Small Cap Ideas

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>>> Winmark -- While many consumers might be unaware of small-cap stock Winmark (WINA), they are probably aware of its franchise-based retail companies that specialize in buying and selling secondhand goods: Music Go Round, Once Upon a Child, Plato's Closet, Play It Again Sports, and Style Encore.


https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/09/17/3-top-dividend-stocks-to-buy-now/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article


Winmark's stock has demonstrated remarkable performance, surging 53% year to date, and even more impressively, delivering a total return of 145% over the past five years.

Like Costco, Winmark has a relatively low annual dividend yield and frequently pays a special dividend. Its yield is 0.9%, and it has paid a special dividend each of the last three years at an average of $4.97 per share. With the announcement of its special cash dividend typically in October, it is possible another one could be soon.

As a franchise business, Winmark is incentivized to expand its network because its revenue is primarily derived from franchise fees and royalties. Prospective franchisees must make an initial franchise payment of approximately $25,000 in the United States and contribute 4% to 5% of their weekly gross sales. CEO Brett Heffes believes there are 2,800 open territories for franchises, with only 1,303 locations as of July 1, 2023.

If there is a negative for Winmark, the recent stock run-up has made its valuation expensive, with a current P/E of 32.7. For comparison, Winmark averaged a P/E of 23.2 over the past five years. Nonetheless, with record revenue of $83.2 million and near-record net income of $39.9 million over the trailing 12 months, the market might finally be taking notice of the resale company valued at a market capitalization of $1.3 billion.

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>>> Perion Network Expects 20% YoY Revenue Growth and 40% YoY Increase in Adjusted EBITDA in Second Quarter 2023


Businesswire

July 6, 2023


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/perion-network-expects-20-yoy-070000434.html


Perion Network Expects 20% YoY Revenue Growth And 40% YoY Increase In Adjusted EBITDA In Second Quarter 2023

Company to announce second quarter 2023 financial results and updated annual outlook on August 2, 2023


TEL AVIV & NEW YORK, July 06, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Perion Network Ltd. (Nasdaq & TASE: PERI), a global advertising technology company whose synergistic solutions are delivered across the three primary channels of digital advertising – search, social media and display/video/CTV advertising, today announced preliminary results for the second quarter of 2023.

$ million

Actual
Q2 2022

Preliminary
Q2 2023

YoY

Revenue

146.7

176.0

20%

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

28.5

40.0

40%

Adjusted EBITDA to Revenue(1)

19%

23%

(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. See a reconciliation table below

"The strength of our second quarter results reflects continued momentum of the business," said Tal Jacobson, Perion’s incoming CEO. "Both the second quarter and first six months highlight the power of our executional agility, underlying technological innovation and market fit. Our diversified and scalable business model has allowed us to capitalize on recent positive market indications, resulting in improved margins and market share gains. Based on preliminary data suggesting stronger than initially anticipated growth, we will provide an update to our annual outlook when we report our financial results on August 2."

Conference Call Details

Perion will release its financial results for the second quarter of 2023 on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, prior to the opening of the financial markets. Incoming CEO Tal Jaconson and CFO Maoz Sigron will host a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. ET on the same day.

Registration link:

https://incommconferencing.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xMvsgXNoSAyrwYE3yNKUcA#/registration

Toll Free: 1-877-407-0779

Toll/International: 1-201-389-0914

A replay of the call and a transcript will be available within approximately 24 hours of the live event on the investors section of Perion’s website at www.perion.com/investors.

About Perion Network Ltd.

Perion is a global advertising technology company whose synergistic solutions are delivered across the three primary channels of digital advertising – ad search, social media and display / video / CTV advertising. These channels are brought together by Perion’s intelligent Hub, which integrates the company’s business assets from both sides of the open Web, providing significant benefit to its brands and publisher customers.

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>>> Camtek Ltd. (CAMT), together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells inspection and metrology equipment for the advanced interconnect packaging, memory, complementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensors, micro-electro mechanical systems, radio frequency, and other segments of the semiconductor industry. It provides inspection and metrology systems, including Eagle-i, a system that delivers 2D inspection and metrology capabilities; Eagle-AP, which addresses the advanced packaging market using software and hardware technologies that deliver superior 2D and 3D inspection and metrology capabilities on the same platform; and Golden Eagle, a panel inspection and metrology system to support fanout wafer level packaging applications. The company sells its products in the Asia Pacific, the United States, and Europe. Camtek Ltd. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Migdal HaEmek, Israel.

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>>> Perion is a fast-growing ad tech company trading at a cheap valuation.


https://www.fool.com/investing/2023/01/27/want-1-million-in-retirement-invest-50000-in-these/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article


Perion Network

If you're looking for promising growth stocks, a great place to start your search is in the ad tech industry. For the most part, ad tech stocks are not only growing fast but are also profitable, and Perion Network (PERI 1.17%) offers a great example.

The company operates primarily through its intelligent hub, a digital advertising marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, optimizing ad purchases and placements and adding value for both sides. The company also offers premium experiences through connected TV and other channels, such as a "connected cart" that allows viewers to buy an advertised product with a QR code.

Like other ad tech stocks, Perion delivered strong growth early in the pandemic, but the company also continued to grow over the last year even as growth in the digital advertising industry has slowed, a sign Perion delivers a high return on investment for advertisers.

Revenue in 2023 rose 33% to $636 million, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) jumped 88% to $131 million. At a market cap of just $1.44 billion, that means the stock trades at just 11 times EBITDA, a surprisingly low valuation for a stock that just doubled its EBITDA profits.

With a combination of growth, a low valuation, and a small-cap valuation, Perion has the potential to be a multibagging stock over the coming years.

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>>> Perion Network Ltd. (PERI) provides digital advertising solutions to brands, agencies, and publishers in North America, Europe, and internationally. It provides Wildfire, a content monetization platform; search monetization solutions, including website monetization, search mediation, and app monetization; and cross-channel digital advertising software as a service platform. The company also offers supply management platform; demand management platform for campaign planning and design; analytics platform, which provides information and performance insights on the results of campaign investment and other campaign metrics; creative platform to create advertisements; and an AI platform that uses machine learning to bring intelligence to the various phases of campaigns. In addition, it provides an actionable performance monitoring platform to support the various phases of campaign management; an online video player and integrated ad server to upload, manage, and stream video content; content monetization system, which integrates ads within the content layouts at the page level. Further, the company offers a publisher management system that provides analytics and performance optimization tools, as well as reports; search-demand management systems; monetization products that integrate and onboards demand vendors; and AI Systems. Additionally, it provides Intelligent HUB (iHUB), a platform for pulling in signals across various advertising channels and optimizing traffic at scale, and yielding engagement metrics and KPIs; and strategic optimization of relevant traits (SORT), a provisional patent technology that eliminates the need for cookies. The company was formerly known as IncrediMail Ltd. and changed its name to Perion Network Ltd. in November 2011. Perion Network Ltd. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Holon, Israel.

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>>> InMode Ltd. (INMD) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets minimally invasive aesthetic medical products based on its proprietary radiofrequency assisted lipolysis and deep subdermal fractional radiofrequency technologies in the United States and internationally. The company offers minimally invasive aesthetic medical products for various procedures, such as liposuction with simultaneous skin tightening, body and face contouring, and ablative skin rejuvenation treatments, as well as for use in women's health conditions and procedures. It also designs, develops, manufactures, and markets non-invasive medical aesthetic products that target an array of procedures, including permanent hair reduction, facial skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, cellulite treatment, skin appearance and texture, and superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions, as well as hands-free medical aesthetic products that target a range of procedures, such as skin tightening, fat reduction, and muscle stimulation. The company was formerly known as Invasix Ltd. and changed its name to InMode Ltd. in November 2017. InMode Ltd. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Yokneam, Israel.

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>>> Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG)


https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=171117892


Market Capitalization as of January 26, 2023: $1.82 billion

Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG) is a farming equipment company. It makes and sells a wide variety of machinery, such as tractor mowers and cutters. On the agrochemical side of things, the company provides products that allow farmers to apply fertilizers to their crops.

By the end of last year's third quarter, 11 out of the 920 hedge funds polled by Insider Monkey had bought Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG)'s shares.

Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG)'s largest shareholder is James A. Star's Longview Asset Management which owns 1.3 million shares that are worth $166 million.

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>>> Alamo Group Inc. (ALG) designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor-mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty applications, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts. This segment also provides rotary and finishing mowers, flail and disc mowers, front-end loaders, backhoes, rotary tillers, posthole diggers, scraper blades and replacement parts, zero turn radius mowers, cutting parts, plain and hard-faced replacement tillage tools, disc blades, and fertilizer application components; aftermarket agricultural parts, heavy-duty mechanical rotary mowers, snow blowers, rock removal equipment, replacement parts, tractor attachments, agricultural implements, hydraulic and boom-mounted hedge and grass cutters, tractor attachments and implements, hedgerow cutters, industrial grass mowers, agricultural seedbed preparation cultivators, self-propelled sprayers and multi-drive load-carrying vehicles, cutting blades, and hydraulic and mechanical boom mowers. The company's Industrial Equipment Division segment offers truck-mounted air vacuum, mechanical broom, and regenerative air sweepers, pothole patchers, leaf collection equipment and replacement brooms, parking lot and street sweepers, excavators, catch basin cleaners, and roadway debris vacuum systems, as well as truck-mounted vacuum machines, combination sewer cleaners, and hydro excavators. This segment also offers ice control products, snowplows and heavy duty snow removal equipment, hitches, attachments, and graders; and public works and runway maintenance products, parts, and services, and high pressure cleaning systems and trenchers. The company was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Seguin, Texas. <<<





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Piedmont Lithium - >>> Former Tesla Australia director pleads guilty to insider trading on lithium deal


MarketWatch

Nov. 15, 2022

By Rhiannon Hoyle


https://www.marketwatch.com/story/former-tesla-australia-director-pleads-guilty-to-insider-trading-on-lithium-deal-271668568963?siteid=yhoof2


Tesla Inc.’s former country director in Australia pleaded guilty in a Sydney court to two counts of insider trading, having bought shares in Belmont, N.C.-based Piedmont Lithium Inc. after finding out that it was agreeing to supply the electric-vehicle maker with the battery material, Australia’s corporate regulator said Wednesday.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission said Kurt Schlosser acquired 86,478 shares in Piedmont PLL, +1.16% in September 2020 after being told of an in-principle agreement that Tesla TSLA, -1.63% had reached with the lithium company for commodity supplies.

Schlosser, who also told a friend about the agreement, sold his shares in Piedmont for a net profit of about 28,884 Australian dollars (US$19,505) after the supply arrangement became public, the regulator said.

He pleaded guilty to one count of trading while in possession of inside information and one count of communicating inside information to an associate and will next appear in the Sydney District Court on Dec. 16, said the regulator.

Tesla and Piedmont didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Schlosser couldn’t be reached for comment.

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>>> J&J Snack Foods Corp. (JJSF) manufactures, markets, and distributes nutritional snack foods and beverages to the food service and retail supermarket industries in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Food Service, Retail Supermarkets, and Frozen Beverages. The company offers soft pretzels under the SUPERPRETZEL, PRETZEL FILLERS, PRETZELFILS, GOURMET TWISTS, MR. TWISTER, SOFT PRETZEL BITES, SOFTSTIX, SOFT PRETZEL BUNS, TEXAS TWIST, BAVARIAN BAKERY, SUPERPRETZEL BAVARIAN, NEW YORK PRETZEL, KIM & SCOTT'S GOURMET PRETZELS, SERIOUSLY TWISTED!, BRAUHAUS, AUNTIE ANNE'S, and LABRIOLA, as well as under the private labels. It also provides frozen novelty under the LUIGI'S, WHOLE FRUIT, PHILLY SWIRL, SOUR PATCH, ICEE, and MINUTE MAID brands; churros under the TIO PEPE'S and CALIFORNIA CHURROS brands; and handheld products under the SUPREME STUFFERS and SWEET STUFFERS brands. In addition, the company offers bakery products, including biscuits, fig and fruit bars, cookies, breads, rolls, crumbs, muffins, and donuts under the MRS. GOODCOOKIE, READI-BAKE, COUNTRY HOME, MARY B'S, DADDY RAY'S, and HILL & VALLEY brands, as well as under private labels; and frozen beverages under the ICEE, SLUSH PUPPIE, and PARROT ICE brands. Further, it provides funnel cakes under the FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY brand, as well as various other food products; and sells machines and machine parts to other food and beverage companies. The company sells its products through a network of food brokers, independent sales distributors, and direct sales force. It serves snack bars and food stand locations in chain, department and mass merchandising stores, malls and shopping centers, fast food and casual dining restaurants, stadiums and sports arenas, leisure and theme parks, convenience stores, movie theatres, warehouse club stores, schools, colleges and other institutions, and independent retailers. The company was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

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J&J Snack Foods - >>> It's An $222M Ice Cream Treat For ICEE Parent J&J Snack Foods


Benzinga

by Shivani Kumaresan

May 19, 2022


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/222m-ice-cream-treat-icee-184119364.html


J&J Snack Foods Corp (NASDAQ: JJSF) has agreed to acquire Dippin' Dots L.L.C, a producer of flash-frozen beaded ice cream treats, for $222 million.

JJSF noted Dippin' Dots brand complements its frozen novelty and frozen beverage businesses. JJSF's brands include ICEE, SuperPretzel, Luigis, and others.

JJSF expects to further leverage its combined strength in entertainment and amusement locations, theaters, convenience, and supermarkets.

Dippin' Dots is headquartered in Paducah, KY, along with a main production facility, warehousing, distribution, and administrative offices. It also leases four additional frozen warehouses strategically located in California, Canada, Australia, and China.

J&J Snack Foods expects this transaction to be $0.30 - $0.40 accretive to its EPS in the first 12 months after closing. The deal is expected to close by the end of June 2022.

JJSF plans to fund the transaction through a combination of cash and senior debt financing. It held $225.5 million in cash and equivalents as of March 26, 2022.

Price Action: JJSF shares are trading higher by 2.93% at $122.34 on the last check Thursday.

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>>> J&J Snack Foods Corp. Announces Closing of Dippin’ Dots Acquisition


Yahoo Finance

J & J Snack Foods Corp.

June 21, 2022


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/j-j-snack-foods-corp-131500063.html


PENNSAUKEN, N.J., June 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- J&J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: JJSF), a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, announced today that it has closed the previously announced acquisition of Dippin’ Dots, L.L.C., a leading producer of flash-frozen beaded ice cream treats. The acquisition also includes the Doc Popcorn business operated by Dippin’ Dots.

“This is a significant day for J&J Snack Foods as we close the largest acquisition in our company’s 50+ year history” said Dan Fachner, President & Chief Executive Officer at J&J Snack Foods. “We look forward to leveraging our combined strength in entertainment and amusement locations, theaters, and convenience to continue to expand this iconic business,” Mr. Fachner added.

About J&J Snack Foods Corp.

J&J Snack Foods Corp. (NASDAQ: JJSF) is a leader and innovator in the snack food industry, providing innovative, niche and affordable branded snack foods and beverages to foodservice and retail supermarket outlets. Manufactured and distributed nationwide, our principal products include SUPERPRETZEL, the #1 soft pretzel brand in the world, as well as internationally known ICEE and SLUSH PUPPIE frozen beverages, LUIGI’S Real Italian Ice, MINUTE MAID frozen ices, WHOLE FRUIT sorbet and frozen fruit bars, SOUR PATCH KIDS Flavored Ice Pops, Tio Pepe’s & CALIFORNIA CHURROS, and THE FUNNEL CAKE FACTORY funnel cakes and several bakery brands within DADDY RAY’S, COUNTRY HOME BAKERS and HILL & VALLEY. With nearly twenty manufacturing facilities, and more than $1 billion in annual revenue, J&J Snack Foods Corp. has continued to see steady growth as a company, reaching record sales for 48 consecutive years. The company consistently seeks out opportunities to expand its unique niche market product offering while bringing smiles to families worldwide.

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>>> Canoo (GOEV) gets the Walmart seal of approval


Motley Fool

7-12-22


https://www.fool.com/investing/2022/07/12/pepsis-earnings-were-strong-but-this-ev-stock-is-t/?source=eptyholnk0000202&utm_source=yahoo-host&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=article


But posting the biggest gains on Tuesday morning was Canoo (GOEV 66.08%). The electric vehicle specialist got great news from a huge customer that boosted the stock price by more than 75% in premarket trading.

Walmart (WMT 0.31%) announced that it would buy 4,500 of Canoo's electric delivery vehicles. The retailer intends to use the vehicles for last-mile deliveries as it continues to build out its e-commerce business. Walmart will have the option to buy up to 10,000 units.

Canoo and Walmart don't expect the Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) to show up on highways until next year. However, advance deliveries are expected in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that should help Walmart and Canoo finalize the details in their collaboration.

Canoo touted several elements of its LDV, including easy handling, ample cargo space, modular design, and sustainability. For Walmart, the move helps it in its goals to reach zero-emissions status by 2040.

EV companies are competing fiercely for business, so getting a big-name buyer like Walmart is a point in Canoo's favor. Yet even with today's gain, the stock is still down sharply from where it traded during the past couple of years, so investors want to see even more wins before they'll have full confidence in Canoo's future.

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Neogen - >>> 3M Food Safety Unit and Neogen to Combine in $9.3 Billion Deal

A merger will enable 3M's food-safety unit and Neogen to form a dedicated global food-safety group.


Dec 19, 2021

The Street

https://www.thestreet.com/markets/mergers-acquisitions/3m-food-safety-unit-neogen-combining-in-9point3-billion-deal?puc=yahoo&cm_ven=YAHOO



VERONIKA BONDARENKODEC 14, 2021 3:36 PM EST
Food-safety and animal-health company Neogen (NEOG) - said it would combine with the food-safety branch of 3M (MMM) - Get 3M Company Report, creating a global food-safety and security provider.

The deal is designed to be tax-free to 3M holders. At closing, holders of Neogen, Lansing, Mich., will have 49.9% of the new company and 3M holders receive 50.1%.

3M is the St. Paul, Minn., technology and consumer-products giant, parent to everything from masks and respirators to Post-It notes.

The enterprise value of the combined company is estimated at $9.3 billion.

Both boards have approved the deal. Talks of a merger between the two companies have been in the works and reported on since 2019.

At last check, Neogen shares jumped 8.5% to $43.51 while 3M stock was little changed at $174.50.

The new company will take advantage of a "heightened global focus on food security, sustainability and supply chain solutions," said John Adent, Neogen's chief executive, John Adent, said in a statement. Adent will be leading the new company.

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>>> Lightwave Logic Announces $33.0 Million Financing Agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund


Yahoo Finance

October 7, 2021


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lightwave-logic-announces-33-0-123100865.html


Lincoln Park Capital Fund Purchased $3 Million of Common Stock at $9.16/share. The Agreement Provides Lightwave Logic the Right, But Not the Obligation, to Sell Stock to Lincoln Park Over A 36-Month Period at the Company's Sole Discretion

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG), a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power, has entered into its 5th agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC ("LPC"), a Chicago-based institutional investor. LPC is a long time investor in Lightwave Logic, and first invested in Lightwave Logic in 2011. LPC purchased $3 million of common stock at closing, which was sold at $9.16/share.

Under the purchase agreement, Lightwave Logic will have the right, but not the obligation, to sell up to an additional $30.0 million of its common stock to Lincoln Park over a 36-month period. Lightwave Logic will control the timing and amount of any sales to Lincoln Park with no upper limits to the price Lincoln Park may pay to purchase such common stock. The purchase agreement may be terminated by Lightwave Logic at any time, in its sole discretion, without any additional cost or penalty.

Jim Marcelli, President and Chief Operating Officer of Lightwave Logic, commented, "While we are comfortable with our current cash position of approximately $15 million and burn rate, this financing provides additional flexibility for us as we move forward toward commercialization of our products.

"The Lincoln Park facility allows us to source capital in an opportunistic manner, in addition to our S-3 shelf registration that provides the potential for additional financing alternatives. We believe that maintaining this optionality is critical to financing the company in a way that helps to create value for our shareholders over the long-term," stated Marcelli.

A description of the purchase agreement is set forth in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, which the Company filed with the SEC on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

About Lightwave Logic, Inc.

Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: 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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>>> Orocobre Limited (OROCF) engages in the exploration, development, and production of lithium and boron in Argentina. The company's flagship project is the Olaroz Lithium Facility located in Jujuy province in northern Argentina. Orocobre Limited was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Brisbane, Australia. <<<


>>> The world’s biggest mining firms, including BHP Group and Glencore Plc, are emphasizing their links to clean energy, while smaller competitors are surging. Lithium producers including Pilbara Minerals Ltd. and Orocobre Ltd. are advancing faster this year than battery giants like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. and are among the top performers in the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Total Return Index. <<<


https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-materials-silver-to-lithium-worth-big-money-in-clean-energy/?srnd=premium

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>>> Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF) explores for, develops, and operates mineral resources in Australia. The company primarily holds a 100% interest in the Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in West Perth, Australia. <<<

>>> The world’s biggest mining firms, including BHP Group and Glencore Plc, are emphasizing their links to clean energy, while smaller competitors are surging. Lithium producers including Pilbara Minerals Ltd. and Orocobre Ltd. are advancing faster this year than battery giants like Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. and are among the top performers in the Bloomberg Electric Vehicles Total Return Index. <<<


https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2021-materials-silver-to-lithium-worth-big-money-in-clean-energy/?srnd=premium

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>>> Lightwave Logic and Polariton Technologies Achieve World-Record Performance for Ultra-High-Speed Modulators


Yahoo Finance

September 16, 2021


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lightwave-logic-polariton-technologies-achieve-123100545.html


Breakthrough Results Presented in Peer Reviewed Paper at Prestigious 2021 European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC)


ENGLEWOOD, Colo. and ZURICH, Sept. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: LWLG), a technology platform company leveraging its proprietary electro-optic (EO) polymers to transmit data at higher speeds with less power, today announced the achievement of world-record performance for a polymer modulator, as demonstrated in an optical transmission experiment by ETH Zurich, using the Company's proprietary, advanced Perkinamine™ chromophores and Polariton Technologies Ltd.'s newest plasmonic EO modulator, a silicon-photonics-based plasmonic racetrack modulator offering energy-efficient, low-loss, and high-speed modulation in a compact footprint.

The groundbreaking results were presented as a post-deadline paper at the prestigious European Conference on Optical Communications (ECOC) industry exhibition and conference in Bordeaux on September 16, 2021. Polariton's plasmonic modulator transmitted 220 Gbit/s OOK and 408 Gbit/s 8PAM. Transmission of an optical signal was conducted over 100 m using a low-voltage electrical drive of 0.6Vp, an on-chip loss of 1 dB, and an optical 3 dB bandwidth of beyond 110 GHz.

"Our mission at Lightwave Logic is to continually push the frontiers of high-speed performance for electro-optic polymers, shaping the 'impossible' into reality and a new normal for the industry," said Dr. Michael Lebby, Chief Executive Officer of Lightwave Logic. "Through our collaboration with Polariton, we have achieved a new world-record for a racetrack plasmonic modulator device structure. The acceptance of a post-deadline peer reviewed paper at ECOC 2021 provides third party validation of this incredible result.

"We now turn our attention to further optimizing this performance with silicon foundries through both materials and optical device design. With performance achievements such as this, we believe that many companies will quickly see the potential impact that high performance optical switching devices using our polymers can have on their business," concluded Lebby.

Dr. Wolfgang Heni, Co-CTO at Polariton, added: "Polariton has always been dedicated to providing best-in-class devices with the highest-performance. Our goal is to make optical communications faster, the technology more scalable and with it, components and infrastructure more energy-efficient. Our recent demonstration of a plasmonic racetrack modulator once again showcased how the unique combination of plasmonics, silicon photonics, and organic electro-optics offers high-speed and energy-efficient components. We are pleased to have worked with Lightwave Logic, providing us with high-performance and reliable Perkinamine™ chromophores to demonstrate this new world record, further highlighting the benefits of our plasmonic modulator technology. Together, we hope to revolutionize the future of the internet through adoption of next-generation electro-optic polymer platforms."

About Lightwave Logic, Inc.

Lightwave Logic, Inc. (NASDAQ: 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.

About Polariton Technologies Ltd.

Polariton Technologies is on a mission to revolutionize the future of telecommunications by accelerating information transport and bringing reducing its power consumption. Polariton is providing the world's fastest, most compact, and energy-efficient electro-optic devices with applications in telecommunications, datacenters, wireless communications (5G/6G), space, and sensing. Founded in 2019, Polariton is a spin-off of ETH Zurich, taking pride in teamwork, clear and effective communication, and curiosity. Discover more about us at polariton.ch or follow us at LinkedIn @polariton-technologies

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>>> The Ensign Group Adds Two Skilled Nursing Facilities in Texas


Yahoo Finance

August 2, 2021


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ensign-group-adds-two-skilled-100000681.html


SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., Aug. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENSG), the parent company of the Ensign™ group of companies, which invest in and provide skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies and other rehabilitative and healthcare services, announced today that, effective August 1, 2021, it acquired the operations of the following skilled nursing facilities in Texas:

Sedona Trace Health and Wellness Center, a 119-bed skilled nursing facility located in Austin, TX; and

Cedar Pointe Health and Wellness Center, a 122-bed skilled nursing facility located in Cedar Park, TX.

The real estate for each of these operations was acquired by CareTrust REIT, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTRE) in the transaction and each operation will be added to an existing long-term, triple-net master lease, which is currently in place between Ensign affiliates and CareTrust.

“We are excited to be growing in the Greater Austin area, which is a part of Texas we have been looking to grow in for some time. These acquisitions are a perfect fit both from a geographic and cultural perspective,” said Barry Port, Ensign's Chief Executive Officer. “We are again thrilled to be announcing our growing relationship with CareTrust and are excited to announce that, in connection with this transaction, CareTrust extended the applicable lease term by ten years. We continue to look forward to many more years of working together with CareTrust on these and future opportunities,” he added.

Kevin Niccum, President of Keystone Care LLC, Ensign’s Texas-based subsidiary, added “These recently constructed facilities represent fantastic growth opportunities in the short-term and the long term. We look forward to working closely with an outstanding team of professionals that truly care about the residents and their families.” This acquisition brings Ensign's growing portfolio to 242 healthcare operations, 22 of which also include senior living operations, across thirteen states. Ensign owns 95 real estate assets. Mr. Port reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking opportunities to acquire real estate and to lease both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing, senior living and other healthcare related businesses throughout the United States.

About EnsignTM

The Ensign Group, Inc.'s independent operating subsidiaries provide a broad spectrum of skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies and other rehabilitative and healthcare services at 242 healthcare facilities, in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. More information about Ensign is available at http://www.ensigngroup.net.

About CareTrust™

CareTrust REIT, Inc. is a self-administered, publicly-traded real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership, acquisition, development and leasing of skilled nursing, seniors housing and other healthcare-related properties. With a nationwide portfolio of long-term net-leased properties, and a growing portfolio of quality operators leasing them, CareTrust REIT is pursuing both external and organic growth opportunities across the United States. More information about CareTrust REIT is available at www.caretrustreit.com.

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>>> Sensient Technologies Acquires Assets of Flavor Solutions, Inc.


Yahoo Finance

July 19, 2021


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sensient-technologies-acquires-assets-flavor-105500287.html


MILWAUKEE, July 19, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE: SXT) announced that it acquired the assets of Flavor Solutions, Inc. on July 15, 2021. The business provides flavors and flavor technologies to the food, beverage, and nutraceutical markets.

"The acquisition of this business will allow Sensient to expand its flavor portfolio and add key technologies to strengthen its technical solution capabilities," said Paul Manning, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sensient Technologies Corporation. "I am excited to welcome the Flavor Solutions team to Sensient and to support the strong customer relationships that the team has built."

The acquisition of this business grows Sensient’s flavor portfolio through the expansion of its traditional flavor offering as well as the addition of savory reaction flavors, natural shelf-life extender technologies, and additional sweetness enhancing and salt reduction taste-modulation technology platforms.

ABOUT SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and other specialty ingredients. Sensient uses advanced technologies and robust global supply chain capabilities to develop specialized solutions for food and beverages, as well as products that serve the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and personal care industries. Sensient’s customers range in size from small entrepreneurial businesses to major international manufacturers representing some of the world’s best-known brands. Sensient is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

www.sensient.com

ABOUT FLAVOR SOLUTIONS, INC.

Flavor Solutions, Inc. is a custom product and flavor development company that combines the art and science of flavor technology with other food science technologies to provide its customers with innovative, applied technology delivery systems for products. Flavor Solutions, Inc. serves some of the world’s most prominent producers of prepared foods and beverages, and leaders in the culinary, food service, beverage and nutraceutical industries.

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>>> Balchem Corporation Reports Record Second Quarter Sales of $202.4 Million, Net Earnings of $22.7 Million, GAAP EPS of $0.70, and Adjusted EPS of $0.93


Balchem Corporation

July 30, 2021


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/balchem-corporation-reports-record-second-110000726.html


NEW HAMPTON, N.Y., July 30, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Balchem Corporation (NASDAQ: BCPC) reported today record second quarter net earnings of $22.7 million for 2021, compared to net earnings of $21.1 million for the second quarter 2020, adjusted net earnings(a) of $30.4 million, compared to $27.6 million in the prior year quarter, and adjusted EBITDA(a) of $50.1 million, compared to $43.9 million in the prior year quarter.

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights:

Net sales were $202.4 million, an increase of $29.0 million, or 16.7%, compared to the prior year quarter, with record sales in all three segments: Human Nutrition and Health, Animal Nutrition and Health, and Specialty Products.

Adjusted EBITDA was $50.1 million, an increase of $6.3 million, or 14.3%, from the prior year.

GAAP net earnings were $22.7 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 7.6% from the prior year. These net earnings resulted in GAAP earnings per share of $0.70.

Adjusted net earnings were $30.4 million, an increase of $2.8 million or 10.3% from the prior year. These adjusted net earnings resulted in adjusted earnings per share(a) of $0.93.

The effective tax rate of 24.3% was 561 basis point higher than the prior year tax rate of 18.7%.

Quarterly cash flows from operations were $35.8 million for the second quarter 2021, with quarterly free cash flow(a) of $28.4 million.


Recent Highlights:

In June, Balchem’s Board of Directors elected Ms. Kathy Fish to fill a vacancy on the Board. Ms. Fish recently retired from the position of Chief Research, Development and Innovation Officer at The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG). Over a long career at Procter & Gamble, Ms. Fish held various roles within the research and development function of increasing responsibility before leading the function from 2014 to 2020. Ms. Fish brings to the Balchem Board important new product development and direct to consumer expertise, along with her international business acumen and experience in driving a growth culture. Ms. Fish will serve on the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee.

We released our annual Sustainability Report in April in support of our Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance ideals. We also disclosed our 2030 goals around emissions reduction and water conservation focused on reducing both greenhouse gas emissions and water use by 25%. We are committed to operating with excellence as strong stewards of our stakeholders while providing innovative solutions for the health and nutritional needs of the world.

In May, our Verona, Missouri plant experienced a flash flood event as a result of very localized storms in the southwest part of the state. The plant was shut down for several weeks as we repaired affected equipment, cleaned the site, and safely re-started activities. The negative direct financial impact to the quarter was approximately $3.8 million, primarily due to the write off of damaged inventory and the costs associated with external service providers used for the clean-up efforts. Customer requirements were largely satisfied through inventory on hand and by leveraging alternate and redundant manufacturing capabilities across our supply chain. The manufacturing site is now fully operational and we have filed a related insurance claim with the expectation to partially offset these expenses with future insurance recoveries.

Strong cash flows in the second quarter enabled the company to make repayments on its revolving debt of $30.0 million, lowering net debt to $43.7 million, with an overall leverage ratio on a net debt basis of 0.2.

Ted Harris, Chairman, CEO, and President of Balchem said, “The second quarter of 2021 was another strong quarter for Balchem. We delivered exceptional performance in a dynamic market environment and we continued to see strong demand for our products and services with double-digit sales growth in all three of our business segments versus the prior year's quarter, as well as sequential growth in all three segments.”

Mr. Harris added, “While we experienced a challenging and unexpected event this quarter with the flash flood at one of our manufacturing plants, I am extremely proud of how the Balchem team responded to the event, safely returned the plant to operations within the quarter, and worked tirelessly to satisfy customer needs through our broader supply chain capabilities. Our ability to deliver these strong financial results while managing through the flash flood event along with the other macro-economic challenges we have been facing, is once again a testament to the resilience and strength of our business model and the Balchem team.”

Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2021:

The Human Nutrition & Health segment generated all-time record quarterly sales of $111.5 million, an increase of $14.0 million or 14.4% compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was driven both by strong sales growth within food and beverage markets as well as higher sales within the Minerals and Nutrients business. This segment generated quarterly earnings from operations of $19.0 million, an increase of $3.5 million or 22.7%, compared to $15.5 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales and overall manufacturing efficiencies, partially offset by higher raw material and distribution costs and the costs associated with the recovery from the flash flood event that we experienced at our Verona, Missouri manufacturing site. Excluding the effect of non-cash expense associated with amortization of acquired intangible assets of $4.3 million and $4.8 million for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively, and the expense related to the flash flood event of $2.1 million for the second quarter of 2021, adjusted earnings from operations(a) for this segment were $25.3 million, compared to $20.3 million in the prior year quarter.

The Animal Nutrition & Health segment generated all-time record quarterly sales of $54.5 million, an increase of $8.1 million or 17.6% compared to the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily the result of higher sales in both Monogastric and Ruminant animal markets and a favorable impact related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Second quarter earnings from operations for this segment of $3.6 million decreased $2.9 million or 44.6% compared to $6.4 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to increases in raw material and distribution costs and the costs associated with the recovery from the flash flood event. Excluding the effect of non-cash expense associated with amortization of acquired intangible assets of $0.2 million for both the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, and the expense related to the flash flood event of $1.4 million for the second quarter of 2021, adjusted earnings from operations for this segment were $5.2 million compared to $6.6 million in the prior year quarter.

The Specialty Products segment generated all-time record quarterly sales of $34.0 million, an increase of $5.8 million or 20.7% compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher sales for products in both the plant nutrition business and the medical device sterilization market. Second quarter earnings from operations for this segment were $9.7 million, versus $8.0 million in the prior year comparable quarter, an increase of $1.7 million or 21.5%, primarily due to the aforementioned higher sales, partially offset by increases in raw material and distribution costs. Excluding the effect of non-cash expense associated with amortization of acquired intangible assets for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020 of $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively, and the expense related to the flash flood event of $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2021, adjusted earnings from operations for this segment were $11.2 million, compared to $9.6 million in the prior year quarter.

All-time record consolidated gross margin for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 of $59.4 million increased by $4.1 million or 7.3%, compared to $55.4 million for the prior year comparable period. Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 29.4% as compared to 31.9% in the prior year period, a decrease of 257 basis points, primarily due to a significant increase in certain raw material and distribution costs and the costs associated with the recovery from the flash flood event, partially offset by favorable mix and overall manufacturing efficiencies. Operating expenses of $28.9 million for the quarter increased $0.4 million from the prior year comparable quarter, primarily due to an increase in certain higher compensation-related costs, partially offset by the prior year being negatively impacted by a goodwill impairment charge related to business formerly included in the Industrial Products segment, and a decrease in transaction and integration costs. Excluding non-cash operating expenses associated with amortization of intangible assets of $5.9 million, operating expenses were $22.9 million, or 11.3% of sales.

Interest expense was $0.6 million in the second quarter of 2021. Our effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were 24.3% and 18.7%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate from the prior year was primarily due to a reduction in certain tax credits and lower tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

For the quarter ended June 30, 2021, cash flows provided by operating activities were $35.8 million, and free cash flow was $28.4 million. The $186.5 million of net working capital on June 30, 2021 included a cash balance of $79.9 million, which reflects repayments of the revolving debt of $30.0 million, and capital expenditures and intangible assets acquired of $7.4 million.

Ted Harris said, “The second quarter of 2021 was another solid quarter for Balchem. While we faced macro-economic challenges, particularly from significantly higher raw material costs as well as complexities associated with logistical disruptions, we stepped up to meet these challenges and once again delivered a strong financial performance, while at the same time continuing to progress our strategic growth initiatives.”

Quarterly Conference Call

A quarterly conference call will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021, at 11:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) to review second quarter 2021 results. Ted Harris, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President and Martin Bengtsson, CFO will host the call. We invite you to listen to the conference by calling toll-free 1-877-407-8289 (local dial-in 1-201-689-8341), five minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the conference call. The conference call will be available for replay two hours after the conclusion of the call through end of day Friday, August 13, 2021. To access the replay of the conference call, dial 1-877-660-6853 (local dial-in 1-201-612-7415), and use conference ID #13721555.

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ExlService Holdings - >>> EXL, AWS Extend Partnership To Drive Cloud Migration of Enterprise Business Processes


Benzinga

by Anusuya Lahiri

June 30, 2021


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exl-aws-extend-partnership-drive-200254070.html


ExlService Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: EXLS) expanded its Amazon.com Inc’s
Amazon Web Services collaboration to help EXL clients operationalize AI, Analytics, Automation, and Cloud technologies within enterprise business processes.

EXL addresses the challenges of operationalizing data-driven technologies through its robust AI Operating System architecture, known as AI: OS.

AWS capabilities were critical to meet the aggressive transformation timelines and impact expectations of EXL’s clients, EXL Chief Digital Officer Ankor Rai said.

EXL also leveraged AWS infrastructure and AWS Training & Certification services to drive the development and deployment of domain-specific cloud solutions across the client enterprise and their corporate learning and development programs to drive a new cohort of EXL Digital employees.

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J&J Snack Foods - >>> E-Commerce Continues to Boost Grocery Sales: 4 Solid Picks


Yahoo Finace

by Ritujay Ghosh

April 20, 2021


https://finance.yahoo.com/news/e-commerce-continues-boost-grocery-101910051.html


E-commerce has played a major role in helping the retail sector recover from a total collapse during the pandemic. While shops remained closed during the peak months of the pandemic, more people shopped online. This in a way changed the shopping habits of many who now prefer shopping online.

This has seen online grocery sales surging during the pandemic. Given that there are no signs of the coronavirus subsiding, e-commerce is likely to play a major role in the coming days.

Online Grocery Sales Grow

According to Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey, online grocery sales surged 43% in March on a year-over-year basis. Online grocery sales in March totaled $9.3 billion compared to $6.5 billion a year ago, as the second round of stimulus checks reached millions.

Moreover, the survey shows more than 69 million households placed 2.8 orders on average in March. Over 69.3 million households placed at least one or more online orders during March 2021 compared with 74.5 million a year ago, when stay-at-home orders were imposed and shops and businesses had to be temporarily shut down.

This is a slight loss in the number of people shopping online from last year’s figures but that was primarily because many households are also making grocery purchases that are shipped to the home through common or contract carriers.

In fact, the curbside pickup segment gained 12%, and the delivery segment gained 23% in March, which proves that people are more comfortable shopping online.

Coronavirus Driving Online Sales

Although online grocery sales somewhat declined in February, it has once again bounced back as people spent more freely after the second round of stimulus checks started reaching them. In fact, that has helped the entire industry, with retail sales surging 9.8% monthover month in March to hit a 10-month high.

Moreover, despite three vaccines being rolled out, the COVID-19 crisis is far from over, with new cases hardly subsiding. Also, many who are hesitant to shop at a physical store but at the same time don’t want to pay for certain online grocery items have been going for curbside pickup, which is driving online sales further. Hence, online shopping will remain the preferred choice for most despite the COVID-19 vaccine being already rolled out.

Our Choices

Fears of the virus continue to exist irrespective of the vaccination drive. Preventive measures to keep the virus at bay are likely to see people ordering for all household necessities, including grocery, online. Given this situation, it would be prudent to watch out for these five stocks thatare likely to rally on a sharp rise in demand for online grocery in the near future.

United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI is the leading distributor of natural, organic and specialty food and non-food products in the United States and Canada. The company carries more than 1,10,000 high-quality natural, organic and specialty products, consisting of national, regional and private label brands in six product categories.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 29%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 8.7% over the past 60 days. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

J & J Snack Foods Corp. JJSF is a manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded niche snack foods and frozen beverages for the food service and retail supermarket industries.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 88.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 2% over the past 60 days. J & J Snack Foods holds a Zacks Rank #2.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. SFM which operates in a highly fragmented grocery store industry, has a unique model that features fresh produce, a foods section, and a vitamin department focused on overall wellness.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for next year is 10.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 5.1% over the past 60 days. Sprouts Farmers Market has a Zacks Rank #2.

Performance Food Group Company PFGC markets and distributes food and food-related products. Its operating segment consists of Foodservice, Vistar, and PFG Customized.

The company’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 85.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 1.6% over the past 60 days. Performance Food Group carries a Zacks Rank #2.

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>>> Addus HomeCare - >>> 3 Small-Cap Stocks With Big-Cap Potential
These stocks are just temporarily inconvenienced large caps in the making.


Motley Fool

by Alex Carchidi

Sep 25, 2020


https://www.fool.com/investing/2020/09/25/3-small-cap-stocks-with-big-cap-potential/


With a market capitalization of $1.4 billion, Addus HomeCare (NASDAQ:ADUS) provides nursing and hospice care support for elderly people who would otherwise need to be taken care of in a nursing home or hospital. While its profit margin is narrow at 4.2% and its ROIC is a mere 6.1%, the company is growing its quarterly earnings at a rapid rate of 30.5% year over year, and it seeks to grow its revenues by at least 10% per year. The most important thing to realize about Addus is that its growth is sustainable -- the company has been in business for more than 40 years, and it currently employs more than 33,000 people across the U.S.

As long as people continue to grow old and need care, Addus will be able to expand its business, making it a significantly more reliable stock than many others in the healthcare sector. This means that the company can most likely become a large cap by continuing with its business as usual -- a highly favorable state of affairs for cautious investors. From 2015 to 2019, the company boasted a compound annual growth rate of 18.9%. In 2020, it reached $736 million in trailing revenues. What's more, Addus expects that demographic trends in the U.S. will heavily favor its expansion, with its target customer numbers doubling between now and 2050. While it may not be a competitor in a hot market, Addus is on track to become a monster stock one year at a time.

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