Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 9:34 AM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
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Nickel outperforms in metals pack to persist amid supply constraints
We expect the uptrend in Nickel prices to persist, supported by the
expectation of deficit for the fourth straight year and supply
disruption from Indonesia.
The only metal that continued to rally despite the bleak macros has been Nickel.
LME three-month forward Nickel prices that had rallied more than 20 percent in first quarter of 2019 hit five-year high of $18850 on 2nd September and at $18000 are up more than 68 percent year to date.
Ravindra Rao
After a dismal performance in 2018 most base metals noted gains in
first quarter of 2019. However sudden escalation in trade tensions
between US-China since early May along with growing worries over global
economic slowdown led to most metals paring all of its gains.
The only metal that continued to rally despite the bleak macros has
been Nickel. LME three-month forward Nickel prices that had rallied more
than 20 percent in first quarter of 2019 hit five-year high of $18850
on 2nd September and at $18000 are up more than 68 percent year to date.
The major reason for the rally in Nickel price despite the bleak
macro is its upbeat fundamentals. Expectation of deficit in physical
market for fourth straight year, hopes of robust demand from electric
vehicle (EV) sector and falling stocks at exchange warehouses have all
lent support to the prices. More recently the rally to multiyear high
has been due to worries over supply disruption from Indonesia.
Indonesia, one of the largest supplier of Nickel ore, on 30th August
decided to expedite ban on Nickel ore exports by two years from 2022 to 1
January 2020. The move is expected to exacerbate worries over tightness
in physical market.
Highlighting the impact of ban, Antaike, the research arm of the
China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, said in a note the global
nickel market will be in a deficit of more than 100,000 tonnes in 2020
due to the expedited ban, as opposed to a 40,000 tonne deficit without
it.
These supply constraints have also led to tightness in physical
market as is evident from widening backwardation between LME Cash to
three months. The premium of LME Cash over three month jumped to decade
high of $104 on 30th August and stood at $83 as on 10th September.
Going forward we expect the uptrend in Nickel prices to persist
supported by expectation of deficit for fourth straight year and supply
disruption from Indonesia. However, considering the sharp rally in face
of deteriorating growth outlook, bouts of correction cannot be ruled
out.
(The author is Head – Commodity Research at Kotak Securities.)
Disclaimer: The views and investment tips
expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not
that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to
check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:25 AM on Thursday, September 12th, 2019
Double Digit Patient Growth
Company continues to see patient visits in corporate clinics increase by double digits, with July 2019 patients seen increasing by 42% to 1,817 over July 2018, and August 2019 patients seen increasing by 39% to 2,099.
Historically, summer months are seasonally slower and the Company anticipates continued double-digit growth in the patients seen count going forward.
VANCOUVER, Sept. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE: CBDT) (OTC: EPWCF) (Frankfurt 8EC) (“Empower” or the “Company“), a vertically integrated and growth-oriented CBD life sciences company, a multi-state operator of medical health & wellness clinics, a CBD product producer and operator of an extraction facility in Oregon, is pleased to announce it is participating as a marquee exhibitor in the Chicago Franchise Show https://www.franchiseexpochicago.com September 13th & 14th, 2019.
Franchise Expo Chicago (FEC) is the premier event covering the franchise industry for the Greater Chicago Area,
and serves as the industry’s one-stop shop for prospective franchisees.
Thousands of entrepreneurs and future business owners from across the United States will attend Franchise Expo Chicago, looking for franchise opportunities.
“Attending Franchise Expo Chicago (FEC) puts Sun Valley Health in
front of potentially thousands of entrepreneurs looking for a turnkey
and progressive business opportunity,” said Steven McAuley,
CEO of Empower. “The combination of offering health & wellness
services with premium CBD products lines and wellness products are in
high demand, and we believe Sun Valley Health can be the market leader.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Double Digit Patient Growth The Company continues to see patient visits in corporate clinics increase by double digits, with July 2019 patients seen increasing by 42% to 1,817 over July 2018, and August 2019
patients seen increasing by 39% to 2,099. Historically, summer months
are seasonally slower and the Company anticipates continued double-digit
growth in the patients seen count going forward.
Retail Product Kiosks The Company has completed the set up of its full retail product kiosks and display areas in its key Phoenix
clinics, with over (40) product SKU’s, including the CBD lines of
Sollievo, Sun Valley Science and a variety of premium health
supplements.
Extraction Facility Progress The
Company has been awarded its hemp-handlers license from the Oregon
Department of Agriculture, and now are approved to operate the new 5,000
sq. ft. facility in Sandy, OR.
Pathangay Architects have been retained to complete the design and
drawings, to submit permit approvals that commence the next phase of
build-out. Security systems and IT networks have been installed.
Hemp Bio-Mass Supply The Company has commenced RFP’s (Request For Proposal’s) to access the more than 1,300 licensed hemp famers in the State of Oregon, that are known to produce some of the highest quality hemp bio-mass in the United States.
CBD Market Demand The passing in the United States of the US$867 billion Agriculture Improvement Act (the “Farm Bill“)
has legalized hemp and hemp-based products. This has created an
opportunity for the production and sale of a variety of CBD-based
products that can provide genuine help and effective relief to millions
of people suffering from a variety of qualifying conditions. Recent
reports and studies indicate the approval of the Farm Bill could create a
US$20 billion industry by 2022
Sun Valley Health Franchise Sun Valley Health www.sunvalleyhealth.com
offers a scientific approach to alternative medicine supported by a
network of ten (10) corporate locations and a nationwide franchise
program that offers a turnkey opportunity including:
An
electronic medical system that handles patient data and sensitive
information, and deals with program tracking, referrals, and appointment
reminders
A proven operational system that has 165,000 patients in its database
A retail CBD and premium wellness product offer to diversify and attract customers
An
industry leading campaign management system using text messaging, email
and call center systems to engage patients and customers
Paperless communication channels that are HIPAA compliant
On-site and web-based training systems to develop franchisees
Sophisticated advertising programs proven to connect with local customers
Support and infrastructure to ensure franchisees have a formula for success
ABOUT EMPOWER
Empower is a vertically-integrated health & wellness brand with
it’s first hemp-derived CBD extraction facility under development, the
Company produces its proprietary line of cannabidiol (CBD) based
products and distributes products through company owned and franchised
clinics, with wholesale partnerships, online channels and with new
retail opportunities nationwide in the U.S. The company is a leading
multi-state operator of a network of physician-staffed wellness clinics,
focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through
innovative physician recommended treatment options. The company has
commenced activity on how to connect its significant data, to the
potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to
hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Steven McAuley Chief Executive Officer
DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains certain “forward-looking statements” or
“forward-looking information” (collectively “forward looking
statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All
statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and
projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements
can frequently be identified by words such as “plans”, “continues”,
“expects”, “projects”, “intends”, “believes”, “anticipates”,
“estimates”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar
words, or information that certain events or conditions “may” or “will”
occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include
statements regarding; the Company’s intention to open a hemp-based CBD
extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its
shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships;
the terms of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the
effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for
Empower’s patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based
products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the
Company’s patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a
market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019
and beyond. Such statements are only projections, are based on
assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks
and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or
developments to differ materially from those contained in the
forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a
hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that the hemp-based CBD extraction
facility may not be fully operation by Q2 2019 if at all; that
legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company’s business
and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain
adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business,
economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to
obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed
acquisitions and partnerships; and other factors beyond the Company’s
control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by
the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what
benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release,
which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.
The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any
intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking
statements in this release, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable
laws.
Investors: Steve Low, Boom Capital Markets,
[email protected], 647-620-5101; Investors: Steven McAuley,
CEO, [email protected], 604-789-2146Copyright CNW Group 2019
Tags: Cannabis, CBD, CSE, Hemp, Marijuana, stocks, tsx, tsx-v, weed Posted in Empower Clinics Inc. | Comments Off on Empower Clinics $CBDT.ca Subsidiary Sun Valley Health Exhibits at the Chicago Franchise Show and Provides Corporate Update Highlighting Double Digit Patient Growth $WEED.ca $CGC $ACB $APH $CRON.ca $HEXO.ca $OGI.ca
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 2:27 PM on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
If there’s one thing investors don’t like, its surprises with their
stocks. A nice easy story is often elusive, but when it appears, it
should be noted for the value it offers.
That’s the theme behind Canadian cannabis producer NORTH BUD Farms Inc. (CSE: NBUD, OTCQB:NOBDF, Forum).
At a time when the industry is looking to “Legalization 2.0†as an
incoming wave of new cannabis-infused products, there is also a new type
of cannabis company emerging. In this case, with NBUD, it boasts the
merit of being one of the very lowest market caps of any cannabis
operator on the Canadian Securities Exchange at around $15 million as of
early September 2019.
Trading at less than 1X its 2020 projected revenue in Canada alone,
the Company is one of the most reasonably-priced operators. Its chief
asset: A purpose-built facility with projected yields and revenues
coming down the pipeline next year. As a one-off Canadian licensed
producer (LP), it offers a clean prospect. In an interview talking about
his Company with Stockhouse Editorial, CEO Ryan Brown described the
mindset behind NORTHBUD brand:
“Every time someone buys a NORTHBUD product, I want them to feel
like they bought a case of Heineken and they paid the price of Budweiser
for it.â€
CEO Brown laid out the Company’s strategy through three questions that help define NBUD’s goals:
Who is our audience?
What do they consume?
What do they have to build to efficiently and cost-effectively produce those products for that consumer?
Share prices among cannabis companies have been hit hard, but that
doesn’t mean the industry is going away. The next opportunity is still
out there. As we approach a year post-legalization in Canada, the risk /
reward scenario for a lot of operators looks much clearer.
With NORTHBUD, the Company presents rewards that are quite tangible
when looking at the grand scheme of investing in cannabis, with really
no greater risk than any other company. While other operators
struggle to meet demand for products, this is a clean operator with a
straightforward story about a stock moving quickly in a green direction,
rather than into the red.
The “2.0†philosophy is about more than just legalizing a new type of
cannabis product or greater availability for dried flower, but it is
also about new company structure, how they’re built-out, financed and
how this shapes their market caps. An investor doesn’t have to look very
far to find a licensed cannabis company of a comparable size to NBUD
trading at even 2.5 – 3.5X their market value, but this is
where the Company’s upside comes from. With other players in the field,
there are often some “unlocks†with their shares that can take an
investor by surprise. Since NBUD listed in September 2018, all of its
shares are left on the table, basically unlocked, there’s no “Acreage
scenario†where traders invest early and get slammed by insider unlocks.
Company leadership took this into consideration when it decided to go
public and is still trading around its IPO issue price in a tense
market, which indicate it is on the right path from a business and
investment perspective. An investor knows exactly what they are getting.
Product Timeline:
NORTHBUD is looking at a 2020 rollout for the release of its brand of
flower to the market, which will be available as dried flower and
pre-roll products. As a consumer-facing brand, its focus will be on a
market demographic within the existing consumer base that is not
currently buying from the legal market. The target is the 80% of
consumers who go for “grey” and “white†market suppliers, which has been
estimated to be worth roughly $3 billion, according to cannabis business accelerator Grow Tech Labs.
How NORTHBUD intends to penetrate that market, is by ensuring it always has a very favourable cost-to-value ratio. The Heineken quality for Budweiser price
philosophy, at a time when many other companies are focused on premium
products or the cheapest product in the biggest growing space, when a
large portion of the market is looking for something else.
Facility:
NORTHBUD completed its Phase One indoor cannabis cultivation facility in August 2019
and submitted the facility’s Evidence of Readiness Package to Health
Canada. As soon as shovels went into the ground, CEO Brown stated that
efficiency and productivity were the main objectives when building this
facility.
The objective here wasn’t to shove as much growth space into the
building as possible, nor was it to make a claim that it has X-amount of
growth space, just focus on tangible size for a Phase One project in a
manner that would be conductive to producing good quality products.
What makes this project unique, is that it is built on a large piece
of agricultural land, much larger than what is required for the
Company’s operations now. It is currently using more than adequate space
to produce a significant number of clones, while also being ready for
outdoor planting come spring 2020. Instead of cramming the facility full
of as much equipment as possible at the expense if workflow and
employee comfort, NORTHBUD left room to expand and grow. This is a
different approach for a cannabis operator, designing a functional
production facility for a Company of this size.
Unlike other operators in the “1.0†cannabis phase who just wanted to
get a building licensed and run a profitable company, NORTHBUD looked
to the future and decided to place their facility in a rural setting
before work began. Others are now looking for cheaper plots of land in
rural settings as their urban operations have become too expensive to
run.
CEO Brown noted that the facility was built to Good Manufacturing
Practice (GMP) standards, even though the Company has not applied to
that certification but wanted to be following that standard with brand
new, state-of-the-art equipment. From the start, the thought process was
to build the facility with the target consumer in mind in the most
economical way possible.
(Image via NORTHBUD Corporate update video.)
Company History:
Founded in June 2018 as a division of NORTHBUD Capital Holdings Ltd.
(which is also one of the the Company’s largest investors), NBUD
acquired a late-stage Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes
Regulations (ACMPR) application from Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (TSX: V.TBP).
At the time, it was believed that there was value in legacy
applications and if there was going to be any shakeups in the way Health
Canada process the applications, NORTHBUD would be insulated by
acquiring that application early, rather than starting from scratch.
Since the federal government did just that when it put the Cannabis Act
ahead and amended the criminal code, it was a solid plan in hindsight.
This legacy application was the start of the Company’s focus on
efficient operations, as it provided the best environment to move
forward in what has been considered a rather risky industry. The
approach added security for both NORTHBUD but also its investors.
NORTHBUD raised capital through a variety of financing rounds,
including an IPO at $0.25 cents a share and began construction at its
facility.
CEO Brown was intrigued by the project while he was at Tetra. He has
experience as an investor in cannabis and felt like he could offer a lot
to building the Company and its brand, as opposed to solely focusing on
investing into it. Now he comes back full-circle as an operator in this
space, helping to grow the Company.
(NORTHBUD facility, aerial view.)
With an eye to close more deals in the near future, NORTHBUD is
continuing to build its footprint across what it sees as the four
largest markets in North America.
California – The largest cannabis market (expected to reach $3.1 billion in 2019 sales)
Nevada – Boasting a massive tourist advantage, the state has a high retail price, but devoid of a black-market supply
NORTHBUD Farms’ chief intent is to make sure its customers feel like
they get more value out of these products than the money they spent. The
customers will come to know what the brand feels like. This is how a
legacy following is built – the type of consumer who knows what they are
buying before they make that purchase.
These metrics are more straightforward to measure now that we
approach a year’s worth of legal sales and can see where the sweet spots
in the market exist. This is where NORTHBUD has targeted to operate.
The Company is run by individuals who are cannabis industry experts,
not high tech or CPG types. They come from the cannabis industry and see
this as their opportunity to be involved in bringing a successful
Company to market, build a brand and get behind it. By the cannabis
consumer for the cannabis consumer.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 1:21 PM on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
SPONSOR: Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSX-V: EGLX) Uniting gaming communities with 85 owned and affiliated websites, currently reaching over 150 million monthly visitors. The company exceeded 2018 target with $11.0 million in revenue. Learn More
—————–
Players at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup in New York. Photo: Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images
Analysis:
competitive multi-player video gaming is now a global phenomenon and a
way for schools to engage children in new and dynamic ways
A change may be ahead thanks to the evolution of esports and growing media attention for events like 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf’s recent $3 million win at the Epic Games Fortnite World Cup in New York (and Dubliner Joshua Juliano winning $50,000 at the same tournament).
These are the types of questions parents and educators are asking themselves in environments where esports are done right, holistically considered and responsibly deployed.
Would
you be so quick to shut off your child’s video game system if you knew
that it could be a portal to a scholarship at an international
university or a career in a billion-dollar industry? What about if it
led to a reduction in your child’s anxiety, better connections with
his/her peers or an interest in developing better sleep and nutritional
habits?
A change may be ahead thanks to the evolution of esports and growing media attention for events like 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf’s recent $3 million win at the Epic Games Fortnite World Cup in New York (and Dubliner Joshua Juliano
winning $50,000 at the same tournament). These are the types of
questions parents and educators are asking themselves in environments
where esports are done right, holistically considered and responsibly
deployed.
From
RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Dublin gamer Joshua Juliano talks about
winning $50,000 at the Epic Games Fortnite World Cup in New York
But first, a pause for those quizzically cocking their heads to the side: what exactly is esports?
Esports
is organised, competitive, multi-player video gaming. Much like how
when we talk about traditional “sports” which encompass basketball,
football and swimming, there are a lot of games that fall into the realm
of esports. Titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Rocket League and Fortnite are among the most popular.
Of
course, dedicating hours to playing these games on its own does not make
someone an esports athlete. While tossing a ball around the yard with
friends can be considered “playing football”, it takes organisation,
dedication, discipline and training to be “a football player.” And
there’s a similar difference between casual gaming and esports.
In
schools across the United States, we are always looking to engage
children in new and dynamic ways. Of paramount importance is meeting
children where they’re at: what do kids naturally love to do and how can
we add value to that space without negatively impacting the joy they
find there?
From
RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, an interview with Mark Campbell from the
Lero esports research lab at the University of Limerick
Pew Research
shows 97% of boys and 83% of girls aged 13 to 17 in the US identify as
being a gamer of some kind. Those demographics cut across race and
socio-economics. To responsibly guide the evolution of esports in
education and harness its potential, we must tap into the intrinsic
motivation – or behaviours based on inherent enjoyment – of gamers and
embrace the opportunities for connection offered on the gaming field.
Being
respectful in our messaging is one of the first steps to take. Would we
tell kids that they draw too much? Dance too much? Play an instrument
too much? Hopefully not. Yet too often, video games are dismissed as “a
waste of time by adults who have not researched the profoundly positive
impact they can have when implemented responsibly. The modern space in
which the majority of children are choosing to engage in some way is in
video games so let’s meet them there and understand why instead of
negating their passion for play.
Why embrace esports?
There are five core attrributes which should be at the heart of any program your child joins or your school implements:
(1) Redefine athletic culture
(2) Diversify opportunities for student participation
(3) Promote good mental and physical Hhealth
(4) Create career and further education scholarship opportunities
From RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, Adam Maguire reports from the final of the inaugural Estars Ireland esports tournament
Esports
redefines athletic culture by encouraging children of all races,
abilities and genders to compete in a space where their passion for play
is the most prominent part of their identity as an athlete. Esports is
an opportunity for everyone to come together in a shared space around a
love of gaming.
In
bringing children together across demographics, you diversify
opportunities for their participation in extracurricular activities. Research
shows that students engaged in extracurricular activities have higher
grade point averages, better attendance and increased graduation rates.
Many children who do not fit traditional athletic ideals are often left
on the margins, but participating in esports draws them into a community
in which they belong.
Having
children intrinsically motivated to be part of their school’s esports
experience, the conversation then begins to shift towards things
typically not associated with video games such as positive mental and
physical health. The importance of good sleep habits, proper nutrition
and a dedicated exercise regimen are critical aspects of a responsible
esports program. Kids are far more likely to pass over energy drinks in
favour of water when they learn, for example, how their gaming
performance is negatively impacted after the sugar crash. They also
learn to choose snacks that increase their focus during tournaments or
to take part in exercises (like yoga and weights) that help regulate
their heart rate and add stamina during matches.
As part
of this ecosystem, we employ aspects of traditional sports training.
Weight training helps develop complex reasoning skills and aerobic
training promotes problem-solving skills. Additionally, research
indicates that two of the best ways to promote good mental health are
with positive adult interactions and through play. The key is meeting
kids in the space they love to deliver the messaging.
From RTÉ 2fm’s Game On, Rob Wright from RTÉ Sport on the growth of video games as a sport in Ireland and globally
US
colleges and universities have begun to take note of esports and are
attracting students with scholarships of varying sizes. In 2023, there
will be an estimated $100m (€90.6 million) in scholarship money
available related to esports. The opportunity to access these
scholarships is greatly enhanced when primary and secondary schools
formally embrace esports.
Higher
learning institutions recognise that esports is a billion-dollar
industry in which playing games is just one element. Marketing, sports
nutrition, broadcasting, psychology, esports law, business management,
digital art, storytelling, computer science: these are just some of the
career paths through this new ecosystem.
Probably
the most important aspect of esports to be considered is that, at its
heart, this is all about play. By providing these environments for
children to play, we are helping to defray the issue of online toxicity
and helping them navigate their world as we would on a traditional
playground.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 8:25 AM on Wednesday, September 11th, 2019
Payment made seven months ahead of schedule to acquire 100% economic ownership of largest female online gaming community
Completed, ahead of schedule, the deferred payment obligation related to its previously announced acquisition of the assets of The Sims Resource
The payment satisfied all obligations of the acquisition of TSR from Generatorhallen AB and IBIBI HB, which closed on April 12, 2019.
Toronto, Ontario–(September 11, 2019) – Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: EGLX) (“Enthusiast Gaming” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has completed, ahead of schedule, the deferred payment obligation related to its previously announced acquisition of the assets of The Sims Resource (“TSR“). The payment satisfied all obligations of the acquisition of TSR from Generatorhallen AB and IBIBI HB, which closed on April 12, 2019.
TSR is the world’s largest female online video gaming content and
community destination, offering custom content built around the popular
Sims™ video game franchise, which can be downloaded by users to alter
and/or expand gameplay. TSR fans generated over 2.5 billion page views
last year, while the property earned C$7 million revenue – split between
advertising and recurring monthly paid subscribers – and C$5.25 million
in Adjusted EBITDA. Since Enthusiast Gaming closed the transaction with
TSR in April 2019, the number of monthly subscribers has grown nearly
30%.
Enthusiast Gaming utilized part of the available capital proceeds
from its recent merger with Aquilini GameCo. and Luminosity Gaming to
pay down the deferred payment obligation ahead of schedule and unlock a
number of strategic and economic benefits including:
Increase the number of leading video media and content sites under
full ownership. Full ownership and integration allows Enthusiast Gaming
to implement an optimized advertising and content strategy to increase
revenue and gross margin.
Ability to leverage paid subscription models across the Enthusiast Gaming platform.
Unlocks an additional 70% of the EBITDA that had previously been returned to the Vendors, seven months early.
Highly accretive use of cash proceeds following the completion of merger with Aquilini GameCo.
TSR management and content creators have joined the Enthusiast Gaming team and are excited to manage the next phase of growth.
Menashe Kestenbaum, President of Enthusiast Gaming commented, “Paying
down the deferred payment ahead of schedule to TSR was an extremely
important first step for the new Enthusiast Gaming. Having 100% economic
and strategic control of TSR provides significant upside potential to
increase our revenue/user and value/user – two key metrics for
Enthusiast Gaming moving forward.” He continued, “Two of our
primary growth opportunities include driving revenue through direct
sales and adopting monthly, paid subscriber models across our network of
video game media sites. Since we announced the acquisition of TSR, we
have already seen steady growth of its subscriber base and it will be a
key factor in achieving success across both key metrics.”
About Enthusiast Gaming
Enthusiast Gaming is one of the largest vertically integrated video
game and esports companies in the world. The Company’s digital platform
includes +85 gaming related websites and 900 YouTube channels which
collectively reach 150 million visitors monthly. Enthusiast’s esports
division, Luminosity Gaming, a leading global esports organization
consists of 8 professional esports teams under ownership and management,
including the #1 ranked Overwatch team, the Vancouver Titans and over
50 gaming influencers with a total audience of 60 million followers.
Collectively, the community reaches over 200 million gaming enthusiasts
on a monthly basis. Enthusiast also owns and operates Canada’s largest
gaming expo, Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo, EGLX, (eglx.ca) with approximately 55,000 people attending in 2018. For more information on the Company, visit www.enthusiastgaming.com. For more information on Luminosity Gaming, please visit luminosity.gg
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Investor Relations: Julia Becker Head of Investor Relations & Marketing [email protected] (604) 785.0850
Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements.
Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely
historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans,
expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are
subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results,
performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in
the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control
of Enthusiast Gaming. The risks include risks that are customary to
transactions of this nature and customary to companies which have their
stock traded on the TSXV. No assurance can be given that any of the
events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if
they do occur, what benefits Enthusiast Gaming will obtain from them.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or
solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United
States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under
the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S.
Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or
sold within the United States or to a U.S. Person unless registered
under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an
exemption from such registration is available.
Neither 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.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 4:42 PM on Tuesday, September 10th, 2019
Announced that AlMasria Universal Airlines of Egypt has decided to proceed with the installation of two additional STAR-A.D.S. ® Systems on recently acquired aircraft
In late 2018, AlMasria entered into an agreement with Star to equip their target fleet of 5 aircraft with the STAR-A.D.S. ® System.
The first installation has met all expectations successfully and Star is pleased to report that AlMasria is exercising a provision of the original agreement to install the System on the next two aircraft.
TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2019 — Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. (CSE: SNA) (OTCQB: SNAVF) (“Star†or the “Companyâ€) is pleased to announce that AlMasria Universal Airlines (“AlMasria”) of Egypt has decided to proceed with the installation of two additional STAR-A.D.S. ® Systems on recently acquired aircraft.
In late 2018, AlMasria entered into an agreement with Star to equip
their target fleet of 5 aircraft with the STAR-A.D.S. ® System. The
first installation has met all expectations successfully and Star is
pleased to report that AlMasria is exercising a provision of the
original agreement to install the System on the next two aircraft.
The STAR-A.D.S. ® System will help AlMasria achieve important
operational cost efficiencies, pursue its growth plans and to
immediately meet the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation
Organization (“ICAOâ€) concerning the Global Aeronautical Distress and
Safety System (“GADSSâ€), in particular dealing with the obligation to
provide autonomous location and tracking of aircraft in distress at
least once every minute.
The STAR–A.D.S. ® System already exceeds compliance
with all of the ICAO GADSS recommendations and evolutions. (See Star
Press release of June 11, 2018 for expanded discussion and details).
Viraf Kapadia, CEO of Star Navigation Systems said:
“We are gratified by this decision from AlMasria, as it is testimony
to the good cooperation and working relationship that has developed
between our two companies. Their two additional B737-400’s will be
equipped with our system in the months to come. Star is eager to
accompany AlMasria on its road to expansion, providing them with
competitive tools and services they need.â€
About Star Navigation:
Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. owns the exclusive worldwide
license to its proprietary, patented In-flight Safety Monitoring System,
STAR-ISMS®, the heart of the STAR-A.D.S. ® and of the STAR-ISAMM™
Systems. Its real-time capability of tracking performance trends and
predicting incident-occurrence enhances aviation safety and improves
fleet management while reducing costs for the operator.
Stars’ M.M.I. Division designs and manufactures high performance,
mission critical, flight deck flat panel displays for defence and
commercial aviation industries worldwide. These displays are found on
aircraft and simulators, from C-130 aircraft, to Sikorsky and Agusta
Westland helicopters, as examples.
Stars’ subsidiary, Star-Isoneo Inc. is a specialised software firm,
developing complex solutions in engineering, simulation and development
for Canadian customers. Star-Isoneo works closely with Star in the
development of the Company’s MEDEVAC (STAR-ISAMM™ and STAR- LSAMM™)
applications of the patented STAR-A.D.S. ® technology, and on its
current R&D program with Bombardier.
Certain statements contained in this News Release constitute
forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words “mayâ€,
“wouldâ€, “couldâ€, “willâ€, “expected†and similar expressions, as they
relate to Star or its management are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect Star’s current views
with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks,
uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Star’s actual
performance or achievements to vary from those described herein. Should
one or more of these factors or uncertainties materialize, or should
assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect,
actual results may vary materially from those described herein as
intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Star
does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking
statements, except as required by law.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator
(as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities
Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the
content of this release.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 7:43 AM on Tuesday, September 10th, 2019
Acquired a non-controlling interest in the Vancouver Titans, an esports team which was founded in 2018 and is competing in its first season in the Overwatch League
Overwatch League is an esports competition with 20 teams across six countries and three continents, all centered on the popular first-person shooter game Overwatch
Toronto, Ontario–(September 10, 2019) – Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (TSXV: EGLX) (“Enthusiast Gaming“), the parent of Luminosity Gaming Inc., announced today that it has acquired a non-controlling interest in the Vancouver Titans, an esports team which was founded in 2018 and is competing in its first season in the Overwatch League. Overwatch League is an esports competition with 20 teams across six countries and three continents, all centered on the popular first-person shooter game Overwatch. Enthusiast Gaming acquired its interest in the Vancouver Titans from the team’s majority owner, the Aquilini Investment Group.
Enthusiast Gaming, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Luminosity
Gaming Inc., manages the Vancouver Titans through a long-term management
services agreement with the majority owner.
About Enthusiast Gaming
Enthusiast Gaming is one of the largest vertically integrated video
game and esports companies in the world. The Company’s digital platform
includes +85 gaming related websites and 900 YouTube channels which
collectively reach 150 million visitors monthly. Enthusiast’s esports
division, Luminosity Gaming, a leading global esports organization
consists of 8 professional esports teams under management, including the
#1 ranked Overwatch team, the Vancouver Titans and over 50 gaming
influencers with a total audience of 60 million followers. Collectively,
the community reaches over 200 million gaming enthusiasts on a monthly
basis. Enthusiast also owns and operates Canada’s largest gaming expo,
Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo, EGLX, (eglx.ca) with approximately 55,000 people attending in 2018. For more information on the Company, visit www.enthusiastgaming.com. For more information on Luminosity Gaming, please visit luminosity.gg
CONTACT INFORMATION
Investor Relations: Julia Becker Head of Investor Relations & Marketing Telephone: 604-785-0850 Email: [email protected]
Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking
statements. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are
not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs,
plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements
are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results,
performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in
the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control
of Enthusiast Gaming. The risks include risks that are customary to
transactions of this nature and customary to companies which have their
stock traded on the TSXV. No assurance can be given that any of the
events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if
they do occur, what benefits Enthusiast Gaming will obtain from them.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or
solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United
States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under
the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S.
Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or
sold within the United States or to a U.S. Person unless registered
under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an
exemption from such registration is available.
Neither 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.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 4:30 PM on Monday, September 9th, 2019
The gaming ecosystem is approaching a market share comparable to professional sports
Enthusiast Gaming has its eyes set on building the largest
community of authentic gamers to monetize and leverage their
market-leading analytics network
EGLX is the most adept enterprise at increasing fan engagement for its influencers and teams through its massive media portfolio
By: Eva Bieniarz
The gaming industry is colossal — there are more than 2.5 billion
gamers around the world, and the gaming market is set to grow to US$196 billion by 2022
alone! With a CAGR of nine per cent for the period 2018–2022, this
industry has become a legitimate rival to the traditional sports market.
To compare earnings, the global sports market generated US$488.5 billion in 2018,
whereas the global gaming industry hauled in US$135 billion. While both
segments are projected to see significant growth in the short term, the
gap is poised to shrink as gaming solidifies itself at the “heart of
the entertainment business,†according to Newzoo.
The gaming industry is also thriving based on its growing and diverse audience base. For instance, 65 per cent of American adults play video games, and the average gamer is only 34 years old.
Transforming the gaming world one acquisition at a time
Within this massive industry, Enthusiast Gaming (TSX.V: EGLX) is building the largest vertically integrated gaming media and esports company in the world.
As a newly listed public company by way of its merger with Luminosity
Gaming, J55, and Aquilini GameCo, the company is on track to make this
global vision a reality. One of the new conglomerate’s goals will be to
build out a central gamer data source from its three divisions (media,
events, influencers), to facilitate brands and advertisers.
Regarding the company’s merger and acquisition strategy, Menashe
Kestenbaum, president and founder of Enthusiast Gaming, explains,
“Enthusiast has an aggressive growth strategy through accretive
acquisitions, which allows us to scale the business quickly and
effectively.
“Our strategy is to acquire the leading digital communities across
the entire gaming ecosystem, which keeps our platform diversified and
agnostic. It also provides us with significant competitive advantage
against anyone trying to enter the space.â€
The company’s largest acquisition to date, The Sims Resource, is the
leading female gaming website in the world, generating $7 million in
revenue and $5.25 million in EBITDA (2018).
“This acquisition provided us with immediate access to the growing
female gaming demographic and 2.5 billion page views a year. The Sims
Resource also has a unique subscription model, which generates recurring
monthly revenue from over 60,000 subscribers. We see this as an
opportunity to adopt a similar model across our network of 85 websites
to drive future revenue growth,†Kestenbaum notes.
Enthusiast has an aggressive growth strategy through accretive
acquisitions, which allows us to scale the business quickly and
effectively. Our strategy is to acquire leading digital communities
across the gaming ecosystem, which keeps our platform diversified and
agnostic.Menashe Kestenbaum, President, Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.
What Enthusiast’s merger means for esports
Enthusiast’s merger will make the company a leading publicly traded
esports and gaming organization, with $22 million in pro forma revenue
on the closing of the merger backed by $55 million in financing, with a
combined global audience reach of approximately 200 million.
So why is this merger so significant, and why did Enthusiast partner
with Aquilini GameCo? How, exactly, will this benefit the company in the
long run?
Well, since Enthusiast’s successful monetization strategy and wealth
of analytical data covers an abundance of demographics in the broader
gaming industry, the company’s knowledge can be combined with
Luminosity’s influencers and esports properties to create a unique
gaming ecosystem.
Enthusiast’s success in monetizing gaming properties will also allow
the company to monetize Luminosity’s championship esports franchise
through the same data-centric, ad tech approach to engage partnership
and advertising opportunities.
The fact that Enthusiast is merging with Aquilini GameCo gives the
company a huge boost to diversify and expand its presence across more
than merely sports and entertainment, but potentially food and
hospitality, living, and more.
Luminosity Gaming is currently competing in games like Counter
Strike, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Madden and more at the highest
professional level. Supplied
Enthusiast is also party to a long-term services support agreement
with Vancouver Arena Limited Partnership (VALP), pursuant to which VALP
will provide Enthusiast with a broad range of marketing and business
support services, including corporate partnership and selling support,
retail support, brand association and marketing support (to be provided
by Canucks Sports and Entertainment), and more.
Apart from a company perspective, when taking a holistic look at the
esports and gaming industry, it’s clear that sentiment towards gaming is
growing. The industry even has tech giants Amazon and Google wanting in
on the action.
What’s more, esports is also being compared to professional sports —
hockey, baseball, you name it — in terms of garnering millions of fans
around the world.
For instance, in 2017, the League of Legends tournament garnered more viewers than the MLB World Series, the NBA Finals and the NHL Stanley Cup Finals! This would have been unheard of a few years ago.
Kestenbaum explains, “The size and scalability of our ecosystems are a
significant competitive advantage. Enthusiast’s online presence of 150
million visitors, combined with Luminosity’s rich content creation
reaching over 60 million followers, will be invaluable for us moving
forward.â€
Enthusiast’s merger is expected to provide further significant
strategic and financial benefits to the company, including but not
limited to expected margin improvement, involving a combination of the
net funds from the private placement and cash-on-hand that may be used
to repay all or part of the Sims Resource Deferred Payment, as well as
an enhanced capital market profile through the closing of the
transactions.
Growth drivers propelling the company towards success
Enthusiast is also growing its fan base and subsequently its customer base through seven strategies:
Growth in revenue per user goal: Target revenue per user of $0.40
Build out a direct sales team: Increase of 10–20x / CPM compared to
commoditized programmatic advertising rates. Expand to key financial
hubs like Toronto, New York, London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco
Subscription model growth: Offer unique content and player access to
increase subscriptions. Currently, over 60,000 subscribers generating
approximately $2.5 million in recurring revenue
Mergers and acquisitions: Grow the size of Enthusiast’s fan base,
and better engage with them to increase revenue and profitability
Expand the EG Live division: Build on the success in Toronto and
bring similar events to New York, Chicago and the Pacific Northwest
Franchise value appreciation: Increase the value of the franchise
through content creators, influencers, professional esports
professionals and championship esports teams
Non-endemic opportunities: Sell more non-endemic sponsorships and partnerships through direct sales and programmatic advertising
Apart from the company’s strategic growth model, Enthusiast has five
key business segments that enhance the company’s overall expansion
plans. They include:
Content: Enthusiast offers news, reviews, videos,
live streams, blog posts, tips, chats, message boards, and other
video-gaming related content.
Advertising: The company operates an advertising
network for brands targeting the gamer demographic, generating over 30
billion advertisement requests per month.
Events: Enthusiast organizes Canada’s largest gaming
expo, Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo, EGLX, which attracted over 55,000
attendees in 2018, including a Rising Star Series.
Data and ad tech: The company has built a proprietary ad tech platform around a tech-enabled gamer data platform.
Leading esports franchise: Luminosity Gaming is one
of the most popular esports brands, offering a subscription growth model
that leverages content and player access to increase subscriptions.
Add in celebrity endorsement from Canadian recording artist Tory
Lanez, and the top esports athletes and influencers including YELO, and
the company has all the right ingredients to reach success.
A knowledgeable management team leading the way
Enthusiast’s skyrocketing success and popularity is catalyzed by
Menashe Kestenbaum, president of Enthusiast, who began his career in
video games when he was 13 years old, writing for IGN, a large gaming
media site. Kestenbaum launched his first gaming blog, called “Nintendo
Enthusiast,†in 2011, which subsequently became the foundation of
Enthusiast Gaming today.
Adrian Montgomery, CEO of Enthusiast, has also been instrumental in
Luminosity’s new partnership with Enthusiast. As ex-president of Canucks
Sports and Entertainment, Montgomery brings decades of knowledge about
sports and what it means to be a dedicated fan.
Steve Maida, president of esports at Enthusiast, built the popular
esports franchise from the ground up and was responsible for finding
talent like “Ninja,†one of the world’s top Fornite players.
With its merger between Aquilini GameCo and Luminosity completed,
Enthusiast Gaming is on the right path towards dominating the gaming
industry. Through its clear growth objectives, diverse revenue streams,
acquisitions, partnerships and more, the company is building a
world-class gaming company that cannot be replicated.
Investors should look forward to more company updates as Enthusiast continues to scale and add to its roster.
Tags: CSE, EA sports, egaming, esports, Fortnite, LOL, stocks, tsx, tsx-v Posted in Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. | Comments Off on The Gaming Industry is colossal with over a billion gamers worldwide, Enthusiast Gaming $EGLX.ca Aims to Be the largest vertically integrated gaming media and #Esports company in the world $EPY.ca $FDM.ca $WINR $TCEHF $ATVI $TNA.ca
The esports industry is growing at a rapid rate, and along with it is also a new form of gambling called “esports betting.â€
The esports betting industry is expected to continue to grow even more over the next couple of years, becoming a multibillion-dollar industry.
Bear in mind that unlike physical sports, which have a very large
fanbase and following, the esports betting industry has a very limited
audience. As a result, not too many people have an idea of what esports
betting is. Only those who follow the esports industry may have heard of
it.
So, What is Esports Betting?
For those who don’t know, esports is the shortened term for
electronic sports, which usually refer to competitive video gaming.
Playing competitive video games is not an entirely new concept. In fact,
a lot of gamers have been competing with one another ever since the
first gaming consoles have been released. What’s new is what we now call
esports betting, which is starting to attract the attention of many
gamblers from around the world.
Simply put, esports betting is a form of online gambling wherein you
put your money on a team or player that plays competitive video games.
As mentioned earlier, esports betting is a very huge business and it
is expected to become a multibillion-dollar industry soon as esports as a
whole continues to grow. As the world of video gaming can be very
competitive, there are now thousands of professional gamers from
different video games who compete with one another because of the prize.
And, when there is money, there is always gambling. With the rise of
this industry, you can now go to online esports betting sites such as Vulkanbet Esports to place your bets and gamble on-the-go.
How Esports Betting Works
Esports betting is completely different from physical sports
gambling. In esports betting, you are allowed to place a bet on a team
of professional gamers or on individual players who you think will win
the match or tournament.
However, since there are plenty of esports games, the betting system
and options are usually different from one another. Esports betting also
welcomes beginners who are not familiar with esports and offer them
with numerous betting opportunities.
Currently, the simplest betting option is to bet on an overall
winner. You simply place a bet on a team or player who you think will
win the match after you have carefully studied the odds. This is what
makes esports betting really interesting: you are given some betting
odds that will let you have a good idea of the match’s outcome or who
will win. You’ll need to learn how to study these odds before you bet if
you want to earn a lot of money from esports betting.
Types of Esports Betting
It’s challenging to identify the different types of bets on esports since they usually depend on the video game. For example, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO),
which is a fast-paced first-person shooter game, provides exciting
betting opportunities that allow you to place a bet on which team wins
the first round of the game.
On the other hand, DoTA 2,
a real-time strategy multiplayer online battle arena, allows you to
place a bet on which player or team kills Roshan (the most powerful
Neutral Creep in the map who’s considered to be a miniboss) first. These
bets are not dependent on which team wins the entire match, but on the
objectives achieved throughout the match.
Here are the three most common types of esports betting that you are usually offered by many betting sites:
Outrights Betting – These are bets that you are allowed
to place before the tournament or match starts. You bet on which team
will become the overall winner of the tournament, or which players
progress to the next stage of the event. You are also allowed to place
bets on teams or players who you think will be eliminated once the
tournament starts.
Match Winner – This is the most common type of bet in esports. You place a bet on a team or player who you think will win a single match.
Totals – This is the type of bet that is dependent on
stats. Here, you can place your bet on which team or player has the most
number of kills, maps or rounds played, total points, etc.
Conclusion
The future of esports betting looks very promising
as more and more people are getting into the exciting betting action of
video games. Whether you are new to esports or are an avid esports fan,
this is the perfect time for you to join the fun and excitement that
esports betting brings. Aside from that, you can potentially earn a lot
of money from it while enjoying some competitive video games at the same
time.
3rdFlix Visual Effects secures $5M funding led by Exfinity Ventures
ETtech
Hyderabad-based educational technology startup 3rdFlix Visual Effects has raised $5 million in a pre-Series A round led by Exfinity Ventures.
YourNest, IDFC Parampara and high net-worth individuals also participated in the funding round.
The startup plans to use the capital to expand the 6-12th grade segment and launch immersive and experiential content later this year
Founders (L-R) Subbarao Siddabattula, Charu Noheria and Ilangovel Thulasimani
Hyderabad-based educational technology startup 3rdFlix Visual Effects has raised $5 million in a pre-Series A round led by Exfinity Ventures. YourNest, IDFC Parampara and high net-worth individuals also participated in the funding round.
The
company plans to use the capital to expand the 6-12th grade segment and
launch immersive and experiential content later this year. It also aims
to launch in international markets, including the United States,
Africa, UAE, and Southeast Asia, in the next 18 months.
“With
amazing advancements in spatial computing, combined with artificial
intelligence, we are looking at a new era of intelligent, interactive
and immersive content that will change the way we learn,†said Subbarao
Siddabattula, Founder and CEO of 3rdFlix.
The startup, founded in
2014 by Siddabattula, Ilangovel Thulasimani and Charu Noheria, uses VFX
and technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence,
augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality to create life-like
intelligent shared experiences for enhanced learning. It focuses on
interactive and experiential learning to increase retention and
engagement levels among students.
The animation and VFX segment
grew 18.7% in FY19, to reach Rs 87.7 billion, mostly driven by animation
content on OTT platforms and rising demand from non-entertainment
sectors such as education and healthcare.
The sector is expected
to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 16% between FY19 and FY24
and reach Rs 184 billion, according to a report by KPMG.
