Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 18th, 23th, 2009
6/23/09
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Company Overview ALKN OTCPK $0.08 $0.15 Speculative Buy 129.6 Million $10.4 Million NA
Source: Yahoo Finance, Analyst Estimates
Alkane Inc. (ALKN) has developed and begun marketing a patent-pending fuel additive that boosts diesel fuel energy and power while reducing consumption by as much as 15%. The product makes ordinary diesel into premium grade diesel. In June 2009, the Company signed an agreement with WorldVest Equity to form a joint venture for its proprietary “Monster Fuel” technologies. In return, WorldVest Equity has agreed to provide the joint venture with up to $15 million in growth financing, strategic financial management and access to a full suite of strategic services. ALKN, based in Lutherville, Maryland, became a public company through a reverse merger with Chanaral Resources in January 2009. The Company introduced its first commercial product, Monster Diesel™ in June 2009. Monster Diesel is a patent-pending total fuel additive that boosts diesel fuel to premium levels and improves power and fuel efficiency, thereby reducing overall fuel costs for truckers, boaters, farmers, fleet operators and residential heating applications. Adding a quart of concentrated Monster Diesel to an 18-wheeler’s two tanks (250 gallons) of regular diesel boosts the Cetane number (the diesel equivalent of Octane) by 12.5%, reduces fuel consumption by as much as 15% and lowers overall fuel emissions by 21%. The Company has applied for a patent on the principal component of Monster Diesel - a family of molecules known as Nitro-Alkanes. These molecules have an energy density far greater than hydrocarbon-based fuels. ALKN plans to develop additional products based on its patent-pending technology such fuels that address the $400 billion emerging global market for synthetic and bio-fuels. With Monster Diesel,™ the Company has introduced Nitro-Alkane
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 18th, 23th, 2009
in a commercial product. In the future, it intends to build on this success by establishing a place for Nitro-Alkanes in the alternative energy market. ALKN has already formed a partnership with Maryland-based Tilghman Oil, which will offer business and residential customers an environmentally friendly, affordable premium grade diesel fuel and home heating oil by blending Monster Diesel into its oil and fuel products. In addition, ALKN is gaining visibility for its product by sponsoring the 2009 Maryland State Truck Driving Championships and exhibiting at the 2009 National Biodiesel Conference.
Industry Outlook Diesel fuel consumption is rising The U.S. market for diesel fuel is large and growing. It currently consists of more than 10 million diesel powered trucks, buses and boats, which together consume more than 24 billion gallons of fuel costing $50 billion annually. Diesel-powered passenger cars are expected to grow from 3.6% of the U.S. vehicle market currently to about 9% by 20131. The Energy Information Administration (EIA), projects domestic diesel fuel consumption will increase from 3.47million barrels per day (mbpd) in 2008 to 4.91 mbpd in 2030. Specialty fuel additives will be a $1.2 billion market by 2012 The U.S. market for specialty fuel additives is projected to expand 2.2% annually and reach $1.2 billion in 2012, with volume demand of more than 750 million pounds. Demand for diesel fuel additives is forecast to grow faster than the overall fuel additive market because of an increase in the number of diesel- powered vehicles on the road, environment concerns and demands for better fuel efficiency. Environment concerns have resulted in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promoting Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and biodiesel as cleaner alternatives to regular diesel. Fuel additives must typically be added as a supplement for ULSD because of this fuel’s low lubricity. Additives are also needed to prevent gelling in biodiesel, which generally has poorer cold flow properties than conventional diesel. Monster Diesel™ reduces fuel consumption ALKN’s first commercial product, Monster Diesel™ is a patent-pending diesel fuel additive that boosts diesel fuel to premium levels by increasing diesel fuel energy by 10% for greater power and miles per gallon, reducing diesel consumption by as much as 15%, lowering engine wear by as much as 40%, and eliminating engine knock. In addition, it reduces overall fuel emissions by 23%, replaces lubricity absent in low and ultra low sulfur diesel, provides corrosion resistance, winterizes diesel fuel to improve cold weather operation, and changes black exhaust to white by maintaining fuel injection systems more completely. Monster Fuel is so powerful that, when diluted with 250 gallons of diesel, it boosts the Cetane number by 12.5%, which is twice the boost of premium gasoline as compared to regular. Strategic partnerships enhance visibility and growth The Company is creating visibility for its product by partnering with the Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) as the Title Sponsor of the 2009 Maryland State Truck Driving Championships. ALKN also exhibited at the 2009 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, recently held in San Francisco, where it won rave reviews for its product. In addition, the Company is partnering with Tilghman Oil, which is blending Monster Fuel with 1. J. D Power & Associates estimates
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 18th, 23th, 2009
its oil and fuel products distributed to residential and business customers. Through a joint venture agreement with WorldVest Equity, ALKN gains access to strategic services and up to $15 million in growth financing. This financing commitment provides ALKN with the capital it needs to implement its business plan.
Alkane Introduces Monster Diesel™ Additive ALKN introduced its first commercial product, Monster Diesel™ in April 2009. This patent-pending diesel fuel additive is designed to significantly increase engine power and miles per gallon, while eliminating engine knock and reducing engine wear and harmful emissions. Monster Diesel is a portable, powerful concentrate. One quart, added to two 18-wheeler tanks of regular diesel, provides the energy equivalent of 25 gallons of diesel fuel. Monster Diesel increases engine life and power and provides the following specific benefits: • • • • • • • •
Reduces diesel consumption by as much as 15% Boosts diesel fuel’s energy by 10% for increased power and mileage per gallon Cuts metal-to-metal engine wear and friction by as much as 40% while reducing downtime Winterizes diesel fuel to allow low temperature operation, preventing gelling and eliminating the need for expensive grades and supplements Is highly powerful so that, when diluted with 250 gallons of diesel, it boosts the Cetane Number, the diesel equivalent to octane number for gasoline, by 12.5% (twice the boost of premium gas over regular) Minimizes engine knock and cold starting problems Provides corrosion control in the fuel system Supplements fuel to replace loss in lubricity that occurs when using ultra low sulfur diesel fuel.
Monster Diesel also provides significant environmental benefits by reducing harmful emissions. Specifically, this diesel fuel additive: • • • • • •
Lowers emissions by 23% Decreases soot by 38% Cuts raw hydrocarbons by 10.2% Reduces NOX levels Improves combustion efficiencies in year- round operations Changes black exhaust to white by establishing and maintaining the engine’s original fuel injection pattern to burn fuel more completely.
Monster Diesel may provide sizable economic benefits to businesses and consumers in terms of improved mileage and cost and fuel savings. Fuel costs are already a major expense for most businesses and consumers, and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates the world’s energy requirements will increase another 50% by 2030. Rising energy demand will likely result in climbing fuel costs for businesses and consumers worldwide.
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
Growing U.S. Fuel Additives Market The global market for oil, gas and consumable fuels grew 25.8% annually between 2004 and 2008 to $10,021 billion in 2008. The U.S. continues to be the largest fuel consumer, accounting for 32.3% of the global market in 2008. The U.S. has a huge appetite for energy and spends more than $500 billion annually on energy bills. Due to rising fuel demand, increasing fuel costs and demands for better fuel economy, many fuel additives have been introduced in the U.S. market for purposes such as meeting stricter emissions standards and boosting fuel and engine efficiency. Diesel fuel has traditionally been used only in heavy duty trucks and marine vehicles, but in recent years has found increasing use in passenger vehicles. Diesel fuels have undergone major improvements over the last decade in terms of fuel quality, and upgrades to diesel engines are changing consumer perceptions of dieselpowered cars as dirty and noisy. As a result, the number of diesel-powered vehicles on the road is increasing, which in turn is increasing demand for diesel fuel and fuel additives. Growth drivers for the diesel fuel additive market The U.S. market for specialty fuel additives is forecast to grow 2.2% annually to $1.2 billion in 2012, creating volume demand of more than 750 million pounds. Demand for diesel fuel additives is expected to rise faster than the overall fuel additive market as a result of the following: Increasing diesel fuel consumption In the U.S., there are already more than 10 million diesel-powered trucks, buses and boats, which together consume more than 24 billion gallons of fuel costing $50 billion annually. According to J.D. Power and Associates, diesel-powered passenger cars are expected to grow from 3.6% of the U.S. market currently to around 9% by 2013. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), domestic diesel fuel consumption is forecast to rise from 3.47million barrels per day in 2008 to 4.91 million barrels per day in 2030. Growing diesel fuel consumption will also spur demand for diesel fuel additives. Exhibit 1: Diesel consumption (million barrels per day): (2006 – 2030)
Source: EIA
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
Pollution creates demand for additives to boost fuel efficiency Cars and trucks are a huge source of the pollution that is contributing to global warming. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, domestic autos emit more than 333 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, which is more than one-fifth of the nation’s total carbon dioxide emissions. Compared to the rest of the world, U.S. auto emissions are remarkably high. With only 5% of the world’s population and 30% of the world’s automobiles, the U.S. contributes 48% of global automotive CO2 emissions. Highway vehicles are a major contributor to air pollution in the U.S., producing 26%-62% of the key chemicals (Carbon monoxide (CO) - 62%, Nitrogen oxides (NOx) - 36% and Hydrocarbons - 26%) that cause smog and health problems. In May 2009, the Obama administration announced revised auto emission and fuel economy standards. Obama’s plan requires cars and light trucks to average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. The plan raises the standard set by the 2007 Energy Act, which required cars and light trucks to deliver, on average, 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The plan requires improvements in fuel economy by mandating reductions in vehicle greenhouse gas emissions based on vehicle size. By 2016, cars must average 39 miles per gallon (mpg) and light trucks must average 30 mpg. The Environmental Protection Agency established a goal for vehicle fleets of tailpipe emissions reduced to 250 grams of carbon per mile traveled by 2016. Fuel additives are a tool being used already by fleet operators and consumers to improve fuel efficiency, lower hydrocarbon emissions and reduce other pollutants. Fuel additives needed to boost USLD and biodiesel fuels The E.P.A. proposed ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel as the new standard for reduced sulfur content in on-road diesel fuel in 2006. Sulfur is a major contributor to environmental issues such as acid rain. Continued emphasis on reducing the sulfur content of diesel fuels has resulted in the creation of a new class of diesel fuels called Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). By mid-2006, nearly 80% of the ULSD fuels were limited to a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts-per-million (ppm). Fuel additives became necessary to replace the naturally lubricating properties of sulfur. Federal Renewable Fuel Standards (expanded in 2007) and state renewable fuel requirements are also spurring demand for clean-burning biodiesel. However, biodiesel has poor cold flow properties relative to conventional diesel, and requires additives as a supplement to prevent cold weather fuel gelling. Diesel fuel additives address various performance issues At present, a variety of diesel fuel additives are marketed. These products address one or more issues common to diesel-powered engines, i.e. fuel mileage, engine power, gelling, de-icing and engine wear. The table below describes various applications for fuel additives:
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
Exhibit 2: Diesel additives characteristics
Source: Innospec Inc.
Because of rising demand for diesel fuels, diesel fuel additives are an attractive business with desirable structural characteristics. Volumes and margins for additive manufacturers are expected to rise as the use of low sulfur diesel and biodiesel grows and the performance requirements for conventional diesel fuels are increased.
Business Strategy ALKN develops and markets alternative fuels and fuel additives. The Company began marketing its initial product, Monster Diesel, in April 2009. Monster Diesel has such highly concentrated power that adding a quart of Monster Diesel to an 18-wheeler’s two tanks (250 gallons) of regular diesel creates a premium grade fuel with 100 times the liquid energy for diesel. To create visibility for the Company and its recently launched diesel fuel additive product, ALKN is entering into key sponsorships and forming new partnerships. Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
• Sponsor Maryland State Truck Driving Championship in 2009 On June 10, 2009, the Company announced its partnership with the Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) as the Title Sponsor of the 2009 Maryland State Truck Driving Championships. Two months earlier, ALKN exhibited at the 2009 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo in San Francisco, where its Monster Diesel product offering drew rave reviews from the press, industry experts, and leading scientists in the field of progressive energy technology. • Partnership with Tilghman Oil Inc. On April 29, 2009, ALKN announced a partnership with Maryland-based Tilghman Oil to offer business and residential customers an environmentally friendly, affordable premium grade diesel fuel and home heating oil. Tilghman Oil is blending Monster Diesel in the fuels it distributes for residential heating and commercial fleets and marinas. • Agreement with WorldVest Equity for financing needs On June 2, 2009, the Company entered into an agreement with WorldVest Equity to form a joint venture business, Monster Fuel Technologies LLC, which will further develop ALKN’s proprietary alternative “Monster Fuel” technologies. Under the terms of the agreement, ALKN contributes its patent-pending alternative fuel intellectual property, operational management and current Monster Fuel operations. WorldVest Equity has agreed to provide up to $15 million in growth financing to the joint venture, as well as strategic financial management and access to a full suite of strategic venture advisory services.
Competitiors The fuel additives market is highly fragmented and characterized by many small competitors with no dominant player. Competitors in each niche segment are differentiated by their product applications and benefits. ALKN is differentiated by its proven technical development capacity and established partnerships and alliances that are helping build visibility for its newly launched product. ALKN competes in the fuel additive market with established players such as Innospec, International Fuel Technology, NewMarket Corp., Clean Diesel Technologies and Infineum International Ltd. Innospec Inc. (IOSP) Innospec Inc. develops, manufactures, blends and delivers fuel additives and other specialty chemicals. It offers fuel specialty chemicals, performance chemicals and octane additives mainly for auto fuels. It operates in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific and is headquartered in Cheshire, the UK. Innospec generated revenues of $640.5 million in 2008, up 6.3% from 2007. Operating profits fell 9% to $43.6 million last year and net income dropped 58% to $12.5 million. International Fuel Technology Inc. (IFUE) Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
International Fuel Technology (IFT) manufactures and sells fuel additive products for diesel, gasoline and kerosene (heating oil) fuels branded as DiesolIFT, GasolIFT and KerolIFT. Its products are derived from environment-friendly detergent surfactants manufactured by Air Products and Multisol France. IFT primarily operates in the U.S. and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri. IFT revenues increased 15.4% in 2008 to $0.15 million. Operating losses increased to $5.1 million from $2.8 million one year earlier and IFT doubled its net loss to $5.1 million in 2008. NewMarket Corporation (NEU) NewMarket Corp., through its Afton and Ethyl subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, blends and delivers chemical additives that enhance the performance of petroleum products. Its products are marketed globally. NewMarket is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. NewMarket’s revenues increased 17.6% in 2008 to $1,617.4 million. Operating profits rose 7.1% to $116.36 million while net income was lower at $73.2 million in 2008 as compared to $95.2 million in 2007. Rentech Inc. (RTK) Rentech is a clean energy solutions provider, and offers fuels, specialty chemicals, fertilizers, carbon dioxide and other by-products. It converts synthesis gas (syngas) manufactured from a variety of waste, biomass and fossil resources into hydrocarbons. Rentech processes and upgrades hydrocarbons into ultra-clean synthetic fuels such as military and commercial jet fuels and ultra low sulfur diesel, as well as specialty waxes and chemicals. It operates primarily in the U.S. and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Rentech revenues climbed 59.4% in 2008 to $211 million and operating losses declined 40% to $56.5 million. Net losses fell to $62.9 million from $91.7 million one year earlier.
Financial Analysis ALKN is still in an early development stage and has only recently begun marketing a product. As a result, the Company has yet to record meaningful revenues. The Company has recorded an accumulated net loss of $836,307 since its inception through January 31, 2009, and a net loss for the predecessor company of $32, 483 for the year ended December 31, 2008. Expenses, which included consulting fees, general and administrative expenses and interest expense, were modest at only $31,483 in 2008 and total operating expenses since the Company’s inception have been limited to $696,961. General and administrative expenses have accounted for the major part (95%) of operating expenses since inception. In 2008, however, interest expense represented about 50% of total operating expenses. The Company consumes cash in its operations, and has minimal capital resources and no cash. Up until recently, ALKN had raised funds mainly through private investors. The joint venture agreement with WorldVest Equity is a huge accomplishment for ALKN since it provides up to $15 million in growth financing and sufficient capital to implement its growth plan. Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
Revenue Outlook The Company has begun marketing its flagship product, Monster Diesel, which retails for $25 per quart and in bulk for $70 per gallon. Management estimates gross margins on product sales in excess of 50%. Based on our discussions with management, the energy boosting characteristics of ALKN’s Monster Diesel product and the strong demand for diesel fuel additives, we forecast ALKN’s full-year 2009 product sales in a $7.5 million range, with sales rising to approximately $19 million in 2010 and nearly $40 million in 2011. We further project triple-digit sales growth over the next five years as the Company rapidly gains share in the fuel additive market and introduces additional new products based on its proprietary technology.
Revenue forecast
Source: Analyst estimates
ALKN has budgeted approximately $3.0 million, or 40% of projected 2009 sales for R&D, general and administrative and sales and marketing expense. Assuming 50% gross margins, 40% for other operating expenses and first year sales of $7.5 million, we expect the Company to achieve operating breakeven in late 2009 and post a $500,000 to $700,000 operating profit for the year. In 2010, we anticipate operating profits will rise to approximately $1.5 million, resulting in a net profit of $1.05 million and EPS of $0.01 per share.
Valuation Analysis ALKN’s peers in the fuel additives market were recently trading at Price/Sales multiples of around 0.7 times revenues and at Price/Earnings multiples of approximately 13 times earnings. Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
Peer Group Company Name Innospec Inc. Rentech Inc. NewMarket Corp.
Ticker Price Market Symbol $ Cap. $ Mn IOSP RTK NEU
$10.21 $0.61 $71.31
$25 $11 $1,140
Average for the Peer group Alkane Inc.
ALKN
$0.08
2007
P/E 2008
2009
2007
P/S 2008
2009
8.58 NM 15.40
20.02 NM 15.01
14.59 NM 11.26
0.42 0.80 0.83
0.39 0.50 0.70
0.48 0.59 0.76
11.99
17.52
12.92
0.68
0.53
0.61
$10.4
Source: Yahoo Finance!
We think ALKN warrants a higher multiple than its peers because of its proprietary technology, secure financing and the competitive advantage of its Monster Diesel product. We value these shares at a 15 times Price/Earnings multiple and a $0.15 price target. As a result, we are initiating coverage of ALKN with a Speculative Buy rating and a $0.15 price target. We believe the Company is well-positioned with an attractive product for the growing diesel fuel additive market, but caution investors to consider the risk factors discussed below before investing. ALKN is still in an early stage of development and faces many potential obstacles in achieving its revenue growth goals.
Risk Factors Lack of meaningful revenues ALKN has yet to generate revenues from product sales and has incurred operating and net losses. In addition, the lack of historical financial and operating information makes it difficult to evaluate the Company’s business prospects. Although ALKN recently introduced its first commercial product, there is no guarantee that the product will generate sufficient sales to be profitable. Financing requirements The Company has no cash, minimal capital resources and consumes cash in its operations. Although the joint venture with WorldVest Equity will provide up to $15 million in growth financing, there is no guarantee that this amount will be adequate to fund operations until ALKN turns profitable. Failure to brand and market Monster Diesel™ The Company’s success as a fuel additives player will largely depend on its ability to build brand awareness and sales for its Monster Diesel product. If ALKN is not successful in differentiating its product, it may fail to generate adequate revenues and market share. Extensive government regulation Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
The fuel additive market is subject to local, state and federal regulation. In certain cases, regulatory authorities must approve products, manufacturing processes and facilities before a company can market products. The diesel additives market in which ALKN competes is also subject to E.P.A. regulation and the E.P.A. could require the Company to alter its product formulation. In that event, ALKN’s R&D expenses and overall costs would likely skyrocket. Threat from more established players ALKN is new to the fuel additives market and at present, markets only a single product. More established players with greater financial and marketing resources may increase their selling efforts and/or reduce product prices in an effort to prevent ALKN from gaining market share.
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
Management Team With over 35 years experience in growing high tech companies, Zuckerman has invented more than 100 Mathew Zuckerman patents worldwide and commercialized more than 125 industrial and consumer products. Most recently, Ph.D. President and Director he built a company from a patent pending idea to a market cap of $200 million in 18 months, with products available at all 2,200 Home Depot, Target, VIP, National Auto Parts, Fred Meyer, Trader Horns, The Andersons, Biggs, Bennett Auto, Frank ’s Auto Supermarket, Amazon.com, participating ACE and True Value Hardware stores and others mass retailers.
Lou Petrucci Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Director
With over 25 years of comprehensive experience in sales and marketing, Petrucci has extensive experience in profitably driving sales growth with large customers that include Home Depot, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart and Target. He spent a large portion of his career with Black & Decker where he was involved with the creation and execution of several new divisions, as well as launching new products and brands to America’s largest retailers. He was an integral part of the successful new product launches of Dewalt Compact Power, Black & Decker Power Tool Accessories, Black & Decker Outdoor Products and the Black & Decker Snakelight.
Christina M. Angel National Sales and Marketing Manager
Ms. Angel directs ALKN’s marketing strategy and sales efforts and co-ordinates all marketing materials, trade shows, and promotional activities. Her background includes training in engine repair and maintenance, and expertise in web design, marketing communications and trade show management. She brings extensive sales, marketing and customer relations experience to ALKN. Ms. Angels began her professional career in the medical field before switching to sales. She was a top performing sales rep for a Fortune 500 company, where she was responsible for sales of a high volume, skin care product line. Her responsibilities included field sales, marketing, merchandising, customer service, training and inventory management.
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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Analyst: Lisa Springer, CFA Initial Report June 23th, 2009
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We are committed to providing factual information on the companies that are profiled. However, we do not provide any assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, including information regarding a profiled company’s plans or ability to effect any planned or proposed actions. We have no first-hand knowledge of any profiled company’s operations and therefore cannot comment on their capabilities, intent, resources, nor experience and we make no attempt to do so. Statistical information, dollar amounts, and market size data was provided by the subject company and related sources which we believe to be reliable. 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All decisions are made solely by the analyst and independent of outside parties or influence. I, Lisa Springer, CFA, the author of this report, certify that the material and views presented herein represent my personal opinion regarding the content and securities included in this report. In no way has my opinion been influenced by outside parties, nor has my compensation been either directly or indirectly tied to the performance of any security listed. I certify that I do not currently own, nor will own and shares or securities in any of the companies featured in this report. Lisa Springer, MBA, CFA - Senior Analyst Lisa serves Beacon Research Partners as a research analyst. She brings to the company over 15 years experience in equity research and investment marketing. Prior to joining Beacon, Lisa worked as an equity analyst for an independent research provider. She has also held positions as investor relations officer for a NYSE-listed company and director of financial analysis for a large consulting firm. Lisa earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Alkane Inc. (OTCPK: ALKN)
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