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FUEL, ROSG, AXIO, ONTC, OPHC, LQMT
Our Stocks to Watch today include SMF Energy Corp. (NASDAQ: FUEL), Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), Axiom Gold & Silver Corp. (OTCBB: AXIO), Onteco Corp. (OTC: ONTC), OptimumBank Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: OPHC) and Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: LQMT).
SMF ENERGY CORPORATION (NASDAQ: FUEL)
"Up 45.83% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/FUEL.php
The Company is a leading provider of petroleum product distribution services, transportation logistics and emergency response services to the trucking, manufacturing, construction, shipping, utility, energy, chemical, telecommunications and government services industries. The Company provides its services and products through 34 locations in the eleven states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The broad range of services the Company offers its customers includes commercial mobile and bulk fueling; the packaging, distribution and sale of lubricants and chemicals; integrated out-sourced fuel management; transportation logistics and emergency response services. The Company's fleet of custom specialized tank wagons, tractor-trailer transports, box trucks and customized flatbed vehicles delivers diesel fuel and gasoline to customers' locations on a regularly scheduled or as needed basis, refueling vehicles and equipment, re-supplying fixed-site and temporary bulk storage tanks, and emergency power generation systems; and distributes a wide variety of specialized petroleum products, lubricants and chemicals to our customers.
FUEL News:
April 16 - SMF Energy Corporation Files for Chapter 11 Reorganization
SMF Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: FUEL), a leading energy logistics company (the "Company"), announced that the Company and its subsidiaries, H & W Petroleum Company, Inc., SMF Services, Inc., and Streicher Realty, Inc. (collectively, the "Companies"), have filed voluntary petitions for reorganization (the "Voluntary Petitions") under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy Code"), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida (the "Court"). The Companies will operate as "debtors in possession" under the jurisdiction of the Court, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Court.
On April 13, 2012, the Company received a declaration from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the "Lender"), the Companies' principal lender, of various Events of Default, as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement dated September 26, 2002, as amended, among the Companies and the Lender (the "Loan Agreement"). The Lender also purported to revoke the authority of the Company to access its own collections of accounts receivable and declared the Lender's intention not to make any further revolving Loans to the Company under the Loan Agreement. Without considering any penalties or additional charges resulting from the Lender's declaration of the Events of Default, the current balance owed to the Lender under the Loan Agreement is approximately $11.2 million, consisting of around $8 million in revolving loans, a $2.2 million unpaid balance of a Term Loan, and a $1.0 million mortgage loan.
The extent of the Companies' ability to continue operating their businesses in the Chapter 11 cases is dependent on the willingness of the Lender, which asserts a security interest in substantially all of the Companies' assets, to consent to or support the Companies' use of the Lender's cash collateral during the bankruptcy cases. It is the Company's current expectation that the Lender will consent to or support the Companies' use of the Lender's cash collateral to continue to operate only those portions of the Companies' business that have a discernible value as an ongoing enterprise. As a result, the Company expects that it will be required to promptly commence the liquidation of the assets of those portions of the Companies' business that are not believed to have a going concern value.
The Company previously announced, on March 16, 2012, that it expected a substantial reduction in sales revenue and earnings for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, and future periods, and that it expected to report a loss for the quarters ending March 31, 2012, and June 30, 2012, on account of necessary changes that had been made to its pricing structure. The Company also announced on March 16th that it was seeking to mitigate the adverse impact on revenue and earnings by instituting significant expense reductions and revenue enhancement measures but stated that it did not believe that those measures would be sufficient to offset the revenue and earnings downturn in the foreseeable future. The Company further stated on March 16 that it was considering an overhaul of its business model to permit it to drastically reduce its back office and interest expense in order to better match the Company's total expenses with its revenues.
On March 22, 2012, the Company announced that it had appointed Soneet Kapila of Kapila & Company, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, as its Chief Restructuring Officer ("CRO") to direct the Company's efforts to increase revenues and reduce expenses required by the decision to change the Company's pricing structure. The Company also indicated on March 22nd that it was actively pursuing strategic alternatives, including potential business combinations and the development of new business partnerships.
To date, the Company's vigorous efforts to reduce operating losses by increasing revenue and decreasing expenses have been unsuccessful. Competitive pressures have prevented the Company from increasing prices and, despite layoffs and other cost cutting measures, expenses have not been reduced in an amount sufficient to offset the decreased revenue since the change in pricing structure. The Company does, however, intend to continue to pursue strategic alternatives after the Voluntary Petitions for those portions of the Companies' business that have a discernible value as an ongoing enterprise.
The Company has filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission that provides additional details concerning the foregoing disclosures, including but not limited to the Lender's April 13, 2012, letter declaring a default under the Loan Agreement.
ROSETTA GENOMICS LIMITED (NASDAQ: ROSG)
"Up 23.94% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ROSG.php
Rosetta Genomics develops and commercializes a full range of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, the company's integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong patent position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development and commercialization of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools. The Company's miRview product line is commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab.
ROSG News:
April 19 - Rosetta Genomics Receives Key European Patent in Oncology
Patent Awarded for the Use of miR-34a for the Preparation of Pharmaceuticals for Treating p53-Negative Cancers
Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, today announced that the Company received a grant from the European Patent Office for a patent claiming the use of miR-34a for the preparation of pharmaceuticals for treating p53-negative cancers. The issued claims cover a core element of Rosetta Genomics' microRNA technology in the development of cancer therapeutics associated with p53-negative cancers. The patent is jointly owned with Yeda, the technology transfer company of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.
The p53 protein is a sequence-specific transcription factor that functions as a major tumor suppressor in mammals. Inactivation of the tumor-suppressor function of p53 is one of the most frequent genetic alterations in human cancer, and close to half of all human tumors carry p53 gene mutations within their cells. The invention covered by this new patent discloses the finding that miR-34a, which is a direct transcriptional target of p53, possesses anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activities, thereby contributing to the tumor suppressor effects of activated p53.
Overexpression of miR-34a exerts anti-proliferative effects and promotes cell death, whereas inactivation of miR-34a attenuates p53-mediated cell death. Thus, miR-34a is a direct transcriptional target of p53, which may mediate some of the biological effects of this tumor suppressor. Perturbation of miR-34a expression may thus contribute to tumorigenesis.
Commenting on the clinical utility for such a potential microRNA-based therapeutic, Moshe Oren, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science and a lead researcher of this work, said, "p53 is a major player in many cancers, and our new findings regarding the role of miR-34a in exerting its effects, has major therapeutic implications. One can envision a therapeutic based on mimicking mir-34a, in p53-negative cancers, thus overcoming part of the negative effects of missing this important tumor suppressor."
Commenting on the European patent allowance, Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics, said, "We are delighted to add this European patent to our growing worldwide intellectual property portfolio. This patent is important as it protects key elements of our microRNA technology to develop treatments for a variety of cancers. These claims provide significant protection for our proprietary technology, create formidable barriers to entry for any would-be competitors and offer multiple opportunities for potential drug development partnerships."
"Rosetta Genomics has pioneered the development of microRNA technology. We believe we have the earliest and broadest patents and patent applications related to composition of matter on microRNAs. This provides us with the widest access to the Sanger database, which is a key differentiating factor of our technology. This new patent is important for protecting our global leadership position in microRNA technology and resulting diagnostic and therapeutic products," added Mr. Berlin.
ABOUT MIRVIEW® PRODUCTS
miRview® are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic products offered by Rosetta Genomics. miRview® mets and miRview® mets² accurately identify the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). miRview® squamous accurately identifies the squamous subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, which carries an increased risk of severe or fatal internal bleeding and poor response to treatment for certain therapies. miRview® meso diagnoses mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure. miRview® lung accurately identifies the four main subtypes of lung cancer using small amounts of tumor cells. miRview® tests are designed to provide objective diagnostic data; it is the treating physician's responsibility to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment. In the U.S. alone, Rosetta Genomics estimates that 200,000 patients a year may benefit from the miRview® mets and miRview® mets² test, 60,000 from miRview® squamous, 60,000 from miRview® meso and more than 1 million patients worldwide from miRview lung. The Company's tests are offered directly by Rosetta Genomics in the U.S., and through distributors around the globe. For more information, please visit www.mirviewdx.com. Parties interested in ordering the test can contact Rosetta Genomics at (215) 382-9000 ext. 309.
ABOUT MICRORNAS
microRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, small RNAs that act as master regulators of protein synthesis, and have been shown to be highly effective biomarkers. The unique advantage of microRNAs as biomarkers lies in their high tissue specificity, and their exceptional stability in the most routine preservation methods for biopsies, including Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block tissue and fine needle aspirate (FNA) cell blocks. It has been suggested that their small size (19 to 21 nucleotides) enables them to remain intact in FFPE blocks, as opposed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which tends to degrade rapidly. In addition, early preclinical data has shown that by controlling the levels of specific microRNAs, cancer cell growth may be reduced.
AXIOM GOLD AND SILVER CORPORATION (OTCBB: AXIO)
"Up 38.46% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/AXIO.php
Axiom Gold and Silver Corp. engages in the discovery, exploration, and development of precious metal properties in Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. It holds interests in the Aurora project covering approximately 570 hectares and the Gavilan project comprising approximately 724.1028 hectares located in Sonora, Mexico. The company was formerly known as TC Power Management Corp. and changed its name to Axiom Gold and Silver Corp. in January 2011. Axiom Gold and Silver Corp. was founded in 2007 and is based in Oro Valley, Arizona.
AXIO News:
No recent news for Axiom Gold and Silver Corp. (OTCBB: AXIO).
ONTECO CORPORATION (OTC: ONTC)
"Up 53.08% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/ONTC.php
Onteco Corporation was founded to develop innovative, practical and cost-effective solutions to some of the most significant environmental challenges facing us today. Additionally, these solutions must show promise of generating significant, ongoing profits for the company. The company determined that one industry that meets these criteria is the Energy Saving Lighting Industry, and as a result acquired NexPhase Lighting, Inc., in February 2011.
ONTC News:
April 19 - Onteco Corporation, ONTC, Subsidiary, NexPhase Lighting, Inc., Harvesting Over $100,000 in Con Edison Rebates for Othmer Hall Project
Onteco Corporation (OTC: ONTC) (the "Company", or "Onteco") announced that its subsidiary, NexPhase Lighting, Inc. ("NexPhase"), has begun successfully harvesting rebates which will total over $100,000 for its previously announced Othmer Hall Project, for the use of NexPhase's high efficiency, high quality, LED intelligent lighting fixtures. The rebates are from the inclusion of NexPhase's LED products in the Con Edison Marketing Partner program.
"This is an excellent payback for our client in selecting our products, and reaffirms the value of our cutting-edge LED technology," Dror Svorai, President of the Company, stated. "We only recently joined the Con Edison Marketing Partner program in order to take advantage of its many opportunities, and are delighted to have Con Ed's program kicking in by already issuing significant rebate checks to our first, major customer in their region." He added, "We have no doubt that being able to offer, and demonstrate the issuance of, such rebates on our excellent products will provide a strong purchase incentive to our future customers."
ABOUT CONSOLIDATED EDISON, INC.
Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $13 billion in annual revenues and $36 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., a regulated utility providing electric, gas, and steam service in New York City and Westchester County, New York; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc., a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,350 square mile area in southeastern New York state and adjacent sections of northern New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania; Consolidated Edison Solutions, Inc., a retail energy supply and services company; Consolidated Edison Energy, Inc., a wholesale energy supply company; and Consolidated Edison Development, Inc., a company that participates in infrastructure projects.
ABOUT NEXPHASE LIGHTING, INC.
NexPhase Lighting, Inc. is a designer and developer of proprietary high quality LED (light-emitting diode) lighting fixtures and control systems for commercial applications. It believes its products will be the lowest cost, highest efficacy fixtures available in the LED Lighting Industry. All NexPhase lighting products incorporate its proprietary "NexSense Technology™", which provides benefits well beyond the generally acknowledged advantages of all other LED lighting fixtures. NexSense control systems use a unique, "patent pending' wireless protocol, which provides for an unsurpassed reduction in architecture and infrastructure installation cost in commercial applications, as well as significantly reduced maintenance and ongoing operation costs.
OPTIMUMBANK HOLDINGS INCORPORATED (NASDAQ: OPHC)
"Up 7.14% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/OPHC.php
OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for OptimumBank that provides community banking products and services to individuals and corporate customers in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, Florida. Its deposit products include demand interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing accounts, money market deposit accounts, NOW accounts, and time deposits, as well as direct deposits. The company also provides residential and commercial real estate loans, and consumer loans to individuals and small businesses, and other organizations. In addition, it offers credit cards, cash management, notary services, money orders, night depository, travelers’ checks, cashier’s checks, domestic collections, savings bonds, bank drafts, automated teller services, drive-in tellers, and banking by mail services. Further, the company provides Internet banking services. It conducts operations from its Fort Lauderdale headquarters and three branch offices in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, and Deerfield Beach. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
OPHC News:
April 17 - Chief Lending Officer Departs
South Florida Business Journal reports that "OptimumBank's (NASDAQ: OPHC) Chief Lending Officer Howard Zusman resigned, amid the bank's promise to shareholders that lending would resume this year." To read more, visit http://bit.ly/Jww9DN.
LIQUIDMETAL TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED (OTCBB: LQMT)
"Up 14.74% in morning trading"
Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/LQMT.php
Rancho Santa Margarita, California-based Liquidmetal Technologies, Inc. is the leading developer of bulk alloys and composites, that utilize the performance advantages offered by amorphous alloy technology. Amorphous alloys are unique materials that are distinguished by their ability to retain a random structure when they solidify, in contrast to the crystalline atomic structure that forms in ordinary metals and alloys. Liquidmetal Technologies is the first company to produce amorphous alloys in commercially viable bulk form, enabling significant improvements in products across a wide array of industries.
LQMT News:
March 30 - Liquidmetal® Technologies Reports Annual Revenue of $1 Million for the Year Ended 2011
Liquidmetal® Technologies Inc. (OTCBB: LQMT) announced its financial results for the three months ended and year ended December 31, 2011. The Company reported revenues of $0.25 million and $1 million for the fourth quarter ended and year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. Furthermore, the Company closed out the fourth quarter with an operating loss of $1.7 million and $6.5 million for the year end.
Mr. Tom Steipp, President and CEO, commented, “Liquidmetal Technologies has reached an important milestone enabling it to realize the benefits of its partner relationships. By the end of 2011, we are now able to source alloy feedstock from Materion, process our alloys using next generation molding machines from Engel and manufacture commercial parts at our contract manufacturer, Visser Precision Cast. Looking forward, we will be working with our partners to scale up these production capabilities while engaging with customers in aerospace, medical, sporting goods and other industries.”
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