***Breaking News***
Crude Ends At $99.70; IEA Assures On Supply
Crude oil futures settled little changed and below $100 a barrel after the West’s energy watchdog reiterated that it doesn’t see any disruption in oil supplies now, but could tap emergency stockpiles if needed.
The comments, from the head of the International Energy Agency, came after oil prices had climbed 2% earlier after Iran said it was considering an immediate halt to crude oil exports to the European Union. That move, Iran said, would be in response to the EU trade embargo set to take effect July 1. Iran sells about 600,000 barrels a day of crude to EU nations.
An Iranian lawmaker said the parliament will consider the cutoff at a meeting on Sunday. Such a move would send European oil buyers scrambling for replacement supplies, closing the six-month window the EU built into its embargo plan agreed upon earlier this week. The EU set the embargo to ratchet up pressure on Tehran to halt its nuclear program. But Iranian lawmakers want an abrupt halt of the exports--accounting for 5.8% of EU needs in 2010--in order to push prices higher and hurt European economies.
Maria van der Hoeven, IEA executive director, said there isn’t a need for an emergency oil release now, but the agency continues to monitor the oil markets in light of mounting tensions over Iran.
"Emergency stocks are there, but they can only be used if there is a real, very serious disruption of supplies," van der Hoeven said Thursday. "And at this moment, this is not the case." She repeated the IEA view that global oil markets remain tight despite concerns about slowing economic growth. Analysts said that makes the market ripe for a spike on any break in the normal supply chain.
"Any time you start taking any oil off the market, there’s upward pressure on prices. The market will react instantaneously and then wait to see if the gap is filled," said Tom Bentz, a director of BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage.
Light, sweet crude oil for March delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange settled up 30 cents at $99.70 a barrel, a one-week high. The contract rose 2% intraday to a high of $101.39 a barrel, and fell late in the session to a low of $99.23 a barrel.
ICE Brent crude for March settled 98 cents higher, at $110.79 a barrel. That was the biggest rise since Jan. 4.
"Iran likes to talk a lot, but whether they will follow through remains questionable," said Gene McGillian, analyst at Tradition Energy. "For now, the market seems to have found an area around $100 a barrel that it wants to float around."
"It’s a scary situation right now," said Bentz, adding that tensions over Iran add about $5-$10 a barrel to current prices. In response to U.S.-led efforts to tighten sanctions, Iran has at times threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping outlet for about 20% of the world’s oil.
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| Today's
Issue Sponsored By: |
Ante5, Inc.
OTCQB/OTCBB:ANFC
Ante5, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Ante5’s focus is the Williston Basin Bakken and Three Forks trend in North Dakota and Montana. Ante5 controls over 10,000 net mineral acres in North Dakota.
Click
here to obtain additional information... |
| Recent
Companies of Interest: |
Companies of Interest included in
this publication are derived from the numerous sources and screens we use
on a routine basis to select our focus companies featured in our monthly
newsletter the Emerging Growth News. While we have only
briefly reviewed these companies, something caught our attention and in
our opinion the company warrants further inspection.
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Universal Electronics Inc. (UEIC:NASDAQ) $16.98 11/7/2011
The company develops pre-programmed wireless control products and audio-video accessories that enhance home entertainment systems. Sales were up 56% and earnings were up 56% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 15.22 times trailing earnings, 8.24 times forward earnings, 0.78 PEG ratio, 0.62 times sales, 1.14 times book, $2.53 per share in cash, $254 million market cap., $237 million enterprise value.
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HFF Inc. (HF:NYSE) $11.00 11/1/2011
The company provides commercial real estate and capital markets services to the commercial real estate industry in the United States. Sales were up 70% and earnings were up 125% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 15.63 times trailing earnings, 10.78 times forward earnings, 0.82 PEG ratio, 1.97 times sales, 3.83 times book, $2.85 per share in cash, $396 million market cap., $387 million enterprise value.
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Neurocrine Biosciences Inc. (NBIX:NASDAQ) $6.26 11/1/2011
The company engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of neurological and endocrine-related diseases and disorders in the United States. Sales were up 188% and earnings were up 980% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 32.27 times trailing earnings, 104.33 times forward earnings, 0.14 PEG ratio, 6.55 times sales, 13.52 times book, $2.09 per share in cash, $346 million market cap., $231 million enterprise value.
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Graham Corp. (GHM:AMEX) $20.75 10/31/2011
The company engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of vacuum and heat transfer equipment worldwide. Sales were up 114% and earnings were up 244% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 25.94 times trailing earnings, 15.96 times forward earnings, 0.98 PEG ratio, 2.25 times sales, 2.51 times book, $4.15 per share in cash, $205 million market cap., $162 million enterprise value.
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TOR Minerals International Inc. (TORM:NASDAQ) $12.27 10/28/2011
The company engages in the manufacture and marketing of mineral products. Its mineral products are used as pigments, pigment extenders, functional fillers, and flame retardants for the manufacture of paints, coatings, plastics, catalysts, and solid surface applications. Sales were up 51% and earnings were up 267% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 12.64 times trailing earnings, 12.78 times forward earnings, 0.72 times sales, 0.87 times book, $1.08 per share in cash, $26 million market cap., $29 million enterprise value.
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VASCO Data Security International Inc. (VDSI:NASDAQ) $8.13 10/28/2011
The company engages in the design, development, marketing, and support of hardware and software security systems that manage and secure access to information assets worldwide. Sales were up 57% and earnings were up 150% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 22.58 times trailing earnings, 21.97 times forward earnings, 2.20 times sales, 2.38 times book, $2.26 per share in cash, $305 million market cap., $151 million enterprise value.
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API Technologies Corp. (ATNY:NASDAQ) $3.30 10/18/2011
The company engages in the design, development, and manufacture of systems, subsystems, RF, and secure communications solutions for defense, aerospace, medical, industrial, and commercial applications. Sales were up 138% and earnings were up 186% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 8.05 times forward earnings, 1.66 times sales, 0.67 times book, $1.99 per share in cash, $180 million market cap., $78 million enterprise value.
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Taylor Devices Inc. (TAYD:NASDAQ) $6.20 8/26/2011
The company engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of shock absorption, rate control, and energy storage devices for use in various types of machinery, equipment, and structures. Sales were up 55% and earnings were up 69% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 18.08 times trailing earnings, 1.09 times sales, 1.28 times book, $0.46 per share in cash, $20 million market cap., $18 million enterprise value.
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Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (PTX:NASDAQ) $7.70 8/17/2011
The company engages in the development, marketing, and sale of branded and generic pharmaceutical products primarily for the pediatric market. Sales were up 178% and earnings were up 600% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 36.15 times trailing earnings, 12.62 times forward earnings, 0.42 PEG ratio, 5.07 times sales, 8.69 times book, $0.57 per share in cash, $175 million market cap., $168 million enterprise value.
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ZAGG Incorporated (ZAGG:NASDAQ) $15.67 8/16/2011
The company designs, manufactures, and distributes protective coverings, audio accessories, and power solutions for consumer electronic and hand-held devices, under the invisibleSHIELD, ZAGGaudio, and ZAGGskins brand names, primarily in the United States and Europe. Sales were up 158% and earnings were up 138% over the same period last year (as reported in the most recent quarter), trading at 30.91 times trailing earnings, 17.81 times forward earnings, 0.83 PEG ratio, 4.07 times sales, 10.9 times book, $0.07 per share in cash, $384 million market cap., $386 million enterprise value.
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| Stocks
Under $5.00 Hitting 12 Month Highs: |
| Date |
Name |
Symbol |
Price |
| 1/26/2012 | Timmons Gold Corp. | TGD | $2.80 |
| 1/25/2012 | SMF Energy | FUEL | $3.59 |
| 1/25/2012 | Associated Banc-Corp. | ASBCW | $1.76 |
| 1/24/2012 | Curis, Inc | CRIS | $4.86 |
| 1/23/2012 | Adeona Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | AEN | $2.27 |
| 1/20/2012 | Radiant Logistics, Inc. | RLGT | $2.54 |
| 1/20/2012 | Glowpoint, Inc. | GLOW | $3.00 |
| 1/18/2012 | Trans World Entertainment | TWMC | $2.54 |
| 1/18/2012 | RAM Energy Resources, Inc. | RAM | $3.96 |
| 1/17/2012 | Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | SGYPW | $1.11 |
| 1/12/2012 | Santarus, Inc. | SNTS | $4.47 |
| 1/11/2012 | Patrick Industries, Inc. | PATK | $4.90 |
| 1/10/2012 | Icahn Enterprises L.P. | IEPRR | $3.03 |
| 1/9/2012 | Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation | SWHC | $4.76 |
| 12/30/2011 | Premier Exhibitions Inc. | PRXI | $2.45 |
| 12/29/2011 | Spark Networks, Inc. | LOV | $3.83 |
| 12/29/2011 | Dejour Energy Inc. | DEJ | $0.57 |
| 12/29/2011 | Point 360 | PTSX | $1.20 |
| 12/28/2011 | American Electric Technologies | AETI | $4.64 |
| 12/27/2011 | Curis Inc. | CRIS | $4.65 |
| View More Stocks Hitting 12 Month Highs |
|
| Stocks
Under $5.00 With Significant Insider Buying: |
| Date |
Name |
Symbol |
Price |
Transaction Value |
| 1/26/2012 | EFL Overseas, Inc. | EFLO.OB | $3.78 | $86,842 |
| 1/26/2012 | SupportSoft, Inc. | SPRT | $2.20 | $275,438 |
| 1/25/2012 | SupportSoft, Inc. | SPRT | $2.21 | $165,457 |
| 1/24/2012 | Spark Networks, Inc. | LOV | $3.67 | $198,240 |
| 1/24/2012 | Chelsea Therapeutics International | CHTP | $4.80 | $192,000 |
| 1/24/2012 | Unilife Corp. | UNIS | $3.94 | $58,176 |
| 1/20/2012 | Christopher & Banks Corp. | CBK | $2.01 | $50,250 |
| 1/18/2012 | RAIT Financial Trust | RAS | $4.93 | $66,555 |
| 1/13/2012 | Command Security Corp. | MOC | $1.78 | $76,303 |
| 1/13/2012 | Aehr Test Systems | AEHR | $0.75 | $100,804 |
| 1/13/2012 | Orient Paper Inc. | ONP | $2.91 | $65,185 |
| 1/10/2012 | Unilife Corp. | UNIS | $3.72 | $807,419 |
| 1/10/2012 | American Reprographics Co. | ARC | $4.57 | $94,631 |
| 1/9/2012 | China Transinfo Technology | CTFO | $3.64 | $90,197 |
| 1/9/2012 | RAIT Financial Trust | RAS | $4.77 | $1,131,134 |
| 1/9/2012 | Glu Mobile Inc. | GLUU | $3.00 | $206,835 |
| 1/6/2012 | Jupitermedia Corp. | WEBM | $0.38 | $57,164 |
| 1/6/2012 | Ambassadors Group Inc. | EPAX | $4.29 | $311,768 |
| 1/6/2012 | Unilife Corp. | UNIS | $3.67 | $549,988 |
| 1/6/2012 | Vical Inc. | VICL | $4.37 | $314,554 |
| View More Stocks With Significant Insider Buying |
|
| Additions/Deletions
to Focus List Companies: |
| Companies included in WSR's Focus List are
a compilation of WSR's Featured Companies and the companies included in
its model Microcap Portfolio. |
| Date |
Name |
Symbol |
Price |
Notes |
| 12/7/2011 | AutoInfo, Inc. | AUTO | $0.67 | Removed from Florida Top 30 Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | Metropolitan Health Networks Inc. | MDF | $7.61 | Removed from Florida Top 30 Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | RTI Biologics, Inc. | RTIX | $4.38 | Removed from Florida Top 30 Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | Datascension Inc. | DSEN | $0.01 | Removed from Aggressive Growth Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | Fieldpoint Petroleum Corp. | FPP | $3.31 | Removed from Aggressive Growth Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | Pyramid Oil Company | PDO | $4.05 | Removed from Aggressive Growth Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | IDT Corporation | IDT | $22.49 | Removed from Speculator Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | US Aerospace, Inc. | USAE | $0.01 | Removed from Speculator Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | Profile Technologies, Inc. | PRTKQ | $0.02 | Removed from Speculator Portfolio |
| 12/7/2011 | Tix Corporation | TIXC | $1.87 | Removed from Speculator Portfolio |
|
| Corporate
Sponsors or Featured Companies: |
Ante5, Inc.
OTCQB/OTCBB:ANFC
Ante5, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration and production company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Ante5’s focus is the Williston Basin Bakken and Three Forks trend in North Dakota and Montana. Ante5 controls over 10,000 net mineral acres in North Dakota.
Click here to obtain additional information...
|
 Arete Industries, Inc.
OTCQB:ARET
Arête is the operator of a gas gathering system and is in the process of buying oil and gas properties in the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States.
The Company is pursuing projects that have significant upside potential and can produce significant revenue. As the projects are developed, Arête, or entities created by Arête, will have ownership interests in the revenue streams, which can be securitized and collateralized either equity or private debt holders. Enabling the company to continue to grow, fulfill its ongoing financing requirements, and create value for its shareholders.
Click here to obtain additional information...
|
 CTD Holdings, Inc.
OTCBB/OTCQB:CTDH
CTD Holdings, Inc. companies provide Trappsol® brand cyclodextrins and Aquaplex® brand cyclodextrin complexes to researchers, R&D labs and industrial users in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, and nutritional industries.
Click here to obtain additional information...
|
 Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.
OTCBB:ESPH
Ecosphere Technologies, Inc. is a diversified water engineering and services company primarily focused on the natural gas industry. The Company provides water-recycling services at the well site to provide clean water for energy companies to extract natural gas from unconventional shale plays. Ecosphere’s mission is to identify, create and produce clean technologies that solve a significant industry challenge, improve the quality of life and the environment, and are economically viable. Ecosphere has an extensive portfolio of patented clean technologies that can be purchased and licensed for use in large-scale and sustainable applications across industries, nations and ecosystems.
Click here to obtain additional information...
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 Information Systems Associates, Inc.
OTCBB:IOSA
ISA is a leading provider of data center optimization software, services and solutions based out of Palm City, FL. Its core technology OSPI (On Site Physical Inventory®) provides a toolset allowing customers to create a highly accurate data set of their current IT assets. This information can be utilized to enable businesses to make meaningful decisions on Data Center Management that lead to optimization of resources, cost reductions and significant ROI.
All organizations regardless of size need an accurate data set for their existing IT asset infrastructure. This in turn enables them to take advantage of the considerable cost reductions and efficiency gains that can be achieved by Data Center Optimization methodologies. Our team of dedicated professionals provides the technology and expertise that can help your organization to get this job done quickly, precisely and cost-effectively.
Current “by hand” data collection practices are both slow and prone to large margins of error. We have developed a unique proprietary software application, OSPI (On Site Physical Inventory®), to eliminate these problems.
Click here to obtain additional information...
|
 Liberator Medical Holdings, Inc.
OTCBB:LBMH
Liberator is recognized for offering a simple, reliable way to purchase medical supplies needed on a regular, ongoing, repeat-order basis, with the convenience of direct billing to Medicare and private insurance. Approximately 85% of its revenue comes from supplying products to meet the rapidly growing requirements of general medical supplies, personal mobility aids, diabetes, urological, ostomy and mastectomy patients. Liberator communicates with patients and their doctors on a regular basis regarding prescriptions and supplies. Customers may purchase by phone, mail or internet, with repeat orders confirmed with the customer and shipped when needed.
Click here to obtain additional information...
|
 Mimvi, Inc.
OTCQB: MIMV
Mimvi is a pure-play search engine and recommendation technology company for Mobile Apps. It’s (patent pending) proprietary search and "intelligent" recommendation algorithms enable the search and discovery of Mobile Apps, Mobile Content and Mobile Products across multiple devices and platforms, including: the Iphone,k Google Android, BlackBerry and Web Apps.
Click here to obtain additional information...
|
 Panache Beverages, Inc.
OTCQB:WDKA
Panache Beverage, Inc. is an alcoholic beverage company specializing in the development and global sales and marketing of spirits brands. The Panache
portfolio contains three brands, Wodka Vodka, Alchemia Vodka and Alibi Bourbon.
Panache holds a "build and exit" mentality - its expertise lies in the strategic development and early growth of its brands establishing the Company’s assets as viable acquisition candidates for the major global spirits companies including Diageo, Bacardi, Future Brands, Pernod Ricard and Moet Hennessey. The goal is to sell brands individually as they mature while continuing to pipeline new brands in to the Panache portfolio.
Click here to obtain additional information...
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 Voyager Oil & Gas
AMEX:VOG
Voyager Oil & Gas, Inc. is an exploration and production company based in Billings, Montana. Voyager’s primary focus is oil shale resource prospects in the continental United States. Voyager currently controls approximately 147,000 net acres in five primary prospect areas.
This acreage includes, 24,000 core net acres targeting the Bakken/Three Forks in North Dakota and Montana; 24,000 net acres targeting the Niobrara formation in Colorado and Wyoming; 640 net acres targeting a specific Red River prospect in Montana; 33,500 net acres in a joint venture targeting the Heath Shale formation in Musselshell, Petroleum, Garfield and Fergus Counties of Montana; and 65,000 net acres in a joint venture in the Tiger Ridge gas field in Blaine, Hill and Chouteau Counties of Montana.
Click here to obtain additional information...
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 Water Technologies Intl., Inc.
OTC:WTII
Water Technologies International, Inc., (WTII) is in the business of designing, manufacturing and distributing Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) and related products through its subsidiaries Aqua Pure International, Inc. and GR8 Water, Inc. The Company has patent pending products in water generation, air filtration, water filtration and dehumidification. WTII sells and distributes home, office and commercial AWGs units that produce drinking water, ranging from seven gallons to several thousands of gallons per day by extracting water from the air.
Click here to obtain additional information...
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