MissionIR Small-Cap Investor Blog: September 2014

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Achieves High Ranking in 50 Years of Operations

Since its inception in 1964, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust has supported small and mid-sized emerging and growth companies with tailored business solutions. In its 50th year of operations, the company has become the fourth-largest agent in the United States, amassing a reputation build on customer service, flexible offerings, innovative technology, and unparalleled execution and value.

“As proud as we are of our history, we are even more proud of the fact that we satisfy our clients time and again. Annual industry surveys repeatedly prove not only that we offer the best value among major agents, but that we satisfy clients better and have an overall performance that is better than any competitor,” the company touts on its website.

The ranking is hard earned in today’s high demand business world and couldn’t be done without the support and dedication of a team of professionals that respond quickly and efficiently to a company and its shareholders.

Service of this caliber requires knowledge of changing industry rules, regulations and standards, as well as the ability to identify and allocate the appropriate resources necessary to keep companies in compliance with these changes.

In addition to fundamental offerings, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust offers companies a range of valuable services, including:

• Employee plan administration

• IPO and SPAC services

• Annual meeting and proxy services

• Corporate actions and escrow services

• EDGAR/XBRL filing

• Stock plan administration

• Dividend reinvestment plan and direct stock purchase plan administration

• Dividend Disbursement Services

For shareholders, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust offers:

• Immediate responses to phone inquiries and same-day responses to email inquiries

• Secure 24/7 online account access via ContinentaLink

• Online access to important IRS and other forms and documents

• Definitions of key terms and answers to frequently asked questions

• Online proxy voting

Leveraging five decades of experience and a robust portfolio of business solutions, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust has carved a secure niche in client and shareholder services.

For more information, visit www.continentalstock.com

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Xplore Technologies Corp. (XPLR) Lands Contract from Leading Airline

Xplore Technologies, manufacturer of longest-lasting and ultra-rugged tablets, reported that it received its first order as part of a multi-million dollar project for one of the world’s largest airlines. The company’s XC6 Windows tablet PCs will be utilized by the airline’s ground crews at airports throughout the nation.

“As Xplore’s flagship tablet, the XC6 has generations of rugged design and engineering built in, as well as features that make it not only a high performance computer, but also durable enough to withstand the harsh conditions of airport ground operations,” stated Philip S. Sassower, CEO and chairman of the board for Xplore Technologies. “This order is the initial phase of an enterprise-level project and additional orders are expected as the project rolls out at airports around the country.”

“Being selected by one of the largest airlines in the world to provide on-the-ground, durable technology that can withstand the extreme environments of airports is a testament to Xplore’s rugged technology,” said Mark Holleran, president and COO. “Xplore’s ultra-rugged technology is proven to reduce downtime for field workers and excel in the toughest environments.”

For more information on the company, visit www.xploretech.com

Monday, September 29, 2014

Vaporin, Inc. (VAPOD) Engages QualityStocks Investor Relations Services

Today before the opening bell, Vaporin announced that it has agreed with QualityStocks to be featured in The Small Cap QualityStocks Daily Newsletter, QualityStocks Daily Blogs and Message Boards. QualityStocks, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a free service that collates data from hundreds of Small-Cap online Investment Newsletters into one Daily Newsletter Report. QualityStocks is dedicated to assisting emerging public companies with their investor communication efforts.

Vaporin distributes and markets vaporizers, e-liquids and e-hookah products, operating a growth strategy that includes convenience store sales and online retail continuity programs as well as brick and mortar retail stores. The company’s flagship vapor technology provides the look, feel and taste of traditional cigarettes without any tar, tobacco, smoke and odor, offering a higher quality experience with a more satisfying hit compared to e-cigarettes. Vaporizers also offer the ability to mix and match flavors, and can be used to consume cannabis in oil, wax and dry herb form.

Responding to rapid increases in the popularity and demand for vapor technology, Vaporin is expanding its Vape Store retail locations via acquisition and new store openings. Part of this growth strategy also includes ramping up brand and product visibility.

“Our multi-pronged revenue model is a perfect fit for the explosive growth of the vapor market. As we utilize this strategy to increase company and shareholder value, we’re also meeting incredible consumer demand. The supporting step for this plan is to relay our progress to the investment community while pushing brand awareness to an unprecedented level through our partnership with the QualityStocks team,” commented Vaporin Chief Executive Officer Scott Frohman.

QualityStocks will utilize its vast network of marketing tools to assist Vaporin with its shareholder communication and brand/product awareness strategies. This campaign includes Vaporin’s placement in the QualityStocks Newsletter, Video, Blog and more.

“Vaporin is in a unique and aggressive position to capture more than its fair share of the growing the vapor market,” stated QualityStocks Managing Director Michael McCarthy. “We’re excited to partner the company’s innovative management team to help Vaporin realize and exceed its market potential. We look forward to helping the company power through the market with strong visibility, communication and transparency.”

For more information, visit www.vaporin.com

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Jumps on Opportunity Provided by Apple Pay Unveil

Analysts at J.P. Morgan recently issued a note regarding Apple’s official entrance into the payment market with the introduction of Apple Pay, calling the move a “positive catalyst” in the mobile payments market.

“Thematically, Apple Pay is a much needed positive catalyst for mobile payments adoption and a win for collaboration between technology and regulated payment leaders/incumbents to put out a simple, secure solution, understanding the degree of difficulty to do so is high,” the firm said in a note.

Apple Pay enables iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users to securely pay in-store and within apps without having to manually swipe their actual credit or debit card. Purchases are also protected by Zero Liability, which reimburses customers for promptly reported unauthorized transactions. As is Apple’s modus operandi, the official unveiling included a few surprise features.

“What we didn’t expect was inclusion of debit cards (we expected credit only, adding debit significantly strengthens use case) for physical, and one-touch checkout for in-app purchases only online. We had also thought QR/bar code reading would be an option to include more devices,” JP Morgan stated, later noting the importance of debit as it accounts for 70% of all card transactions.

For the time being, the number of merchants accepting Apple Pay is limited to Apple’s 258 Apple retail stores and App Store, as well as some of the nation’s leading retailers; consumers will recognize participating vendors by the universal contactless acceptance symbol.

There’s also a limited number of participating banks, though Top players American Express, Bank of America, Citigroup, Capital One, JP Morgan and Wells Fargo are already on board.

The magnitude of this technology to mobile and ecommerce obviously stands to be seen, but it’s already creating ripples of opportunity in for smaller companies and merchants to saddle with the Apple brand.

One such company is Miami-based Net Element, a technology-driven group specializing in mobile payments and value-added transactional services. The company recently said it will integrate Apple® services into its point-of-sale payment acceptance hardware and software, enabling Net Element merchants the ability to accept Apple Pay from their customers.

Aligned with the company’s strategy to capitalize on this opportunity and carve its niche in the mobile payment industry, it will offer a free NFC (near field communication) Contactless, EMV-enabled (Europay, MasterCard and Visa) point-of-sale terminal to merchants that upgrade to its Unified Payments service offering.

Net Element’s award-winning Unified Payments enables merchants to accept traditional “card present” and “non-card present” payments, as well as cashless methods such as prepaid cards and gift cards. Unified Payments offers a complete range of terminals and peripherals available for same-day deployment.

The aforementioned J.P. Morgan note, entitled “More Comprehensive Than Expected, More Collaborative Than Disruptive,” is demonstrative of the ease of implementation in which Net Element can offer the service to its merchants and expand its offerings to the global mobile payments industry.

Utilizing a portfolio of global development centers, high-level business relationships, and ability to recognize tremendous industry opportunities, Net Element is well-positioned to maintain its momentum of growth in the changing landscape of mobile commerce and alternative payments.

For more information, visit www.netelement.com

Friday, September 26, 2014

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Secures Additional Financing for Russian Subsidiary

Net Element, an international technology-driven company focused on mobile payments and transactional services in emerging countries and the United States, recently revealed that Alfa-Bank, Russia’s largest private bank, has renewed and increased the credit facility of its Russian subsidiary, TOT Money.

The increased financing from 300 million Russian rubles to 415 million Russian rubles (an estimated USD $11 million addition at the time of exchange) improves the company’s liquidity position as well as its ability to invest in growth opportunities. The additional credit will allow TOT Money to speed up its growth efforts in Russia and further revolutionize the country’s transactional service market. It will support the company as it evolves and expands its service offerings and operations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The $11 million credit facility will also provide the subsidiary with the financial resources it needs to attract top customers and to continue to build upon its state-of-the-art platform for mobile commerce, direct carrier billing and payment processing.

TOT Money entered into a previous financing agreement with Alfa-Bank in September of 2012. That agreement was for 300 million Russian rubles or approximately USD $9.8 million at the time of the agreement, and expired in May 2014 by which time TOT Money had fully repaid the loan using its working capital. In keeping the terms of this agreement, TOT Money further strengthened its working relationship with Alfa-Bank, an important lender with significant knowledge of the transactional services market in Russia and the CIS region.

Net Element owns and operates the TOT Group of Companies, which includes: TOT Money; Unified Payments, a fast-growing company in America; and Aptito, a next generation cloud-based point of sale payments platform. Together with these subsidiaries, Net Element endeavors to add value to mobile commerce and e-commerce environments.

For more information, visit www.netelement.com

Thursday, September 25, 2014

VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VSTA) Sees AV-101 as Potential Breakthrough Drug for Major Depressive Disorder

Potential to Address Major U.S. and Global Need

It’s one of the single most sought-after drugs in the medical industry, and biotechnology company VistaGen Therapeutics may have it. What is so desperately needed is a drug able to treat a disease that afflicts tens of millions of people in the U.S., and hundreds of millions globally. The disease is MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), a crippling form of depression that is not effectively treated by existing medications. It is now recognized as a disease that seriously undermines economies and society as a whole, contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year. The recent death of actor and comedian Robin Williams has shed a public light on the gravity of individual depression, but researchers know that it affects as many as one out of 20 households. They also know the significant issues with standard treatments for MDD.

Current Drugs Too Slow or With Side Effects

Traditional FDA-approved drugs currently used to treat depression are very slow acting, a consequence of the way they operate in the brain. It can take weeks or even months to achieve the intended benefit of these antidepressants, time that patients experiencing an MDD crisis often don’t have. The lack of noticeable and timely results with such treatments can easily discourage people with MDD from continuing with their antidepressant medications. In desperation a patient can slide from one drug to another until they feel they’ve run out of options, potentially with fatal results.

So anxious is the medical establishment for an effective quick-acting anti-depressant that ketamine, a multi-purpose pain killer and anesthetic, has been re-purposed by certain physicians as an anti-depressant, primarily because of its ability to deliver rapid, robust antidepressant effects in MDD patients. An article in Scientific American (http://dtn.fm/gkE0) talked about how the ketamine’s promise has ignited excitement among clinicians and neuroscientists, in spite of its associated adverse effects, pointing out that “a person taking ketamine may experience altered physical, spatial and temporal states; larger quantities may induce hallucinations and dissolution of the self”. Over and above what an article in Nature Reviews (http://dtn.fm/4LjI) called “psychosis-like side effects”, another major problem with ketamine is that it must be given intravenously. Forcing patients to get frequent infusions to stave off depression is nobody’s idea of an optimum solution, but it underscores the serious, unmet medical need in this area.

New Drug May Be Perfect Storm

Amidst all of this has come a highly innovative new approach from California-based VistaGen Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company known primarily for its stem cell technology. VistaGen’s novel, orally available MDD drug candidate AV-101 is ready for Phase 2 clinical development in the U.S. and is starting to look like a very big deal, because it offers the promise of being an antidepressant that is both powerful and quick-acting, while at the same time causing none of the mind-bending side effects of ketamine. The drug operates in a different way than the other FDA-approved antidepressant drugs, providing a much more moderated effect while still getting the job done. NIH sponsored Phase 1 studies of AV-101 have already shown it to be a remarkably safe and well-tolerated compound. Perhaps even more notable is the fact that AV-101 can be taken orally, with no need for regular injections or IV administration. It’s an almost ideal combination of properties, with a multi-billion dollar market on the table.

From a technical standpoint, AV-101 (4-Cl-KYN) is an orally-available, non-sedating, non-hallucinogenic prodrug (precursor drug) that is rapidly and enzymatically converted to its active metabolite, 7-chlorokynurenic acid (7-Cl-KYNA), one of the most well-characterized, potent, and selective synthetic blockers of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors at the glycine-coagonist (GlyB) site. Although the pathophysiology of depression has been linked to monoaminergic mechanisms for decades, compelling evidence now suggests a key role of the glutamatergic system in mood disorders and favors the idea that AV-101’s targeted antagonism of the glycineB site of the NMDA receptor can provide rapid, robust antidepressant effects in treatment of MDD similar to ketamine, but without ketamine’s serious side effects.

VistaGen is currently preparing for a Phase 2 MDD study in early 2015, so keep an eye open for announcements.

In addition to MDD, AV-101 is now also being seen as a potential treatment for other diseases involving the central nervous system, including epilepsy, chronic neuropathic pain, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

For additional information, visit the company’s website at www.vistagen.com

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Reports $11 Million Credit Facility from Russia’s Largest Private Bank

Today after the closing bell, Net Element announced that Alfa-Bank, Russia’s largest private bank, renewed and increased the company’s Russian subsidiary OOO TOT Money (“TOT Money”) credit facility from 300 million Russian rubles to 415 million Russian rubles (approximately USD $11 million at current exchange rate).

This financing will support the company’s next stage of growth and operations in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Notably, the previous financing agreement was fully paid, using TOT Money’s working capital, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Oleg Firer, CEO of Net Element, stated, “Alfa-Bank understands our Company and its mission and this allowed them to structure the new credit facility to facilitate the continued growth of TOT Money’s business. This financing significantly heightens our liquidity position and enhances our ability to invest in growth opportunities in the region. We value having a lender with deep knowledge of the transactional services market and CIS region.”

For more information on the company, visit www.netelement.com

CorMedix Inc. (CRMD) Seals Label Expansion for its Catheter Lock Solution

CorMedix, a specialty pharmaceutical company, charts its business strategy around developing products for the treatment of cardiac, renal and infectious diseases. With commercialization of these products being its general business goal, the company specifically endeavors to treat human disease by reducing commonly associated renal, cardiovascular, metabolic and infectious complications. CRMD’s therapeutic candidates include the likes of small molecules, chemical entities, biologics, devices and/or diagnostics that enable targeted therapy in these respective areas of interest.

Market opportunity for these products abounds. Patients meeting the challenges of hemodialysis need access to the vascular system in order to perform treatments on different schedules each week. In an article published by the American Journal of Kidney Diseases in February of 2008, there were 81,000 hemodialysis patients in the United States using the central venous catheter. One of the main complications in the use of a central venous catheter for hemodialysis treatment is CRBIs and the inflammation issues that arise as a result. With an estimate of two cases of CRBIs per patient per year, this would amount to over 160,000 cases each year. According the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, the total annual cost in the United States to treat CRBI episodes and their related complications would total approximately $777 million.

In recent news, CorMedix Inc. announced that TUV-SUD and The Medicinal Evaluation Board of the Netherlands (MEB) granted its request for a label expansion for its catheter lock solution, Neutrolin. The product was originally approved in July 2013 for use in the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBI) and maintenance of catheter patency in hemodialysis patients using a tunneled, cuffed central venous catheter for vascular access.

Approval for additional indications for use in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, IV hydration and IV medications via central venous catheters is included in the label expansion. Additionally, the expansion includes patients receiving medication and IV fluids via central venous catheters in intensive or critical care units (cardiac care unit, surgical care unit, neonatal critical care unit, and urgent care centers). CRMD believes that the label expansion will enable additional critically ill patients to benefit from the expanded use of Neutrolin thus preventing infection and thrombosis.

CorMedix is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company looking to develop, license and commercialize therapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of cardiac, renal and infectious diseases. CorMedix’s first commercial product in Europe is Neutrolin®, a catheter lock solution for the prevention of catheter related bloodstream infections and maintenance of catheter patency in tunneled, cuffed, central venous catheters used for vascular access in hemodialysis patients, in addition to oncology patients and critical care patients. Plans are moving forward to expand commercial distribution into the US, Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa following appropriate regulatory approval.

For more information on the company, visit www.cormedix.com

Vaporin, Inc. (VAPO) Market Presence Increases with New Fort Myers Location

Vaporin, a distributor of vaporizers and e-liquids products, has announced they have signed a lease to open an additional Vape Store in North Fort Myers, Florida. The company, also a marketer of the product, is pleased with the store’s highly visible location. Using cash flow from existing Vape Store locations to fund the development of the new store, the company notes that no additional investment was needed.

With retail store sales being a fast-growing segment of the vapor market, vape stores have tripled during the previous twelve months. A recent report put out by Wells Fargo has indicated the e-cigarette market has decreased $400 million from $1.4 billion to $1 billion while vaporizers, tanks, and mods have increased $400 million from $1.1 billion to $1.5 billion. The retail vape store as a stand-alone segment has also grown to become a $1 billion market.

In recognition of this trend, the company now focuses its attention on expanding The Vape Store retail locations. Vaporin, Inc. has plans to ambitiously grow their retail store model by continuing to acquire existing stores as well as opening new locations. Forecasts going forward call for $650,000 in annual revenue per store.

CEO Scott Frohman noted, “The opening of another Vape Store is part of our strategy to continuously build out our multi-pronged revenue model. We are very pleased with the production from our current Vape Stores as the cash flow generated has enabled us to build out this new location without taking on any additional investment. This allows us to increase shareholder equity as we continue to execute on our business plan. We are very confident in our ability to quickly turn retail stores cash flow positive and will continue to move aggressively towards expanding our retail store, online sales and distribution market shares.”

Both a distributor and marketer of vaporizers and e-liquid products, Vaporin uses a multi-faceted growth model made up of convenience store sales, vending machines, online retail continuity programs and acquiring and opening traditional brick and mortar retail stores. The company’s innovative technology offers the look, feel and taste of traditional cigarettes without tar, smoke, tobacco and odor. Alternatively, Vaporin is offered in a variety of disposable and rechargeable starter kits and flavors. The unique Vaping Pens product line and Made-In-USA E-Liquid is what makes distinguishes Vaporin as one of the emerging brands in the market.

For more information on the company, visit www.vaporin.com

Monday, September 22, 2014

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Receives Update from SeeThruEquity with New $5.17 Share Price Target

Today, SeeThruEquity issued a company update on Net Element alongside an upgraded price target.

“Net Element quickly responded to Apple’s announcement with its own announcement on September 17th that it will integrate Apple services into its point-of-sale payment acceptance hardware and software, enabling company merchants the ability to accept Apple Pay from customers. Net Element will be offering a free NFC Contactless, EMV-enabled point-of-sale terminal to merchants that upgrade to its Unified Payments service offering. With an expected 60 million iPhone users expected to begin using the mobile wallet, we view this as material news for Net Element shares. Subsequently, we are raising our price target on Net Element to $5.17 per share,” stated Ajay Tandon, CEO of SeeThruEquity.

Here are a few highlights from the company update:

• Apple Pay is a big announcement for Net Element. On September 9, 2014, Apple announced its new mobile payment system Apple Pay. Using a Near Field Communication antenna in the iPhone 6, a consumer will be able to pay for goods and service using their phones. While mobile payments are not a new innovation and there are other competitive alternatives to Apple Pay that have not caught on in the US, Apple’s presence in the market will garner significant attention to the space. As consumers become more comfortable with using their iPhones as a mobile wallet, other competing mobile payment alternatives are anticipated to also gain in popularity and utilization. This is a win-win for Net Element, as it has consistently positioned itself as a payment processor for nearly all mobile payment alternatives.

• Net Element recently announced a development for debt conversion. On September 15, 2014, Net Element announced that it has entered into a debt exchange agreement with Crede. Under the agreement, Net Element immediately eliminated $15.8mn of indebtedness under certain promissory notes. After acquiring the promissory notes, Crede exchanged them Net Element common stock.

• SeeThruEquity is raising the target price to $5.17 from $3.47. This represents 73.4% upside potential from the recent market price of $2.98. The equity research firm feels that NETE’s long-term revenue prospects have been significantly increased by the announcement of Apple Pay.

The original initiation report and full updates can be found at the following link: http://www.seethruequity.com/#!nete/c1e5c

For more information about Net Elements, please visit: www.netelement.com

CorMedix, Inc. (CRMD) Neutrolin® Label Expansion Approved for the European Union

Today, CorMedix announced its request for a label expansion for Neutrolin®, its catheter lock solution, had been approved by TUV-SUD and The Medicinal Evaluation Board of the Netherlands (MEB). Neutrolin® was initially approved in July 2013 for use in the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBI) and maintenance of catheter patency in hemodialysis patients using a tunneled, cuffed central venous catheter for vascular access.

CorMedix’s label expansion extended approval for three elements:

• Approval for additional indications for use in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, IV hydration, and IV medications via central venous catheters

• Approval for patients receiving medication and IV fluids via central venous catheters in intensive or critical care units (cardiac care unit, surgical care unit, neonatal critical care unit, and urgent care centers)

• Approval for an additional indication for use in total parenteral nutrition

CorMedix anticipates this will lead to additional critically ill patients benefiting from the expanded use of Neutrolin® to prevent infection and thrombosis. The active anti-infective ingredient in Neutrolin® is taurolidine, which has efficacy against both common and resistant forms of bacteria and fungi. Despite a long history of clinical use, development of resistance has not been observed.

Randy Milby, Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Antony Pfaffle, Chief Scientific Officer of CorMedix, stated, “We are very pleased with the label expansion and the extended ability to treat patients with urgent medical needs. We thank the regulatory authorities and our regulatory advisors for their cooperation in achieving this significant milestone.”

CorMedix Inc. is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company that seeks to in-license, develop and commercialize therapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of cardiac, renal and infectious diseases. CorMedix’s first commercial product in Europe is Neutrolin®, a catheter lock solution for the prevention of catheter related bloodstream infections and maintenance of catheter patency in tunneled, cuffed, central venous catheters used for vascular access in hemodialysis patients, in addition to oncology patients, critical care patients including neonates, and patients receiving total parenteral nutrition, IV hydration, and/or IV medications.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Document Security Systems, Inc. (DSS) Solutions Central to Curbing Unauthorized Use of Documents and Images

In a 2013 whitepaper issued by InfoTrends on document security and compliance within enterprises, a recent IT research study shows 90% of U.S. organizations experienced loss of sensitive or confidential documents over the past 12-month period. The paper also cites The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services disclosing a list of over 500 health information security breaches responsible for affecting hundreds of individuals over the last several years. Given the prevalence of document-related security breaches in the workplace, in addition to the potential costs associated with these breaches, it comes as no surprise that many companies consider security a top IT initiative.

One company at the forefront of offering a suite of solutions to this pervasive, growing concern is Document Security Systems. The company works diligently at developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling paper and plastic products to protect information from unauthorized scanning, copying, and digital imaging in the United States and around the globe. DSS operates through DSS Packaging and Printing Group, DSS Plastics Group, DSS Digital Group, and DSS Technology Management.

The DSS Packaging and Printing segment produces custom paperboard packaging products targeted at pharmaceutical, beverage, photo packaging, toy, specialty foods and direct marketing industries. This segment also delivers an array of printed materials such as security paper, vital records, birth certificates, prescription paper, manuals, receipts, identification material, secure coupons, parts tracking forms, brochures, direct mailing pieces, catalogs and business cards, and entertainment tickets.

The DSS Plastics Group focusses on providing laminated and surface printed cards comprising magnetic stripes, bar codes, holograms, signature panels, invisible ink, micro fine printing, guilloche patterns, biometric, radio frequency identification, and watermarks for printed plastic documents, such as such as ID cards, event badges, and drivers licenses.

Marketing data center solutions to businesses and governments, The DSS Digital Group segment delivers services through the cloud. This segment also develops, markets, and sells digital information services, including data hosting, disaster recovery, and data back-up and security services. The DSS Technology Management segment acquires and internally develops patented technology or intellectual property assets. DSS sells its anti-counterfeiting products and technologies under the brand, ‘AuthentiGuard.’

The company identifies four distinct components as part its effort to capture market share and grow its business profitably. Through acquisition, DSS evaluates opportunities to acquire internet protocol (IP) with significant commercial/licensing potential through assignment, exclusive license or by way of minority investments in partner companies. The company business model is focused on acquisitions that align with the technology needs of its existing business lines while selectively considering investments in areas outside of its commercial footprint if it sees opportunity for commercial and licensing success. Following these acquisition procedures, DSS ‘incubates’ or funds research and development of its acquisitions to create new products and services for expanding its product offerings. During this stage the company can also add new features to its existing technologies. Partners are actively engaged in the research and development process – a period where the company determines to fund (or not fund) R&D within the partner organization. To commercialize its offerings, DSS releases completed innovations to its lines of business or partners, who sell value-added products and services backed by its IP portfolio. Closing the process loop is the licensing and enforcement stage.

A team of patent managers and analysts at DSS Technology Management identify and capitalize on opportunities for return. One example among many active engagements at the company resides with Bascom Research.

Bascom is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DSS Technology Management based in McLean, Virginia. The company is focused on creating solutions for the management of complex and distributed data and has partnered with the DSS Digital Group to develop next generation track-and-trace solutions that integrate with the DSS ‘AuthentiGuard’ solution suite.

In 2012, Bascom Research brought claims for patent infringement against a number of defendants, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Salesforce.com. Since litigation commenced, the company settled with two defendants for royalty rates of approximately 4-5%.

Document Security Systems is publicly traded on the NYSE/MKT LLC Exchange under the symbol of ‘DSS.’ Formerly known as New Sky Communications, Inc., the company changed its name to Document Security Systems, Inc. in July 1992. Document Security Systems, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is based in Rochester, New York.

For more information on the company, visit www.dsssecure.com

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust – An Uncommon Approach to the Stock Transfer Business

Continental Stock Transfer & Trust is committed to living up to its reputation as the industry’s most accessible agent for growth and emerging companies. Transfer agents may perform the same essential functions but Continental strives to be the agent of choice. The company recognizes that a client’s needs, size and service expectations drive its choice of a transfer agent so it strives to be better and to do better than today’s mega-agents.

Continental is now celebrating fifty years of excellence, stability and agility in service. As the one and only major transfer agent dedicated to small and midsize emerging and growth companies, the company not only supports its clients’ and their shareholders’ unique needs, it goes above and beyond their expectations.

The principles that guide Continental’s business practices include:

Commitment

Continental’s uncommon level of commitment—going the extra mile to execute exactly what is needed when it’s needed—ensures its clients have the freedom and flexibility to fully focus on their business’ growth. In addition to round-the-clock access to the firm’s senior experts, clients also gain custom-made, responsive business solutions based on decades of incomparable experience in the industry.

Trust

Continental continues to earn its clients’ trust every day as well as actively build its reputation. With each client and issuer served and each shareholder supported, the company bolsters its track record as a stock transfer agent that seamlessly removes the type of obstacles that can slow a business’ progress.

Personalized Service

Continental recognizes that each business is unique just as its shareholders are unique, and it strives to meet these specific needs with bespoke, flawlessly executed solutions and customized attention.

Industry Expertise

Nowadays, the business world is moving at a record pace, and understanding what it takes to surge ahead with ease can be a challenge. Continental’s broad, time-tested expertise covers all aspects of the stock transfer business, even extending to up-and-coming trends and requirements, and all of this knowledge is put to work when solving a client problem.

Uncommon Approach

After 50 years in the business, Continental’s employees have seen a lot and, recognizing that their experience matters, they pass on that knowledge, which all in all encompasses over two decades of experience on the management side and an average of 14 years in finance on the support side.

For more information, visit www.continentalstock.com

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Cardica Inc.’s (CRDC) Instrument Portfolio Integral to Reducing Surgical Invasiveness and Patient Recovery Time

With minimally invasive surgery, surgeons use a many techniques to operate with less injury to the body than with open surgery. Generally speaking, minimally invasive surgery is safer than open surgery and offers the patient the ability to recover faster and heal with less pain and scarring. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery can be done on an outpatient basis or requires a reduced stay in the hospital.

Cardica Inc., Redwood City, California, designs and manufactures proprietary stapling and anastomotic devices for cardiac and laparoscopic surgical procedures. Cardica’s technology portfolio aims to reduce operating time and allows for minimally-invasive and robot-assisted surgeries. Aside from the obvious goal of ultimately achieving patient health and well-being, Cardica’s presence in this arena addresses the ever-present conversation topics of healthcare cost reduction, expanding patient options and improving comprehensive care.

CRDC manufactures and markets the Cardica MicroCutter XCHANGE ® 30, a cartridge-based surgical stapling device with a five millimeter shaft diameter, for use in a wide array of gastrointestinal procedures and appendectomies in the US and an extensive range of surgical procedures in Europe. The instrument is the world’s first and only articulating 5mm stapler. It is a cartridge-based system with a 5mm shaft diameter and cross sectional area much smaller than conventional 12mm staplers, and with greater articulation. Combining several new technologies, the device is designed to reduce limitations on surgical procedures created by larger stapling devices. What’s more, all ports could be stapling ports, discarding the need to upsize trocars simply to fire the stapler. The device features 80 degrees of articulation. A button push provides the widest reach of any stapler available and gives push button/fingertip access to reach difficult anatomy from every stapling port.

One of many leadership posts at Cardica Inc. is held by Lee Swanstrom, M.D., F.A.C.S. (Fellow of the American College of Surgeons), Medical Director. Dr. Swanstrom is an acclaimed researcher and innovator in the field of minimally invasive surgery. He is a widely-respected laparoscopic surgeon, who brings clinical expertise and enhanced by established relationships with surgeons across the country. His experience leading a highly sought-after fellowship program, and as a guest lecturer and hands-on skills instructor in courses around the world, strengthens the company’s ability to reach and train surgeons on the MicroCutter product line. A board-certified surgeon, Dr. Swanstrom also has special interests in esophageal diseases and endoscopy.

Accompanying the Cardica MicroCutter XCHANGE ® 30 is the smallest profile articulating stapler cartridge available today, which is known to reduce the amount of tissue dissection and handling to get the stapler in proper position to administer. Punctuating the procedure, surgeons agree the size and degree of articulation improves access and visualization at the stapling site. The device also uses reloadable cartridges with a 30mm staple line length and an integrated knife. The cartridge comes with either blue staples, for medium tissue thicknesses, or white staples, for thin tissues such as vascular structures.

The company’s endeavors are not limited to the MicroCutter XCHANGE ® 30. Cardica also develops, manufactures and markets its automated anastomosis systems, the C-Port Distal Anastomosis Systems and PAS-Port® Proximal Anastomosis System for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. It is worth noting that over 47,000 units have been shipped throughout the world.

For more information on the company visit www.cardica.com

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) to Bring Apple Pay to Merchants

Net Element today announced its plan to integrate Apple® services into its point-of-sale payment acceptance hardware and software. This development will enable Net Element merchants to accept Apple Pay from customers and will equip customers with a new way to pay at point-of-sale using their Apple® iPhone 6, Apple® iPhone 6 Plus, and Apple® Watch devices.

When Apple Pay becomes available, users will be able to add their credit card to the application. Places where Apple Pay can be used will be denoted by a telltale, universal contactless acceptance symbol. Anywhere it is present, people will be able to use their Apple® device to pay in person without any physical use of their credit card. They will also be capable of making online purchases with their Phone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus with participating retailers. Additionally, purchases will be protected by Zero Liability, which reimburses customers for promptly reported unauthorized transactions.

“With Apple Pay, an expected 60 million iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus users will be ready to tap and pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted,” stated Oleg Firer, CEO of Net Element. “As part of our strategy to best capitalize on this massive opportunity and continue leading the mobile payment industry, we will be offering a free NFC Contactless, EMV-enabled point-of-sale terminal to merchants that upgrade to our Unified Payments service offering.”

For more information, please visit: www.netelement.com

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Net Element, Inc. (NETE) Stock Price Surge Covered in USA Today Interview with SeeThruEquity

In a news release this morning, SeeThruEquity announced its recent interview with USA Today on the recent surge in stock price of Net Element in connection with Apple, Inc.’s announcement on Apple Pay. Apple Pay is Apple’s developed version of a mobile wallet for the tech giant’s iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and Apple Watch devices.

Net Element’s stock more than doubled a day after Apple Pay was unveiled.

“We are pleased that NETE continues to receive a growing level of media attention concerning its mobile payments platform with this most recent coverage by USA Today. We are confident that NETE’s new business opportunities, solid financial planning and continued execution by management will result in continued robust performance in the share price of NETE,” commented Ajay Tandon, CEO of SeeThruEquity.

SeeThruEquity is a leading independent equity research and corporate access firm focused on companies with less than $1 billion in capitalization. The full USA Today article can be accessed at: http://americasmarkets.usatoday.com/2014/09/12/net-element-nets-huge-gains-on-apple-pay/.

Excerpts and highlights from the article are as follows:

“Micro cap stock Net Element NETE flexed some major muscle earlier this summer on Wall Street, when shares rocketed following a buy recommendation by … research firm SeeThruEquity which launched coverage with a $3.47 price target when shares were trading at 88 cents. After a 120% jump Wednesday, Net Element soared another 79% to $5.70 in heaving trading Friday, meeting SeeThru’s price target, and then some.

Behind the surge: expectations that the mobile payment and processor will get a lift from Apple Pay, the just-announced mobile payment plan system just announced by Apple.

Miami-based Net Element’s holdings include mobile payment and transaction processor Unified Payments and cloud-based point-of-sale payment platform Aptito. Its current clients include American Express, Visa and Mastercard.

As of Friday, SeeThru hadn’t raised its price target. But Brandon Primack, SeeThru’s senior research analyst, says new management, financial maneuvers and new business potential has bolstered Net Element’s outlook and makes the company’ a compelling stock.

‘… (the company’s) story has changed dramatically in the past 12 months,’ Primack tells USA Today. ‘They do not have a specific relationship with Apple, but they’re positioned to benefit from more business. It’s not going to happen in the next quarter, but there is a huge market already overseas where digital currency has already replaced traditional banking. This is more the expansion of the conscience over mobile payments.’ …”

For more information, visit: www.netelement.com