The Howard Group Insight Newsletter

Insight Live! Has Moved

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:56:00 +0000

The Howard Group Insight Live! Blog has moved to its new home on our new website at http://howardgroupinc.com/

The Howard Group Blog provides an ongoing perspective on market conditions, corporate developments and events that affect our client companies. CLICK HERE to register for the latest Howard Group client news.

All blogs prior to June 1, 2014 will remain on Blogger as archives for research and reference.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

The Howard Group

email: info@howardgroupinc.com

phone: 403-221-0915 or 888-221-0915

Critical Elements Announces Third Revenue Stream

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Aug 2014 14:26:00 +0000

CRE:TSX-V

Since returning from a trip to Japan last June, Critical Elements’ senior management have been very busy with numerous initiatives to de-risk and bring added value to their Rose Lithium-Tantalum project in Quebec. Last week, the company strengthened its board of directors by adding Mr. Matthew Lauriston Starnes, an individual with an impressive background and experience in contract negotiations, legal and corporate governance. Also that week, CRE announced that it achieved a 99.98% battery grade lithium carbonate purity, which bodes well for potential buyers that are desperately searching for a long term supplier to meet the growing global lithium demand. Both pieces of news were well received by the markets and rewarded the company with a 52 week high of $0.31 on its stock price.

Management continues to deliver good news to investors. Today the company announced that its low-iron lithium concentrate has been successfully tested by ceramic and glass manufacturers overseas. This key news allows for a third revenue stream to stem from its commercialization plans.

A point worth mentioning to investors is that in just a few years, and on a thrifty ~$6 million budget, Critical Elements discovered, drilled, initiated environmental work, and signed a pre-development agreement with the Cree community of Eastmain, completed metallurgy work, and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). For a TSX Venture junior in the resource sector, this is a very rare and impressive feat.

With the latest positive results and de-risking initiatives, it’s no surprise Critical Elements continues to be invited back to Japan to meet with various end users that management expect will be key in funding the Company into production.

Click here to read full news release.

- Arial Cobangbang

- Jeff Walker

FLYHT Q2 Conference Call – CEO Expects Strong Second Half

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:55:00 +0000

FLY:TSX-V

On this morning’s FLYHT second quarter conference call, CEO Bill Tempany addressed a number of topics and questions around the release of Q2 financials and business activities. Right out of the gate, Mr. Tempany commented on the weakness in revenues experienced in Q2. Quarterly revenue was $1.5 million, down 30% from last year’s Q2 results of $2.2 million. The company however, is ahead of Q1, which would indicate it is headed in the right direction. Recurring revenues increased slightly to ~$893,000 from last year’s ~$846,000 and it was explained that this should improve in Q3 as customers that had been shut off due to nonpayment have restarted and a customer in the middle of a fleet switch is up and running again.

Mr. Tempany noted that in Q2/2013, the company recognized significant orders from First Air and NetJets, which accounted for the strong second quarter in 2013. He emphasized that the third and fourth quarter of this year are looking to be very strong as the company has shipped more AFIRS units in July than in the entire second quarter.

Throughout the call, Mr. Tempany addressed a number of other items:

He believes FLYHT is on track to be operations positive (EBITDA with IR and share based compensation removed) by the end of 2014.
The company has approximately $5 million in modified working capital.
The settlement with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has allowed the company to eliminate nearly $2 million in debt. The SNC relationship opened a new market to FLYHT. SNC will lead sales in the United States and NATO military and government manned and unmanned aircraft markets.
An initial regulatory report on aircraft tracking by the International Civil Aviation Organization is anticipated in late September and FLYHT will ensure it meets regulatory requirements as they are developed.
On the sales front, there has been a great deal of activity in Asia. The company has hired a Singapore based sales person based on identified opportunities in the region. FLYHT is planning to add one or two full time sales positions.
The company is in discussions with Bombardier and other OEM’s with the objective of having AFIRS become a standard feature on aircraft.
Mr. Tempany expressed that although its L-3 relationship has been successful and a good one, he believes that FLYHT does not require a third party to gain direct access to manufacturers. He is confident that the company is at the point where it can have those conversations directly with the manufacturers.
When asked about progress in China, Mr. Tempany stated that FLYHT has already shipped 50 units and that the Company is the only certified Iridium provider in China.
The company in Q2 launched FLYHTSafe, a new safety notification solution. Investors should expect to see more service add-ons being launched in Q3 & Q4, which will improve efficiencies and communications for aircraft and allow FLYHT to earn additional usage fees.
In regards to the increase in expenses, it was explained that there will be a continuation of Investor Relations efforts focusing on U.S. and International investors and the company has experienced an increase in travel expenses as a result of ensuring that FLYHT has a presence at all the industry related meetings. Also, the reported R&D spending is a result of the continuation of securing AFIRS 228 Supplemental Type Certifications, which will continue for at least three years.

To listen to the conference call, please click here.

Carfinco – Q2 Results Reported With Record Loan Originations

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 13:48:00 +0000

Carfinco has just released its second quarter results and reported loan originations have reached a record $54 million, up nearly 20% from the first quarter of 2014. This significant increase is attributed to a heightened focus on customer service to its dealership partners as well as expanding the financing products available to those dealerships as well as the addition of its U.S. operations.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2014

Earnings per share for the quarter of 20 cents;
Dividends to shareholders of 12 cents per share;
Return on shareholders’ equity of 30.1%;
Return on portfolio assets of 8.7%;
Revenue of $24.3 million;
Record loan originations of $54.0 million;
Record finance receivables of $252.1 million; and
31+ day delinquent accounts for the second quarter of 2014 were 3.5%.

Net earnings and revenues also increased over the same period in 2013 while the annualized loss rate decreased from Q1 to 14.6% from 15.2%, in line with the Company’s expectations, which range between 13%-16%.

A live conference call will be held today, Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 11:00am MT (1:00pm ET) and will include a discussion by management about Carfinco's second quarter results followed by a question and answer period. Participants can access the conference call by phone within Canada and the U.S. by dialing the following numbers:

North America Toll-Free: 1-866-233-4585

Internationally: 1-416-640-5946

Callers should dial in five to ten minutes prior to the scheduled start time. An audio replay may be accessed through the Investor Relations section of our web site at www.carfinco.com shortly after the conclusion of the conference call.

To view full news release, please click here.

CEMATRIX Releases Q2 Results

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 13:29:00 +0000

CVX:TSX-V

CEMATRIX released its second quarter financial results this morning for the period ending June 30, 2014. Sales increased 10% over last year, reaching $3,070,504 with gross margin also slightly up over the same period year over year. Over the second quarter, the company added $1.3 million of sales orders bringing the annual amount of work under contract for 2014 to $4.5 million.

The six month reporting compared to last year saw net revenue decrease by roughly $1.5 million. This decrease can be attributed to an extraordinary Q1/13 that saw a number of 2012 projects extended into and completed in the new year.

The release also highlights management’s positive outlook for the rest of 2014, citing anticipated growth in Canadian and U.S. infrastructure sales as well as continued growth in the Western Canada oil and gas sector. In addition to the $4.5 million of work contracted for 2014, numerous other bids have been placed on projects that, if won, will result in additional work to be completed in 2014.

To view CEMATRIX’s news release, please click here.

- Brad Dryer

Jeff Walker

Critical Elements Strengthens Board of Directors

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 13:22:00 +0000

CRE:TSX-V

As part of The Howard Group’s due diligence, we always look at the people behind the company before we invest and/or engage with the company to become an HG client. Experience, background and track record of success are key points of consideration.

Critical Elements’ management team was a key factor leading to our involvement and investment. On that note, it was announced today that the board is gaining a key new member, which could be instrumental in assisting near term opportunities through negotiations with potential off-take customers.

The Company announced that it has added Mr. Matthew Lauriston Starnes as a director of the Corporation.

Mr. Starnes’ impressive background and experience include:

Serving as legal counsel for one of the biggest Japanese trading houses (Sumitomo Corp’s Mineral Resources Division) in Tokyo.
Extensive experience with contract negotiations with Japanese lenders and off take agreements with buyers worldwide.
Practiced as a corporate lawyer for major law firms in Montreal.
Expertise in good governance procedures, taxation laws, civil law, common law, arbitration, government relations and permitting.
Japan-based and very familiar with Japanese culture and mindset.

“With his many years of experience, Matthew Starnes will bring experience in legal matters and governance to Critical Elements Corporation,” said Jean-Sébastien Lavallée, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Click here to see the news release.

- Ariel Cobangbang

Jeff Walker

Financial Post Article ‘Five Mega Trends That Will Shape the Future of Investing’

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 21:22:00 +0000

CSX:TSX-V

An article published in the Financial Post late last week identified five mega trends outlined in a report published by the Bank of America Merrill Lynch that will shape the future of investing. In it, the article talks about five themes namely:

Earth (steady depletion of basic resources such as food, water and energy)
Innovation - genetics, robotics and automation (displacement of traditional brands)
Shift in global demographics (aging population, income gaps, growing middle class)
Impact of government regulations on equity markets (excessive regulation could discourage investment decisions)
Impact of rising interest rates (unpredictability/volatility of interest rates makes it challenging to maintain a portfolio)

The article suggests investors should realize that along with these challenges are opportunities that come with it as well – specifically in the agri-tech sector. With only a select group of companies that possess disruptive technologies in the areas of “precision agriculture” and “genomic-enabled modified crops”, investors should take note that these advances should help dispel concerns and realize that these companies are poised to address the challenges and capitalize on future growth opportunities.

Clean Seed Capital Group is one of these companies capable of reaping the benefits of its proprietary disruptive technology and is intended for investors who appreciate the blue-sky potential in this sector.

Click here to read the Financial Post article (published on July 31, 2014)

To gain further insights into the Clean Seed Capital Group, please read the introductory blog prepared by The Howard Group and posted on the Howard Group Insight Live Blog – click here

Critical Elements Achieve 99.98% Battery-Grade Lithium Carbonate Purity

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 15:19:00 +0000

CRE:TSX-V

Management of Critical Elements has spent significant time working with potential buyers of battery grade lithium globally, especially in Asia, and today’s news of impressive recovery rates and the ability to produce the high purity, battery grade lithium carbonate should be music to the ears of potential buyers who desperately require a long term source to meet the growing demand.

Since Tesla’s announcement of the upcoming construction of its Gigafactory, along with the recent acquisition of Rockwood by Albemarle, lithium has been in the limelight as the key to the future growth of hybrid and electric car production. Battery manufacturers have been aggressively securing sources of supply for lithium, as there appears to be a shortfall in global supply as early as 2015.

A key piece of news came today from Critical Elements, proving to potential buyers that the Company can safely produce lithium carbonate with an overall recovery of rate of up to 96% and can achieve purity of 99.98%, surpassing the requirements needed to produce battery grade lithium carbonate that the battery manufacturers are looking for. The results were achieved by utilizing the sodium carbonate alkaline process considered to be more environmentally friendly then other avenues of production.

Other current testing includes proving the possibility of producing lithium hydroxide from lithium carbonate to see if an integrated production system can be achieved for the two lithium products. This would allow Critical Elements to capitalize on other market opportunities if it so chooses.

Another component of this test is to identify the recovery of by-products such as alumina (as alumina tri-hydrate – ATH); considered to be in great demand as a fire retardant. Each extra by-product that can be recovered improves the bottom line in production.

Jean-Sébastien Lavallée, President and CEO was quoted as saying, “The optimization phase is a crucial step before the final feasibility plant design and we will be continuously testing to ensure Management controls, to the best of our abilities, the different potential obstacles that can occur ramping up the plant into production.”

To view the news release, please click here.

- Jeff Walker

Arial Cobangbang

YANGAROO Featured In Major TV Industry Journal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 17:26:00 +0000

YOO:TSX-V

Earlier this week, YANGAROO president of advertising Sarah Foss was interviewed in the weekly industry trade magazine Broadcasting & Cable (B&C). Based in New York City, B&C is the leading publication in the television industry, serving more than 23,500 subscribers.

The article highlighted a number of the major competitors and issues facing the industry. Foss stated, “The No. 1 conundrum hitting clients on both sides of the equation, agencies and media companies, is how to handle video in an omni [or multi-platform] environment.” She went on to say, “Right now many people do not have effective systems and have to deal with things manually.”

She further explained how YANGAROO tackles this issue head on with its Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS), which allows both agencies and media companies to streamline their processes in its cloud based multi-format environment.

Foss stated, “Yangaroo sees itself as the filling in the Oreo cookie between agencies and media companies, using a cloud-based platform to streamline the delivery and management of ads from the agencies, deep into the infrastructure of the media companies. Deployments at two networks have already made their ad infrastructures much more efficient”.

Click here to link to the B & C website. To view the article, readers must pay for a subscription.

Harvesting A Yield Of Disruptive Technologies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 19:08:00 +0000

The Howard Group Introduction to

Clean Seed Capital Group (CSX:TSX-V)

This story is one to which investors can relate and appreciate, as it combines technology with the never ending need to feed a growing number of people. We simply accept as fact that technological advances have propelled dramatic increases in productivity and efficiency while driving down costs in all industries.

The first records of early farming date back to 10,000 BC. It is a profession that involves a lot of trial and error, failure and success, and a never ending quest to “find a better way”.

With so many agri-tech companies promoting the latest technologies to boost yields and promote sustainability of agriculture, how does one leap ahead of the pack? How does a Western Canadian based emerging company compete against the multi-national farm equipment manufacturers? Most certainly, you can’t outspend them to grab market share that they have taken decades to develop. Most certainly, they are going to look at the “start-up” as a minor irritation UNLESS you have something they need to defend their own turf and grow their market share.

In our view, and irrelevant of the industry, a company that is going to attract real interest from the dominant organizations within a sector must have an Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio that holds the promise of creating “disruptive advancements”. Another aspect to consider is whether or not the IP is of such merit that it has the potential to impede the Research & Development efforts within the conglomerates. Also, a point not to understate is that a major company may be called to action simply because of a fear that a competitor might want the IP portfolio.

At this juncture we’d like to introduce Clean Seed Capital Group as the newest addition to The Howard Group client portfolio. It is an agri-tech company that has developed “no-till SMART seeding technologies”. It was first brought to our attention by EuroPacific Canada and subsequently by Industrial Alliance.

Over the past nine months we have had a number of meetings, detailed discussions and a considerable exchange of information with members of management. In our view, Clean Seed’s IP portfolio is the cornerstone of its business.

We don’t see Clean Seed as a sales and revenue growth business “on its own”. We believe the opportunity is through management’s ability to leverage its IP portfolio with a large industry partner. Clean Seed has been designed for a Joint Venture or buy-out.

We clearly understand that if a JV or buy-out was to occur, how long would it take and how would it be structured? What if Clean Seed had to go at it alone? These are just some of the many questions to which there are no answers, today.

Anyone showing an interest in Clean Seed will look at what has been accomplished versus risks, such as the company’s financial and human resources, and then assess “what may happen” to ultimately draw their own conclusions on valuation and “potential”.

The Howard Group made its decision and it is an investor in Clean Seed Capital Group.

Of monumental importance, especially in an emerging company, are the qualities, commitment and depth of the team. For the purposes of this introduction we cannot get into a detailed discussion regarding every individual. However, we want to point out that President and CEO, Graeme Lempriere is “all in”.

The idea for what eventually became Clean Seed was germinated by his father, Dr. Noel Lempriere, approximately 14 years ago. After ill health became an unfortunate reality for Dr. Lempriere and new challenges in the capital markets surfaced, his son took over the business, but only after rescuing the assets (IP) with his own cash, seeing the company through a financial drought, and then assuming responsibility for making the dream a reality.

The Lempriere family has many years and more than $3 million invested in Clean Seed. Graeme has also just become a father for the second time.

Management and members of the Board of Directors own approximately 37% of the 33.25 million shares outstanding (43.54 million fully diluted). Clean Seed began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange in September, 2011.

Clean Seed has been winning awards and accolades at major Canadian agricultural and progress shows for its technological innovation, and is now at the front end of full commercialization. Headquartered in Burnaby, British Columbia, the company, through its proprietary SMART technology, has developed a new class of high-resolution seeding equipment called SMART Seeders. The CX-6 Smart Seeder is the company’s flagship product and represents a radical advancement in seeding technology, providing farmers with total control to implement precise planting plans.

Think of two people standing in front of a canvas. One has a roller and one has a delicate paint brush. It’s clear which of the two is going to produce a beautiful portrait. Placing just the right amount of paint in exactly the right spots is critical to creating a masterpiece. This is akin to Clean Seed’s technology, but unlike the artist, the canvas of land will reveal a portrait in an incredibly short period of time.

Amongst many other features, the technology’s ability to read the “map” of a field leads to micro-management of every acre, where just the right amount of seed, fertilizer and inoculants (promotion of plant health) are modified on a millisecond basis. As the graphic notes, “pinpoint accuracy in every square foot on the field”.

Clean Seed views the Canadian prairie farmer as its primary target market. 14,000 air seeders are currently in use in the Northern Great Plains Area, which is the area between Canada and United States, none of which provide individual point resolution for precision metering.

Air seeders are suitable for farms with areas greater than 1,500 acres

In 2011 there were approximately 12,500 farms in Saskatchewan greater than 1,600 acres
12,000 farms in Manitoba and Alberta were greater than 1,600 acres

Potential for the CX-6 Smart Seeder is approximately 24,500 farms (average drill value: $350K for current air seed models) – potential market size of over $8.5 billion
Average equipment turnover period is 5 years = annual potential market of $1.7 billion

(Source: Company Material)

Another reason that attracted us to Clean Seed Capital is management’s ability to raise funds in these challenging market conditions, especially for small/micro cap companies. Due to the successful showing of its CX-6 Smart Seeder at last month’s (June) Farm Progress Show and a growing mountain of interest in the technology, the company decided to scale back a very recent $0.60 Unit financing to just $1.5 million from $5 million. This decision was taken as Clean Seed is currently evaluating new synergistic business development opportunities.

Clean Seed also has a very strong rural investment base. The fact is that the people who are using the currently available seeding equipment see the potential of this technology and have invested their own hard earned capital.

The Howard Group will have much more to say about Clean Seed, the people, the technology, and the path forward when it releases its detailed “Perspective” on the company.

In closing, Clean Seed Capital is designed for people who appreciate the blue-sky potential of what could be a disruptive technology, while understanding the risk-reward balance that needs to be considered in any potential investment.

Should you wish to receive future commentaries from The Howard Group on CSX, click here to register or send us an e-mail at info@howardgroupinc.com.

Click here to see a video of Clean Seed at the Farm Progress Show last June 2014

To view, Clean Seed Capital’s corporate presentation, click here.

Arial Cobangbang

Grant Howard

Second Malaysian Airline Tragedy Renews Focus On FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:53:00 +0000

FLY:TSX-V

FLYHT CEO, Bill Tempany, was in the spotlight today with an appearance on the Canadian network 'CTV Morning Live' to discuss the company’s technology in light of the recent downing of Malaysian flight MH17 over Eastern Ukraine.

While there was significant global media focus on the attributes of the company’s AFIRS technology following the March disappearance of MH370, additional questions have surfaced about what answers may have been provided in the most recent tragedy if the aircraft had been equipped with the system.

To view the interview with Mr. Tempany, click here.

Global Maxfin Reiterates STRONG BUY With A $1 Target For FLYHT With Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:29:00 +0000

FLY:TSX-V

In acknowledgement of the news issued today by FLYHT on the certification of the AFIRS 228S for A320 Aircraft, Global Maxfin analyst Joe MacKay issued an update to clients. In the report Mr. McKay says the implications of this announcement are positive for FLYHT. Specifically stating “the process to certify AFIRS with Airbus has been underway since 2012 and was recently approved by Airbus. L3 is the world’s largest manufacturer of flight data recorders. Under the agreement with L3, L3 manufactures and installs the AFIRS units on the aircraft with FLYHT receiving a royalty payment of approximately $6,000/unit for a retrofit and $12,000/unit for a factory fit.”

Further into his commentary he also points out that, under the L3 agreement “FLYHT then has the opportunity to sell applications and services to the end user, receiving 100% of the monthly recurring revenue.”

To receive a copy of the update please contact Global Maxfin analyst Joseph MacKay at (416) 741-1544.

FLYHT AGM Presentation Videos Now Available Online

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 16:28:00 +0000

FLY:TSX.V

In case you haven’t seen it already, late last Friday FLYHT posted the video recordings of its AGM investor presentation, which was held on June 24th. FLYHT President Matt Bradley, Jeff Brunner - VP Certification Engineering & China Operations and Kent Jacobs - Technical Fellow provided presentations about key parts of the business.

To view the videos, please click here.

Watching Concrete Dry Has Never Been Better

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 18:58:00 +0000

CVX:TSX-V

This week, a well fed group of engineers and construction industry professionals got to witness CEMATRIX Cellular Concrete in action. On Thursday (June 26th) Lafarge and CEMATRIX co-hosted a BBQ lunch & learn on Lafarge’s new property in Southeast Calgary for a group of about 40 engineers and construction industry professionals. Doug Lavis, Business Development with CEMATRIX, provided an in depth explanation of the production and various applications for Cellular Concrete and the many benefits the construction material has.

Doug Lavis fielding technical
questions prior to the demonstration

After Doug’s presentation and a number of technical questions, the group donned all of the appropriate personal protective equipment and walked over to the worksite where a base slab was being poured for a new building. The group intently watched as a concrete slab was poured and began to dry. After the demonstration was complete, many of the attendees stayed to ask questions as to how this product might work in a variety of applications. Each attendee was given a hockey puck sized piece of cellular concrete as a memento of the demonstration.

CEMATRIX has been diligently working towards mass industry acceptance as a preferred supplier and has been submitting proposals on projects across North America.

The demonstration proved to be an effective education tool, supporting the work to gain mass acceptance. Attendees left with a greater understanding of Cellular Concrete and how it can have a positive impact on a variety of projects that are currently underway or in the design phase.

Canadian Business Names Carfinco As A Best Growth Stock Of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:47:00 +0000

CFN:TSX

Carfinco has been recently showcased in the June edition of Canadian Business magazine as one of the top Small Cap Companies in Canada and, as well, listed as one of the Top 10 Best Growth Stocks in 2013.

The monthly national magazine publishes its annual Investor 500 special issue where Carfinco placed 195 out of 300 on a list of Canada’s top Small Cap Companies, and placed 1st in the Return On Equity (ROE) column with 36% from the Best Growth Stocks of 2013.

The electronic version of the magazine is a subscribe only to view and can be linked by clicking here.

Grande West Transportation - Route To Revenues

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jun 2014 21:45:00 +0000

BUS:TSX.V

Marketing, marketing, marketing has been the central theme for Grande West Transportation in the first half of calendar 2014 with its Vice President, Business Development attending several key conferences amidst a multitude of meetings with transit authorities and private operators.

Jean-Marc Landry, had a lengthy, successful past running sales at Nova Bus for many years. Jean-Marc has been in front of Grande West’s immediate target list of about 100 potential buyers across Canada including transit authorities and larger private operations to ensure they are fully acquainted with Grande West and the attributes of its flagship bus, the Vicinity, versus the competition.

Video below offers some insight into the many attributes of the Vicinity through an introduction by Jean-Marc.

CFO Visits China

New 30 Foot Vicinity With 2 Doors

John Sutherland, CFO is back from a recent trip to China where he spent time with management of the automotive division of the Weichai Group which assembles the multiple components that make up the Vicinity. Management has built a strong relationship with the Weichai Group over the past four years. Grande West also has a full time quality control person in place during all builds of the Vicinity.

Final Assembly and Finishing Area

Twelve buses are for Quebec and three for a Nova Scotia transit authority plus three new demonstration buses including a new 30 foot model with two doors have been added to the current production run. These three Vicinity buses will be utilized for marketing and customer testing in key markets across the country. The 30 foot Vicinity bus has been specifically designed for the needs in the Ontario transit market. This bus will be demonstrated in Ontario, being Canada's largest transit market, and also will be utilized as a demonstration Vicinity bus for airport shuttle bus applications.

Automotive Division of Weichai Group,
Xiaman, China - A Duty-Free Zone

BBC Asks “Where is Flight MH370” - Is FLYHT’s Technology The Answer?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 21:46:00 +0000

FLY:TSX.V

Few FLYHT stakeholders have had the opportunity to see a live demonstration of AFIRS. The BBC program Horizon recently provided the world with an insider view of the FLYHT technology in action as part of a documentary on the mysterious disappearance of the Malaysian flight.

This past spring, BBC crews were aboard a First Air aircraft in Ottawa, Ontario to film AFIRS in use with several minutes of the footage used in the documentary. First Air and FLYHT announced this past April that the airline was adding FLYHTStream’s automatically triggered, real-time data and live black box streaming capability to its fleet of B737, ATR and B767 aircraft. Click here to read the news release.

The AFIRS system is highlighted in the documentary as a technology that could help prevent the future disappearance of aircraft. To view the documentary, please click here (AFIRS is featured at the 50 minute mark).

- Brad Dryer

Grant Howard

YANGAROO Eliminates Debt - Well Positioned For Growth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 20:59:00 +0000

YOO:TSX.V

While many junior companies are struggling to raise money in today’s environment, there are a few bright lights on the TSX Venture exchange. YANGAROO announced today that it closed the first tranche of its brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1.2 million. The raise was done at $0.30 with NO WARRANTS ATTACHED. It was noted that YOO could raise up to $2 million, but the company has decided to cap the amount at $1.6 million as this reduces dilution.

The remaining $400 thousand amount to reach the $1.6 million is going to be taken up by one investor. Today’s (June 12th) news release stated the company was giving the investor more time to participate and has scheduled the close of the second tranche on or before July 29, 2014.

Today’s news follows yesterday’s announcement that the company paid off 100% of its outstanding $2.3 million debenture debt. This is significant for YANGAROO as it will save the company approximately $77 thousand per quarter in interest expenses. Click here to view yesterday’s news of YANGAROO’s repayment and redemption of all debentures.

In speaking with YANGAROO management today, it was expressed that the company now has the money it requires to accelerate growth.

Please click here to view full press release.

Join Critical Elements At Its AGM On June 13th

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:07:00 +0000

CRE:TSX.V

Critical Elements would like to invite shareholders to its Annual General Meeting which will take place Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:00 am EST.

The AGM will be held at the Saint-James Club – 1145 Union Avenue in Montreal, Quebec.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to: info@howardgroupinc.com.

Management would like to remind shareholders to vote your shares prior to the deadline of 5:00 pm EST, Wednesday, June 11, 2014.

YANGAROO Teams Up With European & Brazilian Partners For Leading Music Industry Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:43:00 +0000

YOO:TSX.V

Every year the who’s who in the music industry gathers in New York to discuss the business of music. This week YANGAROO announced that it will have a presence with partners Federation X and Kollector at the New Music Seminar (NMS) June 8 to 10 in New York. The NMS attracts more than 450 artists, 160 speakers, more than 30 seminars and over 6,000 attendees from all facets of the Music Industry.

"The NMS is the ultimate destination where artists, industry players, and companies are provided the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to succeed and build the New Music Business.” - http://newmusicseminar.com/

YANGAROO has teamed up with Federation X, YANGAROO’s European licensee and another industry leading software company Kollecto to attend the New Music Seminar. To view the Federation X License news release, please click here.

This collaboration will give independent European artists world class tools to distribute content and to monitor airplay through the use of YANGAROO’s Digital Media Distribution System and Kollector’s monitoring service.

“With Kollector, you can now estimate royalties using a transparent and immediate tool but also have a precise vision of how well your catalogue is doing on the market, providing everyone with a remarkable benchmarking weapon and promo results numbers at the glimpse of an eye!" said Jacques Krischer CEO, Kollector.

YANGAROO’s service is used by over 5000 broadcasters in North America and is expected to move into Europe and Brazil later this year. Currently YANGAROO’s DMDS delivers over 90% of all music videos sent to major broadcasters in North America. These include MTV/VH1, BET, REVOLT, Fuse, Music Choice, MuchMusic, CMT, GAC, and many more.

To view full news release, please click here.

Kollector - http://www.kollector.com/
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Pope & Company Initiates Coverage On FLYHT – BUY With A $1.05 Target

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 May 2014 18:43:00 +0000

FLY:TSX.V

Fadi Benjamin from Toronto based, Pope & Company has become the fifth analyst to initiate coverage of FLYHT Aerospace, with a BUY rating and a target price of $1.05.

The key points in the report titled “FLYHT VECTORING FOR GROWTH” are as follows:

Immense market size: A sizable and growing market of 20,310 airplanes in service, and 35,280 airplanes to be delivered in the next 20 years.
Differentiated/Purpose-Built: FLYHT’s technology is unrivalled by flight data gathering systems, in‐flight entertainment, or passenger connectivity focused solutions.
Value Creating To End Customer: Our analysis supports US$150,000 of direct cost savings per year per airplane from fuel management, maintenance rationalization , and accurate time focus only on program wins and moderate contribution from the sales force. Applying this to Southwest Airlines’ fleet, net savings could contribute over US$60MM to the bottom line in 2013.
Growth Catalysts: Our conservative assessment is based on realizing revenues from three programs: SkyBlue (218 aircraft), Datang (415 aircraft), and an L‐ partnership with Airbus. Significant upside potential exists from new program wins, a partnership with a Boeing approved factory supplier, and supportive direct sales into other airlines.
Valuation: Our valuation is based on a 5‐year DCF analysis using a discount rate of 10% and a terminal value growth rate of 3.9%, in‐line with industry peer projections. Our target price corresponds to an EV/EBITDA multiple of 14.8x on projected FY2016.
Investment Recommendation: We rate FLY a BUY for its exceptional growth profile, differentiated product, and market size. In our opinion, FLYHT is ahead of its competition, and presents a unique and sought after solution.

For a copy of the Pope & Company research report on FLYHT please contact Fadi Benjamin at 416-588-9397 or by email at fadi@popecompany.com.

About Pope & Company

Pope & Company Limited is an independent full service financial services firm founded in 1962. Our long established history as one of the oldest member firms on the Toronto Stock Exchange allows us to take a unique and measured view of the markets. We provide institutional services through our Capital Markets division and individual services through our Asset Management division.

We have a proven track record of identifying undervalued opportunities. We are active in the trading of equities, syndicated bank debt, corporate bonds as well as certain distressed debt situations. We combine best-in-class corporate advice with our proprietary sources of institutional debt and equity capital. In addition we have in-house mergers, acquisitions advisory and capital structuring expertise. By consolidating advice and access, we offer our clients innovative capital markets solutions individually tailored to their requirements.

Pope & Company is employee owned, enabling us to take an unbiased and concrete approach to client relationships while avoiding the conflicts encountered by many large investment banks. Pope is a member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) and The Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF).

Shares Issued: 142.5 million
Fully Diluted: 182.1 million

Join Grande West At AGM And Tour Vancouver On The Vicinity Bus

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 May 2014 18:39:00 +0000

BUS.TSX.V

Grande West would like to invite shareholders to its Annual General Meeting which will take place Thursday, May 29th at 10:00 am.

The AGM will be held at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP - Suite 2600, 595 Burrard Street in Vancouver, BC. Following the meeting, shareholders can take the opportunity to see what all the fuss is about and tour downtown Vancouver on Grande West’s Vicinity bus.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to: info@howardgroupinc.com.

Management would like to remind shareholders to vote your shares prior to the deadline of 10:00 am, May 27th.

Shares Outstanding: 35,840,000
Shares Fully Diluted: 39,972,000

BNN: Clarus Analyst – FLYHT Aerospace Could Benefit From More Plane Tracking

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 May 2014 16:20:00 +0000

FLY:TSX.V

This morning on Business Day, a popular show on Canada’s Business News Network (BNN), Eyal Ofir, Technology Analyst for Clarus Securities discussed FLYHT Aerospace.

Mr. Ofir covers FLYHT and gives it a SPECULATIVE BUY rating with a $1.10 price target.

To view the segment, please click here (FLYHT is discussed at the 5:40 mark.)

Shares Issued: 142.5 million
Fully Diluted: 182.1 million

FLYHT Conference Call & Global Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 May 2014 15:13:00 +0000

FLY:TSX.V

FLYHT CEO Bill Tempany covered a broad range of topics in yesterday’s (May 14th) first quarter conference call with a strong emphasis on the status of key business initiatives such as China and L-3 Communications-Airbus as well as several key conferences that FLY representatives will be attending in the near-term.

In re-capping first quarter results, he noted that the organization remains focused on achieving the break-even point in 2014. In the quarter FLYHT generated $1.34 million in revenue; which represents a decrease of 21.5% over the same period last year. However, Q1 customer deposits were $1.30 million, an increase of 100.2% over the first quarter of 2013 and unearned revenue was $1.36 million, also a solid increase over last year.

In relation to FLY’s revenue model, Mr. Tempany expressed that it is important to understand the below points:

When a customer makes an order, the customer gives FLYHT a deposit.
Then when FLYHT delivers the order, it registers as "Unearned Revenue."
When the unit is installed, and activated the sale them moves into AFIRS UpTime Sales.
Then if the airplane is in service, FLY generates monthly AFIRS UpTime Usage fees.

Mr. Tempany also spent considerable amount of time talking about the latest announcement from Inmarsat, as there were a series of questions on a recent announcement from the satellite company. It stated that it is now going to offer customers free real time data streaming, which speaks to the controversy surrounding the disappearance of Malaysian Flight 370.

He said that he believes this offer of free data streaming doesn't affect FLYHT. Flight-following is just one small piece of the technology that FLYHT provides, which is first and foremost designed to save airlines money and increase operating efficiency. That functionality, though important, isn‘t driving the sales of FLYHT‘s AFIRS units. For example: China's mandate is for satellite communications, or satellite phones. Inmarsat does offer satellite communications, however the system is more expensive than AFIRS and there a major dead zones, particularly over the poles.

Global Maxfin Analyst Joe MacKay sent some notes from his attendance at yesterday's ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) press conference on the offer of "free basic" airline tracking.

"ICAO indicated during its press conference that it was "thankful" to Inmarsat for their offer, but at the end of the day, the Inmarsat proposal "probably does not get us where we want to be, and we told them that today." ICAO is putting together a task force(based on 20 member states) that will review and make recommendations to ICAO by September (FLYHT is a member). They are working under a best practices methodology which means that members can be complaint based on what is best for their circumstances (i.e some members do not fly over water as much as others).

To listen to an archive of today‘s conference call, please click here.

Shares Issued: 142.5 million
Fully Diluted: 182.1 million

YANGAROO Signs Deal With U.S. Cable Giant

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 May 2014 15:03:00 +0000

YOO:TSX.V

YANGAROO has signed a major agreement with New York based, Cablevision Media Sales (CMS) to provide a cloud based media distribution platform for all CMS’ properties. YANGAROO’s Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS™) will give advertisers the ability to seamlessly transmit commercials in more than 200 different file formats.

Cablevision Media Services operates five companies under its umbrella with a combined reach upwards of 11 Million viewers and readers. CMS properties include New York Interconnect, News 12, and regional and local cable systems, print, cable news and media purchasing companies. While financial terms weren’t disclosed, revenue from this agreement will start to be recognized in YANGAROO’s second quarter results.

“At Cablevision Media Sales, our advertisers are key to our success,” said Ed Renicker, Chief Operating Officer of CMS. “By providing this service—free delivery of commercial content to our regional and local properties, we are helping our advertisers in a number of ways. We’re streamlining their workflows, making it easier to do business with us, and, in effect, helping them with their bottom-line. Of course, leveraging the technology from YANGAROO is helping us do all of those same things. It’s a win-win for CMS and our advertising partners.”

To view the news release in its entirety, please click here.

About Cablevision Media

CMS it is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC Mkt Cap $4.65B), the 8th largest cable and telephone provider in the United States. The Madison Square Garden Company, owners of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and New York Liberty is a spinoff of Cablevision. AMC, the network that brought you Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead is also a Cablevision spinoff.

Shares Outstanding: ~ 40M
Shares Fully Diluted: ~ 56M