STOCKS TELEGRAPH

Author: ST Staff

Why SuperCom Ltd., (SPCB) stock more than doubled early Friday?

SUPERCOM Ltd. (NASDAQ: SPCB) stock climbed 111.03% Friday morning after SPCB announced that they have won the tender with the Government of Israel for the lease of the COVID-19 Quarantine Compliance Project. SuperCom is the provider of traditional and digital identity solutions around the world. It also deals with providing services like advanced safety, security, and identification solutions for both private and public organizations as well as for the government.

What the project is about?

The PureHealth Coronavirus Quarantine Compliance Solution includes the PureCare smartphone and PureTag bracelet, with that it also facilitates people with installation, training for users, support, monitoring, and reporting. SuperCom has gained the lease of this project from Israeli Government on March 19, which is an achievement on board for SPCB.

SuperCom has already finished a successful trial program of this compliance solution for COVID-19 in Israel. The people arriving at Israel’s international airport were given the facility to if they want, they can go to home quarantine for 10-14 days with SuperCom’s “pure care technology and program”.

After high demand due to extreme satisfaction showed by the travelers (over 91 percent chose to opt in for the program), The Israeli Ministry of Health expressed immediate demand for a bracelet-based COVID-19 quarantine solution to endorse allowing Israel’s international airports to open for large numbers of travelers to enter the country on a regular basis.

What now?

On national level this project is expected to start from the next week, following the necessary steps like contract signing between Israeli government and SPCB for an initial term of 3 months which could be extended for up to 36 months. The project, which is billed on a per-unit-per-day basis, is expected to produce revenues of about $3 million per month for SPCB. On the other hand,revenues may rise or fall depending on actual use.

March 19, 2021
What is behind the rise of Tonix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TNXP) stock during pre-market?

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: TNXP) stock declined by 8.67% in the last trading close, whereas the TNXP stock price rises by 6.57% during pre-market after TNXP announced that Tonix Pharmaceutical has been issued with patent No 10,946,027 by the U.S Patent and Trademark Office on 16 March 2021. A clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, Tonix focuses on making, acquiring, and licensing small molecules and biologics for the treatment and prevention of human disease and to reduce suffering.

Major achievements of TNXP

Being issued with a Patent number is definitely a huge achievement for Tonix Pharmaceuticals. Currently Tonix oxalate is the most used pharmaceutical ingredient of Tonix’s development candidate such as TNX-601 CR (tianeptine oxalate and naloxone controlled-release tablet) which is the novel oral formation of one of the most recognized tianeptine oxalate salts. This helps to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder and any neurocognitive dysfunction that is linked with corticosteroid use.

Also Tianeptine sodium (amorphous) immediate release (IR) is used for the treatment of depression for over three decades in Europe which was first advertised in France back in 1989. It has also been marketed in many other countries of Asia and Latin America but in USA no tianeptine containing product has been accepted by FDA for use.

The latest patent, that is “Tianeptine Oxalate Salts and Polymorphs,” contains pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline tianeptine oxalate salts, as well as methods for using such compositions to treat various diseases and methods for producing the oxalate salts. It is to be expected that this patent will provide TNXP with U.S market exclusivity until December 28, 2037, but not including and patent term extensions.

Conclusion

This positive development in Tonix Pharmaceuticals will open new and better opportunities for them to work in this field whereas it will help investors to develop their trust in TNXP shares.

March 19, 2021
WISeKey Inc. (WKEY) stock rises during pre-market. Here’s what has happened?
WISeKey Inc. (NASDAQ: WKEY) stock showed a jump of 64.37% in last trading close whereas during the pre-market the WKEY stock declines by 14.37%. This irregular up and down of WKEY stock price has been observed after WISeKey announced the development of its new application i-e Non Fungible Tokens application. WISeKey is an international level cybersecurity company currently working on deploying digital identity ecosystems for people and objects that uses blockchain AI and IoT respecting the Human as the power of the Internet.

So what?

WKEY announcing the development of its new Non fungible tokens application is basically made on high-scalable blockchain infrastructure which is supported by proprietary Digital Identification technology that ensures security, authenticity and also proves the possession of tangible and digital assets. WISeKey has decided to include the NFT feature in its WISeAuthentic Platform that certainly uses an authentic method for digital certification of the genuineness of a physical object and corresponding computer program and storage device.

Other Recent Developments.
- On 16 March 2021, WKEY announced that they have signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Seychelles which was officially represented by the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT). This is to start a project for the development of an innovative Digital Identity platform for Seychelles, and this platform will be integrated with different national initiatives such as tourism and health and especially eGovernment.
- Another recent development in the WISeKey Inc. is that they have released a VaccineTrusts platform which is based on PKI Digital Certification technology. The VaccineTrusts platform incorporates Digital Vaccination Certificates (DVC) provided by a variety of third trusted parties and is intended to be used as proof of vaccination for those who have received coronavirus vaccines. WKEY has already been approached and selected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as their technology partner to provide security to their ONE record test platform.
Conclusion

These recent positive developments have definitely played their role in hyping up the stock but clearly, the rise in WKEY stock did not sustain for a long time which shows that the investors are might not be completely sure about investing in WKEY stock as of now. Because of uncertain WKEY stock price we cannot give one final statement about WISeKey’s performance.
March 19, 2021
Marker Therapeutics (MRKR) stock plunged today in the market; Here’s why

The stock of Marker Therapeutics plunged today by -4.26% to the current price of $1.80. The MRKR stock previously closed at $1.88.

Marker Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology firm that descriptively is a clinical-stage immune-oncology company. MRKR specializes in the development, production, and commercialization of different gene and T-cell-based immunotherapies. They also focus on peptide-based vaccines, which are used for the cure and treatment of hematological malignancies and work as indicators for solid tumors.

Major shareholder buys more than 5 million shares of MRKR

The major shareholder of the MRKR stock, Paul Edward Walker, acquired 5,714,285 shares of its stock. This transaction took place on 16^th March, where the stakes were acquired at an average price of $1.75. The news of this purchase was publicly recorded and filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission SEC.

On a similar day, the biotech company announced the closing of an underwritten public offering of more than 32 million (precisely 32,282,857) shares of its common stock. These shares were also priced at $1.75. Usually, in a significant transaction of this size, the gross proceeds have certain deductions that are made related to underwriting discounts, commissions as well as offering expenses. The net proceeds that will be received by Marker Therapeutics are equal to %56.5 million.

This offering had many book-running managers for it. Oppenheimer and Co. Inc. acted as the lead manager while Piper Sandler & Co. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. also served as the book-running managers for the offering. Roth Capital Partners acted as the co-manager for the offering.

Reinforced positive market sentiment for MRKR

On 8^th March 2021, MRKR posted its earnings which showed that the company had missed Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.16 while it reported $0.18 earnings per share.

However, the overall market sentiment for this stock has been lifting up as several key institutional investors and hedge funds, as well as analysts, have made positive comments and actions regarding MRKR stock. GSA Capital Partners LLP, State Street Corp, Vigilare Wealth Management, and Jane Street Group LLC have acquired new shares in the 3^rd and 4^th quarters of 2020.

Analysts give “buy” and “overweight” ratings to the stock

Oppenheimer has issued a “buy” rating to the MRKR stock set at $8.00, while Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. started coverage on MRKR while giving it an overweight rating at a price objective of $6.00.

The MRKR stock news will continue to be positive due to institutional investors & hedge funds. Mainly the focus of all the concerned parties will be towards the anticipation of the current quarter’s financial report.

March 19, 2021
The Atlantic American Corporation (AAME) Stock soared with no major news; here’s why

The Atlantic American Corporation (NASDAQ: AAME) stock soared today by 6.57% to the current price of $4.54. The AAME stock was also the top 4 movers in the after-hours market, rising by more than 30%.

No press release by the Insurance Company

There is no specific news that came adjacent to the increase in the stock prices. However, on 18^th March, as soon as AAME stock became the top four gainers in the after-hours trading, the news received hype.

Glimpse into AAME

Atlantic Corporation is an insurance holding company. It is also involved in the specialty markets through its subsidiaries in property, life, health, and casualty insurance industries. The primary insurance subsidiaries are American Safety Insurance Company, Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company, and American Southern Insurance Company.

What created the hype for the AAME stock

The news about being the top gainers in the after-hour market made rounds on stock-related social media pages where keen investors and stock-observers made positive and hopeful comments about the stock’s movements.

However, this isn’t news but just an action gaining hype. The real reason why the stock went up is still unknown.

This has happened before as well

A similar event took place more than a month ago, on 5^th February 2021, when the shares of Atlantic American Corp. had soared 4 times due to massive volume transactions. The insurance company acknowledged the MarketWatch that it had not issued any press releases that could lead to this massive trade volume transaction. The AAME stock was on record for the highest close since before Black Monday. On that afternoon, the AAME stock also became the most significant gainer that was trading on major U.S exchanges and was the second most actively traded stock on NASDAQ.

March 19, 2021
Neos Therapeutics Inc. (NEOS) stock skyrocketing in pre-market. Here’s to know why?

Neos Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: NEOS) stock showed a rise of 1.72% in the last trading close, while NEOS stock price rises by 10.17% during pre-market. The rise in NEOS stock is might be due to the news of a merger between Neo Therapeutics and Aytu Biosciences that has been circulating. Neos Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company that deals with the development and manufacturing of central nervous system (CNS)-focused products. On the other hand, Aytu Biosciences is also a pharmaceutical company but focuses on the commercialization of novel products that cater to the unmet needs of patients. Currently, AYTU is marketing the prescription products that address large primary care and pediatric markets.

What now?

The important meetings of stockholders of both companies related to the merger was set happen on 18 March that was yesterday. The results of that meeting have not yet been released but there are high chances of it to be the reason behind the rise in NEOS stock.

In that meeting, stockholders of both NEOS and AYTU were eligible to receive notice of vote in their respective company’s meeting. It was already announced that if the stockholders approve this merger and it also get the waiver of the other conditions then at the closing of this merger both Neos and Aytu will be together renamed as Aytu Biopharma Inc. and on Nasdaq Capital market its common stock will be traded under the symbol of AYTU.

At the successful closing of NEOS and AYTU merger, the stockholders of Neos will get 0.1088 Aytu shares that will value the all-stock transaction at approximately $44.9 million. Upon recently checked values, the NEOS shares were trading 63.8% higher at $1.9 in pre-market on Thursday whereas for AYTU share, they were trading at 23.1% higher rate at $11.89.

Response of other companies

The two very reputable firms the one is ‘Glass, Lewis & Co” and the other is “Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.” recommended the NEOS stockholders to vote “FOR” the merger. Both these companies are independent proxy advisory firms.

March 19, 2021
Why Diana Shipping Inc. (DSX) stock declined?

Diana Shipping Inc. (DSX) recently announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the sale of vessel Naias, on 16^th of March 2021, to an unaffiliated third party, through a separate subsidiary, at a sale price of $11.25 million.

About Diana Shipping Inc.

Diana Shipping Inc., a Marshall Islands incorporated company, provides shipping transportation services all over the globe through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. Diana shipping specializes in the ownership of dry bulk vessels and its vessels transport a wide range of dry bulk cargoes, such as coal, iron ore, gran, and are employed mainly on medium to long-term time charters. Diana shipping owns a modern, high quality and massive fleet consisting of 37 dry bulk vessels along with the Naias, the Panamax dry bulk that has been recently sold. The fleet’s current carrying capacityis of 4.7 million deadweight tonnage (dwt) with an average lifespan of 10.07 years. Diana shipping aims to expand and manage its fleet in a way that enables them to enhance their shareholder value.

The Sale Agreement

On 17^th march, 2021, Dianna Shipping announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the sale of 2006-made vessel Naias, on 16^th of March 2021, to an unaffiliated third party, through a separate subsidiary, at a sale price of $11.25 million, with the delivery date of 30^th July, 2021. After the completion of this sale agreement, Diana shipping’s fleet will consist of 36 dry bulk vessels which includes 12 Capesize, 4 Newcastlemax, 10 Panamax, 5 Post-Panamax and 5 Kamsarmax.

Financial Performance of DSX

On 22^nd February, 2021, DSX announced their fourth quarter results. The earnings per share decreased 66.67% year-over-year to $0.10, compared to the estimate of $0.06 per share. Their revenue has decreased 17.18% to $42.657 million compared to the estimate of $40.610 million. The DSX stock was unaffected by the announcement of the fourth quarter results.
On 18^th march, the DSX stock closed at $3.37 and decreased 5.07% compared to the prior day close of $3.55.

The Effect of COVID-19 on Diana Shipping

Diana Shipping had recently announced on 10^th March, 2021, that the 2021 Annual Meeting of shareholders will be held virtually because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The board of directors have decided to schedule the meeting on 20^th May, 2021.

March 19, 2021
Aravive Inc. (ARAV) stock is soaring high in after-hours. Let’s find out why?
Aravive Inc. (NASDAQ: ARAV) stock price was high in the last trading close by 4.38%, while the stock also rises by 15.87% during after-hours. The ARAV stock price has been uptrending since Aravive has announced its fourth quarter and full-year 2020 financial results on 16 March 2021. Aravive is a biotechnology company related to oncology that focuses on developing transformative therapeutics for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.

Financial Results
- The revenue generated by ARAV in fourth quarter and full year 2020 was $5.7 million for both periods, whereas it was $0 and $4.8 million for the same periods in 2019. The revenue gathered in 2020 by ARAV is due to its collaboration and license agreement with 3D medicines.
- ARAV stock news shows that the total operating expense was $9.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 and it was $36.5 million for the full year of 2020. Whereas it was $5.2 million and $26.5 million for the fourth quarter and full-year 2020, respectively.
- For the full year 2020, the non-recurring non-cash charges for the impairment of the Company’s right-of-use asset and also its leasehold improvements was $5.8 million.
- ARAV has recorded a net loss of $4.0 million or $0.25 per share for the fourth quarter of 2020 and $30.5 million or $1.93 million per share for the full year 2020. Compared to 2020, in 2019 the net loss faced by ARAV was $4.3 million or $0.35 per share and $18.2 million or $1.57 per share for the same periods.
Important Events
- Aravive Inc. has announced that the management will participate in the 2021 Society of Gynecologic Oncology Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer to present the revised data of its Phase 1b trial evaluating AVB-500 in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). The meeting is set to happen virtually on 19-25 March, 2021.
March 19, 2021
RIDE stock is seeing some losses lately; how deep is the accusation against Lordstown Motors Corp?

Lordstown Motors Corp. (NASDAQ:RIDE) stock has plunged in the market by -9.54% to the current price of $13.65. The RIDE stock previously closed at 15.09.

Producer of electric-vehicle for commercial fleet

Lordstown Motors Corp. is an electric-vehicle manufacturer based in Ohio. It manufactures light-duty fleet vehicles. The manufacturing plant of the automobile giant exists in Ohio consisting of a 785 acre Assembly plant. This is the exact plant where CEO Steve Burn has announced to build the Lordstown Endurance which is an all-electric pickup truck. Endurance will be the first of its kind electric pickup truck designed for the fleet market.

Why was Lordstown Corp (RIDE) accused of making fake claims

The RIDE stock news has not been good lately and neither is the consecutive streak of losses in the market by the auto-manufacturing corporation.

This all started on 12^th March when the investigative research firm known as Hindenburg Research set its sight on the claim of CEO of Lordstown Steve Burns. He claimed on an interview on 23^rd February that his company has presold 100,000 electric pickup trucks. Hindenburg states that this claim of orders and order book consists of a series of false or non-binding orders.

What is Hindenburg’s report about?

In the report created by Hindenburg, it has stated that the electric-vehicle manufacturer has misled its investors by lying about its demand and production capability. The Research firm further stated that the company has no solid revenue and no sellable product.

Hindenburg had then shorted Lordstown Motors Corp. (RIDE) which led to a downward plunge in the stock price. This RIDE stock news caused other investigative law firms and research firms to pick on the bones on the company, as is the influence of the Hindenburg’s market reputation.

Since 12^th March leading to 18^th March, RIDE stock has been under scrutiny of several law firms including The Schall firm, Nationally Ranked Shareholder Rights Firm, and Hagens Berman- National Trial Attorneys.

Steve Burns has defended against the accusation saying that Lordstown won’t directly be addressing the accusations made by the Hindenburg and that the company is cooperating with the regulators to further look into this matter.

March 19, 2021
Why Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd. (SINO) stock is popping high today?

Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd. (SINO) announced the launch of highly secure NFT (non-fungible tokens) with CyberMiles today after which the SINO stock price saw a push of 29.87% to reach $11.13 a share at the time of this writing. The SINO stock seemed green at the previous closing and jumped 23.31% with an $8.57 per share price. Let’s deeply dive to explore more of it.

What’s happening?

Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd. (SINO) is the shipping agency and management service provider in China, Hong Kong, and the United States of America.SINO has recently collaborated with CyberMiles to launch a new exchange of NFTs.This new exchange will ensure high security and proved to be a robust platform for artists, musicians, investors, and collectors. The official platform is expected to be launched in July 2021. Back in February, SINO did a partnership with CyberMiles to look for new opportunities in the future with the help of the CyberMiles trading platform and CRC-721 protocol, a non-fungible token.

On March 11, 2021, SINO expanded its cryptocurrency market position by the addition of 2,783 digital mining servers of Hebei Yanghuai Technology Co., Ltd to reach 50,440 t/s computing power. The acquisition was closed with RMB 30 million after the operational inspection of servers. The main purpose of this acquisition was to diversify Sino-Global in the cryptocurrency market.

On February 10, 2021, SINO announced the closing of $13,6 million direct offerings with certain accredited investors.Net proceeds were estimated at approximately $12.3 million after deducting the agent’s commission and other related expenses. The next day, SINO again announced the closing of $28,509,000 direct offerings, and $26.2 million net proceeds were estimated after the deduction of various expenses.

Conclusion

SINO stock is now in a good position as far as market sentiment is concerned. Management is deeply focused on the diversification of Sino-Global’s business in fastly growing cryptocurrency market.SINO is now also accepting Bitcoin as the mode of payment for its various services.SINO stock is growing and can be a good bet for investors in the future but it is good practice to analyze the company’s balance sheet, fundamentals, and recent developments before adding the stock to the portfolio.

March 18, 2021