Author: Mahrukh Rehan

LSB Industries, Inc. (LXU) saw a push of 6.56% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session closed at $9.76 with a decline of 3.65%.

Sidoti Microcap Virtual Conference –  What is it?

On 5^th November 2021, it was announced that Sidoti & Company, LLC has revised the primary data for its two-day Microcap Virtual Conference. Moreover, the conference will take place on December 8 – 9, 2021. Over 70 microcap companies are expected to attend. Sidoti events attract both client and non-client organizations, family offices, high net worth individuals, and retail investors of all sizes.

Third Quarter Operating Results 2021 – What’s new?

LXU released third-quarter results 2021 on 1^st November 2021. The net sales recorded were $127.2 million, $74.0 million more than the previous quarter. Moreover, the company’s total liquidity came out to be $81.1 million. Not only this, but the company also completed an exchange deal that converted existing preferred stock into common stock. This resulted in a credit rating increase, debt refinancing, and a significant cost of capital decrease.

How’s the LXU’s quarter been?

In the third quarter of 2021, despite a lengthy turnaround at the Cherokee factory, LXU achieved strong year-over-year growth in both the top and bottom lines. In addition, the chemical business saw a 72 percent gain in net sales and a nearly 270 percent increase in adjusted EBITDA over the same period last year.

This helped the company to set a new third-quarter record. These excellent results reflect ongoing strong demand and price trends for both agricultural and industrial goods, as well as steady facility performance and the operating efficiency inherent in the business model.

About LXU

LSB Industries, Inc., based in Oklahoma City, produces and distributes chemicals for the agricultural, mining, and industrial sectors. The corporation owns and runs plants in Cherokee, Alabama, El Dorado, Arkansas, and Pryor, Oklahoma, as well as a site in Baytown, Texas, that serves a worldwide chemical industry.

LSB Industries has assembled an amazing leadership team of visionaries. They share the same goal with our other 600+ team members: to manage a best-in-class chemical manufacturing firm while adhering to our core principles of Protect What Matters, Make It Better, Integrity Without Compromise, and Be One Team.

Proterra Inc. (PTRA) experienced an increase of 7.87% in premarket. However, the last trading session closed at $10.68 with a decline of 8.01%.

Solar and Storage Microgrid and EV Charging

On 5^th November 2021, The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) announced that the California Energy Commission has given the agency a $6 million grant to build one of the country’s largest EV fleet charging stations. Moreover, Los Angeles is on track to reach a zero-emission future and investments in clean transportation systems. The more electric vehicles we put on the roads, the fewer the emissions will be in the future. This will ensure a healthier and more sustainable future.

Furthermore, LADOT’s adoption of electric buses will be aided by the solar and storage microgrid. It will be combined with 104 EV chargers as the agency moves toward a completely electric fleet by 2028. The EV-charging microgrid will help control EV charging. The project will minimize greenhouse gas emissions, cut LADOT’s electricity costs, and offer emergency backup power so that the agency may continue operating in the event of a power outage by supplying clean solar energy generated and storage capacity.

Collaboration of PTRA with Komatsu

On 26^th October 2021, PTRA has announced a new partnership to use its battery technology to power next-generation underground mining tools. Proterra will offer Komatsu with its H Series battery system technology for the development of battery-electric LHDs, and drills. Moreover, Komatsu, a manufacturer of mining equipment and services, aims to use Proterra’s high-performance battery systems to produce prototype machines this year, with commercial production beginning in 2022.

Massachusetts Electric School Bus

PTRA reported on 13^th October 2021 that Massachusetts successfully returned power to the system for more than 50 hours. A Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner C2 Jouley electric school bus discharged nearly three megawatt-hours of electricity to the regional electric grid. Moreover, Highland worked with National Grid too. This supplies the bus, chargers, and all electricity to Beverly Public Schools under a mileage-based subscription. National Grid used the energy stored in the electric school bus battery on 30 separate occasions.

Renalytix Plc (RNLX) saw a push of 5.6% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session closed at $24.98 with a decline of 8.83%.

Full Year Fiscal 2021 Results

RNLX reported full-year fiscal 2021 results on 21 October 2021. The company showed the following progress according to the report:

• In order to prepare for wider commercialization, the company has filled senior leadership positions.
• Achieved dual listing on Nasdaq Global Market and related gross equity fundraising of $85.1 million.
• Moreover, at the end of June 2021, the company had $65.1 million in cash and equivalents.
• Data from the CANVAS experiment was presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Annual Scientific Meeting, revealing that KidneyIntelX may be used to track treatment response and improvements in kidney function in persons with type 2 diabetes over time.
• The American Journal of Nephrology approved a peer-reviewed manuscript presenting the aforementioned findings.

RNLX Launches KidneyIntelX

On 7^th October 2021, RNLX announced that the company is expanding its commercial approach to serve early-stage renal disease in the Veterans Health Administration patient pool. To support KidneyIntelXTM expansion to the VA Health System, Mr. Fulk is building and directing a team that will expand to 42 regional sales managers and account executives by 2022. Furthermore, the Veterans Health Administration is the nation’s biggest comprehensive healthcare system. It has 1,293 sites, including 171 medical centers and 1,112 outpatient locations of varying degrees of complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), servicing nine million registered Veterans each year. Lastly, the Veteran community has a one-third greater prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) than the general public.

Appointment of Daniel J. Levangie

On 30^th August 2021, RNLX announced the appointment of Daniel J. Levangie to the Board of Directors. Daniel will help the company as they actually implement their KidneyIntelX national marketing plan. The plan will be implemented to over 200,000 primary care doctors treating an estimated 12 million diabetic kidney disease patients. In addition, Dan has established a benchmark for broad-scale uptake of transformative diagnostic tools in cancer. Lastly, being a part of the marketing strategy’s early commercial scale-up and execution will be a significant step forward for the firm.

Spark Networks SE (LOV) experienced an incline of 7.29% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session closed at $2.88 with a decrease of 6.8%.

MKR Investor Relations

On 27^th September 2021, LOV announced that MKR Investor Relations, Inc. has been hired to help with the company’s investor relations program. Moreover, it will also support efforts to increase awareness among institutional investors in the United States. MKR was founded in 1999. It works with micro-cap and small-cap technology firms to develop and implement proactive, strategic investor communications programs. These programs boost long-term shareholder value. Moreover, the capital markets veterans and senior communications professionals make up MKR’s team. Lastly, they also contribute in-depth industry knowledge and long-standing contacts with institutional investors and research analysts.

Appointment of Colleen Brown by LOV

LOV stated on 23^rd August 2021 that Colleen Brown will be the company’s new non-executive chair of the Board of Directors. The company is very happy to appoint Colleen as board chair. Her considerable expertise as a corporate director and solid track record as a media and technology CEO will assist drive development and shareholder value generation. Besides, Brown is also looking forward to working with the board of directors and their strong leadership team to accelerate our development plan, form new alliances, and create tremendous value for the shareholders. 

LOV announced Second Quarter 2021 Results

LOV announced second-quarter 2021 results on 16^th August 2021. The second quarter of 2021 brought in $55.3 million, down $1.2 million from the second quarter of 2020. However, the drop in revenue was caused by a 3.0% drop in typical paying subscribers. The second quarter of 2021 saw a $50.4 million net loss. However, a non-cash impairment charge resulting from the revaluation of firm intangibles and goodwill had an influence on the net loss. Moreover, the Adjusted EBITDA was $8.3 million, down $1.8 million from the second quarter of 2020,  when it was $10.1 million.

With the debut of the live streaming service, the company entered the social discovery market. LOV enhanced dater’s experiences with fresh aesthetics and greater security to the key brands, and more affordable pricing for Zoosk members. Furthermore, LOV is concentrating on forming partnerships to provide new and interesting things to the locations. Last but not least, the company has continued to minimize the Zoosk’s slide to its lowest levels since purchasing it.

Monetization of Zoosk Live!

LOV reported on 7^th July 2021 that Zoosk Live!, a live streaming service offered through a collaboration with ParshipMeet Group, has started to generate income for the firm. Zoosk Live! is the result of Spark utilizing ParshipMeet Group’s Live Video Platform as a Service (vPaaS) solution, which monetizes user videos and powers some of the world’s leading live streaming video dating applications.

Moreover, the site provides a variety of live streaming alternatives, such as challenges, events, and interactive features like NextDateTM. It is a speed dating game in which Zoosk users may star in front of a live streaming audience. Spark Networks’ first foray into the nascent social discovery market is Zoosk Live!

Orbsat Corp. (OSAT) saw an increase of 7.94% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session closed at $4.91 with a decrease of 4.29%.

Appointment as Chief Financial Officer

OSAT reported on 7^th October 2021 that Paul R. Thomson, the company’s Executive Vice President, has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Moreover, Andrew Cohen was named Senior Vice President of Operations by OSAT. It is a new position that will assist the company’s ongoing e-commerce business development efforts.

In August, Mr. Thomson was appointed Executive Vice President of the Company, with duties that included supervising the installation of new enterprise IT infrastructure. Not only this but Mr. Cohen brings 35 years of expertise in the private equity and real estate industries to the Company as Senior Vice President of Operations. He worked as a Partner with Apollo Real Estate Advisors from 1996 until 2009. Last but not least, he is an expert at financing, asset management, and disposal of commercial, residential, retail, and hotel properties across the United States.

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results by OSAT

OSAT announced second-quarter 2021 financial results on 17^th August 2021. The Company completed its up listing into the Nasdaq Capital Market and raised approximately $14.6 million in net proceeds through an underwritten public offering of equity units. Moreover, the sales at the Company’s Global Telesat Communications Ltd. climbed by 94% in the second quarter. It was due to strong demand from clients in the United Kingdom and the European Union, while sales at Orbital Satcom Corp. increased by 12%.

During the second quarter, the Company completed sales in 104 countries. In addition, the gross profit margins for the quarter improved to 27.7% from 21.1 percent in the previous quarter. This owed to growing worldwide demand for high margin satellite IoT products and services, as well as recurring airtime income. Lastly, the net loss for the quarter ending June 30, 2021, was $1,458,394, compared to a net profit of $26,566 for the same period in 2020.

Global E-Commerce Presence Expansion

On 13^th July 2021, OSAT’s reported the expansion of Alibaba.com to 190 countries. Alibaba.com presently boasts 26 million active worldwide business partners servicing clients in 190 countries in 19 languages. Moreover, it gets over 340,000 product inquiries and 20,000 RFQs every day. With the introduction of its second worldwide storefront, GTC dramatically increases its 24/7/365 e-commerce presence as a Gold Supplier, Alibaba.com’s highest level and most trusted seller category. OSAT is considerably speeding its worldwide development goals by launching on Alibaba.com, the world’s largest B2B platform. Not only this but it is working to increase and broaden the e-commerce reach into virtually every nation. This will enable the company to fulfill the demands of its global corporate customers.

Sequans Communications S.A. (SQNS) has seen a decline of 5.5% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session concluded at $4.73 with an increase of 1.5%.

New qastle Smart Alarm Controller

On 21^st October 2021, SQNS announced that it has released the LTE-enabled qastle Smart AlarmTM Controller. It enables a DIY homeowner to consider upgrading their wired alarm to a smart wired alarm system. This is done by merely replacing the current alarm system control panel with the qastle Smart Alarm Controller while keeping all of their wired network sensors and devices. The qastle Smart Alarm Controller connects to cellular IoT networks using Sequans’ Monarch Go LTE-M/NB-IoT modem component. Monarch Go is a Verizon-certified all-in-one connection solution that includes the modem, an optimized antenna, and a Verizon SIM.

New JACS TR0820 Semi-Ruggedized Enterprise Tablet

SQNS announced the development of a new 4G LTE semi-ruggedized tablet on 19^th October 2021. It is based on Sequans’ Cassiopeia CBRS module, which will connect to private LTE networks deployed by businesses, governmental entities, academic facilities, and industrial sites. Moreover, CBRS (citizens’ broadband radio service) refers to a 3.5 GHz spectrum block given for public use by the FCC. It allows businesses to create their own commercial LTE networks on a common spectrum basis.

Furthermore, the LTE connectivity offered by Sequans’ Cassiopeia CBRS module provides LTE CAT 4 or 6 data speed. This is the highest cost-effective level of throughput for these sorts of use cases. Lastly, it may be utilized for each of these cases, allowing the JACS TR0820 tablet to be used for each of these use cases.

Second Quarter 2021 Results by SQNS

SQNS reported second-quarter 2021 results on 3 August 2021. The second quarter’s revenue was $12.9 million, up 4.4 percent from the first quarter of 2021. The rise from the first quarter was largely attributable to increasing Massive IoT and Vertical services revenues. Moreover, the gross profit was $7.3 million, up from $6.2 million in the first quarter. The second quarter of 2021 had a gross margin of 56.6 percent, up from 50.1 percent in the first quarter and 48.3 percent in the second quarter of 2020. The rise in gross margin was mainly attributable to a change in revenue mix, with more service revenue. In addition, there was a sequential improvement in operating loss as well. It was principally attributable to a greater gross profit margin on higher sales while operating expenditures in the second quarter of 2021 benefited from a $1.2 million one-time net reduction.

Profire Energy, Inc. (PFIE) saw a push of 0.84% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session concluded at $1.19 with an incline of 1.71%.

Third Quarter 2021 Conference Call

PFIE announced on 20^th October 2021 that the company will hold a conference call on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. ET. The results for the third quarter of 2021 were reported in the conference, which ended September 30, 2021. Prior to the conference call, the company’s financial results will be submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Later they will be announced in a press release.

Share Repurchase Program

PFIE announced on 16^th September 2021 that it has received the authority to purchase up to $2,000,000 in common shares over the next 12 months. The board of directors of the company approved a share repurchase program as a way to return funds to shareholders on a more timely basis. For any reason, such market circumstances, the cost of repurchasing shares, the availability of other investment options, availability, and other considerations are necessary while acquiring the shares. Lastly, the Company will not acquire any specific number of shares under the repurchase program. 

Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 Results by PFIE

PFIE reported second-quarter 2021 results on 4^th August 2021. The total revenue growth rate was $6.0 million. The gross profit was $2.7 million, up from $2.2 million in the previous quarter. Moreover, the gross margin was 44.0 percent of revenues in the second quarter of 2020. And total operational expenditures were $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2021. The sequential rise reflects sales and product development investments in response to growing demand as well as labor market cost pressure. Last but not least, the operating expenditures for G&A were up 1%, R&D was up 31%, and depreciation was down 8% compared to the same period last year.

First Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 Results by PFIE

PFIE released the first quarter 2021 results on 5^th May 2021. Total revenue for the quarter was $5.1 million, down from $5.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on the industry, dramatically reduced drilling operations activity and wiped out clients’ capital budgets in 2020. This was the principal reason for the sequential and year-over-year drop. Moreover, the gross profit was $2.2 million, down from $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The sequential dip was attributable to a change in product mix and decreased coverage of fixed expenses. Lastly, operating expenditures for G&A declined 22 percent, R&D decreased 37 percent, and depreciation climbed 14 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

TSR, Inc. (TSRI) experienced a decrease of 7.42% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session closed at $9.3 with a decline of 3.12%.

First Quarter 2021 Financial Results

TSRI announced the recorded revenue for the first quarter on 13^th October 2021. The revenue grew 57.5 percent to $22.9 million in the quarter ending August 31, 2021. Due to new business development, purchase, and organic growth, revenue climbed 57.5 percent in the first quarter. The current quarter’s operational deficit of TSRI was $355,000, compared to a $60,000 operating profit the previous quarter. A charge of $580,000 was recorded in the current quarter as a result of the settlement of litigation with the former CEO.

Moreover, TSR would have made a $225,000 operating profit for the quarter if this one-time charge had not occurred. The rise in SG&A compared to the prior-year quarter was primarily attributable to the expansion of the recruiting team. In addition, higher expenditures were incurred as a result of the purchase of Geneva Consulting Group, Inc. Lastly, the current quarter’s net income was $6,402,000. This was mostly due to the cancellation of principal and interest on the $6,735,000 SBA PPP Loan.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year Results 2021

TSRI announced fourth-quarter fiscal year results on 23^rd August 2021. Revenue grew to $21.1 million in the quarter ending May 31, 2021. The previous quarter’s operating income was $15,000, down from $350,000 the previous quarter. The current quarter’s net loss applicable to TSR was $46,000. TSRI’s whole staff has worked tirelessly to produce excellent outcomes in a difficult climate.

They’re now seeing the actual results of their efforts. Not only this but the skills and resiliency they have built during these extraordinary circumstances have better positioned their team members for success in a more typical market. The Geneva purchase, as well as organic growth and new business development within the existing Geneva customer base, boosted revenue by 16.4% for the year. Last but not least, TSRI’s net loss was reduced to $601,000 from $1,126,000 the previous year as a result of this.

Third Quarter 2021 Results by TSRI

TSRI reported third-quarter 2021 results on 15^th April 2021. Revenue grew from 21.3 percent to $17.1 million. The current quarter’s net loss was $339,000, contrasted to a prior-year quarter’s operating loss of $1,251,000. The current quarter’s net loss owing to TSR was $305,000, compared to a $945,000 net loss related to TSR in the previous quarter.

Furthermore, the selling, marketing, and administrative costs fell $187,000. The decline in SG&A was mostly attributable to an $818,000 accrual for a litigation agreement. Lastly, TSRI has started upgrading and modernizing a few of its back-office systems in the hopes of improving efficiency and allowing TSRI to grow.

Esports Technologies, Inc. (EBET) experiences an incline of 6.46% in the aftermarket. However, the last trading session closed at $28.18 with an incline of 2.14%.

Esports Business Summit Awards Finalist

On 19^th October 2021, EBET announced that it is a nominee for the Tempest Esports Business Awards in 2021 for industry excellence. For their real-time odds modeling and simulation system, the firm was nominated in the Innovative Use of Technology category. The technology uses powerful automated algorithms to calculate odds and betting markets in real-time for widespread esports betting. The Tempest Awards recognize the most creative firms and professionals in the esports sector each year. These awards are some of North America’s highest distinctions for the companies, teams, leagues, players, and business executives who are driving the competitive gaming industry.

Expansion with Addition of Third Office by EBET

EBET reported on 12^th October 2021 that the company has built a new cutting-edge office in Malta. Working closely with the Esports Technologies office in Dublin, the Malta facility will house the majority of the Esports Technologies staff as well as direct European market operations. The extra office site will aid Esports Technologies’ expansion into Western Europe, which includes the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

In addition, the company’s existing offices in Las Vegas and Dublin will be joined by the Esports Technologies Malta branch. The workplace will include an open floor plan with breakout areas. Lastly, the office will also include a dedicated esports lounge with gaming consoles, a complete kitchen and bar, and direct access to Balluta Bay from the terrace.

Acquisition of Aspire Global’s B2C business

On 1^st October 2021, EBET announced the acquisition of Aspire Global’s B2C business. The company has made a deal of $75.9 million and has purchased Aspire Global PLC’s B2C business. Moreover, the total value of the transaction is $58.3 million in cash, $11.7 million in a promissory note, and $5.9 million in common stock. Last but not least, the business plans to utilize the multiple-brand purchase to cross-sell esports wagering options. This will boost esports revenue, player bet transactions, and customer numbers.

Strategic Deal with Aspire Global and EBET

EBET reported on 20^th September 2021 that Aspire Global has signed a strategic licensing deal with Esports Technologies. This will incorporate the company’s patented odds modeling, market formation, and trading feed into Aspire’s esports platform. Esports Technologies will be able to use Aspire’s solutions and managed services as a result of this partnership. Moreover, Aspire Global is a major B2B iGaming solutions provider, with a strong technological platform, proprietary casino games, a proprietary sportsbook, and a game aggregator. Lastly, Aspire also has a number of B2C brands, including Karamba, which is the company’s flagship B2B platform.

Valneva SE (VALN) saw an increase of 15% in the premarket. However, the last trading session concluded at $35.4 with a decline of 9.72%.

Positive Phase 3 Results for Inactivated, Adjuvanted COVID-19 Vaccine

On 18^th October 2021, VALN reported Phase 3 pivotal trial Cov-Compare of its inactivated, adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine candidate, VLA2001. The major Phase 3 Cov-Compare study enrolled 4,012 individuals aged 18 and above from 26 trial sites across the United Kingdom. At two weeks after the second vaccination by VALN, VLA2001 showed superiority over AZD1222 (ChAdOx1-S) in terms of geometric mean titer for neutralization antibodies.

In both therapy groups, less than 1% experienced a really concerning adverse event. Participants in the younger age group who received VLA2001 vaccination had an overall safety profile similar to those in the older age group. COVID-19 instances occurred at equal rates in both treatment groups. The absence of any severe COVID-19 cases might mean that both vaccinations employed in the research protected against severe COVID-19.

Cancellation of Ordinary Shares by VALN

On 4^th October 2021, VALN reported that upon the expiry of the Company’s liquidity arrangement with Oddo BHF, the Management Board has agreed to cancel all ordinary shares owned by the VALN. Its current share capital is 14,986,674.45 Euros, divided into 99,890,649 ordinary shares and 20,514 preferred shares convertible into ordinary shares.

Positive Phase 2 Results

On 28^th September 2021, VALN reported that the company has received further positive Phase 2 findings, including a booster response. 246 healthy individuals aged 18 to 65 were included in the research in the United States. At one month following completion of the main vaccination series, the research accomplished its primary goal. The only goal was to establish that VLA15 was immunogenic across all dosage groups. Antibody titers fell subsequently across both groups, remaining above baseline but demonstrating the requirement for a booster approach. The administration of a booster dosage by VALN generated a significant anamnestic response.