change car insurance as often as you need. You may have to pay a cancellation fee if you leave your current carrier in the middle of a policy. When should you switch insurance companies? You should consider switching insurance companies at least once a year to ensure you’re getting the best rates and coverage. You should actually make the switch when you can get better value elsewhere. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 04, 2022 02:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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How This Leader in Real Estate Tokenization Can Help Close the Home Ownership Gap with Blockchain

Benzinga

Check out RealT’s geographical listings here, and click here to get started. Purchasing a home has often been regarded as a hallmark of individual success. According to research firm YouGov, 74% of Americans say they place the highest priority on owning a home, ranking it above having a successful career, owning an automobile and — surprisingly — retiring. Providing a perfect roadmap to discontent are the harsh realities obstructing the millennial’s path toward this goal. According to a 2019 study, nearly 70% of millennials say they cannot afford a house because of rising prices. This dream-shattering reality is explained — or perhaps, compounded — by the findings that housing prices have increased by 120% since 1965 and the generational wealth gap has significantly expanded over the last couple of years. While one could understand millennials fuming over their real estate troubles, blockchain enthusiasts would be quick to counter this response. Specifically, for those engaged in the tokenization of real estate assets, like RealT, a convenient solution to their woes may be just around the corner. Like many other industries, blockchain has sparked ideas for innovating the real estate market through the concept of tokenization. Tokenization allows many investors to own small parcels of large investment properties through the purchase of digital tokens that are tied to these properties. According to a study by Hamburg Commercial Bank ( HCOB ), 13 American companies — including Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) and JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) — have already begun doing so. RealT is among those real estate tokenization pioneers providing hope for millennial homeownership — albeit in a way they might not have expected. Tokenized Real Estate With RealT According to metrics provided to Benzinga, RealT is a leader in real estate tokenization. As of June 31, RealT tells Benzinga it has reached $49 million in sales, more than 210 tokenized properties and over 920 units in areas like Detroit, Chicago and Cleveland. Compared to other operators in tokenized assets, RealT boasts a large cohort of investors who act incredibly quickly. In fact, RealT tells Benzinga that over 9,820 investors from 135 countries have used RealT to purchase tokenized real estate. Given RealT’s extreme accessibility and the power of crowdsourcing, the average time of sale for a $1 million property listed on RealT is reportedly just six minutes! These incredible numbers reflect the excitement surrounding tokenized real estate as the future of property ownership. Throughout this sector, and within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sphere, the RealT brand has achieved worldwide notoriety, energizing and attracting an online community of 57,000 members. In less than three years, RealT has achieved the following milestones: Q3 2019: The first worldwide standardized tokenization platform Q4 2019: World’s first integration of security tokens on a decentralized exchange Q4 2020: Multichain with the launch on Gnosis Chain (then xDai) Q1 2021: Launch of the "re-investment" property Q4 2021: Launch of payments with Request Network Q1 2022: Launch of RMM, the world’s first real estate token-lending platform, through a partnership with Commutatio Holdings Ltd, a British Virgin Islands holding company established to operate RMM. RealT’s achievements with tokenized assets have reportedly made it the second-largest protocol on the Gnosis Chain, and the 133rd most important protocol in DeFi, according to the Defi Lama. Since the launch of the RealToken platform in February of last year, token owners have risen from 59 holders to 5,180, an increase of roughly 8,680%. Ready to start investing in popular properties around the U.S.? Check out RealT’s geographical listings here, and click here to get started. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 04, 2022 12:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) Reports Stellar 2Q 2022 and 1H 2022 Financial Results, Recognises 5,669% Year on Year Revenue Growth from 2Q 2021 and 5,360% Year on Year Revenue Growth from 1H 2021

Society Pass Incorporated

Summary Points: Second quarter 2022 unaudited revenues grew 5,669% year on year (from $7,783 for second quarter ended 30 June 2021 to $445,090 for second quarter ended 30 June 2022). 1st half 2022 unaudited revenues grew 5,360% year on year (from $17,289 for 1st half ended 30 June 2021 to $944,152 for 1st half ended 30 June 2022). With cash on hand of $28.0 million on 30 June 2022, SoPa is well capitalised for roll out of Society Pass loyalty platform and continuing acquisitions of Southeast Asia (“SEA”) companies in lifestyle, food & beverage, digital media, and travel verticals for the rest of 2022. Since inception, SoPa has onboarded 2.1 million registered consumers and over 6,700 registered merchants/brands onto its ever-expanding platform. SoPa launched the beta version of its Society Pass loyalty platform in 2Q 2022, which drives customer acquisition and retention for merchants across SEA. Society Pass Inc. (NASDAQ: SOPA) (“SoPa”), SEA’s leading loyalty and ecommerce ecosystem, today announced that unaudited second quarter 2022 revenues grew 5,669% year on year (from $7,783 for second quarter ended 30 June 2021 to $445,090 for second quarter ended 30 June 2022). Unaudited first half 2022 revenues grew 5,360% year on year (from $17,289 for 1st half ended 30 June 2021 to $944,152 for 1st half ended 30 June 2022). Reporting cash on hand of $28.0 million on 30 June 2022, SoPa is well capitalised for roll out of the Society Pass loyalty platform and continuing acquisitions of Southeast Asia (“SEA”) companies in lifestyle, food & beverage, digital media, and travel verticals for the rest of 2022. Since inception, SoPa has amassed over 2.1 million registered consumers and over 6,700 registered merchants/brands onto its ever-expanding next generation digital ecosystem. Society Pass expects to file its 2Q 2022 Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission later this month. During the second quarter 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of Singapore-based Gorilla Networks onto the SoPa platform, opened the Manila office, and launched the beta version of its Society Pass loyalty points platform. Remarking on Society Pass’ stellar 2Q 2022 financial performance, Society Pass Founder, Chairman and CEO, Dennis Nguyen, explains, “Our continuing robust year-on-year sales expansion substantiates our acquisitions focused operating model. Nine months after relaunch back onto the Vietnam market, Leflair continues to generate strong revenues, whilst our food and beverage (“F&B”) Pushkart and Handycart brands are establishing solid footholds in their respective markets. The acquisition of Gorilla Networks allows us to incorporate Gorilla’s blockchain and Web3 capabilities onto the SoPa ecosystem and enable the new meta-economy for all our portfolio companies. We are poised to achieve new highs in 3Q 2022 as we integrate our next generation loyalty platform onto the rest of our ecosystem as well as opportunistically acquire market leading companies in the lifestyle, F&B, travel, and digital advertising verticals.” About Society Pass As a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem in Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand and with offices located in Singapore, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Angeles and Bangkok, SoPa is an acquisition-focused e-commerce holding company operating 7 interconnected verticals (loyalty, merchant software, lifestyle, F&B, telecoms, digital media, and travel), which seamlessly connects millions of consumers and thousands of merchants across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA. SoPa’s business model focuses on analysing user data through its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points. The Society Pass loyalty platform drives customer acquisition and retention for merchants. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 2.1 million registered consumers and over 6,700 registered merchants/brands onto its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions. Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in Southeast Asia. SoPa operates #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS – a Vietnam-based POS, CRM and analytics technology solutions provider for small and medium-sized enterprises, Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Vietnam, Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, web3-enabled mobile blockchain network operator, Thoughtful Media Group, a Bangkok-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network, and Mangan, the leading local restaurant delivery service in Philippines. For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/. Media Contacts: PRecious Communications sopa@preciouscomms.com As a loyalty and data marketing ecosystem, Society Pass operates multiple e-commerce platforms across its key markets in SEA. Its business model focuses on analysing user data through the expected launch of its Society Pass loyalty platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points, which seamlessly connects consumers and merchants across multiple product and service categories to foster organic loyalty. Since its inception, SoPa has amassed over 1.6 million registered consumers and over 5,500 registered merchants/brands on its platform. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture with cutting edge components to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.Society Pass provides merchants with #HOTTAB Biz and #HOTTAB POS – a specialized POS technology solution, a comprehensive system for payment, loyal customer management, user profile analytics, and convenient financial support packages for small and medium-sized enterprises.In addition, SoPa operates Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform, Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines, Handycart.vn, a leading online restaurant delivery service based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Gorilla Networks, a Singapore-based, blockchain/web3-enabled mobile virtual network operator.For more information, please check out: http://thesocietypass.com/. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details TJ Paige +1 877-440-9464 tj@benzinga.com Company Website https://thesocietypass.com

August 04, 2022 12:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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VTS Named to 2022 Fortune Best Workplaces in New York™ List by Great Place to Work® For Second Year in a Row

VTS

VTS – the commercial real estate industry’s (CRE) leading leasing, marketing, asset management, and tenant experience platform – today announced that Great Place to Work and Fortune have honored the company as one of this year’s Best Small and Medium Workplaces in New York for the second year in a row, coming in at 23rd place. Earning a spot on this prestigious list means that VTS is one of the best companies to work for that is headquartered in New York. This year’s Best Workplaces in New York award is based on employee feedback collected through America’s largest ongoing annual workforce study of over 1 million employee survey responses and data from companies representing more than 6.1 million U.S. employees. In that survey, 92% of VTS’ employees said VTS is a great place to work. This number is 35% higher than the average U.S. company. “VTS is incredibly proud to be honored by Fortune as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in New York for the second year in a row,” said VTS CEO Nick Romito. “The success of our company is grounded in our commitment to put our employees first and to create a work environment that enables professional growth and serves as a space that fosters creativity, inclusiveness, and transparency. We look forward to continuing to be a best-in-class workplace in the years to come.” The Best Workplaces in New York list is highly competitive. Great Place to Work, the global authority on workplace culture, selected the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback. Companies were only considered if they are a Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization and headquartered in the New York metropolitan statistical area. Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is. “As employee demands and expectations have dramatically changed over the past year, these companies have risen to the occasion—and it’s not been easy,” says Kim Peters, executive vice president of global recognition, research & strategic partnerships at Great Place to Work. “Their hard work and dedication to listen to and care for the well-being of every employee, and support them in a way that’s meaningful to all, is the standard all organizations will be held to.” In addition to being honored as a Best Workplace in New York in 2022 and 2021, VTS has also been recognized as one of Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Millennials and named to Built In’s Best Places to Work 2021, the Forbes Cloud 100, and Glassdoor’s Highest Rated Cloud Companies List. VTS continues to experience rapid growth and is actively hiring throughout the organization. Visit vts.com/careers to learn more. About VTS VTS is the commercial real estate industry's leading technology platform that transforms how strategic decisions are made and executed across the asset lifecycle. In 2013, VTS revolutionized the commercial real estate industry's leasing operations with what is now VTS Lease. Today, the VTS Platform is the largest first-party data source in the industry and delivers data insights and solutions for everyone in commercial real estate to fuel their investment and asset strategy, leasing and marketing automation, property operations, and tenant experience. With the VTS Platform, consisting of VTS Lease, VTS Rise, VTS Data, and VTS Market, every business stakeholder in commercial real estate is given the real-time market information and executional capabilities to do their job with unparalleled speed and intelligence. VTS is the global leader with more than 60% of Class A office space in the U.S., and 12 billion square feet of office, retail, and industrial space is managed through our platform globally. VTS' user base includes over 45,000 CRE professionals and industry-leading customers such as Blackstone, Brookfield Properties, LaSalle Investment Management, Hines, BXP, Oxford Properties, JLL, and CBRE. To learn more about VTS, and to see our open roles, visit www.vts.com. About the Best Workplaces in New York ™ Great Place to Work selected the Best Workplaces in New York by gathering and analyzing confidential survey responses from its study of thousands of companies representing more than 6.1 million U.S. employees at Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations. Companies must be headquartered in the state of New York to be eligible. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place to Work Trust Index ™ survey. Read the full methodology. To get on this list next year, start here. About Great Place to Work® Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, it has surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Its employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything it does is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All™. Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Contact Details Marino PR Elise Szwajkowski +1 212-402-3495 eszwajkowski@marinopr.com Company Website https://www.vts.com/

August 04, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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CSG Systems International Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

CSG

Signed One of the Largest Telecom Wins in CSG History with New Latin American Customer Successfully Migrated ~75% of New Charter Subscribers Through Q2 2022 Returned $55 Million to Shareholders via Share Repurchases & Dividends in H1 2022 CSG (NASDAQ: CSGS) today reported results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022. Financial Results: Second quarter 2022 financial results: Total revenue was $262.2 million and total non-GAAP adjusted revenue was $243.5 million. GAAP operating income was $7.3 million, or 2.8% of total revenue, and non-GAAP operating income was $36.7 million, or 15.1% of non-GAAP adjusted revenue. GAAP earnings per diluted share (EPS) was $0.17 and non-GAAP EPS was $0.84. Cash flows used in operations were ($7.7) million, with a non-GAAP free cash flow deficit of ( $17.0) million. Shareholder Returns: CSG declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.265 per share of common stock, or a total of approximately $9 million, to shareholders. During the second quarter of 2022, CSG repurchased under its stock repurchase program, approximately 360,000 shares of its common stock for approximately $22 million. “With the backdrop of a turbulent macro-economic environment, Team CSG grew first half sales bookings more than 10% year-over-year, won several exciting new customer deals, and successfully migrated approximately 75% of the new Charter subscribers, paving the way for 3.6% year-over-year growth in both revenue and non-GAAP EPS in the first half,” said Brian Shepherd, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSG. “We also encountered challenges that eroded non-GAAP adjusted operating margin more than 1% point and impacted our cash flow in the quarter which CSG leadership is already addressing with a meaningful margin improvement initiative begun in Q2 to ensure we have strong CSG-like profitability in Q3, Q4, and beyond.” Financial Overview (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts and percentages): For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Results of Operations GAAP Results: Total revenue for the second quarter of 2022 was $262.2 million, a 2.8% increase when compared to revenue of $255.1 million for the second quarter of 2021. Over half of this increase is due to the revenue generated from the businesses CSG acquired in 2021, with the remaining amount attributed to the continued organic growth of CSG’s revenue management solutions. GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2022 was $7.3 million, or 2.8% of total revenue, compared to $32.2 million, or 12.6% of total revenue, for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in operating income can be primarily attributed to the $17 million increase in restructuring and reorganization charges. The second quarter of 2022 restructuring and reorganization charges related primarily to real estate restructurings as CSG continues to rationalize its real estate footprint to reflect a flexible work approach, and impairments related to the dissolution of CSG’s controlling interest in MobileCard, as the investment was not meeting its projected targets. GAAP EPS for the second quarter of 2022 was $0.17, as compared to $0.60 for the second quarter of 2021. The decrease in GAAP EPS can be mainly attributed to the factors discussed above. Non-GAAP Results: Non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the second quarter of 2022 was $243.5 million, a 2.1% increase when compared to non-GAAP adjusted revenue of $238.5 million for the second quarter of 2021. The increase in non-GAAP adjusted revenue between periods is due to the factors discussed above. Non-GAAP operating income for the second quarter of 2022 was $36.7 million, or 15.1% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue, compared to $39.8 million, or 16.7% of total non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the second quarter of 2021. The decreases in operating income and operating income margin can be mainly attributed to the businesses acquired in 2021, as those businesses are operating at a lower operating margin level than CSG’s organic business and require time to realize the expected synergies, increased staffing related to recently closed large deals and upcoming projects, inflationary and supply chain pressures, and increased travel expenses. Non-GAAP EPS for the second quarter of 2022 was $0.84 compared to $0.82 for the second quarter of 2021. Balance Sheet and Cash Flows Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments as of June 30, 2022 were $135.0 million compared to $187.6 million as of March 31, 2022 and $233.7 million as of December 31, 2021. CSG had net cash flows from operations for the second quarters ended June 30, 2022 and 2021 of ($7.7) million and $44.5 million, respectively, and had non-GAAP free cash flow of ($17.0) million and $37.5 million, respectively. Cash flows for the second quarter of 2022 were negatively impacted by unfavorable changes in working capital. Summary of Financial Guidance CSG is updating its financial guidance for the full year 2022, as follows: For additional information and reconciliations regarding CSG’s use of non-GAAP financial measures, please refer to the attached Exhibit 2 and the Investor Relations section of CSG’s website at csgi.com. Conference Call CSG will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss CSG’s second quarter 2022 earnings results. The call will be conducted live and archived on the Internet. A link to the conference call is available at http://ir.csgi.com. In addition, to reach the conference by phone, call 1-888-412-4131 and use the passcode 2327393. Additional Information For information about CSG, please visit CSG’s web site at csgi.com. Additional information can be found in the Investor Relations section of the website. About CSG CSG is a leader in innovative customer engagement, revenue management and payments solutions that make ordinary customer experiences extraordinary. Our cloud-first architecture and customer-obsessed mindset help companies around the world launch new digital services, expand into new markets, and create dynamic experiences that capture new customers and build brand loyalty. For 40 years, CSG’s technologies and people have helped some of the world’s most recognizable brands solve their toughest business challenges and evolve to meet the demands of today’s digital economy with future-ready solutions that drive exceptional customer experiences. With 5,000 employees in over 20 countries, CSG is the trusted technology provider for leading global brands in telecommunications, retail, financial services, and healthcare. Our solutions deliver real world outcomes to more than 900 customers in over 120 countries. To learn more, visit us at csgi.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that are based on assumptions about a number of important factors and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what appears in this news release. Some of these key factors include, but are not limited to the following items: CSG derives approximately forty percent of its revenue from its two largest customers; Fluctuations in credit market conditions, general global economic and political conditions, and foreign currency exchange rates; CSG’s ability to maintain a reliable, secure computing environment; Continued market acceptance of CSG’s products and services; CSG’s ability to continuously develop and enhance products in a timely, cost-effective, technically advanced and competitive manner; CSG’s ability to deliver its solutions in a timely fashion within budget, particularly large and complex software implementations; CSG’s dependency on the global telecommunications industry, and in particular, the North American telecommunications industry; CSG’s ability to meet its financial expectations; Increasing competition in CSG’s market from companies of greater size and with broader presence; CSG’s ability to successfully integrate and manage acquired businesses or assets to achieve expected strategic, operating and financial goals; CSG’s ability to protect its intellectual property rights; CSG’s ability to conduct business in the international marketplace; CSG’s ability to comply with applicable U.S. and International laws and regulations; and CSG’s business may be disrupted, and its results of operations and cash flows adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This list is not exhaustive, and readers are encouraged to review the additional risks and important factors described in CSG’s reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and other filings made with the SEC. For more information, contact: John Rea, Investor Relations (210) 687-4409 E-mail: john.rea@csgi.com CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME-UNAUDITED (in thousands, except per share amounts) CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS-UNAUDITED (in thousands) EXHIBIT 1 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. SUPPLEMENTAL REVENUE ANALYSIS Revenue by Significant Customers: 10% or more of Revenue Revenue by Vertical Revenue by Geography EXHIBIT 2 CSG SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC. DISCLOSURES FOR NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Limitations To supplement its condensed consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), CSG uses non-GAAP adjusted revenue, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP adjusted operating margin percentage, non-GAAP EPS, non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, and non-GAAP free cash flow. CSG believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, when reviewed in conjunction with its GAAP financial measures, provide investors with greater transparency to the information used by CSG’s management in its financial and operational decision making. CSG uses these non-GAAP financial measures for the following purposes: Certain internal financial planning, reporting, and analysis; Forecasting and budgeting; Certain management compensation incentives; and Communications with CSG’s Board of Directors, stockholders, financial analysts, and investors. These non-GAAP financial measures are provided with the intent of providing investors with the following information: A more complete understanding of CSG’s underlying operational results, trends, and cash generating capabilities; Consistency and comparability with CSG’s historical financial results; and Comparability to similar companies, many of which present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. Non-GAAP financial measures are not measures of performance under GAAP, and therefore should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP financial information. Limitations with the use of non-GAAP financial measures include the following items: Non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles; The way in which CSG calculates non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the way in which other companies calculate similar non-GAAP financial measures; Non-GAAP financial measures do not include all items of income and expense that affect CSG’s operations and that are required by GAAP to be included in financial statements; Certain adjustments to CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures result in the exclusion of items that are recurring and will be reflected in CSG’s financial statements in future periods; and Certain charges excluded from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures are cash expenses, and therefore do impact CSG’s cash position. CSG compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures as a supplement only. Additionally, CSG provides specific information regarding the treatment of GAAP amounts considered in preparing the non-GAAP financial measures and reconciles each n on-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Basis of Presentation The table below outlines the exclusions from CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures: CSG believes that excluding certain items in calculating its non-GAAP financial measures provides meaningful supplemental information regarding CSG’s performance and these items are excluded for the following reasons: Transaction fees are primarily comprised of interchange and other payment-related fees paid, in conjunction with the delivery of service to customers under CSG’s payment services contracts, to third-party payment processors and financial institutions by CSG. Because CSG controls the integrated service provided under its payment services customer contracts, these transaction fees are presented gross, and not netted against revenue; however, other payments companies who do not provide and/or control an integrated service present their revenue net of transaction fees. The exclusion of these fees in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted revenue provides management and investors an additional means to use to compare CSG’s current revenue with historical and future periods, as well as with other payments companies. Restructuring and reorganization charges are expenses that result from cost reduction initiatives and/or significant changes to CSG’s business, to include such things as involuntary employee terminations, changes in management structure, divestitures of businesses, facility consolidations and abandonments, and fundamental reorganizations impacting operational focus and direction. These charges are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Executive transition costs include expenses incurred related to a departure of a CSG executive officer under the terms of the related separation agreement. These types of costs are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The exclusion of these costs in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Acquisition-related expenses include amortization of acquired intangible assets, earn-out compensation, and transaction-related costs. Transaction-related costs, which typically include expenses related to legal, accounting, and other professional services, are direct and incremental expenses related to business acquisitions, and thus, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. The total amount of acquisition-related expenses can vary significantly between periods based on the number and size of acquisition activities, previously acquired intangible assets becoming fully amortized, and ultimate realization of earn-out compensation. In addition, the timing of these expenses may not directly correlate with underlying performance of the CSG’s operations. Therefore, the exclusion of acquisition-related expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. Stock-based compensation results from CSG’s issuance of equity awards to its employees under incentive compensation programs. The amount of this incentive compensation in any period is not generally linked to the level of performance by employees or CSG. The exclusion of these expenses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to evaluate the non-cash expense related to compensation included in CSG’s results of operations, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash generating capabilities of CSG’s business. The convertible notes OID is the result of allocating a portion of the principal balance of the debt at issuance to the equity component of the instrument, as required under current accounting rules. This OID is then amortized to interest expense over the life of the respective convertible debt instrument. The interest expense related to the amortization of the OID is a non-cash expense, and therefore, the exclusion of this item allows investors to further evaluate the cash interest costs of CSG’s convertible notes for cash flow, liquidity, and debt service purposes. Gains and losses related to the extinguishment/conversion of debt can be as a result of the refinancing of CSG’s credit agreement and/or repurchase, conversion, or settlement of CSG’s convertible notes. These activities, to include any derivative activity related to debt conversions, are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Gains or losses related to the acquisition or disposition of certain of CSG’s business activities are not considered reflective of CSG’s recurring business operating results. Any resulting gain or loss is generally non-cash income or expense, and therefore, the exclusion of these items allows investors to further evaluate the cash impact of these activities for cash flow and liquidity purposes. In addition, the exclusion of these gains and losses in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP EPS allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current operating results with historical and future periods. Unusual items within CSG’s quarterly and/or annual income tax expense can occur from such things as income tax accounting timing matters, income taxes related to unusual events, or as a result of different treatment of certain items for book accounting and income tax purposes. Consideration of such items in calculating CSG’s non-GAAP financial measures allows management and investors an additional means to compare CSG’s current financial results with historical and future periods. CSG also reports non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and non-GAAP free cash flow. Management believes non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to investors in evaluating CSG’s operating performance, debt servicing capabilities, and enterprise valuation. CSG defines non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA as income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, foreign currency transaction adjustments, acquisition-related expenses, and unusual items, such as restructuring and reorganization charges, executive transition costs, gains and losses related to the extinguishment of debt, and gains and losses on acquisitions or dispositions, as discussed above. Additionally, management uses non-GAAP free cash flow, among other measures, to assess its financial performance and cash generating capabilities, and believes that it is useful to investors because it shows CSG’s cash available to service debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, repurchase its common stock, pay cash dividends, and fund ongoing operations. CSG defines non-GAAP free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less the purchases of software, property and equipment. Non-GAAP Financial Measures Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliations of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands): Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliations of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except percentages): (1) Restructuring and reorganization charges include stock-based compensation, which is not included in the stock-based compensation line in the tables above and following, and depreciation, which has not been recorded to the depreciation line item on the Income Statement. Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliations of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS for the indicated periods are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (2) For the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2022 the GAAP effective income tax rates were approximately 26% and 17%, respectively, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates were 27.5%, for both periods. For the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2021 the GAAP effective income tax rates were approximately 30% and 28%, respectively, and the non-GAAP effective income tax rates were 27%, for both periods. (3) The outstanding diluted shares for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2022 were 31.5 million and 31.7 million, respectively, and for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2021 were 32.0 million and 32.1 million, respectively. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands, except percentages): (4) Interest expense includes amortization of deferred financing costs as provided in Note 5 below. (5) Amortization on the statement of cash flows is made up of the following items for the indicated periods (in thousands): Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities are provided below for the indicated periods (in thousands): Non-GAAP Financial Measures – 2022 Financial Guidance Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue: The reconciliation of GAAP revenue to non-GAAP adjusted revenue, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance, is as follows: Non-GAAP Operating Income: The reconciliation of GAAP operating income to non-GAAP operating income, as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance, is as follows (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP EPS: The reconciliation of GAAP EPS to non-GAAP EPS as included in CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): (6) For 2022, the estimated effective income tax rate for GAAP and non-GAAP purposes is expected to be approximately 26% and 27%, respectively. (7) The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding are expected to be approximately 31.6 million. Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA measure to GAAP net income is provided below for CSG’s 2022 full year financial guidance (in thousands, except percentages): Non-GAAP Free Cash Flow: CSG’s calculation of non-GAAP free cash flow and the reconciliation of CSG’s non-GAAP free cash flow measure to cash flows from operating activities is provided below for the indicated period (in thousands): Contact Details CSG John Rea +1 210-687-4409 tammy.hovey@csgi.com Company Website https://www.csgi.com

August 03, 2022 02:01 PM Mountain Daylight Time

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A New Country for Bitcoin Mining Officially Opens Its Doors

Benzinga

In 2018, the Armenian government entrusted ECOS to create and manage a Free Economic Zone to support the development of high technologies and the blockchain industry in the country. Learn more about FEZ here. Today, the company maintains more than 250,000 users that use cloud mining and hosting services worldwide, and now you can become a part of the ECOS mining ecosystem! An end-to-end infrastructure was built on the territory of the data center, including a service center, warehouses and regular supplies of spare parts, armed guards and a staff of servicemen located on the territory 24/7. ECOS data center receives an additional 60 MW of clean, affordable and stable electricity from high-voltage networks, which makes it possible to claim almost 100% up-time electricity. The new plot can accommodate more than 20,000 mining devices on an area of ​​ 2.2ha, with the potential to expand to an additional 200MW. Moreover, the optimal temperature of this region allows to eliminate problems with overheating without additional expenses - the average annual temperature in Hrazdan is 4.8°C. Also, we have to mention ECOS end-to-end service: The company takes full care and responsibility for the purchase of mining equipment from Bitmain, on behalf of our clients or simply helps to move from other data-centers to ECOS, the company's employees test, install and maintain equipment 24/7 and you can watch and control your assets directly from the mobile app. This is a really good opportunity to earn passive income with ECOS hosting and manage it with two clicks on your smartphone. Your earnings on mining are not so easy? Let’s check out all the benefits of here. “We have come a long way from legalizing mining in Armenia to launching our own energy infrastructure that is ready for scaling. We want to offer our partners simplicity in everything: from launching your mining business on our data-center to daily monitoring of the result in the application without leaving your home” — said Ilya Goldberg, managing partner of ECOS. — “Our bundled product is made to serve both institutional and retail clients from any part of the world.” Armenia patronizes the blockchain / mining sector and has allowed the creation of FEZ with unique conditions such as 0% income tax and 0% VAT, 0% import and export duties, 0% property and real estate taxes for the next 25 years, which allows our partners to receive maximum revenue on capital. At present days due to the lack of stable and affordable electricity in the world and the constantly changing legal requirements, ECOS services are extremely relevant, the company said. Crypto winter is coming to an end and now is the best time to start mining. Historically, it is most profitable to invest in cryptocurrencies during such periods. If you have not yet started earning on bitcoin mining, then start now with ECOS hosting! This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 03, 2022 03:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Mortgage Financiers & Crypto Securities Reclaim Their Spots As Most Actively Traded Securities On OTC Markets In June

Benzinga

Reflecting the expected conditions of a bear market, many of the world’s indices saw a decrease in price throughout June. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA: SPY), for example, declined 8.26% in June, a very similar decline to the one seen in April. The SPY’s maximum decline since its peak in January is 24%, falling within the standard definition of a bear market. The Fidelity NASDAQ Composite Index ETF (NASDAQ: ONEQ) and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSEARCA: DIA) displayed similar weakness, showing declines of 8.7% and 6.78%, respectively, in June. Despite the decline in market indices and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), OTC Markets Group Inc. ’s (OTCQX: OTCM) regulated markets experienced a slight increase in total monthly dollar volume, recording $45.2 billion in June compared to $44.5 billion in May. Additionally, the operator saw former cryptocurrency and mortgage financiers return to the helm of the Most Actively Traded Securities list on two of its regulated markets. Both the OTCQX Best Market and the OTCQB Venture Market maintained a significant international presence, with over half of the top most-traded securities across both markets composed of international operators. Crypto Reclaims The Helm Of The OTCQX Best Market Most-Active Securities The OTCQX Best Market recorded $9 billion in trading volume in June, a decrease from May’s $11 billion. Despite the decrease in volume, former leaders have begun to reclaim their place among the Most Active Securities list. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (OTCQX: GBTC), for example, has reclaimed its spot as the most-traded security on the OTCQX Best Market, followed by May’s leader Roche Holding AG (OTCQX: RHHBY) and Grayscale Ethereum Trust (OTCQX: ETHE). Additionally, the OTCQX’s top 10 most-active securities experienced a slight reshuffle in June, welcoming Experian PLC (OTCQX: EXPGY) and Tesco PLC (OTCQX: TSCDY) in place of AXA SA (OTCQX: AXAHY) and Sprott Physical Uranium Trust Fund (OTCQX: SRUUF). International operators, once again, maintained a strong presence on OTCQX, comprising 23 of the top 30 securities, down from 24 in May. France’s BNP Paribas SA (OTCQX: BNPQY) and Germany’s Infineon Technologies AG (OTCQX: IFNNY) and adidas AG (OTCQX: ADDYY) were again on the OTCQX top 10 most-active securities, while Mexico’s Wal-Mart De Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. (OTCQX: WMMVY) and Australia’s Fortescue Metals Group Ltd. (OTCQX: FSUGY) made it among June’s top 30 most-active securities. Other notable movers: Danone (OTCQX: DANOY) claimed fourth place on the OTCQX’s list of most-traded securities, experiencing a 160% change in trading volume from last month. The OTCQB Venture Market Welcomes Back Mortgage Financiers The OTCQB Venture Market recorded $603 million in trading volume in June, a decline from May’s $896 million figure. June introduced two new entities to the OTCQB’s Top 10 Most-Traded Securities list. Biotech operator CytoDyn Inc. (OTCQB: CYDY) and aerospace and defense company Applied Energetics Inc. (OTCQB: AERG) represent the new faces on the list. Similar to May, the OTCQB Venture Market witnessed a number of novelties in June. In addition to two new companies, all three of the top most-traded securities in the market changed. Mortgage financiers Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) and Freddie Mac (OTCQB: FMCC) reclaimed their positions as the first- and third-most traded securities and Lake Resources (OTCQB: LLKKF) claimed its spot as the second most-traded security. All three former “Most Active Top 3s” – Northwest Biotherapeutics Inc. (OTCQB: NWBO), Sysorex Inc. (OTCQB: SYSX) and Netlist Inc. (OTCQB: NLST) – remain on the OTCQB’s Venture Market Top 10 Most Active Securities list, potentially hinting at sustained investor interest. Twelve international securities landed a spot among the top 30 most-traded securities. Of these 12 securities, eight are Canadian, two are Australian, one is English, and one is from Hong Kong. Other notable movers: Wiki Soft Corp. (OTCQB: WSFT) climbed to 12th place in the most-active group and recorded a $6.6 million rise in trading volume compared to last month. Sharing Economy International Inc. (OTCQB: SEII) experienced a $3.7 million increase in trading volume compared to May, climbing to 19th place on the OTCQB’s Top 30. The OTCQX And OTCQB Top 10 Below are the top 10 most actively traded securities on the OTCQX Best Market and OTCQB Venture Market in June. OTCQX Top 10: OTCQB Top 10: This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 03, 2022 02:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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A SUMMER SNAPSHOT OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL TRENDS

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/9s0kNEPgHg4 The heat is on as parents prepare to help their kids get to the head of the class for the upcoming school year. With pandemic issues still top of mind, they continue to seek fun ways to engage with their children, including vacation time, playtime, and sweet treats. Back-to-school shopping also remains a top priority with eighty-four percent of consumers expecting to see an increase in prices for popular items like clothing, school supplies, and electronics. The National Retail Federation finds this will likely lead to a hyper-focused approach to spending, including comparative online shopping, scouting out deals, and using more coupons. Bethany Braun-Silva has a summer snapshot of back-to-school trends, including the latest way for students to take notes and retain information. SWEET REWARDS: The start of a new school year can be stressful — not only for parents but for kids, too. Braun-Silva has one special and sweet way to reward and keep kids motivated as they head back to school, and it’s with something everyone loves: chocolate. For the first time in the U.S., Cinnabon has swapped the cinnamon for chocolate with its new Chocolate BonBites. “They taste fantastic,” says the lifestyle expert, adding, “These bite-sized rolls — filled with ooey-gooey chocolate and topped with chocolate and cream cheese frosting — make the perfect after-school snack and are available for a limited-time either in Cinnabon bakeries or through delivery, which is super convenient for a parent on the go. Get them before they’re gone!” The brand is offering an exclusive offer: a FREE 4-count of Chocolate BonBites with any purchase of $15 or more by using the code CHOCOLATE in the Cinnabon app today. For more information, visit https://www.cinnabon.com/?utm_medium=pr Direct link: https://www.cinnabon.com/?utm_medium=pr Social media handles: Facebook.com/cinnabon Instagram.com/cinnabon TikTok.com/@cinnabon Twitter.com/cinnabon Hashtags: #ChocolateBonBites, #chocolate LEARN WHILE TRAVELING: With remote schooling still an option in a few regions, families are exploring new destinations with special travel deals and in-suite virtual learning essentials. Braun-Silva mentions that there are ways to incorporate hybrid schedules into late summer and early fall travel plans. Learning remotely is one educational trend expected to continue for the first part of the upcoming school year. The lifestyles expert says now is a great time for parents to blend vacation season and at-home schooling together. Braun-Silva highlights how family getaways are an opportunity for kids to catch up on early reading assignments at the pool or on the beach, adding, “In my family, we even play spelling games and go over the times table. It helps make learning fun.” Braun-Silva admits environment plays an important part when choosing a destination, accommodations, and family activities. She says, “Howard Johnson by Wyndham is perfect! They have hundreds of locations, really fun mid-century modern rooms that my kids adore—plus free Wi-Fi—perfect for working or learning remotely. They offer a free light breakfast and a great rewards program, Wyndham Rewards.” Travelers can book now and earn a free night after just two stays. For more information, go to HoJo.com. Direct Link: HoJo.com Social media handles: Facebook - www.facebook.com/hojo Instagram - @HoJo Hashtags: #GoHappyGoHoJo STEALS & DEALS: Twenty-five percent of back-to-school shoppers have already begun with an uptick projected over the next two months. Braun-Silva says the coming weeks are all about finding the steals and deals. One helpful way to save time and money is by using the PayPal Honey desktop extension—an online shopping tool that helps discover deals and cash back. She points out that it is trusted by millions, and automatically searches for available coupons and applies the best working ones at checkout. This extension also helps find offers featuring Cash Back. Customers are able to redeem points for cash and other rewards h on eligible purchases, so they can take their money further while shopping for all their back-to-school needs. “It’s fast and seamless to install the PayPal Honey extension on your desktop in just a few clicks,” says Braun-Silva, “You can start saving on many of your favorite sites from tech to fashion to school supplies. PayPal Honey gives you the confidence you’re shopping smart and it’s the perfect way to find great deals for back-to-school” For more information, visit joinhoney.com. Direct link: https://www.joinhoney.com/explore STUDY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME: It has been found that writing notes by hand helps with focus, memory, and understanding information. That’s something Five Star® gets and has an innovative way to turn handwritten notes into a digital study tool. The lifestyles expert says the Five Star® Study App makes it easier for students to study anywhere, anytime. “It’s very user-friendly,” she points out, adding “The triangles on the left side of the paper allow the app to ‘flag’ important notes to turn them into digital flashcards, and the four corners enables scanning.” This is the evolution of how students consume and retain information. They get all the tried-and-true benefits of handwritten notes from compatible Five Star products and then turn them into a personal study aid. Find the Five Star study app in the Apple or Google Play app store and learn more at FiveStarBuiltStrong.com. For more information, visit fivestarbuiltstrong.com Direct link: https://www.fivestarbuiltstrong.com/notetaking-study-app/ Social media handles: Facebook: @FiveStar Instagram: @meadfivestar Twitter: @meadfivestar Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

August 03, 2022 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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