Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Top Hedge Fund Investors, stories, strategies and advice
Review from: Brenda Jubin published at Seeking Alpha
Most hedge fund books focus on managers and their strategies. Top Hedge Fund Investors: Stories, Strategies, and Advice by Cathleen M. Rittereiser and Lawrence E. Kochard (Wiley, 2010) is written from a different perspective. The authors profile nine successful investors in hedge funds—“the pioneers and next-generation, high-net-worth individuals, funds of hedge funds, and institutions.”
According to industry metrics, investment in hedge funds is concentrated: most hedge fund investors commit 85-90% of their assets to the same 170 to 200 large hedge funds. (p. 183). But some of the investors interviewed for this book have seeded new funds or have invested in early-stage funds. For instance, Frank Meyer seeded Ken Griffin of Citadel fame.
Many of the interviewees describe in great detail the qualities they are looking for in a fund manager. I particularly enjoyed Mark Anson’s cautionary top ten quotations from hedge fund managers he has spoken to over the course of his career. One was “Basically I look at screens all day and go with my gut.” Anson’s response: “While he may be a gutsy investor, there is simply too much process risk associated with this hedge fund manager to make a credible investment.” (p. 92)
At Investcorp, Deepak Gurnani proceeded more quantitatively through his Alpha Project. A group of five quants and tech people dissected the primary hedge fund strategies and “determined the generic trade that defines each strategy.” They then constructed a database of historical prices for securities in that strategy. Moving strategy by strategy, they calculated proprietary indexes of generic hedge fund returns. On the basis of these indexes, they will either look for managers who are adding alpha or use more cost-effective ways to generate the same return.
Some strategies, Guarnani says, are easy to replicate and can be executed passively; convertible arbitrage is the best example. By stark contrast, macro discretionary “is so skill-based” that he hasn’t even started the Alpha Project on it. “It is totally skill, there is no natural return.” (p. 146)
Top Hedge Fund Investors is written for those who invest in hedge funds and, by extension, for hedge fund managers. (It’s imperative to know what your potential clients are thinking.) Ma and Pa Kettle won’t learn much about where to put their nest egg.
I just started reading this book to get some ideas to start my own hedge fund one day.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Lotus Pharmaceuticals (LTUS) preparing to apply for national exchange listing
Today, Lotus Pharmaceuticals(LTUS)announced that the Company's Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Dr. Ian Ashley from the Board.
Chairman and CEO Mr. Zhongyi Liu stated, "Dr. Ashley has served as a valued member of the Board for four years, and we sincerely appreciate his service. We are preparing to apply for a listing on a national securities exchange and are adding experienced directors who will be actively involved in guiding the Company."
The Company's management also reaffirms its previously issued guidance of $73.6 million in revenues and $21.4 million in net income for fiscal 2010. Management is confident in the Company's performance for the rest of the year and looks forward to updating investors on Lotus' third quarter results in the 10-Q filing and earnings release, which are scheduled to be released on or before Monday, November 15.
Lotus' management team will also be traveling to multiple cities in the U.S. to meet with brokers and institutional investors in early November. The circuit will involve meetings and presentations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, and New York between Thursday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 9. Financial professionals who are interested in meeting with Lotus' management can contact Jon Cunningham at (407) 644-4256, Ext. 107 or Jon@redchip.com.
It seemed that the resignation of Dr. Ian Ashley had also to do with the fact that he was not that experienced in the eyes of the company and actively involved in strategic positioning of the company.
Chairman and CEO Mr. Zhongyi Liu stated, "Dr. Ashley has served as a valued member of the Board for four years, and we sincerely appreciate his service. We are preparing to apply for a listing on a national securities exchange and are adding experienced directors who will be actively involved in guiding the Company."
The Company's management also reaffirms its previously issued guidance of $73.6 million in revenues and $21.4 million in net income for fiscal 2010. Management is confident in the Company's performance for the rest of the year and looks forward to updating investors on Lotus' third quarter results in the 10-Q filing and earnings release, which are scheduled to be released on or before Monday, November 15.
Lotus' management team will also be traveling to multiple cities in the U.S. to meet with brokers and institutional investors in early November. The circuit will involve meetings and presentations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, and New York between Thursday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 9. Financial professionals who are interested in meeting with Lotus' management can contact Jon Cunningham at (407) 644-4256, Ext. 107 or Jon@redchip.com.
It seemed that the resignation of Dr. Ian Ashley had also to do with the fact that he was not that experienced in the eyes of the company and actively involved in strategic positioning of the company.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Lotus Pharmaceuticals (LTUS) raises some concerns in 8-K
Item 5.02 Departure of Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensation Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On October 15, 2010, Liu Zhongyi, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) received an email from Ian Ashley (the “Resignation Notice”) pursuant to which Dr. Ashley resigned as a member of the Board, effective immediately. Dr. Ashley delivered his Resignation Notice following his receipt of an email from Dr. Zhongyi pursuant to which Dr. Zhongyi, following consultation with the Board and shareholders, suggested that Dr. Ashley resign from the Board. At the time of his resignation, Dr. Ashley did not serve on any committee of the Board of Directors.
In the Resignation Notice, Dr. Ashley claims, among other things, that the transparency, communication, and operations of the Company are in question. The Company strongly disagrees with the claims made by Dr. Ashley in the Resignation Notice.
Dr. Ashley’s Resignation Notice is being filed with this Current Report as Exhibit 99.1. The Company has provided Dr. Ashley a copy of this disclosure it is making in response to this Item 5.02 no later than the date of filing of this Current Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company will provide Dr. Ashley with the opportunity to furnish the Company as promptly as possible with a letter addressed to the Company stating whether he agrees with the statement made by the Company in response to this Item 5.02 and, if not, stating the respects in which he does not agree. The Company will file any letter received from Dr. Ashley with the SEC as an exhibit by amendment to this Current Report within two business days after receipt by the Company.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
99.1 Notice of Resignation by Ian Ashley, dated October 15, 2010
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
LOTUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Date: October 19, 2010 By: /s/ Liu Zhongyi
Name: Liu Zhongyi
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 99.1
Dear Dr. Liu,
I have served as a Director since inception of LTUS. The transparency, communication, and operations of the public company are in question. I have made repeated requests for information that should be available to Directors. Most recently my request for a date of the next Board meeting has gone unanswered. Often you have sent me signature pages to sign off on without sending the supporting documents. Emails in both English and Chinese have gone unanswered. In light of this, please consider my resignation effective immediately. I respectfully demand that this resignation letter be included in the 8-k filing. I have copied this to your counsel.
Respectfully yours,
Ian Ashley, MD
It seems that there were some major communication problems between Mr. Ashley and management. My opinion is they hired him to get more international attention, but never made him part of the team. To debate that something is completely wrong with the company is not opportune, but of course we need a good explanation.
On October 15, 2010, Liu Zhongyi, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”) received an email from Ian Ashley (the “Resignation Notice”) pursuant to which Dr. Ashley resigned as a member of the Board, effective immediately. Dr. Ashley delivered his Resignation Notice following his receipt of an email from Dr. Zhongyi pursuant to which Dr. Zhongyi, following consultation with the Board and shareholders, suggested that Dr. Ashley resign from the Board. At the time of his resignation, Dr. Ashley did not serve on any committee of the Board of Directors.
In the Resignation Notice, Dr. Ashley claims, among other things, that the transparency, communication, and operations of the Company are in question. The Company strongly disagrees with the claims made by Dr. Ashley in the Resignation Notice.
Dr. Ashley’s Resignation Notice is being filed with this Current Report as Exhibit 99.1. The Company has provided Dr. Ashley a copy of this disclosure it is making in response to this Item 5.02 no later than the date of filing of this Current Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company will provide Dr. Ashley with the opportunity to furnish the Company as promptly as possible with a letter addressed to the Company stating whether he agrees with the statement made by the Company in response to this Item 5.02 and, if not, stating the respects in which he does not agree. The Company will file any letter received from Dr. Ashley with the SEC as an exhibit by amendment to this Current Report within two business days after receipt by the Company.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
99.1 Notice of Resignation by Ian Ashley, dated October 15, 2010
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
LOTUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Date: October 19, 2010 By: /s/ Liu Zhongyi
Name: Liu Zhongyi
Title: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 99.1
Dear Dr. Liu,
I have served as a Director since inception of LTUS. The transparency, communication, and operations of the public company are in question. I have made repeated requests for information that should be available to Directors. Most recently my request for a date of the next Board meeting has gone unanswered. Often you have sent me signature pages to sign off on without sending the supporting documents. Emails in both English and Chinese have gone unanswered. In light of this, please consider my resignation effective immediately. I respectfully demand that this resignation letter be included in the 8-k filing. I have copied this to your counsel.
Respectfully yours,
Ian Ashley, MD
It seems that there were some major communication problems between Mr. Ashley and management. My opinion is they hired him to get more international attention, but never made him part of the team. To debate that something is completely wrong with the company is not opportune, but of course we need a good explanation.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Lotus Pharmaceuticals (LTUS) announces new patent for controlled-release diabetes drug
Lotus Pharmaceuticals (LTUS), announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, En Ze Jia Shi Pharmaceuticals, has been issued a patent by the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China for controlled-release oral gliclazide. The patent covers the composition and preparation methods for the drug through 2030.
Gliclazide is commonly used to control mild to moderate adult-onset Type 2 diabetes. The drug belongs to the second generation of sulfonylureas, a class of anti-diabetic drugs that stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. Lotus' novel controlled-release gliclazide tablet is formulated using osmotic pump technology, which encases the drug in a semi-permeable framework for a gradual, sustained release. The drug release is designed to be minimally affected by pH, gastric acid and food intake. In preclinical studies, the tablets demonstrated a similar rate of drug release in both in vitro and in vivo models.
According to the company's proprietary market research, the worldwide diabetic population is expected to reach 239 million people by 2010. China currently has about 40 million diabetic patients, with an additional 1.5 to 2 million patients diagnosed each year. China's diabetes drug market is estimated at RMB 7 billion (US $1.1 billion) annually and is expected to surpass RMB 10 billion (US $1.5 billion) in four years. Gliclazide accounts for approximately 28%, or RMB 1.25 billion (US $188.1 million), of the sulfonylurea market in China.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Zhongyi Liu stated, "We believe our controlled-release gliclazide tablet will have a meaningful impact on the clinical treatment of diabetes. The drug release rate of conventional oral gliclazide is uncontrolled, which can lead to unpleasant side effects due to quick drug release. Our controlled-release formulation has the potential to provide a more stable and sustained drug delivery compared to conventional gliclazide, resulting in fewer side effects, greater efficacy and an improved safety profile. In addition, the controlled-release tablet could potentially reduce dosing frequency. This is a significant benefit for diabetic patients, who generally require long-term daily medication."
Mr. Liu continued, "We expect to start clinical trials in 2012 after receiving authorization from the State Food and Drug Administration, with regulatory approval expected in 2014. Our market research indicates that the global gliclazide market will reach RMB 1.5 billion, or approximately $225.7 million, by that time. We aim to capture nearly one-tenth of this market, achieving peak sales of approximately $15 million per year. We expect a gross margin of about 60 percent and a net profit of about 30 percent for this product. The demand and market potential are significant, and given our 20-year patent protection, we expect to enjoy market exclusivity for controlled-release gliclazide through at least 2030."
Lotus Pharmaceuticals (LTUS) is our long term investment that has so much potential and products in the pipeline but the stock price still behaves like a new born baby. At the current price of $1.16, the shares trade at a P/E 2010 below 3, which is incredibily cheap. An upgrading to a major exchange would lead to much desired institutional interest.
Gliclazide is commonly used to control mild to moderate adult-onset Type 2 diabetes. The drug belongs to the second generation of sulfonylureas, a class of anti-diabetic drugs that stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin. Lotus' novel controlled-release gliclazide tablet is formulated using osmotic pump technology, which encases the drug in a semi-permeable framework for a gradual, sustained release. The drug release is designed to be minimally affected by pH, gastric acid and food intake. In preclinical studies, the tablets demonstrated a similar rate of drug release in both in vitro and in vivo models.
According to the company's proprietary market research, the worldwide diabetic population is expected to reach 239 million people by 2010. China currently has about 40 million diabetic patients, with an additional 1.5 to 2 million patients diagnosed each year. China's diabetes drug market is estimated at RMB 7 billion (US $1.1 billion) annually and is expected to surpass RMB 10 billion (US $1.5 billion) in four years. Gliclazide accounts for approximately 28%, or RMB 1.25 billion (US $188.1 million), of the sulfonylurea market in China.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Zhongyi Liu stated, "We believe our controlled-release gliclazide tablet will have a meaningful impact on the clinical treatment of diabetes. The drug release rate of conventional oral gliclazide is uncontrolled, which can lead to unpleasant side effects due to quick drug release. Our controlled-release formulation has the potential to provide a more stable and sustained drug delivery compared to conventional gliclazide, resulting in fewer side effects, greater efficacy and an improved safety profile. In addition, the controlled-release tablet could potentially reduce dosing frequency. This is a significant benefit for diabetic patients, who generally require long-term daily medication."
Mr. Liu continued, "We expect to start clinical trials in 2012 after receiving authorization from the State Food and Drug Administration, with regulatory approval expected in 2014. Our market research indicates that the global gliclazide market will reach RMB 1.5 billion, or approximately $225.7 million, by that time. We aim to capture nearly one-tenth of this market, achieving peak sales of approximately $15 million per year. We expect a gross margin of about 60 percent and a net profit of about 30 percent for this product. The demand and market potential are significant, and given our 20-year patent protection, we expect to enjoy market exclusivity for controlled-release gliclazide through at least 2030."
Lotus Pharmaceuticals (LTUS) is our long term investment that has so much potential and products in the pipeline but the stock price still behaves like a new born baby. At the current price of $1.16, the shares trade at a P/E 2010 below 3, which is incredibily cheap. An upgrading to a major exchange would lead to much desired institutional interest.
Update China Investor King Portfolio
Our equally weigthed portfolio is being revised. Yesterday (October 18, 2010) we sold Coffee Holding (JVA) at $4.00 with a 20.79% loss and bought NIV IntelliMedia Technology (NIV) at $2.77. Our performance from the start (July 1, 2010) until October 18, 2010 was 12.24%.
Monday, October 18, 2010
China Nutrifruit's (CNGL) promising company that is not yet discovered
Through its subsidiary Daqing Longheda Food Company Limited, China Nutrifruit, is engaged in developing, processing, marketing and distributing a variety of food products processed primarily from premium specialty fruits grown in Northeast China, including golden berry, crab apple, blueberry and raspberry. The company’s processing facility possesses ISO9001 and HACCP series qualifications. Currently, the company has established an extensive nationwide sales and distribution network throughout 20 provinces in China.
For more information, please visit China Nutrifruit .
In August the company announced its financial results for the period ended June 30, 2010 which represents the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. Net sales increased 2.9% year-over-year to $9.6 million. Gross profit increased 5.0% year-over-year to $4.1 million, with gross margin of 42.8%. Operating earnings rose 13.0% year-over-year to $2.4 million, with operating margin of 25.2%.
Net income was $1.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.
This year they successfully completed technological upgrades to its fruit concentrate production lines at its Mudanjiang and Daqing facilities and commenced its fiscal year 2011 production season in July 2010.
The company started production of its new blackcurrant and seabuckthorn concentrate juice and glazed fruits products in July 2010.
“Historically, the first fiscal quarter is the slowest as we mainly engage in selling our remaining inventory from the prior year’s production season. This explains our modest growth in net sales, gross margin and net income during the first fiscal quarter of 2011. We kicked off our new production season in late July and will add some new products to our mix this year,” commented Mr. Changjun Yu, Chairman and CEO of China Nutrifruit. “Driven by increasing market demand for our glazed and concentrated juice products, we received repeat orders from our existing distributors at higher volumes, improving our operational efficiency and enhancing our profitability.”
The company reported no revenues from the beverage segment as it discontinued beverage operation in March 2010, following its strategic decision to cease beverage production and focus on its high-margin premium products.
As of June 30, 2010, China Nutrifruit had $26.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $2.5 million in current liabilities with no long term debt and working capital of $46.2 million. Shareholders’ equity was $67.6 million as of June 30, 2010, up from $65.8 million as of March 31, 2010. Net cash used in operating activities was $5.8 million, which reflects a $13.7 million advance payment for the construction of its new fruit and vegetable powder production facility in Daqing, which began operations in September 2010. The Company recorded approximately $3.5 million as capital expenditures in relation to the recent technological upgrades of its concentrate juice production lines at its Daqing and Mu Dan Jiang facilities.
For more fundamental research I would advice you to look at Trading China.
Business Outlook
Some months ago China Nutrifruit completed its installation of additional equipment and implemented advanced production techniques at its facilities in Daqing and Mu Dan Jiang. The company also made systematic upgrades to its existing equipment, replacing inefficient machinery to improve performance and productivity. As a result of the technological upgrades, the company expects to benefit from improved productivity and maximize its resource efficiency, favorably affecting gross margins.
In July 2010, the company also commenced production of its new blackcurrant and seabuckthorn concentrate juice and glazed fruit products. For fiscal year 2011, China Nutrifruit plans to engage in limited production of the newly developed concentrate juice and glazed fruit products and will ramp up production based on market feedback.
The company is on track to begin trial production of its new fruit and vegetable powder products in September 2010 at its new fruit and vegetable powder production facility in Daqing, with an annual capacity of 10,000 tons. Management expects this new segment to favorably impact revenue and net income growth in fiscal year 2011.
“We started fiscal 2011 on a positive note with growth initiatives including new product introductions and technological and process improvements at our facilities in advance of our fiscal year 2011 production season,” said Mr. Yu. “We are excited about the newly developed blackcurrant and seabuckthorn concentrate juice and glazed fruit products and are optimistic about their market demand. Our production team is gearing up to commence production of our new fruit and vegetable powder products in September 2010 as per schedule. We plan to optimally leverage our well-established distribution network to market our new powder products and hope to begin selling our products overseas.”
China Nutrifruit affirms its financial guidance of $90-$95 million in revenue and $22-$23 million in net income for fiscal year 2011. This fiscal year leaves us with an EPS between $0.55-$0.60. The stock price of $3.10 gives us a P/E-ratio below 6, which in my opinion is too low for a company that can achieve an average growth of 25% per year. My EPS expectation fiscal year 2012 and 2013 are $0.70 and $0.85.
For more background information look their presentation of September 2010
The big problem with this stock is the lack of liquidity. Why? Because it is not yet on the radar.
POSITION: LONG
For more information, please visit China Nutrifruit .
In August the company announced its financial results for the period ended June 30, 2010 which represents the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. Net sales increased 2.9% year-over-year to $9.6 million. Gross profit increased 5.0% year-over-year to $4.1 million, with gross margin of 42.8%. Operating earnings rose 13.0% year-over-year to $2.4 million, with operating margin of 25.2%.
Net income was $1.8 million, or $0.04 per diluted share.
This year they successfully completed technological upgrades to its fruit concentrate production lines at its Mudanjiang and Daqing facilities and commenced its fiscal year 2011 production season in July 2010.
The company started production of its new blackcurrant and seabuckthorn concentrate juice and glazed fruits products in July 2010.
“Historically, the first fiscal quarter is the slowest as we mainly engage in selling our remaining inventory from the prior year’s production season. This explains our modest growth in net sales, gross margin and net income during the first fiscal quarter of 2011. We kicked off our new production season in late July and will add some new products to our mix this year,” commented Mr. Changjun Yu, Chairman and CEO of China Nutrifruit. “Driven by increasing market demand for our glazed and concentrated juice products, we received repeat orders from our existing distributors at higher volumes, improving our operational efficiency and enhancing our profitability.”
The company reported no revenues from the beverage segment as it discontinued beverage operation in March 2010, following its strategic decision to cease beverage production and focus on its high-margin premium products.
As of June 30, 2010, China Nutrifruit had $26.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $2.5 million in current liabilities with no long term debt and working capital of $46.2 million. Shareholders’ equity was $67.6 million as of June 30, 2010, up from $65.8 million as of March 31, 2010. Net cash used in operating activities was $5.8 million, which reflects a $13.7 million advance payment for the construction of its new fruit and vegetable powder production facility in Daqing, which began operations in September 2010. The Company recorded approximately $3.5 million as capital expenditures in relation to the recent technological upgrades of its concentrate juice production lines at its Daqing and Mu Dan Jiang facilities.
For more fundamental research I would advice you to look at Trading China.
Business Outlook
Some months ago China Nutrifruit completed its installation of additional equipment and implemented advanced production techniques at its facilities in Daqing and Mu Dan Jiang. The company also made systematic upgrades to its existing equipment, replacing inefficient machinery to improve performance and productivity. As a result of the technological upgrades, the company expects to benefit from improved productivity and maximize its resource efficiency, favorably affecting gross margins.
In July 2010, the company also commenced production of its new blackcurrant and seabuckthorn concentrate juice and glazed fruit products. For fiscal year 2011, China Nutrifruit plans to engage in limited production of the newly developed concentrate juice and glazed fruit products and will ramp up production based on market feedback.
The company is on track to begin trial production of its new fruit and vegetable powder products in September 2010 at its new fruit and vegetable powder production facility in Daqing, with an annual capacity of 10,000 tons. Management expects this new segment to favorably impact revenue and net income growth in fiscal year 2011.
“We started fiscal 2011 on a positive note with growth initiatives including new product introductions and technological and process improvements at our facilities in advance of our fiscal year 2011 production season,” said Mr. Yu. “We are excited about the newly developed blackcurrant and seabuckthorn concentrate juice and glazed fruit products and are optimistic about their market demand. Our production team is gearing up to commence production of our new fruit and vegetable powder products in September 2010 as per schedule. We plan to optimally leverage our well-established distribution network to market our new powder products and hope to begin selling our products overseas.”
China Nutrifruit affirms its financial guidance of $90-$95 million in revenue and $22-$23 million in net income for fiscal year 2011. This fiscal year leaves us with an EPS between $0.55-$0.60. The stock price of $3.10 gives us a P/E-ratio below 6, which in my opinion is too low for a company that can achieve an average growth of 25% per year. My EPS expectation fiscal year 2012 and 2013 are $0.70 and $0.85.
For more background information look their presentation of September 2010
The big problem with this stock is the lack of liquidity. Why? Because it is not yet on the radar.
POSITION: LONG
Thursday, October 14, 2010
China Insonline Corp (CHIO) becomes a shell company
From their filed 10-K: SEC
Winding Down of Operations
During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company began winding down its operations. During the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company did not have any operating income. The weak economic market, which resulted in a significant decline in revenues of all areas of the Company’s business, led to the Company’s decision to wind down its operations. Thus, the Company currently has no business operations and is considered a shell company. Management is currently looking to either sell shares of the Company to a third party through a reverse acquisition or complete a business combination or other similar transaction.
The Company currently has some nominal office equipment remaining on the books. The Company is currently looking for a buyer to purchase these assets.
Going Concern
We received a report from our independent registered public accountants, relating to our June 30, 2010 audited consolidated financial statements, containing an explanatory paragraph regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
As a company with no operating business, management believes that the Company will not be able to generate operating cash flows sufficient to fund its operations in the next twelve months . Based upon our current limited cash resources and without the infusion of additional capital, management does not believe the Company can operate as a going concern beyond one year.
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Since winding down our operations in the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we have had no continuing business operations. Accordingly, the results of our operations for years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are not comparable.
As already stated in previous posts RED FLAGS were all over the place that's why we didn't cover the stock anymore.
Winding Down of Operations
During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company began winding down its operations. During the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company did not have any operating income. The weak economic market, which resulted in a significant decline in revenues of all areas of the Company’s business, led to the Company’s decision to wind down its operations. Thus, the Company currently has no business operations and is considered a shell company. Management is currently looking to either sell shares of the Company to a third party through a reverse acquisition or complete a business combination or other similar transaction.
The Company currently has some nominal office equipment remaining on the books. The Company is currently looking for a buyer to purchase these assets.
Going Concern
We received a report from our independent registered public accountants, relating to our June 30, 2010 audited consolidated financial statements, containing an explanatory paragraph regarding our ability to continue as a going concern.
As a company with no operating business, management believes that the Company will not be able to generate operating cash flows sufficient to fund its operations in the next twelve months . Based upon our current limited cash resources and without the infusion of additional capital, management does not believe the Company can operate as a going concern beyond one year.
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.
Since winding down our operations in the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we have had no continuing business operations. Accordingly, the results of our operations for years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are not comparable.
As already stated in previous posts RED FLAGS were all over the place that's why we didn't cover the stock anymore.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
NIVS IntelliMedia Technology Group (NIV) sentiment play
NIVS IntelliMedia Technology Group, Inc.(NIV), got listed on the NYSE Amex in March 2009 (IPO price $3.50). The company through its wholly subsidiary NIVS Holding Company Limited, designs, manufactures, sells and markets audio and video consumer products. The company predominantly operates in China but also sells and ships its products to diverse markets in Europe, Southeast Asia and North America. The two primary products lines offered by NIVS include 250 “standard/traditional” products (including theater systems, speakers, shelf-stereo systems, DVD players, DVB set-top boxes, televisions, portable digital players and related products) and 30 “intelligent” audio and video products (including various standard products with integrated speech-controlled interface technology comprising speech-controlled home theater systems, televisions, DVD players, set-top boxes and shelf stereo systems). In addition, the Company offers an array of peripheral and accessory products consisting of remote controls, headphones sets and portable entertainment devices such as MP3/ MP4 players.
NIVS sells its products under its own brand name “NIVS” as well as to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company has a distribution network in more than 60 countries including wholesalers, distributors (both provincial and regional), resellers, independent vendors, value-added resellers and hardware vendors. The company has a 2.7 million-square-foot facility in China, including a 1.1 millionsquare- foot production area and more than 1,400 full-time employees.
Despite impressive earnings growth year-to-date and a good relative financial position because of the stock offering in April the stock price lags the last weeks overall sector and market indices.
NIV achieved solid second quarter results backed by sales of intelligent audio and visual products, OEM cell phone sales, and the remainder of the order from China Telecom. EPS grew 27% year-over-year to a second quarter record of $.14, despite the dilutive effects of the added shares from the stock offering completed this quarter. Revenues increased 90% YoY to an all time high of $77.6 million. Mobile phone sales were a significant contributor to revenues this year compared to last year, a trend expected to continue going forward. The company's core business, intelligent audio and visual products, offered a sizable contribution to revenues as well. As NIV is able to provide additional brand name phones to China Telecom and presumably China Mobile and China Unicom in the future, growth is secured for the future.
The valuation is very attractive with a book value of $2.36 and an EPS expectation of $0.60 this year the stock price of $2.23 doesn't reflect the promising future. In Q4 the IT spending cycle should be fuelled by continuing electronic demand in the consumer area. Christmas should also play an important role, with high smartphone demand.
For some more research, look at RedChip
POSITION: LONG
NIVS sells its products under its own brand name “NIVS” as well as to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company has a distribution network in more than 60 countries including wholesalers, distributors (both provincial and regional), resellers, independent vendors, value-added resellers and hardware vendors. The company has a 2.7 million-square-foot facility in China, including a 1.1 millionsquare- foot production area and more than 1,400 full-time employees.
Despite impressive earnings growth year-to-date and a good relative financial position because of the stock offering in April the stock price lags the last weeks overall sector and market indices.
NIV achieved solid second quarter results backed by sales of intelligent audio and visual products, OEM cell phone sales, and the remainder of the order from China Telecom. EPS grew 27% year-over-year to a second quarter record of $.14, despite the dilutive effects of the added shares from the stock offering completed this quarter. Revenues increased 90% YoY to an all time high of $77.6 million. Mobile phone sales were a significant contributor to revenues this year compared to last year, a trend expected to continue going forward. The company's core business, intelligent audio and visual products, offered a sizable contribution to revenues as well. As NIV is able to provide additional brand name phones to China Telecom and presumably China Mobile and China Unicom in the future, growth is secured for the future.
The valuation is very attractive with a book value of $2.36 and an EPS expectation of $0.60 this year the stock price of $2.23 doesn't reflect the promising future. In Q4 the IT spending cycle should be fuelled by continuing electronic demand in the consumer area. Christmas should also play an important role, with high smartphone demand.
For some more research, look at RedChip
POSITION: LONG
Monday, October 11, 2010
Artificial Life (ALIF) reveals current statistics of 18 million iPhone downloads
Artificial Life, Inc., (ALIF) (http://www.artificial-life.com/), today revealed its current iPhone/iPod and iPad title sales, download numbers and key ranking statistics.
The total number of iPhone/iPod/iPad game downloads generated as of the end of September 2010 was over 10 million and has already surpassed full fiscal 2009 results of approximately 8 million downloads by 25%. The total number of iPhone/iPod and iPad downloads generated since 2009 now exceeds 18 million.
The Company, as of September 30th, 2010, has produced and released 35 games for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The top title was downloaded for over 4.7 million times, the second most for close to 2.2 million times, and the third most for close to 2.1 million times. The average number of downloads per game was about 0.53 million. Paid iPhone games were sold at between USD 0.99 to USD 4.99 with an average price per game of USD 2.05. All the new games released have achieved Top 100 or higher download rankings in their categories. Artificial Life's games have reached #1 on Apple App Store Top Charts in over 70 countries worldwide.
The Company has also penetrated the iPad market with great success in the first nine months of the year. For instance, since the launch of Linkin Park 8-Bit Rebellion! iPad Edition five months ago, the game has firmly remained in U.S. Top 20 Paid Music Apps in many countries around the world. Other iPad games have also continued to secure their places in the Top 50 charts even after months of their releases. GluCoMo(TM), the first newly launched healthcare iPhone application for monitoring and coaching diabetic patients, has also received positive results with the achievement of being in the U.S. Top 50 Healthcare & Fitness Apps.
Among the 35 produced games, 25 are based on licensed and branded intellectual property from a variety of licensors while 10 games are based on Artificial Life's proprietary IP. The games have been sold in a total of 89 countries worldwide. The distribution of game downloads by region is: 47% in North America, 33% in Europe and Africa, 15% in Asia Pacific, 3% in Latin America and 2% in the Middle East. The Top 5 countries in terms of download numbers for our products are: United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Germany (with 42%, 10%, 5%, 5% and 5% of downloads respectively).
"For the first nine months of 2010, Artificial Life has again garnered impressive download results for our iPhone and iPad applications, easily outperforming our already very good 2009 results. The quality of the games has been the contributing factor to the success. We will continue to produce high quality games and business applications for the iPhone and iPad throughout the last quarter of the year," said Eberhard Schoneburg, CEO of Artificial Life, Inc.
The distribution of game downloads in the Asia Pacific region is increasing from Q2 13% to Q3 15%. This is a very important sign that their efforts are succesful. We think Q3 results will be astonishing and the stock price does still not reflect the value of the underlying businesses.
POSITION: LONG
The total number of iPhone/iPod/iPad game downloads generated as of the end of September 2010 was over 10 million and has already surpassed full fiscal 2009 results of approximately 8 million downloads by 25%. The total number of iPhone/iPod and iPad downloads generated since 2009 now exceeds 18 million.
The Company, as of September 30th, 2010, has produced and released 35 games for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The top title was downloaded for over 4.7 million times, the second most for close to 2.2 million times, and the third most for close to 2.1 million times. The average number of downloads per game was about 0.53 million. Paid iPhone games were sold at between USD 0.99 to USD 4.99 with an average price per game of USD 2.05. All the new games released have achieved Top 100 or higher download rankings in their categories. Artificial Life's games have reached #1 on Apple App Store Top Charts in over 70 countries worldwide.
The Company has also penetrated the iPad market with great success in the first nine months of the year. For instance, since the launch of Linkin Park 8-Bit Rebellion! iPad Edition five months ago, the game has firmly remained in U.S. Top 20 Paid Music Apps in many countries around the world. Other iPad games have also continued to secure their places in the Top 50 charts even after months of their releases. GluCoMo(TM), the first newly launched healthcare iPhone application for monitoring and coaching diabetic patients, has also received positive results with the achievement of being in the U.S. Top 50 Healthcare & Fitness Apps.
Among the 35 produced games, 25 are based on licensed and branded intellectual property from a variety of licensors while 10 games are based on Artificial Life's proprietary IP. The games have been sold in a total of 89 countries worldwide. The distribution of game downloads by region is: 47% in North America, 33% in Europe and Africa, 15% in Asia Pacific, 3% in Latin America and 2% in the Middle East. The Top 5 countries in terms of download numbers for our products are: United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Germany (with 42%, 10%, 5%, 5% and 5% of downloads respectively).
"For the first nine months of 2010, Artificial Life has again garnered impressive download results for our iPhone and iPad applications, easily outperforming our already very good 2009 results. The quality of the games has been the contributing factor to the success. We will continue to produce high quality games and business applications for the iPhone and iPad throughout the last quarter of the year," said Eberhard Schoneburg, CEO of Artificial Life, Inc.
The distribution of game downloads in the Asia Pacific region is increasing from Q2 13% to Q3 15%. This is a very important sign that their efforts are succesful. We think Q3 results will be astonishing and the stock price does still not reflect the value of the underlying businesses.
POSITION: LONG
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Backup information on Rodman's note confronting the Barron's article
We traveled to 10 cities and met with eleven companies in China from August 30th – September 10th. The sweltering heat was just giving way to more pleasant autumn weather. I recall that in Beijing, right up to the time of the Olympics in August 2008, there was always some major construction that’s the talk of the town. However, this time, the limelight was focused on Shanghai, which is hosting the 2010 World Expo and has thus far attracted ~59MM visitors from across the globe. Not only that, Shenzhen was celebrating its 30th year as a Special Economic Zone, its status declared by Deng Xiao Ping in 1980. In addition, the cranes are still swarming the tier-2 cities, from Changsha to Wuhan to Chongqing. Needless to say, business is brewing.
Interestingly, the Barron’s article, which questioned the validity of the U.S.-listed Chinese small-cap companies, was published the weekend that I arrived in China. The article has been brought to the attention of all participants in the space. In fact, the Chairmen of most companies that we visited were very well aware of the article, and some had been actively contemplating auditor upgrades even before the recent onslaught of unfavorable media attention; meanwhile, others are waiting to scale up before doing so. We expect a wave of these auditor upgrades over the next 12-18 months. For smaller companies with less than $200MM revenues, switching to a ‘Big 4’ auditor would fit like a child in high heels. A more prudent intermediate step is to engage them on a project-basis to help with improving internal controls and/or SOX compliance. Note that both China North East Petroleum Ltd. (AMEX:NEP, Market Outperform) and SkyPeople Fruit Juice (NASDAQ:SPU, Not Rated) have done so.
Our take on the allegations of fraud – they assume intent, namely, the management teams’ intent to deceive American investors for economic gain. After meeting with the eleven management teams and touring their factories, we think that to the contrary, most founders are more concerned about reputation and the long-term growth trajectory of their companies. Virtually all of these entrepreneurs harbor 10-20 year plans to position their franchises for industry dominance and greatness, as entrepreneurs should, and genuinely seek the partnership of American investors to realize their visions. Most of these founders have been recognized and honored by, and received the support of, their local governments. Golden plaques proudly hang in the lobbies of their headquarters or in the Chairmen’s offices – these are the honorary and reputational assets that the Chairmen are working to preserve. They want their enterprises to become success stories of economic advancement. Their regional governments are counting on them to set examples for other local enterprises, to stimulate the regional economy, and to lead them out of poverty and into urbanization. In sum, by reducing the intentions of Chinese companies in listing in the U.S. to unscrupulous economic gain, the American investment community has failed to realize that for most Chinese enterprises, there is much more at stake – local reputation and honor, which can be thought of as collateral for their investments.
Besides tapping into the American capital markets, Chinese companies also list in the U.S. to gain authenticity in using an American brand name, which buys them credibility with both suppliers and customers. Therefore, the company’s U.S. listing is an integral part of its business strategy. In sum, for most of these companies, there is much more to be gained by succeeding in the eyes of American shareholders than by deceiving them financially.
Our general view is that China is a formidable growth story, and serious investors should not overlook both the growth potential of this geography and the vast differences in valuation between U.S.-listed Chinese companies (frequently known as ‘orphaned’ stocks) and their peers traded on the Chinese exchanges, or even those that had gone through a lengthier IPO process in the U.S.
Contrary to the temptation to use small-cap China stocks as quick trading vehicles, we believe that success in the current environment favors a more private equity-like approach – to thoroughly understand the management team, where unlocked value may lie, and the catalysts that will drive value actualization.
I would advise read the following book
Building wealth in China, 36 stories of Chinese Millionaires & how they made their fortunes - compiled by Zhu Ling
This book tells the story of how 36 businessmen in China who barely have a formal education made their fortunes.
The determination to succeed even after failure and the contributions to do something back to the society by these entrepreneurs go far beyond their investments in China. Many have devoted their knowledge, expertise, time and personal wealth to promote the development of education, welfare and environment
Stories of their success are a reflection of the economic progress China has made in the economic reforms that are lasting already for more than 30 years. The reforms have released the energy and passion of thousands of entrepreneurs across China. In this book 36 tell their success story. Many of them have taken considerable financial and, sometimes personal risks to achieve their goals. For many of them, the initial desire to enrich themselves and their immediate families has, over time, transcended into a mission to establish world-class companies that benefited the country but also the living standards of a lot of people.
Behind the success of these Chinese businessmen is the support of the central and local governments. Old restrictions that prohibited business development have been progressively dismantled and new rules conducive to fair competition and orderly markets have been introduced which helped the entrepreneur to achieve their fortunes.
So in this book you can meet entrepreneurs such as Chen Zefeng, founder and president of the Fuijan Fengyuan Environmental Protection Group Co, Ltd. for him making a contribution is far more important than making money. Cui Guillang, Dawa Dondop, Dawa is the founder, president and chairman of the Tibet Dashi Group, with diverse businesses in water resources, road construction and tourism. Shi Zhengrong, founder and chairman of the Suntech Power Holdings, one of the world’s three largest solar cell manufacturers. In 2005, Suntech became the first privately owned Chinese company to be listed on the NYSE.
Interestingly, the Barron’s article, which questioned the validity of the U.S.-listed Chinese small-cap companies, was published the weekend that I arrived in China. The article has been brought to the attention of all participants in the space. In fact, the Chairmen of most companies that we visited were very well aware of the article, and some had been actively contemplating auditor upgrades even before the recent onslaught of unfavorable media attention; meanwhile, others are waiting to scale up before doing so. We expect a wave of these auditor upgrades over the next 12-18 months. For smaller companies with less than $200MM revenues, switching to a ‘Big 4’ auditor would fit like a child in high heels. A more prudent intermediate step is to engage them on a project-basis to help with improving internal controls and/or SOX compliance. Note that both China North East Petroleum Ltd. (AMEX:NEP, Market Outperform) and SkyPeople Fruit Juice (NASDAQ:SPU, Not Rated) have done so.
Our take on the allegations of fraud – they assume intent, namely, the management teams’ intent to deceive American investors for economic gain. After meeting with the eleven management teams and touring their factories, we think that to the contrary, most founders are more concerned about reputation and the long-term growth trajectory of their companies. Virtually all of these entrepreneurs harbor 10-20 year plans to position their franchises for industry dominance and greatness, as entrepreneurs should, and genuinely seek the partnership of American investors to realize their visions. Most of these founders have been recognized and honored by, and received the support of, their local governments. Golden plaques proudly hang in the lobbies of their headquarters or in the Chairmen’s offices – these are the honorary and reputational assets that the Chairmen are working to preserve. They want their enterprises to become success stories of economic advancement. Their regional governments are counting on them to set examples for other local enterprises, to stimulate the regional economy, and to lead them out of poverty and into urbanization. In sum, by reducing the intentions of Chinese companies in listing in the U.S. to unscrupulous economic gain, the American investment community has failed to realize that for most Chinese enterprises, there is much more at stake – local reputation and honor, which can be thought of as collateral for their investments.
Besides tapping into the American capital markets, Chinese companies also list in the U.S. to gain authenticity in using an American brand name, which buys them credibility with both suppliers and customers. Therefore, the company’s U.S. listing is an integral part of its business strategy. In sum, for most of these companies, there is much more to be gained by succeeding in the eyes of American shareholders than by deceiving them financially.
Our general view is that China is a formidable growth story, and serious investors should not overlook both the growth potential of this geography and the vast differences in valuation between U.S.-listed Chinese companies (frequently known as ‘orphaned’ stocks) and their peers traded on the Chinese exchanges, or even those that had gone through a lengthier IPO process in the U.S.
Contrary to the temptation to use small-cap China stocks as quick trading vehicles, we believe that success in the current environment favors a more private equity-like approach – to thoroughly understand the management team, where unlocked value may lie, and the catalysts that will drive value actualization.
I would advise read the following book
Building wealth in China, 36 stories of Chinese Millionaires & how they made their fortunes - compiled by Zhu Ling
This book tells the story of how 36 businessmen in China who barely have a formal education made their fortunes.
The determination to succeed even after failure and the contributions to do something back to the society by these entrepreneurs go far beyond their investments in China. Many have devoted their knowledge, expertise, time and personal wealth to promote the development of education, welfare and environment
Stories of their success are a reflection of the economic progress China has made in the economic reforms that are lasting already for more than 30 years. The reforms have released the energy and passion of thousands of entrepreneurs across China. In this book 36 tell their success story. Many of them have taken considerable financial and, sometimes personal risks to achieve their goals. For many of them, the initial desire to enrich themselves and their immediate families has, over time, transcended into a mission to establish world-class companies that benefited the country but also the living standards of a lot of people.
Behind the success of these Chinese businessmen is the support of the central and local governments. Old restrictions that prohibited business development have been progressively dismantled and new rules conducive to fair competition and orderly markets have been introduced which helped the entrepreneur to achieve their fortunes.
So in this book you can meet entrepreneurs such as Chen Zefeng, founder and president of the Fuijan Fengyuan Environmental Protection Group Co, Ltd. for him making a contribution is far more important than making money. Cui Guillang, Dawa Dondop, Dawa is the founder, president and chairman of the Tibet Dashi Group, with diverse businesses in water resources, road construction and tourism. Shi Zhengrong, founder and chairman of the Suntech Power Holdings, one of the world’s three largest solar cell manufacturers. In 2005, Suntech became the first privately owned Chinese company to be listed on the NYSE.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Artificial Life (ALIF) selected by Microsoft as Showcase Partner to develop Windows Phone 7 games
Artificial Life(ALIF) (http://www.artificial-life.com/), a leading provider of award-winning mobile broadband technology and applications, today announced that its hit title: Red Bull Racing Challenge will be available on the Windows Phone 7 platform very soon. Artificial Life is one of the first mobile game publishers selected by Microsoft as part of the Showcase to bring titles to the new platform scheduled for this holiday season.
"We are excited to bring Red Bull Racing Challenge to Windows 7 devices. Artificial Life will take this opportunity to capture an even broader audience with the extension to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Platform," said Eberhard Schoneburg, CEO, Artificial Life, Inc.
I think it is a good sign that they are not only depending on Apple's iPhone.
POSITION: LONG
"We are excited to bring Red Bull Racing Challenge to Windows 7 devices. Artificial Life will take this opportunity to capture an even broader audience with the extension to Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Platform," said Eberhard Schoneburg, CEO, Artificial Life, Inc.
I think it is a good sign that they are not only depending on Apple's iPhone.
POSITION: LONG
Friday, October 1, 2010
China INSOnline Corp (CHIO) entered into Letter of Intent to merge with Dingneng Bio-Technology
Insurance underwriting company China INSOnline announced today that it has entered into a letter of intent dated September 27, 2010 related to a proposed transaction offered by Dingneng Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. ("Dingneng") to acquire common shares of CHIO through merger, direct exchange or any other form in one or a series of mutually agreed upon transactions. In connection with the transaction, Dingneng will become a subsidiary of CHIO.
The proposed transaction is subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence by Dingneng, the execution of definitive agreements, the approval from the related regulatory bodies and the approvals of both the board of directors and the shareholders of CHIO and Dingneng.
There is no assurance that any definitive agreement will be entered into, that any proposed transaction will be approved by the shareholders of CHIO or that any transaction will be completed as a result of the execution of the letter of intent.
Dingneng Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China ("Dingneng"), is a leading green energy company that engages in bio-diesel production, refinement and distribution in Southern China. Dingbeng has its own patents and specializes in extracting raw oil from plant sapindus mukorossi and refining into industrial standard bio-diesel. With well-established raw material supply and comprehensive refined bio-diesel distribution networks, Dingneng is one of the most competitive green energy suppliers in China.
With this proposed transaction the stock could get investor's attention again.
The proposed transaction is subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence by Dingneng, the execution of definitive agreements, the approval from the related regulatory bodies and the approvals of both the board of directors and the shareholders of CHIO and Dingneng.
There is no assurance that any definitive agreement will be entered into, that any proposed transaction will be approved by the shareholders of CHIO or that any transaction will be completed as a result of the execution of the letter of intent.
Dingneng Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China ("Dingneng"), is a leading green energy company that engages in bio-diesel production, refinement and distribution in Southern China. Dingbeng has its own patents and specializes in extracting raw oil from plant sapindus mukorossi and refining into industrial standard bio-diesel. With well-established raw material supply and comprehensive refined bio-diesel distribution networks, Dingneng is one of the most competitive green energy suppliers in China.
With this proposed transaction the stock could get investor's attention again.
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