elephant circus

elephant circus The S&P 500 ( ^GSPC 0.56% ) is the most universally recognized benchmark of stock market activity in the U.S., made up of the 500 largest companies in the country. Because of its broad base of constituent businesses, it is considered by most investors to be the most reliable gauge of stock market performance. The index has charged steadily higher since the start of 2023, fueled by a flurry of positive market drivers: Increasing corporate profits Improving economic conditions The advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) Interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve Bank An uncontested election Thanks to this quintet of bullish developments, the S&P 500 is poised to generate its second consecutive year of 20%+ returns, which hasn't happened since 1998. That could signal a big move for the stock market in 2025. A robust rally After suffering through the worst economic conditions since the Great Recession , the market recovery is in full swing, and the past couple of years have been profitable ones for investors. The S&P 500 generated gains of 24% in 2023 and is up more than 26% thus far in 2024 (as of this writing). It's worth noting that the benchmark index has delivered back-to-back years of 20%+ gains just eight times since 1950. If the market's momentum holds, that could foreshadow a big move for the S&P 500 next year. We're just over two years into the current bull market , which kicked off on Oct. 12, 2022. While every bull market is different, a look at the past can help provide context. The average bull market lasts just over five years or 1,866 days. The market bottom occurred just over two years ago, which suggests there's still upside ahead. Additionally, since its trough, the S&P 500 has gained roughly 68%. That pales in comparison to the average bull market, which delivers gains of 180%. The data suggests that we're still in the early days of the current rally. There's more. Existing data suggests the current market rally will likely continue, according to Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist for financial services company Carson Group. Detrick poured over charts going back to 1950 and found just eight instances when the S&P 500 generated gains of 20% or more in successive years. In six of those, the market rally continued into the third year, generating average returns of 12%. The data is clear and suggests the market is poised to deliver better-than-expected results next year. "Bull markets last longer than you think," Detrick said, pointing to an average length of five and a half years. The historical precedent aside, there are other reasons to be bullish, namely a strong economy and increasing corporate profitability. Recent data shows that inflation has fallen to its lowest level in more than three years, highlighting a strengthening economy. "When you have an economy that continues to surprise to the upside, you tend to have solid earnings," Detrick said. He goes on to point out that the S&P 500 member companies are expected to generate earnings per share (EPS) of $269 in 2025, an increase of 19% compared to early 2023. Furthermore, Wall Street's earnings estimates continue to ratchet higher, which is generally a bullish indicator. Taken together, the historical data, the improving economy, increasing corporate profits, and bullish sentiment on Wall Street suggest the bull market will continue in 2025. To be clear, all the usual caveats apply. In the stock market, as in life, there are no guarantees . And while nothing is certain, history offers a 75% probability the market will continue to rise next year, resulting in average gains of 12%. Does that mean the investors will enjoy positive returns in 2025? No one can say for sure, but given the available evidence, the chances are good. Data by YCharts Time will tell Simply put, nobody knows for sure where the market will end up next year, but that hasn't stopped Wall Street's best and brightest from giving it the old college try -- and their prognostications are decidedly bullish. Just this week, Deutsche Bank boosted its year-end target for the S&P 500 to 7,000, which would represent potential upside of 16% compared to the market's closing price on Tuesday. Yardeni Research is even more bullish. President Ed Yardeni expects the benchmark index to climb to 7,000 next year, 8,000 in 2026, and 10,000 by the end of the decade -- which would represent potential gains for investors of 66%. He cites increasing company earnings as paving the way for the bull market to continue: "I'm thinking that the market goes up on earnings and that earnings, which were probably about $250 a share this year, go up to $275 a share next year, and $300 a share the year after that. By the way, by the end of the decade, I think we could be at $400 per share, which times a 20 multiple or so gets us to 8,000 on the S&P 500." For those with a long-term outlook -- I include myself among those numbers -- it really doesn't matter what the S&P 500 does in the coming weeks or months. History has shown that despite the occasional downturn, the stock market has consistently gained ground over time, helping market participants reap the rewards. In fact, over the past 50 years, the stock market has returned 10% annually , on average, delivering a virtual windfall for everyday investors. The lesson here is clear. Buy stocks in the best companies you can find and let time do the heavy lifting.SUGAR LAND, Texas, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI) (“ AOI ,” “ we ,” “ us ” or “ our ”) announced today that it has closed its exchange with holders (the “ Noteholders ”) of its 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “ 2026 Notes ”) of approximately $76.7 million principal amount of the 2026 Notes for (i) $125 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “ 2030 Notes ”), (ii) 1,487,874 shares of our common stock (the “ Exchange Shares ”) and (iii) approximately $89.6 thousand in cash representing accrued interest on the 2026 Notes and the value of fractional shares (such transactions, collectively, the “ Exchanges ”). The 2030 Notes are our senior, unsecured obligations and are equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness, senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2030 Notes and effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness. The 2030 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.75% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on July 15, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on January 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. The 2030 Notes are convertible at the option of holders of the 2030 Notes under certain specified circumstances, as set forth in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes. We will settle conversions by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, at our election, based on the applicable conversion rate. The initial conversion rate is approximately 23.0884 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2030 Notes, representing an initial conversion price of approximately $43.31 per share of our common stock, an approximately 27.50% premium to the closing price of our common stock on December 18, 2024. If a Make-Whole Fundamental Change (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) occurs, and in connection with certain other conversions, we will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate for a specified period of time. Except in connection with the completion of the Specified Divestiture (as described below), we may not redeem the 2030 Notes prior to January 15, 2027. On or after January 15, 2027, and on or before the 40 th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, we may redeem all or part of the 2030 Notes for cash if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (i) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send the related redemption notice; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date we send such redemption notice, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Holders may require us to repurchase their 2030 Notes upon the occurrence of a Fundamental Change (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) at a cash purchase price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, the 2030 Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or before the 40 th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, if the “Specified Divestiture” (as defined in the indenture governing the 2030 Notes) is completed. If the Specified Divestiture is completed, each holder will have the right to require us to repurchase its 2030 Notes for cash at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such 2030 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the repurchase date. The issuance of the 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and the shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), and the 2030 Notes, the Exchange Shares and such shares issuable upon conversion of the 2030 Notes may not be offered or sold without registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state or other jurisdictions’ securities laws, or in transactions not subject to those registration requirements. Concurrently with the Exchanges, AOI issued an aggregate of 1,036,458 shares of common stock, at a purchase price of $33.97 per share, in a registered direct offering (the “ Registered Direct Offering ”). Estimated net proceeds from the Registered Direct Offering are approximately $33.7 million after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses incurred by us. We intend to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include, among other things, capital expenditures and working capital. We may also use such proceeds to fund acquisitions of businesses, technologies or product lines that complement our current business; however, we have no present plans, agreements or commitments with respect to any potential acquisition. Stefan Murry, AOI’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, stated that “AOI expects to benefit from the convertible debt exchange transactions and the concurrent registered direct offering by, among other things, extending our convertible debt from 2026 to 2030, reducing our existing interest expense and strengthening the cash position of our balance sheet by approximately $30.2 million through the registered direct offering. In addition, the convertible debt exchange transactions increase our financial flexibility by removing certain existing restrictive covenants in our 2026 Notes. We were able to execute these transactions with minimal additional dilution of approximately 0.5%, compared to the implied dilution of the shares underlying the 2026 Notes.” The Registered Direct Offering was made pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3ASR (Registration File No. 333-283905), which was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) on December 18, 2024, and became effective immediately upon filing, including the prospectus contained therein, as supplemented by the prospectus supplement dated December 18, 2024 filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act on December 20, 2024. The prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the Registered Direct Offering are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as AOI’s exclusive financial advisor in connection with the Exchanges and acted as the sole placement agent in connection with the Registered Direct Offering. Haynes Boone LLP acted as legal advisor to AOI and Mayer Brown LLP acted as legal advisor to Raymond James & Associates, Inc., in connection with the Exchanges and the Registered Direct Offering. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “target,” “seek,” “aim,” “predicts,” “think,” “objectives,” “optimistic,” “new,” “goal,” “strategy,” “potential,” “is likely,” “will,” “expect,” “plan” “project,” “permit” or by other similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Such forward-looking statements reflect the views of management at the time such statements are made. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions and current expectations, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: reduction in the size or quantity of customer orders; change in demand for our products due to industry conditions; changes in manufacturing operations; volatility in manufacturing costs; delays in shipments of products; disruptions in the supply chain; change in the rate of design wins or the rate of customer acceptance of new products; our reliance on a small number of customers for a substantial portion of its revenues; potential pricing pressure; a decline in demand for our customers’ products or their rate of deployment of their products; general conditions in the internet datacenter, cable television (CATV) broadband, telecom, or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) markets; changes in the world economy (particularly in the United States and China); changes in the regulation and taxation of international trade, including the imposition of tariffs; changes in currency exchange rates; the negative effects of seasonality; the impact of any pandemics or similar events on our business and financial results; and other risks and uncertainties described more fully in our documents filed with or furnished to the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024. More information about these and other risks that may impact our business are set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of our quarterly and annual reports on file with the SEC. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to us as of the date hereof, and qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations. About Applied Optoelectronics Applied Optoelectronics Inc. (AOI) is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced optical products, including components, modules and equipment. AOI’s products are the building blocks for broadband fiber access networks around the world, where they are used in the CATV broadband, internet datacenter, telecom and FTTH markets. AOI supplies optical networking lasers, components and equipment to tier-1 customers in all four of these markets. In addition to its corporate headquarters, wafer fab and advanced engineering and production facilities in Sugar Land, TX, AOI has engineering and manufacturing facilities in Taipei, Taiwan and Ningbo, China. Investor Relations Contacts: The Blueshirt Group, Investor Relations Monica Gould +1-212-871-3927 ir@ao-inc.com Cassidy Fuller +1-415-217-4968 ir@ao-inc.com

Coote was sacked earlier this month after the emergence of a video in which he made derogatory remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jurgen Klopp. Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said that a thorough investigation had concluded he was “in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract, with his position deemed untenable”. “Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us and we remain committed to his welfare,” PGMOL’s statement on December 9 added. Coote had the right to appeal against the decision but PA understands the Nottinghamshire referee has decided not to. The video which triggered PGMOL’s investigation into Coote’s conduct first came to public attention on November 11. In it, Coote is asked for his views on a Liverpool match where he has just been fourth official, and describes them as “s***”. He then describes Klopp as a “c***”, and, asked why he felt that way, Coote says the German had “a right pop at me when I reffed them against Burnley in lockdown” and had accused him of lying. “I have got no interest in speaking to someone who’s f****** arrogant, so I do my best not to speak to him,” Coote said. Later in the video, Coote again refers to Klopp, this time as a “German c***”. The Football Association opened its own investigation into that video, understood to be centred on that last comment and whether Coote’s reference to Klopp’s nationality constituted an aggravated breach of its misconduct rules. The investigation by PGMOL which led to Coote’s contract being terminated is also understood to have looked at another video which appeared to show Coote snorting a white powder, purportedly during Euro 2024 where he was one of the assistant VARs for the tournament. European football’s governing body UEFA also appointed an ethics investigator to look into the matter.

Democrat Bob Casey concedes to Republican David McCormick in Pennsylvania Senate contestCAMDEN, N.J. , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. announced pricing today on the rugged 2025 Forester Wilderness SUV. The go-anywhere 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is based on the previous-generation model and features increased capability, including 9.2 inches of ground clearance for adventure-seekers starting at $34,995 MSRP. In addition to longer coil springs and shock absorbers, the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness adds 17-inch matte-black alloy wheels wrapped in All-Terrain Yokohama GEOLANDAR® tires for increased traction on muddy, wet, or snowy roads or trails. A full-size spare is tucked underneath the cargo area for added confidence off the pavement. The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness includes a unique front fascia with a hexagonal grille and hexagonal LED fog lights, larger cladding around the wheels, and a front skid plate to help protect the SUV off-road. A useful anti-glare, matte black decal helps diffuse light from the hood for better outward vision and gives the Subaru Forester Wilderness a visually distinctive appearance on the road and the trails. Water-resistant StarTex® seating surfaces are easily cleanable, while all-weather mats and a standard cargo tray are well-suited for muddy gear and boots. The Wilderness also boasts more robust, ladder-style roof rails that can support up to 800 pounds while stationary, including a rooftop tent. Inside, the Subaru Forester Wilderness' standard 60/40-split folding rear seats open up to 69.1 cubic feet of cargo space with a wide 51.2-inch rear gate opening width to help load bulky gear. With the rear seats upright, the Wilderness comfortably seats up to five people with 39.4 inches of rear seat legroom and 26.9 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row. For even more gear, the Subaru Forester Wilderness has a towing capacity of up to 3,000 pounds and comes standard with Trailer Stability Assist. Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-Collision Braking; Pre-Collision Throttle Management; Lane Departure and Sway Warning and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Automatic Emergency Steering works with EyeSight and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds slower than 50 mph. Every 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is powered by a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. The efficient engine sends 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels via standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. A SUBARU STARLINK® 6.5-inch Multimedia system with a high-resolution touchscreen, Apple CarPlay® and AndroidTM Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth® hands-free streaming connectivity is standard. The front center console comes equipped with dual UBS-A input/charge ports, while the rear center console is equipped with dual USB-A charge ports for second-row riders. A single option package is available for the 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness and adds an 8.0-inch SUBARU STARLINK® 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation System, Harman Kardon® premium audio with 576-watt equivalent amp and nine speakers, and Power Rear Gate for $2,000 MSRP. The 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness is assembled alongside the all-new 2025 Subaru Forester in Gunma, Japan . The Forester Wilderness will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2025. 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Model/Trim Transmission Applicable Option MSRP MSRP plus Destination and Delivery ($1,420) i Forester Wilderness CVT 31, 33 $34,995 $36,415 2025 Subaru Forester Wilderness Option Packages Code Description MSRP 31 Standard Model N/A 33 STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation System + Harman Kardon Premium Speaker System + Power Rear Gate $2,000 Destination & Delivery is $1,420 for Forester Wilderness and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT. D&D is $1,570 for retailers in Alaska. About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. ( SOA ) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J. , the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. , the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise , which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com . Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , TikTok , and YouTube . Dominick Infante Director, Corporate Communications 856.488.8615 dinfante@subaru.com Aaron Cole Product Communications Manager 720.231.0809 acole1@subaru.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/subaru-announces-pricing-on-2025-forester-wilderness-302313781.html SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russian attack with hypersonic missile

Christmas came early for Trump. Car companies and other top CEOs are rushing to donate millions of dollars to the president elect’s inauguration fund before Trump, 78, enters the Oval Office on Jan. 20 — with Toyota being the latest to hand over the cash. A rep for the Japan-based automotive manufacturer confirmed it had contributed $1 million to the fund in a statement to The Post on Christmas Eve. Toyota’s contribution came after Ford and General Motors both said they would also be shelling out $1 million for the incoming president’s fund, Reuters reported . Trump has floated a 25% tax on all imports coming from the Mexico, potentially hampering Toyota, which manufactures their Tacoma pickup truck there. The Republican also threatened during his 2024 campaign that he could slap up to a 200% tariff on cars coming from Mexico in an effort to protect American automobile manufacturing. The efforts to upend tax and trade policies when he gets to the White House has prompted even those who have sparred politically with the 45th president in the past to turn the other cheek. Companies that previously vowed to not support Political Action Committees (PACs) that disputed the 2020 election after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot are also pitching in with massive donations, per the Wall Street Journal , including, Intuit, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, AT&T and Stanley Black & Decker. Uber has given the largest donation, coming in at $2 million, per the Journal. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago. “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech CEOs have also been frolicking around Mar-a-Lago in recent weeks, hoping to cozy up before the 47th president’s term kicks in, as Trump has expressed interest in significant tech innovation alongside his confidant Elon Musk. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was spotted dining with Trump at the Florida estate earlier in December, and he wrote a $1 million check later to the inaugural fund. Bezos, who had previously spoken out against Trump, said he was “optimistic” about his second term in power. “I’m actually very optimistic this time around,” Bezos revealed at the the New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York earlier in December. “He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation. If I can help do that, I’m going to help him,” Bezos said. “We do have too many regulations in this country.” Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg also gave the same amount after visiting Trump at Mar-a-Lago the month prior, and Open AI CEO Sam Altman was another billionaire who gave $1 million to the inauguration fund. “I want to get ideas from them,” Trump said of his conversations with business leaders. “Look, we want them to do well,” he said at the New York Stock Exchange after being deemed “person of the year.” Foreign companies have also gotten in on the action. Softbank, a Japanese investment holding company, announced it would be investing $100 billion in US tech projects during Trump’s administration, the once and future president unveiled in a press conference at Mar-a-Lago last week. Trump had previously promised to award companies that invest at least $1 billion “fully expedited approvals and permits” in the US. “Any person or company investing ONE BILLION DOLLARS, OR MORE, in the United States of America, will receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental approvals. GET READY TO ROCK!!!” he said on Truth Social in early December.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2024 / LQWD Technologies Corp. (TSXV:LQWD)(OTCQB:LQWDF) ("LQWD" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement financing of CDN$3,000,000 (the "Private Placement"), which was previously announced on November 15, 2024. Under the Private Placement, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,000,000 units of the Company at a price of CDN$1.50 per unit to raise gross proceeds of CDN$3,000,000. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant. Each full warrant is exercisable into one common share at an exercise price of CDN$2.00 per share at any time up to 18 months following the closing date of the Private Placement. The shares and warrants from the Private Placement are subject to a 4 month hold period before becoming free trading. If the volume weighted average trading price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is equal to or greater than CDN$2.50 for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Company will have the right to accelerate the expiry date of the warrants by giving written notice that the warrants will expire on the date that is not less than 10 days from the date notice is provided by the Company to the warrant holder. The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for, but are not limited to, continuing to expand LQWD's Lightning Network business, additional Bitcoin purchases, and general working capital purposes. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company did not pay a finder's fee. Alex Guidi, a non-executive director of the Company, and 210K Capital LP, a significant shareholder of the Company, participated in the Private Placement by purchasing 247,666 units and 256,333 units for aggregate subscription prices of $371,499 and $384,500, accordingly. Also, an Affiliate of 210K Capital LP, Beach Chair 615 LLC, participated in the Private Placement by purchasing 188,667 units for an aggregate subscription price of $283,000. Therefore, the Private Placement constitutes a "related party transaction" for the Company within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval under MI 61-101 as the fair market value of each insider's participation in the Private Placement does not exceed more than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, as set forth in Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. About LQWD Technologies Corp. LQWD is a Canadian-based, publicly traded company focused on expanding Lightning Network transaction infrastructure to enable instant, low-cost, internet-powered payments. The Company is committed to delivering enterprise-ready solutions for open payments at scale using the Lightning Network. For further information: Ashley Garnot, Director Phone: 1.604.669.0912 Email: ashley@lqwd.money Website: www.lqwdtech.com X: @LQWDTech Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's business plans and the outlook of the Company's industry. Although the Company believes, considering the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release and the Company assumes no responsibility to update them or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Units, nor shall there be any sale of the Units in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The Units being offered will not be, and have not been, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person. SOURCE: LQWD Technologies Corp. View the original on accesswire.com