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>>> Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. (MGIC) provides proprietary application development, business process integration, vertical software solutions, and information technologies (IT) outsourcing software services in Israel and internationally. The company's Software Services segment develops, markets, sells, and supports application platform, software applications, and business and process integration solutions and related services. Its IT Professional Services segment offers IT services in the areas of infrastructure design and delivery, application development, technology planning and implementation services, communications services and solutions, and supplemental outsourcing services. The company offers proprietary application platforms, such as Magic xpa for developing and deploying business applications; AppBuilder for building, deploying, and maintaining high-end and mainframe-grade business applications; Magic xpi for application integration; FactoryEye for virtualization of production data; BusinessEye for organizational business intelligence; and Magic SmartUX for cross-platform mobile business applications. It also provides vertical software solutions comprising Clicks, a software solution for healthcare providers; Leap, a software solution for business support systems; Hermes Cargo, a packaged software solution for managing air cargo ground handling; HR Pulse, a single-tenant software as a service tool; MBS Solution, a system for managing TV broadcast management; Nativ, a system for management of rehabilitation centers; and Mobisale, a system for sales and distribution field activities for consumer goods manufacturers and wholesalers. In addition, the company provides software maintenance, support, training, and consulting services. The company was formerly known as Mashov Software Export (1983) Ltd. and changed its name to Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. in 1991. Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Or Yehuda, Israel.
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>>> Winmark Corporation Announces Second Quarter Results
BusinessWire
July 13, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/winmark-corporation-announces-second-quarter-152400182.html
MINNEAPOLIS, July 13, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today net income for the quarter ended June 25, 2022 of $9,027,200 or $2.54 per share diluted compared to net income of $8,937,300 or $2.33 per share diluted in 2021. For the six months ended June 25, 2022, net income was $18,879,700 or $5.19 per share diluted compared to net income of $18,248,400 or $4.74 per share diluted for the same period last year.
"We are pleased with our results for the first half of the year," commented Brett D. Heffes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Winmark - the Resale Company®, is a nationally recognized franchising business focused on sustainability and small-business formation. We champion and guide entrepreneurs interested in operating one of our award winning resale franchises: Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. At June 25, 2022, there were 1,293 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories. An additional 46 franchises have been awarded but are not open.
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Else Nutrition -- Moving to the positives, there is a good chance that these (the positives) will win out for Else. For microcaps, the main current problem is that we are deep into the 'risk off' part of the cycle, which has dramatically pummeled the former high fliers and trendy sectors. High flying microcaps were the most vulnerable, and those that manage to survive will need to have some 'Darwinian' advantages -
1) Plant based foods are the future. Like the move to electric cars, the smart grid, CBDC/Central Bank Digital Currencies, etc, the move away from animal based protein is in the cards and is going to happen (for better or worse). Strategically this puts Else in an enviable position, and
as the larger food companies increasingly 'go plant', Else will be a logical acquisition opportunity to provide quick 'bolt on' exposure for the larger food companies.
2) Marketing savvy - one area where Else seems to excel is in marketing itself. I'm just a casual follower of the stock, but their ability to market and 'network' the products has seemed pretty impressive, and appears to come naturally to the company's management. So a good sign.
Other aspects that are less sure include -
Finances - microcaps always seem to need money, which goes with the territory. While the recent decision to raise funds has had a profoundly adverse effect on the stock price in the near term, the alternative would have been to scale back the growth plans of the business significantly. The CEO's decision to raise money allows growth to continue, and raising the money now hedges against a further deterioration in the financing landscape should the world end up mired in a serious global recession.
Anyway, just a few thoughts concerning the state of things with Else. Please add additional insights, corrections, etc. I don't currently have a position, but owned some Else several times in 2020 during the momentum phase, and was mainly attracted to the 'plant-based is the future' angle, and Else's seemingly innate talent for marketing.
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Else Nutrition - In addition to the FDA/clinical trial requirement, another potential area of concern with Else is their use of buckwheat and almonds, both of which contain lectin proteins, which can potentially cause intestinal problems and leaky gut.
Lectins are proteins found in many plants (usually in the hull), and are one of the plant's evolutionary defense mechanisms against overgrazing. The lectin proteins bind to the lining of the gut and can trigger an immune response and intestinal problems which effectively discourage overgrazing by the consuming animal or human. Gluten is the most well known lectin, but there are many others.
Buckwheat is otherwise extremely nutritious, but is unfortunately loaded with lectins. Almonds are free of lectins if they are blanched (skin removed), or if they are of the Marcona variety.
See Dr. Steve Gundry for or a primer on lectins. He points out that most patients who think they are gluten intolerant are actually reacting to another lectin in wheat (wheat germ agglutinin). Unfortunately for their 'gluten free' products, most food companies replace the offending wheat with other
grains that also contain lectins (oats, soy, corn, barley). That's why so many people who think they are gluten intolerant will continue to have GI symptoms even after dropping wheat from their diet.
The only other problem I'm aware of with buckwheat is the
potential for 'Niacin flushing' due to the high level of Vit B3/Niacin. But lectins are the big potential landmine for buckwheat. The lectin problem with almonds can be avoided by using blanched (skinless) almonds, or Marconas. Some alternatives to almonds that are lectin-free are walnuts, pistachios, macadamias, and pine nuts.
As far as I know, tapioca is fine from a lectin perspective.
Anyway, just a 'heads up' on the lectin topic since many people, including food scientists, are still unaware of the most recent info/research, and much of the food industry is in denial since their product lines are completely based on lectin containing grains.
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Else Nutrition - interview with the CEO discussing the recent financing (link below). Among other things, it looks like the clinical trials required by the FDA have become more expensive than expected. She said these clinical trials should start in the next several months.
Having the future of the company so dependent upon clinical trials and the FDA tends to give BABYF the risk profile of a biotech stock, at least for now -
https://themarketherald.ca/else-nutrition-announces-closing-of-7-35-million-marketed-public-offering-2022-07-04/
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Winmark dividend history -
https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/wina/dividend-history
>>> Ex/EFF DATE TYPE CASH AMOUNT DECLARATION DATE RECORD DATE PAYMENT DATE
05/10/2022 CASH $0.70 04/13/2022
05/11/2022 06/01/2022
02/08/2022 CASH $0.45 01/26/2022 02/09/2022 03/01/2022
11/09/2021 CASH $7.95 10/13/2021 11/10/2021 12/01/2021
08/10/2021 CASH $0.45 07/14/2021 08/11/2021 09/01/2021
05/11/2021 CASH $0.45 04/14/2021 05/12/2021 06/01/2021
02/09/2021 CASH $0.25 01/27/2021 02/10/2021 03/01/2021
11/09/2020 CASH $3.25 10/14/2020 11/11/2020
08/11/2020 CASH $0.25 07/15/2020 08/12/2020 09/01/2020
05/12/2020 CASH $0.05 04/29/2020 05/13/2020 06/01/2020
02/11/2020 CASH $0.25 01/29/2020 02/12/2020 03/02/2020
11/05/2019 CASH $0.25 10/23/2019 11/06/2019 12/02/2019
08/06/2019 CASH $0.25 07/24/2019 08/07/2019 09/03/2019
05/07/2019 CASH $0.25 04/24/2019 05/08/2019 06/03/2019
02/05/2019 CASH $0.15 01/23/2019 02/06/2019 03/01/2019
11/06/2018 CASH $0.15 10/24/2018 11/07/2018 12/03/2018
08/07/2018 CASH $0.15 07/25/2018 08/08/2018 09/04/2018
05/08/2018 CASH $0.15 04/25/2018 05/09/2018 06/01/2018
02/06/2018 CASH $0.11 01/24/2018 02/07/2018 03/01/2018
11/07/2017 CASH $0.11 10/25/2017 11/08/2017 12/01/2017
08/07/2017 CASH $0.11 07/26/2017 08/09/2017 09/01/2017
05/08/2017 CASH $0.11 04/26/2017 05/10/2017 06/01/2017
02/06/2017 CASH $0.10 01/25/2017 02/08/2017 03/01/2017
11/07/2016 CASH $0.10 10/26/2016 11/09/2016 12/01/2016
08/08/2016 CASH $0.10 07/27/2016 08/10/2016 09/01/2016
05/09/2016 CASH $0.10 04/27/2016 05/11/2016 06/01/2016
02/08/2016 CASH $0.07 01/27/2016 02/10/2016 03/01/2016
11/06/2015 CASH $0.07 10/28/2015 11/11/2015 12/01/2015
08/10/2015 CASH $0.07 07/29/2015 08/12/2015 09/01/2015
05/11/2015 CASH $0.07 04/29/2015 05/13/2015 06/01/2015
02/09/2015 CASH $0.06 01/28/2015 02/11/2015 03/02/2015
11/07/2014 CASH $0.06 10/29/2014 11/12/2014 12/01/2014
08/11/2014 CASH $0.06 07/30/2014 08/13/2014 09/02/2014
05/12/2014 CASH $0.06 04/30/2014 05/14/2014 06/02/2014
02/12/2014 CASH $5.00 02/04/2014 02/17/2014 03/03/2014
02/10/2014 CASH $0.05 01/29/2014 02/12/2014 03/03/2014
11/04/2013 CASH $0.05 10/23/2013 11/06/2013 12/02/2013
08/05/2013 CASH $0.05 07/24/2013 08/07/2013 09/03/2013
05/06/2013 CASH $0.05 04/24/2013 05/08/2013 06/03/2013
02/04/2013 CASH $0.04 01/23/2013 02/06/2013 03/01/2013
11/05/2012 CASH $0.04 10/24/2012 11/07/2012 12/03/2012
08/06/2012 CASH $0.04 07/25/2012 08/08/2012 09/04/2012
05/07/2012 CASH $0.04 04/25/2012 05/09/2012 06/01/2012
02/06/2012 CASH $5.03 01/18/2012 02/08/2012 03/01/2012
11/07/2011 CASH $0.03 10/26/2011 11/09/2011 12/01/2011
08/08/2011 CASH $0.03 07/27/2011 08/10/2011 09/01/2011
05/09/2011 CASH $0.03 04/27/2011 05/11/2011 06/01/2011
02/07/2011 CASH $0.02 01/26/2011 02/09/2011 03/02/2011
11/08/2010 CASH $0.02 10/27/2010 11/10/2010 12/01/2010
08/09/2010 CASH $0.02 07/28/2010 08/11/2010 09/01/2010
05/10/2010 CASH $0.02 04/28/2010 05/12/2010 06/02/2010
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Special dividend Dec 2021 - >>> Winmark Corporation Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend and Special Dividend
BusinessWire
October 13, 2021
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/winmark-corporation-announces-quarterly-cash-154400589.html
MINNEAPOLIS, October 13, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved the payment of a quarterly cash dividend to shareholders. The quarterly dividend of $0.45 per share will be paid December 1, 2021 to shareholders of record on the close of business on November 10, 2021. Additionally, the Board of Directors has approved the payment of a special dividend to shareholders. The special dividend of $7.50 per share will be paid on December 1, 2021 to shareholders of record on the close of business on November 10, 2021. The total amount of the special dividend payment will be approximately $27.2 million based on the current number of shares outstanding. It is anticipated that Winmark will use cash on hand to finance the special dividend. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval.
Brett D. Heffes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Today’s announcement of a $7.50 per share special dividend reflects the strength and resiliency of our operating model. During the past ten years, we have completed approximately $250 million of share repurchases and declared $110 million of dividends resulting in a total return of capital to shareholders of $360 million. We intend to continue to execute a balanced capital allocation strategy for the benefit of all Winmark shareholders."
Winmark - the Resale CompanyTM, is a nationally recognized franchising business focused on sustainability and small business formation. We champion and guide entrepreneurs interested in operating one of our award-winning resale franchises: Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. At September 25, 2021, there were 1,269 franchises in operation and over 2,000 available territories. An additional 39 franchises have been awarded but are not open.
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Winmark - >>> 3 Companies I Hope Don't Get Acquired in 2022
BusinessWire
By Rachel Warren, Jason Hall, and Toby Bordelon
Feb 8, 2022
https://www.fool.com/investing/2022/02/08/3-companies-i-hope-dont-get-acquired-in-2022/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article
Each still presents a viable investment opportunity on its own merits.
2021 was a record year for mergers and acquisitions activity, and this year may be another. In this segment of Backstage Pass, recorded on Jan. 10, Fool contributors Jason Hall, Rachel Warren, and Toby Bordelon, along with Fool Canada analyst Jim Gillies, discuss the companies they hope won't get snatched up in 2022.
Jim Gillies: Company is Winmark (WINA). I've owned it since 2009. It's one of my all-time favorite companies.
Hall: Yeah, I own it too.
Gillies: It is a parent company for the franchising of Play It Again Sports, Once Upon a Child, Style Encore, couple of other concepts.
Hall: Used stuff.
Gillies: Used stuff. I love this company. I've gotten my entire cost basis back and then some just from the special dividends this company has paid, forget about regular dividends. I absolutely think it's a fantastic company. They have recently replaced one of their long-term directors with a guy who is an operating partner for a private equity group.
Hall: There you go, first shot across the bow.
Gillies: I'm like, OK -- usually, the types of companies that this PE group generally does is, they work on distressed workouts and those types of things, not really going for the full operating companies like Winmark. So I'm holding out hope, but please, please, Winmark, do not cause me to have a big tax bill.
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>>> Winmark Corporation Announces Year End Results
BusinessWire
February 23, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/winmark-corporation-announces-end-results-155700484.html
MINNEAPOLIS, February 23, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today net income for the year ended December 25, 2021 of $39,919,900 or $10.48 per share diluted compared to net income of $29,823,300 or $7.72 per share diluted in 2020. The fourth quarter 2021 net income was $11,589,000 or $3.09 per share diluted, compared to net income of $8,092,300 or $2.09 per share diluted, for the same period last year. Revenues for the year ended December 25, 2021 were $78,216,200 up from $66,061,800 in 2020.
"Our 2021 financial results were exceptional. This is a testament to the hard work of our franchise partners, the strength of our sustainable business model as well as the incredible efforts of our employees," stated Brett D. Heffes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "The strategic decision to finalize plans for shedding all non-core activities was a key moment in our history. We believe that our focus on the large and growing resale market will benefit all Winmark stakeholders."
Winmark – the Resale Company®, is a nationally recognized franchising business focused on sustainability and small-business formation. We champion and guide entrepreneurs interested in operating one of our award winning resale franchises: Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. At December 25, 2021, there were 1,271 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories. An additional 46 franchises have been awarded but are not open.
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>>> Winmark Corporation Announces Addition of Play It Again Sports Franchised Locations
BusinessWire
June 14, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/winmark-corporation-announces-addition-play-191000152.html
MINNEAPOLIS, June 14, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today that it has signed franchise agreements to add an additional eleven Play It Again Sports locations to its existing base of 272 stores across North America.
The stores, located in the Twin Cities region as well as in St. Cloud and Duluth, Minnesota, Superior, Wisconsin and Grand Forks, North Dakota, had been previously subject to an agreement allowing for their operation separate from Winmark’s franchise system. Additionally, Winmark will regain the ability to develop additional Play It Again Sports territories in Minnesota as well as Sioux Falls, SD.
"We are excited to welcome these stores into the Play It Again Sports franchise system," stated Brett D. Heffes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Winmark - the Resale Company®, is a nationally recognized franchising business focused on sustainability and small-business formation. We champion and guide entrepreneurs interested in operating one of our award winning resale franchises: Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. At March 26, 2022, there were 1,276 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories. An additional 44 franchises have been awarded but are not open.
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>>> RiceBran Technologies (RIBT.Q), the hottest stock in agriculture, has a lot of upside room!
Equity.Guru
Vishal Toora
May 27, 2022
https://equity.guru/2022/05/27/heres-why-ricebran-technologies-is-the-hottest-stock-in-agriculture/
There is one really hot stock in the Agriculture space right now. That stock is RiceBran Technologies (RIBT). I have had many readers ask me to include them in future Agriculture sector roundups. I took a look at the company and immediately spotted a nice looking chart. A reversal pattern set up which I mentioned in a roundup on May 13th 2022. A week later and we confirmed the breakout that I was calling for. RiceBran Technologies made an appearance in last week’s roundup as it was one of the top 3 agriculture stocks of the week.
My technical analysis was well received on Twitter, and that is where I saw the popularity of this stock. I don’t recall seeing a small cap stock with such a popular following in recent times. Readers know that I believe agriculture is going to provide some great returns for investors. With the recent stock market sell off, I am looking to pick up beat down stocks. This is where the technicals can come in as I hunt for bottoming/reversal setups. What gets me even more excited is when you have the deadly duo combination.
When the technicals and the fundamentals align, you have a high probability of getting a success on an investment. I am here to say that RiceBran Technologies fits the bill. The technicals have confirmed a breakout, and in this article I will talk about what I want to see next. The fundamentals for agriculture are bullish for ag stocks. I am talking about rising food prices, supply chain issues, potash and fertilizer shortages, and unpredictable weather patterns impacting growing and harvesting. I do hope I am incorrect with this prediction, but I do think come Fall of this year, we will be hearing about food shortages and seeing more empty supermarkets.
How about news that is rice related? Recently, India has been banning exports of agriculture. A protectionist move. Bloomberg recently put out an article citing that India might be considering a rice export restriction. India is the world’s top rice shipper accounting for 40% of trade. A restriction on rice exports may exacerbate the food crisis and cause rice prices to spike.
RiceBran Technologies
Market Cap ~ $ 35.76 Million
RiceBran evolving into specialty ingredients business
RiceBran Technologies is an innovative specialty ingredient company focused on producing healthy, natural and nutrient dense products derived from rice, stabilized rice bran and other small grains such as oats and barley. The company delivers these high quality products for customers in food, nutraceutical, pet care and animal feed markets.
RiceBran’s technology, facilities and years of experience gives them an edge in providing these quality sourced ingredients to customers.
So what exactly is rice bran? Good question, and from someone who eats rice almost on a daily basis, I was happy to learn something new!
Rice bran is one of the main byproducts in the process of rice milling. It is the outer layer of rice. Rice bran is a popular ‘healthy oil’ in Japan, Asia, and India. From the docs over at webmd:
Rice bran oil contains substances that might decrease how much cholesterol the body absorbs. Rice bran might also decrease calcium absorption, which might help prevent certain types of kidney stones from forming.
People use rice bran for high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, athletic performance, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Rxlist mentions this:
Rice bran is used for treating diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, alcoholism, obesity, and AIDS; for preventing stomach and colon cancer; for preventing heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease; for strengthening the immune system; for increasing energy and improving athletic performance; for improving liver function; and as an antioxidant.
RiceBran Technologies stabilizes fresh and raw rice bran. Their proprietary process ensures their rice bran products are minimally processed, a source of vegan protein, dietary fiber and essential fatty acids. The process also allows RiceBran’s products to retain vitamins, minerals, phytosterols and antioxidants. Nutritious and contributing zero trans fat. This is ‘clean label’ stuff meaning non-GMO and gluten free, as well as contributing no major allergens. Very important in this market as consumers are spending more on healthy and natural food products.
Rice bran can be applied in many ways. Below is just a list for human nutrition, but RiceBran Technologies products can be applied to nutraceuticals and animal nutrition.
There are many high quality specialty ingredients that RiceBran offers. All of these are sustainable and cost-effective. And all are certified gluten-free, halal, kosher and produced with sustainable non-GMO ingredients. Below is a nice list from their website, but other products include organic pearled barley and organic oat flakes and a multiple of rice, barley and oat grain products:
On April 28th 2022, RiceBran Technologies released financial results for the first quarter ended March 31st 2022.
“The first quarter’s results built upon the momentum we began to see in December and bodes well for the year to come,” said RiceBran’s Executive Chairman Peter Bradley. “We are aligned with healthy living trends and benefitting from having high quality domestically sourced products in a difficult global supply chain environment. Strong growth in the quarter for our core-SRB and milling businesses reflects improved execution, while plans to introduce new products and expand production should support continued revenue growth and a transition to sustainable profitability, validating our strategic shift to a high value-add specialty ingredients focus.”
RiceBran Technologies delivered strong growth and a return to positive gross profits bringing in $10.6 Million in Q1 22, up from 23% Q1 21.
Positive momentum underpinned by strong demand and improved execution. RiceBran saw growth for its core business.
Value add to offer upside to revenue and profits in the coming quarters.
Revenue momentum remains strong, and the balance sheet strengthened with total cash at $5.9 million driven by positive operating cash flow, lower capital expenditures, and an increase in short-term borrowing.
Getting the fundamentals out of the way, let’s explore the chart.
Regular readers of my work, and Discord members probably get the gist of the type of set ups I love. I trade and invest in the exact same patterns because market structure just repeats itself. I look for set ups that have been beaten up in a long downtrend, but then show signs of selling exhaustion. We tend to see a range or some sort of bottoming pattern. This occurred on RiceBran Technologies in Q1 2022. We printed a bottoming pattern known as the inverse head and shoulders. The break above $0.40 and subsequent follow through after pulling back, was the signal that the downtrend was over. Now, RiceBran is in a new uptrend.
The major breakout I was looking for was a close above $0.6250. This occurred on May 18th 2022 with strong volume of 12,243,500. This is what you want to see for a breakout: a large green candle backed by strong volume. The retest on May 20th shows typical breakout and retest price action. We managed to see buyers jump in and take the daily candle close back above $0.6250. The uptrend continues as long as the price remains above this level.
Recently, the stock has not been able to sustain momentum for a further push into the $0.90-$1.00 zone. We seem to be finding some interim resistance at $0.77. Even though the stock is well supported above $0.6250, it would be prudent to jump in or add to your position when we get a daily candle close above $0.77. This is for two reasons. Firstly, this would confirm what is called a higher low. Meaning the stock continues its uptrend and building momentum. Secondly, if we do not get this breakout, the stock could end up ranging here, or worse, seeing a drop back below our support as traders lose patience due to the lack of momentum.
In summary, the stock sees plenty of volume per day. This is definitely a hot stock in the ag space. The technicals look VERY good with a lot of room to the upside, and the fundamentals remain bullish for agriculture stocks in general.
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>>> Else Nutrition Signs an Agreement to Sell Its Products With buybuy BABY, the Leading Specialty Baby Products Retailer in North America
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
June 21, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-nutrition-signs-agreement-sell-110000560.html
Else's expansion into the retailer’s 133 stores in the summer of 2022 expects to boost its national presence and reach millions of new shoppers
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (BABY) (BABYF) (0YL.F) ("Else" or the "Company") announces that its Plant-Based complete Nutrition products for babies, toddlers, and kids will soon be available at over 130 locations of buybuy BABY – the leading specialty retailer of baby products in North America.
"The expansion into buybuy BABY marks another major milestone for the Company," said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO, and Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. "This makes our Complete, Clean Label, Plant-Based Nutrition products for early childhood accessible to millions more wanting shoppers, in North America's largest baby goods retailer."
For more information, visit: www.elsenutrition.com or @elsenutrition on Facebook and Instagram.
About buybuy BABY
buybuy BABY is the leading specialty baby products retailer in North America. It has a 25-year history of providing families with trusted information and products they need to confidently navigate the journey of parenthood—across every milestone, big and small. The company sells a wide assortment of baby and toddler essentials and nursery furniture. buybuy BABY is a subsidiary of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBY). For more information, visit https://www.buybuybaby.com or https://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean, and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at Milan's Global Food Innovation Summit. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top Seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The Company recently received the World Plant-Based Award for “Best dairy alternative product” in New York at World Plant-Based Expo in late 2021. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly-traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives include leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics, and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
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>>> ELSE NUTRITION ANNOUNCES SIZE OF PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED MARKETED PUBLIC OFFERING OF UNITS
Yahoo Finance
June 22, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-nutrition-announces-size-previously-134100100.html
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.
VANCOUVER, BC, June 22, 2022 /CNW/ - Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. (TSX: BABY) (the "Company" or "Else"), a leading producer of plant-based baby, toddler and children's food products, is pleased to announce that its previously announced marketed public offering (the "Offering") of units (the "Units") of the Company, which will be sold at an issue price of $1.05 per Unit (the "Issue Price"), will be for an aggregate of 6,940,000 Units for total gross proceeds of $7,287,000.
The Units will be offered for sale by the Company in the Offering, which will be conducted through a syndicate of underwriters (the "Underwriters") led by Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. as sole bookrunner. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") for a period of 60 months following the closing of the Offering (the "Closing") at an exercise price per Warrant Share of $1.25.
The Company has granted the Underwriters an option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part at any time on or up to 30 days after the Closing, to purchase, or to find substituted purchasers for, up to an additional 1,041,000 Units, equal to 15% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering at the Issue Price to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes, for additional gross proceeds of up to $1,093,050, for total gross proceeds of up to $8,380,050. The Over-Allotment Option shall be exercisable for Units, Common Shares or Warrants (or any combination thereof).
The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund research and development including clinical studies, fund sales and marketing, acquire inventory, establish a manufacturing facility, and for general corporate purposes.
The Offering is scheduled to close on, or around, June 28, 2022 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX.
On June 21, 2022, in connection with the Offering, the Company filed a preliminary supplement (the "Preliminary Supplement") to its short form base shelf prospectus dated April 20, 2021 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada, excluding Quebec.
The Preliminary Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus contain important detailed information about the Company and the proposed Offering. Prospective investors should read the Preliminary Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus and the other documents the Company has filed before making an investment decision. Copies of the Prospectus Supplement, following filing thereof, and the Base Shelf Prospectus will be available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities to be offered have not been, and will not be registered under the 1933 Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean, and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at Milan's Global Food Innovation Summit. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top Seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The Company recently received the World Plant-Based Award for "Best dairy alternative product" in New York at World Plant-Based Expo in late 2021. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives include leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics, and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
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>>> Moolec Science, a Pioneer in Molecular Farming and Food Ingredient Technology, to List on Nasdaq Through
Business Combination with LightJump Acquisition Corp.
https://www.lightjumpcap.com/lightjump-acquisition-corp
https://assets.website-files.com/5f31e8f1c1689c69bfacd91a/62a95642176e1519ace8eb60_Moolec_LightJump_PressRelease.pdf
• Moolec Science Ltd. (“Moolec”) and LightJump Acquisition Corp. (“LightJump”), a special purpose acquisition company, have entered into a definitive business combination agreement. The transaction sets Moolec’s proforma equity value at $504 million, assuming no redemptions from shareholders of LightJump. Upon closing, the combined company is expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “MLEC”.
• Moolec, a science-based food ingredient company, focuses on developing real animal proteins in plants using Molecular Farming, a scalable, affordable, and sustainable technology which is the production of animal proteins using plants as small factories. The company’s product portfolio and pipeline leverages the agronomic efficiency of broadly used target crops, like soybeans and peas. Moolec targets the fast-growing alternative proteins market trend.
• Moolec holds a growing international patent portfolio for its Molecular Farming technology. Its first two products – plant-based dairy ingredient chymosin and nutritional oil GLA, both using safflower as a carrier crop - have achieved regulatory clearance and seed inventory scale-up activities were conducted in 2022, accelerating the development of soy and peabased products designed to replace meat.
• Moolec is backed by Nasdaq-listed Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. (NASDAQ: BIOX), a fully integrated provider of crop productivity solutions enabling the transition to a carbon neutral agriculture; Theo I, a life sciences venture capital enterprise; and Union Group, a private equity management firm.
• Moolec expects to become the first Molecular Farming FoodTech company to be listed on Nasdaq Exchange as a category creator of the alternative protein landscape focused on this technology. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2022.
United Kingdom – June 15, 2022 – Moolec Science Ltd. (“Moolec Science”, “Moolec”), a sciencebased food ingredient company; and LightJump Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: LJAQ; “LightJump”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, announced today the entry into a definitive agreement for a business combination that would result in Moolec Science SA (the “Company”), a
newly created affiliate of Moolec incorporated in Luxembourg, becoming a publicly listed company.
Pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the business combination agreement, Moolec and LightJump will ultimately become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (the “Combined Company”). The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022 and upon closing the Company is expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “MLEC”.
Moolec is a Molecular Farming pioneer in the new food industry that uses plants to produce real animal proteins. Molecular Farming enables the synthesis of real animal proteins’ DNA in any seed crop, carefully selecting each protein for its ability to add value in terms of a targeted functionality trait such as clotting, taste, texture, or nutritional value. The resulting proteins can then be used as ingredients in consumer food products providing tastier, more functional, and affordable animal-free protein alternatives.
Molecular Farming is unique in its ability to capitalize on the scale that extensive agriculture entails to achieve affordability. It is also cost efficient because it leverages biology, using plants and their inputs – sun, water, and soil – as small factories for the production of animal proteins. The plants are grown through traditional farming practices that result in economies of scale through high productivity volume production.
The Company´s first two products are Chymosin SPC, a bovine protein expressed in safflower that has curdling applications in the cheese industry, and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), a nutritional oil technology sourced from Bioceres Crop Solutions. Both products have been cleared by regulatory authorities and the Company is currently ramping up seed inventories. Upon completion of corner stone milestones in these two products, Moolec has accelerated product development efforts to widen its technology reach, by using the two crops that are most broadly used as protein alternatives – soy and peas – to develop actual meat proteins.
In addition, Moolec's Molecular Farming platform has the potential to modify and enhance other plants using animal proteins, which could allow the Company to possibly consider other market opportunities. Such possible market opportunities include milk, egg, chicken and fish replacements, or other alternative biomaterials and cosmetics.
“Moolec Science is a category creator in the alternative protein landscape. Our Molecular Farming technology focuses on providing real animal proteins without using any animals, based on the genetic engineering of seeds to produce proteins the same way animals do,” said Gastón Paladini, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “As fourth generation of a family business that is one of the largest meat players in the Southern Cone, I have first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by the industry. Moolec´s goal is to use science in food to overcome current global food security issues, building a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system.”
“LightJump Acquisition Corp. is excited to be partnering with Moolec Science, a FoodTech pioneer in Molecular Farming,” said Robert Bennett, Chief Executive Officer of LightJump Acquisition Corp.“We believe Moolec’s differentiated technology platform will be able to address the worldwide growing demand for animal proteins, while delivering them at a small fraction of the cost and environmental impact of existing approaches. We are committed to working alongside Moolec’s outstanding management team to support its expansion plans and its transition to becoming a
Nasdaq-listed company.”
“Bioceres Crop Solutions’ mission is to develop and bring to market technologies that can help agriculture transition towards carbon neutrality. We want to do this while increasing productivity, so that protecting our planet does not come at a cost to farmers or consumers. In this quest, we have developed unique technologies for drought tolerance and biologically enhanced nutrition, protection, and health for several major crops. Now, this is only part of the answer. Preserving resources is also about doing more with what is currently being produced, and here is where molecular farming is very powerful. Moolec is leading this life sciences’ category by engineering soybeans and other crops to directly produce key animal proteins, getting us a step closer to where we need to be,” said Federico Trucco, Bioceres Crop Solutions’ CEO.
Transaction Overview
The Moolec Science LightJump Acquisition Corp. business combination sets the Company’s proforma equity value at $504 million. As a result of the transaction, the Combined Company is expected to be funded with $138 million cash held in LightJump’s trust account, assuming no LightJump shareholders exercise their redemption rights at closing and before payment of transaction expenses. In addition, LightJump has entered into a backstop agreement with entities affiliated with Moolec to guarantee a minimum of $10 million at closing. Under the terms of the proposed transaction: (i) the current shareholders of Moolec will contribute all of their shares of Moolec to the Company in exchange for ordinary shares of the Company and
(ii) LightJump will merge with a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and LightJump’s ordinary shares and warrants will be exchanged for ordinary shares and warrants of the Company. This will result in Moolec and LightJump being wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Cash proceeds raised in connection with the transaction will primarily be used to accelerate the
commercialization of late-stage products, Chymosin and GLA; expansion of R&D & Regulatory Approval efforts for the existing product pipeline; funding for team expansion and general corporate expenses; and organic & inorganic growth opportunities. The boards of directors of LightJump and Moolec have approved the proposed transaction. Completion of the proposed transaction is subject to shareholder approval of LightJump and other customary closing conditions, including a registration statement being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022.
On June 8, 2022, LightJump Acquisition Corp. filed with the SEC a preliminary proxy statement in connection with a proposal to extend the date by which LightJump must consummate a business combination.
Additional information about the proposed transaction, including a copy of the business combination agreement and investor presentation, will be provided in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by LightJump Acquisition Corp. with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. In addition, LightJump intends to file a proxy statement/registration statement which will form part of the Form F-4 to be filed by the Company with the SEC (the “Form F-4”) and will file other documents regarding
the proposed transaction with the SEC.
Advisors
EarlyBird Capital, a boutique investment bank, acted as financial advisor to LightJump. Linklaters LLP acted as legal counsel to Moolec, and K&L Gates LLP acted as legal counsel to LightJump in the transaction.
Investor Conference Call Information
Moolec Science and LightJump Acquisition Corp. will host a joint investor conference call to discuss the proposed transaction today, June 15, 2022 at 8:30 am ET. To listen to the prepared remarks via webcast, please visit www.lightjumpcap.com/investor-conference-call-video. A replay of the call will be available at the same link as well as on LightJump Acquisition Corp.’s website at www.lightjumpcap.com through September 30, 2022, at 11:59 pm ET.
About LightJump Acquisition Corp.
LightJump is a Delaware blank check company incorporated on July 28, 2020 formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization or other similar business combination with one or more target businesses. For more information, visit www.lightjumpcap.com/lightjump-acquisition-corp.
About Moolec Science
Moolec is a science-based ingredient company focused on producing real animal proteins in plants through Molecular Farming, a disruptive technology in the alternative protein landscape. Its purpose is to upgrade taste, nutrition, and affordability of alternative protein products while building a more sustainable and equitable food system. The company’s technological approach aims to have the cost structure of plant-based solutions with the organoleptic properties and functionality of animal-based ones. Moolec’s technology has been under development for more than a decade and is known for pioneering the production of a bovine protein in a crop for the food industry. Moolec is run by a diverse team of Ph.Ds and Food Insiders, and operates in the United States, Europe, and South America. For more information, visit www.moolecscience.com.
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RIBT - >>> PENNY STOCKS #4 - RIBT
Insider Financial
by Jim Bloom
6-12-22
https://insiderfinancial.com/4-penny-stocks-to-buy-amid-high-inflation-husa-nine-impp-ribt/183285/
RiceBran Technologies is another NASDAQ stock on our list, although it is not related to the energy sector. The $40 million company has had a great year so far, maintaining the bullish trend that took off in January. RIBT has gained 40% over the month and has doubled in price since the beginning of the year. The stock is now trading at $0.77. On Wednesday, it peaked at $0.90, which is the highest since September.
RIBT operates as a specialty ingredient company. It focuses on producing, processing, and marketing of value-added healthy, natural, and nutrient-dense products derived from rice and other small grains. The company converts raw rice bran into stabilized rice bran (SRB) and high-value derivative products, including:
RiBalance – a complete rice bran nutritional package derived from further processing of SRB;
RiSolubles, a nutritious carbohydrate and lipid-rich fraction of RiBalance;
RiFiber, a protein and fiber-rich insoluble derivative of RiBalance;
ProRyza products, which include derivatives composed of protein and protein/fiber blends.
The company’s SRB products are also marketed as feed ingredients in the animal nutrition markets. It serves food and animal nutrition manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in the US and internationally.
RIBT has benefited from surging food prices, especially after the Russia-Ukraine conflict caused serious concerns about the wheat shortage that could push prices higher. Nevertheless, it’s not only about wheat – there is a food shortage worldwide, and many regions are preparing to face famine.
RIBT is in a position to benefit from the increasing demand for foods, including rice. On top of that, the company is leveraging the companion animal market.
At the beginning of the month, RIBT said that it would start expanding its Core-SRB facility in Mermentau, Louisiana. The expansion is expected to increase the capacity of the facility’s SRB stabilizing capabilities, enabling RiceBran to meet the growing demand for North American-sourced ingredients for the companion animal market. The project, which will be completed in Q3, will add a fifth extruder to the RiceBran’s Mermentau, Louisiana facility.
The move comes about two weeks after the company announced the start of a significant capacity expansion of its MGI Grain Incorporated (MGI) facility in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. The expansion is expected to double the capacity of the pearling mill, enabling RiceBran to meet growing demand for North American-sourced, grain-based ingredients and with a minimal capital investment and a limited increase in labor.
We like that RIBT is expanding its production capacity, with the company benefiting from higher food prices as well. In April, it reported a revenue of $10.6 million in the first quarter, up 23% year-on-year and 31% q/q. The increase was driven by higher core-SRB sales and strong growth for MGI and Golden Ridge. Improved results for MGI and Golden Ridge supported a return to gross profits from gross losses in 4Q21, although gross profits of $502,000 in 1Q22 were off from $672,000 a year ago due to lower Value-Add SRB derivative sales.
While RIBT might be overbought, we think it has solid fundamentals and is a good penny stock to hold in the long term.
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>>> Nanalysis (NSCI) - Presentation, Deep Dive, Interview, Q&A - CEO Sean Krakiwsky & CFO Luke Caplette -
>>> Else Nutrition Releases the First-Ever U.S. Certified Baby Cereal - safe of Heavy Metals
Yahoo Finance
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
April 19, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-nutrition-releases-first-ever-110000496.html
Following the US Congressional Report and the public's concerns with contaminants like heavy metals in baby cereals, Else Super Cereal for babies is the first and only alternative with the Clean Label Project Purity Award Certification. Retailer demand for the product line is soaring, and it will be available for purchase this week on Amazon, followed by other retailers and elsenutrition.com.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (BABY) (BABYF) (0YL.F) ("Else" or the "Company"), announced the release of its plant-based Else Super Cereal for babies, furthering the brand's mission to provide families with sustainable, dairy-free alternatives of complete nutrition products for toddlers and kids. Entirely plant-based, organic, non-GMO, and made with real whole foods, the four-flavor range of Else Super Cereal now offers parents a real alternative to today's standard baby cereals. Else Super Cereal provides a unique combination of balanced nutrition, gluten-free carbohydrates, high-quality plant proteins, with all nine essential amino acids, healthy fats, and 20+ essential vitamins and minerals.
Else Super Cereal is the first and only baby cereal line in the U.S. granted the Clean Label Project Purity Award, which tests products for over 400 impurities, including heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and others. Else uses the cleanest ingredients, all sourced from the U.S. and Europe, and has developed an innovative proprietary ingredient processing method to ensure the highest level of purity and whole ingredients for its baby nutrition.
"We've heard the resounding need and demand from parents and pediatricians for a clean label baby cereal," said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO and Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. "For many babies, the introduction of baby cereal is their first exposure to foods other than breast milk or infant formula, underscoring the importance of pure and clean options packed with nutrition. The launch of Else Super Cereal reinforces our mission to lead the clean, healthy revolution for babies and children. Else is building a portfolio of nutrition products that meets feeding needs starting as early as infancy," she added.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastmilk or formula alone may not support an infant's caloric and nutrition needs after six months. Adding foods into the diet is essential for optimal growth and cognitive development. Else Super Cereal for babies is a good source of iron, providing 15 percent of the recommended daily value for babies while maintaining a low sugar content. Else Super Cereal is free from common allergens, including milk and soy, and is also free of gluten, corn syrup, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. It can be given to infants aged six months and older and conveniently served by mixing with warm liquid (breast milk, formula, or water), available in original, vanilla, mango and banana flavors.
"Parents are looking for healthy options and want more nutritional density without worrying about high levels of heavy metals, pesticides and plastic," said Jaclyn Bowen, Executive Director of Clean Label Project. "Else Nutrition's latest offering highlights the brand's commitment to innovation and cleaning up the baby food industry. It also gives parents of infants increased peace of mind when introducing first foods into their child's diet."
Consumers will be able to purchase Else Super Cereal in April on Amazon.com, followed by additional online retailers and www.elsenutrition.com. The product will then become available more broadly, including in local retailers. The suggested on-shelf retail price per 7oz pouch is $6.99.
For more information, visit: www.elsenutrition.com or @elsenutrition on Facebook and Instagram.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition G.H. Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean, and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at Milan's Global Food Innovation Summit. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company, listed on TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets Q.X. board under the trading symbol BABYF and the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Since launching its Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers, made of whole foods, almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca, the brand has received thousands of powerful testimonials and reviews from parents and gained national retailer support from Sprouts Farmers Market, and achieved rapid sales growth. Else became the #1 Best Seller on Amazon in the Fall of 2020 in the New Baby & Toddler Formula Category. It recently won the 'Best Dairy Alternative' Award 2021 at World Plant-Based Expo and was a Nexty Award Finalist at Expo West 2022 in the Plant-Based lifestyle category.
About Clean Label Project
Clean Label Project is a U.S.-based national non-profit with the mission to bring truth and transparency to food and consumer product labeling. The foundation of food and consumer product safety in America is focused mainly on the pathogen and microbiological contamination. However, there is an increase in consumer, media, and academic attention paid to the health consequences of exposure to heavy metals, pesticide residues, and plasticizers. Yet, consumers will never find this information on product labels. Clean Label Project is committed to changing food and consumer safety definition through evidence-based analytical chemistry testing and statistical benchmarking. Clean Label Project awards brands with products that emphasize purity and surpass minimum food safety regulations. Clean Label Project encourages brands to be part of the solution to address the growing consumer concern of industrial & environmental contaminants and toxins in both food and consumer products.
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>>> Winmark Corporation Announces Increase in Cash Dividend
Business Wire
April 13, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/winmark-corporation-announces-increase-cash-151700441.html
MINNEAPOLIS, April 13, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved an increase in its regular quarterly cash dividend to shareholders. The quarterly dividend of $0.70 per share represents an increase of $0.25 from its previous dividend rate. The cash dividend will be paid June 1, 2022 to shareholders of record on the close of business on May 11, 2022. Future dividends will be subject to Board approval.
Winmark – the Resale Company®, is a nationally recognized franchising business focused on sustainability and small business formation. We champion and guide entrepreneurs interested in operating one of our award winning resale franchises: Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. At March 26, 2022, there were 1,276 franchises in operation and over 2,800 available territories. An additional 44 franchises have been awarded but are not open.
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>>> Alto Ingredients, Inc. (ALTO) produces and markets specialty alcohols and essential ingredients in the United States. The company operates in three segments: Marketing and Distribution, Pekin Production, and Other Production. It offers specialty alcohols used in mouthwash, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and cleaners for health, home, and beauty markets; grain neutral spirits used in alcoholic beverages, flavor extracts, and vinegar, as well as corn germ used in corn oils and carbon dioxide for food and beverage markets; and essential ingredients include dried yeast, corn gluten meal, corn gluten feed, distillers grains, and liquid feed for commercial animal feed and pet food applications. The company also provides fuel-grade ethanol used as transportation fuel and distillers corn oil used as a biodiesel feedstock, as well as fuel-grade ethanol produced by third parties. In addition, it offers transportation, storage, and delivery services through third-party service providers. The company sells ethanol to integrated oil companies and gasoline marketers; essential ingredient feed products to dairies and feedlots; and corn oil to poultry and biodiesel customers. It operates five alcohol production facilities, including three plants in the Midwestern states of Illinois; and two facilities located in the Western states of Oregon and Idaho. The company was formerly known as Pacific Ethanol, Inc. and changed its name to Alto Ingredients, Inc. in January 2021. Alto Ingredients, Inc. was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Pekin, Illinois.
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>>> Nanalysis Scientific Corp. Announces $4,985,000 Funding Contribution from the Canadian Government
Yahoo Finance
March 17, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nanalysis-scientific-corp-announces-4-200500876.html
CALGARY, AB, March 17, 2022 /CNW/ - Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV:NSCI, OTCQX:NSCIF, FRA:1N1) ("Nanalysis" or the "Company") announces that the Company has received repayable funding of $4,985,000 to expand manufacturing operations and global markets for nuclear magnetic resonance products from the government of Canada.
"We are very thankful for the support from the Canadian government," said Sean Krakiwsky, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nanalysis. "Nanalysis is thrilled to be one of the recipients from Prairies Economic Development Canada. This funding allows us to accelerate product innovation, expand our manufacturing capabilities, build up inventory levels to mitigate any supply chain issues and de-risk potential down time through redundant equipment. These funds will help enable us to continue to drive significant growth as we expand our global footprint."
The funding is provided through Prairies Economic Development Canada's ("PrairiesCan") Business Scale-up and Productivity program, which provides fast growing tech firms with support to scale-up and enter new markets. Nanalysis will draw down on the funds over the next three years with interest-free repayments commencing on September 1, 2025.
About Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA: 1N1)
Nanalysis trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) in Canada with ticker symbol 'NSCI', OTC and the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker symbol '1N1'. The company's business is what we term "MRI and NMR for industry". The company develops and manufactures portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers or analyzers for laboratory and industrial markets. The NMReady-60™ was the first full-feature portable NMR spectrometer in a single compact enclosure requiring no liquid helium or any other cryogens. The company has followed-up that initial offering with new products and continues to have a strong innovation pipeline. Nanalysis recently announced that it has begun selling a 100MHz device in 2020. The Company's new device will be the most powerful and most advanced compact NMR device ever brought to market.
Nanalysis devices are used in many industries (oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharma, biotech, flavor and fragrances, agrochemicals, law enforcement, and more) as well as numerous government and university research labs around the world. The Company continues to exploit new global market opportunities independently and with partners.
With the recent acquisition of K'(Prime) Technologies Inc. (KPrime), the company maintains a North American sales and service company of over 40 individuals who cover scientific instrumentation for pharma, food, chemical and oil & gas customers, as well as imaging systems for security applications.
About Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is the federal department that supports economic growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Its programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger. Its mandate is to support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie provinces and advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs and projects.
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Winmark - >>> This Retail Stock Is the Ideal Safety Play
Motley Fool
By Jason Hall and Matthew Frankel, CFP®
Mar 18, 2022
https://www.fool.com/investing/2022/03/18/this-retail-stock-is-the-ideal-safety-play/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article
The company's business model is very cash efficient.
For most of the past 12 years, Winmark ( WINA -1.48% ) has been profitable and a market beater for investors. In this video clip from "The Rank" on Motley Fool Live, recorded on March 7, Fool.com contributors Jason Hall and Matt Frankel take a look at what has made this retail business so successful.
Jason Hall: I'm going to show a chart here, that to me says a lot about what makes this such an interesting company. This goes back to 2010. This is the end of the recovery coming out of the global financial crisis and what Winmark has done over that period.
You have a yellow, a purple, and a blue line here. The blue line is earnings-per-share, the yellow line is operating cash flow per share and then the purple line is just cash flow from operations. You notice that those lines move up and to the right very well together.
Now this dip right here, that was the coronavirus pandemic crash. Which closed down lots and lots of retail locations and have lots of investors concerned about a lot of different companies that were in retail. The point is that this company has been able to grow its cash flows per-share for a very long time. Are you guys curious what Winmark actually does?
Frankel: I know because I looked them up before the show.
Hall: [laughs] Play It Again Sports, Plato's Closet. [laughs] A few other retail brands like that, that are focused on used stuff. Winmark owns the brands and it works with franchisees that operate a lot of these locations. It's a great model, a licensing model, very profitable, very cash efficient, passes on a lot of the risk to the owners and the franchisors, the retail list. That's an interesting structure that they've built.
If you look at some of the most successful retail brands in history, a lot of their business has been built on franchising, like Starbucks ( SBUX 0.57% ) and McDonald's ( MCD 0.80% ) is just a couple of examples of franchises that have worked really well. There haven't really been a ton of franchises in retail goods though.
This is a model that works really well, so what do they do? You've got some used roller skates, your kids too big, does anybody wear roller skates? How about rollerblades? Does that work? A baseball glove, whatever. A used one, your kids grown out of it, you take it that Play It Again Sports, they will give you some cash for it.
Yet you've got a kid that wants to try a new sport or you want to try a new sport? Why go spend $1,000 on a brand new whatever, when you can go spend a few hundred dollars on a used one for the kid whose parents had him try the sport last year and didn't like it, and ended up selling it. You can buy these used goods, high-quality stuff. It's a great way to get sporting goods at a much-reduced price and also to get money for your use sporting goods once you're done with them.
Again, the model has done really well, it's been profitable, it's been a market beater for investors, and it's a solid company, it is. I'd say it's a safety stock because it's largely de-risked from a lot of the things that can be risky about retail. It's somewhat recession-resistant because again it's countercyclical when consumer discretionary goods like sporting goods, people they don't buy them during recessions.
If they want to buy that stuff, they're more likely to look for a discount like Play It Again Sports. It gives it some security, doesn't have very much debt at all. I think it has less than $50 million in debt. Cash efficient business. Those are safe investments to own.
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>>> Else Nutrition Reports 219% increase in the Fiscal Year 2021 Revenues
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
March 31, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-nutrition-reports-219-increase-124300021.html
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 31, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC (BABY) (BABYF) (0YL.F) ("Else" or the "Company") the Plant-Based baby, toddler and children nutrition company, today announced results for its Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2021. The financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR under the Company’s profile.
Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Highlights
Fiscal year 2021 revenues were $4.7M, a 219% increase versus $1.5M in Fiscal Year 2020, driven by the expansion of our toddler products across all channels and the introduction of the new Kids Complete Nutritional shake product line.
4Q21 revenues were $1.3M, an 8% increase versus $1.2M in 3Q21, driven by continued expansion into retail stores and steady online sales growth.
Cash balance as of December 31, 2021 was $25.5M (including restricted cash and short-term bank deposit).
The Company had no Loans liability as of December 31, 2021.
Company has graduated to the Toronto Stock Exchange.
1Q2022 Outlook: Else Nutrition expects revenues in the First Quarter of 2022 to be in the range of $1.45M to $1.6M, representing a 15% to 25% sequential increase versus 4Q21. The robust preliminary results are due to the strong performance of our products in both online and retail channels.
4Q and FY2021 Business Highlights -
Doubled sales on Else’s e-commerce store and on Amazon.com during 2021.
Expanded US retail presence to more than 1,200 stores, and continue to increase retail sales velocity (reached 1.2 UPSPW at Sprouts). Several retailers already added the new Kids products to their range.
Successfully listed on Walmart.com and Kroger-owned online platforms.
Following the success on Amazon in the US, Else was invited by Amazon EU to launch a European unified account that will allow Else to sell its products on major Amazon European marketplaces including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden, representing a market with more than 300M people.
Launched Kids Complete Nutritional shake (3+ years; in powder form) in online and retail channels. The product is available on elsenutrition.com, Amazon.com, and iHerb, and soon will be available on Walmart.com, Kroger-owned online platforms, Sprouts Farmers Market, Rouses and Thrive Market.
Completed the development of a new line of products – Super Cereals, for infants (6+ months) and Toddlers. These new products will be launched in April 2022 in the US.
Continue the development of a Ready to Drink line of products.
Launched an intensive HCP initiative in the US that includes a dedicated HCP website and a campaign to reach more than 80,000 pediatricians. This effort is led by Mr. Mike Glick, Else’ North America GM, a former Abbott Senior Director of Pediatric and Adult nutrition.
Conducted an Independent Research Survey Demonstrating that Else’ Products Dramatically Improved Major Feeding Related Disorders & Symptoms in Large Majority of Children.
Expanded Else Advisory Board to include leading Pediatric Global Key Opinion leaders.
Prepared to launch a clinical study with Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver School of Medicine to validate growth benefits of Else’s Plant-Based Nutrition product.
Management Commentary
Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO of Else Nutrition commented: “We are happy with the progress we made in 2021, as we continue our journey to become a global leader in the plant-based nutrition arena. In 2021 we focused on growing our online sales while penetrating US retail stores, and we are proud to report that our Plant-Based Complete Nutrition products for Toddler is in over 1,200 bricks and mortar stores as well as in 5 large and reputable online retailers. We are excited that retailers are experiencing solid and growing sales velocity of our products, and we are seeing growing reorders with many of those retailers. In 3Q21 we expanded our product offering with the launch of our Kids Shakes, which was received well by the market with orders coming from retailers such as Sprouts and distributors such as KeHE.”
“We achieved substantial progress in 2021 despite the challenges of the COVID-19. The global pandemic impacted all areas of our business, including delays in raw material deliveries, significant increases in transportation costs, delays in clinical and product development projects, as well as the absence of key personnel. Due to lockdowns and other COVID-19 related measures, most of our meetings, marketing events, conferences and expos were either canceled or turned virtual, slowing down the pace of our business development efforts. With restrictions easing in 2022, we expect the pace of our growth to accelerate once again.”
We are continuing to see stronger re-orders from the retailers which we began selling to in 2021. Furthermore, by the end of 2022 we expect to triple our door count to roughly 4,000.
During 2022 our product range will grow to roughly 8-10 products and over 20 SKUs in the US alone. We have and will introduce two exciting new product lines, a non-organic Toddler Omega product with a more affordable price point that will allow more babies to enjoy Else, and Super Cereal in flavors for 6+ month babies. We also plan to add liquid products for Kids and/or Adults later in the year.
International expansion will be a focus for Else in 2022. In 2Q2022 we will launch in Canada via Amazon.ca, our own e-store, and in natural food retailers and independents, regional grocery and drug retailers. In addition, by the end of Q2 we expect to enter the UK and Western Europe via Amazon. We also expect to start selling online in China (Cross Border) in mid-2022.
FDA Update
In Q4 2021 Else concluded a successful preclinical safety study on its plant-based infant formula, as part of the pathway to bring its Infant formulation to market.
The study results demonstrated proper growth, similar to dairy-based infant formula, in a neonatal preclinical model, which is a key first step on the path with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as with other regulatory authorities, to demonstrate safety and nutrient bioavailability of the infant formula and its ingredients. The study results will be presented in two key scientific meetings focused on pediatric nutrition and will be published in scientific peer-reviewed journals. Else is in close communication with the FDA, sharing its plans and results to receive their guidance throughout the process of Else’s infant formula development. Else also worked on preparations for the three clinical studies planned for 2022. In 2022 we plan to continue our research activity demonstrating the safety of the infant formula as well as provide scientific support for our products including preparations for additional clinical studies.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy, formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The Company recently received the World Plant-Based Award for “Best dairy alternative product” in New York at World Plant-Based Expo in late 2021. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company, listed as Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives includes leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
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York Water - >>> This Is the Greatest Dividend Stock of All Time, and You've Probably Never Heard of It
Motley Fool
By Sean Williams
Mar 14, 2022
https://www.fool.com/investing/2022/03/14/greatest-dividend-stock-youve-never-heard-of-it/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article
KEY POINTS
Dividend stocks have a knack for handily outperforming non-dividend-payers over the long run.
This completely under-the-radar company has paid a dividend for 206 consecutive years.
Additionally, it's quadrupled the return of the S&P 500 since the start of the century.
This company began paying a dividend when James Madison was president. It hasn't missed a year since.
One of the best aspects of investing in the stock market is that multiple strategies work. Whether you prefer value stocks, growth-oriented companies, small-caps, or brand-name companies, patience can pay off handsomely on Wall Street.
But if my arm were twisted, I'd have to point to dividend stock investing as one of the standout moneymaking strategies.
Dividend stocks are a golden ticket to riches
Nine years ago, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, a division of money-center bank JPMorgan Chase, released a report that compared the performance of publicly traded companies that initiated and grew their payouts over a 40-year stretch (1972-2012) to public companies that didn't pay a dividend. The results showed that the dividend-paying stocks mopped the floor with the non-dividend payers. All told, dividend stocks averaged a 9.5% annual return over four decades, which compared to a meager 1.6% annualized return for those companies without a dividend over the same stretch.
While the magnitude of the outperformance might be surprising, the actual result – i.e., dividend stocks outperforming non-dividend stocks over the long run -- shouldn't be a shock. Companies that pay a dividend are often profitable, time-tested, and have transparent long-term growth outlooks. They're precisely the type of businesses we'd expect to increase in value over time.
Income stocks can also be excellent hedges against uncertainty and inflation. With the U.S. inflation rate hitting a fresh 40-year high of 7.9% last week, it's become almost impossible for investors to find sources of near-guaranteed income (e.g., U.S. Treasury bonds) that come anywhere close to the prevailing inflation rate. Dividend stock payouts can help partially or fully offset inflation, while share ownership also gives investors the opportunity to grow their wealth.
There are quite a few well-known dividend superstars
There are a number of well-known, exceptional dividend stocks that investors have come to trust over multiple decades.
Take healthcare conglomerate Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ 1.31% ) as an example. Not only is only Johnson & Johnson on track to increase its base annual payout for a 60th consecutive year next month, but it's one of only two publicly traded companies with the highly coveted AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor's. That's the highest rating the agency doles out, and is one grade above the U.S. federal government. Put in another context, S&P has more confidence in J&J repaying its outstanding debts than it does of the U.S. government making good on its own debts. That's saying something.
Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble ( PG 0.31% ) is another dividend superstar that income investors regularly rely on. Although it doesn't have the highest possible credit rating, Procter & Gamble has increased its base annual payout for 65 consecutive years. What's more, it's been parsing out a dividend to its shareholders for the past 131 years. Providing basic necessity goods may be boring, but it's a highly profitable operating model that affords P&G substantial pricing power.
On the high-yield spectrum, mortgage real estate investment trust Annaly Capital Management ( NLY 0.14% ) has turned heads since its inception a quarter of a century ago. Annaly has paid over $20 billion in dividends since going public, and has averaged a yield of around 10% over the past two decades. The company's highly transparent operating model allows its payout to completely offset historically high inflation.
But none of these companies can hold a candle to what one completely under-the-radar dividend stock has accomplished over the very long run.
This is the greatest income stock of all time (and you've probably never heard of it)
Although it doesn't have a high yield or a 65-year streak of boosting its base annual payout like P&G, a case can be made that small-cap water utility stock York Water (YORW) is the greatest dividend stock of all time.
The reality is few folks have probably ever heard of York Water. This is a company that provides water and wastewater services to 51 municipalities spanning three counties in South-Central Pennsylvania. Last year, the company's biggest acquisition totaled $12 million and netted it approximately 1,800 new wastewater customers. In other words, York Water is about as off-the-radar as they come for public companies.
But get this: York Water has been paying an annual dividend to its shareholders since James Madison was president back in 1816. This 206-year (and counting) streak of rewarding its shareholders is more than six decades longer than Stanley Black & Decker, which has been paying its shareholders a dividend for 145 consecutive years. Stanley Black & Decker is No. 2 on the list of longest consecutive payouts.
I believe it's also worth pointing out that York Water has increased its base annual payout in each of the past 20 years. Including dividends paid, York has returned approximately 1,360% since the beginning of the century, which quadruples the 345% return of the broad-based S&P 500 over the same stretch. Who said you have to buy tech stocks to get rich?
The beauty of this great dividend stock is the predictability of its business. If you own a home or rent, you almost certainly need water and wastewater services. This leads to a predictable level of demand and transparent cash flow. This cash flow transparency allows the company to invest in its infrastructure and make acquisitions without compromising its profitability or dividend.
Furthermore, most utilities in the U.S. operate as monopolies or duopolies. This is to say that homeowners and renters don't have much choice where their electricity, natural gas, or water services come from. This provides another layer of predictability that makes York Water's dividend so rock-solid.
As noted, York Water's yield of 1.7% pales in comparison to the likes of Annaly Capital Management. But in terms of putting investors first, York's 206-year dividend streak vaults it into a class of its own.
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>>> Nanalysis Provides Corporate Update
MarketWatch
Feb. 17, 2022
https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/nanalysis-provides-corporate-update-2022-02-17?siteid=bigcharts&dist=bigcharts&tesla=y
CALGARY, AB, Feb. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Holding Call at 5pm ET Today
CALGARY, AB, Feb. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ Nanalysis Scientific Corp. ("the Company", TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA: 1N1), a leader in portable NMR and MRI machines for healthcare and industrial applications, provides a corporate update and will be holding at call at 5:00pm ET today.
"Our growth trajectory continued though the end of 2021 and continues today," said Sean Krakiwksy, Chief Executive Office of Nanalysis. "After a solid fourth quarter we closed a banner year in 2021 for Nanalysis. Over a month ago we closed our acquisition of K'Prime and subsequently announced the acquisition of Quad Systems. We couldn't have been more pleased with the interest in our recent equity offering, resulting in an upsizing to satisfy demand. As I look into 2022, we will not be entering into any other acquisitions, we will focus on the integration of K'Prime and Quad Systems and focus on growing our sales with our current and future products. We truly believe we have set the stage to continue our growth trajectory into 2022, 2023 and beyond."
Financial Highlights (unaudited):
Annual gross revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 of approximately $16 million, representing an increase of up to 103% year over year.
Gross margins anticipated in the range of 63% to 65% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021.
Recent strategic and operational highlights include:
Closed Marketed public offering and private placement for combined gross proceeds of $15,224,700: These funds will be used to complete the acquisition of QUAD systems, provide working capital and accelerate organic growth.
Announced Acquisition of Quad Systems: As part of the agreement, Nanalysis has provided Quad Systems with a CHF 1,000,000 loan (Loan) which is convertible into shares in the capital of Quad Systems, Nanalysis will the subscribe for 260,000 Quad Systems shares for cash consideration of CHF 6,500,000 (Equity Investment). On completion of the Equity Investment a second representative of Nanalysis will be appointed to Quad Systems' Board of Directors. At this stage, Nanalysis will own 43% of Quad Systems. Until July 1, 2023 (Option Period), Nanalysis has an option (Option) to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Quad Systems at a pre-set valuation formula in a combination of cash and majority Nanalysis shares. During the Option Period, Nanalysis has a right of first refusal on all debt and equity offerings of Quad Systems.
Announced closing of the acquisition of K'(Prime) Technologies ("Kprime"): Kprime a North American sales and service company, with a particular focus on scientific instrumentation for pharma, food, chemical and oil & gas customers, as well as imaging systems for security applications. Over the past four fiscal years KPrime's unaudited revenue has been between C$8 million and C$10 million with positive EBIDTA(1) of roughly $1.0 to $1.5 million per year.
The Company delivered 13 100 MHz units in the Fourth Quarter and as at February 17, 2022 has 31 on back order. The expansion of the manufacturing facility has been completed and the newly trained manufacturing personnel are ramping up production.
Outlook
Sean Krakiwsky states, "Our current business for our flagship products, the 100MHz and 60MHz, remains very strong and we see this continuing. We are now able to continue to expand with a full sales and service organization in multiple additional channels with the addition of K'Prime. Conversely, K'Prime can now pursue RFP's and contracts that they were previously unable to as a stand-alone company. Quad Systems allows us to enter the high-end part of the market, expand our product line offerings and to leverage the capabilities of both Company's technology suites. We are confident these acquisitions will both help fuel our growth for the years to come."
Conference Call
Chief Executive Officer Sean Krakiwsky and Chief Financial Officer Luke Caplette will host a conference call to discuss these results at 5:00 P.M. Eastern time today. All interested parties are invited to join this call.
Investors interested in participating on the live call can dial 1-877-451-6152 or 1-201-389-0879 from abroad. Investors can also access the call online through a listen-only webcast
https://themediaframe.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=jAnyFUII, or on the investor relations section of the Company's website HERE.
The webcast will be archived on the Company's investor relations webpage for at least 90 days and a telephonic playback of the conference call will be available by calling 1-844-512-2921 or 1-412-317-6671 from abroad. The conference ID is 13727085. Telephonic playback will be available for 14 days after the conference call.
The preliminary estimated financial results and other data for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 set forth above are subject to the completion of the Company's financial closing procedures. This data has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of, the Company's management. Ernst & Young, Nanalysis' independent firm of Chartered Professional Accountants, does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto. The Company currently expects that its final results of operations and other data for the year ended December 31, 2021 will be consistent with the estimates set forth above, but such estimates are preliminary and Nanalysis actual results of operations and other data could differ materially from these estimates due to the completion of its annual audit procedures, final adjustments, and other developments that may arise between now and the time such audited consolidated financials statements for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 are released.
(1)Use of Non-GAAP Measures
Nanalysis reports on certain financial performance measures that are described and presented in order to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional measures to evaluate Nanalysis ability to fund its operations and information regarding its liquidity. In addition, these measures are used by management in its evaluation of performance. These financial performance measures ("Non-GAAP Terms") are not recognized financial terms under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("Canadian GAAP"). For publicly accountable enterprises, such as Nanalysis, Canadian GAAP is governed by principles based on IFRS and interpretations of IFRIC. Management believes these Non-GAAP Terms are useful supplemental measures. These Non-GAAP Terms do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. Specifically, Working capital and EBITDA are not recognized terms under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS.
About Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA:1N1)
Nanalysis trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) in Canada with ticker symbol 'NSCI', Over the Counter (OTC) in the United States under the ticker symbol 'NSCIF', and on the Frankfurt Exchange (FRA) under the symbol '1N1'.
Nanalysis is an international business focused on capitalizing its proprietary technologies in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) that go into NMR spectrometers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nanalysis operates out of two subsidiaries, Nanalysis Corp. and RS2D S.A.S. (RS2D).
Nanalysis Corp. is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing compact NMR spectrometers for laboratory and industrial markets. Its advanced 60 and 100 MHz spectrometers require no liquid helium or other cryogens. These devices are used by chemical professionals spanning a wide variety of industries, including oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology.
Through its European subsidiary RS2D, the Company's electronic boards and software are used in conventional NMR and MRI equipment and are being incorporated into next-gen MRI systems as well as miniaturized MRI devices.
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>>> AquaBounty Issues Shareholder Letter and Provides Corporate Update
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc.
January 11, 2022
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/aquabounty-issues-shareholder-letter-provides-133000937.html
MAYNARD, Mass., Jan. 11, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: AQB) (“AquaBounty” or the “Company”), a land-based aquaculture company utilizing technology to enhance productivity and sustainability, today issued a letter to shareholders from its Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Wulf.
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
Our mission at AquaBounty is to feed the world with land-based salmon farmed efficiently, sustainably and profitably. Over the last year, we’ve made significant strides toward achieving that mission, and now find ourselves transitioning to a commercial production enterprise with the continuous harvest and sale of our proprietary, genetically engineered (“GE”) Atlantic salmon. Now that production is scaling at our Indiana facility, we have begun to position AquaBounty for its next phase of growth.
Why AquaBounty is Important
Before I discuss the milestones AquaBounty achieved in 2021, I’d like to provide a reminder of the problem we are targeting and our mission to impact it. At its core, the problem is simple – with the growth in global population and the resulting demand for protein expected to double by 2050, we need creative solutions to feed the world. With over 90% of the world's fisheries fully fished or overfished, no further pressure can be placed on wild fisheries. Our solution is to improve salmon farming by growing our GE Atlantic salmon using land-based recirculating aquaculture systems. This allows us to accelerate production and produce our salmon more efficiently and sustainably. We can do this while using fewer inputs and avoiding many of the disease and environmental challenges often faced in traditional net pen farms. Our approach uniquely enables us to raise healthier salmon, free of antibiotics and other contaminants, while remaining good stewards of the planet and the natural resources entrusted to us.
Commercial Scale Harvests Underway
We began 2021 with a world-class team in place and preparations to make this our breakthrough year. In the first quarter we completed a public offering of common stock with $127.1 million in gross proceeds, fortifying our balance sheet and positioning us to deliver on our vision for our next farm – a 10,000 metric ton “farm of the future.” To prove market acceptance for our GE salmon, we completed the setup of our commercial framework and prepared for our first commercial scale harvest. After successful sampling efforts with widely respected seafood distributors and other interested customers, we began the long-awaited first commercial sales of our GE salmon from both our Indiana and Prince Edward Island farms – receiving orders for the entire output from our first customers, all eager to introduce this locally produced salmon in their respective markets. Since that time, demand for our GE salmon has consistently grown– proving its market acceptance. We continued to scale production output in the third quarter, harvesting 84 tons of salmon from our two farms and commercial interest remains high. Harvests increased 8% in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, as we set the stage for continued operational momentum going into 2022, with a full staff and arrival of additional automation equipment.
Our Next-Generation 10,000 Metric Ton Facility will be Transformational
To further grow our production, we moved forward with our plans to construct a 10,000 metric ton farm, which would have roughly eight times the output capacity of our Indiana farm. We selected Pioneer, Ohio as the location for the farm and we have made significant progress on finalizing site engineering designs and permitting, including the completion of key hydrology studies, which confirm that the quantity and quality of water available can meet the needs of both AquaBounty and the local community. As the final design for our Ohio farm progressed, we refined our expected project cost to be in the range of $290 million to $320 million, including a reserve for potential contingencies of $30 million. Our plan for financing the farm project includes a significant debt component, supplemented by our equity contribution – leveraging our robust balance sheet, which included almost $200 million in cash at the end of the third quarter.
We began the process for the placement of a mix of tax-exempt and taxable bonds through the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, whose board approved the issuance of up to $300 million in bonds to support the financing of the project. We also engaged Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking to underwrite and market the bond placement, which we expect to complete in the first quarter of 2022. While there is certainly still plenty of work to be done to close this transaction, we believe that this financing will be a major financial milestone for the Company.
During this past year, we have worked through the dual challenges of labor shortages that have affected the food service industry during the pandemic and our capacity constraints at our facilities, incorporating the insights gained from these learnings into the design of our highly automated large-scale farm in Ohio. In fact, some of the most concerning discoveries surrounding the pandemic were the global supply chain disruptions, which highlighted the need for technology-enabled, domestic supply chains. These events further serve to remind us of the need for a safe, sustainable and secure food supply.
Our Shared Future
In 2021, we announced our firm commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, highlighted by the announcement of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting initiative and we will use the reporting standard of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). We believe that ESG reporting is critical to operational risk reduction, aligning well with our mission to contribute to global sustainability by conducting our business in an environmentally responsible manner. We look forward to sharing our first public ESG report in the new year.
Final Words
We enter 2022 in a strong position – both operationally and financially – supported by the momentum from our successful commercial scale harvests and our robust balance sheet. We look forward to onboarding additional customers and increasing our weekly harvest volumes to fulfill the strong demand in the weeks and months to come. Our expansion plans are moving forward domestically with our Ohio farm and internationally with potential opportunities in Brazil, Israel and China.
As a company, we remain focused on our goals and we are poised to take the lead in bringing fresh, sustainable salmon to the markets we serve. We look forward to sharing our accomplishments in the coming year as we strive to create value for our customers, shareholders, employees and communities – and we thank all our stakeholders for their support of our mission.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Wulf
President & CEO
About AquaBounty:
AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AQB) is a leader in aquaculture leveraging decades of technology expertise to deliver game-changing solutions that solve global problems, while improving efficiency, sustainability and profitability. AquaBounty provides fresh Atlantic salmon to nearby markets by raising its fish in carefully monitored land-based fish farms through a safe, secure and sustainable process. The Company’s land-based Recirculating Aquaculture System (“RAS”) farms, located in Indiana, United States and Prince Edward Island, Canada, are close to key consumption markets and are designed to prevent disease and to include multiple levels of fish containment to protect wild fish populations. AquaBounty is raising nutritious salmon that is free of antibiotics and other contaminants and provides a solution resulting in a reduced carbon footprint and no risk of pollution to marine ecosystems as compared to traditional sea-cage farming. For more information on AquaBounty, please visit www.aquabounty.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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>>> Israeli alt-meat developer MeaTech prints 3.67 oz steak
Jerusalem Post
By ZACHY HENNESSEY
12-8-21
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/israeli-alt-meat-developer-meatech-prints-367-oz-steak/ar-AARBNC4?ocid=uxbndlbing
Israel-based MeaTech 3D has succeeded in bioprinting a 104-gram (3.67-oz.) cultivated steak, primarily composed of real cultivated fat and muscle cells. This is, according to the company, the largest cultivated steak comprised of real, living muscle and fat tissues, without using any soy or pea protein.
MeaTech’s achievement serves as a milestone toward the goal of scaled production of cultivated bioprinted steak.
“Today’s breakthrough is the culmination of over one year’s efforts in our cellular biology and high-throughput tissue engineering processes, as well as our precision bioprinting technology,” said Sharon Fima, MeaTech CEO and CTO. “By bioprinting a 3.67-oz. steak composed of living tissue, we believe we have both validated our core technologies and placed ourselves at the forefront of the race to develop high-end, real cell-based cultivated premium meat products.”
MeaTech’s goal is developing a true replacement for conventional steak that maximizes cell-based content rather than nonmeat ingredients. “The technology that MeaTech is developing is designed to be an enabler: to supply real meat solutions that are sustainable, safe and ethical,” said Omri Schanin, MeaTech co-founder and deputy CEO. “With demand rising, it is our mission to make meat widely accessible around the world, which is why we aim for price parity to conventional meat as you know it today.”
MeaTech employed in-house-developed 3D bioprinting technology and advanced tissue engineering science in order to bring sustainable, premium cultivated meat products closer to the market.
The cells used in making the steak were produced using an advanced and proprietary process that starts by isolating bovine stem cells from tissue samples and multiplying them. Upon reaching sufficient cellular mass, stem cells were formulated into bio-inks compatible with MeaTech’s proprietary 3D bioprinter. The product, printed from a digital design file of a steak structure, was then matured in an incubator, where the printed stem cells were differentiated into fat and muscle cells that develop into fat and muscle tissue, respectively, to form the MeaTech steak.
The next step for the alternative-meat company is to get its product on shelves.
“Our go-to-market plan starts with non-printed meat, such as hybrid products containing cultured real fat, for better taste and texture in this exploding meat alternative industry,” explained Schanin. “Next year we plan to open a pilot plant that produces cultured fat for this purpose, with the aim of hitting the market as soon as possible.”
MeaTech is currently scaling up its manufacturing process by initiating operation of its semi-industrial printer next year.
Schanin pointed out that, to them, the time to get the ball rolling on production is as soon as possible. “I think people have not yet realized what enormous potential this industry has.”
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>>> MeaTech 3D Ltd. (MITC), a technology company, focuses on the development and out-licensing of three-dimensional printing technology, biotechnology processes, and customizable manufacturing processes to food processing and food retail companies to manufacture proteins without animal slaughtering. The company engages in developing a three-dimensional bioprinter to deposit layers of differentiated stem cells, scaffolding, and cell nutrients in a three-dimensional form of structured cultured meat. It intends to license its proprietary production technology; provides associated products, such as cell lines, printheads, bioreactors, and incubators; and offer services, such as technology implementation, training, and engineering support directly and through contractors to food processing and food retail companies. The company is headquartered in Ness Ziona, Israel.
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>>> Arteris Announces Financial Results for the Third Quarter 2021 and Estimated Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Guidance
Yahoo Finance
Arteris, Inc.
November 30, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/arteris-announces-financial-results-third-210500561.html
CAMPBELL, Calif., Nov. 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arteris, Inc. (Arteris or Arteris IP), a leading provider of network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect and other intellectual property (IP) technology that manages the on-chip communications in system-on-chip (SoC) semiconductor devices, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 as well as estimated fourth quarter and full year 2021 guidance.
"We continued our strong momentum in the third quarter with revenue increasing 39% year-over year. Demand for our products within the machine learning and automotive sectors remains strong as semiconductor manufacturers accelerate their designs for autonomous driving applications,” said K. Charles Janac, president and CEO of Arteris IP. “Demand for Arteris solutions continues to strengthen as increasing complexity of SoC creation, combined with tighter time-to-market requirements creates the need for best-in-class solutions. We remain excited about the significant opportunity ahead and believe Arteris is well positioned to drive increasing customer value in the years to come.”
Third Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:
Annual Contract Value (ACV) and Trailing-twelve-month (TTM) royalties of $45.6 million, up 21% year-over-year
Revenue of $9.0 million, up 39% year-over-year
Remaining performance obligation (RPO) of $50.6 million, up 48% year-over-year
Operating loss of $4.5 million or 50% of revenue
Non-GAAP operating loss of $4.0 million or 44% of revenue
Net loss of $5.0 million or $0.24 per share
Non-GAAP net loss of $4.4 million or $0.21 per share
Non-GAAP free cash flow of $(4.5) million or (50)% of revenue
Third Quarter 2021 Business Highlights:
Announced pricing of our initial public offering for gross proceeds of $80.5 million, including the exercise of the underwriters’ overallotment option
Ended the quarter with 179 active customers, increasing 72% year-over-year
22 designs starts in the third quarter, increasing 69% year over year, across all major verticals
Launched the Arteris® Harmony Trace™ Design Data Intelligence Solution to ease compliance with semiconductor industry functional safety and quality standards
FlexNoC® Interconnect licensed by Eyenix for AI-enabled imaging / digital camera SoC
Announced 4D LiDAR pioneer Aeva as our 200th customer
FlexNoC® Interconnect licensed for use in SK Telecom SAPEON AI chips
Estimated Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Guidance:
Q4 2021
FY 2021
(in millions, except %)
ACV + TTM royalties
$48.5 - $50.0
$48.5 - $50.0
Revenue
$10.0 - $11.1
$36.3 - $37.5
Non-GAAP operating loss (%)
32% - 54%
40% - 50%
Free cash flow (%)
(52)% - (37)%
(35)% - (20)%
The guidance provided above are forward-looking statements and reflect our expectations as of today's date. Actual results may differ materially. Refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" below for information on the factors, among others, that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.
Non-GAAP operating loss, non-GAAP operating loss margin, non-GAAP net loss, non-GAAP net loss per share, free cash flow and free cash flow margin are non-GAAP financial measures. Additional information on Arteris’ historic reported results, including a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most comparable GAAP measures, is included in the financial tables below. A reconciliation of non-GAAP guidance measures reported above to corresponding GAAP measures is not available on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort due to the uncertainty of expenses that may be incurred in the future, although it is important to note that these factors could be material to Arteris' results computed in accordance with GAAP.
Definitions of the other business metrics used in this press release including ACV, customers and customer retention, design starts and RPO are included below under the heading “Other Business Metrics.”
Conference Call
Arteris will host a conference call today on November 30, 2021 to review its third quarter 2021 financial results and to discuss its financial outlook.
Time:
4:30PM ET
United States/Canada Toll Free:
877-407-9208
International Toll:
1-201-493-6784
Conference ID:
13725077
A live webcast will also be available in the Investor Relations section of Arteris’ website at: https://ir.arteris.com/events-and-presentations
A replay of the webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of the company’s web site approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call and remain available for approximately 30 calendar days.
About Arteris
Arteris IP provides network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect IP and IP deployment technology to accelerate system-on-chip (SoC) semiconductor development and integration for a wide range of applications from AI to automobiles, mobile phones, IoT, cameras, SSD controllers, and servers for customers such as Bosch, Baidu, Mobileye, Samsung, Toshiba and NXP. Arteris IP products include the Ncore® cache coherent and FlexNoC® non-coherent interconnect IP, the CodaCache® standalone last level cache, and optional Resilience Package (ISO 26262 functional safety), FlexNoC AI Package, and PIANO® automated timing closure capabilities. Customer results obtained by using Arteris IP products include lower power, higher performance, more efficient design reuse and faster SoC development, leading to lower development and production costs. For more information, visit www.arteris.com
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Arteris - >>> 4 Stocks Insiders Are Buying
Benzinga
by Lisa Levin
November 1, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/4-stocks-insiders-buying-111428953.html
The Trade: Arteris, Inc. (NASDAQ: AIP) Director Wayne C Cantwell acquired a total of 47094 shares at an average price of $18.75.
What’s Happening: The company, last week, priced its IPO at $14 per share.
What Arteris Does: Arteris is a provider of network-on-chip interconnect semiconductor intellectual property (IP) and IP deployment technology to accelerate system-on-chip semiconductor development and integration for a wide range of applications from AI to automobiles, mobile phones, IoT, cameras, SSD controllers, and servers for customers such as Bosch, Baidu, Mobileye, Samsung, Toshiba and NXP.
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>>> Nanalysis Merges with K'(Prime) Technologies Inc.
November 10, 2021
Yahoo Finance
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nanalysis-merges-k-prime-technologies-140200879.html
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 10, 2021 /CNW/ - Nanalysis Scientific Corp. ('the Company", TSXV:NSCI, OTCQX:NSCIF, FRA:1N1) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding agreement to acquire 100% of K'(Prime) Technologies Inc. (KPrime), a North American sales and service company, with a particular focus on scientific instrumentation for pharma, food, chemical and oil & gas customers, as well as imaging systems for security applications. The deal is expected to close before Dec 31, 2021.
KPrime has been representing leading equipment manufacturers for over 20 years and has become proficient in driving sales volume by understanding customer needs. The company is a sales and service focused organization that has profitability in its DNA. Over the past four fiscal years KPrime's unaudited revenue has been between C$8 million and C$10 million with positive EBIDTA of roughly $1.0 to $1.5 million per year. The company was founded by Mr. Kham Lin, who began his career selling scientific instrument for Hewlett Packard which eventually became Agilent Technologies. KPrime was incorporated in 1997. Mr. Lin took over the operation in 2001 when he identified an opportunity to represent several equipment manufacturers on an exclusive basis. The company has been profitable every year since inception.
Sean Krakiwsky, founder and CEO of Nanalysis said, "Joining forces with such an experienced sales and service organization is a unique expansion opportunity for Nanalysis. Our vision is to provide full sales and service coverage in every major market in the world, most importantly in the United States and Canada. We need a living, breathing, thriving, and resilient sales organization that evolves globally as we grow. KPrime constitutes this living sales organism that is focused on driving growth and can ingrain the ethos of profitability into our entire company. I have known Kham for over 10 years, and am confident that his trademarks of honesty, perseverance, integrity, as well as his tenacious focus on capital equipment sales and service, represents a highly complementary infusion, which will result in continued revenue growth and creation of shareholder value."
"We have already begun the integration planning, and we are excited to start working with KPrime in earnest. The teams at Nanalysis and KPrime recognize the complementary nature and talents of each team. A key aspect of the integration is the merging of the sales organizations, with a particular emphasis on the senior sales leadership at KPrime. Since inception, Nanalysis has been heavily weighted towards high-end scientists and engineers, and it is now time to bring the company into conventional operation ratios as it pertains to the mix of employee backgrounds and talents: KPrime rounds out the talent pool at Nanalysis," continued Mr. Krakiwsky.
Chair of the Board of Directors, Mr. Martin Burian, states, "Sean and Kham have been talking about this deal for a long time, and the Board of Nanalysis is pleased that it has come to fruition. As part of this deal, we will be welcoming Kham to the Nanalysis Board, and I speak for all Directors when I say that we are looking forward to working with him as a Director."
Mr. Kham Lin added, "We are eager to be combining forces with Nanalysis. This deal is great news for our employees, our existing customers, partners and it will also allow us to expand our instrumentation sales and service business to include NMR. We are chasing some very large contracts, and this deal optimizes our chances of landing new business opportunities. As a sales professional, I am particularly interested in becoming part of vertically integrated scientific instrumentation company, with world class R&D and manufacturing, as well as tremendous access to capital. We will expand sales in analytical and security markets, which will include the scaling of our equipment leasing business. Recuring service-oriented revenue is also very important to our business model, which is another example of how we are complementary to Nanalysis."
"Sean and I share a vision of building a company that provides a broad range of analytical and imaging detection solutions to the real-world problems of today and tomorrow. By combining our organizations, we take a big step in that direction," concluded Mr. Lin.
About the Acquisition
The base consideration paid for KPrime is $3 million in cash and the issuance of 2.76 million Nanalysis shares, which are subject to a two-year lock-up period. The former shareholders of KPrime may also receive earn-out consideration of up to $1 million over two years, based on future revenue objectives.
The closing of this transaction is subject to several customary closing conditions, such as TSX approval. Final closing of this deal is expected before December 31, 2021, in Calgary, Canada, but may be extended to January 31, 2022, if time requires.
About KPrime
Established in 1997 by the late Richard Tymko and Kham Lin, KPrime is headquartered in Calgary with an office in Phoenix Arizona, and employs 40 people. KPrime Technologies is a vibrant company whose priority with all our activities is customer satisfaction. KPrime is a contract sales and service organization that brings value to the partners it represents by enhancing their sales and service coverage in addition to the funding for equipment leasing. Partners have included Agilent Technologies, Elementar, VMI Security, Evolv Technology and Leidos. KPrime is an authorized sales and a strategic service provider for its partners in various geographies across North America. While historically focused on laboratory instrumentation, supplies and services, KPrime has also expanded into the security market, with several new partnerships in this growing area. Both of the company's locations include a laboratory, bench repair centre, demo area and training facility. KPrime's website is http://www.kprime.net.
About Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV:NSCI, OTCQX:NSCIF, FRA:1N1)
Nanalysis trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) in Canada with ticker symbol 'NSCI', OTC and the Frankfurt exchange under the ticker symbol '1N1'. The company's business is what we term "MRI and NMR for industry". The company develops and manufactures portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers or analyzers for laboratory and industrial markets. The NMReady-60™ was the first full-feature portable NMR spectrometer in a single compact enclosure requiring no liquid helium or any other cryogens. The company has followed-up that initial offering with new products and continues to have a strong innovation pipeline. Nanalysis recently announced that it has begun selling a 100MHz device in 2020. The Company's new device will be the most powerful and most advanced compact NMR device ever brought to market.
Nanalysis devices are used in many industries (oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharma, biotech, flavor and fragrances, agrochemicals, law enforcement, and more) as well as numerous government and university research labs around the world. The company continues to exploit new global market opportunities independently and with partners.
<<<
>>> Arteris(R) IP Helps Automate System-on-Chip Semiconductor Design Traceability with Harmony Trace(TM)? Design Data Intelligence
MarketWatch
Nov. 16, 2021
https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/arterisr-ip-helps-automate-system-on-chip-semiconductor-design-traceability-with-harmony-tracetm-design-data-intelligence-2021-11-16?siteid=bigcharts&dist=bigcharts&tesla=y
Enterprise-level server-based application increases system quality and enables faster Functional Safety Certifications by creating and maintaining traceability between different systems
CAMPBELL, Calif., Nov 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via COMTEX) -- CAMPBELL, Calif., Nov. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arteris IP (NASDAQ: AIP), a leading provider of system-on-chip (SoC) system IP consisting of network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect and IP deployment software that accelerate SoC creation, today announced the launch of the Arteris(R)Harmony Trace(TM) Design Data Intelligence Solution to ease compliance with semiconductor industry functional safety and quality standards such as ISO 26262, IEC 61508, ISO 9001, and IATF 16949.
Highlights of this Announcement:
Harmony Trace increases system quality and accelerates functional safety assessments by identifying and fixing the traceability gaps between disparate systems.
Harmony Trace is implemented as an enterprise-level server-based application with a web-based user interface (UI).
Harmony Trace is unique because it gives engineers the freedom to use the "best tool for the job" and automates linking requirements and artifacts.
For design teams with functional safety requirements or who create complex SoCs or systems, Arteris(R) Harmony Trace(TM)? increases system quality and the ability to achieve functional safety certifications. By creating and maintaining traceability between disparate systems for requirements, specifications, EDA and hardware designs, software code, and documentation, engineers will know immediately when a change occurs and the effect of that change on other design artifacts and parts of the system.
Harmony Trace is implemented as an enterprise-level server-based application with a web-based UI that interfaces with EDA, documentation, existing requirements, software engineering and support systems. Unlike Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions that require engineers to use a single environment that is not best-in-class in any one aspect, Arteris Harmony Trace creates a system-of-systems that allows complete visibility of requirements traceability through the entire SoC design flow and product life cycle.
"Developing a complex SoC often involves a suite of disparate and disconnected tools, which makes it difficult to maintain a record that allows tracing design requirements and artifacts over the product's lifetime," said Mike Demler, senior analyst at The Linley Group. "But Arteris Harmony Trace mitigates these issues by connecting discrete silos such that users can track requirements, implementation, verification and documentation mismatches across existing systems. This means that engineers can continue to use best-in-class solutions and technologies like EDA tools, IBM DOORS, Jama, Jira, DITA, and IP-XACT while experiencing the benefits of automated traceability. Harmony Trace helps design teams meet the quality and change management requirements of functional safety standards such as ISO 26262 and IEC 61508."
"The development of Arteris Harmony Trace was driven by our customers' needs to establish an automated traceability flow and implement change management best practices between their existing requirements, specification, EDA, code repository and documentation tools," said K. Charles Janac, president and CEO of Arteris IP. "Harmony Trace allows our customers to use their existing tools and automatically link data between them due to its unique semiconductor industry-specific semantic computing technology."
About Arteris IP
Arteris IP (NASDAQ: AIP) provides system-on-chip (SoC) system IP consisting of network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect IP and IP deployment technology to accelerate system-on-chip (SoC) semiconductor development and integration for a wide range of applications from AI to automobiles, mobile phones, IoT, cameras, SSD controllers, and servers for customers such as Bosch, Baidu, Mobileye, Samsung, Toshiba and NXP. Arteris IP products include the Ncore(R) cache coherent interconnect IP and FlexNoC(R) non-coherent interconnect IP, the CodaCache(R) standalone last level cache, and optional Resilience Package (ISO 26262 functional safety), FlexNoC AI Package, and PIANO(R) automated timing closure capabilities. Our IP deployment products provide intelligent automation that accelerates the development and increases the quality of SoC hardware designs and their associated software and firmware, verification and simulation platforms, and specifications and customer documentation. Customer results obtained by using Arteris IP products include lower power, higher performance, more efficient design reuse and faster SoC development, leading to lower development and production costs. For more information, visit www.arteris.com or find us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/arteris.
<<<
>>> Arteris IP Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering
MarketWatch
Oct. 26, 2021
https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/arteris-ip-announces-pricing-of-initial-public-offering-2021-10-26?siteid=bigcharts&dist=bigcharts&tesla=y
CAMPBELL, Calif., Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- CAMPBELL, Calif., Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arteris IP, a leading provider of system-on-chip (SoC) system intellectual property (IP) consisting of network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect IP and IP deployment software, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $14.00 per share. The gross proceeds to Arteris IP from the offering, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, are expected to be $70.0 million. All of the shares are being offered by Arteris IP. In addition, Arteris IP has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 750,000 additional shares of its common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.
The shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on October 27, 2021 under the ticker symbol "AIP," and the offering is expected to close on October 29, 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Jefferies LLC and Cowen are serving as lead bookrunners and BMO Capital Markets is serving as joint book-running manager for the offering. Northland Capital Markets and Rosenblatt Securities are acting as co-managers for the offering.
A registration statement relating to the sale of these securities has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 26, 2021. Copies of the registration statement can be accessed through the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov. The offering is being made only by means of a written prospectus, forming a part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained, when available, from: Jefferies LLC, Attention: Equity Syndicate Prospectus Department, 520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022; by phone at (877) 821-7388; or by e-mail at Prospectus_Department@Jefferies.com; and Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, Attn: Prospectus Department, by phone at (833) 297-2926, or by email at PostSaleManualRequests@broadridge.com.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
Arteris IP is a leading provider of System IP consisting of NoC interconnect and other IP as well as IP Deployment software that accelerate creation of SoC type semiconductors. Our products enable our customers to deliver increasingly complex SoCs that not only process data but are also able to make decisions.
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Else Nutrition - >>> Independent Pilot Research Survey Demonstrates Else Products Dramatically Improved Major Feeding Related Disorders & Symptoms in Large Majority of Children
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
November 18, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/independent-pilot-research-survey-demonstrates-154500057.html
A more comprehensive study at final stages is aimed to be published in a peer reviewed medical journal
Independent pilot survey conducted among U.S. moms using Else Nutrition products with their children revealed dramatic improvement with up to complete recovery with feeding-related disorders and symptoms, including gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, skin rashes, spit up, and abnormal growth
Initial analysis of the pilot data demonstrated over three quarters of mothers reported that the gastrointestinal, skin rashes, and bowel movement issues were resolved after switching their nutrition formula or supplement to Else Toddler or Else Kids
Based upon these very positive early results Else will expand the research survey base.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (BABY.V) (BABYF) (0YL.F) ("Else" or the "Company") the Plant-Based baby, toddler and children nutrition company, is pleased to announce highly favorable results from an independent pilot study conducted with U.S. mom customers of its Plant-Based Nutrition for Toddlers and Kids.
Conducted independently by third party global market research firm, GetWizer, the study revealed over three quarters of Parents whose children suffered from gastrointestinal problems (vomiting, reflux, spit ups) whilst using another formula or supplement, reported these symptoms improved after using Else Toddler or Else Kids
The pilot study reveals major improvement in disorders and symptoms related to feeding problems such as:
Weight gain – poor weight gain and growth problem was resolved in over 82% of the cases
GI related symptoms (spit up, vomit, etc) – were improved in over 85% and about half of them reported significant to 100% complete improvement
Bowel movements were improved in over 79% of the cases and almost 100% reported change in stool consistency from too hard or too loose to a more “normal” stool
Rash symptoms were improved in over 86% (improvement was reported in severity, frequency and length of symptoms)
“These results are extremely encouraging and provide independent validation as to the potentially significant difference clean label, whole plant food-based Else products are making with children across the country,” stated Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO and Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. “Improving lives and providing a real alternative to dairy for early childhood nutrition was the spark for starting Else and it is reassuring to see validation from moms that Else products are truly helping to make their families’ lives better,” she added.
The pilot study indicated top reported reasons for starting the child on Else Drink were: 1. Plant-Based diet or healthy lifestyle; 2. Else products natural ingredients; 3. To help address a clinical condition (i.e. food sensitivities, allergies, etc.)
Additionally, 75% chose Else based on plant-based/healthy lifestyle and preferred ingredients and 25% to address medical reasons such as poor growth, intolerances and allergies. Over 70% of the kids loved the taste and are happy and enjoy drinking it and 97% of parents intend to continue giving their child Else nutritional products. Of those surveyed, 90% of parents said they would recommend using Else products to their friends.
The GetWizer pilot study was independently conducted via electronic, online survey among randomly selected customers using Else Plant-Based Nutrition for Toddlers and Kids. The survey will now be expanded to more mothers to ensure a larger sample size.
About GetWizer
GetWizer provides the technology framework for consumer-centric organizations. The company integrates consumer intelligence into both tactical and strategic product and marketing decision-making at scale. GetWizer's unique technology is easily tailored. The company provides a complete solution for preparing, analyzing and visualizing consumer data.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy, formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company, listed as TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives include leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
<<<
>>> Nanalysis Announces Third Quarter 2021 Results
Yahoo Finance
November 18, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nanalysis-announces-third-quarter-2021-210500225.html
Year to date revenue growth of 110%
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 18, 2021 /CNW/ - Nanalysis Scientific Corp. ("the Company", TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA: 1N1), a leader in portable MRI and NMR machines for healthcare and industrial applications, released today its third quarter 2021 results.
"We are happy with our continued growth and relied on our strong product line in the third quarter to continue our revenue trajectory," said Sean Krakiwsky, Founder and CEO of Nanalysis. "We are addressing our manufacturing constraints to satisfy the demand of our growing backlog for our 100 MHz product. Deliveries have picked up and will continue do so in the coming months with the goal of minimizing any backlog. Our hard work continues to yield results and I'm very proud of our team."
Financial Highlights for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021:
Revenue was $3.3 million and $11.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, representing increases of 96% and 110% compared to the same periods last year.
Gross margin was 64% and 65% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively.
Income before other items of $12K and $1,506K for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, representing an improvement of $446K and $2,529K compared to the same periods last year.
Cash of $12.6 million, an undrawn credit facility of $2.0 million and working capital of $14.6 million.
Recent strategic and operational highlights during and subsequent to the third quarter of 2021 include:
Announced entering into a binding agreement for the acquisition of K'(Prime) Technologies ("KPrime"): KPrime a North American sales and service company, with a particular focus on scientific instrumentation for pharma, food, chemical and oil & gas customers, as well as imaging systems for security applications. Over the past four fiscal years KPrime's unaudited revenue has been between $8 million and $10 million with positive EBIDTA of roughly $1.0 to $1.5 million per year.
Announced and closed acquisition of One Moon Scientific ("OMS"): OMS is a New York based magnetic resonance software company that specializes in a suite of software tools to streamline and automate Magnetic Resonance ("MR") data analysis and management. The acquisition opens up new industry verticals for hardware sales and allows for software licensing and SaaS revenue.
Bolstered manufacturing by buildout of two adjacent bays: The additional manufacturing capacity will allow for increased production and quicker fulfillment of 100MHz backlog. The Company anticipates an increase to the production capabilities of the all product lines.
The Company currently has 29 100 MHz units on back order. The expansion of the manufacturing facility, coupled with the addition and training of new manufacturing personnel resulted in production delays, as such Nanalysis only delivered on two units in the quarter.
Closed bought deal public offering and concurrent non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $11.0 million: The Company issued 9,165,000 units at a price per unit of $1.20.
Operating Results
For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the Company reported consolidated revenue of $3,336K, an increase of $1,636K or 96% from the comparative period in 2020. The increase in revenue is due to the progress completion of RS2D contracts, the shipment of Nanalysis' new flagship product: the 100MHz spectrometer and strong sales of the 60Mhz spectrometer. In the Quarter the company worked towards doubling the size of its manufacturing facility and substantially increasing the manufacturing headcount. Buildout with renovations are in final stages and the technical training of new staff is close to complete.
As of September 30, 2021, the Company had $3,181K of unearned revenue (December 31, 2021-$2,868K), of which $2,345K will be recognized into revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue relates to prepayments for the 100MHz, prepayment on RS2D contracts and extended warranty sales.
Gross profit for three months ended September 30, 2021, was $2,122K (a margin of 64%) compared to gross profit of $1,056K (a margin of 62%) for 2020. The company achieved income before other items for the three months ended September 30, 2021, of $12K as compared to losses before other items of $434K for 2020.
The Company's net loss for the three months ended was $857K an improvement of $242K, from the comparative period in 2020.
Outlook
Sean Krakiwsky states "We continue to see a 100% growth year over year stemming from strong demand for our products. We are confident in our ability to push organic growth into the coming years, as evidenced by a strong backlog of 29 100 MHz units, increased demand for the 60MHz as evidenced by this quarter and additional manufacturing capacity expected to come online in early 2022. Despite supply chain and facility expansion challenges, this quarter reflects the fact that we as a Company can demonstrate strong growth without the reliance on a single product line. The acquisition of KPrime strengthens our business in the short and medium term as we implement our vision. I am proud of what we have accomplished thus far into 2021 and am very much looking forward to a great 2022."
Conference Call
Founder and CEO Sean Krakiwsky and CFO Luke Caplette will host a conference call to discuss these results at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time today. All interested parties are invited to join this call.
Investors interested in participating on the live call can dial 1-877-451-6152 or 1-201-389-0879 from abroad. Investors can also access the call online through a listen-only webcast HERE, or on the investor relations section of the Company's website HERE.
The webcast will be archived on the Company's investor relations webpage for at least 90 days and a telephonic playback of the conference call will be available by calling 1-844-512-2921 or 1-412-317-6671 from abroad. The conference ID is 13724825. Telephonic playback will be available for 14 days after the conference call.
About Nanalysis Scientific Corp. (TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA:1N1)
Nanalysis trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) in Canada with ticker symbol 'NSCI', Over the Counter (OTC) in the United States under the ticker symbol 'NSCIF', and on the Frankfurt Exchange (FRA) under the symbol '1N1'.
Nanalysis is an international business focused on capitalizing its proprietary technologies in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) that go into NMR spectrometers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nanalysis operates out of two subsidiaries, Nanalysis Corp. and RS2D S.A.S. (RS2D).
Nanalysis Corp. is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing compact NMR spectrometers for laboratory and industrial markets. Its advanced 60 and 100 MHz spectrometers require no liquid helium or other cryogens. These devices are used by chemical professionals spanning a wide variety of industries, including oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology.
Through its European subsidiary RS2D, the Company's electronic boards and software are used in conventional NMR and MRI equipment and are being incorporated into next-gen MRI systems as well as miniaturized MRI devices.
<<<
>>> Else to Expand Sales into Europe with Amazon
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
November 18, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-expand-sales-europe-amazon-150000481.html
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (BABY.V) (BABYF) (0YL.F) ("Else" or the "Company") the plant-based baby, toddler and children nutrition company, is pleased to report on its Amazon progress and plans:
Following its stellar success on Amazon in the US, Else was recently invited by Amazon EU to launch a European unified account that will allow Else to sell its unique products on all of Amazon European marketplaces including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherland, and Sweden representing a market with over 300M people.
Else already started the onboarding process with Amazon’s support and plans to launch its first European market in early 2022.
“We’re very excited by this opportunity offered by Amazon EU,” said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO & co-founder of Else Nutrition. “Amazon has been a fantastic go-to-market channel for us in the US, and we expect it to perform well also in Europe and in other countries, such as Canada." She added.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy, formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company, listed as TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives include leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
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>>> Else Nutrition Receives Conditional Approval to Graduate to the Toronto Stock Exchange
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
November 18, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-nutrition-receives-conditional-approval-130000264.html
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Else Nutrition Holdings Inc. (TSXV: BABY) (OTCQX: BABYF) (FSE: 0YL) (the “Company” or “Else”), is pleased to announce it has received conditional approval to list its common shares and warrants on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”).
Final approval of the TSX listing is subject to the Company meeting certain customary conditions of the TSX on or before January 20, 2022. Upon receiving final approval from the TSX, Else intends to issue a news release confirming the date upon which its common shares and warrants will commence trading on the TSX. At that time, Else’s common shares and warrants will be concurrently delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange. The trading symbol for the common shares and warrants of the Company on TSX will remain unchanged as “BABY”, “BABY.WT” and BABY.WT.A”.
“This is a significant milestone for the Company. We believe the graduation to the TSX, one of the premier exchanges for publicly traded companies, will broaden our reach among institutional investors and improve our access to the capital markets.” Commented Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO & Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. “Else is at an exciting point in its growth and we are excited to have been elevated to the TSX and look forward to sharing our story and growth strategy with a new audience of international investors.” She added.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy, formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the “2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions” award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company, listed as TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else’s Executives include leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
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>>> Arteris, Inc. (AIP) develops Network-on-Chip (NoC) interconnect intellectual property (IP) and tools to accelerate System-on-Chip semiconductor (SoC) assembly for a range of applications. The company also provides FlexNoC Resilience Package that offers hardware-based data protection for increased SoC reliability and functional safety; and FlexWay, a solution for ultra-low power consumption and the automation of interconnecting generation on Internet-of-Things (IoT) edge devices. It serves customers in the mobility, automotive, IoT, and consumer electronics, as well as enterprise SSD, networking, and industrial sectors through distributors and its direct sales team in China, Taiwan, Japan, Europe/Asia-Pacific, North America, and internationally. The company has a strategic partnership with ResilTech S.R.L. and Yogitech S.p.A. Arteris, Inc. was founded in 2003 and is based in Campbell, California. Arteris, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Arteris Holdings, Inc.
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>>> SunOpta Announces Further Details on New "Mega" Plant-Based Beverage Facility in Midlothian TX
Business Wire
August 19, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sunopta-announces-further-details-mega-203000776.html
Further strengthens competitively advantaged Plant-Based Foods and Beverages business growth
Adds capacity to enable doubling of the business in 5 years
Financing expected to come from lease and term loan facilities, and be operational in late 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, August 19, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunOpta Inc. ("SunOpta" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:STKL) (TSX:SOY), a leading healthy food and beverage company focused on plant-based foods and beverages and fruit-based foods and beverages, today announced further details on its new plant-based beverage facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, metropolitan area.
The new production facility, to be located in Midlothian, Texas, will initially be sized at 285,000 square feet, with the ability to be expanded to 400,000 square feet. When fully expanded, the new facility will be the largest plant in SunOpta’s Plant-Based Foods and Beverages network. This new facility, which is expected to be operational in late 2022, will bring up to 185 new high paying manufacturing and management jobs to the community. The city of Midlothian and Ellis County have approved a package of incentives, including a grant that will be awarded by Midlothian Economic Development upon completion of the facility and commencement of operations, and an eight-year tax abatement for a combined value of approximately $7.5 million. The new facility’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area will also further SunOpta’s sustainability objectives, significantly reducing emissions through lower transportation usage.
The facility will be operated pursuant to a 15-year lease, entered into on August 13, 2021, with customary extension options. The cost of the build-out of the facility is expected to be principally lease financed, with the manufacturing equipment expected to be primarily financed under SunOpta’s existing delayed draw term loan, which was put in place in December 2020.
"We are focused on doubling our plant-based business in the next five years and this new facility will add capacity and new capabilities to enable meeting our long-term growth goal. This new facility will give our customers added capacity to accelerate growth and will help lower their costs and our costs. This enhanced footprint will further develop our manufacturing and supply chain advantages to support growth across our business, including oat milk. The city of Midlothian is the perfect choice for us with a business-friendly local government, a skilled labor force, and a vibrant local community. In combination with our plants in California, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, the Texas location creates a competitively advantaged, "diamond-shaped" national network. As a sustainability-oriented food company, we are excited to share that this new facility is estimated to annually eliminate over 15 million freight miles from our supply chain," said Joe Ennen, Chief Executive Officer.
About SunOpta Inc.
SunOpta Inc. is a leading company specializing in the sourcing, processing and production of organic, natural and non-GMO plant- and fruit-based food and beverage products.
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>>> Xeriant, Inc. (XERI), doing business as Xeriant Aerospace, operates as an aerospace technology and advanced materials company. The company focuses on acquiring, developing, and commercializing various technologies and advanced materials for aerospace, including innovative aircraft concepts. It is developing Halo, an aerial platform that uses a powered lift ducted fan system to seamlessly transition from vertical to forward flight. The company was formerly known as Banjo & Matilda, Inc. and changed its name to Xeriant, Inc. in June 2020. Xeriant, Inc. is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.
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>>> Nanalysis Scientific Corp. Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results
Yahoo Finance
August 26, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nanalysis-scientific-corp-reports-second-225400107.html
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 26, 2021 /CNW/ - Nanalysis Scientific Corp. ("the Company", TSXV: NSCI, OTCQX: NSCIF, FRA: 1N1), released today its second quarter 2021 results.
OPERATING RESULTS
For the three months ended June 30, 2021, Nanalysis reported consolidated revenue of $4,343K, an increase of $2,348K or 118% from the comparative period in 2020. The increase in revenue was driven by the completion of ongoing RS2D contract milestones and shipments of the Company's new flagship product: The 100MHz spectrometer. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, Nanalysis recognized revenue related to nine 100MHz units. As of August 26, 2021, Nanalysis had 24 100MHz on order. On June 1, 2021, the Company doubled its manufacturing facility and executed a lease for two adjacent bays. The additional manufacturing capacity will allow for increased production and quicker fulfillment of 100MHz backlog.
As of June 30, 2021, the Company had $3,442K of unearned revenue (December 31, 2021-$2,868K), of which $2,624K will be recognized into revenue over the next 12 months. Unearned revenue relates to prepayments for the 100MHz, prepayment on RS2D contracts and extended warranty sales.
Gross profit for three months ended June 30, 2021, was $2,922K (a margin of 67%) compared to gross profit of $1,264K (a margin of 63%) for 2020. The company achieved income before other items of $1,234K and $1,498K in Q2 2021 (three-and-six month periods respectively), as compared to losses before other items of $188K and $650K for same periods in 2020.
The Company's net income for the three months ended was $222K an increase of $747K, from the comparative period in 2020, as the company swung from a loss to a profit. The improved results are due to a significant increase in revenue and increased margins, which have been partially offset by increased finance expenses, increased depreciation and amortization, increased stock-based compensation expense, increased research and development expenses, the RS2D earn-out, and deferred income taxes.
For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company reported consolidated revenue of $7,612K, an increase of $4,092K or 116% from the comparative period in 2020. The Company's net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $253K an improvement of $1,179K from the net loss of $1,432K for the six months June 30, 2020.
FINANCIAL POSITION
As of June 30, 2021, the Company had $5,646K of working capital (December 31, 2020 - $3,717K), including $3,865K in cash (December 31, 2020 - $3,158K). The Company has an undrawn line of credit of $2,000K from its commercial bank. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company announced the closing of a bought deal public offering and concurrent non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $10,998K. These funds will be used accelerate organic growth and to continue the Company's acquisition strategy.
OUTLOOK
Sean Krakiwksy, CEO of the Company states "I am very happy to share these strong second quarter 2021 financial results. Our efforts in 2020 are really bearing fruit in 2021 and we expect to be able to build on this momentum in the back half of the year. Strong demand for our 100MHz product, ongoing demand for our 60MHz, and continued interest in the RS2D product line have all contributed to these results. Manufacturing processes continue to be streamlined and standardized, with improvements being integrated into our processes continuously. We expect further increases in 100MHz production capacity in the back half of the year."
$11 MILLION FINANCING CLOSED
On August 25, 2021, the Company closed a bought deal public offering and concurrent non-brokered private placement for Gross Proceeds of $10,997K. The Company primarily intends to use the proceeds from the finance to expidite its acquisition strategy, while ensuring the Company remains in a strong financial position.
Sean added, "The market has shown incredible confidence in us with our recent raise, and we will put this capital to good use. Modest increases to working capital are required to support growth associated with existing acquisitions, and also for continued strong organic growth. We are now positioned to continue to execute our acquisition strategy and our application partnering growth initiatives. We have a strong acquisition pipeline, made up of targets that will be accretive and strategic, adding essential elements that contribute to our mission of building a fully vertically integrated global scientific instrumentation company. These actions will move us closer to our vision of eventually disrupting the MRI space as part of society's evolution towards preventative personalized healthcare while enabling our existing NMR business to grow at an accelerated rate."
Nanalysis trades on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) in Canada with ticker symbol 'NSCI' ,Over the Counter (OTC) in the United States under the ticker symbol 'NSCIF', and on the Frankfurt Exchange (FRA) under the symbol '1N1'.
Nanalysis is an international business focused on capitalizing its proprietary technologies in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) that go into NMR spectrometers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nanalysis operates out of two subsidiaries, Nanalysis Corp. and RS2D S.A.S. (RS2D).
Nanalysis Corp. is an industry leader in developing and manufacturing compact NMR spectrometers for laboratory and industrial markets. Its cutting edge 60 and 100 MHz spectrometers require no liquid helium or other cryogens. Its spectrometers are used by chemical professionals spanning industries, including, but not limited to, oil and gas, chemical mining, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology.
Through its European subsidiary RS2D, the Company offers electronic boards and software used to drive MRI equipment in pre-clinical configurations and are being incorporated into next-gen MRI systems.
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>>> Lightwave Logic Announces Uplisting to the Nasdaq Capital Market
Yahoo Finance
August 27, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lightwave-logic-announces-uplisting-nasdaq-123100952.html
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (OTCQX: LWLG), a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary electro-optic polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power, today announced that the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC has approved the listing of the Company's common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market ("Nasdaq").
The Company expects to begin trading on the Nasdaq on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 under the symbol "LWLG". The Company's common shares will continue to trade on the OTCQX until market close on August 31, 2021.
"We are thrilled to announce the listing of our shares on the Nasdaq, representing a monumental milestone for Lightwave Logic and its valued shareholders," said Dr. Michael Lebby, Chief Executive Officer of Lightwave Logic. "I believe that a Nasdaq listing will help to expand our potential shareholder base, improve liquidity, elevate our public profile within the industry and ultimately enhance shareholder value."
"We continue to advance towards our goal of mass commercialization, furthering our efforts with tier-1 potential customers currently evaluating our technology under NDA. We look forward to continued innovation and further growing the prominence of the Lightwave Logic brand as we share our story with a wider audience of investors," concluded Lebby.
About Lightwave Logic, Inc.
Lightwave Logic, Inc. (OTCQX: LWLG) is developing a platform leveraging its proprietary engineered electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power. The Company's high-activity and high-stability organic polymers allow Lightwave Logic to create next-generation photonic EO devices, which convert data from electrical signals into optical signals, for applications in data communications and telecommunications markets. For more information, please visit the Company's website at lightwavelogic.com.
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>>> POET Technologies Inc (POETF). designs, develops, manufactures, and sells discrete and integrated opto-electronic solutions in Canada, the United States, and Singapore. It offers integration solutions based on the POET Optical Interposer, a novel platform that allows the seamless integration of electronic and photonic devices into a single multi-chip module using advanced wafer-level semiconductor manufacturing techniques and packaging methods. It also develops photonic integrated components. The company serves the data center, telecommunications, Internet of things and industrial sensing, automotive LIDAR, and on-board optic markets. The company was formerly known as Opel Technologies Inc. and changed its name to POET Technologies Inc. in June 2013. POET Technologies Inc. was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
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>>> Lightwave Logic Provides Second Quarter 2021 Corporate Update
Yahoo Finance
August 17, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lightwave-logic-provides-second-quarter-123100544.html
Technology Advances Towards End-Goal of Mass-Market Commercialization
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (OTCQX: LWLG), a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary electro-optic polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power, today provided a corporate update in conjunction with the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Second Quarter 2021 and Subsequent Company Highlights:
On June 30, 2021, the Company's cash and cash equivalents totaled $13.9 million, assets totaled $18.0 million, liabilities totaled $1.0 million and stockholders' equity was $17.0 million.
The Company's current cash position enables it to finance operations through November 2022. On July 2, 2021, the Company filed a $100,000,000 universal shelf registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which became effective on July 9, 2021.
Developed breakthrough improved thermal design properties for electro-optic polymers used in its Polymer Plus™ and Polymer Slot™ modulators, enabling the speed, flexibility and stability needed for high-volume silicon foundry processes.
Announced test results from new modulators fabricated in 2021, which exceeded bandwidth design targets and achieved triple the data rate as compared to competing devices in use today.
Fortified intellectual property portfolio, growing to over 70 domestic and international patents and patent applications in advance of future commercialization initiatives, including:
Added to the Solactive EPIC Core Photonics EUR Index NTR as part of the index's semi-annual additions, one of the most widely cited performance benchmarks for photonics companies.
Presented at multiple industry specific and investor-related conferences including LD Micro Invitational XI, the Oppenheimer 6th Annual Emerging Growth Conference and various EPIC Online Technology Meetings. The Company is scheduled to attend the 2021 European Conference on Optical Communications in September as well.
The full text of the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021 was filed with the SEC on August 16, 2021 can be found here.
Management Commentary
"The second quarter of 2021 was highlighted by continued breakthroughs of our core technologies, and the recognition of our work from the United States patent office and the capital markets," said Dr. Michael Lebby, Chief Executive Officer of Lightwave Logic. "We successfully improved high temperature thermal performance for electro-optic polymers used in our Polymer Plus™ and Polymer Slot™ modulators, an important measure of robustness and a key metric commonly discussed with potential customers for fiber optic datacenter and telecommunications applications. Test results from our new modulators demonstrated a roughly tripling of the data rates possible in fiber optic communications, and advancement that we believe will have a profound impact on internet traffic flow.
"Subsequent to the first quarter we added exciting new technology patents to our expansive portfolio, contributing to our ability to freely manufacture our technology and assist with future technology transfer and licensing opportunities. This substantial moat of protection provides a distinct competitive advantage as we advance towards our end goal of mass-market commercialization.
"Our technological achievements and significant progress have positioned us as a leading company in the photonics space, and we were recognized with our inclusion in the Solactive EPIC Core Photonics EUR Index, one of the most widely cited performance benchmarks for photonics companies. Combined with our ongoing attendance at the industry's most important conferences and events, as well as our goal of uplisting to the Nasdaq, we are well positioned to increase our exposure both within our industry and the investment community at large.
"Looking ahead to the second half of 2021, we are leveraging our technologies with our tier-1 partners under NDA to deepen our relationships and prepare us for commercialization. We continue to innovate and achieve breakthrough milestones that demonstrate the incredibly disruptive potential of our platform. When paired with our robust balance sheet and effective $100 million shelf registration statement in place, we believe we are positioned to take the Company to the next level – commercialization. I look forward to sharing our continued progress in the months ahead," concluded Dr. Lebby.
About Lightwave Logic, Inc.
Lightwave Logic, Inc. (OTCQX: LWLG) is developing a platform leveraging its proprietary engineered electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power. The Company's high-activity and high-stability organic polymers allow Lightwave Logic to create next-generation photonic EO devices, which convert data from electrical signals into optical signals, for applications in data communications and telecommunications markets. For more information, please visit the Company's website at lightwavelogic.com.
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>>> Else Nutrition Signs Distribution Agreement with Walmart.com
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
August 12, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-nutrition-signs-distribution-agreement-110000268.html
Else Toddler Nutrition to be available at Nation’s Largest Grocery Retailer’s online store by Q4 2021
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 12, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (BABY.V) (BABYF) (0YL.F) ("Else" or the "Company") the plant-based baby, toddler and children nutrition company, announces that it has signed an online distribution agreement with Walmart.com and will be expanding into Walmart’s E-commerce (Walmart.com) marketplace by Q4, 2021 with its Plant-Based Complete Nutrition products for Toddlers.
“Entering Walmart.com is a highly significant milestone for the Company,” said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO and Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. “The sheer size of Walmart.com will allow us to reach thousands of new families and enable us to scale significantly over the next 3 years,” she added.
According to eMarketer, Walmart’s U.S. e-commerce sales prior to the pandemic were $30 billion and are projected to hit over $64 billion by the end of 2021.
Walmart.com’s traffic was much higher the past year than pre-pandemic levels. Online shopping, particularly in the grocery and FMCG segment (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), has undergone a surge in popularity due to the pandemic. Walmart was the largest United States grocery retailer in 2019 with 65 percent of Walmart's US$510.329 billion sales coming from U.S. operations.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy, formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company, listed as TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives includes leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
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>>> Lightwave Logic Receives New U.S. Patent on Improved Integrated Photonics Architectures
Yahoo Finance
August 9, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lightwave-logic-receives-u-patent-123100265.html
Long-Awaited Technological Breakthrough to Improve Performance, Aid High-Volume Production
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Aug. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (OTCQX: LWLG), a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary electro-optic polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power, today announced the receipt of a U.S. patent on a new invention that enables enhanced optical routing architectures for polymer-based integrated photonics that can be scaled with partner foundries.
The new patent - U.S. Patent number 11,067,748 and entitled "Guide Transition Device and Method" – will enable innovative, highly scalable optical routing architectures for integrated photonic platforms. The patent provides novel optical waveguide transition designs using two planes of optical waveguides that are expected to be critical for optical signal routing and optical switching, opening the opportunity for high speed, energy efficient electro-optic polymers to be implemented into foundry PDKs (process development kits) to improve the performance of integrated photonic circuits.
"This exciting new patent not only turbocharges our integrated photonics platform in general, it is a powerful architectural routing patent that discloses how optical signals can be routed in two optical planes from light generation on-chip to light coupling off-chip," said Dr. Michael Lebby, Chief Executive Officer of Lightwave Logic. "This breakthrough technology opens the door for advanced integrated photonics architectural design – something the industry has been long waiting for.
"The simplicity of the design is ideal for production in foundries, best positioning Lightwave Logic to enable increased data traffic on the internet while using less power – powering the data-hungry lifestyle of today's internet users," concluded Lebby.
About Lightwave Logic, Inc.
Lightwave Logic, Inc. (OTCQX: LWLG) is developing a platform leveraging its proprietary engineered electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power. The company's high-activity and high-stability organic polymers allow Lightwave Logic to create next-generation photonic EO devices, which convert data from electrical signals into optical signals, for applications in data communications and telecommunications markets. For more information, please visit the company's website at lightwavelogic.com.
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>>> Else Nutrition to Launch on Kroger-owned online platforms with Plant-Based Toddler Nutrition Products by Q4 2021
Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
August 9, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/else-nutrition-launch-kroger-owned-110000173.html
Else readying for distribution at online platforms of Nation’s Leading Grocery Retail Chain
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC. (BABY.V) (BABYF) (0YL.F) ("Else" or the "Company") the plant-based baby, toddler and children nutrition company, announces that it will be expanding into owned online marketplaces by Q4, 2021 with its Plant-Based Complete Nutrition products for Toddlers. The expansion also will place else at Kroger-owned Vitacost.com, an E-commerce leader in the healthy/organic foods space.
“Being a part of Kroger’s E-commerce platforms mark a major step forward for our online growth strategy,” said Hamutal Yitzhak, CEO and Co-Founder of Else Nutrition. “Kroger’s large on-line presence as a grocery leader, will significantly increase the accessibility of our clean label, whole food-based early nutrition products for thousands of families nationwide,” she added.
Else Nutrition is currently onboarding with Kroger Ship (of the Kroger Company), with plans to ship to Kroger customers through the Kroger.com and Vitacost.com grocery websites. Kroger Ship enables U.S. consumers the benefits of big box shopping from the comfort of your own home. Consumers can buy in bulk, browse a wide selection of products, and get access to exclusive savings.
Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, saw its e-commerce sales jump by 79% in 2020, according to eMarketer, with $11.18 billion in digital sales. Riding the success of its ongoing investments in e-commerce and powered by a COVID-19 surge in online grocery sales, The Kroger Co. entered eMarketer’s annual list of Top 10 U.S. Retail E-Commerce Companies.
About Else Nutrition Holdings Inc.
Else Nutrition GH Ltd. is an Israel-based food and nutrition company focused on developing innovative, clean and plant-based food and nutrition products for infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Its revolutionary, plant-based, non-soy, formula is a clean-ingredient alternative to dairy-based formula. Else Nutrition (formerly INDI) won the "2017 Best Health and Diet Solutions" award at the Global Food Innovation Summit in Milan. Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers was recently ranked as the #1 Top seller in the baby and toddler formula category on Amazon. The holding company, Else Nutrition Holdings Inc., is a publicly traded company, listed as TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol BABY and is quoted on the US OTC Markets QX board under the trading symbol BABYF and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 0YL. Else's Executives includes leaders hailing from leading infant nutrition companies. Many of Else advisory board members had past executive roles in companies such as Mead Johnson, Abbott Nutrition, Plum Organics and leading infant nutrition Societies, and some of them currently serve in different roles in leading medical centers and academic institutes such as Boston Children's Hospital, Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, USA, Tel Aviv University, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Rambam Medical Center and Technion, Israel and University Hospital Brussels, Belgium.
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>>> NioCorp Developments Responds to Market Activity
Yahoo Finance
June 29, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/niocorp-developments-responds-market-activity-163700824.html
CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At the request of IIROC ("Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada"), NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX:NB) (OTCQX:NIOBF) wishes to confirm that it is not aware of any material, undisclosed information related to the Company that would account for the recent increase in the market price and level of trading volume of its common shares.
Metallurgical Update
In separate news, NioCorp is pleased to report that its metallurgical testing program continues to show excellent progress in several current areas of focus.
Ongoing testing of Elk Creek Project ("Project") ore using High-Pressure Grinding Rolls ("HPGR") technology continues to show promising results. HPGR technology is an energy efficient and low-emission alternative for reducing the size of the ore to enable the recovery of niobium, scandium, titanium, and potential rare earth products. The use of HPGR in the Project reinforces the Company's commitment to the environment and design for a sustainable operation. The testing, conducted at the Natural Resources Research Institute ("NRRI") of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, in partnership with Weir Minerals, is expected to culminate in the preparation of a 3-metric tonne metallurgical sample to be used for flowsheet optimization and rare earth recovery studies.
NioCorp's metallurgical consulting partner, L3 Process Developments, has completed initial testwork and studies related to flowsheet optimization and rare earth recovery for the Project's planned surface processing facility. The Company continues to evaluate the results of this work as part of the overall effort to determine the economics around adding rare earth recovery to the project's flowsheet.
Work is expected to commence shortly on the collection of additional historic drill core samples and the submittal of those samples for rare earth analysis to fill in gaps in coverage for the rare earths in the Company's drill hole database.
The Company has completed an internal study of the markets for rare earth products, focusing on the potential growth of those markets driven by the anticipated demand for the magnetic rare earths (Neodymium, Praseodymium, Terbium, Dysprosium) and the resulting long-term expectations related to pricing.
Qualified Persons: Scott Honan, M.Sc., SME-RM, COO of NioCorp Developments Ltd., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in the news release.
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York Water - >>> 7 Water Stocks to Buy to Bank on Our Most Precious Resource
Investor Place
Josh Enomoto
August 6, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/7-water-stocks-buy-bank-165031612.html
Hands down, water is the most valuable commodity on Earth. But with a prolonged drought sending reservoir levels at Lake Mead to dangerous lows, many expect the U.S. government to soon declare a water shortage there. As climate change impacts this essential resource, investors should look into water stocks from companies that offer consistent service and intriguing solutions.
As Bloomberg recently reported, the Lake Mead reservoir — where the world-famous Hoover Dam is located — “is part of a broader network of natural and artificial aqueducts and dams that supplies water to 40 million people and homes, farms, manufacturers and businesses across several states, tribal lands and parts of Mexico.”
“Lights stay on in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles and other Southwestern cities because Hoover Dam hydropower helps generate the region’s electricity,” the article continues. The economic firepower of these cities alone is more than enough to require a national solution.
Although presumably most folks have gotten the message by now, a solution isn’t as easy as everyone pitching in to conserve this precious resource. Here’s the deal: “Dry, sizzling summers and warmer winters that restrict water supplies may now be the norm, courtesy of a permanently altered climate.” Unfortunately, we may have to learn to live with less when it comes to water.
Out of sheer necessity, affected regions are exploring groundbreaking (but expensive) technologies like desalination — turning saltwater into drinkable water — as a stopgap. These specialists, along with companies in the water treatment space, will probably see their equity value rise. Here are seven water stocks to put on your radar:
York Water (NASDAQ:YORW)
Essential Utilities (NYSE:WTRG)
Global Water Resources (NASDAQ:GWRS)
Xylem (NYSE:XYL)
Danaher (NYSE:DHR)
Veolia (OTCMKTS:VEOEY)
Acciona (OTCMKTS:ACXIF)
Despite the overwhelming need for this irreplaceable resource, nothing in the market is a sure thing. With so much attention still on speculative trades, water stocks may encounter choppiness. But as long as you invest with a long-term outlook, you’ll probably win out in the end.
Water Stocks: York Water (YORW)
When I write about dividend plays, I usually try to fit in York Water. An investor-owned public utility firm based in Pennsylvania, the company was founded in 1816 by a group of local entrepreneurs who sought access to water to protect against fire-related threats.
In modern times, York Water “supplies nearly 20 million gallons of water every day and has more than 71,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers.” The company has the distinct honor of being the oldest investor-owned utility in the nation. It also holds the record for the longest consecutive dividend streak, which started in 1816.
While I don’t want to jinx anything, I highly doubt that York Water is going to give up its record-holding status. Can you imagine being the management team responsible for breaking a 200-year-plus dividend streak? Just from a stability and security standpoint, YORW is well worth considering if you want to build a position in water stocks.
Essential Utilities (WTRG)
Another utility firm based in Pennsylvania, Essential Utilities covers regions in Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia and of course its home market. It specializes in drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure and services. Essential Utilities will likely see rising demand as climate change forces a rude awakening among American consumers.
According to Columbia Climate School, several factors related to a changing climate could have a negative impact on our water. For instance, “Warmer air can hold more moisture than cool air. As a result, in a warmer world, the air will suck up more water from oceans, lakes, soil and plants. The drier conditions this air leaves behind could negatively affect drinking water supplies and agriculture.”
Now, we’re probably not going to see a Mad Max scenario where people fight for plastic water battles. Instead, the change will likely be much more mundane. Life will look normal, except that everyone will be paying higher prices for water. And with this precious resource, everyone must pay.
As we move closer to this unfortunate reality, WTRG shares and other water stocks may see a boost from the expected rise in demand.
Water Stocks: Global Water Resources (GWRS)
If you talk to 100 Americans about climate change, you’re invariably going to find a few who aren’t interested (to say the least) in the environment or sustainability. Well, as with anything in life, every action has a reaction. For every person or company that vehemently opposes sustainability measures, there’s another that passionately supports them.
Global Water Resources is in the latter category, and that’s most evidenced by its core business divisions. On paper, it provides water, wastewater and recycled water utility services. The latter is an area of particular interest.
According to the company’s website, “Recycled water is what we produce when we treat and purify wastewater. We distribute recycled water throughout the communities we serve in a separate system of pipes. We use recycled water for a variety of outdoor uses.”
Global Water calls its approach, “Total Water Management.” It controls the entire cycle from drinking water to wastewater. As the company put it, its system “protects supplies in areas where water is scarce, making supplies available for additional growth and long-term sustainability.” It looks like sustainability advocates like Global Water have the right idea.
Xylem (XYL)
Billed as a large American water technology provider, Xylem offers solutions for public utility, residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial needs. If you take a look at its website, though, you’ll quickly discover that no single sentence could do the company justice. If I had to try, I’d say that Xylem is a one-stop-shop for any water-based challenge.
Xylem offers a decision intelligence platform to help enterprises make the best use of water. Under this umbrella, the company provides solutions such as its trademarked BLU-X Wastewater Network Optimization, a system that “helps utilities optimize networks and operations at significantly lower cost.”
For me, XYL stock is compelling because of its underlying agriculture products and irrigation systems. As the New York Times detailed in June 2021, California farmers in particular are making drastic choices about their businesses because of declining water levels. To help remedy this situation, companies like Xylem will be called into action.
It’s no wonder, then, that XYL stock is one of the top performers among water stocks. Its shares are up 26% year-to-date (YTD) and still going strong.
Water Stocks: Danaher (DHR)
Based in Washington, D.C., Danaher is a diversified conglomerate. Designing, manufacturing and marketing professional, medical, industrial and commercial products and services, Danaher has its hands in multiple endeavors. Thus, it’s no surprise that the science and technology innovator has a few things to say about water.
Under the Danaher Water Platform, the namesake corporation features a diverse portfolio of water quality optimization companies. These groups help reshape how everyday individuals approach the precious resource. Essentially, by leveraging Danaher’s complete water cycle solution, no drop goes unaccounted for.
Starting from the source, Danaher directs water resources to either drinking water plants for consumer distribution or to industrial channels. Following industrial usage and collection from consumers, wastewater treatment facilities clean the resource for later integration with the environment. And don’t worry, the arrows in this supply chain chart ultimately only flow in one direction.
For investors, Danaher is an intriguing water stock because the underlying company offers multiple revenue streams across various industries. It’s a hot performer as a result, up more than 35% YTD.
Veolia (VEOEY)
Perhaps the cruelest irony in the ongoing debate over climate change is that water covers approximately 71% of the earth’s surface. Therefore, an obvious solution to the problem is to take water from the ocean and make it potable by clean out the salt and other gunk. Sure enough, there are a few publicly traded companies specializing in this process called desalination.
One of them is Veolia, a French transnational company focused on water management, waste management and energy services. Under these broad categories, Veolia has a seawater desalination division.
The organization has been at it for a while, with “more than 40 years of experience, technologies and knowledge in desalination.” Veolia has built more than 1,950 reverse osmosis desalination plants and systems in 85 countries during that time. The company claims that its facilities produce more than 6.75 million cubic meters of freshwater daily for municipal and industrial needs.
It may sound too good to be true, but VEOEY stock is up nearly 30% YTD, so investors clearly love it. However, per MIT Technology Review, desalination (especially via reverse osmosis) is expensive due to large electricity requirements.
Water Stocks: Acciona (ACXIF)
If you want another option in the desalination game, you may want to check out Acciona, a Spanish multinational conglomerate dedicated to the development and management of infrastructure and renewable energy. As a diversified corporation focusing on sustainable solutions, it is part of a worldwide effort to address climate change.
Like its French competitor, Acciona prides itself on being a world leader in desalination plant construction with acumen in reverse osmosis technology. More importantly, the company has an extensive operational track record. For example, in May of this year, management announced that it will build and operate a desalination plant in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Further, in late December 2020, Acciona announced that the Saline Water Conversion Corporation awarded it and its partner RTCC a $348 million contract to design and build a desalination plant. The site, known as Shuqaiq 1, will be located on the Red Sea coast in Saudi Arabia. The agreement demonstrates how much confidence the international business community has in Acciona’s expertise.
While exciting, it’s also worth emphasizing that desalination is a work in progress. For it to truly become viable, the process must come down in price. Still, if you’re a patient investor, AXCIF stock might be worth a look or a buy with speculation funds.
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>>> Winmark Corporation Announces Second Quarter Results
Yahoo Finance
July 14, 2021
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/winmark-corporation-announces-second-quarter-153400492.html
MINNEAPOLIS, July 14, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winmark Corporation (Nasdaq: WINA) announced today net income for the quarter ended June 26, 2021 of $8,937,300 or $2.33 per share diluted compared to net income of $5,055,200 or $1.33 per share diluted in 2020. For the six months ended June 26, 2021, net income was $18,248,400 or $4.74 per share diluted compared to net income of $12,372,200 or $3.21 per share diluted for the same period last year.
"Our business model is thriving in the current retail environment," commented Brett D. Heffes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Winmark, the Resale CompanyTM, is a nationally recognized franchising business focused on sustainability and small business formation. We champion and guide entrepreneurs interested in operating one of our award winning resale franchises: Plato’s Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Play It Again Sports®, Style Encore® and Music Go Round®. At June 26, 2021, there were 1,266 franchises in operation and over 2,000 available territories. An additional 36 franchises have been awarded but are not open.
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