"Can anyone fill me in on where they think this company is going?"
Some don't like to use history for their DD, (I guess because it's so horrible), but in the 5-6 years since inception, the company still struggles to find a niche, a marketable product, or any industry relationships that last. They have mounting loan debt and accounts payables that show no signs of being satisfied. There is very little revenue coming in. (It's all in the financial statements). EI has tried a number of product lines over the years, but as you can see from sales, nothing ever materializes. The company will PR their "progress" by telling us that they are "designing", "producing", "launching", "making available", "releasing", etc., which does not equate to the words "sales" and "revenue". They will occasionaly report an increase from a previous quarter, but state it in a percentage because, as an example, going from 10 items to 13 sounds better at 30% than an increase of 3 items. Just some of their deceptive reporting. Their business professionalism and attention to detail can be exampled by looking at a couple of their websites. They tout, and regularly make reference to, the New World Gift enity. But for many, many months (maybe 6+) the website is "under construction". Nice way to kick start a new division. Additionaly, on another site, their is an option to select locations where you can find availability for their products. But, it also is "under construction", and for a very long period of time. This, in itself, may be all you need to know about a company. Locking people out who may actually be interested in your product. So the latest thing is the LOU from Matthews. It has been one year since it was released, and we have heard nothing about sales or revenue. Matthews, themselves, has reported no figures on this venture. It may not even be on Matthews radar screen. (Of note, EI's stock price has been down 90% since the announcement). But some feel that this is going to be the event that puts EI over the top. However, they felt the same with the many, many previous products and relationships. And after this runs it's full cycle, people will jump on the next EI "market explosion". Again, there just hasn't been any significant demand for personalized funeral products for the past 5-6 years. Is that going to change tomorrow? I think a wise investor DOES review history, and says no.
My opinions/facts are only on the product side. There are many that feel EI has been very immoral and unethical on stock trading issues. There is a feeling that there has been designed intent for EI management to line their pockets, while showing little interest in growing the company. Additionally, the company recently "pulled themselves out" of the approval process for a Line Of Credit. One would have to think that there was no way they could qualify for any reasonable terms and conditions, so in their own words, as an alternative, they are going the route of "organic growth". I wouldn't hold my breath on those results. EI has thrown a lot of new "opportunities" at us over the last 6 years, and as the financial statements show, they have resulted in nothing more than increased debt and minimal sales.
I am not a basher, and have been holding long term. I hope some type of miracle occurs to the stock price, although it will have to happen through perception, because I don't believe they can ever make it on revenue. I have lost 95% of my original investment, so there is no reason to sell. Some will tell you that they trade the stock, but I highly doubt, with the volumes, there is much to be made on that side. I think I am qualified to say that the lack of growth for this company, after 6 years, tells us this WAS a bad investment, and today, it IS a bad investment.
AI
