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Facebook on Friday said it has acquired TheFind, a search engine that crawls the Internet to offer consumers a personalized shopping experience based on their social profile and the way they shop.
The acquisition comes as Facebook has begun testing "buy" buttons that lets advertisers sell products through advertisements on the social network.
"TheFind's talented team has built a successful search engine that connects people to products," a Facebook spokeswoman said. "Together, we believe we can make the Facebook ads experience even more relevant and better for consumers."
Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
The nine-year-old company will shut down its service, and some members of TheFind's team will be joining Facebook where they will work to integrate its technology into the social network's advertising platform, according to a company blog post published Friday.
TheFind says it has an index that contains over half a billion products across half a million stores that helps consumers find deals, compare prices and save items.
It wont take a $20M contract to double this stock. I just know it takes time from showing them how it works to convincing the bean counters to spend the money. Rain is dead on. I think we are both saying the same thing by "don't get caught sleeping". This is a cheap stock so at this level I don't think you have anything to worry about. My target is to be out just before financials and then decide whether to go big or go home. Just keep scalping some profit until then. I haven't looked at financials too deep as this is just a swing/momo to me. I bought based on friends recommendation without much research and so far so good.
No problem. Like I always say-take all the information, shake it up and see what side of the table you come out on. Once again, nothing against company or individual investors-just know that Frost and Hoenig are brutal. I have seen many try to rationalize why they invest in a certain company but look at their filings and you will see a pattern. Knowledge is king and I am familiar with these guys. Its still a long way from demonstration to purchase. That being said-one government contract and this will go off. I just would want to see the dilution in the next filing before I went any further. GL
Rattle
Very good points. I am like Rainmaker and don't believe in giving advice but just getting as much info as possible out there. I am in since .30 and also selling all the way up. I am willing to bet that the old shell holders are absolutely selling their shares on the way up. My target was .72 as I wanted to get out just before Frost's number. I may have a little fun after that but it won't be with anything but profit. I have seen this movie before and when that bottom drops it is just plain ugly. GL
Rain
This is textbook Hoenig and Frost. Remember DSS? I can give you about ten others. If you follow them you can get quick hitters but they are brutal. There are many that follow these guys because their MO is solid. No bad or good regarding company but great advice in your post. Fortunately got out of DSS before the bottom fell out and broke even. I know that when the stock reaches highs many guys turn around and play short on the way back. Like you said-watch very closely.
When I first read that I immediately thought that they were still negotiating this thing but wanted it off the FB/LNKD docket. Kind of threw me too but unfortunately my mind reading skills are a bit rusty at this point. I am starting to smell Markman in everything they are now doing. I am not 100% sure dismissal equals settlement yet. Time will tell.
PI...
I understand your point but if I just read that one statement I would think he was saying in regards to the rest of their portfolio/litigation there may be ways to better disperse their resources than what they would have to spend on SF litigation. I just think that was the political way of saying they wanted to keep Markman hearing on track. As you know they could never admit that in public or it would most surely be used against them. JMHO
Takeaway From CC....
This by far has to be one of the most detailed CCs I have "read" in awhile. I think that you need to be careful with "interpretations" of statements but I also think they made some critical points during the conference. I appreciate that they just took a frontal assault at the sellers of post merger shares. This takes away all room for conspiracy theories. I think the board was ahead of the curve on this issue and kudo's to all.
As far as legacy DSS number, without getting too deep. I am very happy with the 17% revenue increase form last quarter. That is a great number. No sense picking apart each division as in DSS' case it is a sum of the whole. A 22% Gross increase is fantastic number. You can point to anything negative you want but those are critical. This speaks of their ability at some point to create positive cash flow so they will not have to dilute stock in the future. I am so glad that damn stock based compensation/legal fees are a thing of the past. What a drag on earnings. $6.8M cash position is great.
I didn't realize LTG changed over to DSS Technology Management. Finally starting to create a seamless company.
One of the items I wanted to learn about was what were they doing to grow the IP pipeline. (For you diehard IP centric investors)
The following statements are HUGE in my opinion:
Conversations are taking place with individuals that are interested in IP asset investment and not equity investment. This basically means they will get a piece of the settlement pie.
"DSS has the ability to attract outside capital which looks to me as they already have that avenue ready.
Jeff Ronaldi stated; "Our pipeline is currently a little bit too robust. This simply means they probably have companies already lined up. This also goes with milestone #3 to add 5-7 new IT investments by end of year.
I am curious if the ability to increase VA investment goes beyond 7%. My guess is it does. That Markman is going to be a very big case. I am willing to bet there are a few settlements prior to that. We now have two Markman stakes to put on the docket.
We now have measurable milestones and they stated they will fully report every quarter their progress.
1. Authentiguard revenue
2. Legacy DSS profitability
3. 5-7 IP investments
4. Positive Cash-Flow advancements
Would be nice to get some more coverage. Lake Street has been on the last two conference calls. Janney is a new entrant although I am not sure he got anything answered.
I personally would not read into anything regarding Salesforce yet. I know he made the statement about monetizing in other ways but I wouldn't infer it means settlement. JMHO
Janney Capital should have checked our board prior to asking for a response on the settlements.
I think the financials are exactly what we expected with a definite increase in revenue surprise. That 3Q has no where to go but way up. The bar is set.
I am expecting news to come out in the next couple weeks now, especially if this selling nonsense is behind us. I'll cruch the numbers as I am sure other swill do the same.
I hope this summarizes everything correctly.
Not Quite...
They still have $10M in an escrow account waiting to be raided at some point.
Another Culprit: Starting to make very clear sense now.
SUSQUEHANNA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, LLP(PUT) 379,400
They did also increase their common stock holdings by 31K.
7800 Put Contracts by HB
3794 Put Contracts by Susquehanna
11,594 options contracts just for these two institutions. Now tell me again that there are not multiple institutions involved!!! Like I said, this in conjunction with other share sales should be cleared out by Friday IMO.
ARRRGGGHHHHHH!
I cannot believe I had to miss this call. Could anyone post a summary of anything new that came out. I will research my own FA later. TIA
First Look
Revenue up by $500K. (Packaging-go figure) was big mover.
$800K increase in net loss I will have to read further.
Nice 80K buy at 1.61! Could have just been an MM cleaning up their books also. 100@1.68 probably means we open lower than close.
Noler..
I reviewed the last four earning releases and there was no "big" drop off regarding the dismal earnings they reported in the following days. This would be the first earnings call that it finished up on the same day as earning call from previous day's price. The pattern you speak of is one I normally employ and the day prior is usually day to get out. I think you are correct in part but if that MGMT can set some type of "expectation" this thing will flourish. Heck, as you know-until we get some normalcy it is all moot anyways. I just want that 8K out so I can look at those numbers. Litigation furthest from my mind as thats something they cannot control.
Broke first level resistance. (1.59-1.60) Lets see if we can hold it. Alas, I keep forgetting TA might not apply. One can dream though. It shows what happens when normalcy is allowed to have a say in this thing. Looonnnggg way to go yet. Still nice to see some movement again. Now lets just follow up with a good CC. I will say that there probably won't be too many bites of the apple left in the 1.50s. This thing dragon tailed three times off 1.45 and just couldn't hold it down there. Tons of support in that 1.51 area. Looks to be good Buy volume in the 1.62 range now. Per usual disclaimer, I will await for Trader to confirm or deny! BT, notice how every time the Ax gets out of the way how freely this moves?
MM
Thus my comment; "I will take any news as it will spike" LOL I assure you if you review posts from 7/1 forward you will know more about this company than anyone. This board has done a tremendous amount of DD.
MM
There are an enormous amount of posts covering that topic. This would also include references by chairman of the board. Basically just go back to around the early part of July and read the comments concerning the selling post merger and what happened. You will definitely find your answer there. GL Remember, it is the job of the company's management to project the worth of the company and today's cc hopefully will help all of us. GL
Really nothing here IMO. However it is funny that ANY time DSS is put on the radar we get a positive spike. Go Figure.
Trader...
This trading is a mirror image of 8/9. Those 100 share ticks are identical. (Between B/A and on BID) On that day we took a good hit down. I hope that 1.50 resistance prevents that.
Logical thought process but....
This is DSS! LOL
Many of you oldies were here when this came out. LOL I really am interested in the status of this program.
"Document Security Systems, Inc. (NYSE MKT: DSS; "DSS"), a leading developer of anti-counterfeiting, anti-fraud and authentication technologies for governments, corporations and financial institutions, announced today that it will begin testing AuthentiGuard®, a patented iPhone application for authentication, targeted to major pharmaceutical and other companies worldwide. Testing on other platforms including Android is expected to take place during this year."
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/document-security-systems-readies-beta-120000291.html
Grew up in an environment where team, not the individual is what was important. Thank you but I am a very small part of what goes on here. By the way-I am shocked you didn't post this already...
DSS Short Interest
http://www.nasdaq.com/symbol/dss/short-interest
Virtual Agility
Since I am tracking some of DSS' other investments I am following specifically the VA case V. Salesforce. This came out post scheduling conference. I will post more complete info when available to keep updated. I think this will be the model for when we bring SF back into the fray IMO.
"Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Rodney Gilstrap and Judge Roy Payne: Scheduling Conference held on 8/8/13. Counsel for the parties appeared and were asked if they consented to a trial before Judge Payne. The parties were then given Markman and jury selection dates. The parties were directed to meet and confer regarding any changes to the Courts scheduling order and discovery order, and the parties are to submit the proposed orders within 14 days of the conference. (Court Reporter Shelly Holmes.)"
Trader Good Call early on price move. Interesting that AMEX had that 45K buy order up there at 3:50 and still had 18,900 unfilled after the bell. Interesting to see if filled AH.
Bazz,
This is one of the best boards around. The moderators really manage P&D types. Every response is always backed up by something factual you can link to. I am sure everyone here would say just trade and invest how you see fit. I would definitely go back and review some of the info as we have put out a ton since the merger. Good Luck and welcome input anytime. We all have pretty thick skin here. Beware of highlander though-when he does appear we have all learned not to get in his crosshairs! LOL
Thoughts on DSS...
I am sure I have already taken up enough space today but I did promise a "controversial" addition to my Rant. Here goes...
Over the past several months I have done extensive research on 8 different companies in the IP sector. These pure IP plays have one critical element necessary to excel in this sector. They ALL have purchased IP portfolios to enhance income and litigation. If you are making DSS your IP centric play then you MUST consider this when making an investment. Basically every successful company has made this investment. Many started out like DSS, a small company with a small amount of patents and went after a big horse. Every one of these companies got their stock price in a position where they could have secondary offerings to raise cash to acquire patent portfolios. This hopefully will be asked by someone on Tuesday. Another common theme I see is that after the Markman ruling there is an immediate raise due to the pending big legal expenses soon to hit the books. VHC seems to be the only company I have seen that has not had to do this. They ran lean and did not dilute the stock during the process. In either case you can use this information to invest accordingly. The two main targets at this point would have to be the Bascom patents that apply to the medical industry, or the Virtual Agility patents. In either case I think that DSS has to start making some type of moves in the arena to become a valuable IP play. A stock I have quietly started purchasing was MARAD. They have a great IP portfolio and are monetizing it better than anything to date. I still am not sure if they are going to go the litigation route and that will be the arena that decides if these patents are valid. That is also the arena where they will have to take on a large entity. For now these smaller companies are just getting out of the way and paying the toll. I do believe they will keep adding to the bottom line through monetization. Like they say; "slow and steady wins the race". Will DSS be a successful monetization/litigation company? They seem to have taken both routes. However, I think they need more irons in the fire for that piece of the business to succeed. Thats about as controversial as I can get at the moment. Maybe in time they will give me more ammo...
Sunday Night Rant Part Two....
Tradable Shares:
I have been tracking shares based on institutional ownership in the past week. I realized yesterday that they do not count Put/Call Options in those numbers. Therefore I thought it better to figure out the numbers that were in solid hands and then deduct that from the current float. New Investors, I am basing this on my own DD and conversations with company representatives. Remember, at any time these numbers can change for the better or the worse.
As of 8/11/2013: (Rounded)
Float 38, 263,000 shares
IPNAV: 4,000,000
Barry Honig: 2,600,000
Officers: 2,330,000
Inst:130,550 (Less 986,000 PUT/Calls)
Ownership: 8,960,550 shares
Percent of Float currently locked up: 23%
That leaves 29,302,450 shares to trade. The short interest for DSS should be updated Monday on NASADQ and I expect it to be close to last report; 1,622,000 shares. From all the numbers above, this stock is in an exceptional position from a trading stand point. If any of these other “pure” IP plays are an indicator, that short interest is going to climb in a big way at some point. In my humble opinion that is not a bad thing as those are shares that have to be bought and sold. It becomes more of a nuisance when the stock starts getting closer to key catalyst type events. We are a long way from the 16-18MM average short position in IP sector stocks. We are ½ the O/S of the majority of the large IP plays. VHC has 51M O/S and a short interest in excess of 15M! This week should see the final institutional investors that will be added.
Conference Call:
Perhaps the most critical event of the week will be the Tuesday earnings call. The ONLY prior quarter numbers that are relevant to me are the revenues generated by each division and whether the cost of those revenues increased or decreased. Licensing revenue of settlements will not be included since the merger was official one day after close of the quarter. I want to hear where future revenues are going to come from and what progress there is on the Authentiguard line. To expect any more detail on prior settlements is ridiculous. I will give you their answer in advance: “Due to our current NDA with (put any company here), we are unable to disclose any further information.” Wait for 3Q-that is the only option here. I am also hoping for a “surprise” type announcement that we had no idea about. Lastly, give me something from which I can evaluate your success or failure as a company/management team.
Should be an interesting week and I for one am ready for some news finally.
Sunday Night Rant Part One....
As you know I post these for the new investors/lurkers and hopefully add some more information that may be useful to the longs. I will NEVER be part of SA so consider this my article for DSS investors only. I will leave the hype machines to those authors. Two parts covering four events this week that should come to some sort of climax.
Hudson Bay Put Options:
The put buyer (Hudson Bay) either believes that the underlying asset's price will fall by the exercise date or hopes to protect a long position in it. If you own a put that is in the money at expiration, it will be automatically exercised. That is, the terms of the put contract are enforced such that you must sell the underlying shares for the strike price. What is interesting in this scenario is that there had to be a willing partner here. HB could not sell to themselves shares in order to purchase the PUTs. Their 13F statement even shows they own zero shares of common stock. The ability to write 7800 contacts had to come from another institutional entity. I will let Nolerman or someone else expand on that. Basically I am saying based on all the converted shares that LTG early entrants sold and the purchase of 780K puts by HB there is no need to figure out how we have tanked on absolutely no news. A quick look at the Sep Options shows that Call Open Interest outnumbers Puts by more than 2-1. I would take this as a bullish signal moving forward on the stock.
Legal Proceedings:
This has been quite the exciting week regarding our uber speculative group. The CRM suit was dismissed (With Prejudice) by DSS/Bascom and these same attorneys now were identified as lead counsel for the FB/LNKD case. I think we all can agree this has been a “5” since it occurred. Let’s agree that the new firm didn’t just show up on our door step in the past week. They filed a 233 page brief against CRM back on 6/27. I may not be an attorney but these things normally take at least 60 days to produce to that level before filing. Let’s just “speculate” that they have been around since 4/1. The FB/LNKD case could not even get through the discovery stage at this point. Basically it was an ongoing argument about narrowing the focus of the complaint. At the same time BVSN, JIVE, and a bit later NOVL were settling their cases. After reviewing the most recent filing to shorten the Timeline, can anyone doubt that they are ready to run with the case? NO WAY. I am not sure how the judge is going to react yet but hopefully her response will dictate how she wants to proceed going further. This should be a week where at least two pieces of information are released.
1. Judges decision regarding Bascoms request to shorten timeline.
2. Results of the 8/8 scheduling conference in the Virtual
Agility vs CRM.
The CRM case being dismissed was absolutely a positive event. The company has stated that the new firm is a “step-up” from the original firm. I am fairly certain this just means that they are a more focused IP litigation company. Kramer Levin is a power house to be sure but they also are better at some litigation than others. The next month or so should reveal their true capabilities to us. I have often remarked about the psychology of IP investors regarding legal proceedings. I have stated in the past that this company is more than a pure IP play for me than any one piece of litigation. Don’t get me wrong, the litigation side can add the biggest PPS increase but it also is a long slog for the investor. I took a position based on the fact that they could add value through positive news on the operational side during legal lulls. It just seems to me that IP investors stress incessantly about dates or responses when it is just a “piece” of information at that moment in time. The investor will never know the actual strategy behind the plaintiff OR defendant.
Man that Highlander can swing a sword. Pretty clear there. Thanks Post/Noler
Cooler....
As I was new to the IP sector that was a little diddy that escaped my attention. I fortunately was able to navigate through all of it so as not to lose on my investment. I was just really posting that for my lurker warrior friends and anyone new to the sector. Like I said, I actually am even more comfortable with my investment and know at some point it is going to fly. I have been consistent with the fact I have been and always will be a revenue hawk. As you well know, Tuesday will tell me everything I need to know. If they are vague and evading then this would be an investment that is purely a momo time player and I will play it like a strict IP centric investment. Personally, I got this little guy down. I am anxiously waiting for Tuesday AND what I assume will be a response by the judge this week on the motion to shorten time by Bascom attorney. Now get out to that beach on the left coast. :)
Noler,
I was specifically told by company representative that "DSS" did not consider it a material event and that they basically have free reign to decide what a material event is. It does not mean that it isn't very positive or very negative but the SEC gives a WIDE berth to companies in regards to this subject. We as investors want exact numbers/info. Those NDAs actually prevent that. I stand by my remark a few weeks ago. The only way we will figure this out is 3Q earnings release. We then will have our numbers and their numbers which we should be able to extrapolate. I feel like I need a shower after seeing how HB operates. The most important thing to me now is those revenue numbers from DSS Tuesday. If they have increased then I will be ecstatic. There are going to be so many different liabilities from last quarter lets just hope we are close to that $1M loss. I absolutely believe this quarter is going to be a very good turning point with a ton of positive news. I am glad I was able to get in as an investor now vice 3 or 4 years ago.
Obviously.....
There are a few gentlemen on this thread that appear to have little to do in their spare time. LOL For me Saturday is my best reading time. I did a historical study of Hudson Bay for the past two years. I am fairly confident that they have sold every share they owned of DSS. Not only that, my guess is they purchased those PUTs as a final curtain call. Let me explain:
Hudson Bay has been an early entrant in many companies in the IP sector. VHC/PRKR/VRNG/ACTG/DSS. They are agnostic in regard to any upcoming future events such as Markman or new news. They get in with tons of free shares and as they get to the merger point they purchase PUTs since they know they are going to be able to sell and drive the prices down. They have done this with every company listed and most recently VRNG. This is a very important item to remember in future plays of IP specific stocks where HB is a key player. The 5.4M they received were never registered and they sold the 580K they were holding last quarter. My guess is they are out of the PUT business by Friday. They will have had July/August to dump those PUTs IMO. These guys made an absolute killing. IROQUOIS financial is like the little brother that always follows his big brother. I have noticed they work in a similar fashion but on a much smaller scale. This my friends is why the price has reacted with no news since merger. Anything put out by the company would be a waste of time in my opinion due to this wholesale carnage of HB. There is a silver lining in my opinion. I truly believe we are close to the end if my estimates are correct. When this stock is allowed to trade normally, these prices will never be seen again. We are very fortunate to have a small O/S-Float. This is why TA and FA have been useless. I am also willing to bet DSS is well aware of exactly what is going on. Since options are time sensitive I see no reason why HB wouldn't want to be completely out by AUG strike. With potential Markman run-up in Sep they would not want to have to fight that wave. Gents, They have done this in every single instance. I didn't bother checking all their other plays and stuck to IP specific history. I can't rememember how many times I have read articles and posters talk about how great it is to get in since HB is involved. I can guarantee one thing, I know any merger will be succesful and I also know I will be out two days before any merger is completed. This is a lesson well learned and should put in your kit bag for future opportunities when HB is involved. GL
PI
https://whalewisdom.com/stock/dss If you want to see all of Hudson holdings just click on their link.
Thanks Trader..I will rant on Sunday. Have a good one buddy
What a racket!!!!
Another option Position
Group One Trading 110,700 ($255,000) PUT
45,300 ($104,000) CALL
Noler or Options expert.....
A while back we had a conversation about some potential PUTs. Now you know I need to see it in actual official docs before I can discuss. I know PUTs are a bet on the price of a stock going down and that is as much as I care to know at this point in my life. When I am involved in options I have experts to turn to. Riddle me this:
On Hudson's 2nd quarter report of holdings (released Today) they show that they sold their 508,870 shares of common stock. Thats a real surprise....I guess our summation of who the big seller was is being proven as we speak. Now here is the kicker...
They are now showing 721,700 DSS PUTS at a value of $1,660,000. This makes absolutely no sense to me unless they have sold them to themselves. If I understand correctly "someone" had to have those shares to sell for the premium. Since DSS only has 2.50 Puts/Calls we are way too far from that to be effected. Can someone explain what the logic/benefit would be. Or could they have promised to purchase and let expire? Hudson Bay has a history of selling out their PUTs. I have no idea when they were purchased either. But it is curious that the PPS had such a long drop and this may be the reason. If they knew they were going to have to seel a ton of common shares, would it not be kind of double dipping and purchasing those PUTs to sell knowing it was in the bag? Very curious on the strategy in this holding. TIA
Trader....
Call me crazy but does this trading pattern not remind you exactly the same as when all those shares were being dumped? Not quite the volume but eerily similar. There was a ton of selling early and I assume it was most of those people that bought in that 1.42-1.52 range a couple of days ago and not wanting to hold over the weekend. Later in the day there was a lot of buying in the 1.50-1.52 level but they kept it down with those 100-200 share downticks. This is beyond anything I am accustomed to seeing in a stock. You know the market makers have the shares they need to run, the shorts are minimal and the float is low. It trades worse than a company with 100M float and 20% short IMO.
Not sure we hit 1.60 but if we hold this 1.51 then I am happy. That looks like current support line to me. I am also hoping that 1.50 is the psychological buy point for entry for most traders. Its always funny to see buys outnumber sells 5-10/1 and we move slowly or flatline. Go figure.
New 13F Filings. Looks like we might have a much better institutional holdings percentage this quarter:
New as of today:
Knight Capital 27,727 shares (New Investor)
CA Retirement System 37,200 (Maintained same position)
Morgan Stanley 16,906 (Increased 256)
That puts us up to 8% of float.
If the next four companies from last quarter keep the numbers the same as last quarter we will be at about 11%. I would love to get to 25% which would be the equivalent of VHC (See Below) but I think if we get close to that 15% that is a huge victory and speaks well of the company.
This is a very important matrix for investors regarding a stock. I will keep updated.
As a comparison: "IP Companies"
VRNG 9% of 83M
PRKR 36% of 89M
WDDD 0% of 85M
VHC 36% of 51M (The Gold Standard)
Short Interest:
VRNG 18,466,218 (22% of float)
PRKR 18,496,827 (20% of float)
VHC 15,253,177 (29% of float)
WDDD Unknown
DSS 1,622,486 (3.5% of float)
The stock as far as float is very very healthy. We do not have shorts beating it to death (that will change over time) and this can trade very freely under normal market operating conditions. GLTA