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iPhone and Android Users Warned to Limit Texting After Surge in AttacksReiterates Commitment to Investing in America to Lower Grocery Prices, Raise Associate Wages, and Support Local Communities Highlights Resilience of Value Creation Model and Strong Momentum to Drive Long-term, Sustainable Growth Board of Directors Authorizes $7.5B Share Repurchase Program including $5B Accelerated Share Repurchase CINCINNATI , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today terminated its merger agreement with Albertsons after the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a preliminary injunction to block the proposed merger. After reviewing options, the company determined it is no longer in its best interests to pursue the merger. "Kroger is moving forward from a position of strength. Our go-to-market strategy provides exceptional value and unique omnichannel experiences to our customers which powers our value creation model. We look forward to accelerating our flywheel to grow our alternative profit businesses and generate increased cash flows. The strength of our balance sheet and sustainability of our model allows us to pursue a variety of growth opportunities, including further investment in our store network through new stores and remodels, which will be an important part of our 8 – 11% TSR model over time," said Rodney McMullen , Kroger's Chairman and CEO. America's Grocer is Committed to Lowering Grocery Prices & Investing in Associates "Kroger has an extraordinary track record of investing in America," said McMullen. "We are at our best when we serve others – our customers, associates, and communities – and we take seriously our responsibility to provide great value by consistently lowering prices and offering more choices. When we do this, more customers shop with us and buy more groceries, which allows us to reinvest in even lower prices, a better shopping experience and higher wages. We know this model works because we've been doing it successfully for many years, and this is exactly what we will continue to do." Kroger's ongoing investments in America include: "I appreciate our associates who remained focused on taking care of our customers, communities and each other throughout the merger process," added McMullen. Share Repurchase Program Including Accelerated Share Repurchases Now that Kroger has terminated the merger agreement, the company is ready to deploy its capacity. With its strengthened balance sheet, Kroger will resume share repurchases after a more than two-year pause. Since announcing the merger, Kroger used its strong free cash flow and debt financing to build meaningful balance sheet capacity while maintaining its investment-grade rating. Kroger's Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $7.5 billion of common stock. The new repurchase authorization replaces Kroger's existing $1 billion authorization which was approved in September 2022 . Kroger intends to enter an accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") agreement for the repurchase of approximately $5 billion of common stock. "Our strong balance sheet and free cash flows position us to deliver on our commitment to grow the business and return capital to shareholders, maintaining capacity to invest in lower prices and higher associate wages," McMullen said. Kroger expects to continue to generate strong free cash flow and remains committed to its capital allocation priorities including maintaining its current investment grade debt rating, investing in the business to drive long-term sustainable net earnings growth, and returning excess free cash flow to shareholders via share repurchases and a growing dividend over time, subject to board approval. Looking forward, Kroger plans to host an Investor Day event in late spring of 2025 to share an update on its strategic priorities, future growth prospects and long-term financial outlook. Merger Debt Redemption In connection with the termination of the merger agreement, Kroger will begin the process of redeeming the $4.7 billion of its senior notes issued on August 27, 2024 , that include a special mandatory redemption provision in accordance with their terms. The notes will be redeemed at a redemption price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the special mandatory redemption date. Termination of Exchange Offers In connection with the termination of the merger agreement, Kroger has also elected to terminate its previously announced offers to exchange (collectively, the "Exchange Offers") any and all outstanding notes (the "ACI Notes") issued by Albertsons Companies, Inc., New Albertsons, L.P., Safeway Inc., Albertson's LLC, Albertsons Safeway LLC and American Stores Company, LLC (collectively, the "ACI Issuing Entities"), for up to $7,441,608,000 aggregate principal amount of new notes to be issued by Kroger and cash. Kroger has also elected to terminate the related solicitation of consents (the "Consent Solicitation" and, together with the Exchange Offer, the "Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation") on behalf of the ACI Issuing Entities to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the ACI Notes (the "ACI Indentures"). As a result of the Exchange Offer being terminated, the total consideration, including any consent fee, will not be paid or become payable to holders of the ACI Notes who have validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their ACI Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offer, and the ACI Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering holders. As a result of the Consent Solicitation being terminated, the proposed amendments to the ACI Indentures and the supplemental indentures previously entered into reflecting such proposed amendments will not become operative. About the Exchange Offers Global Bondholder Services Corporation served as exchange agent and information agent for the now terminated Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. You should direct questions and requests for assistance to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (855) 654-2015 (toll-free) or (212) 430-3774 (banks and brokers), or by email at contact@gbsc-usa.com . About Kroger At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are, across our family of companies nearly 414,000 associates who serve over eleven million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names , serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" about Kroger's financial position and the future performance of the company. These statements are based on management's assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. Such statements are indicated by words or phrases such as "achieve," "committed," "confidence," "continue," "deliver," "expect," "future," "guidance," "model," "outlook," "strategy," "target," "trends," "well-positioned," and variations of such words and similar phrases. Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in "Risk Factors" in our annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as the following: Kroger's ability to achieve sales, earnings, incremental FIFO operating profit, and adjusted free cash flow goals may be affected by: the termination of the merger agreement and our proposed transaction with Albertsons and related divestiture plan; labor negotiations; potential work stoppages; changes in the unemployment rate; pressures in the labor market; changes in government-funded benefit programs; changes in the types and numbers of businesses that compete with Kroger; pricing and promotional activities of existing and new competitors, and the aggressiveness of that competition; Kroger's response to these actions; the state of the economy, including interest rates, the inflationary, disinflationary and/or deflationary trends and such trends in certain commodities, products and/or operating costs; the geopolitical environment including wars and conflicts; unstable political situations and social unrest; changes in tariffs; the effect that fuel costs have on consumer spending; volatility of fuel margins; manufacturing commodity costs; supply constraints; diesel fuel costs related to Kroger's logistics operations; trends in consumer spending; the extent to which Kroger's customers exercise caution in their purchasing in response to economic conditions; the uncertainty of economic growth or recession; stock repurchases; changes in the regulatory environment in which Kroger operates, along with changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies; Kroger's ability to retain pharmacy sales from third party payors; consolidation in the healthcare industry, including pharmacy benefit managers; Kroger's ability to negotiate modifications to multi-employer pension plans; natural disasters or adverse weather conditions; the effect of public health crises or other significant catastrophic events; the potential costs and risks associated with potential cyber-attacks or data security breaches; the success of Kroger's future growth plans; the ability to execute our growth strategy and value creation model, including continued cost savings, growth of our alternative profit businesses, and our ability to better serve our customers and to generate customer loyalty and sustainable growth through our strategic pillars of fresh, our brands, personalization, and seamless; the successful integration of merged companies and new strategic collaborations; and the risks relating to or arising from our proposed nationwide opioid litigation settlement, including our ability to finalize and effectuate the settlement, the scope and coverage of the ultimate settlement and the expected financial or other impacts that could result from the settlement. Our ability to achieve these goals may also be affected by our ability to manage the factors identified above. Our ability to execute our financial strategy may be affected by our ability to generate cash flow. Kroger assumes no obligation to update the information contained herein unless required by applicable law. Please refer to Kroger's reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-reiterates-its-commitment-to-lower-prices-and-initiates-new-7-5b-share-buyback-program-302329493.html SOURCE The Kroger Co.buff alucard 。

Daily Post Nigeria EPL: Ndidi should have been sent off for foul on Cole Palmer – Howard Webb Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport EPL: Ndidi should have been sent off for foul on Cole Palmer – Howard Webb Published on December 11, 2024 By Ifreke Inyang PGMOL boss Howard Webb has admitted that Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi should have been shown a red card for a foul on Cole Palmer. Ndidi only received a yellow card for a high tackle on Palmer during their Premier League clash last month. The incident was reviewed by VAR, but they opted to stick with referee Andrew Madley’s on-field call. However, Webb has admitted that Ndidi was fortunate to escape a dismissal. “We’ve looked at this collectively, among the officials, talked about this, and we would prefer this to be dealt with a red card. We have to protect player safety,” Webb said. Palmer escaped serious injury as Chelsea won 2-1 at the King Power Stadium. Related Topics: Cole Palmer EPL Howard Webb ndidi Don't Miss NWFL: ‘We’re ready to reclaim title’ — River Angels’ Coach Blackson You may like EPL: Conte wants Napoli to sign another Man Utd star after McTominay EPL: Havertz will not win title for you – O’Hara hands Arsenal signing to make EPL: Man Utd in talks to sign 17-year-old left-back for Amorim EPL: Thierry Henry names his favourite player in current Arsenal squad EPL: I want people to say bad things about me – Chelsea’s Jackson EPL: It’s Messi-esque, what a talent – Gary Lineker gushes over Chelsea star Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdProtect Yourself: Essential tips to avoid crime this holiday seasonYour Esthetician-Approved Guide To Gift Giving

Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, GallupWhy are bullies so mean? A youth psychology expert explains what’s behind their harmful behavior

CLEVLEAND — Shane Bieber's comeback with Cleveland has double meaning. The former Cy Young winner re-signed with the Guardians on Wednesday, a reunion that seemed unlikely when he became a free agent. However, the 29-year-old Bieber decided to stay with the AL Central champions after making just two starts in 2024 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Bieber agreed last week to a one-year, $14 million contract. The deal includes a $16 million player option for 2026. It seemed like a long shot that Bieber, who is 62-32 with a 3.22 ERA in 132 starts, would return to Cleveland. He had turned down long-term offers in the past from the club, and it was expected he would sign with another contender, likely one on the West Coast. But the California native has a special connection with the Guardians, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. Bieber, who won the AL Cy Young in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, threw only 12 innings last season before lingering issues with his elbow forced him to have surgery. He is expected to join Cleveland's rotation at some point in 2025. A two-time All-Star, Bieber was named MVP of the midsummer event in 2019 when it was held in Cleveland. He has the highest strikeout ratio per nine innings (10.2) and third-highest winning percentage (.660) in the franchise's 124-year history. Bieber is one of just three Cleveland pitchers to start five season openers, joining Stan Coveleski (1917-21) and Corey Kluber (2015-19). While Bieber had some elbow issues in the past, he didn't show any issues before being shut down. He struck out 11 in six scoreless innings against Oakland on March 28, and followed that up with six more shutout innings at Seattle on April 2. DALLAS — Pitchers again dominated the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft at the winter meetings, comprising 11 of the 15 unprotected players who were picked Wednesday. The 121-loss Chicago White Sox had the first pick and selected 24-year-old right-hander Shane Smith from the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Smith was an undrafted free agent out of Wake Forest when he was signed by Milwaukee in July 2021. The 6-foot-4, 235-pounder has gone 13-7 with a 2.69 ERA and 203 strikeouts over 157 innings in 19 starts and 54 relief appearances over three minor league seasons. There were 14 teams who made picks in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft of players left off 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Only Atlanta made two selections, after making none since 2017. Atlanta chose right-hander Anderson Pilar from the Miami Marlins with the 11th pick, and then took infielder Christian Cairo from the Cleveland Guardians with the 15th and final pick in the MLB portion. The 26-year-old Pilar was original signed by Colorado as a minor league free agent in 2015 and has pitched in 213 minor league games that included 17 starts. He is 28-20 with a 2.86 ERA. Teams pay $100,000 to take a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the big league roster all of next season or clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000. Six of the 10 players selected during the Rule 5 draft last December — five of them right-handed pitchers — remained last season with organization that selected them. Two of the four position players taken Wednesday by other teams came from the Detroit Tigers organization: catcher Liam Hicks and third baseman Gage Workman. Miami drafted second after Colorado passed making a selection, and took Hicks. Workman was taken by the Chicago Cubs with the 10th pick. Baltimore lost two right-handed pitchers on back-to-back picks, Juan Nunez to San Diego with the 12th pick before Connor Thomas went to Milwaukee. DALLAS — Tom Hamilton, who has called Cleveland games on the radio for 35 seasons, won the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in broadcasting on Wednesday. Hamilton, 70, joined the team's broadcast in 1990, when he was with Herb Score in the booth and part of the coverage of their World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997. Hamilton became the voice of the franchise when Score retired after that second World Series. Hamilton will be honored during the Hall of Fame’s induction weekend from July 25-28 in Cooperstown, New York. He was selected the hall's Frick Award 16-member committee as the 49th winner. There were 10 finalists on this year's ballot, whose main contributions came as local and national voices and whose careers began after, or extended into, the Wild Card era. The other nine were Skip Caray, Rene Cardenas, Gary Cohen, Jacques Doucet, Ernie Johnson Sr., Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper, Dave Sims and John Sterling. DALLAS — The Texas Rangers acquired slugging corner infielder Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins on Wednesday in a trade for three minor league players. Burger hit .250 with 29 home runs and 76 RBIs in 137 games for the Marlins last season, with 150 strikeouts in 535 at-bats with 31 walks. He started 59 games at third base and made 50 starts at first. Five days of service time short of being eligible for salary arbitration this offseason, he will be eligible next winter and can become a free agent after the 2028 World Series. Miami got infielders Max Acosta and Echedry Vargas and left-handed pitcher Brayan Mendoza. The acquisition of Burger comes about a month after the Rangers hired former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker as a senior adviser for baseball operations. Luis Urueta, Miami's bench coach the past two seasons, also was added recently to manager Bruce Bochy's on-field coaching staff for 2025. BRIEFLY WHITE SOX: Mike Tauchman is switching sides in Chicago. The White Sox announced a $1.95 million, one-year contract for the outfielder. Tauchman, 34, grew up in Palatine, Illinois, about 35 miles northwest of Chicago, and played college ball for Bradley in Peoria, Illinois. He spent the previous two seasons with the Cubs. TRADE: All-Star left-hander Garrett Crochet was acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox for four prospects. Catcher Kyle Teel, infielder Chase Meidroth, right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez and outfielder Braden Montgomery are headed to Chicago. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Hey Zeus: a potential saviour for rural stroke patients

Maharashtra Congress Chief Nana Patole paid homage to Manmohan Singh, emphasizing he was a strong leader, not weak, as recognized worldwide. Addressing Singh's passing at age 92, Patole noted the international respect the former Prime Minister garnered. Manmohan Singh, lauded for ushering India into economic liberalization during the 1990s, was cremated with full state honors in New Delhi. His funeral witnessed attendance from top national and international dignitaries, and his daughter Upinder Singh lit the pyre at Nigambodh Ghat. A controversy emerged over Singh's memorial, with Congress accusing the BJP government of disrespect. The party highlighted the denial of a memorial plan at the funeral site, asserting BJP's deliberate slight against India's first Sikh Prime Minister. (With inputs from agencies.)Fort scores 27 in Samford's 97-90 victory over Alabama A&M

Share Tweet Share Share Email In an age where technology continues to redefine the boundaries of possibility, finance stands at the forefront of this revolution. Imagine a world where transactions are not only instantaneous but also transparent, secure, and devoid of intermediaries holding you back. Welcome to the era of smart contract platforms—a game-changing innovation that promises to streamline processes, enhance security, and unlock new levels of efficiency in financial transactions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how these futuristic technologies are transforming traditional finance landscapes and empowering businesses and individuals alike. Join us as we explore the myriad benefits of harnessing smart contracts in today’s digital marketplace—because when it comes to revolutionizing finance, the future is now! Introduction: Defining Smart Contract Platforms and Their Role in Finance In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, traditional systems are being challenged and transformed at an unprecedented pace. Enter smart contract platforms: digital agreements that automatically execute transactions when predetermined conditions are met. These innovative tools are revolutionizing the way we think about finance, offering a glimpse into a more efficient and transparent future. Imagine a world where complex financial processes can be simplified through automation, reducing the need for intermediaries while enhancing security and trust. This is not just a distant dream; it’s happening right now as businesses and consumers alike begin to harness the power of smart contracts. As we delve deeper into this exciting topic, you’ll discover how these platforms are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation while addressing age-old challenges in finance. Get ready to explore the incredible potential of smart contract platforms! The Potential Impact of Smart Contracts on the Financial Industry Smart contracts have the potential to revolutionize how transactions occur in finance. They eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and speeding up processes. This shift could lead to more efficient trading systems and streamlined settlements. With their inherent transparency, smart contracts can enhance trust among parties involved. Each transaction is recorded on a blockchain, creating an immutable history that stakeholders can verify independently. Moreover, automation reduces human error significantly. Routine tasks like compliance checks and payment processing can be handled seamlessly without manual intervention. Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms stand at the forefront of this transformation, allowing users unprecedented access to financial services without traditional bank constraints. Lastly, as regulatory frameworks adapt to accommodate these technologies, we could witness broader adoption across various sectors within finance. How Smart Contract Platforms Work: Understanding Automation and Transparency Smart contract platforms operate on blockchain technology, enabling self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code. This automation eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and processing times. When a predefined condition is met, the smart contract automatically triggers actions such as payments or data transfers. This level of automation ensures efficiency and minimizes human error. Transparency is another cornerstone of these platforms. All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, accessible to all parties involved. This visibility fosters trust among users since they can independently verify contract execution without relying on third-party validation. Moreover, once deployed, smart contracts cannot be altered easily. This immutability enhances security and accountability in financial dealings. The combination of automation and transparency creates an ecosystem where trust is built through technology rather than personal relationships alone. Real-Life Examples of Smart Contracts in Finance: Use Cases and Success Stories Smart contracts have made significant inroads into the financial sector, showcasing their potential through various applications. One prominent example is the use of smart contracts in trade finance. Companies can automate letter-of-credit processes, ensuring that funds are released only when preset conditions are met. This reduces fraud and speeds up transactions. Another exciting case involves insurance claims processing. Smart contracts can automatically trigger payouts based on verified data feeds, like weather reports for crop insurance. This efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also minimizes operational costs. In real estate, platforms are utilizing smart contracts to streamline property sales. Buyers and sellers engage directly without intermediaries, cutting down on fees while speeding up closing times. These scenarios illustrate just a few ways smart contract platforms are reshaping finance by enabling greater transparency and automation throughout various industries. The Benefits of Adopting Smart Contract Platforms for Businesses and Consumers Smart contract platforms offer a wave of benefits for both businesses and consumers. At their core, they enhance efficiency by automating processes. This reduces the need for intermediaries, cutting down costs and speeding up transactions. Transparency is another crucial advantage. Each transaction recorded on a blockchain is visible to all parties involved, fostering trust. Businesses can confidently engage with clients knowing that terms are immutable and accessible. Additionally, these platforms improve security significantly. Smart contracts use cryptographic techniques to protect sensitive information against tampering or fraud. For consumers, the user experience often improves as well. They enjoy quicker service delivery without unnecessary delays typically caused by manual checks or approvals. Moreover, smart contracts enable innovative business models such as decentralized finance (DeFi). This opens new avenues for investment opportunities and financial services tailored specifically to individual needs. Potential Challenges and Risks to Consider When Implementing Smart Contract Platforms While the advantages of smart contract platforms are compelling, there are challenges to address. One significant concern is security. Vulnerabilities in code can lead to exploitation and substantial financial losses. Another risk involves regulatory uncertainty. Governments worldwide are still figuring out how to classify and regulate these technologies. This lack of clarity can create hurdles for businesses looking to adopt them. Additionally, integration with existing systems poses a challenge. Organizations may face compatibility issues when merging traditional processes with blockchain technology. Finally, there’s the human factor. Misunderstanding smart contracts’ complexities can result in mistakes during deployment or execution, undermining potential benefits. Addressing these risks requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of both technology and legal frameworks involved in this evolving landscape. Leading Platforms in the Market: A Comparison and Analysis When exploring smart contract platforms, several key players stand out in the financial landscape. Ethereum is often regarded as a pioneer, offering robust functionality and a vast developer community. Its flexibility allows for complex contracts but can lead to scalability issues. Then there’s Binance Smart Chain (BSC), which gained traction due to its lower transaction fees and faster processing times. BSC blends ease of use with efficient performance, attracting both developers and businesses looking for cost-effective solutions. Cardano offers a more research-driven approach, focusing on sustainability and security through rigorous peer-reviewed protocols. This differentiates it from other platforms that prioritize speed over reliability. Solana has emerged as an exciting contender with lightning-fast transactions and high throughput capabilities. It caters primarily to applications requiring rapid data transfer without compromising security. Each platform presents unique advantages tailored for different business needs within finance, making careful evaluation essential before adoption. Steps to Incorporating Smart Contracts into Business Processes Incorporating smart contracts into business processes begins with identifying areas where automation can add value. Evaluate your current workflows and pinpoint repetitive tasks that could benefit from increased efficiency. Next, engage stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the potential of smart contracts. This awareness fosters collaboration and support throughout the implementation process. Choose a suitable platform that aligns with your organization’s needs. Research various options, considering factors like scalability, security, and user-friendliness. Then, start small by creating pilot projects. Test these smart contracts in controlled environments to assess their functionality before full-scale deployment. Training is vital for success; equip your team with the knowledge needed to manage these new systems effectively. Continuous evaluation will help you refine processes over time and adapt as technology evolves. By taking measured steps towards integration, businesses can fully harness the power of smart contract platforms for enhanced productivity and transparency. Future Outlook: Predictions for the Evolution of Smart Contract Platforms in Finance The landscape of finance is poised for transformation as smart contract platforms continue to evolve. As adoption increases, we can expect enhanced interoperability among different blockchain networks. This will allow seamless transactions and data sharing across platforms. Artificial intelligence integration could lead to even smarter contracts that adapt in real-time based on external conditions. Imagine a financial agreement automatically adjusting terms according to market fluctuations or regulatory changes. User experience will improve dramatically. Simplified interfaces and user-friendly applications may make it easier for businesses and consumers alike to engage with these technologies. Regulatory frameworks are also likely to catch up, providing clearer guidelines around the use of smart contracts. This clarity could boost confidence among enterprises considering implementation. As we look ahead, it’s evident that the synergy between technology and finance will create unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the industry. Embracing the Digital Transformation of Finance Through Smart Contracts The finance industry stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, driven by the innovative capabilities of smart contract platforms. These technologies are not just reshaping traditional processes; they are establishing a new paradigm characterized by enhanced automation and transparency. As businesses and consumers increasingly adopt these platforms, they unlock numerous benefits. From reducing costs associated with intermediaries to improving transaction speed and security, the advantages are compelling. Moreover, real-life success stories demonstrate their potential across various financial services. However, as with any technological advancement, it’s crucial to consider potential challenges and risks. Issues related to regulatory compliance or system vulnerabilities must be navigated carefully for successful implementation. With several leading platforms entering the market, companies have access to powerful tools designed to facilitate this transition seamlessly. By integrating smart contracts into business processes, organizations position themselves favorably in an evolving landscape. Looking ahead, predictions suggest that smart contract technology will continue its upward trajectory within finance—enhancing everything from everyday transactions to complex financial instruments. The path forward is clear: embracing this digital transformation can lead not only to greater efficiency but also create new opportunities for innovation in finance. The journey toward fully leveraging smart contract platforms is just beginning but promises exciting possibilities that could redefine how we think about money and trust in our economic systems. Conclusion Smart contract platforms have the potential to revolutionize the finance industry with their numerous benefits. From increased security and transparency to faster and more efficient transactions, these platforms offer a plethora of advantages for individuals and businesses alike. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies to consider adopting smart contract platforms in order to remain competitive in the ever-evolving financial landscape. With its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, embracing this innovative technology could lead to a more streamlined and secure future for all parties involved Related Items: automation , finance , Smart contract Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Maximize Your Budget: Top Trends in Digital Expense Management Solutions Navigating Trump’s Second Term: Why a Skilled Financial Planner Is Essential Islamic FinTech: Adapting Financial Technology to Sharia Compliance CommentsAfter a 24% rise last year and a 27% increase in 2024 (as of Dec. 16), the S&P 500 is currently in record territory. While this has worked out extremely well for investors who have already put money to work, it could potentially be discouraging for those who have been on the sidelines. But I don't think there's any reason to worry. Investors can still find compelling opportunities out there. In fact, here's one dominant tech enterprise that looks like the ultimate growth stock to buy with $1,000 right now. Finding so many ways to grow Companies that exhibit solid growth prospects usually benefit from having very favorable conditions in the end markets they operate in. But here's where tech juggernaut Amazon ( AMZN 0.73% ) stands out. This business has multiple secular trends working in its favor, making it a great growth stock. Perhaps there's no segment that draws as much investor attention as Amazon Web Services (AWS), the industry-leading cloud computing platform. Last quarter, AWS saw revenue increase 19% year over year, continuing a streak of solid double-digit gains. The developments taking place in artificial intelligence (AI), and the interest that many businesses have to leverage this technology, is also helping AWS. AWS has various products and services that offer AI-related tools. This makes the platform critical to its customer base, as they all will depend on AWS even more as time passes. Every investor knows that Amazon has long dominated the e-commerce industry. It went from selling only books online to now offering up vehicles on the marketplace. Given that physical retail still represents 84% of commerce in the U.S., there is certainly a long runway in this sector for Amazon to further capture. Investors might not be familiar with the fact that Amazon generated $14.3 billion from ad services in the third quarter. That figure was up 19% compared to the third quarter of 2023. According to Grand View Research, the global digital ad market is going to increase at a 15.5% compound annual rate through the rest of this decade, giving Amazon another growth driver. Amazon has historically won over investors precisely because it was never short on finding ways to grow its sales. However, the company has recently been increasing its earnings at a remarkable pace, thanks to management's intense focus on keeping costs under control. Operating income jumped 55% to $17.4 billion last quarter. Competitive strengths Investors might be drawn to earlier-stage and faster-growing enterprises than Amazon. But these businesses usually lack any durable competitive strengths. Again, here's where Amazon is able to stand out. It has advantages that help it defend against the threat of disruption. The first notable strength comes from the company's massive scale, which results in cost advantages. Amazon's sprawling logistics footprint, coupled with the huge number of products it sells, leads to lower costs when shipping goods. In other words, its revenue is so high that it can better leverage the sizable investments it makes in its supply chain. Amazon also benefits from positive feedback loops throughout its entire sprawling business empire. "When we win a Golden Globe, it helps us sell more shoes," founder Jeff Bezos said in 2016. He's talking about how the success of the company's streaming service, Prime Video, could lead to more Prime members. And once they realize the other benefits being a Prime member has, these consumers will start spending more money on Amazon.com. This, in turn, could result in greater ad revenue. It's a powerful virtuous cycle. Amazon's valuation In the past two decades, shares of Amazon have skyrocketed 11,260%, crushing the broader market indexes by incredible margins. And the current market cap sits at $2.4 trillion. I wouldn't blame you if you think that it might be too late to become a shareholder. However, a quick look at the valuation indicates it's not too late. As of this writing, the stock can be purchased at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 45.4. Given that consensus analyst estimates call for earnings per share to increase at a 37.6% yearly clip between 2023 and 2026, Amazon still looks like a smart buying opportunity today that justifies paying that valuation.

Strategic hire underscores Assembly's commitment to bolstering its leadership team to deliver best-in-class services and results for its clients. NEW YORK , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Assembly, a leading global marketing agency within the Stagwell (STGW) network, today announced the appointment of Josh Berman as Executive Vice President, Assembly Lead. Earlier this year, Assembly unveiled a new operating structure with teams organized into 'Assemblies' based on geography and industry sector. Based in New York , Berman will co-lead Assembly East, focusing on deepening brand relationships, driving innovation, and providing more rigor, expertise, and growth for clients. Berman brings 15 years of media industry experience to Assembly. Most recently, as Managing Partner and Client Lead at Wavemaker, he led media planning and buying for a major Church & Dwight brand and contributed to global product development initiatives, leveraging data and technology to craft effective marketing solutions. Over his career, Josh has partnered with marquee brands across various industries, including Citi, Campbell's , IKEA, Tiffany & Co., Amgen, Marriott, and AT&T. Berman's appointment is part of Assembly's ongoing growth efforts, ensuring that the agency remains at the forefront of the industry and continues to meet clients' evolving needs. "Our clients get the best of both worlds—an agency big enough to lead yet small enough to care—which means each client receives the attention, dedicated leadership, and prioritization the industry and clients are demanding," said Rick Acampora , Global CEO of Assembly. "Josh's extensive experience in media strategy, analytics, client leadership, and innovation, coupled with his ability to fuse media and creative to unlock and accelerate brand performance, will be instrumental as we continue to elevate and find the change that fuels growth for our clients. We are thrilled to have him join our team." Berman's role is effective immediately. ABOUT ASSEMBLY Assembly is a leading global omnichannel media agency that merges data, talent, and technology to catalyze growth for the world's most esteemed brands. Our holistic approach weaves together compelling brand narratives with a comprehensive suite of global media capabilities, driving performance and fostering significant business expansion. Our initiatives are powered by STAGE, our proprietary operating system, and executed by a dedicated global team of over 2,300 professionals across 35 offices worldwide. Committed to purposeful action, Assembly leads the way in social and environmental impact within the agency realm. As a proud member of Stagwell, the challenger network designed to revolutionize marketing, Assembly continues to set new standards of excellence. For more information, please visit assemblyglobal.com . Contact Mariana Delacqua mariana.delacqua@assemblyglobal.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/josh-berman-joins-assembly-as-evp-assembly-lead-in-north-america-302337752.html SOURCE Assembly