The Howard Group Insight Newsletter

Pure Nickel & Partner Rockcliff Start Drilling / Year End Report

2012-02-01T09:54:00.005-07:00

Pure Nickel
(TSX:NIC)(OTCBB:PNCKF)
Basic Shares:67.8 million
Fully Diluted:75.5
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Trading of Pure Nickel's stock took a healthy jump on the heels of news that the company's option partner Rockcliff Resources (TSX-V: RCR), has started drilling the promising copper/gold Tower VMS property in Central Manitoba.

The market must have been hungry for news as close to a million shares of NIC traded taking the stock up a couple of pennies to $0.08 - $0.09 where it holds this morning.

The plan is to drill a minimum of 5,000 metres to test the T-3 anomaly and Tower Copper Deposits pictured above from RCR's corporate presentation.

While the T-3 anomaly was identified as a top priority through recent geophysical survey work, the Tower Copper Deposit was defined from past drilling in 2010-2011. It is open in all directions and rich with copper, gold, zinc and silver.

Rockcliff is starting its second year working towards earning a 70% interest in the Tower property. Rockcliff must pay $150,000 in incremental payments to Pure Nickel Inc. over four years and aggregate exploration expenditures totalling $4,000,000 over four years. $2,000,000 must be expended over two years to earn a 50% working interest and a further $2,000,000 to earn a further 20% working interest.

Yesterday's news release can be read here...

Also, an operational highlights and year end release was issued this morning, which can be read here...

2011 Operating Highlights:

• The Company's working capital at year end was strong at $5.5 million. As a side note, cash on a per share basis is equivalent to Pure Nickel's current trading price!

• The Company announced it had reached a final settlement on its Milford Utah copper properties; terms of the agreement included a cash payment of US$3.5 million over 12 months, US$1.0 million already received. In addition the Company was granted a 1% NSR (capped at US$8.0 million).

• The Company announced that its partner on the MAN Alaska property confirmed its continued participation in the joint venture agreement and committed to fund the 2011 exploration program.

• The MAN Alaska 2011 exploration program completed 2,580 metres of drilling in 11 holes and 151 line kilometres of detailed ground magnetometer surveys.

Spreading The Good Word On Carfinco

2012-01-31T15:20:00.008-07:00

Carfinco Financial Group Inc. TSX: CFN
Shares outstanding: 24.65 million
Shares fully diluted: 24.65 million
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The market is listening closely to some heavy hitters who believe that Carfinco is a strong investment choice.

Recently Peter Hodson, a former top fund manager from Sprott started a new firm called 5i Research. His new venture is getting a lot of attention for its very different approach to the world of research. Peter prides himself on a model that he calls conflict-free investment research for regular people and never owns stock in any company or is compensated in any way for his reviews.

5i Research wrote up Carfinco earlier this month and gave it a B+ rating mentioning it had good stability, good prospects for growth and increasing dividends. Although we can't post the entire report we are including a link to 5i's website for those who may want to read more by clicking here....

And yet another fund manager has touted the attributes of Carfinco on BNN's Market Call. James Hodgins from Curvature Hedge Strategies was on the show January 27th stating that he likes Carfinco, owns it in his fund and continues to buy it. The segment can be viewed by clicking here then going to part three of the show.

Mr. Hodgins was the fourth fund manager to recommend Carfinco on BNN's Market Call. These accolades along with ten consecutive quarters of record pre-tax earnings and a top tier management team have contributed to the company hitting a new high of $7.28.

Smartcool Systems – The Howard Group Watches Intently

2012-01-30T13:25:00.003-07:00

Smartcool Systems Inc.

TSX.V: SSC
Basic Shares 60.2 million
Fully Diluted 77.4 million
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The Howard Group is no longer officially assisting Smartcool with capital market and investor relations programs but our interest is acute in the future of the company. Why? Simply, there is a very high six figure stock position held in our office along with an ongoing investment in a two-year old debt instrument.

2011 was a tough year for the company as revenues will be around $4 million versus management’s early 2011 forecast of $10 million in revenue and $2 million in earnings. The projection was largely based on the acquisition of the U.K. distributor of its green technologies. There was a Q1/11, $4 million private placement to fund that acquisition.

We were happier with the Q4/11 revenues that came in just a few dollars short of $2 million but was this a one-off good quarter or an indication of a new foundation?

From the outset of our relationship, we liked SSC’s technology. We still see its potential and will be watching closely, and in particular, first quarter results from this year.

Cantech Newsletter: Byron Capital’s Douglas Loe says Neptune Technologies is a BUY

2012-01-19T09:44:00.005-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSX: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million
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Yesterday, Nick Waddell’s widely followed Cantech Letter featured an article on Neptune’s recent announcement on 3rd quarter financial results. The article cites Doug Loe’s latest update on Neptune, which maintains a BUY rating and a price target of $6. Doug Loe is a long time proponent of Neptune and Biotech Analyst at Byron Capital Markets.

“…He (Doug Loe) is impressed with Neptune’s progress. Tuesday’s numbers beat his forecast on revenue, which he thought would be $4.85 million, and on EBITDA, which came in at $1.1 million vs. his $0.985 million forecast. Loe also says he sees several “key events” on the horizon that could add value to Neptune.”

To view the Cantech newsletter article, please click here

To view Doug Loe’s January 17, 2012 updated analyst report on Neptune, please click here..

A Summary of Neptune's Conference Call

2012-01-17T15:31:00.007-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSX: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million
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At 4:30pm ET today (January 17th), Neptune Technologies held an investor conference call to discuss Q3/F12 quarterly results and to discuss a number to items on the minds of investors.

The call was hosted by Henri Harland, President & CEO of Neptune Technologies & Andre Godin, CFO.

Here’s a summary of the call.

Sherbrooke, Quebec Plant Expansion:
The Company stated Phase I of the plant expansion will cost approximately $14 million.

It is expected that $6.5 million of that amount will come from debt financing, $3 million will be covered by an interest-free loan, $2.5 million will be covered by a grant and the remaining $2 million will come from Neptune’s cash flow. Details of the different groups supporting this project will be released as part of a news conference to be held in February or March of this year.
The new expansion will include new production capacities and improved extraction technologies, which will increase krill production.
Phase I, which is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2013, will double current plant capacity to 300,000 kg/yr. It will increase to 500,000 kg/yr by the end of Phase II by the end of the following year.

Sales & Marketing:
The Company identified the continuation of expansion in new emerging markets in strategic locations worldwide, the full penetration of the North American market with its nutraceutical products and ensuring that NKO & EKO can be found on the shelves of all major retail stores as the primary focus for the coming months.

Neptune has recently increased its sales and marketing team. Sales representatives who now cover South America, Asia and the Middle East. The Company has also hired a Director of Sales exclusively for the United States.
During this year Neptune has signed major US distribution deals with companies that represent more than 50% of the Omega-3 dietary supplement market.
Neptune has also signed a distribution agreement with the largest supplier dealer in Canada.

Functional foods:
Both Yoplait and the Nestle studies are complete. Neptune has the data, however further analysis is necessary to determine the next steps.

For Yoplait, Neptune expects to have to conduct an additional clinical study in order to meet Yoplait’s requirements. Although Neptune has "interesting and positive achievement"; there was a technical mistake made by the European Clinical Research Organization during the recruitment phase of the study. Neptune management is currently in regular communications with Yoplait in order to define the next steps.
In regards to Nestle, the analysis of the data is still underway. The results will be made available when Nestle is prepared to disclose them.
Neptune expects to provide the market with additional information before or during the summer of 2012.

Chinese JV Partner – SKFC:
Neptune management will be returning to China in February to finalize details with SKFC.

The location of the production facility has not yet been determined; however the company is looking at several locations close to Shanghai.
Construction of the production facility is expected to begin in late 2012/early 2013.
Because SKFC is a Chinese government owned company, Neptune expects minimal complications with roll out and the Company expects to begin seeing revenues in 2014.

Neptune’s R&D Program:
Neptune is currently undertaking clinical studies for “claims” in Europe. In order to be able to make certain health statements on packaging in Europe, those claims need to be supported by specific clinical studies.

The company is expecting the clinical study and the regulatory process to be active through 2014.
Neptune is also investing in the development of a new marine biomass product, which will include pre-clinical studies. The Company expects to be able to release new data from the new biomass sometime this year.

Patent:
Management summarized the information already public on its US patent covering omega-3 phospholipids.

The Company expressed that in regards to the re-examination process currently underway, “As 95% of “inter parties” requests for re-examination are granted, Neptune and its US patent lawyers had anticipated the USPTO’s reactions and the grant. As such, Neptune is well prepared to defend and re-submit all the necessary arguments for the re-examination process and welcome this opportunity to reconfirm the validity of its patent with the US patent Office.
Typically the time frame for a re-examination is between 2 to 3 years.
Neptune also talked about its recent “Continuation applications” – “These additional protections will not only reinforce Neptune’s position in the US market, but will create an entry barrier to competitors in the krill oil market.
Management believes that competitors will have to pay a fee when all of the issues are resolved.

NeuroBioPharm spinoff:
According to management, the Company is committed to providing a dividend of NeuroBioPharm units (shares and warrants) to existing Neptune shareholders.

Due to regulatory delays, the process has taken much longer than anticipated.
Neptune expects a conclusion to the process in the coming months.

Acasti:
Currently conducting two clinical Phase II studies, one double blind and one open label.

The Company expects to be able to publish initial results from the open label clinical study during the coming months.

Q3 Results:
The revenue for the quarter was $5.12 million. This is an increase of 20% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The increase can be attributed to the global IP strategy in light of the new patent in the United States and infringement cases against competitors. It is also attributed to the new sales force team in place and to the rollout of the Companys NKO and EKO krill oil products in the United States, specifically through its major distribution partners.

Neptune krill oils can now be found in Walgreens, Walmarts, CVS Pharmacies and a number of other retailers.
After completion of the roll out, Neptune krill products will be available in 20 thousand stores.
Neptune’s nutraceutical sales maintained a gross margin of 50%, and recorded a positive EBITDA of $1.1 million and a profit of $900,000.
The consolidated group, including Acasti Pharma and NeuroBioPharm resulted in a loss of $1.4 million due in most part to the subsidiaries’ R&D programs, including the Phase II clinical studies that started several months ago in Acasti Pharma. Acasti Pharma and NeuroBioPharm R&D expenses amounted to $3 million for Q3.
As the roll-out is recently underway, it is expected Q1/F13 will show accelerated revenues in keeping with the Company’s aggressive North American push. As a result, the Company expects the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 ending February that the revenues and EBITDA will be at a minimum in the same range as Q3 2012.
Neptune’s working capital is over $24 million and its cash on hand over $17 million and also since Neptune nutraceutical is cash flow positive, Neptune has sufficient funds to support all its activities and projects.

The encore version of the conference call will be available tomorrow, January 18, 2012, please visit http://www.neptunebiotech.com/.

Acasti Clinical Studies On Track – Watch The Presentation

2012-01-12T11:10:00.004-07:00

Acasti Pharma
TSXV: APO
Shares Outstanding: 71.0 million
Fully Diluted: 80.1 million

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Acasti’s presentation is now available to watch online, if you missed it yesterday. Dr. Harlan Waksal, Executive VP for Acasti, delivered a very clear message to conference attendees – Acasti is on track with its Open Label Study and its Phase II Clinical Trial for its Pharma grade krill oil. Data from the Open Label Study will be available in the Spring of this year and data from the Clinical Trial will be available towards the end of this year.

To watch the full video, click here

CORRECTION - Neptune to Hold Conference Call

2012-01-11T15:35:00.003-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSX: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million
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In consideration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, on Monday, January 16, Neptune has decided to move the conference call to Tuesday, January 17. After speaking with a number of key American shareholders, Neptune would like to respect their request to move the call date.

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources Inc. will now be holding a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 4:30 pm ET.

Main topics to be discussed on the call include:

Third quarter and year-to-date financial results,
Commercial progress,
Plant expansion,
IP strategy

Conference call hosts:

Henri Harland, President & CEO
André Godin, CFO

The webcast can be accessed in listen only mode, free of charge, by clicking the link below:

http://investor.shareholder.com/media/index.cfm?c=ABEA-2FTYUQ&e=2&mediakey=00C91657CB563BC69C078A021724CDA6

To access the conference call by phone within Canada & the U.S. the toll-free number is 1-877-380-5664. Outside Canada and the U.S., dial 1-631-813-4882.

Conference call details:

Conference Topic: Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Conference Call

Conference ID: 42564568

Management will accept questions by telephone during the Q&A period at the end of the presentation. Questions can also be forwarded in advance or during the presentation to f.harland@neptunebiotech.com

An archived recording of the webcast will be available on Neptune's website (www.neptunebiotech.com) two hours after the webcast.

Neptune to Hold Conference Call – Monday, January 16, 2012

2012-01-11T10:03:00.005-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSX: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million
**************************

Neptune Technologies and Bioressources Inc. announced today that it will be holding a conference call and webcast on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 4:30 pm ET.

Main topics to be discussed on the call include:

- Third quarter and year-to-date financial results,
- Commercial progress,
- Plant expansion,
- IP strategy

The conference call will be hosted by Henri Harland, President & CEO & André Godin, CFO.

The webcast can be accessed in listen only mode, free of charge, by clicking the link below:

http://investor.shareholder.com/media/index.cfm?c=ABEA-2FTYUQ&e=2&mediakey=00C91657CB563BC69C078A021724CDA6

To access the conference call by phone within Canada & the U.S. the toll-free number is 1-877-380-5664. Outside Canada and the U.S., dial 1-631-813-4882.

Conference call details:

Conference Topic: Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Conference Call
Conference ID: 42564568

An archived recording of the webcast will be available on Neptune's website (www.neptunebiotech.com) two hours after the webcast.

Acasti’s Dr. Harlan Waksal To Present At OneMedForum – You Can Watch It Live!

2012-01-09T09:29:00.006-07:00

Acasti Pharma
TSXV: APO
Shares Outstanding: 71.0 million
Fully Diluted: 80.1 million

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This morning Acasti announced that its celebrity Executive Vice President of Business & Scientific Affairs – Dr. Harlan Waksal will be presenting at the San Francisco OneMedForum on Wednesday at 10:15am (PST).

Investors have the opportunity to watch Dr. Waksal present live online, via OneMedTV - http://www.onemedplace.com/forum/presenting-companies/onemedtv

An archive of the event will be available shortly after the presentation on Acasti’s website – http://www.acastipharma.com/

About Dr. Harlan Waksal

Dr. Harlan Waksal was appointed Executive Vice President of Business & Scientific Affairs for Acasti Pharma on July 21, 2011. Dr. Waksal is a physician, co-founder of ImClone System Incorporated and from 1987 to 2003 he held various positions at the company which included serving on the ImClone Board of Directors, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President, the President and Chief Executive Officer. At ImClone System Dr. Harlan Waksal was instrumental in guiding the development and obtaining FDA approval for a new targeted biologic cancer therapy known as Erbitux. ImClone Systems was acquired by Eli Lily for $6.5 B US in October 2008. Dr. Harlan Waksal currently serves on the Board of Directors of Oberlin College and Senesco Technologies, Inc. He is the author of over 50 scientific publications and has been the inventor of multiple patents and patent applications.

About OneMedForum

Launched in 2008 by OneMedPlace, OneMedForum held in San Francisco runs concurrently with J.P Morgan conference and has rapidly grown in size and stature. More than 1,200 investors and executives attended the OneMedForum San Francisco 2011 conference. OneMedForum New York was launched in 2010 which successfully brought together 74 promising private and microcap healthcare and life science companies with a wide range of investors and strategic partners.

Click here to view the full news release.

Aeromechanical - The Howard Group Watches From The Sidelines

2012-01-06T13:45:00.011-07:00

AeroMechanical Services Ltd. (TSX:V-AMA)
Basic Shares: 118.58 million
Fully Diluted: 134.33 million

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It is an understatement that there have been a lot of ups and downs with AMA since The Howard Group first signed on in January 2006 to provide the company with investor and financial relations services. While our involvement with AMA through 2011 was a small behind the scenes role, the end of the year saw the formal relationship come to an end.

Our group, which includes the associated Insight Limited Partnership, was introduced to the company in the fall of 2005. We very much liked the technology, the recurring revenue model and the potential but the situation was very high risk, especially in context of AMA's weak financial position. In fact, our initial quarter-million dollar investment before that yearend only took care of some of the company's payables. With some chagrin, the stock then is where it is now, in the low $0.20 range!

Along the way we brought many beneficial relationships to AMA, helped grow the shareholder base by a factor of ten and invested in a series of placements right up to the $1 range. We stayed with the story for the same reasons that it caught the attention of new investors, fund managers and brokers; everyone saw AMA was gaining ground and then there was all that potential! In fact, HG used this period as a case study of how a groundswell of support can be built for a company click here.

A lot of excitement built around the story and it was well through $1 in late 2007, early 2008. The expectation was that AMA would crack China and the order book would rival the flow of the Yangtze River.

Unfortunately, expectation is only good if it is followed with delivery. Once again, the Great Wall kept out the invading hordes. This non-event, AMA's industrial type growth, the economic abyss of 2008, the fall-out of which we continue to live with and a broad retreat from junior stocks has meant that owning the stock has been akin to watching paint dry, the past year in particular. Just over 34 million shares traded in 2011 in a very narrow range of pennies with the average buy price being just under $0.21.

Have we soured on the stock and the company and are going to hit the sell button on a healthy seven figure position now that we are no longer in a formal relationship? Not at all! The actual discussion around the HG halls has been of increasing the ownership position.

To management's credit, the company has been "re-tooled" in terms of how it approaches the business today versus several years ago. In our view, AMA is now a head down - keep grinding attitude company that continues to secure deals for its technology with small and regional airlines while methodically and surgically working to bring a "major" onside.

We don't know when or if AMA will sign an agreement with an international aircraft manufacturer to have its technology become part of the factory offering or if it will finally ink "the" deal in the commercial jet market that would be a major breakthrough or if Chinese airlines will suddenly open the order book in a large way. What we do believe is that AMA has spent at least the last two years making believers of the powers that be of the merits and advantages of its technology. However, will that be enough to "get the deal". As a reminder, it took the inventor of the original black box ten years to see his genius finally make it into a large way into aircraft and that was largely driven by regulation.

We sense that AMA's focus has become acute through the turmoil of the last few years and importantly, there is a balance between expectation and how to get to delivery.We know that many people have wondered why AMA has become so subdued and is noticeably absent from pounding the pavement and tables in North American financial centres.

We've had this chat with CEO and recently re-appointed President, Bill Tempany. He's clear that when AMA decides to once again step into the spotlight, there will be an exceptionally good reason for the decision. We view the approach as realistic and most sensible.

We like good surprises and very much hope that Bill and team deliver the main event early in the new year.

The fact is that with AMA's history as a "stock" and in context of the foreseeable malaise that will linger in the junior markets, it is going to take a material event to break open the dam.

On that note, we wish on behalf of all patient investors the very best to Bill and CFO, Tom French, Tammy, Matt and a host of others at AMA.

We want to see you on centre stage very very soon.

Prestigious Medical Journal Publishes Article which Supports Potential New Market for VMS™

2012-01-05T10:22:00.005-07:00

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: - 102.6 million
Fully diluted: - 134.0 million
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VentriPoint Diagnostics released news today that independent studies are expanding their product market capabilities.

The VMS™ 3D heart imaging diagnostics system has always been touted as having a broad application among variant heart diseases. Systemic Right Ventricular was the first application chosen by Dr. Shelby Kutty as he sees the simplicity of the VMS™ tool being used for continuous assessment as a therapeutic tool.

Assessment of systemic right ventricular (RV) function is a key point in the follow-up of patients. Current echocardiographic assessment of RV function is at best an estimate, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is considered the gold standard. However, in management’s view, this technique is expensive, has limited availability, and requires significant expertise to acquire and interpret the images. The VMS™ system for assessment of pulmonary RV function shows promise as a simple yet powerful tool for assessing patients with RV dysfunction of various origins.

We asked the company what the size of this market is?

The response was that singularly (i.e. per patient) this area is a much larger market than blue baby syndrome. However, the key item is the fact that the system would be used on an ongoing basis as it would monitor the success or failure of treatment as treatment usually takes years. The company’s CEO, George Adams comments on this and says: “Note that 47% of patients die from heart failure even with pacemakers. They need more intensive monitoring throughout their life and MRI is too expensive. Existing 3D ultrasound does not have a high enough resolution or window size to be useful when they are dilated and going downhill. VMS™ is perfect to monitor these patients.”

One other point which Dr. Adams comments on is:

“It is interesting that one of the limiting problems in all these studies is the resistance by the patients to undergo another MRI. Basically people hate them and try to avoid them. Since we always have to show the VMS™ is equivalent to MRI, this makes recruiting patients a challenge. Dr. Kutty was very good at talking people into participating. This absolutely reinforces our fundamental value proposition that VMS™ will be better received by the patients and doctors than MRI.”

VentriPoint is clearly on track to proving its Diagnostic promise of better patient health care.... economically.

To view today's news release, please click here.......

Carfinco - Stonecap's Top & Only Small Cap Pick For 2012

2011-12-22T13:17:00.011-07:00

Carfinco Income Fund
TSX: CFN.UN
Units outstanding: 24.61 million
Units fully diluted: 24.65 million
--------------------------

Jonathan Ratner published a piece today in the Trading Desk section of the Financial Post discussing 6 top picks from Stonecap Securities.

Something Carfinco and its unitholders can be proud of is that Stonecap believes outside of commodities, larger cap companies are more likely to perform than small cap companies with one exception...Carfinco.

“On the commodity front, we remain bullish on all things precious, both silver and gold, while believing that sustained food price inflationary pressure will lift agricultural company share prices as the year progresses,” the firm said. “Beyond commodities we believe larger rather than smaller capitalization stocks will outperform.”

Nonetheless, it included one small-cap non-bank financial that offers “a defendable and highly profitable niche.” That name is Carfinco Income Fund, which buys non-prime consumer loans secured by used automobiles.

Trading at 8.6x Stonecap’s 2012 earnings per unit forecast, the firm believes Carfinco remains an underappreciated story.

“The impressive yield, growth opportunities in future markets, and management’s ability to execute coming out of the credit crisis gives us great confidence about the fund’s prospects for the upcoming year,” analyst Dylan Steuart said in a report. He has a $10 price target on the stock.

Today's full article can be read by clicking here...

Neptune Fires Back On Competitor Over Patent Statements

2011-12-22T11:34:00.005-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources

TSX: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

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Neptune was quick off the mark today with a response to a release issued by its main competitor that the U.S. Patent Office has agreed to a request to re-exam a patent granted to NTB this past October.

Norwegian based, Aker Biomarine & Neptune have been locked in litigation for several years and a sometimes blunt exchange of words.

The patent NTB was granted protects the Omega-3 composition of Neptune Krill Oil(TM) (NKO(R). The patent also “covers amongst others, oils and powders extracted from krill, containing marine phospholipids bonded to EPA and/or DHA, distributed and/or sold in the U.S. market.”

It's not suprising Aker requested the re-examination as should the patent stand, it could impact U.S. sales as well as existing litigation.

Neptune set the tone of its response with the comment that, "Aker has again made statements that are designed to mislead the public about the reexamination process and about the original patent office examination".

To read Neptune's news release, click here.

Pure Nickel - MAN Results 2011

2011-12-21T12:36:00.008-07:00

Pure Nickel

(TSX: NIC)(OTCBB: PNCKF)
Basic Shares: 67.8 million
Fully Diluted: 75.5

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Pure Nickel released results today from its extensive summer drilling program that took place on its massive “blue sky” property called MAN in Alaska.

The company and its joint venture partner ITOCHU completed 11 drill holes totalling 2580 metres, 151 line kilometres of ground magnetometer surveys and 6.9 line kilometres of electromagnetic surveys.

Although the various disciplines of exploration did not land the company and its partner a home run this season, there are several key targets now identified for a follow up year of drilling, potentially next summer.

ITOCHU Corporation of Japan has the ability to earn in up to 75% interest in MAN by incurring $40 million of exploration costs by the end of next year. In total today, it has spent $17 million and earned 30% interest.

There are four distinct areas within MAN which is over 70,000 hectares in total (see attached map) and the company has been aggressively exploring it since 2005. Each short season of exploration has left Pure Nickel and now its partner ITOCHU since 2008, something exciting to go back to. This year, mapping and a portion of the drilling took place on an area that had never been drilled called the Rainy complex. Both grab samples and drill assays at Rainy had showings of platinum group elements or PGE’s including one grab sample with 7.9 grams per tonne PGE and 2% nickel.

A full list of assay results can be viewed on Pure Nickel's web site by clicking here...

In 2010, NIC and ITOCHU discovered what looked to be a reef style PGE mineralization on the Alpha complex which was targeted again this year with three drill holes but assays showed it wasn’t what the partners were looking for.

ITOCHU will have a few months to review the extensive amount of data collected this year at MAN and shareholders will have to keep their fingers crossed that there was enough promising data to warrant further investment at MAN by ITOCHU in 2012.

At time of this posting NIC traded 105,000 shares and is holding its stock price around $0.08. The market is valuing the company roughly at only the cash value it currently has in the bank.

Today's full news release can be viewed by clicking here...

VentriPoint Shareholders Take Note - Seattle Ultrasound Company Bought For $1B

2011-12-15T15:39:00.004-07:00

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: - 102.6 million
Fully diluted: - 134.0 million

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So why should VentriPoint shareholders care about today’s news that SonoSite Inc. is being purchased by Fujifilm’s for $995 million? In short, it sets some valuation parameters in the world in which VentriPoint lives.

SonoSite Inc. is a specialty Ultrasound company based in Seattle.

Two things are very clear in this announcement:

That the future of soft tissue diagnostics via the use of Ultrasound appears to be strong and growing. SonoSite has been building a reputation in the hand-held Ultrasound market especially in on-the-spot sports performance diagnostics. It is part of the trend expanding and transforming the worldwide diagnostics market for Ultrasound.

And

New entrants in this space are willing to pay a premium to get into the business.
Fujifilm’s paid about a 50% premium to its trading price, which is approximately 42 times the trailing EBITDA (9 months gross revenue was $219 Million).

We at The Howard Group think that VentriPoint shareholders will be interested in this because of the fact that CEO, Dr. Adams, has stated from the beginning of his tenure, “we are building a company which will prove a market for a takeover.”

This was clearly defined in The Howard Group’s November 2010 Introduction to the company, click here to view, once VPT demonstrates demand, there is an expectation that it will become attractive to a large commercial entity (E.g. GE, Siemens, Philips, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, etc.).

This was again reiterated by Dr. Adams this past October at The Howard Group's third annual Opportunity Knocks Investor Conference, click here to view, where he stated that they ($VPT) are talking with a major and "we are working on a partnership to put our software on their machine” and “being a small company, we are never going to get there; we will be taken out by a major."

Here is the link to the news release.

Solid Resources Posts NI 43-101 Reserve Report – Tantalum, Tin, Lithium & Niobium

2011-12-15T09:51:00.009-07:00

Solid Resources

TSXV - SRW

OTCQX - SLDRF

Shares Outstanding - 93.9 million

Fully Diluted - 129.7 million

--------------------------------------

Today Solid Resources announced that it has posted its full NI 43-101 reserve report on Sedar – http://www.sedar.com/. The report has been compiled from information accumulated from its 2003, 2005 and 2011 drill programs.

Of interest, the results are only from drilling on the northernmost and southernmost sections of its 100% owned Doade Presqueiras rare metals property in Spain. These areas represent under 10% of the concession. The two sections are approximately 11km apart and the geological team firmly believes (based on scout drilling) that the pegmatite dykes (type of rock that hosts rare metals) run continuously between the two areas.

Below is a table with the tonnage and average grades of Tantalum, Tin, Lithium and Niobium from the southernmost area of the property.

Below is a table with results from the northernmost section of the property.

Management can’t formally assign values to the rock, until the metallurgical study is completed and a Preliminary Economic Assessment is conducted. However, if you would like to do a quick back of the envelope calculation, consider the following:

A) 1 ppm = 1 g/t or 1% = 22.04 lbs.
B) Multiply the weight by the relevant metal price: Tin - $10/lb; Tantalum (Ta2O5) - $150/lb (concentrate); Lithium (Li2O)- $2-3/lb; Niobium (Nb2O5) - $24/lb
C) Multiply that number by the number of tonnes.

We stress this is a simplification as purity and recovery rates as well as what additional tonnage will be discovered are key components that will speak to the potential future economic value of the property.

Management is expecting the metallurgical study to be completed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned…

To view the full news release, please click here

Neptune to Increase Krill Production Capacity - 500,000kg/yr

2011-12-12T11:12:00.008-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources

TSX: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

Today, Neptune announced that it is initiating Phase I of its planned plant expansion. This first of two steps will increase production of krill by 150,000kg/yr by fall of 2012.

The image has been taken from Neptune's most recent Investor Presentation. It indicates current production is at 150,000 kg/year and will increase up to 300,000 kg/yr by Fiscal Year End (FYE) 2013. Neptune's FYE is February 28.

In total, an additional 40,000 square feet will be added to its existing Sherbrooke, Quebec facility. “The project is expected to employ approximately 40 new workers directly and will result in the hiring of approximately 90 to 100 persons during the construction period.”

According to Frederic Harland, Director of Finance for Neptune, “The expansion project will be financed through a mix of standard loans, interest-free loans subsidies and by a cash contribution of Neptune for approximately 20% of the total cost by using part of the proceeds of its May 2011 financing. More details will be provided at a press conference to be held in Sherbrooke during the first quarter of 2012," he added.

To view the full news release, please click here

IWG Technologies Reports A Profit of $270 Thousand For 2011

2011-12-09T11:21:00.005-07:00

IWG Technologies (TSX-V: IWG)
Basic Shares: 37.6 million
Fully Diluted: 39.7 million
----------------------------------

Today, IWG Technologies announced its year end results for fiscal 2011. The company recorded revenue of just over $4.4 million up 1% from last year. However, the net earnings doubled year over year to $270 thousand. This represents net earnings of 7 tenths of a cent per share.

The news release summarizes 2011 acquisition of the complimentary on-demand aircraft water heater business of Keltech Inc. In regards to IWG’s sector and 2012 David Fox, president & CEO said, “The large corporate jet sector that forms the core of our business was quite stable over the recessionary period and is now showing growth. To this we can add the new water heater business, so in general the next year should be a good one."

Shares in IWG are currently sitting at 5.5 cents.

To view the full news release, please click here

Christmas Starts Early for VentriPoint

2011-12-09T10:33:00.003-07:00

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: - 102.6 million
Fully diluted: - 134.0 million

*****************************

Today, the company and the holders of a debenture that was due for repayment in early 2012 decided to make an exchange. The debenture holders have agreed to convert their notes into more stock in the company. In earlier days when capital was very difficult to source, these supporters provided the company with much needed capital. The debenture holders are converting $594,637 into 3,648,078 shares at an average price of $0.163/share. This is a discount to the market, however this is done without fees or legal cost, and by doing this it says to the market that they clearly see the potential of the company.

Dr. Adams, VentriPoint President and CEO commented on today’s announcement and the cleaning up of the balance sheet, “we are thankful that long term stakeholders provide continued support.”

As of the writing of this commentary, Dr George Adams is in Budapest, Hungary at EUROECHO, the annual meeting of the European Association of Echocardiography. He says that Dr. Luc Mertens, Echocardiography Cardiology Section Head at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, gave a talk at the conference about VMS™ to a pulmonary hypertension audience and the result has been overwhelming at the VentriPoint booth. Of interest Dr. Mertens is also a Board Member of the European Association of Echocardiography.

Today is a good day for VentriPoint and its shareholders.

Click here to view the full press release

Merry Christmas From Carfinco

2011-12-08T13:38:00.004-07:00

Carfinco Income Fund

TSX: CFN.UN

Units outstanding: 24.61 million
Units fully diluted: 24.65 million

----------------------------------------------------

Some ho, ho, ho, sprinkled with dough, dough, dough is a special holiday treat for the smart girls and boys who invested in Carfinco.

The soon to be corporation upon its conversion from a Trust, opened Santa's gift bag today.

Carfinco announced that in addition to the monthly per unit $0.03 cash distribution, a special cash distribution of $0.05 per unit will be payable on December 30th, just in time for New Year's. This is for shareholders of record as of December 16th.

Distributions, which grew to $0.03 per month in combination with the special distribution will bring total cash paid out during 2011 to $0.36 per unit.

Santa, otherwise known as CEO, Tracy Graf, noted that, "this will equate to a payout of approximately half of the Fund’s net earnings for the year. The financial performance of the Fund continues to meet our expectations and we are pleased to pass this success on to our Unitholders in the form of cash distributions.”

MicroPlanet’s Technology Addresses Power Quality Issues for Ontario Renewable Energy Program

2011-12-07T10:39:00.004-07:00

MicroPlanet Technology Corp.
TSXV: MP
OTC Pink: MCTYF
Shares Outstanding: 100.8 million
Fully Diluted: 155.8 million
-------------------------------

Today, Sustainable Energy announced that it is partnering with MicroPlanet for the company’s part in the Ontario Rural Micro-FIT Program. The reason Sustainable initiated the partnership is because MicroPlanet’s technology addresses a major challenge with the integration of small renewable energy sources (solar panels on homes) back into the power grid. Traditional grid infrastructure was designed for unidirectional energy flow (i.e. power planet to homes). With the advent of renewable energy sources, utilities require MicroPlanet’s voltage regulation technology in order to appropriately integrate them into the power grid.

In laymen’s terms, pushing too much power back into the grid without a control and balance mechanism will create surge problems for the system.

According to management, the opportunity lies within the fact there are thousands of locations that are not tied back into the power grid. While it’s clear there is a market to be exploited, we are not going to pass comment on what the Ontario government’s attitude may be to the potential to resolve the problem through the partnering of the respective technologies.

The Micro-FIT Program is a stream of the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program for renewable energy in Ontario. It is intended to encourage the development of “micro-scale” renewable energy projects (i.e. houses with solar panels) across the province. Owners of these projects will be paid a fixed price for the electricity they produce. Prices are set at a level intended to enable project owners to recover the costs of the projects, as well as to earn a reasonable return on their investment over the term of the contract.

To view the full news release, please click here

The Advantages Of VentriPoint’s VMS™ System Over MRI To Be Presented At EUROECHO

2011-12-07T10:12:00.015-07:00

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: - 102.6 million
Fully diluted: - 134.0 million

*****************************

VentriPoint announced today that Dr. Shelby Kutty is presenting his clinical paper on VMS™ at The Annual Congress of the European Association of Echocardiography, EUROECHO, December 7 -10^th, 2011.

Dr. Kutty was the topic of an early December VentriPoint news release, as he is leading a specialty trial in Omaha comparing MRI to VMS. Of significance, the trial was not paid for by VentriPoint and was initiated by Dr. Kutty.

The paper is definitive and as stated in the press release ìnnovative as it clearly outlines the advantage of using the VMS™ in therapeutic follow through for clinical studies with systemic single ventricle vs. MRI.

To be hosted in Budapest, Hungary, EUROECHO is considered to be one of the largest and most important scientific meetings on non-invasive cardiovascular diagnosis in the world. The Congress has over 70,000 members and is very well attended by its member practitioners.

In addition VentriPoint has announced Victor Ton its European Sales Manager, will be representing the company at its booth at the Congress.

Victor Ton has a 17 year plus career in imaging/diagnostics sales and will be based in the Netherlands.

VentriPoint continues to expand its product line and now has an increased presence in Europe where its product is approved for sale. We expect a continuation of good news.

Click here to view today’s news release.

Acasti’s Second Phase II Study – An Additional Perspective

2011-12-06T11:13:00.004-07:00

Acasti Pharma

TSXV: APO
Shares Outstanding: 71.0 million
Fully Diluted: 80.1 million

-------------------------------

Yesterday, Acasti announced it launched a second Phase II study to evaluate the safety, efficacy and dose response of its prescription drug candidate, CaPre, for patients with hypertriglyceridemia (high blood levels of triglycerides).

The study is being conducted in Canada by JSS Medical Research and the Principal Investigator is Dr. Robert Dufour. According to management, the open label approach is different from the double blind Phase II clinical trial announced by Acasti this past October, in that there will be a shorter treatment period and recruitment will be faster and the data will be made available earlier.

According to Wikipedia “an open-label trial or open trial is a type of clinical trial in which both the researchers and participants know which treatment is being administered.”

Management expects results will be available somewhere in late April / early May 2012. However the timing also depends on how quickly JSS Medical can recruit the 174 patients required for the study.

To view yesterday’s news release, please click here

Leading Cardiac Institution Joins Ventripoint Clinical Trials and FDA Responds with Clarification

2011-12-01T11:00:00.008-07:00

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: - 102.6 million
Fully diluted: - 134.0 million

*****************************

VentriPoint announced today that another prestigious institution, the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska has joined the clinical trials to validate its VMS™ 3D imaging technology.

This is again adding momentum in advancing the science of VMS™ and overall market awareness.

Even more good news is that Dr. Shelby Kutty who is leading the clinical trials in Omaha will be presenting the findings of the study to the EuroEcho Congress in Budapest, next week.

The significant item in the press release is that the FDA has sent a letter and response to the company’s latest submission (July 20, 2011) suggesting clarifications to the clinical trial and plan, which the company is implementing. The key here is that the FDA will be meeting with VentriPoint on January 5, 2012 to review its regulatory submissions for approval of the VMS™ heart analysis system. FDA approval is a significant milestone for the company to have as it will enhance its ability for market penetration dramatically.

The company does believe FDA approval will be forthcoming after this meeting...

See yesterday’s news release here...

Neptune’s Q3/F12 Guidance Calls For Record Revenue - $5-5.25 million

2011-12-01T09:22:00.006-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

Today, Neptune Technologies & Bioressources announced that it expects that the third quarter 2012 ended November 30, 2011 will see revenues of between $5 - $5.25 million. A solid increase of 17% to 22% over the same quarter last year.

Neptune management cites the U.S. rollout of its Neptune Krill Oil (NKO™) as a major contributor to the increase in revenue. Natrol® is currently distributing and selling NKO™ throughout the US. The name of the product on WalMart and Walgreen shelves is “Natrol® Omega-3 Krill Oil”. Click here to view Natrol’s webpage dedicated to its NKO™ product.

WalMart hasn’t posted the product online yet; however you can check out the product available on the Walgreens website by clicking here.

To view the full news release, please click here

Article Talks about Neptune’s Push Into China

2011-11-28T13:18:00.005-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

In an article titled Neptune Tapping Into China’s Supplement market, published on www.foodnavigator-asia.com, reporter Kacey Culliney interviews Wael Massrieh, VP of Scientific Affairs of Neptune about the company’s recently announced JV deal with Changhi Kai Chuang Deep Sea Fisheris (SKFC) and Neptune’s roll out in China.

“Commercialisation of the venture is underway, said the VP of scientific affairs at Neptune with the company having started the application process.”

In the article, Mr. Massrieh describes the process of entering the supplements market in China. Also, Adam Ismail, executive director of global omega-3 association GOED (Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s), gives insight into the overall market for omega-3’s in Asia. “…probably the fastest growing market regionally at a rate of between 40 & 50% a year…it’s pretty exciting.”

To view the full article, please click here

Neptune Makes the Move to the TSX – Canada’s Senior Exchange

2011-11-24T10:35:00.008-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

Neptune announced today that on November 28, 2011 its shares will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Until now, the company has been listed in Canada on the Toronto Venture Exchange. The company has satisfied the more stringent criteria to be listed on the senior board (click here to view the list of requirements), which will result in more potential investors coming to the table. It is fact that a number of investment funds, brokers and investors will only invest in TSX and other senior exchange listed companies.

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

Neptune – Dr. Oz says Krill Omega 3 is Superior to Fish Oil

2011-11-23T09:51:00.006-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

Yesterday, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the famed host of The Dr. Oz Show did a segment on the powerful cardiovascular benefits of Krill Oil and compared it to regular fish oil. Dr. Oz is known as a massive proponent of fish oil as a source of Omega 3’s, and in yesterday’s episode he said that krill is “better”.

“Krill oil is the new red hot omega 3.”

In the almost 5 minute spot, Dr. Oz explains that fish don’t actually make omega 3’s, they eat omega 3s – one of the things they eat as a source is krill. Another point he makes using an animation is that fish oil omega 3s are not released and absorbed as well as krill oil.

When it comes to cholesterol, Dr. Oz talks about how krill reduces bad cholesterol better than fish oil and in turn reduces plaque in ones arteries.

He also talks about a study that says that 1,000 mg of krill has the same omega 3 affect as 3,000 mg of fish oil. The study he is referring to is the Deutsch et. al, 2004 study done with Neptune Krill Oil (NKO®). Click here to view the paper. In the study, several doses of NKO® were used ranging from 1-3g vs. placebo and fish oil 3g.

Considering the fish oil market is well over $1billion, this kind of endorsement will certainly help Neptune Technologies and Bioressources as the company was recently granted the US patent covering the composition of omega-3 phospholipids comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is a main ingredient found in “all recognized krill oils”.

The Dr. Oz show is the number one rated talk show on TV, with millions of viewers tuning in every week.

To view the segment on Dr. Oz, please click here.

Smartcool Wins Portugal Over With Energy Savings

2011-11-22T10:59:00.008-07:00

Smartcool Systems Inc.

TSX.V: SSC
Basic Shares 60.2 million
Fully Diluted 77.4 million
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Following the November 17th announcement that Smartcool had sold its ESM product to power retailer Metro Groups stores called Makro Cash & Carry in Poland, Smartcool announced today that it will also be installing its product into all eleven Makro outlets in Portugal.

The successful pilot project in Poland provided a return on investment in twenty months which prompted further planned installations into the eleven Makro stores across Portugal which is planned to take place this year.

"We are happy to be expanding into Portugal thanks to our relationship with the Metro Group," says George Burnes, President & CEO of Smartcool. "The Metro Group has thousands of locations worldwide and has clearly recognized the value of Smartcool's energy efficiency solutions. The Metro Group joins our expanding portfolio of clients in the retail industry."

See today's news here....

Solid Resources’ New 3D Drill Tour Of Rare Metals Property & Awarded Spanish Mining Subsidy For 2012

2011-11-21T11:12:00.010-07:00

Solid Resources
TSXV - SRW
OTCQX - SLDRF
Shares Outstanding - 93.9 million
Fully Diluted - 129.7 million
--------------------------------------

Today, Solid Resources posted a new 3D animation, which provides investors with an in-depth overview of its Spanish Rare Metals property. The project hosts Tantalum ($150/lb concentrate), Tin ($10/lb), Lithium (1%=22lb/$2.50/lb), Niobium, Rubidium, and Cesium.

Click below to watch the video.

Also, the company announced that for a second year in a row the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade has granted Solid the maximum subsidy for work committed in 2012. Last year the company received 20 cents back for every dollar is spent on the ground in Spain.

During 2012, the company intends to substantially increase the resource estimates on the concession with an extensive 6,000 m drill program. Information gained from the 2011 program has given Solid an exploration target of reaching over 50 million tonnes in the coming year, not including the northern zone (Presqueiras). Should the company be successful, this would conservatively produce an economical mine with a lifespan of over thirty years.

To view the full news release, please click here.

The Data Behind Neptune’s Latest U.S. Patent - Does It Point At More Important News In The Wings?

2011-11-17T11:09:00.003-07:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

It should be of interest to Neptune shareholders that there’s a bit more colour to be shared around yesterday’s (November 16) announcement that it had been granted another U.S. patent; this time for the exclusive use of krill extracts in the United States as a method for reducing cholesterol, platelet adhesion and plaque formation.

The news came on the heels of last month’s announcement that, “U.S. patent No. 8,030,348 secured Neptune's intellectual property on a composition of novel omega-3 phospholipids, which are the main bioactive ingredients in all krill oils.”

This latest patent finally came to fruition from an initial application to the U.S. patent office that was made in 2001. It was supplemented in 2003 with data obtained from a 3 month clinical study of 120 people with moderate to high cholesterol.

In our discussion with management, it was clarified that the people in the study were provided a daily dosage of 1.0 to 1.5 grams/day (2 to 3 soft gel caps) of Neptune NKO™.

The study proved an average 33% decrease in LDL, which is the aspect covered by the new U.S. patent grant.

The clinical data graphical information is available by clicking on the graphic.

We are told that approximately 100 of the 120 patients were resistant to statins and failed to attain their target LDL levels after at least six months on low dosages.

This new U.S. patent deals with LDL but importantly is one “division” of Neptune’s original patent application. The company is awaiting word from the U.S. patent office on the HDL and Triglyceride components of the application.

Of note, the company expresses no opinion on the timing or the outcome of an announcement from the U.S. patent office.

However, should Neptune be granted patents based on the clinical study’s positive HDL and Triglyceride results with NKO™ versus fish oil, it would be the “perfect trifecta”, which is to simultaneously influence HDL, LDL and Triglycerides while also offering a natural alternative to people resistant to statins.

The “perfect trifecta” is a phrase coined by Dr. Tina Sampalis who is President of Acasti Pharma, 58% owned by Neptune.

Her presentation at The Howard Group’s annual Opportunity Knocks investor conference can be viewed through this link.

The granting of the two patents is also a major benefit to Acasti Pharma (APO – TSX V), which is 58% owned by Neptune. Acasti Pharma is focused on bringing to market, highly purified forms of NKO® (Krill oil) for cardiovascular/cholesterol applications. Acasti’s, CaPre™ is a pharma grade drug candidate that entered a Phase II Clinical Trial in late Q3/2011. Acasti recently commercialized two products in the over-the-counter and medical food areas.

Still on the topic of patents, today Neptune issued a direct and pointed response to the quick filing of a re-examination request of the latest patent by its main competitor, Norway headquartered Aker Biomarine.

The following sums up the position of Neptune management, “Unfortunately, Aker's press release announcing its re-examination request, as well as other related statements made by Aker to the press, appear designed to mislead the public about the validity of Neptune's patent rights and the re-examination process.

It’s clear the two tough competitors are going to remain at loggerheads for some time. Unfortunately, this causes some level of investor discomfort until there is an absolute final answer as to whether or not the U.S. Patent Office will re-examine the patent grants. The timing on that question being answered is unknown. It also wouldn’t be surprising if Aker follows this tact on patents that Neptune is granted in the future.

To read the news release click here.

Pure Nickel Receives $3.5 M Settlement

2011-11-17T09:15:00.010-07:00

Pure Nickel
TSX: NIC)(OTCBB: PNCKF)

Basic Shares: 67.8 million
Fully Diluted: 75.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------

The holiday season arrived a little early for Pure Nickel and its shareholders as the company reached a settlement on its interests in the Milford copper property in Utah.

The long standing litigation was resolved with a new U.S. group with significant financial backing that came into the fray a couple of years ago. It ultimately came to terms with creditors that held millions of dollars in paper on the copper project and mill but had to ensure that Pure Nickel was not left out in the cold as it held interests in much of the project.

Pure Nickel has already received the first million dollars of a total of US$3.5 million. Another million is to arrive in 180 days and the balance at the 12 month mark. It also has a 1% Net Smelter Royalty (NSR) capped at US$8 million.

What should make shareholders happy is the company's financial position. It has just over $3 million in cash and with the other $2.5 million, NIC is covered for its current 2012 plans. While budgets can change subject to opportunities, at this point the company doesn't have to think about going to the equity markets, which have been extremely cruel to the junior mining sector through most of 2011.

To read the news release click here.

Smartcool Technology Attracts Massive Global Retailer

2011-11-17T08:54:00.011-07:00

Smartcool Systems Inc.

TSX.V: SSC
Basic Shares 60.2 million
Fully Diluted 77.4 million

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Everyone is looking for ways to save money on their energy bills and Smartcool's technology was the obvious answer for twenty-One Makro Cash & Carry wholesale outlets in Poland. Smartcool's ESM energy savings module will be installed in the stores after a successful pilot project proved a return on investment in 20 months.

Makro is owned by Metro Asset Management Group which is the fourth largest retailer in the world with 2,100 outlets in 33 countries. Could this offer future growth potential for Smartcool?

The company didn't disclose the value of the contract.

See full news release here...

Carfinco Price Target Upped To $11.50

2011-11-15T09:20:00.009-07:00

Carfinco Income Fund

TSX: CFN.UN

Units outstanding: 24.61 million
Units fully diluted: 24.65 million
----------------------------------------------------

Immediately following Carfinco reporting its 10th consecutive quarter of record pre-tax earnings, analyst Fred Westra from Industrial Alliance Securities updated his coverage and target price from $9.50 to $11.50.

Mr. Westra mentioned in his report dated November 10th, "We view CFN as not only a good defensive play in volatile markets given its strong credit quality, favourable demographics and used auto sales trends, but as an attractive growth story despite the economic headwinds."

The units have shown considerable strength over the past week moving from the $6.30 range to $6.80 as of this writing.

The full report can be viewed by clicking here....

Video Presentations From Howard Group Opportunity Knocks III Investor Conference Now Here

2011-11-10T10:00:00.020-07:00

On October 24th The Howard Group hosted its 3rd annual Opportunity Knocks investor conference in Calgary where five our our clients presented to an audience of investment advisors and private investors.

The following presentations are now available for viewing:

Acasti Pharma: TSX-V: APO

Carfinco Income Fund: TSX: CFN.UN

Solid Resources: TSX-V: SRW - OTCQX - SLDRF

Ventripoint Diagnostics: TSX-V: VPT

A link to view the video presentations for each company can be seen by clicking here.....

Carfinco - Impressive 52.6% Return On Equity in Record Breaking Quarter

2011-11-09T08:53:00.005-07:00

Carfinco Income Fund

TSX: CFN.UN
Units outstanding: 24.61 million
Units fully diluted: 24.65 million
--------------------------------------

Carfinco has done it again with the checkered flag waving and a tenth consecutive record pre-tax earnings quarter, this time earning $6 million in Q3, 2011.

During the third quarter the fund achieved an annualized, after-tax return on unitholder's equity of 52.6% - Spectacular!

In yesterday's late news the fund also mentioned that the large servicing contract that it was awarded earlier this year started October 1st and that the fourth quarter earnings will include all of the fees earned from managing this large portfolio, which will provide extra revenue to the fund for the next 24-36 months.

Highlights of Q3:

Pre-tax earnings for the quarter were $6.0 million, up 21.5% from the $4.9 million for the third quarter of 2010;
Earnings per fund unit for the quarter was 18 cents;
Unitholder’s equity increased 7.4% to $34.0 million during the quarter;
Loan originations for the quarter were $31.7 million, a 22.7% increase from the $25.8 million for the third quarter of 2010;
Principal balance of finance receivables was $160.3 million, increasing 5.1% during the quarter and 13.6% for the first nine months of 2011, putting us close to our target of 20% growth for the year;
31+ days delinquent accounts for the quarter were 2.7%, similar to the 2.6% for the second quarter of 2011 and a decrease from 3.0% for the third quarter of 2010.

On another note, Carfinco management is sharing its great news during extensive meetings throughout Toronto's financial community over the next couple of days.

See full news release here....

Solid Resources CEO - A Letter to Shareholders

2011-11-08T14:56:00.007-07:00

Solid Resources
TSXV - SRW
OTCQX - SLDRF
Shares Outstanding - 93.9 million
Fully Diluted - 129.7 million
--------------------------------------

President and CEO, Greg Pendura has issued this letter on the heals of today's announcement that the company will be raising $1 million in a non-brokered private placement.

Dear shareholders,

Solid Resources has never been in a better position to achieve success than right at this current time. I make this statement based on our accomplishments during 2011 and how this has positively positioned the Company for the future. Contrary to the negative pressure all junior resource companies have been enduring since early 2011, Solid is a much stronger company today compared to the start of this year.

Recent Highlights

• The Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade granted Solid the maximum subsidy of 20% for exploration work carried out on the Alberta-1 (Doade-Presqueiras) rare metal concession in NW Spain during 2011
• For 2012, the Ministry has again granted Solid the maximum subsidy available for exploration, based upon our performance in 2011.
• The 2011 drill program, which consisted of 31 drill holes, totaling 3,364 m, has substantiated over 11 km of continuous mineralised dykes. We are extremely confident this will be expanded in 2012.
• The recently announced NI 43-101 resource estimate confirmed 1.6 million tonnes Measured & Indicated and 8 million tonnes Inferred. This report represents less than 10% of the properties potential mineralised zone.
• The results available confirm the expected average contents of the deposit can be estimated in the order of 150 g/t of Tantalum ($150/lb concentrate; $250/lb oxide) 800 g/t of Tin ($10/lb) and 1% Lithium (%= 22 lb/$2.50/lb) if an appropriate, selective mining operation is carried out.
• No other commodity has a greater magnitude of supply shortfall than Tantalum.
• We believe Solid will be in the unique position to become a non-conflict provider of Tantalum and Tin, developing the first Tantalum mine in Europe.
• Europe has identified both Lithium and Tantalum as “critical metals”
• SGS in the UK, is currently conducting a metallurgical study, with results expected in late 2011.

During 2012, we intend to substantially increase the resource estimates on the concession with an extensive 6,000 m drill program. The current information available has given us an exploration target of over 50 million tonnes, not including the northern zone (Presqueiras). This would conservatively produce an economical mine with a lifespan of over thirty years.

I am very proud of the accomplishments Solid has achieved during 2011. Our exploration program exceeded our expectations on the reported tonnage and more importantly, has allowed us to see the significant potential of our rare metal property. All three of our targeted metals – Tantalum, Tin and Lithium are in great demand. None more than Tantalum, which has soared during the previous year to highs of over US $250/lb.

Our world class team of geologists in Spain was the reason our 2011 exploration campaign was on time and on budget. This has allowed our company to enjoy a positive and trusting relationship with the Spanish mining authorities, who are anxious to see the property put into production. Spain is a politically stable, pro-mining country. It understands the positive impact for the workforce and the economy, which mining will provide. Solid’s proven performance in Spain has been the catalyst for the introduction to additional mineral opportunities in the country. I can assure you, while the Alberta -1 (Doade-Presqueiras) property will remain our flagship, we continue to explore all meaningful options to create shareholder value.

Also, I would like to inform you of our recently announced private placement of $1 million. The proceeds will allow us to further enhance and expedite the potential of Alberta-1.

The non-brokered private placement offering has a subscription price of Cdn $0.10 per unit, with an attached warrant exercisable at $0.15 for a period of 24 months. Click here to view today's news release on the private placement.

I think you will agree that there is tremendous potential in the “Solid story”. Should you wish to participate in the private placement, I would invite you to contact Rick Gliege, COO or Shiela Ginn, in our administration department.

Yours truly,

Greg Pendura, President & CEO
Solid Resources Ltd.
780-800-0726
Email-g.pendura@solidresources.com

Contact:
Rick Gliege: tel – 250 751 3661
Email – rick@solidresources.com

Shiela Ginn: tel – 250 247 8689
Email – shiela@solidresouces.com

Analyst BUY & Price Targets For Acasti Pharma & NeptuneTechnologies

2011-11-02T14:29:00.010-06:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

Toronto based Byron Capital Markets biotech analyst, Doug Loe has issued his BUY & target prices for Acasti & Neptune as contained in a just released mammoth 200 page "Healthcare & Biotechnology Sector Review".

He has one-year target prices of $6 for Neptune (Nov. 2 close - $2.70) and $3.50 for Acasti Pharma (Nov. 2 close - $1.25). The targets are in Canadian dollars.

In relation to Acasti, he has modeled scenarios based on a royalty stream starting in F2017 and applied discount rates to Net Present Value, Price/Earnings multiples and Enterprise Value/EBITDA multiples to produce a target range of $2.06 to $4.42. The average was $3.57. The commentary on Acasti starts on Page 121.

Acasti (58% owned by Neptune) is at the front end of a Phase II clinical trial, which is a stepping stone in its quest to ultimately prove it's highly purified form of krill oil will be the natural answer to cholesterol issues.

Analyst Loe briefly mentioned but did not get into the topic of the bluesky valuation potential of Acasti. Amarin (AMRN), which is in Phase III on a fish oil based solution has a market cap around $1 billion and was as high as $2 billion just several months ago.

Acasti has $9 million in the bank and is expected to spend approximately $5 million through 2012 so it's well cushioned through the Phase II.

Neptune's $6.00 target is based on F2014 (Feb.28 year-end) EPS and EBITDA multiples. He's calling for F2013 revenues of just over $28 million and basic EPS of $0.10 and in F2014 revenues of approximately $40.7 million and basic EPS of $0.21.

Neptune has a little more than $13 million in cash and $3.3 million in debt.

The commentary on Neptune starts on Page 147.

To access the analyst report, click here

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Validation Trials Begin

2011-11-01T10:55:00.006-06:00

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: - 102.6 million
Fully diluted: - 134.0 million

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VentriPoint Diagnostics has reached a key milestone with today’s announcement that an initial Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension validation trial has started at The University of Chicago Medical Center.

This is significant for the company as the VMS™ PAH (Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension) Diagnostic tool is focused on a very large market. In the U.S. alone, there are about 200,000 hospitalizations annually from PAH alone.

What Is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension, or PH, is increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. These arteries carry blood from the heart to lungs to pick up oxygen.

PH causes symptoms such as shortness of breath during routine activity (for example, climbing two flights of stairs), tiredness, chest pain, and a racing heartbeat. As the condition worsens, its symptoms may limit all physical activity.

Overview

To understand PH, it helps to understand how your heart and lungs work. Your heart has two sides, separated by an inner wall called the septum.

Each side of your heart has an upper and lower chamber. The lower right chamber of your heart, the right ventricle, pumps blood to your pulmonary arteries. The blood then travels to your lungs, where it picks up oxygen.

The upper left chamber of your heart, the left atrium, receives the oxygen-rich blood from your lungs. The blood is then pumped into the lower left chamber of your heart, the left ventricle. From the left ventricle, the blood is pumped to the rest of your body through an artery called the aorta.

PH begins with inflammation and changes in the cells that line your pulmonary arteries. Other factors also can affect the pulmonary arteries and cause PH. For example, the condition may develop if:

The walls of the arteries tighten.
The walls of the arteries are stiff at birth or become stiff from an overgrowth of cells.
Blood clots form in the arteries.

These changes make it hard for your heart to push blood through your pulmonary arteries and into your lungs. As a result, the pressure in your arteries rises. Also, because your heart is working harder than normal, your right ventricle becomes strained and weak.

Your heart may become so weak that it can't pump enough blood to your lungs. This causes heart failure. Heart failure is the most common cause of death in people who have PH.

PH is divided into five groups based on its causes. In all groups, the average pressure in the pulmonary arteries is higher than 25 mmHg at rest or 30 mmHg during physical activity. The pressure in normal pulmonary arteries is 8–20 mmHg at rest. (The mmHg is millimeters of mercury—the units used to measure blood pressure.)

Other diseases or conditions, such as heart and lung diseases or blood clots, usually cause PH. Some people inherit the condition (that is, their parents pass the genes for PH on to them). In some cases, the cause isn't known.

According to the Thoracic Society of America better tests are needed to make an early diagnosis. The tests should be convenient for screening and could identify persons at risk or give a measure of how severe the disease is.

What is currently available, however, does not adequately assess either risk or severity. Until now.

What Does This Mean For VentriPoint?

Should the trial produce the desired results, the VMS™ PAH system may be the highly accurate, economic and rapid results diagnostic solution that has been sought by cardiologists.

In the news release Dr. Roberto Lang, former President of the American Society of Echocardiography and Director of the Echo Lab states:

“I expect that an assessment of RV volume and function using the VMS™ will become part of the routine clinical ultrasound evaluation for patients at risk for PAH. A simple way to detect and monitor PAH is gravely needed and this methodology will be extremely useful to quantify interventions (therapeutic and surgical) performed on the right ventricle”

Dr. Adams, VentriPoints CEO, comments about the process and what he expects to happen;

“This is a first clinical validation test which should take about 4-6 weeks. When this validation is over we will start the pivotal clinical trial just like the TOF (Tetralogy of Fallot) trial we have ongoing right now.

We estimate the PAH market to be somewhere between $1-2B annually and we are the only company with a solution.

PAH has been identified to us by most of the large ultrasound companies as an application they would love to be able to do but have been unable to figure how. We are discussing with a number of companies how we could partner to bring to market an integrated system for PAH. It is exciting times at VentriPoint.”

Indeed, this is exciting times for VentriPoint.

See the full press release here:

MicroPlanet to Exhibit at Top Energy Efficiency Conference

2011-10-31T11:41:00.008-06:00

MicroPlanet Technology Corp.
TSXV: MP

OTC Pink: MCTYF
Shares Outstanding: 100.8 million
Fully Diluted: 155.8 million
-------------------------------

NAESCO or The National Association of Energy Service Companies is a national trade association, which promotes the benefits of energy efficiency. Each year NAESCO holds a conference and this year MicroPlanet is sending Brett Ironside, President & CEO and Alan Richardson, industry heavy weight & Director of MicroPlanet to exhibit and rub shoulders with the who’s who in the energy efficiency sector.

The conference is being held at the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA between October 31 & November 2.

Click here for a list of exhibitors

Sponsors for the event includes: ConEdison Solutions, Synergy Companies, Philips & Aecom

Today’s news release also outlines the extension of maturity on the remaining portion of the company’s convertible notes by one year to October 14, 2012. During 2009, the Company closed a total of C$4,000,000 in convertible notes. These convertible notes were closed in three separate tranches beginning in June and completed in October. During the second quarter of this year, the Company renegotiated maturity and conversion terms with the holders of the convertible notes maturing during the Quarter. A total of C$2,737,000 of the face value of the Notes were due and payable by June 30, 2011. With the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, holders of C$1,462,000 face value elected to convert their Notes to common shares of the Company at a rate of C$0.10 per share, including a warrant to purchase common shares of the Company at C$0.15 per share for a period of 24 months from closing. A total of C$875,000 face value elected to extend the maturity of their notes until June 30, 2012. A total of C$400,000 face value was redeemed for cash.

To view the full news release, please click here

Solid Resources Issues NI 43-101 on Southern Most Section of Rare Metals Property

2011-10-25T13:34:00.006-06:00

Solid Resources
TSXV - SRW
OTCQX - SLDRF
Shares Outstanding - 93.9 million
Fully Diluted - 147.3 million
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Today Solid Resources announced the NI 43-101 reserve results for its southern most (Toboazas) section of its Doade Presqueiras property in Spain.

Below is a table with the tonnage and average grades of Tantalum, tin, Lithium and Niobium.

Class.

Tonnes

Ta2O5

Tantalum

ppm

Tin

ppm

Li20

Lithium

Nb2O5

Niobium

ppm

Indicated

0.2

150.8

708.2

0.81

115.3

Inferred

4.0

144.7

646.1

0.77

109.2

Yesterday the company announced the NI 43-101 results for the northernmost section of the property. The results are below.

Class.	Tonnes Mt	Ta2O5 Tantalum ppm	Sn Tin ppm	Li20 Lithium %	Nb2O5 Niobium ppm
Measured	0.2	79.7	584.8	0.55	79.8
Indicated	1.4	86.1	584.1	0.43	80.2
Inferred	4.0	93.0	593.6	0.35	84.9

When figuring the value of the results, consider the following - 1 ppm= 1 g/t; 1% = 22.04 lbs.

Current prices of metals: Tin - $10/lb; Tantalum (Ta₂O₅) - $250/lb; Lithium (Li₂O)- $2-3/lb; Niobium (Nb₂O₅) - $24/lb

Also when considering the potential value of the property, understand that these results only represent a drilling done on less than 10% of the concession. Solid’s Management and Geological team believes the mineralization is approximately 250 – 250 m wide and runs the full length of the 14 km property. The results from the NI43-101 are only from the northernmost and southernmost sections.

Investors can expect the release of a metallurgical study on the results in the coming months.

To view the full news release, please click here

Solid Resources Advances Case For Open Pit Mine On Spanish Property With Release Of Initial Reserve Report

2011-10-24T10:56:00.013-06:00

Solid Resources
TSXV - SRW
OTCQX - SLDRF
Shares Outstanding - 93.9 million
Fully Diluted - 147.3 million
---------------------------------------

Today’s news on the NI 43-101 reserve results for Solid’s northern most (Presqueiras) section of its Doade Presqueiras property in Spain adds weight to management’s objective of opening the first tantalum mine in Europe. A second release on NI 43-101 results for the southern most (Toboazas) area will be issued in the near future.

The data was accumulated from 29 drill holes from a 2003, 2005 and this year’s program. In total, 3,105.9 meters were drilled on a small section of the property being an area only 750 m x 350 m.

Greg Pendura, President and CEO of Solid was quoted in the release, "All drill programs to date have allowed management to conclude that the rare element pegmatites (the type of rock that hosts rare metals) are in a continuous belt approximately 300 m wide and extend the length of the 14 km property in a NNW-SSE direction."

Below is a table with the tonnage and average grades of Tantalum, tin, Lithium and Niobium.

Click on the table to enlarge.

1 ppm= 1 g/t; 1% = 22.04 lbs.

Current prices of metals: Tin - $10/lb; Tantalum (Ta2O5) - $250/lb; Lithium (Li2O)- $2-3/lb; Niobium (Nb2O5) - $24/lb

Management has publically stated that considering the near surface mineralization and its location, this area will be well suited for an open pit, low cost mining operation.

The obvious investor question is, what is the preliminary value of the rock? Simply, management is not allowed to discuss that question at this point under the regulatory environment. However, there’s nothing stopping anyone from doing their own calculations based on the above table.

To view the full news release, please click here

11th Installation For Ventripoint’s 3D Heart Imaging System – But Also A First!

2011-10-20T09:12:00.004-06:00

VentriPoint Diagnostics Ltd.
VPT - TSX Venture
Shares issued: - 102.6 million
Fully diluted: - 134.0 million

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Today’s announcement had special significance as this installation was completed in an adult hospital, rather than a paediatric institution. The sale of the VMS™ technology to leading cardiac institution, Manchester Heart Center in northwest England is the eleventh. It is considered a ‘working site’ as the system will be used in regular clinical practice and as a demonstration site to prove the value of VMS in valve replacements and all of Manchester’s 20,000 patients with heart disease.

The Manchester Royal infirmary is a leading teaching school and part of Manchester University’s Medical School. The hospital has been around since 1752 with twelve beds and today is a major provider of cardiac services seeing over 145,000 patients per year.

Installations like this are very important to VentriPoint as they:

1. Generate publications by leading cardiology groups showing the VMS is as accurate to MRI, but faster, more convenient and can be done on awake patients.

2. Use these sites as demonstration sites for other cardiologists who are interested but would like to see a machine in use and speak with specialists.

3. Build close relationships with thought leaders to determine additional applications for the technology.

4. Have the users talk to large ultrasound companies (GE, Phillips, Siemens, Toshiba, Samsung) about the value of the technology.

5. Assist numerous people with heart disease who are unnecessarily waiting for MRIs.

VentriPoint currently has 230 cardiologists who have indicated they would be interested in potentially acquiring a VMS system. This "sales funnel" is quite large for such a small company.

To view the full news release, Click here

Neptune Conference Call Summary – Q2 Results, Chinese JV, Bayer, and more

2011-10-13T15:55:00.004-06:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

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At 4:30pm ET today (Oct. 13th), Neptune Technologies hosted an investor conference call to discuss Q2/F12 quarterly results and to discuss a number to items on the minds of investors.

Here’s a summary of the call.

Q2 Results: For the six months ending August 31, 2011 revenue was up slightly (4%), and the company had a net loss of just over $3 million.

Andre Godin, CFO for Neptune explained that this was mainly a result of Acasti’s R&D activities.
If that were removed, Neptune alone would be profitable.
He also stated that next quarter revenue should be $5+ million but R&D expenses will remain for the next few quarters.
The company increased product volume by 50% with EKO, the economic lower margin krill product versus NKO, accounting for 31%. According to Mr. Godin, the lack of increase in revenue is attributed to weak margins and the aggressive push to grab market share and expand in the US.

U.S. product push: The company said its deal with a new major US distributer is leading to NTB products now hitting the shelves of major retailers like WalMart and Walgreens.

Expansion: The company is expecting to increase capacity from 150Kg/yr to 300Kg/yr in the next year.

An announcement should be coming soon for its new plant, which will support 200Kg-300Kg/yr. It will be paid for with a bank loan and government grants.

Chinese JV Partne – SKFC: The company said that is will give them access to the entire Asian market.

SKFC is the largest krill fisher in the world.
A plant will be built and financed by Chinese banks and Chinese partners.
Neptune is to receive an upfront payment that “just about covers’ its financial commitment to the JV.

Nestle/Bayer: According to management the halt of sale through Bayer’s website was a result of Bayer wishing to reformulate and provide a new look to the product.

The relationship with Bayer is strong. The halt was not a result of quality or inability to supply the product.
The results of the Nestle clinical trial should be released by the end of this year.

NeuroBioPharm spinoff: According to management, it is taking time because it is more complicated than expected.

TSX: The company is expecting to migrate to the TSX from the Venture exchange within a month.

Capre Clinical Trials: Expected to have results within 12-18 months.

Patent: The company said at the end of the call that Neptune believes that the recently granted US patent is strong and valid. The company stands by it and are prepared to enforce it.

To hear an encore version of the Neptune conference call visit www.neptunebiotech.com by 6pm Eastern Time.

Solid - 2011 Drilling Confirms Over 11 KM of Continuous Mineralised Dykes

2011-10-12T10:10:00.011-06:00

Solid Resources

TSXV - SRW
OTCQX - SLDRF
Shares Outstanding - 93.9 million
Fully Diluted - 147.3 million

-----------------------------------------

Tin, Tantalum, Lithium, Niobium, Rubidium & Cesium

Today Solid Resources highlighted its 2011 Drill Program on its 100% owned Doade-Presqueiras rare metals property in Spain.

In the news release Greg Pendura, President & CEO of Solid Resources talks about the company’s unique position to “become a non-conflict provider of tantalum and at the same time develop the first tantalum mine in Europe.”

At approximately $250/lb ($150/lb concentrate), Tantalum is a rare metal that is found in a vast majority of modern electronics. Tantalum has made worldwide headlines as it is classified as a “Conflict Mineral”, which are minerals mined in conditions of armed conflict and human rights abuses. Notably in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic on the Congo. The United States passed a law in July 2010 which prohibits American companies from purchasing “Conflict Minerals”.

Management also mentions in the release that Spain (a stable country) has been a supporter of Solid’s efforts. It has granted Solid Resources the maximum subsidy of 20% for work being done in the county.

Drilling Highlights

With the results now available the expected average contents of the deposit can be estimated in the order of 150 g/T of tantalum, 800 g/T of tin and approximately 1% of lithium.

The maximum grades found have been: 293 ppm tantalum, 2,930 ppm tin, 191 ppm niobium and more than 2% of lithium.

Next steps for the company Is the completion of a NI43-101 resource estimate and a metallurgical study during Q4 2011.

View 3D Animations of drilling on the Presqueiras (Northern-most) & Taboazas (Southern-most) sections of Spanish Rare Metals property.

To view the full news release, click here

Neptune Releases Conference Call Details

2011-10-11T15:24:00.002-06:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

Today, Neptune announced that it will be holding a conference call and webcast this Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 4:30 pm ET.

According to the news release topics to be discussed on the call include:
-- Second quarter and year-to-date financial results,
-- An update on commercial progress,
-- Plans for production expansion,
-- The recently announced Neptune-SKFC Chinese Joint Venture for Asian expansion.

Investors will also be looking for more insight into the recent news on the US Patent and Trademark Office granting Neptune the patent for a main ingredient found in “all recognized krill oils.”

The webcast can be accessed in listen‐only mode free of charge, by clicking the link below:
http://bit.ly/mRGMep

To access the conference call by phone within Canada & the U.S. the toll‐free number is 1‐877-380-5664. Outside Canada and the U.S., dial 1‐631-813-4882.

Callers should dial in five to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the "Neptune call."

Management will accept questions by telephone and e‐mail. Questions can be forwarded in advance or during the presentation to a.godin@neptunebiotech.com.

An archived recording of the webcast will be available on Neptune's website (www.neptunebiotech.com) two hours after the webcast.

Neptune’s Aggressive Stance - Defending Its Patent

2011-10-06T09:02:00.003-06:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

Today, Neptune Technologies announced it launched multiple infringement actions against a number of krill oil companies distributing and selling in the United States. The legal actions follow yesterday’s announcement that the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Neptune the patent which protects the Omega-3 composition of Neptune Krill Oil(TM) (NKO(R). The patent also “covers amongst others, oils and powders extracted from krill, containing marine phospholipids bonded to EPA and/or DHA, distributed and/or sold in the U.S. market.”

In the news release, Neptune names the companies which it has issued complaints against: Aker Biomarine ASA, Aker Biomarine Antarctic USA, Inc., Schiff Nutritional International, Enzymotec Limited., Enzymotec USA, Inc., Mercola.com Health Resources, LLC and Azantis, Inc.

Based on investor postings in the online world, there is satisfaction being expressed but a key question is, how long these actions will take and speculation on an eventual outcome. There is no definitive answer. This recent news appears to have provided some stability to the stock price, which as of this writing is trading in the $2.50 to $2.60 (CDN) range.

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

Analyst - Carfinco Is An Excellent Defensive Play

2011-10-05T15:40:00.014-06:00

Carfinco Income Fund

TSX: CFN.UN
Units outstanding: 24.61 million
Units fully diluted: 24.65 million

--------------------------------------

With the fear factor throttling the market, logic has gone out the window. All companies are being dumped into the same basket and people are forgetting that a lot has changed since 2008.

Industrial Alliance analyst Fred Westra has been bullish on Carfinco since his initial report published in February, 2010. It was titled, "Small Niche Lending Play, Big Time Potential" and he had a Strong Buy Rating and a 12 month price target of $3.50.

Much of his belief was based on the measures that Carfinco management implemented to avert disaster before the 2008 meltdown and establish the platform for growth. In short, there was great foresight.

Carfinco was proactive and tightened its reins on lending becoming far more stringent in its process along with improving its collection methods employing top end proprietary technology at the time.

In this latest research update, Mr. Westra emphasizes that Carfinco has never loosened its rules on lending and the technology that was brought in to collect its loans has been very effective. In addition, it is in a very strong financial position.

See the full report here....

Positive Market reaction To Neptune Receiving US Patent for Key Krill Oil Ingredient

2011-10-05T09:28:00.006-06:00

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources
TSXV: NTB - NASDAQ: NEPT
Basic Shares: 48.2 million
Fully diluted: 53.9 million

**************************

What investors should regard as an extremely important event is today’s Neptune announcement that it has been granted the US patent covering omega-3 phospholipids comprising polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is a main ingredient found in “all recognized krill oils”. This clearly has positive implications not only for NTB but it’s 60% owned subsidiary Acasti Pharma and wholly owned NeuroBioPharm.

In speaking with management, it was of the opinion that this could significantly impact the competitive landscape for all krill oil producers in the United States.

The release states, “We expect a strong reaction from the competition as this new patent implies that they will not be authorized to distribute and/or sell any Krill Oil with the above mentioned composition in the US, unless they reach an agreement with Neptune.”

A combination of the news and a generally stronger broad market helped lift Neptune’s stock as of this writing to the $2.50 (CDN) range following a plunge to $2.10 on October 4th.

Investors will get their chance to speak with management on a variety of topics late next week with the management conference call slated to be held in conjunction with the release of second quarter financial results.

Click here to view the full United States Patent and Trademark Office outline of Neptune’s patent number 8,030,348.

To view the full release, please click here.