2014 Speculative Stocks Watchlist

MBLX - Metabolix Inc.

MBLX News/Notes:

• This company had $0.75 in cash versus a stock price about $1.25 in January 2014. 
• New CEO that was appointed December 19, 2013.
• Environmentally friendly plastics could trend up with 3D printing advancements.
• Potential short squeeze setup.
• CEO Stated Company Would Get Financing By June
• CEO Failed In Securing Financing

Transactions: 

• Purchased: January 3, 2014 --  @ $1.23/share

MGT - MGT Capital Investments

MGT News/Notes:

• Purchased 65% of FanThrowdown - a Daily Fantasy Sports Gambling Site
• Is involved with a patent infringement case where they could get substantial royalties (compared to the current value of the company). 
• Could benefit from legalized online gaming trend.
• Some disturbing info that connects an owner of FanThrowdown.com as a registered sex offender makes us leery of this stock.
• Signed two notable daily fantasy players.
• Partnered with VegasInsider
• Purchased 100% of DraftDay.com - a relatively popular daily fantasy sports website.
• Iroquois Master Fund has taken an activist stance since acquiring more shares.

Transactions: 

• None to date

QCCO - QC Holdings, Inc

QCCO News/Notes

• Depressed stock due to branch closures, and restructuring. 
• Risks include: Legislation in Missouri. If the pay day loan interest is capped at 36% (like it is in other states) makes it impossible to do business in that state. Currently Missouri is the companies largest revenue areas.
• If legislation doesn't make it on the ballot, and the company can re-pay it's debt & expand current offerings, the stock does have upside potential.
• If legislation is passed (especially in Missouri) this company could be adversely affected.
• Company reported 2013 financials. I'm still on the sidelines here after missing a early year rally.

Transactions: 

• None to date

ALN - American Lorain Corporation

ALN News/Notes

• Rare penny stock that has positive EBITDA
• Insiders like Morgan Stanley have been building stake
• Has been putting out Press Releases with regularity since late 2013
• Traded out of this investment after I locked in the short term gain I was anticipating.

Transactions:

• Purchased: January 23, 2014 -- @ $1.09/share
• Sold: March 6, 2014 -- @ $1.33/share

VIDE - Video Display Corporation

VIDE News/Notes

• Recently sold Z-Axis Inc for 8.7m in cash & 1m promissory note.
• The company has used the cash to pay back debt and increase a share buy-back program.

Transactions: 

• None to date