Small-Cap Investor Forum

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TRBO Solid Company Looking To Bounce At These Levels!

[ESTATE GURU]

RLBD looks good again , been going steady for a while

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Simply Innovative Products (SMPI) On Alert

[MissionIR]

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MNTA) is “One to Watch”

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTA) is a biotechnology company focused on the development of generic versions of complex drugs. The company is in the business of discovering and developing new therapies for oncology and autoimmune indications. Currently, the company has four products still in the development stage (hsIVIg, M230, five biosimilar programs, and M834), two in clinical stage one trials (M281 and M923), one in the process of being BLA and NDA accepted (40 mg/ml COPAXONE®), and two already being sold at market (LOVENOX® and 20 mg/ml COPAXONE®).

Most recently, the company announced positive top-line phase III results for M923, a biosimilar HUMIRA® which is used in patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Out of all the subjects who took part in the study, 75% showed a reduction in the psoriasis area and the severity index (PASI-75) was equal between both M923 and HUMIRA® after the 16-week treatment. Although the drug has been developed and commercialized by both MNTA and Baxter Bioscience, now part of Shire, MNTA is expected to take over M923 in order for Shire to continue its focus on treating patients with rare diseases.

Aegis Capital Corp. (http://dtn.fm/b20Re), initiated coverage on the company on November 22, 2016, giving MNTA a ‘Hold’ rating with a price target of $15 based on the fact that the commercial launch of 40 mg Glatopa (a generic equivalent of COPAXONE®) is not expected for 2017 and that phase III trial results had not yet been disclosed. With these now showing promising results, it is worth noting that Aegis Capital Corp. stated, “If positive the M923 timeline has the potential to include a submission for marketing approval around mid-2017”.

According to Baseball News Source (http://dtn.fm/Pat6b), Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been on the radar for many analysts, receiving a consensus rating of ‘Buy’ from the 10 analysts covering the stock. The average price target from brokers for the next year is $16, with one research analyst giving the company a ‘Sell’ rating, three giving it a ‘Hold’ rating, and six offering a ‘Buy’ recommendation. Analysts included Stifel Nicolaus, Maxim Group, Zacks Investment Research, Cowen and Company, and Aegis Capital Corp., among others.

In addition to the above, a number of investors have recently changed their stakes in the company’s stock. Pacad Investment Ltd., Jane Street Group LLC, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd., Profund Advisors LLC, and Cornerstone Capital Management Holdings LLC acquired new stakes in Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc., all of which were worth more than $100,000 individually. Hedge funds and investors now own approximately 85% of MNTA’s stock.

Momenta reported its financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 early last month. For the nine-month period, the company reported total revenue of just over $75 million, which included just under $59 million in revenues from Sadoz’s sale of Glatopa®. Recently, the company traded up by more than 0.70%, reaching $14.15 per share. As of the end of September, Momenta had cash and cash equivalents of $309 million. The company has a market cap of $975.74 million with revenue up 2067.7%, as compared to the same time last year.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.momentapharma.com

[MissionIR]

Fortress Biotech, Inc. (FBIO) set to Profit from Profuse Product Portfolio

Fortress Biotech, Inc. (NASDAQ: FBIO) is not putting all its eggs in one basket. This is a biopharmaceutical company with multiple revenue streams and a profuse product portfolio so diversified that Harry Markowitz, the father of modern portfolio theory, might tip his hat to the way the company has sought to mitigate developmental risks. Fortress’ diverse product pipeline also gives it multiple shots at hitting its financial goals, increased by the symbiotic relationship between development areas. The research platforms are structured so that success in one area is likely to add impetus to another.

Fortress is parent to a group of companies dedicated to acquiring, developing and commercializing novel pharmaceutical and biotechnology products. The company plans to develop and commercialize products that it acquires both directly and indirectly by establishing subsidiary companies, also known as Fortress Companies. The company will then leverage its biopharmaceutical business expertise and drug development capabilities to help the Fortress Companies achieve their goals. Additionally, Fortress will provide funding and management services to each of the Fortress Companies, and, from time to time, the company and the Fortress Companies will seek licensing, partnerships, joint ventures, and/or public and private financing to accelerate and provide additional funding to support their research and development programs.

The current pipeline ranges over products in various stages of development. Still in the pre-clinical stage are programs for oncolytic virus (a virus to destroy cancer cells); the CK-103 BET Inhibitor, also directed at cancer; and at least five others.

At the phase I/II stage, Fortress and its subsidiaries have at least a dozen programs underway. These include N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (ManNAc) Triplex for kidney disease and GNE myopathy, CNDO-109 and CD123 CAR for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and CEVA101 for adult and pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI).

This year, under subsidiary Journey Medical Corporation (JMC), the company took four products, Targatox, Dermasorb, Ceracade and Luxamend, to market. In July 2016, JMC received FDA approval to manufacture Targadox™, its product for the treatment of severe acne. Sales commenced in October 2016. During the second quarter of 2016, JMC began sales of “Journey” branded products including Luxamend®, its prescription wound cream, and Ceracade™, its emollient for the treatment of various types of dermatitis. At the end of the third quarter (September 30, 2016), JMC product sales had reached $1.8 million, a sign of very good things to come.

Several analysts have taken notice. The Cerbat Gem (http://dtn.fm/kd16B) reports that ‘Fortress Biotech Inc. stock had its “buy” rating reaffirmed by stock analysts at FBR & Co in a note issued to investors on November 18.’ On October 3, Roth Capital initiated coverage of Fortress, setting a ‘Buy’ rating and a price target of $9.00. In addition, Zacks Investment Research raised Fortress Biotech from a ‘Hold’ rating to a ‘Buy’ rating and set a $3.00 price objective for the company in a research report issued on September 20th. Fortress stock currently trades at around $2.30 on the NASDAQ under the symbol FBIO.

For more information, visit www.fortressbiotech.com

[MissionIR]

Akebia Therapeutics (AKBA) ‘Buy’ Rating Reiterated with Higher Stock Price Target of $18

Akebia Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKBA), a biopharma company that focuses on the development of innovative treatments for chronic kidney disease-related anemia, is maintaining its ‘Buy’ rating, with a recommended stock price target of $18 compared to the current $8.90, according to an Aegis Capital Corp. report (http://dtn.fm/2z8XE) released on November 15. The rating and suggested stock price were based on discounted cash flow analysis and the estimated 2016-2022 EBITDA, with a discount rate of eight percent, the report said.

The analysis also assumed a 60 percent probability of clinical success for Akebia’s lead product candidate Vadadustat, currently in development as an oral treatment for anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. The treatment was developed based on hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) and more specifically based on a novel action mechanism called HIF Prolyl-hydroxylase inhibition. It was designed to help regulate hemoglobin levels by activating red blood cell production in a way that mimics the human body’s natural adjustments when exposed to the lower oxygen levels of higher altitudes.

Vadadustat is currently in phase III trials, after encouraging results were reported during phase II testing. The first trial is called PRO2ECT and is focused on non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease patients, with 3,100 patients expected to enroll by the second half of 2017. The second phase III trial is called INNO2VATE and targets dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients, with 2,600 patients to enroll by the first half of 2018. Both trials have been vetted and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to Aegis Capital, Akebia’s current cash and cash equivalents of $163 million, as reported by the company in its Q32016 results, should be sufficient to fund operations through the second quarter of 2017. The estimate did not include cash from the company’s Asian distributor, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (OTC: MTZPY), or possible contributions from a potential EU partner. The valuation was based solely on estimated Vadadustat sales of approximately $515 million by 2022, the report said. As for Akebia’s Q32016 results, the analysis underlines that they were in line with estimates, with a $0.96 loss per share amounting to $36.3 million.

Akebia entered a partnership agreement with Japan’s Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation in December 2015, under which the latter was provided with exclusive Vadadustat development and commercialization rights in Japan and Asia. In exchange, Akebia is receiving funding for phase III trials of the therapy, being eligible to receive up to $350 million. So far, the Japanese company paid a $100 million milestone. According to Aegis Capital, Akebia is looking for a similar agreement with an EU corporation, and it is very likely for a European partnership to become reality in early 2017.

Reiterating a ‘Buy’ rating with a stock price target of $18, Aegis Capital analysts also outlined the risks of which potential Akebia investors should be aware. The report identified a series of typical risks associated with investments into healthcare companies such as regulatory, R&D and manufacturing risks, as well as specific risks derived from investing in Akebia, such as intense competition, pricing and reimbursement pressure, potential multiple binary events, the fact that the company has no history of profitability and that more funds might be required to actually develop and commercialize its therapies successfully.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.akebia.com

[MissionIR]

National Waste Management Holdings, Inc. (NWMH) Plans Further Growth with Targeted Acquisitions

In its latest quarterly report (10-Q), National Waste Management Holdings (OTC: NWMH), a solid waste management company headquartered in central Florida, demonstrated impressive growth. The company is currently running at full speed to achieve its stated objective of becoming a leading national solid waste company through organic growth and acquisitions. Revenues for the third quarter ended September 2016 were stellar at $1.8 million, rising by 269 percent over the third quarter 2015 figure of $0.5 million. Revenues for the nine-month period ended September 2016 were $4.9 million, representing similar growth over 2015 same period revenues of $1.3 million. Now with an aggressive acquisition strategy on the cards, National Waste Management Holdings is set to expand further.

At present, four major acquisition initiatives are planned. The one likely to be executed first is for the construction and demolition (C&D) and Class III Transfer Station in Port Richey, Florida, and due diligence on the deal has already commenced. This facility is centrally located between the company’s Hernando, Florida, landfill and its roll-off operations in Odessa, Florida, which became part of NWMH when Gateway Rolloff Services, LP was acquired.

The acquisition of a cardboard and paper recycling facility in Mulberry, Florida, is also in the offing. Successful completion of this deal, which will include roll-off services, will expand NWMH’s footprint throughout the Lakeland, Florida, area and move the company closer to the Orlando market. Also in Florida, a search is in progress for the acquisition of an industrial-permitted five-acre site meant to be used as a transfer station.

A paper shredding facility in Kingston, New York, is also being considered for possible acquisition. This facility would open NWMH to a large market stretching from New York City to Albany. Due diligence on all of these possible acquisitions is underway.

At present, National Waste Management Holdings operates as a vertically integrated waste management company. The company offers landfill, transfer station, garbage collection and container services for both commercial entities and residential customers in Central Florida and Upstate New York. NWMH’s Sunshine State markets include Citrus, Hernando, and Marion Counties.

Since it began operations, National Waste Management Holdings has disposed of, on average, 200,000 cubic yards of construction debris at its 54-acre landfill facility. The company commenced business with just one roll-off truck but now operates 14 roll-off trucks and approximately 800 containers. In addition, since 2000, the company has been contracted with Citrus County Solid Waste Management landfill to back-up its roll-off trucks. In its quest for national expansion, National Waste Management Holdings is wasting no time.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.nationalwastemgmt.com

[MissionIR]

Zogenix, Inc. (ZGNX) Develops Orphan Drug for Dravet Syndrome Epilepsy

Zogenix, Inc (NASDAQ: ZGNX) is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of therapies for central nervous system disorders that address specific clinical needs for people living with orphan diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, ZX008, is currently being evaluated for the treatment of one such disease – Dravet Syndrome.

Despite the name, orphan diseases affect adults as well. The soubriquet ‘orphan disease’ arose because pharmaceutical companies showed no interest in ‘adopting’ them due to their comparatively small market size. However, the Orphan Drug Act (ODA) of 1983 created financial incentives for drug and biologics manufacturers to devote resources to developing treatments for such diseases, including tax credits for costs of clinical research, government grant funding, and assistance for clinical research. Most importantly, the FDA promised to give a seven-year period of marketing exclusivity to the sponsor of an orphan-designated product who first obtains market approval for that indication.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare genetic epileptic encephalopathy (brain disorder) that, typically, begins during the first year of life. Up until 1989, the condition was referred to as either epilepsy with polymorphic seizures, polymorphic epilepsy in infancy (PMEI) or severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI).

In June, Zogenix initiated the second phase III clinical trial, a multi-national study, of ZX008 as an adjunctive treatment of seizures in children with Dravet Syndrome. ZX008 is designated as an orphan drug in both the U.S. and Europe, and received Fast Track designation in the U.S. for the treatment of Dravet syndrome.

Zogenix is also exploring the efficacy of ZX008 (Fenfluramine) in treating Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). LGS is a particularly debilitating type of epilepsy that, in many cases, impairs intellectual development. Sufferers exhibit different types of seizures, particularly tonic (stiffening) and atonic (drop) seizures. Although LGS accounts for only two to five percent of childhood epilepsies, its seizures are hard to control and require life-long treatment.

Interim data from that efficacy study will be presented at a poster session, or presentation of research information or findings, on December 3 at the 70th Annual Meeting of the American Epilepsy Society. Data covering eight weeks from the open label dose finding study will be made public in a presentation entitled ‘Effectiveness and Tolerability of Low Dose Fenfluramine (ZX008) in Lennox Gastaut Syndrome: A Pilot, Open-Label Dose Finding Study’.

A recent report from Aegis Capital (http://dtn.fm/V1JFd) has put a price target of $28.00 on Zogenix. The stock is currently trading at about $12.80 on the NASDAQ under the symbol ZGNX. The current valuation of $329.8 million based on outstanding shares of 24.8 million at $13.30, the market price at November 23, is based on an 80 percent chance of success in the clinical development process of ZX008 for the treatment of Dravet Syndrome.

For more information, visit www.zogenix.com

[MissionIR]

Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc. (MTNB) is “One to Watch”

Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: MTNB), is a biopharmaceutical company still in its clinical stages, focused on identifying and developing treatments for fungal and bacterial infections. Founded in 2012, the company’s goal is to change the way in which potent medicines are delivered and administered, with the aim of giving both physicians and patients better, safer, and more effective solutions to fight these infections.

MTNB is working toward unique benefits through its lead drug candidates, MAT2501 and MAT2203. These benefits include oral administration and bioavailability, multi-organ protection, and targeted delivery directly to the infected areas. MAT2501 is used to treat gram negative bacterial infections, and MAT2203 is a drug used in patients with refractory mucocutaneous candidiasis.

Most recently, the company announced that it has started enrollment and that the first group of patients have been dosed in its phase II clinical study of MAT2203. The phase II study is a randomized, multicenter, evaluator blinded study for which approximately 75 patients will be enrolled. In addition, the company is in the process of evaluating the drug in a phase IIa open label dose titration study. The study is being undertaken to establish whether or not the drug is efficient, safe, and tolerable for patients with a long standing or recurrent mucocutaneous candidiasis infection.

As a result of this progression, Aegis Capital Corp. (http://dtn.fm/6twE7) recently updated the company to a ‘Buy’ rating with a target price of $8 per share based on its estimated FY2022 EPS of $2.55 per share. This news came after the company reported that its coming milestones for the phase II study of MAT2203 and phase I study of MAT2501 are on schedule. However, Aegis is not the only one to review Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc.

Earlier this month, Maxim Group (http://dtn.fm/U33oS) initiated coverage on Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc., offering the company a ‘Buy’ rating. In addition to these reports, MarketExclusive.com (http://dtn.fm/8JMoT) stated that if the company succeeds in its phase II trial, it could take over Gilead’s $350 million market for its own version of the drug. According to a report from The Cerbat Gem Market News and Analysis (http://dtn.fm/UOh4i), MTNB has been trading at approximately $1.54 per share with a trading volume of 25,525 shares. The company’s market cap stands at $88.23 million.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.MatinasBioPharma.com

[MissionIR]

Monaker Group, Inc. (MKGI) and Recruiter.com Announce Launch of Custom Travel Rewards Club

Before the opening bell, Monaker Group, Inc. (OTCQB: MKGI) announced the launch of a new travel service and loyalty program as part of its ongoing partnership with Recruiter.com, a leading global recruiting service and job market technology platform. According to the news release, the new travel program, which will be available to qualified Recruiter.com members at no additional cost, is designed to give these individuals access to a variety of special member benefits, including discounted travel and vacation packages offering a “best price” promise, customizable options to build trips with friends and associates, complimentary flight insurance, access to fast pass visa and passport services and exclusive savings on luxury travel and experiences.

“Monaker is committed to integrating real-time vacation home rentals into the main stream travel sector,” Bill Kerby, chairman and chief executive officer of Monaker, stated in this morning’s news release. “To accomplish this with the Recruiter travel program, we have integrated the Monaker Booking Engine for our vacation home rentals along with partnering with ‘best of breed’ travel partners to deliver an exceptionally strong travel product and service offerings to Recruiter.com’s millions of business and leisure travelers in their addressable membership base.”

The new program also features a premium upgrade package, which is expected to provide a sustainable revenue source benefitting both Monaker and Recruiter.com moving forward. Features available through the premium package include concierge services, airport lounge access, baggage rebate, best rates on cruises and hotels, private medi-jet service, and great deals on vacation rentals not typically available to the public. For Monaker, the premium upgrade, as well as the free travel program, is expected to provide an “exceptionally strong channel” to deliver the company’s Maupintour travel services to a previously untapped market.

“The demographics of our members suggest they have high demand for both business and leisure travel,” Miles Jennings, chief executive officer of Recruiter.com, added in the news release. “As a known innovator in the employment arena, we saw the ability to be a first mover by delivering a specialized travel platform that offers value and convenience. Our partners at Monaker Group have helped develop an outstanding technology platform that bundles together an incredible array of travel services and products.”

In addition to demonstrating the synergies between the two parties, the new Recruiter.com travel program represents an opportunity for Monaker to increase its presence in the global travel market. Recruiter.com’s highly-engaged membership base features hundreds of high-profile clients and employers, including chief information officers, project managers, chief financial officers and chief marketing officers of companies operating around the globe. Additionally, the job market technology platform boasts a social media following of more than 2.8 million people.

Recruiter.com members can start taking advantage of the travel savings and member-only benefits offered through the innovative loyalty program today. To learn more, check out the new travel club at https://travel.recruiter.com.

For more information, visit www.MonakerGroup.com

[MissionIR]

Dynagas LNG Partners LP (DLNG) is “One to Watch”

According to a past article on MarketWatch (http://dtn.fm/ruK1O), after the Fukushima nuclear disaster there was an increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand in 2012. This meant that the LNG carrier fleet was operating at a 98% utilization rate. These numbers eventually decreased due to the delay of several liquefaction projects and slowing LNG demand in Asia, but things have since been looking up. Australia and North America will see the addition of significant liquefaction capacity over the next few years. According to the original article, this is expected to increase spending on LNG carriers for supply transportation, with a market boost due to the need for more flexibility in the LNG fleet.

For companies such as Dynagas LNG Partners LP (NYSE: DLNG), this is good news. The company is a growth oriented partnership that operates liquefied natural gas carriers employed on multi-year charters. As well as conventional LNG shipping, DLNG aims to focus its efforts on a fleet that is equipped for trading flexibility, including some of the coldest, sub-zero areas in the world.

Most recently, the company released its results for the third quarter of 2016, showing an increase of distributable cash flow from $23 million during the first three months to over $68 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Not only this, net income rose from just over $17 million to $51.4 million in less than a year, with adjusted net income coming in at just under $57 million in the first nine months of 2016. Earnings per common unit grew from $0.44 to $1.30 in the six-month period, and adjusted earnings per common unit went from just under $0.50 to $1.45.

The company also entered into a new long-term charter agreement with Gazprom Marketing & Trading Singapore Pte Ltd. The agreement allows DLNG to employ the company’s 2007-built 150,000 cbm steam turbine LNG carrier, Clean Energy. This new partnership is expected to start in mid-2018 and continue for a duration of seven years and nine months. During this period, the agreement is expected to generate over $130 million in gross contracted revenues.

In addition to the above, the partnership agreed to cut down the charter hire rate on two existing contracts, Yenisei River and Lena River, both of which were built in 2013. As of this month, the contracted revenues will be reduced by just under $9 million for the Yenisei River and closer to $10 million for the Lena River over the remainder of the current charter terms. CEO of the partnership, Tony Lauritzen, reported that these new charter arrangements increase the partnership’s contracted backlog to around $1.6 billion.

According to a recent article published by Engelwood Daily (http://dtn.fm/0QnNN), Wall Street released predictions that DLNG’s earnings per share will be $0.41 by the time the company releases its earning at the end of February 2017. Price targets released by Wall Street range from $9 to $18, and, according to the ABR ranking, where one represents a ‘Strong Buy’ and five is a ‘Strong Sell’, the company now has an ABR of two, representing a ‘Buy’ rating.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.dynagaspartners.com

[MissionIR]

Monaker Group, Inc. (MKGI) Building Innovative Travel Products for Work and Play

For six decades, Monaker Group (OTCQB: MKGI) has catered to leisure travelers seeking to book “vacations of a lifetime” or find “travel made easy” options. Along the way, the company has gained the knowledge and experience to be considered an industry-leading, technology-driven travel company. Now, equipped with decades of experience and leveraging over 60 years of operation in leisure travel, Monaker is expanding its reach to business travel, using the full resources of its multiple brands and divisions to offer novel travel products to executives and professionals traveling for work.

Over the years, management has combined vital partnerships and established travel brands to form foundation stones that support Monaker’s corporate goal: to expand its offerings until it becomes the “one stop” vacation center.

NextTrip.com, an online marketplace for the alternative lodging rental (ALR) industry, is one of those key travel brands that Monaker has developed for the leisure traveler. With this flagship product, Monaker introduced to the ALR industry the first booking engine to feature alternative and specialty lodging (e.g. vacation home rentals, resort residences and unused timeshares) side by side with a wide selection of airlines, hotels, cruises, rental cars, destination tours/activities and concierge services. What’s more, all of NextTrip.com’s services are offered under a single platform that gives travel customers the power to choose exactly when they want to book their vacations.

Monaker is now extending that power to corporate travelers, starting with the development of a custom travel club offering for the members of Recruiter.com – an online global recruiting and career service with its own industry-leading technology platform. One of the most influential career sites around, Recruiter.com boasts of a highly engaged membership base and manages a social media following of more than 2.8 million people while matching top talent to top jobs. In April 2016, Monaker signed on to help it create the Recruiter.com Travel Club, a powerful new incentive to be added to the Recruiter.com Rewards Program and offered to the site’s current members and followers.

With this partnership, Recruiter.com is counting on Monaker offering its Travel Club members personalized travel and lifestyle offerings, including highly-discounted travel and vacation packages as well as special benefits such as concierge support, exclusive experiences and premium upgrades. Monaker, on the other hand, is counting on the partnership to open up another distribution line for its ALR inventory and other business and vacation travel products within its portfolio.

It has been seven months since Monaker and Recruiter formed their partnership and it is going well. In August, the companies expanded the terms of their initial agreement and Monaker became the exclusive provider of travel services to Recruiter.com. With this new title, Monaker gained a means to communicate directly with Recruiter’s broad list of customers, largely comprised of senior corporate executives. Now, on a weekly basis, a choice selection of Monaker’s travel products and services will be marketed to a list of approved members and their respective companies as well as other Recruiter.com followers, a development that gives Monaker and its platforms, inventory and travel products significant exposure to decision makers at over a million global companies.

For more information, visit www.MonakerGroup.com

[MissionIR]

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (EXPI) Welcomes Marsee Wilhems Team to eXp Realty

Earlier today, eXp World Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI) announced that the Tucson-based Marsee Wilhems Team, one of the premier real estate teams in the country, has joined the Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage®. The addition continues on eXp Realty’s recent trend of attracting top real estate professionals from across the country to its ranks. Within the last six weeks alone, the company has welcomed the Brent Gove Team, one of the top real estate teams in California; Darren James Real Estate Experts, which was ranked 51st in the nation by The Wall Street Journal in 2015; and the Eric Burch Real Estate Team, which is currently among the top two real estate groups in all of Arkansas.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the continuing and growing appeal to the very top teams in the United States whose entrepreneurial leaders and members benefit from one low universal cap across all markets, a centralized and collaborative team meeting location that can be accessed from anywhere, and access to some of the top lead generating systems and programs in the industry, while building an ownership interest in the brokerage that they contribute to, own and help build,” Vikki Bartholomae, president of eXp Realty, stated in this morning’s update.

The accomplishments of the Marsee Wilhems team stack up favorably with the very best in the industry. In 2016, Wilhems earned the top spot in The Wall Street Journal’s real estate rankings for the State of Arizona, as well as the 16th spot on the national list. As the former owner of RE/MAX (NYSE: RMAX) Majestic, she and her team sold more than 4,000 homes in Greater Tucson while generating more than 600 new buyer leads monthly through innovative marketing efforts. In addition to establishing her position atop the Arizona real estate market, this performance also helped Wilhems become the only agent in Tucson to earn the official endorsement of Shark Tank investor and New York real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran.

“Our team has been fortunate to achieve market share and great success in Tucson over the years,” Wilhems noted in this morning’s news release. “We’ve invested a lot in our business, in our marketing and in our agents so this is a big move for us and we make it knowing that eXp Realty represents the best opportunity for us as a team and as individuals.”

As of November 15, eXp Realty had attracted a roster of more than 2,130 real estate professionals across 41 states, the District of Columbia and Alberta, Canada, marking an increase of more than 150 percent over the end of Q3 2015. The rapid growth of the company’s agent base has sparked similar financial growth, with EXPI reporting $15.7 million in total revenues for the three-month period ended September 30, 2016, a year-over-year rise of 112 percent. This performance also garnered EXPI an upward revision to both near-term and long-term growth forecasts from independent research firm Fundamental Research Corp. (http://dtn.fm/MsH84).

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.eXpWorldHoldings.com

[MissionIR]

Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH) Says No to Opioids for Post-Operative Pain Control with IV Meloxicam

An announcement earlier this week from revenue-generating specialty pharmaceutical company Recro Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: REPH) is good news for those suffering from pain after major surgery. From its headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, the company announced positive results from a phase III clinical trial evaluating intravenous (IV) Meloxicam for the treatment of acute post-operative pain.

In this trial, the second of two phase III trials, IV Meloxicam achieved the primary endpoint of a statistically significant differential in Summed Pain Intensity Difference over the first 24 hours (SPID-24) in patients who had undergone abdominoplasty surgery, as compared to placebo. With the positive data from this study, the company believes this completes the efficacy program for IV Meloxicam and opens the way for a New Drug Application (NDA).

A report from Aegis Capital (http://dtn.fm/Kx7Za), released earlier this month when it initiated coverage on Recro Pharma, shows why this is a big deal. Aegis estimates the size of the U.S. post-operative pain market at around $5.9 billion. At present, many of the analgesics employed, such as morphine, codeine, and hydrocodone, are opioids. But such powerful anodynes are notoriously addictive and their use is often subverted from pain relief. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 29,000 Americans die every year from opioid-related overdoses.

Consequently, there is growing demand for less addictive pain medications, particularly in the post-op environment, where conventional pain management drugs such as morphine are still commonly used. In addition to being less addictive than morphine, IV Meloxicam can be delivered as a 15-second infusion and has been shown to have fast onset of action in clinical trials. As a result of these factors, Aegis expects peak year revenue for IV Meloxicam to be in the range of $150-200 million.

This trial focused on testing the efficacy of IV Meloxicam in combating pain following abdominoplasty surgery, a complicated procedure that generally involves the removal of excess fat and skin and may include the restoration of weakened or separated muscles from the abdominal area. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that abdominoplasty is among the top five most common cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., with more than 164,000 performed in 2014. It is a procedure that, typically, results in intense postoperative pain.

In July, Recro announced positive top-line data from the IV Meloxicam (30 mg dose per 24 hours) in bunionectomy phase III trial. This first phase III trial measured its primary endpoint in terms of Summed Pain Intensity Difference over 48 hours (SPID-48) and showed a statistically significant reduction in SPID-48 versus placebo. It also achieved statistical significance across 15 of 19 secondary endpoints.

With the successful completion of these two phase III trials, an NDA is expected to be filed in summer 2017, followed by potential FDA approval in mid-summer 2018.

Recro Pharma is a clinical development-stage pharmaceutical company geared toward the development of non-opioid treatments for the management of acute pain in hospital and ambulatory care (outpatient) settings. The company currently earns revenue from a contract manufacturing, royalty and formulation business in Gainesville, Georgia, acquired in April 2015 from Alkermes, the Irish drug maker. Its lead product candidate, IV Meloxicam, is a cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitor, exclusive worldwide rights to which were acquired as part of the 2015 Alkermes deal.

Aegis originally put a price target on Recro Pharma stock, currently trading on the NASDAQ at around $9.00 under the symbol REPH, of $21.00. This was based on a 70% probability that the abdominoplasty phase III trial would be successful. With that study yielding such decidedly positive results, the price target was raised to $25.00 in an updated report (http://dtn.fm/Lvu6Y).

For more information, please visit www.RecroPharma.com

[MissionIR]

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Aims for the Millennial Generation and Beyond

Millennials, or ‘digital natives’, make up the generation of consumers on which many industries have focused their efforts for the past five to 10 years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (http://dtn.fm/6pKt4), millennials are generally 18 to 35 years old and, with over 75 million members, represent the largest generation group. As a generation, they have a huge impact on the technology of our world, as they are the first generation to have always known the Internet.

The millennial generation plays a critical role in leading the adoption of consumer technologies. This is one of the key reasons that professionals from a number of industries watch millennials to better recognize social and consumer behavior changes that are to come. Most recently, mobile payment technology has taken center stage, with many wondering whether or not this new type of payment method is here to stay.

According to Business Insider (http://dtn.fm/ppR7u), approximately 45% of 1,000 millennials surveyed have made a mobile payment of some sort, compared to just over 25% of adults aged 35 and older. The article continues to explain that mobile payments are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 80% to over $500 billion from now until 2020. But, with ease of use and many retailers across the country adopting these new payment methods, why are the numbers not higher? The answer appears to center on concerns about security.

According to results from marketing campaigns focused on the security surrounding mobile payments, over 70% of the people who have not adopted mobile payments stated that security was the primary reason they have not used this payment method. According to The Financial Brand (http://dtn.fm/aNT4l), research found that 47% of mobile payment users stopped using the system due to concerns over losing financial data because they were worried the network itself was not safe. In addition, over 50% of users who tried the systems once or twice were more likely to stop because of security concerns.

With this in mind, many companies are making efforts to ensure their solutions are more secure than ever. Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE), a global technology-driven group specializing in mobile payments and value-added transactional services, offers a number of point-of-sale solutions, including its mobile point-of-sale solution, Unified Payments. Unified Payments mobile point-of-sale provides businesses with seamless and secure mobile payment acceptance without making huge investments in complicated software and hardware.

The company also offers its online payment solution, PayOnline. PayOnline provides businesses with a variety of value-added solutions that simplify complicated enterprise online transaction processing challenges. These include accepting payments, risk prevention, and secure payments, thanks to its point-to-point encryption and tokenization solutions. NETE works toward making payment processes more convenient through mobile solutions that are not only easy to use but secure for both consumers and businesses.

For more information, visit www.NetElement.com

[MissionIR]

Moxian, Inc. (MOXC) Rings Nasdaq Trade Opening Bell to Celebrate Uplisting

After a long journey in which no efforts were spared, China’s online-to-offline integrated social media operator, Moxian, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOXC), was officially uplisted earlier this month when its common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market. To mark this moment, the company’s management traveled to New York City to ring the Nasdaq Trade opening bell last Wednesday, on November 23.

The event at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square was attended by CEO and Chairman James Tan and Executive Director Hao Qing Hu. The pair rang the trade opening bell at 9:30 a.m. ET to mark the beginning of the Wednesday stock market trading session and also in honor of their company’s recent Nasdaq uplisting. Tan said he and his team were very honored by this achievement, as it reflects the hard work of everyone at his company in their efforts to get investors’ attention and increase shareholder and corporate value.

Founded in 2013, the company began preparing for the Nasdaq uplist earlier this year with two U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings required for this upgrade: a securities registration statement and a reverse stock split. The Chinese company had been trading on the OTCQB Venture Marketplace since 2014. To further help with the company’s efforts, Tan put together a strong team with more than 100 years of combined experience in various industries and technologies. The company’s management team has experience with both public and private companies in Asia and the U.S., while Tan himself is a highly-experienced manager who has occupied executive positions with various public companies, including Pacific Internet, Ltd., a formerly NASDAQ-listed company.

Moxian markets an O2O integrated platform operator that primarily targets small- and medium-sized enterprises to help them connect with customers and prospects. The social commerce platform integrates social media features, gamification and entertainment, as well as business intelligence capabilities, being built around the company’s proprietary Social Customer Relationship Management tool. The Social CRM was created with the purpose of improving interaction between businesses and consumers by enabling merchants to run targeted advertising and marketing campaigns.

Merchants can gather and analyze relevant behavior data about their customers via the Moxian+ Business app, with the goal of understanding their audiences better and offering every user group a more personalized experience. The user information is gathered via the Moxian+ User app, dedicated exclusively to shoppers. This app includes a game center, a rewards redemption center and social media networking capabilities. It can further make personalized shopping recommendations based on geolocation and a user’s saved preferences. Both apps are available for Android and iOS devices.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Moxian.com

[MissionIR]

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (EXPI) Keeping Up-To-Date with Buyer Demographics

According to The National Association of Realtors (http://dtn.fm/Ct9j5), this October was the second month in a row to show incredible sales peaks in existing home sales, registering the highest sales rate in nearly 10 years. With existing home sales skyrocketing for yet another month, it is no surprise that real estate agencies are looking for ways to maintain a competitive edge, anxious to better serve their customers based upon preferences and demographics. eXp World Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI), the holding company for eXp Realty LLC, a unique agent-owned cloud brokerage, believes in just this. In order to maintain a competitive edge, EXPI stays up-to-date with not only the current geopolitical and economic changes in both the U.S. and Canada but also the volatility in various markets, employment rates, and all technological changes.

The National Association of Realtors published an article, entitled ‘Protecting Your Brand Online: Social Media Tips for Real Estate Professionals’ (http://dtn.fm/8uHp8), which highlights the importance of maintaining a strong position within the virtual world. EXPI works through a cloud office environment, allowing brokers and agents to work, attend classes, strategize, and collaborate through a virtual medium while efficiently serving customers in their search for a new home. The company is the first truly agent-owned brokerage, allowing it to increase broker and agent listings and sales while reducing overhead costs.

However, the changing real estate scene is not just about advances in technology. The diversity of future homebuyers is expected to transform the real estate industry as a whole. During the buyer preferences forum (http://dtn.fm/U0vFV), organized by Realtor University, professionals discussed the changing demographics in the U.S., new home preferences, and the livability needs of current and future home buyers. According to the research, nearly every generation has a strong desire to own their own property. The article pointed out that, despite technological advancements, “This tough environment for buyers and sellers further demonstrates the importance of real estate businesses being based on relationships and face-to-face interactions.”

eXp World Holdings combines advanced technology from its cloud-based environment with the value that consumers see from working face-to-face with professionals. Because many future home buyers start their searches online, the company cuts costs by cutting out physical brick and mortar offices, yet maintains a high level of service by navigating the home buying process with clients while giving information and comparative perspective on properties. Agents at EXPI provide local market expertise, negotiating and advocating on their clients’ behalf.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.eXpWorldHoldings.com

[MissionIR]

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (AXSM) Shedding New Light on Old Drugs

New York-based Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXSM) is tending to a major and thriving market where current treatment options are insufficient. This young company (founded in 2012) is striving to establish a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical business that will develop and bring to the healthcare marketplace therapies for the management and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

Axsome Therapeutics has a laser-like focus on differentiated therapies, in particular. To improve the lives of patients living with pain and various CNS disorders, Axsome has set its sights on working with both internally-derived drug candidates and in-licensed drug candidates in order to create a path to development and commercialization that will, ultimately, expand the treatment alternatives available to caregivers.

Axsome Therapeutics has moved into the clinical stage at this time. It holds a product candidate portfolio that includes two late-stage candidates, AXS-02 and AXS-05, which it is developing for multiple indications, as well as AXS-06.

AXS-02, a non-opiod therapeutic in development for chronic pain, is Axsome’s leading product candidate. It is currently being evaluated in phase III trials for the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome, knee osteoarthritis with bone marrow lesions (BMLs) and chronic low back pain with modic changes.

AXS-05 is a fixed-dose combination of dextromethorphan and bupropion, both of which have shown to be effective in activating central nervous system receptors. AXS-05 is currently in a phase III trial indicated for treatment resistant depression and agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The company is also developing AXS-06 for the treatment of chronic pain disorders.

Analysts have pointed to the value in Axsome’s focus on complex regional pain syndrome, treatment resistant depression and agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, indicating that these disorders possess lower-than-average research and development risks and a tested business model that leans toward a faster commercialization timeline (http://dtn.fm/Urt7t).

For more information, visit www.Axsome.com

[MissionIR]

Monaker Group (MKGI) Tapping into Fast-Growing $200 Billion Millennial Travel Market

The travel industry is growing exponentially, but must also be ready to become more flexible and make more changes to cater to the needs and requirements of the market segment currently driving its growth – the Millennials. This new generation of travelers has hit an average annual spending of $200 billion on tourism and travel, according to a FutureCast report titled ‘Millennial Brief on Travel & Lodging’ (http://dtn.fm/Rf12j). The figure is the largest average the tourism industry has ever seen, a trend that’s likely to be maintained, provided that the industry’s operators are able to meet the needs of this group of tourists.

Having reached adulthood in the 2000s, at the peak of the Internet age, it is no wonder that Millennials thoroughly research their options and destinations when making travel plans. According to the FutureCast report, Millennial tourists check an average of 10 sources before they make a travel purchase. This habit is also a result of this group of travelers’ collective desire to experience something utterly new and unique on their trips. Perhaps more than any other generations, Millennials are primarily interested in new, personalized experiences on their travels rather than just relaxing or sightseeing, with nine out of ten in agreement.

Additionally, 70 percent of Millennials are interested in exploring the communities they visit during their vacations in order to learn something new about them, mingle with them and experience life as they would. This also reflects their lodging preferences, with more and more Millennials opting for alternative lodging rental units when they travel instead of more traditional solutions such as hotels. It is no surprise that a growing number of Millennials use online platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com to research their lodging options and make a booking before they travel.

Monaker Group, Inc. (OTCQB: MKGI), a technology-driven tourism company offering comprehensive travel solutions and personalized tours, is ready to tap into this fast-growing travel market segment by offering not only an impressive portfolio of alternative lodging rental units but also access to full-service tours to hundreds of destinations around the world.

The group currently has a portfolio of more than 1.1 million alternative lodging rental units available under its NextTrip Resorts platform, and it is currently in the process of adding more than 200,000 timeshare and resort units by the end of the year. Via its flagship NextTrip.com platform, Monaker allows tourists to plan their trips to the smallest details by offering them access to a wealth of alternative lodging options, such as unused timeshare inventory, resort residences and vacation home rentals, as well as a wide range of hotels, rental cars, tours, airlines, concierge services and more.

The platform, launched in February 2016, has grown exponentially, being the only real-time booking engine that combines various booking options to meet tourists’ every need. With Millennials’ influence on the travel industry set to expand further over the coming years as this population segment continues to grow, full-service booking platforms such as NextTrip.com are likely to become an increasingly important part of the industry.

For more information, visit www.MonakerGroup.com

[MissionIR]

OurPet’s Company (OPCO) is Growing Organically

At last month’s MicroCap Conference in Philadelphia, the technological prowess of OurPet’s Company (OTCQX: OPCO) was on display. A presentation (http://dtn.fm/1oSgo) by the company’s chief financial officer, Scott Mendes, showed the many innovative products for cats and dogs, who are the rainmakers of OurPet’s Company. The CFO also gave an account of OPCO’s history of growth, from its genesis in 1985 as Napro, Inc. to the present. The company has grown both organically and through acquisitions. CEO Dr. Steve Tsengas wants to double its size and, to support that expansion, has invested heavily in distribution and marketing infrastructure.

The company was founded in 1994 by chairman and CEO Dr. Steve Tsengas and chief operating officer Dean Tsengas. Dr. Steve Tsengas is an enterprising engineer who has been elected to the National Inventors Hall of Fame. In a past MissionIR OPCO interview (http://dtn.fm/5kLUU), he revealed that one rationale behind the founding of OurPet’s Company was the lack of innovation in the pet industry back in the 1990s. As a result, a decision was made to concentrate on creating truly novel products that solved problems for pets and pet parents, along with the marketing and distribution of those products, rather than manufacturing. Since its inception, OPCO has stuck to that mission and successfully passed many mirthful milestones.

In 1994, its first product, the Big Dog Feeder®, which made it easier for big dogs to eat by elevating the feeding bowl, created quite a stir at a classic pet show in Cleveland, Ohio. Three days after its debut, the feeder recorded sales of about $6,500. In 2001, the company became publicly traded on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol OPCO. OPCO continued on this inventive path by acquiring or creating brands like the Play-N-Squeak®, Cosmic Catnip™, Go! Cat! Go!®, Durapet®, SmartScoop® and Flappy®. In 2014, it launched its dual brand strategy with OurPets® and Pet Zone®. Products under the OurPets® brand are targeted at pet specialty retailers, while those under the Pet Zone® brand are distributed through the food, drug and mass retail channels.

Now, OurPet’s Company is set to exploit the amazing possibilities offered by new digital technologies with its OurPets® Intelligent Pet Care™ (http://dtn.fm/0Hcpa) product line. This suite of products is designed to help parents monitor their pets by employing a combination of infrared (IR), Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies.

OurPet’s Company has been growing much faster than the industry as a whole. Since 2010, it has had an annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of about six percent, while the industry has experienced a more modest four percent. The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) have increased from $403,761 in Q1 2014 to $958,263 in Q3 2016, while net income has increased by 269 percent over the same period, from $134,427 to $495,669. The cats and dogs at OurPet’s Company are racing ahead like cheetahs and greyhounds.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.OurPets.com

[MissionIR]

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Selects Conformance Technologies as Preferred Provider for Data Compliance Solutions

Before the opening bell, Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) announced its selection of Conformance Technologies, a fast-growing provider of operating systems, education systems and expertise used in managing business compliance requirements, as its preferred provider for data compliance solutions. Moving forward, Net Element will be offering Conformance’s patented PCI ToolKit solution for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard merchant portfolio assessments in a number of languages, including Chinese, English, Russian and Spanish. The company and its merchant clients will also have access to the Cyber Attack Readiness ToolKit™ and InConRadar™ toolsets, which allow for primary account number scanning and real-time website monitoring of prohibited card brand acceptance activities.

“The integrated compliance-related solution set with the flexibility to handle multiple languages made partnering with Conformance Technologies a very easy decision for us,” Oleg Firer, chief executive officer of Net Element, stated in this morning’s news release. “Their solutions provide us with a revenue opportunity, while making painful and costly compliance activities understandable and affordable for our diverse customer base.”

Since its founding as a payments consultancy and PCI compliance firm in 2003, Conformance has evolved to establish itself as a leading provider of automated compliance and sensitive data protection systems and services. Today, Conformance provides its compliance solutions to more than 300,000 small and medium-sized business end-users operating both domestically and abroad.

Net Element’s selection of Conformance Technologies continues to build on what has been an eventful month for the payments company. In an update highlighting its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016, the company announced an 11 percent year-over-year increase in net revenues driven primarily by organic growth through its North America Transaction Solutions segment. Additionally, Net Element recorded its second consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA. In a news release, Firer added that the results are a reflection of Net Element’s “ability to implement [its] business objectives in a dynamic environment.”

Last week, the company took a step toward building on this financial growth through the announcement of a new partnership with Mashreqbank, a leading financial institution operating in the United Arab Emirates. Through this agreement, Net Element will provide transaction clearing, draft capture and settlement of bankcard transactions in multiple currencies, as well as full integration with its Internet Payment Gateway and risk management services.

For more information, visit www.NetElement.com

[MissionIR]

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (HOTR) Preparing for Grand Opening of Little Big Burger in Portland, Oregon

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOTR) kicked off November with the announcement that, during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2016, the company achieved its second consecutive quarter of adjusted EBITDA profitability. This milestone came alongside an 18.3 percent year-over-year increase in total revenue, which was attributed primarily to Chanticleer’s rapidly expanding fast casual better burger segment. In a news release, Mike Pruitt, chairman and chief executive officer of Chanticleer, noted that the company’s Little Big Burger restaurants were performing “particularly well” before adding that the brand contributed “significantly to the 19% sequential growth in Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations” and further validated Chanticleer’s regional brand strategy.

With this regional brand strategy at the forefront of Chanticleer’s near-term growth efforts, it came as little surprise when, before the opening bell on Monday, the company announced plans for the launch of a new Little Big Burger restaurant in Portland, Oregon. The grand opening of the new location, which will be Chanticleer’s ninth Little Big Burger and 40th fast casual better burger store, is set to take place next week in Oregon’s largest city, whose metropolitan area is home to roughly 60 percent of the state’s overall population. Pruitt used Monday’s news release to speak toward the company’s excitement ahead of next week’s grand opening.

“We are very pleased to open up a new Little Big Burger in the Portland area,” he stated. “This store is our first store opening financed with EB-5 capital, which provides attractive, non-dilutive capital to expand our regional brands. Little Big Burger has been performing well with particularly attractive store economics, and we look forward to continuing to strategically utilize EB-5 financing for additional Little Big Burger restaurants as well as our other regional brands.”

As referenced by Pruitt, EB-5 capital stems from a federal government program created to encourage foreign investment in U.S. businesses. In addition to serving as one of the fastest methods for foreign investors to gain permanent residency in the U.S., the program is used nationwide to finance the construction and development of new projects in an increasingly diverse number of industries. EB-5 financing is particularly attractive to those operating within the hospitality sector, as it provides a low cost alternative to more traditional sources of capital while typically presenting favorable financing terms that result in reduced financial risk.

Chanticleer’s newest Little Big Burger restaurant will be located in Portland’s bustling Lloyd District at 1088 NE 7th Avenue.

For more information, visit www.chanticleerholdings.com

[MissionIR]

Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (CRBP) is “One to Watch”

Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRBP), a clinical stage drug development company targeting rare, chronic, and serious inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, recently reported its third quarter financial results (http://dtn.fm/R6EgY) for the three months ended September 30, 2016. CRBP reported a net loss for the third quarter due to increased spending on clinical studies for systemic sclerosis and CF, plus increased staffing costs, bonuses, and other expenditures.

However, the company ended the third quarter with just under $19 million in cash and cash equivalents, which it believes to be sufficient to meet its operating and capital requirements through the end of 2017. The company is also expecting a milestone payment by the end of the first quarter of 2017 from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Therapeutics, Inc. of $1.5 million.

In addition to its financial results, the company provided an update on its corporate progress and progress on the clinical status of its lead product candidate Resunab, a synthetic oral endocannabinoid-mimetic drug that targets chronic inflammation and aims to stop fibrosis. The drug is currently being tested in three separate phase 2 clinical studies.

Since the release of these financial results, the company completed its phase 2 trials of Resunab in patients with systemic sclerosis, releasing positive data and leading shares to skyrocket. According to CRBP’s findings (http://dtn.fm/sT36W), the median patients taking Resunab saw their combined response index in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis score increase by just under 35%, compared to 0% for those taking a placebo.

As a result, Corbus Pharmaceuticals is now seeking approval for the drug from the FDA. The company is also testing Resunab in other phase 2 trials for diseases such as lupus, fibrosis, and dermatomyositis, while patients from the systemic sclerosis phase 2 trials will enter an extension study to measure the drug’s long term effects.

Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings also received a company update from Aegis Capital Corp. (http://dtn.fm/1Vl5L), which maintained the company’s ‘Buy’ rating with a price target of $12 per share. This report was based on the strong data released regarding the phase 2 trials in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Other companies such as Noble Financial and Cantor Fitzgerald also reiterated a ‘Buy’ rating for the company, with price objectives of $19.00 and $17.00, respectively. In addition to the above, Barbara White acquired 38,000 shares of CRBP worth $119,700, and CFO Sean F. Moran acquired 148,960 shares worth just under $500,000, all according to The Cerbat Gem Market News and Analysis (http://dtn.fm/Sit9u), giving insiders just under 12% ownership of CRBP’s stock.

Other large investors have also raised their stakes in the company. Morgan Stanley raised its position in Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. by 12.4%, Northern Trust Corp. raised its position by 41%, BlackRock Institutional Trust Company N.A. raised its position by 14.3%, and Milestone Group, Inc. and Bank of New York Mellon Corp. bought new positions worth $102,000 and $155,000, respectively. Outside investors now own 25.39% of CRBP’s stock.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.corbuspharma.com

[MissionIR]

OurPet’s Company (OPCO) Brings Innovative Smart Tech Products to Pet Care Market

Smart technology has become an integral part of our lives, from our phones, computers and watches to our cars and homes, which now have more features and can do more than even the smartest computer could 20 years ago. It was an expected and natural step that we carried this passion for smart tech and interconnectivity over to the pet industry as well. Intelligent pet products such as the ones offered by leading pet care solutions provider OurPet’s Company, Inc. (OTCQX: OPCO) are becoming increasingly common, as they enable pet parents to develop a stronger bond with their pets for more complete care and closer monitoring of their health and behavior.

Pet tech has been developing at a rapid pace on a growing market that now has a propensity for high-end products, including state-of-the-art gadgets and premium feeding solutions. This is largely owed to the fact that many pet owners now see their furry friends as actual family members and treat them as such, sparing no expense. The industry has responded to the trend by offering better products, improved formulas and, now, smart tech-powered solutions for every pet. Manufacturers have already rolled out a wide range of high-tech pet products on the market, ranging from smart training collars that allow even remote training to radio-frequency operated flap doors, automatic ball launchers for dogs, and smart feeding bowls that count calories or only open for a specific pet.

Ohio-based OurPet’s Company has already joined the smart pet tech movement with its own line of smart products designed to offer enhanced care and help owners closely monitor their pets’ health. The OurPets® Intelligent Pet Care™ product line (http://dtn.fm/23VLn) offers a complete range of intelligent pet health monitoring products based on Bluetooth® technology. These products enable owners to keep in touch with their pets and be aware of any changes in their behavior via the IntelligentPetLink™ smartphone app, available for download for both Android and iOS.

The Intelligent Pet Care™ product line includes products such as the SmartLink™ Feeder – Intelligent Pet Bowl (http://dtn.fm/u38FY) and the SmartLink™ Waterer – Intelligent Water Fountain (http://dtn.fm/uH6Bv), designed to give your dog or cat the ability to communicate that they may have a health issue by monitoring the key indicators of pet health. The systems communicate with a tag that can be attached to your pet’s collar, and they give access to food or water only when they detect that tag in the vicinity. This makes the SmartLink™ Feeder and Waterer ideal for households with multiple pets or for pets who are on special diets and monitoring of their eating and drinking habits can help the pet parent better understand any health issues with their pet that may arise.

Other products in the Intelligent Pet Care™ line include the SmartScoop® – Intelligent Litter Box (http://dtn.fm/nM3Nl), which monitors elimination behavior and uses infrared technology to detect when your cat uses the litter and engages a scoop mechanism to scoop the waste and keep the box clean. Also available are the SmartLink™ Tag (http://dtn.fm/2fInt) and the SmartLink™ Gateway – WiFi Pet Care Connector (http://dtn.fm/l5Q1k) that converts a Bluetooth® signal into Wi-Fi signals so as to enable owners to monitor their pet’s activity outside the house.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.OurPets.com

[MissionIR]

ClearOne, Inc. (CLRO) is “One to Watch”

ClearOne, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLRO), a company that designs, develops, and commercializes conferencing, collaboration, and network streaming and signage solutions for voice and visual communications, recently announced its quarterly earnings, reporting a $0.22 earnings per share for the third quarter of 2016.

Although slightly lower than during the same period of the previous year, ClearOne reported revenue of $12.9 million for the quarter with a net margin of 9.78% and a return on equity of 8.5%. Gross profit for the third quarter of 2016 came in at $7.7 million, with net income of $1.2 million and a non-GAAP net income of $2.0 million.

In addition to the above, a number of hedge funds and other investors opened new and increased stock positions in the company. In particular, Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stock position in CLRO by just under 18%, giving it a 7.72% ownership stake of ClearOne, Inc. worth just over $8 million.

According to an article on The Cerbat Gem Market News and Analysis website (http://dtn.fm/imI3V), Morgan Stanley and Northern Trust Corp. raised their positions in shares by 373.8% and 1.9%, respectively, giving them both stakes worth more than $100,000. Vanguard Group, Inc. also raised its position in shares of CLRO by 0.4%, giving it shares of the company’s stock worth more than $1.5 million. As a result of these new and increased stock positions, hedge funds and other investors now own just under 19% of the company, with CLRO Director Larry Hendricks buying shares valued at $232,554.

ClearOne also recently announced that it will be paying a quarterly dividend to investors of $0.05. This adds up to a $0.20 yearly dividend, giving the company a dividend payout ratio of 37.74%. The company has also been the topic of several recent research reports.

The Cerbat Gem Market News and Analysis site referred to above also reported that, while The Street recently lowered shares for ClearOne from a ‘Buy’ rating to a ‘Hold’ rating, Zacks Investment Research upgraded the company’s rating from ‘Hold’ to ‘Buy’ with a target price of $13. In addition, B. Riley gave the company a ‘Buy’ rating with a target price of $13.25. Lastly, Singular Research also gave the company a ‘Buy’ rating with a price objective on its stock of $14.50.

Finally, ClearOne has also now entered into a new distribution agreement with National Source AV whereby National Source AV will represent ClearOne’s media collaboration, UC voice portfolios, and video conferencing to a variety of consultants and other potential stakeholders across Canada.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.clearone.com

[MissionIR]

MiMedx Group, Inc. (MDXG) set to Triple Revenues by Healing Wounds Faster

To paraphrase the renowned German playwright, Bertolt Brecht, nature does not remember kisses on the cheek. Wounds, on the other hand, perversely leave scars. Perhaps fortunately, kisses leave no mark, but injuries to the body do. And the scars of such damage not only disfigure appearances but result in adhesion, which occurs when scars bind with surrounding tissue.

Luckily, however, advances in the field of regenerative medicine may soon relegate scar tissue to the indecipherable lyrics of a Red Hot Chili Peppers ballad. MiMedx Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDXG) is now bringing comfort to the wounded with its groundbreaking amniotic tissue allografts that promote tissue regeneration.

Scar tissue, however, is not the only issue that MiMedx is addressing. Its regenerative therapies based on amniotic tissue not only reduce scarring but modulate inflammation and enhance the healing process. This trifecta of winning outcomes has driven MiMedx to the top. In the span of eight years, the company has risen to become the world’s premier processor and supplier of human amniotic tissue and has, to date, distributed over 700,000 amniotic tissue grafts worldwide. Successful clinical outcomes have been achieved in a variety of therapeutic settings, including ophthalmology, spinal, chronic wounds, dental, orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, and urology.

Tissue derived from the amniotic membrane, which is the innermost layer of the placenta, is the building block of the MiMedx regenerative therapies. Normally, a mother’s placenta, or afterbirth, along with the amniotic membrane, is discarded as medical waste. However, through its Placenta Donation Program (http://dtn.fm/Mvz2R), MiMedx allows mothers, delivering healthy babies by planned Caesarean section, to donate their placentas. The amniotic membrane is then separated from the rest of the placenta and subjected to MiMedx’s proprietary Purion® technology, which is the foundation of its two lead products: AmnioFix® and EpiFix®.

The AmnioFix® and EpiFix® allograft solutions are MiMedx’s chief wound care (and company) products. Both allografts have an advantage over competitive products in that they can be stored at room temperature for five years without the need for refrigeration or freezing. As a result, they can be used right out of the package without a complicated thawing process. These critical qualities of the MiMedx® allografts allow hospitals, clinics, and surgeons to quickly provide the appropriate treatment while effectively managing their inventory of allografts.

The care of wounds is an undeveloped market. In a report issued earlier this month, Aegis Capital (http://dtn.fm/LOl14) estimated that MiMedx commanded a 60 percent share of the amniotic tissue market, a market that is, at present, growing by roughly 15 percent annually. MiMedx derives about three-quarters of its revenues from its amniotic tissue business. Together with its Surgical, Sports Medicine, and Other (SSO) business lines, Aegis expects that by 2020, the company will triple revenues to $560 million and earn one dollar in EPS (earnings per share). There are numerous caveats, however. Gross margin must stay in the low 80 percent range; operating margin must hover around 30 percent; and sales, general and administration (SG&A) expenses must not exceed half of sales.

Management is certainly expecting growth. The company has been engaged in an aggressive $60 million share buyback program, which could be signaling undervaluation. The Aegis analysts certainly think so. They have put a ‘Buy’ rating and price target of $12.00 on MiMedx. The stock is current trading at around $9.90 on the NASDAQ under the symbol MDXG.

For more information, visit www.mimedx.com

[MissionIR]

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Has Its Fingers in Many Online & Mobile Payment Pies

There is a palatable plate of pies in the online and mobile payments food chain, and Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) is a company with its fingers in many of those. According to industry analysts Euromonitor, global e-commerce sales are set to reach $1.2 trillion this year, up from $1.0 trillion in 2015. Continued growth is widely anticipated. The forecasts for 2017 and 2018 are $1.4 trillion and $1.6 trillion, respectively, and at present, mobile e-commerce business comprises about a quarter of those figures.

In addition, the global point-of-sale terminals market is, according to Grand View Research (http://dtn.fm/Kekl2), ‘expected to reach USD 113.27 billion by 2024’, with mobile point-of-sale accounting for about three-quarters of that segment. Those are awfully large pies for the taking, and global technology-driven company Net Element, specializing in mobile payments and value-added transactional services, is laying the table with a smorgasbord of products for retailers and consumers alike.

Net Element’s transactional services business has been doing particularly well. A report from Zack’s Small-Cap Research (http://dtn.fm/bWD83) detailed that revenues from the company’s ‘US card processing services, grew a healthy 42.9% from $7.8 million to $11.2 million– all internally’ during the third quarter of 2016. Revenues for the nine months to September 30, 2016, were $29.4 million, representing 76 percent of total revenues.

The transactional services business enables merchants to accept credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, checks, loyalty programs and alternative payment methods. And both traditional card-present or swipe transactions and card-not-present transactions, such as those conducted over the phone, through the Internet or on a mobile device, can be accommodated.

The mobile payments business, operating under the subsidiary Digital Provider, LLC, recorded sales of $5.0 million for the nine months to September 30, 2016. Digital Provider offers carrier-integrated mobile payments solutions over an extensive geographic coverage capitalizing on Net Element’s existing relationships with mobile operators.

Net Element’s PayOnline transactional gateway services had revenues of $4.5 million for the nine months to September 30, 2016. This Net Element division provides flexible high-tech payment solutions to companies doing business on the Internet or in the mobile environment and specializes in integration and customization of payment solutions for websites and mobile apps. Presently, PayOnline is focused on providing online and mobile payment acceptance services to the travel industry through direct integration with a number of leading Global Distribution Systems, such as Amadeus and Sabre.

Net Element has also developed, Aptito, a unique restaurant point-of-sale product that aims to use mobility to give managers and staff greater control. The Aptito iOS cloud-based platform offers a comprehensive array of management and payment services specially designed for the food and beverage industry. Aptito features digital menus (instead of traditional laminated paper stock ones), mobile point-of-sale (no running back and forth between tables and counter) and a Mobile Communicator that allows wait staff to send orders directly to the bar or kitchen. Aptito will reduce the time and energy wait staff expend going in person from diners to kitchen and back, undoubtedly improving customer service.

The Zacks report paints a rosy future for Net Element, setting a valuation based on 7.5 times the enterprise value to trailing 12-month gross margin. This indicates the stock could be worth $4.18 if it were profitable, rising ‘to $7.30 next year using 2016 estimated gross margin of $10.6 million and a share count of 17 million shares’.

For more information, visit www.NetElement.com

[MissionIR]

Fundamental Research Corp. Raises Revenue Forecast for eXp World Holdings (EXPI) after Record Q3 Results

Independent research group Fundamental Research Corp. announced that it has updated its analysis of eXp World holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI) with an increased fair value estimate and revenue forecast after the company’s record financial results in the third quarter of 2016. The research firm began coverage of eXp World Holdings in April and has already updated its projections once in August amid the group’s unprecedented high growth driven by its real estate brokerage division, eXp Realty.

eXp Realty has remained the driving force behind the group’s increase throughout the last few months, as it is currently one of the fastest growing real estate brokerages on the U.S. market, having nearly tripled in size and operations since inception. The Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage™ currently has more than 2,200 real estate professionals serving 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Alberta, Canada. eXp Realty had only 864 agents on January 1 of this year and 1,580 in August, when the previous Fundamental Research Corp. report was released.

In its latest report (http://dtn.fm/7AopD), released on Monday, Fundamental Research Corp. raised its year-end agent forecast to 2,400, up 300 from its previous estimate of 2,100. The research group also raised its average agent count for 2017 while maintaining its year-end estimate at 4,500 agents. The long-term agent count forecast was also raised from 15,000 to 25,000 by 2022. According to the report, EXPI’s ability to attract successful real estate professionals at such an impressive rate is vital and will enable the company to continue its rapid growth of its agent base.

The revenue forecast for 2016 was also raised to $53.46 million from $48.94 million. For 2017, the research group estimates a higher revenue of $101.43 million, compared to the previous estimate of $82.50 million. Noting that EXPI’s revenues in Q3 increased by 112% year-over-year to $15.77 million, and that total revenues for the first nine months of 2016 were $36.18 million, 120% higher than the same reporting period last year, Fundamental Research Corp reiterated its ‘Buy’ rating for the company, with a raised fair value estimate of $6.78 per share compared to the current $4.06 per share.

The research group also reiterated its risk rating of 4 for the company, outlining the following potential risks: the high competitive nature of the real estate brokerage industry, the company’s overall profitability being very dependent on the health and state of the real estate market, the fact that the company is still in a growth stage with a rather short track record and has yet to prove its ability to retain agents long-term, and the company being susceptible to negative regulatory law changes, as any other real estate brokerage on the market.

The company’s exponential growth rate is the direct result of eXp Realty’s unique business model that relies heavily on cloud-based technologies and advanced virtual reality platforms to build a strong online community of real estate professionals. Without the limitations of a brick and mortar office and related expenses, members can provide efficient customer service and increase their profits with a lower risk. The company also offers all agents the possibility of being owners by giving them access to revenue sharing programs and the opportunity to become shareholders based on their contribution to company growth.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.eXpWorldHoldings.com

[MissionIR]

Moxian, Inc. (MOXC) Making Strides toward 2016 Expansion Plans

This has been a successful year for Moxian, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOXC). The company, a China-based provider of social media marketing and promotion platforms, has been making progress toward achieving its plans for expansion. Since its beginnings in 2010, MOXC has launched the Moxian+ User Application for consumers to take advantage of various social networking tools, rewards, activities, and games. Separately, the company launched its Moxian+ Business Application, allowing merchants to build relationships with consumers and manage advertising.

With China leading the O2O market today, it is no surprise that MOXC has been targeting small- to medium-sized businesses in the larger metropolitan areas of China. In January of this year, Moxian established its Beijing subsidiary, Moxian Technologies (Beijing) Co. Ltd., in the Dongcheng district of Beijing. This new corporate subsidiary is focused on growing sales in the Beijing area. The company also plans to expand its in-house sales team in Beijing to 50 salespeople in order to pursue maximum market penetration.

In addition, according to an updated coverage report of Moxian, Inc. undertaken by Crystal Equity Research (http://dtn.fm/qMT9c) and released on August 30 of this year, the company has “perfected and tested its O2O platform in Asian markets and is homing in on the largest metropolitan areas in China.” The report also states that Moxian should see a dramatic increase in revenue from merchant subscriptions, as it has now opened direct sales offices in some of the most popular areas of China. Moxian could also be building distribution partnerships with third parties that already have significant relationships with merchants.

Driving more sales and expanding to Beijing are not the only highlights from 2016. Recently, MOXC uplisted to the Nasdaq Capital Market. The release of this news was accompanied by that of Moxian completing a best efforts public offering of over 2.5 million shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $4 per share. This uplisting will play a key role in widening MOXC’s visibility within the investment world as well as increasing shareholder value.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Moxian.com

[MissionIR]

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Announces Partnership with Oldest Bank in the United Arab Emirates

Before the opening bell, Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE), through subsidiary Net Element FZ, LLC, announced its entry into a new agreement with Mashreqbank, a leading financial institution operating in the United Arab Emirates that’s recognized as one of the most innovative banks in the Gulf Region. Under the terms of the agreement, Net Element will provide a number of transaction services to Mashreqbank, including transaction clearing, draft capture and settlement of bankcard transactions across multiple currencies, as well as full integration of its proprietary Internet Payment Gateway and risk management services.

“We are excited about our partnership with the award-winning Mashreqbank, UAE’s leading financial institution,” Suresh Menon, chief executive officer and managing director of Net Element FZ, LLC UAE, stated in this morning’s news release. “Under this agreement, Net Element will launch its merchant acquiring in the UAE as part of its government payment processing solutions offering.”

News of the Mashreqbank agreement continues to build on Net Element’s recent progress toward expanding its presence in international markets. In late September, the company’s PayOnline subsidiary entered an agreement with Dunkin’ Donuts (NASDAQ: DNKN), one of the world’s most recognizable coffee brands, to enable payment acceptance for online ordering and delivery services at the chain’s Russian locations. Weeks later, PayOnline achieved another milestone when it announced an agreement with ExLine, Kazakhstan’s market leader in courier services, to enable online payment acceptance for more than 50,000 customers.

Net Element’s recent growth on the international stage has positioned the company to build on its strong financial performance, which included an 11 percent year-over-year increase in net revenues during the third quarter of 2016. With these results, Net Element has now recorded nearly $39 million in net revenues during the first nine months of this year, marking an increase of 55 percent from its 2015 totals.

This revenue growth was attributed largely to the company’s North America Transaction Solution segment, which continues to boast organic growth of SMB merchants through an emphasis on value-added offerings. For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016, this segment accounted for revenues of $29.4 million, a 53 percent increase over the prior year. Likewise, the company’s remaining segments, Mobile Solutions and Online Solutions, recorded year-over-year net revenue increases of 43 percent and 92 percent, respectively, during the first nine months of 2016. Capping off the financial highlights, Net Element’s adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2016 was $196,000, up from $83,000 in Q2. This was the company’s second consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA.

For more information, visit www.NetElement.com

[MissionIR]

Conatus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CNAT) is “One to Watch”

Conatus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNAT), a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of new medicines to treat a variety of liver diseases, recently announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2016 ended September 30. The company reported no revenue, as it is still in the clinical development stage.

As a result, focus has been on the development of its lead compound, Emricasan, an orally active pan-caspase protease inhibitor that should reduce the activity of human caspases, the enzymes that mediate inflammation and apoptosis. CNAT believes that by reducing the activity of these enzymes, its compound, Emricasan, can interrupt the progress of liver disease and provide potential treatments.

In terms of financial results, the third quarter earnings loss was in-line with street estimates, and cash on hand stands at approximately $31.1 million, which the company believes is enough to maintain operations throughout 2017. Although net loss was slightly higher than this time last year, research and development, administrative, personnel, consulting, legal, and accounting expenses were up due to the progression of the company’s ENCORE program.

This month, the company initiated a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIb clinical trial called ENCORE-PH, which will show results after 24 weeks of twice-daily treatments with Emricasan. Two other ongoing Emricasan phase IIb clinical trials include POLT-HCV-SVR and ENCORE-NF. All phase IIb clinical trials evaluate the potential improvements in various forms of fibrosis and steatohepatitis, as well as the effects Emricasan.

A number of analysts have now published positive reports on Conatus Pharmaceuticals. Zacks Investment Research upgraded the company from ‘Hold’ status to ‘Buy’, while several other research firms offered CNAT an ‘Outperform’ status and upped their price targets on shares. Price targets range from $6 to $16.

Aegis Capital Corp. (http://dtn.fm/YZ3w8) published a company update report giving Conatus Pharmaceuticals a ‘Buy’ rating with a price target of $7. This was based on the fact that the company’s EPS is in line for the third quarter of 2016, in addition to the announcement of the ENCORE-PH trial initiation earlier this month.

Several large investors have made changes to their positions in the company’s stocks, according to an article on the Cerbat Gem Market and News Analysis (http://dtn.fm/nM0bG) website. The article reports that KCG Holdings, Inc. bought a new stake in shares during Q3 2016 worth $135,000, and that E. Shaw & Co. and Bank of New York Mellon Corp. upped their stakes in shares by over 94% and 2%, respectively. Courage Capital Management LLC also bought a new stake in shares worth $200,000, while Vanguard Group, Inc. boosted its stake in shares by over 3%.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.conatuspharma.com

[MissionIR]

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (VNDA) Receives Consensus Rating of “Buy”

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: VNDA), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products to help in the treatment of central nervous system disorders, now has a product portfolio made up of HETLIOZ® (tasimelteon), Fanapt® (iloperidone), Tradipitant (VLY-686), Trichostatin A, and AQW051, all of which address high unmet medical needs and improve the lives of patients.

The company recently released its financial results for the third quarter of 2016 (ended September 30) highlighting that total revenues grew to $38.5 million, an increase of 7% over the second quarter of this year. This was also a 36% increase compared to Vanda’s $28.3 million during the third quarter of 2015, with an increase to cash of $6.6 million.

As a result, several research firms across the U.S. have commented on VNDA. Aegis Capital Corp. (http://dtn.fm/G6slI) initiated coverage of Vanda Pharmaceuticals, giving the company a ‘Buy’ rating with a target price of $24. The report’s investment highlights included HETLIOZ® for non-24, Fanapt®’s asset life extension through November 2027 due to the company’s ‘610 patent win, and the fact that Vanda R&D programs in the pipeline carry lower than average development risks.

Jefferies Group, Brean Capital, and Piper Jaffray Cos. also gave Vanda Pharmaceuticals a ‘Buy’ rating, with a target price ranging between $19 and $24. JMP Securities gave Vanda a “Market Outperform” rating, upping its price target on shares from $18 to $22. In addition, many large investors have also upgraded their positions with Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

According to the Cerbat Gem Market News and Analysis (http://dtn.fm/bQS1s) site, the Bank of Montreal in Canada bought a new stake in shares worth approximately $132,000; UBS Asset Management Americas, Inc. increased its position within the company by just under 11%, making them the proud owners of 16,300 shares; and Paloma Partners Management Co. bought a new position worth approximately $192,000. Jane Street Group LLC and TFS Capital LLC bought new positions worth about $200,000 and $210,000 respectively.

Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s earnings per share beat the consensus estimate by $0.13, and it beat the earning consensus estimate by approximately $0.43 million. The company’s non-GAAP EPS came in above street estimates of $0.01 at a huge $0.11, and full year revenue has gone from $143 million to $153 million.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.vandapharmaceuticals.com

[MissionIR]

Cogint, Inc. (COGT) is “One to Watch”

Distilling complexity into actionable intelligence is the core focus for recently rebranded data analytics outfit Cogint, Inc. (NASDAQ: COGT). Cogint rang the NASDAQ bell (http://dtn.fm/OTm74) only a handful of days after transitioning shares over to the exchange, amid a big push by the company to secure and expand an increasingly dominant footprint in massive scale, people-based digital marketing and customer acquisition solutions via its Fluent (http://dtn.fm/IL7j5) subsidiary. Fluent is a data-driven performance marketing suite powered by the same proprietary, next-gen data fusion platform known as CORE™, which also powers the company’s analytical and risk management solutions.

Fluent is changing the laws of marketing with a suite of tools that enable the company’s clients to serve personalized, targeted ads and acquire extremely loyal brand customers by leveraging user-generated responses and real-time interactivity. With digital display ad spending overtaking search ad spending this year for the first time in history – as the biggest categories like video, rich media and banners take up approximately half the $32 billion plus pie (http://dtn.fm/iN4HV) – a hyper-targeted and user-centric digital marketing/customer acquisition and retention solution like Fluent finds itself in an advantageous position when it comes to distinguishing itself.

Over 500 leading brands, such as online home improvement marketplace BuildDirect, Finish Line (NASDAQ: FINL) and Western Union (NYSE: WU), already trust Fluent to deliver the goods, and have come to rely upon the industry-leading data acquisition, mobile app install and performance display ad solutions located within the suite. BuildDirect, for instance, saw a 25 percent jump in user engagement thanks to Fluent’s ReConnect™ solution for supercharging an email marketing program.

One secret to Fluent’s success in this arena is the immense reservoir of proprietary consumer data that the company already has at its fingertips. The marketing suite is empowered by an enviable feedback loop with the consumers themselves, consisting of over 700,000 direct user interactions, six million survey responses, and more than 1.2 million ad responses per day. A brand looking to do consumer marketing through mobile user acquisition/retention, other audience engagements tool and data acquisition has a powerful over-the-horizon radar system in Fluent. And the platform has a proven track record of being able to produce tangible results, relying to a great extent on the unprecedented precision of the platform’s user-driven targeting matrix.

The company plans to dramatically increase the size and scope of Fluent’s business moving forward (http://dtn.fm/V9Xu5), using a combination of diligent retargeting of pre-qualified audiences across all connected device types, and the enabling of mobile display, search, social, video and eventually addressable television campaigns. This is where Cogint’s Q Interactive (http://dtn.fm/ILx29) subsidiary really shines, as a direct publisher crafting tailored lead generation for digital, performance-based campaigns – and one which is squarely focused on maximizing advertiser’s return on investment. Q Interactive works hand-in-hand with advertisers to hone the target matrix of ideal consumer profiles down to the ideal level, exploiting the company’s enormous user engagement envelope to intelligently place a given brand, product or service directly in front of those most receptive to it. At the same time, Q Interactive is able to drive high quality traffic generation by being able to offer publishers first rate monetization for the best traffic. Q Interactive’s various promotions, coupons, sample campaigns and the like are some of the most lucrative monetizing properties online today.

Again, at the center of all this is a cloud-based custom data analytics backbone engineered from the ground up to handle any kind of data type (such as behavioral and demographic, or transactional), and deliver actionable intelligence that is suitable to any industry. Actually the fusion of CORE and the company’s Agile Acquisition Engine™, this same technology backbone that enables complex digital performance marketing tasks also enables COGT to offer its clients the ability to do extremely in-depth investigative work. Tasks such as fraud detection/prevention, identity verification, regulatory compliance, and location (skip) tracing are a breeze for Cogint’s IDI (Interactive Data) subsidiary and its idiCORE (http://dtn.fm/W1Rb5) investigative solution. This is really worth taking into consideration when you look at a report like the one out of IDC last month, which not only projected that big data and analytics would go more mainstream in coming years, but that the market is on track to top $203 billion by 2020 (http://dtn.fm/7UcwL).

While similar data fusion architectures may exist, they are costly and largely outdated. On the other hand, idiCORE is an extremely efficient (and therefore less expensive) system, which is able to yield higher-fidelity data and at a lower cost. The idiCORE platform utilizes proprietary linking technology (algos/logic) and machine learning principles which, when paired with the company’s massive data repository (that includes credit header data, public records, private/proprietary sources and more), allows for superb relational resolutions, whether one is looking at connections, individual people, or assets. And idiCORE has an impressive pedigree too, being the next-gen data fusion solution that stands on the shoulders of data fusion pioneer Hank Asher’s work. Asher was the architect behind market heavy hitters Accurint® (http://dtn.fm/SU01a) (now owned by LexisNexis, RELX Group) and TLOxp® (http://dtn.fm/m6CeA), now owned by TransUnion (NYSE: TRU).

CEO and Interim President of COGT, Derek Dubner, worked closely with Asher (regarded by many as the father of data fusion) for 15 years and was general counsel to TLO, from its inception through to its eventual sale to TransUnion. Dubner was quite proud of idiCORE’s recent successes during COGT’s Q3 earnings call (http://dtn.fm/6E8Wh), where he highlighted the addition of key foundational datasets, including a gigantic database of motor vehicle records to idiCORE, as well as the platform’s improved data sorting features.

Most noteworthy among the quarterly data release is a 27 percent revenue uptick to $52.2 million (http://dtn.fm/bKbG2) (compared to Q2), with performance marketing having accounted for the lion’s share of revenues at around 70 percent. Dubner also threw a spotlight on the ongoing expansion of the company’s cutting-edge idiCORE investigative solution, particularly as it relates to Cogint’s risk management division, before touting the enhanced search functionality and accuracy idiCORE now possesses.

It’s no wonder the company recently tapped two industry veterans to join the team. Harry Jordan came on board as COO in early August (http://dtn.fm/Y4pOe) and brought two decades with outfits like LexisNexis along, including a wealth of experience in M&A that led to such landmark deals as the ChoicePoint and Seisint acquisitions. Twenty-year industry veteran Jeff Dell was appointed CIO in mid-September (http://dtn.fm/O8p8F). A natural transition from the same roles Dell played at TLO and Seisint, roles which uniquely prepared him to be the top information security professional for COGT, as the company expands and looks to continue increasing security.

Dubner was keen to point out in the Q3 earnings call that there was a whopping 400 percent CAGR for Q3 when it comes to the number of online transactions done using idiCORE. It’s very exciting statistic about how ingrained this intuitive solution has already become among end markets, as well as being a positive sign about the raw, overall platform adoption rates. Additionally, Dubner cited the abnormally high number of contract versus transactional usages seen thus far with idiCORE, remarking how odd it was for a new product on launch. It’s a very positive sign indeed, as it indicates end users are having a very good reaction to the solution, from both usability and intuitiveness standpoints.

Wringing actionable intelligence from the complex web of information requires a database-spanning fusion engine such as idiCORE. This data fusion engine can deliver the kind of penetrating investigative and risk management capabilities needed to map and study the intricate connections between even seemingly disparate data points like assets, businesses, or people – and idiCORE can do it all in real-time.

To learn more about Cogint, visit www.cogint.com

[MissionIR]

Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (IPDN) Closes Stock Sale Transaction with Cosmic Forward Limited

In a recent news release by Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (NASDAQ: IPDN), it was announced that Cosmic Forward Limited (“CFL”), a Seychelles-based private company, now owns 51% of the Internet software and services company, which specializes in providing career networking for women and diverse professionals.

IPDN recently completed the sale of 1,777,417 shares of its common stock to CFL for $9.60 per share, generating gross proceeds of approximately $17.1 million, prior to expenses and debt repayment. The capital, along with the newly-formed strategic partnership, is expected to play a role in IPDN’s efforts to expand its operations into a number of global markets, including China. Cosmic Forward Limited is wholly-owned by Maoji (Michael) Wang, Jingbo Song, Yong Xiong Zheng, and Nan Nan Kou.

The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), a subsidiary of IPDN, provides an online platform offering employer clients covering more than 200 industries and professions a way to find professional talent while helping them comply with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

In the news release, Star Jones, president of IPDN, added, “I am extremely proud that our partnership with CFL allows Professional Diversity Network to capture a new audience and grow exponentially by taking women’s empowerment, diversity recruiting, skills training and innovative technology global.”

In a related move, IPDN announced results of an earlier self-tender offer to repurchase up to 312,500 shares of its common stocks. IPDN has accepted 312,500 shares of its common stock at a purchase price of $9.60 per share, for a total purchase price of approximately $3.0 million net to the seller in cash, less any applicable withholding taxes and without interest.

See http://dtn.fm/F1xD2 for the detailed press release.

For more information on Professional Diversity Network, please visit www.prodivnet.com

[MissionIR]

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMPE) Targeting Common Inflammatory Conditions with Two Late-Stage Product Candidates

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE MKT: AMPE) is a development stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapies aimed at treating common inflammatory conditions for which there are limited treatment options. The company’s development pipeline currently features two product candidates advancing through late-stage clinical trials in the United States, including Ampion™ for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) and Optina™ for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, currently affects more than 100 million people in the United States alone, with over 48 million suffering from OAK. Meanwhile, the prevalence of DME is estimated at about 30 percent of patients inflicted by type I or type II diabetes mellitus for 20 years or more. For reference, roughly 11.3 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 20 lives with some form of diabetes.

Late last week, Ampio issued a news release updating its shareholders on the status its clinical development programs. The company is in ongoing discussions with the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research regarding the best path forward to obtain a Biological License for Ampion™ for the treatment of OAK. According to Michael Macaluso, chief executive officer of Ampio, the FDA has provided a “number of fair and reasonable paths forward to a Biological License” and Ampio hopes to “have a final decision on the path we will follow by year-end.”

In addition to its late-stage Ampion™ development program for the treatment of OAK, Ampio also recently completed a pilot study designed to examine the safety and efficacy of the candidate as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis of the hand (OAH). Macaluso described the trial as “a small pilot study designed to examine the safety of a single injection of Ampion™ into the basal thumb joint of patients with hand OA, which is common, troublesome, and has limited treatment options.” After four weeks, 66.7 percent of patients treated with Ampion™ demonstrated an improvement in pain, while just 33 percent of patients in the control group noticed an improvement.

“These preliminary results were not unexpected as they are consistent with the results from over 1800 patients in our OA of the knee studies,” Macaluso added in a news release.

The most recent update regarding the development program for Optina™, issued early last month, notes that a manuscript, titled ‘Potential Beneficial Effect of Low Dose Danazol in Combination With Renin Angiotensin Inhibitors in Diabetic Macular Edema’, was accepted for publication in Acta Ophthalmologica, an international peer-reviewed journal in the field of ophthalmology. The article reports on the clinical benefits of Optina™, as observed from a 12-week multi-center, placebo-controlled, double-masked randomized trial. The findings were also presented at the 2016 annual meeting of the Retina Society in San Diego, California.

For more information, visit www.ampiopharma.com

[MissionIR]

Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. (MTBC) Announces Monthly Dividend on Series A Preferred Stock

Before the opening bell, Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. (NASDAQ: MTBC) (NASDAQ: MTBCP) announced that its board of directors has declared monthly cash dividends for its 11% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock for December, January and February. These monthly dividends will be valued at roughly $0.23 per share, or 11% of the $25 per share liquidation preference, and will be made payable on the 15th day of the following month. The applicable record date for the newly-announced dividends will be the last day of the relevant calendar month.

News of the dividends comes just over a week after MTBC reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2016. Among the highlights from these results, the company reported its fourth consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA. Additionally, MTBC expanded upon its recent trend of quarterly revenue growth, recording $5.3 million for the three-month period. With revenue growth of 130 percent from 2012 to 2015, MTBC has established a position as one of the fastest growing technology companies in the country. This position was reaffirmed earlier this week when MTBC was named among Deloitte’s 2016 Technology Fast 500™, the fifth time since 2009 that the company has achieved this honor.

While MTBC’s third quarter revenue total was a mild decrease from the comparable period in 2015, a result that MTBC’s management team attributes to a loss of clients from subsidiaries purchased during the third quarter of 2014, the company has already positioned itself for forward growth through the October acquisition of MediGain, LLC and subsidiary Millennium Practice Management, LLC.

Noted as the company’s largest acquisition to date, the MediGain purchase included accounts in good standing with annual revenues of more than $10 million. When considered in combination with MTBC’s acquisition price of $7 million, the company’s management team expects the incremental profits from the transaction to exceed the cost of capital and therefore become accretive to shareholders in 2017. Other highlights from the MediGain acquisition include the addition of experienced new members to the MTBC team in North America and an expansion of its Asia-based staff to additional countries with talented, cost-effective workforces.

“We are greatly encouraged by the growth opportunities provided by our recent acquisition of MediGain. The successful closing of this transaction has positioned MTBC to experience exponential growth through access to new, untapped markets,” Mahmud Haq, chairman and chief executive officer of MTBC, stated in a recent news release. “In turn, we expect to expand our client base and deliver significant revenue growth in 2017.”

For more information, visit www.mtbc.com, and see the company’s fact sheet at http://ir.mtbc.com/events.cfm.

[MissionIR]

CytoSorbents Corp. (CTSO) is “One to Watch”

November has been a promising month for CytoSorbents Corp. (NASDAQ: CTSO), a critical care immunotherapy company. The New Jersey-based company, specializing in blood purification to control deadly inflammation in critically ill and cardiac surgery patients, reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016.

CTSO reported that product sales for the third quarter of this year were up to $2.14 million, a new record, marking the sixth quarter in a row to show substantial growth with sales up by 100% from 2015’s $1.07 million. The jump was attributed to increases in both direct sales and sales through distributors.

Total revenue for the third quarter of 2016, including product sales and grant revenue, came in at $2.4 million, marking an overall gross margin of $1.4 million compared to $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2015. In addition, product gross margins for the third quarter of 2016 were approximately 5% higher than in the same quarter of 2015.

As a result, Aegis Capital Corp. upgraded its CytoSorbents estimates, offering the company a ‘Buy’ rating with a target price of $20. The report states: “CTSO reported revenues of $2.41 million versus consensus of $2.21 million and our $2.25 million estimate.” The report also highlighted that Aegis expects further acceleration through 2017.

Highlights from the report include the growth of CytoSorb sales of 13,000 units, the fact that REFRESH 1 met its safety endpoint, and that CytoSorbents has $6.4 million in cash with $5 million available from its credit facility with Bridge Bank. As a result, the company expects to have enough funding for its operations through the second half of 2017.

CytoSorbents’ Q3 2016 sales report is not the only aspect of the company’s recent success. In November of this year, CTSO announced the addition of Belgium and Luxembourg to its direct sales directories, expanding its distribution to include 42 countries around the world. These new additions will allow CytoSorbents to target these focused markets with its own direct sales force.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.cytosorbents.com

[MissionIR]

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INO) opens New Front Line in War against Cancer & Infectious Diseases with DNA Vaccines

Over 2,000 years ago, Plato, in his immortal Socratic dialogue, had the great philosopher express his astonishment at the new diseases plaguing Athenian society and their bizarre and horrible names. Our position today is very similar. Strange, horrible afflictions with bizarre, frightening names like cancer, Ebola and Zika, unknown or unrecognized until modern times, threaten us with epidemics and pandemics. For a hundred years or so, we’ve fought them off with traditional vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Now, a new battlefront is set to open with the advent of DNA vaccines from companies like Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INO).

Traditional vaccines stimulate the immune system to respond to threats from antigens in the lymph and blood. The lymph is a colorless fluid containing white blood cells that bathes the tissues. These traditional vaccines are said to stimulate humoral immunity. (Humor is a medieval term for body fluid.) The most famous of them, perhaps, and certainly the first was Edward Jenner’s smallpox vaccine in 1796. Traditional vaccines have been developed against numerous bacterial and viral pathogens, but their development against many life-threatening viruses has been elusive.

DNA vaccines, by contrast, stimulate cell-mediated immunity, which is good, since most of the scientific community believes that it is cell-mediated immunity, rather than humoral immunity, that has the dominant role in fighting viral infections. The problem is that viruses live and replicate inside cells. They seize the synthetic machinery of the host and, therefore, are sheltered from antibody surveillance. Cell-mediated immunity, however, can detect and destroy these infected cells.

Inovio Pharmaceuticals is revolutionizing the fight against cancers and other infectious diseases with a range of these DNA immunotherapies (vaccines). Its technology platform is applicable to cancers and infectious diseases and the company has developed antigen-targeting immunotherapy and vaccine product candidates for HPV-caused pre-cancers and cancers of the breast, lung, pancreas, and prostate, as well as hepatitis, HIV, influenza, and Ebola. Its lead program targets cervical dysplasia and has just completed a phase II clinical study.

In March, the company announced (http://dtn.fm/3PRmG) that this immunotherapy to treat cervical dysplasia (VGX-3100) had earned recognition as the “Best Therapeutic Vaccine” by the World Vaccine Congress held that month in Washington, D.C. The Vaccine Industry Excellence (ViE) Awards honor outstanding vaccine advancements and achievements of therapeutic and preventive vaccine developers across the global industry, as judged by a panel of global biotech industry stakeholders.

At present, Inovio’s proposed phase III clinical program for the VGX-3100 program is under clinical hold. The FDA has requested additional data to support the shelf life of the newly designed and manufactured disposable parts of the CELLECTRA® 5PSP immunotherapy delivery device. The hold does not pertain to any of Inovio’s other ongoing clinical studies. Management expects the VGX-3100 issue to be resolved by the first quarter of 2017, with potentially no delay in the overall completion of a phase III trial.

By year-end, Inovio expects several clinical read-outs, including those from the 40 patient Zika trial and the INO-3112 head and neck cancer study, in addition to interim data from its Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) vaccine. A research report from Aegis Capital (http://dtn.fm/3J2eg), issued last week, set a price target of $12.00 for Inovio’s stock, which is currently trading at just over $8.00.

For more information, visit www.inovio.com

[MissionIR]

Aegis Capital Supports ‘Buy’ Rating, Higher Stock Price Target for Progenics (PGNX) Following Strong Q3 Results

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: PGNX), a company focused on the development of innovative treatments and therapies for cancer, in particular prostate cancer, recently released its financial results for the third quarter of 2016, reporting higher revenue and net income compared to the third quarter of 2015. The growth can be primarily attributed to the FDA approval and U.S. commercial launch of its flagship product, oral Relistor®, for the treatment of opioid induced constipation in patients suffering from chronic non-cancer pain, according to an Aegis Capital Corp. analysis (http://dtn.fm/8EJce) released on November 8, one day after the Q3 results.

The Aegis report underlines that the strong Q3 results warrant the designation of a ‘Buy’ rating for Progenics and a higher stock price target of $11, compared to the current $5.71. In the third quarter, Progenics reported $53.9 million in revenue, compared to $1.4 million in Q3 2015, which reflects the significantly higher royalty income of $3.3 million from Relistor®, compared to $1.2 million during the same reporting period of 2015. Relistor®, in its tablet form, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July of this year, which triggered a $50 million milestone from the company’s commercialization partner, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX), along with subsequent royalties and the potential of sales milestones of up to $200 million. This was followed by the launch of oral Relistor® on the U.S. market in September. Total Relistor® sales (for both the oral and the subcutaneous versions of the product) amounted to $22.1 million, which resulted in $3.3 million in royalties.

In addition to the higher revenue, Progenics also announced a $50 million royalty-backed loan from HealthCare Royalty Partners. The loan matures on June 30, 2025, and will be repaid exclusively from royalties on future Relistor® sales, with a 9.8% per annum interest rate. Any future sales milestones from Valeant are excluded from the agreement. The loan helped Progenics end the quarter with $98.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, which is $24.8 million higher than the figure reported at the end of last year.

According to Aegis Capital, this loan will allow Progenics to have a cash balance large enough to support the launch of its next pipeline product Azedra®, a late-stage candidate being evaluated for the treatment of rare sympathetic nervous system tumors (pheochromocytoma and paragangliomas). Currently undergoing registration trials for the treatment, Progenics expects topline results in the first quarter of 2017. If the results are encouraging and the Azedra® trial meets the requirements of the Special Protocol Assessment, Progenics plans to submit a new drug application to the FDA in the first half of next year, with approval likely to happen by the end of 2017.

The Aegis report also mentions that, with its current cash balance and the expected Relistor® sales royalties, Progenics will be able to continue development of its oncology pipeline, which includes PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen)-targeted imaging agents such as 1404 (SPECT/CT imaging agent currently undergoing a phase III study of 450 prostate cancer patients), PyL™ (a PET/CT agent that will begin to undergo phase II/III trials by the end of the year) and 1095 (with a phase I study in metastatic prostate cancer patients set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016).

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.progenics.com

[MissionIR]

Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR) is “One to Watch”

Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR), a biopharmaceutical company in the business of developing new medicines for people living with life changing conditions, now helps more than nine million patients worldwide. Nektar also offers a proprietary pipeline made up of drug candidates for oncology, pain, anti-infectives, and immunology. The company has 12 approved products, including Movantik, Adynovate, and Onzeald.

Movantik, which is used for the treatment of opioid induced constipation, was approved for sale in both the U.S. and Europe in 2014, allowing Nektar to see a significant increase in sales and royalty payments. Adynovate, used in the treatment of hemophilia A in patients aged 12 and above, was approved for sale in the U.S. in 2015. The company also partnered with Shire, giving Nektar an extra $55,000 in sales.

Onzeald is used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer with brain metastases. The company partnered with Daiichi Sankyo on June 1, 2016, giving Daiichi exclusive commercialization rights in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Turkey. This partnership could potentially give Nektar a total of $60 million in commercial and regulatory milestones.

In addition, Nektar Therapeutics recently presented new clinical data (http://dtn.fm/g8OQs) from its ongoing phase I dose-escalation study of NKTR-214 at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2016 Annual Meeting. The candidate is an investigatory immunostimulatory therapy that expands specific cancer fighting T-cells and natural killer cell abundance in the tumor’s microenvironment.

According to Dr. Ivan Gergel, Senior Vice President, Drug Development & Chief Medical Officer of Nektar, “NKTR-214 resulted in robust activation of the immune system and encouraging anti-tumor activity, including a partial response observed in a patient who continues to be treated with NKTR-214?. There has been evidence that seven out of the 18 patients so far have had radiographic reductions in tumor size per RECIST 1.1 on NKTR-214.

With this in mind, Aegis Capital Corp. (http://dtn.fm/cxSm0) initiated coverage on Nektar Therapeutics, offering the company a ‘Buy’ rating with a target price of $21. Areas covered in the report include the sources of revenue, details of the partnerships put in place, and an oncology clinical collaboration with BMS for evaluating the combination of Opdivo and NKTR-214. The target price was based on an EV/Sales multiple of eight, which was applied to the expected sales of $378 million by 2020.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.nektar.com

[MissionIR]

Monaker Group (MKGI) Set to Capitalize on This Year’s Thanksgiving Celebrations

This Thanksgiving, AAA, North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, is expecting over one million more Americans to travel. According to the company’s 2016 Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast, there will be more than 48.7 million travelers, marking the highest Thanksgiving holiday travel volume since 2007.

Travel has gone up 1.9% this year alone, leading to a 29% increase of travelers during Thanksgiving over the past eight years. According to the report and its attached infographic, 89.4% of people will be traveling by car, a 12.5% increase from the 2001 to 2015 average. In addition, air travel has risen 10% above the 2010 post-recession rebound year, and other modes of travel are also expected to increase by just under 1%.

But why are people suddenly choosing to splash their cash this Thanksgiving? The answer is simple: steady economic growth and low gas prices. According to the Albany Herald (http://dtn.fm/x5CX5), AAA officials estimate that low gas prices have saved drivers a huge $28 billion this calendar year alone. Forecasts also show an increase in consumer spending of 4.2%, with a rise in personal income of 3.4% and a 2.3% increase in disposable income. Not only this, real GDP is expected to increase by 1.6% over last year’s figure, and unemployment is expected to drop by just under 5%.

An article on the AAA Newsroom (http://dtn.fm/Z1kfO) predicts travelers top ten travel destinations to be Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Orlando, New York City, New Orleans, Anaheim, Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia, and Seattle, many of which appear in the featured cities list of NextTrip, the flagship company of Monaker Group (OTCQB: MKGI).

Monaker Group, a technology-driven travel company, works through NextTrip, a real-time booking engine that offers consumers the chance to book every aspect of their trips, all in one place. The company offers a choice of alternative lodging in a number of locations around the world. MKGI works with a number of airlines, cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, car rentals, and concierge services, allowing holidaymakers to plan their entire trips from the comfort of the NextTrip travel planner.

This NextTrip booking system gives consumers the power of choice while allowing them to make informed decisions right from their homes. Thanks to key partnerships with well-established travel brands, Monaker aims to become the one-stop-shop for vacationers across the U.S and around the globe.

For more information, visit www.MonakerGroup.com

[MissionIR]

Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. (MTBC) mHealth Keeping Patients and Practices Constantly Connected

As part of its constant efforts to offer one of the most comprehensive suites of electronic health records, practice management and revenue cycle solutions on the market, Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. (NASDAQ: MTBC; MTBCP) provides its customers with a comprehensive suite of mobile health applications designed to significantly improve patient engagement and give practices secure and consistent access to real-time information. The native mobile applications offered under the mHealth umbrella are designed for a wide variety of tablet devices and smartphones and are fully integrated with the company’s core suite of services and products.

One of the most inclusive apps is MTBC’s Personal Health Record (PHR) for Android and iOS devices. This app affords any medical practice’s patients direct access to their medical history and detailed health info, including lab reports, bills or claims. The PHR is safe and easy to use and also allows patients to schedule appointments and view their appointment history wherever they are and whenever they want to. Key features of the app include: flexibility in making appointments; easy access to a patient’s medical history, medications and immunization info; ability to process payments and track payment history; secure messaging between patients and their doctors; and the ability of having patients directly edit their personal details such as address or phone number.

Another app that gives practices access to clinical information anywhere and anytime is the MTBC iEHR – Electronic Health Records app for iOS, Android and Amazon devices. The app has a highly intuitive interface providing superior flexibility and functionality so as to access critical information at any time and subsequently improve safety and quality of patient care. With the iEHR, practices and patients can view upcoming and past appointments, review complete patient medical history including medication and hospitalization records, create and sign patient charts at the point of care, send prescriptions straight to pharmacy and create and submit bills.

Electronic prescribing of medication can actually improve patient safety and reduce deaths caused by possible prescription errors, as various studies have shown. With this in mind, MTBC developed the iRx app. Compatible with both Android and iOS devices, this app allows doctors to prescribe medications quickly using their smartphones or any other smart device. The app enables medical professionals to review any drug contraindications including interactions with other drugs, or whether they are right for a specific patient based on factors such as medical history, allergies, immunizations, and others. iRx also offers access to chart summaries and the possibility of viewing and replying to patient or office messages.

Practices struggling with rising administrative costs might be interested in the iCheckIn application for iPad – an app designed to automate and greatly simplify the patient check-in process. Offering more self-service options to patients, this application also allows for safe verification of insurance information and secure credit card payments. It enables patients to update their own information and review their payment history and balance, thus helping a practice achieve higher operational efficiency while saving time and money.

For more information, visit www.mtbc.com, and see the company’s fact sheet at http://ir.mtbc.com/events.cfm.

[MissionIR]

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (EXPI) Gearing Up to Serve Generation Z

Recently there has been a lot of talk about Generation Z from real estate sources such as The National Association of Realtors (NAR), DS News, and 8Z Real Estate, effectively stating that “Nearly All of Generation Z Sees Homeownership in Their Future.” Although the focus has often been on millennials when it comes to home ownership, DS News (http://dtn.fm/9gGFs) asked its readers some key questions: “What about the generation that follows behind Millennials? What are those from Generation-Z, or those born after 1996, planning when it comes to becoming future homeowners?”

An NAR article entitled ‘Nearly All of Generation Z See Homeownership in Their Future’ (http://dtn.fm/iZ1dG) highlights findings from a session titled ‘The Gen Z Consumer’ at the 2016 REALTORS® Conference & Expo, during which a panel of Gen Z people discussed in some detail what their social media and shopping preferences are, including their future plans to become property owners. At the conference session, Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, pointed out that it was time to learn more about the future of the real estate industry and the next generation that is going to lead it.

Every panelist at the session said that they would like to own their own home and that homeownership will be part of their future. Although results varied between rural and suburban areas, everyone expressed a desire for large square footage. In addition, according to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, 97% of Gen Z believes they will own their own home and 82% said owning a home is one of the most important factors in achieving the American dream. In addition to the above, many polled Gen Z-ers said they will most likely work with a real estate agency, and that although they would search online they believe it is important to have professional guidance during the process. 8Z Real Estate (http://dtn.fm/1UEk0) put it perfectly: “There are 55 million of them, about 17% of the US population. Gen Zers are digital natives who don’t make much of a distinction between the physical and digital worlds.”

This is where eXp World Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI), the holding company for eXp Realty LLC, comes in. Since its beginnings, the company has moved to better equip its agents with a technologically sophisticated Cloud Office Environment, allowing them to work, attend classes, collaborate, and innovate to best serve their customers.

EXPI has combined advancements in technology with the simple fact that real estate consumers still see value in working with professionals. The systems and tools put in place by the company allow consumers to be more informed, with masses of information and imagery, all while being equipped with professional help that lends a comparative perspective on properties, and negotiates and advocates on their behalf.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.eXpWorldHoldings.com

[MissionIR]

Chanticleer Holdings (HOTR) Turns Up the Heat in Fast Casual with Tight Regional Brands & a Better Burger Strategy

From somewhat humble beginnings back in 2005 as a parent structure for investment in and franchising of the extremely successful Hooters brand that has given rise to a bevy of successful imitators over the years, Chanticleer Holdings (NASDAQ: HOTR) has emerged over the last three years as a serious contender in fast casual via brilliant execution of a regional brand strategy. The core “better burger” focus of HOTR’s approach to what is argued by many to be the world’s fastest growing foodservice segment (http://dtn.fm/8Cc03), as fast casual grew 10.4 percent last year to around $3.4 billion, has continually delivered empirical results over the last few years confirming the wisdom of management’s strategy.

Q3 2016 (ended September 30) was another solid quarter for Chanticleer too, with 18.3 percent revenue growth (http://dtn.fm/2zlWf) on strength of the fast casual better burger segment, even as the company managed to shave 2.5 percent off of its operating costs, and 5.5 percent off of G&A expenses. Nine-month revenues were even hotter, at 30.3 percent growth to $31.8 million, clearly illustrating a bullish revenue growth trend mapped out in the company’s November 2016 investor presentation (http://dtn.fm/9WIvV). A replay of the November 9 conference call discussing the company’s revenue growth, overall improved revenue mix, and the success of ongoing efficiency initiatives is available until December 9 by calling [phone], or [phone] for international callers, using conference ID 10138.

At the center of a growing envelope of brands for Chanticleer are American Burger Company, BGR the Burger Joint, and Little Big Burger, all of which maintain a key emphasis on experience elements such as the freshness of high quality ingredients. Premium beef, unique and energetic environments, cooked-to-order meals, and gourmet burgers – these are the kinds of fast food-killer features which have sparked a broader revolution in the way people eat out. Little Big Burger (LBB) in particular made a strong showing, further underscoring the ingeniousness of Chanticleer’s uniquely crafted regional brand strategy, as LBB contributed significantly to 19 percent sequential quarterly growth in Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations.

Capitalizing on this revolution by perfecting the better burger concept is a nice approach for an outfit that cut its teeth franchising the oft-imitated but never duplicated Hooters brand. An American icon that obviously paved the way for such entities as last year’s fastest-growing chain in the U.S., Twin Peaks (http://dtn.fm/rd2Wy) ($165 million in sales last year). Chanticleer currently operates nine Hooters locations under franchise, with two in the U.S., one in the EU, and six in South Africa – in addition to owning a minority stake in the Georgia-based wing of Hooters, Inc., Hooters of America. Rounding out the brand mix for HOTR is Just Fresh (http://dtn.fm/rkV6S) (eight locations), a North Carolina market, health-focused brand which features a menu of wholesome and nutritionally balanced foods, including wraps and grilled dishes, baked items, sandwiches and smoothies, as well as a variety of salads, soups, and breakfast items.

American Burger Company (http://dtn.fm/7ROy9) proudly features a “Made in America” menu that ranges well beyond premium burgers into the realm of sandwiches, salads and delicious shakes. With nine locations in the Carolinas currently under the Chanticleer flag, the ABC brand is growing fast, and features such memorable attractions as a Wall of Fame challenge burger (http://dtn.fm/dD12J), the Roadstar®, which is four cheeseburgers in one. Little Big Burger (http://dtn.fm/mOA0h) (eight locations) is the fastest gun in the company’s lineup. Serving high quality cooked-to-order burgers in Portland and the Pacific Northwest region that are made with 1/4 lb. of cascade natural beef, served on brioche buns, using local cheeses, fresh veggies, and featuring the distinctive taste of a veritable Portland institution, Camden’s Blue Label Catsup (http://dtn.fm/YmE9o). Fine touches like this show how dialed-in the regional brand presence model is here, and they speak volumes about HOTR’s past and potential future performance that you just can’t find pouring over SEC filings.

BGR the Burger Joint (http://dtn.fm/V3eb6) is doing really nice turnover for the company as well, with open-flame gourmet fast casual at 22 locations across the U.S. adding mightily to HOTR’s bottom line, even as the brand brings in organic marketing due to underlying product excellence. Recently voted the best burger in D.C. for 2016 (http://dtn.fm/j4fLI) by Washington City Paper’s reader poll, the BGR brand concept, which got its start with a small shop off Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda back in 2008, has performed exceptionally as a regional brand, and has since expanded more toward being a nationwide brand. Named among America’s Top 10 Chain Burgers in 2014 by an MSN report from The Daily Meal (http://dtn.fm/FK2oy), the restaurant chain earned its fame on the back of founder Mark Bucher’s famous burger, which is based on the burgers he had as a kid growing up on the outskirts of Philadelphia, back when the neighborhood beef butcher would draw lines around the block every Sunday, grilling up the best prime beef Philly had to offer. This kind of media coverage for the authentic-tasting menu has been more than great publicity for the brand, it shows how BGR is able to deliver robust value through what is now considered boutique quality, and at nominal, fast casual prices. This is a winning model.

The company has built up an impressive foundation of stores in the last few years as well, with the brand basket ending up pretty well mixed at around eight or nine locations each, and the notable exception of course being gourmet burger restaurant, BGR, with its 22 locations. Chanticleer opened its seventh American Burger Co. in September (http://dtn.fm/mYgo9), as well as its first Little Big Burger in Seattle (http://dtn.fm/7Y0yw), shortly before opening a new BGR location in the Sultanate of Oman (http://dtn.fm/9DdLD) in early October.

While competitors in the market such as juggernaut Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) have seen share prices decline on saturation and other issues since late 2014, as old money outfits like McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) execute decisive moves to recapture core audiences – a spry little player like Chanticleer, with its better burger focus and winning regional brand strategy, has managed to cut off sizeable chunks at the margins. Better positioned to capture increasingly discerning, regionalized consumer dollars with higher concept, higher quality offerings, Chanticleer represents a powerful way for investors to play this growth sector. Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM) and other behemoths in the industry have had difficulty recapturing market share from upstarts like Chipotle, and now with companies like Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA) and Shake Shack (NYSE: SHAK) nipping at the heels of CMG, the game is set for desaturation by disruptors like Chanticleer, with its strong handful of better burger brands.

The company is as passionate about its food as it is about offering guests a memorable experience, and that really shines through when it comes to organic buzz, a clear result of the company’s commitment to staffing quality. Staffing has always been a central theme for the company, and Michael D. Pruitt, Chanticleer Holdings Chairman, President and CEO, understands that success in this industry is as much about the wait staff as it is about the Board of Directors. That’s why Chanticleer tapped some serious business operations, real estate and finance muscle earlier this year, with the Board appointments of Gregory E. Kraut and Paul G. Porter. Kraut, a Principal of commercial real estate services firm Avison Young, has nearly two decades of tenant and landlord leasing and sales representation under his belt. Whilst Porter is Managing Director over at Siskey Capital, where he handles oversight, structuring and management for the firm’s private equity.

Pruitt made it clear in the Q3 financials release how the company intends to springboard off its current momentum, leveraging the recent convertible preferred stock rights offering (designed to retire debt and provide growth capital) to capture more of a market that continues to prove quite eager for better burgers, and a better fast casual dining experience.

For more information, visit www.chanticleerholdings.com

[MissionIR]

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Evaluated in Zacks Small-Cap Research Report

Earlier this week, Zacks Small-Cap Research issued a new report on Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE). The report focused on the company’s recently released third quarter financial results, which, in addition to including an 11 percent year-over-year increase in net revenues, showed positive adjusted EBITDA for the second consecutive quarter. Zacks studied Net Element’s competitors and determined that the average valuation for companies operating in the payments space totaled roughly 7.5 times the enterprise value to trailing 12-month gross margin. Applying this multiple to Net Element’s trailing 12-month gross margin, Zacks forecast that NETE stock could be worth $4.18 per share if the company were profitable.

To view the full Zacks report, visit http://dtn.fm/Q3dGt

Despite GAAP losses resulting from the resolution of payments due for PayOnline, Zacks analysts remain optimistic regarding the company’s overall performance. Notably, the largest component of Net Element’s revenues, U.S. card processing services, has continued along its upward trajectory. The company recorded growth of 42.9 percent to $11.2 million through its domestic operations, with overseas business accounting for revenue declines through both mobile payments and PayOnline. Net Element didn’t provide a clear explanation for the 56 percent revenue shortfall in mobile payments, but the drop off in PayOnline revenues was directly attributable to the discontinuation of payment processing services for foreign currency dealers. Zacks notes that without these two international businesses, Net Element would be growing organically at a rate of more than 50 percent year-over-year and profitable.

Since the end of the third quarter, Net Element has made progress toward increasing its forward revenue through its PayOnline subsidiary. In October, the company announced an agreement between PayOnline and ExLine, the market leader for courier services in Kazakhstan, to enable online payment acceptance through the development of a custom payment solution. On the domestic front, Net Element recently announced that its proprietary Unified Payments gift card application for smart payment terminals is now available nationwide.

With all of these factors in mind, Zacks forecast that Net Element could grow to $55 million in revenues in 2016 through a combination of internal growth, strategic acquisitions and change in revenue recognition. The research report goes on to claim that the company’s PPS “could rise to $7.30 next year using 2016 estimated gross margin of $10.6 million and a share count of 17 million shares.”

For more information, visit www.NetElement.com

[MissionIR]

Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. (MTBC) Recognized Among Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™ for Sustained Revenue Growth

Before the opening bell, Medical Transcription Billing, Corp. (NASDAQ: MTBC) (NASDAQ: MTBCP) announced that it has been named among Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™ based on its 130 percent revenue growth from 2012 to 2015. The Deloitte rankings list the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy technology companies in North America across both the public and private sectors. Eligibility requirements for inclusion on the list include an operating history of at least four years, current-year operating revenues of at least $5 million and ownership of proprietary intellectual property or technology that’s sale or licensing accounts for a majority of the company’s operating revenues.

“As we celebrate our fifteenth year of business, we thank our customers and employees for enabling us to continue growing at a rate that even outpaces most early stage private and public companies,” Stephen Snyder, president of MTBC, stated in this morning’s news release. “Of the 500 companies ranked on Deloitte’s prestigious list in 2016, MTBC was among a smaller subset of the named companies that is publicly traded on NASDAQ and we are honored to be included among this group of market leaders.”

According to the company’s management team, MTBC’s sustained revenue growth is attributable to a combination of an industry-leading technology platform and a high quality, cost-efficient operations team that currently spans five countries and includes roughly 250 information technology and R&D professionals. The effectiveness of the company’s operations team is particularly noteworthy following MTBC’s recent acquisition of MediGain, LLC and affiliate Millennium Practice Management, LLC. In addition to purchasing accounts in good standing with annual revenues of more than $10 million as part of the strategic acquisition, the MediGain transaction added seasoned team members in North America and talented, cost-effective workforces in Asia to MTBC’s existing operations. Combined, these factors are expected to make this acquisition accretive to MTBC shareholders in 2017.

“We are greatly encouraged by the growth opportunities provided by our recent acquisition of MediGain,” Mahmud Haq, chairman and chief executive officer of MTBC, stated in a news release. “The successful closing of this transaction has positioned MTBC to experience exponential growth through access to new, untapped markets.”

Last week, MTBC offered shareholders an update on its recent performance through the release of its financial and operational results for the third quarter of 2016. The company’s revenues for the three-month period were $5.3 million, up from $5.2 million in the second quarter of this year. This result built on a trend of quarter-over-quarter revenue growth that has persisted throughout 2016. On a year-over-year basis, MTBC’s revenues were down slightly, which management attributed to a loss of clients from the businesses it acquired during the third quarter of 2014. The team discussed this trend in more detail as part of a conference call held last week. An audio webcast of the call is currently available for review on MTBC’s investor relations website.

For more information, visit www.mtbc.com, and see the company’s fact sheet at http://ir.mtbc.com/events.cfm.

[MissionIR]

eXp World Holdings, Inc. (EXPI) Announces Third Quarter Financial Results

Earlier today, eXp World Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI) released its financial results for the third quarter of 2016. Among the highlights, the company achieved a 112 percent year-over-year increase in revenues, recording $15.6 million for the three-month period ended September 30. EXPI attributed this increase to the growth of its real estate division, eXp Realty, which now includes more than 2,130 real estate professionals across 41 states, the District of Columbia and Alberta, Canada. This total marks an increase of more than 150 percent from the end of Q3 2015.

In recent weeks, eXp Realty’s commitment to offering an unparalleled value proposition to its agents and brokers has helped it attract a number of high-profile professionals to its ranks. In October, the company announced the addition of Miguel Herrera, known as the top international luxury agent in all of South Texas, to the Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage®. Other recent additions to the eXp Realty team include the Brent Gove Team, which was recognized as one of the top real estate teams in California; Darren James Real Estate Experts, which was ranked number one in the Gulf States region by REALTOR® for total production in both 2014 and 2015; and Burch & Co. Real Estate, which was ranked the top real estate firm in Northeast Arkansas in 2015.

“It continues to be gratifying to know that creating a cloud-based brokerage focused on the agent resonates so clearly that it is reflected in the continued high rate of growth in agent count and revenues,” Glenn Sanford, chairman and chief executive officer of EXPI, stated in the news release. “With this level of growth also comes the responsibility to manage that growth so it is sustainable over the long haul. Continually evaluating and investing in the infrastructure and tools necessary to support our growth and ensure scalability of eXp Realty’s business model is a top priority and is a commitment shared at all levels of the organization, from the board, senior leadership and other stakeholders.”

In addition to its revenue growth, EXPI successfully strengthened its cash position in the third quarter of 2016. The company reported cash and cash equivalents of $944,000 as of September 30, marking an increase of 110 percent from the comparable period of 2015. Total stockholder’s equity was also up an impressive 141 percent to $2 million at the close of Q3, which was a year-over-year increase of 141 percent.

Rounding out its latest financial release, EXPI reported a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $14.6 million for the three-month period. This loss was primarily attributable to a $14.1 million non-cash stock option compensation expense. The adjusted net loss attributable to common shareholders was reported at $559,000 for the quarter.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.eXpWorldHoldings.com

[MissionIR]

Moxian, Inc. (MOXC) Uplists to Nasdaq Capital Market

In an exclusive interview with MissionIR released late last year, Edmund Ooi, Vice President and Director of Creative & Marketing with Moxian, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOXC), outlined the company’s near- and long-term goals. Along with expanding Moxian’s merchant base and increasing revenues, Ooi pointed toward uplisting the company’s common stock as a major goal in order to widen its visibility within the investment community and increase shareholder value. Earlier today, Moxian achieved this goal, as its common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

The uplisting was announced in a news release issued after market close on Monday. The release also highlighted Moxian’s recent completion of a best efforts public offering of 2,501,250 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The company expects gross proceeds from this offering to total just over $10 million, before deducting placement agents’ commissions and related expenses. Axiom Capital Management, Inc. and Cuttone & Co., Inc. acted as placement agents for the offering.

Moxian engages in the business of providing social marketing and promotion platforms to merchants aiming to promote their operations through social media channels. The company’s Moxian+ (Business) mobile app provides the business tools and data analytics capabilities required to drive increased conversion and retention rates. Through the Moxian+ (User) app, consumers have the option to collect loyalty points from issuing merchants, win MO-Coins that can be used with any merchant in the Moxian ecosystem and chat with friends. When combined, these two apps create a powerful online-to-offline (O2O) platform designed to help merchants accelerate business growth by studying trends and other data regarding their target consumers.

The scope of the O2O commerce marketplace is worth noting, particularly as it relates to Moxian’s home markets within the People’s Republic of China. According to eMarketer (http://dtn.fm/WdE19), O2O ecommerce sales in China are expected to surpass $62.4 billion in 2016, with forecasts calling for annual growth of about 21 percent over the next two years. In January, Moxian better-positioned itself to capitalize on this forecast growth through the formation of a new corporate subsidiary in Beijing. Maintaining this presence in the national and cultural center of China is expected to offer numerous opportunities to Moxian as it continues to expand upon its position in the growing O2O market.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Moxian.com

[MissionIR]

National Waste Management Holdings, Inc. (NWMH) Announces Engagement of NetworkNewsWire

Earlier today, National Waste Management Holdings, Inc. (OTC: NWMH) announced its engagement of NetworkNewsWire (NNW), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company that delivers a new generation of social communication solutions, news aggregation and syndication, and enhanced news release services. Leveraging a rapidly expanding distribution network that currently includes well over 5,000 key syndication outlets, NNW specializes in helping both public and private organizations “find their voice and build market visibility.”

Through its newly-announced Client-Partner relationship with National Waste, NNW will utilize its investor-based Brand Network of partners, as well as various newsletters, social media channels, blogs and other outreach tools, in order to cut through the overload of information in today’s market and generate greater brand awareness for the company throughout the investment community.

“National Waste is rightfully enthused about its growing position in the waste management industry. The Company has reported three straight quarters of revenue growth, powered by the performance of its Florida landfill and supplemented by an aggressive acquisition strategy,” Sherri Franklin, Director of Content Marketing for NNW, stated in this morning’s news release. “We look forward to working alongside National Waste’s management team to elevate the company’s corporate communications with existing shareholders and the broader investment community.”

The NNW announcement continues to build on what has been a hot start to the week for National Waste. On Monday, the company announced its financial results for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2016. Among National Waste’s third quarter financial highlights, the company successfully achieved a 269 percent year-over-year increase in revenue, marking its third consecutive quarter of triple-digit quarterly revenue growth. Similarly, National Waste’s revenues for the first nine months of 2016 were up 262 percent from the comparable period of 2015, totaling $4.8 million.

This performance was largely attributed to National Waste’s aggressive acquisition strategy, which included the acquisitions of both Waste Recovery Enterprises and Gateway Rolloff Services during the fourth quarter of 2015. Continuing with this strategy, National Waste also completed the acquisition of Sivart Services LLC, a roll-off and compactor business located in upstate New York, earlier this year. By capitalizing on these growth opportunities, National Waste aims to establish itself as a leading vertically-integrated solid waste management company and a dominant regional player in both Florida’s west coast and upstate New York.

“Simply put, National Waste is on the move. Since 2015 we have completed four strategic acquisitions, demonstrating our commitment to build shareholder and corporate value as well as our ability to penetrate chosen markets with tactical execution of our acquisition strategy,” Louis Paveglio, chief executive officer of National Waste, stated in this morning’s news release. “As we continue to advance our operations and offerings, we believe clear communication with shareholders will further propel the success of our corporate initiatives. By partnering with NNW, we are able to focus on our acquisition-based growth strategy while strengthening our corporate message.”

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.nationalwastemgmt.com

[MissionIR]

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) – Understanding the Importance of Business Intelligence

According to a report published by Econsultancy (http://dtn.fm/0S0Wa), “The vast majority (84%) of marketers agree that their understanding of the customer is increasing over time, and 64% say that they are using data-driven customer insights to adapt their marketing strategies and influence business decisions.”

As a result, companies around the world are now adopting more in-depth business intelligence techniques. There has been a steady rise in the importance of data analytics to organizations of all kinds. According to Forbes (http://dtn.fm/sABs4), the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed that the job market for data analyst disciplines is increasing by approximately 27% every year.

Aside from the rise of data analyst jobs, companies such as Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) are offering business analytics in the form of software as part of their services. The global technology-driven group specializes in mobile payment solutions, but also offers reports and analytics solutions, giving clients a 360 degree view of their businesses. The aim of this service is to make monitoring a business easier with an all-in-one dashboard.

But it’s important to understand why business analytics has become so imperative. Virtually any business of any size can benefit from business intelligence software. With analytics software, businesses can pull together data and create reports, freeing up resources and allowing employees to be more productive while also working toward clearer goals.

In addition to boosting productivity and enabling team members to understand company goals in more depth, data analytics, or business intelligence, allows companies to better understand their target audiences by gaining insight into customer behavior. Through gathering and understanding this data, organizations are able to turn it into actionable information, which in turn will help increase sales and marketing intelligence.

NETE’s reports and analytics service, Unified Payments Insights, is an easy way for businesses to monitor their business metrics and undertake competitor analysis. Net Element’s all-in-one dashboard allows merchants to compare current revenue, social media activity, and online reputation (on website such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, Foursquare, and others) to their past performance.

For more information, visit www.NetElement.com