Au Contraire.. PP's are ALWAYS done at greatly discounted prices, typically 50 to 75% of share price average during the pre transaction period which is negotiated prior to actual placement (usually 10-30 days).. I'm certain you know that considering you've participated in them before.. "I have taken an ownership stake in several companies, but I did it through private placements"
therefore a company such as EXPH, knowing they DO have the goods, feels NO necessity to discount their share price as the company is confident "current" share price is undervalued..
I doubt you could show me one PP facilitated at current share prices in any of the OTC(BB) markets..
"Private Placement 101"
"Another key benefit is that stock of a publicly traded company can be issued in a private placement at a discount to the current market price. This provides the potential for a built in capital gain to those investors buying the stock."