Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: OGES) is an integrated energy storage solutions company based in the U.S. The company uses state of the art technology in everything it does, from design to development and manufacturing. In 2016, OGES became the only U.S. manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, positioning itself as a leader in the innovation and manufacture of disruptive energy storage solutions. Oakridge is equipped to address four high-demand markets: motive applications, stationary living space power for domestic/commercial and grid applications, remote control and portable devices, and, finally, starter batteries for a range of vehicles. With this, Oakridge Global Energy Solutions, Inc. works toward providing high quality products and services designed to exceed customer needs.

Oakridge uses Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) structures in all of its processes and product development. This ensures that customers have a clear idea of what the requirements are, and that they have been met. In addition to this, OGES provides quality in everything from design to manufacture. The company employs best practices to provide high quality goods and services to its customers while protecting the existing business from competitors, allowing it to be flexible and adaptable to new opportunities.

OGES incorporates the best practices from all industries into its quality systems. It strives for perfection in each element of the company. This system allows for complete transparency, which has helped OGES become one of the leading companies in the market. Oakridge Global Energy Solutions aims to reach every corner of the market, it doesn’t just stop at its products. The company hires high caliber staff and works with external researchers to ensure that quality is a theme that runs through everything it gives back to its target market. This work ethic was recently proved successful, as Oakridge exceeded its estimated revenue for the first quarter of 2016 by nearly $15,000.

Plans for the second quarter are expected to be just as bright, as Oakridge aims to improve on the quality of its existing products by ordering additional high-speed automation equipment. Not only this, OGES is beginning production shipments of its Freedom IV series of living space power products in the near future. The company’s high quality ethics and keen eye for detail are positioning it to achieve sustainable growth.

For more information, visit www.oakridgeglobalenergy.com

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A press release (http://dtn.fm/eWZO4) issued yesterday by the Commerce Department reported that ‘sales of new single-family houses in April 2016 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 619,000’. The estimates, prepared jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, indicated that construction of new homes in the U.S. in April 2016 rose almost 17 percent above the March 2016 figure of 531,000, and about 23 percent above the April 2015 number of 500,000. This is good news for eXp World Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: EXPI) and the over 1,100 agents and brokers who use its avant-garde cloud brokerage.

According to a Trading Economics analysis (http://dtn.fm/9w6EB), this ‘is the highest reading since January of 2008 and the biggest gain since 1992. New home sales in the United States averaged 652,450 from 1963 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 1,389,000 in July of 2005 and a record low of 270,000 in February of 2011.’

‘The median sales price of new houses sold in April 2016 was $321,100’ up by almost 10 percent from a year ago, meaning that half of the newly constructed homes sold in April 2016 had a price tag of over $321,100. The arithmetic average sales price was higher, at $379,800. According to numbers released by the National Association of Home Builders (http://dtn.fm/fOB2E), the 619,000 annual rate of new homes sold in April 2016 comprised 10 percent of the 6,069,000 annual rate of all home sales. The annual rate of existing homes sold in April 2016 was 5,450,000.

These numbers bode well for eXp World Holdings and its wholly-owned eXp Realty subsidiary. A recent research report on eXp World Holdings (http://dtn.fm/O1sMz), issued by Fundamental Research, stated that ‘the U.S. real estate brokerage industry is approximately $62 billion per year… based on the assumption that approximately 90% of the 5.25 million homes are sold through agents at an average price of $0.22 million per house, based on an average commission rate of 6%’. The Commerce Department’s April numbers would raise Fundamental Research’s estimates by about 15 percent.

eXp World Holdings is set to benefit from this resurgence in the residential housing market in two ways. First, its Agent-Owned Cloud Brokerage is attracting realtors in increasing numbers. In March 2016, the number of member agents grew by over 10 percent to more than 1,100, the fastest rate ever, according to CEO Glen Sanford in a MissionIR interview (http://dtn.fm/1wfRf). In 2015, eXp realtors put through 3,667 transactions with a value of $889 million. The company expects that figure to reach $1.5 billion this year. Revenues in 2015 were $22.87 million with gross profit of $3.41 million. As Fundamental Research point out, ‘the company can generate approximately 3% of total transactions in revenues, implying $45 million in revenues from $1.5 billion in transactions a year. Gross margin is estimated to be approximately 15%, implying gross profit of $6.75 million’.

Second, eXp World Holdings owns 90.5 percent of First Cloud Mortgage, Inc., which was set up in July 2015 to originate and provide loan products and services to potential homeowners. First Cloud will act as a mortgage broker, so no proprietary funds of eXp or its subsidiaries will be required. As of March 2016, First Cloud Mortgage was licensed to do business in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. It has pending applications in Georgia and Virginia. It is expected that First Cloud Mortgage will broker between $50 million and $75 million in loans over the next 12 months and over $100 million in 2017. Gross profit should fall between 1.5% and 3.0% of transactions.

For more information, visit the company’s website at http://investors.exprealty.com

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With the technological advancements of today, it is no wonder that companies are offering their employees the opportunity to work remotely. Flexible or remote jobs have come under scrutiny since their recent emergence. Many academics, news reporters, and a variety of organizations have had mixed feelings about this new way of working. Many companies no longer have thousands of employees in an office. They offer their employees a freedom that enables them to pursue their desired lifestyle. Laguna Blends, Inc. (OTC: LAGBF) is one example of this increasingly popular way of running a business.

Laguna Blends is a network marketing company with a focus on functional hemp-based products. LAGBF now has two products: Caffe and Pro369. The company does not manufacture its own products, but it does work with manufacturers, partner researchers, and suppliers to produce white label products under the Laguna Blends brand. Laguna sells products through direct independent sellers in the U.S. and Canada. In a recent initial coverage report by Fundamental Research Corp., the research firm highlighted the fact that the management team at Laguna does not believe that traditional network companies have stayed up-to-date with technology. The report continues to discuss the primary objectives of the platform used by Laguna Blends.

Laguna Blends uses a virtual 3D technology platform that allows its affiliates to train, recruit and generate sales through a fully cloud-based environment. Aside from the fact that this platform allows affiliates to record and track their sales – and allows the company to track the performance of every consultant – it also enables people working for the company to lead a more flexible lifestyle. In other words, they are given the opportunity to work remotely, which means they can do their job and have an income no matter where they are in the world. Laguna is one of the only companies that uses this technology and it believes that it is a huge benefit to their overall operations.

The platform that Laguna has chosen for its business has given its affiliates a number of benefits. Aside from being able to work from the comforts of their own homes, affiliates with children can work while looking after their kids, those with any medical problems are able to continue their careers without worrying about a routine or being in a certain place at a certain time, and consultants can work from wherever they choose. Remote.co, a company that promotes the growth of remote jobs and careers, recently pulled together some data from research about flexible working and produced an article entitled ‘10 Stats About Remote Work’. The article highlights the most interesting findings regarding remote employment, some of which include an increase in worker productivity, lower stress levels, reduction in real estate costs and employee turnover, and a positive impact on the environment.

For more information, visit www.lagunablends.com

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In a May 16, 2016, press release, Edison Investment Research announced initiation of coverage on International Stem Cell Corp. (OTCQB: ISCO). Edison describes itself as an international equity research firm with over 110 analysts and professionals, working with both large and small companies, as well as investors, wealth managers, private equity and corporate finance houses.

Edison’s focus on International Stem Cell Corp. centers around ISCO’s unique parthenogenetic stem cell technology platform, and its anticipated superior therapeutic potential for addressing health problems, specifically Parkinson’s disease. Parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) are generated from unfertilized eggs, meaning no viable human embryo is created or destroyed. The resulting cells thus bypass ethical issues. At the same time, parthenogenetic stem cells express fewer parental histocompatibility antigens, thus offering important immuno-matching advantages and significantly reducing the risk of immune system rejection.

ISCO parthenogenetic stem cells are seen as offering important qualities for the treatment of liver and eye diseases, as well as diseases of the central nervous system such as Parkinson’s. Of primary interest are diseases where, according to ISCO: “cell therapy has been clinically proven, but treatment options are limited by the availability of safe human cells”.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) represents an especially important target market. The Edison report states that:

“As many as 2-3 million people suffer from PD in the US and EU, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF), and there are currently no approved treatments to slow or halt progression of the disease. If ISCO’s treatment proves effective at slowing or halting disease progression, we forecast potential peak sales of $2.8bn based on 2% of existing and 5% of newly diagnosed patients in the US and 1-2% of patients in the EU and RoW receiving treatment.”

The report also points out that ISCO has other commercial operations that leverage its hpSC technology, operations that provide revenue to support continued research into therapeutic applications. According to the report:

“Using a risk-adjusted NPV model, we value the company at $27m or $9.60 per basic share, using a 12.5% discount rate and a 7.5% probability of success for the PD candidate and a 10% discount rate and 90% probability for the skincare and biomedical businesses.”

To view the full Edison report, go to http://dtn.fm/wSz7R

For more information, visit www.internationalstemcell.com

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Giggles N’ Hugs, Inc. (OTCQB: GIGL) is the company behind three award-winning, family restaurants in Greater Los Angeles. Founded in 2010, the company has grown tremendously over the past six years. Giggles N’ Hugs is a place where families can come and relax, kids can act their age and adults can have a relaxed and healthy meal knowing that their children are in safe hands. The company offers a range of incredible, fun activities and awesome children’s entertainers, and it can host a range of events including birthday parties. Parties and events can be customized and come in all shapes and sizes depending on what guests want.

Aside from the incredible events GIGL runs, it has become one of the go-to places for celebrities across the country and has won a number of awards. Some of these include being voted #1 birthday place in LA by Nickelodeon, Best Pizza in LA by Nickelodeon, Best Indoor Playspace by Red Tricycle, and many more. Aside from the awards for food and facilities, GIGL works toward keeping children safe and healthy. The company uses extracurricular and out-of-school activities to mold the children of today into future contributing members of society.

Children, of course, do not just learn from school. They grow and progress through a number of educational and social experiences. Fun and effective afterschool programs offer a range of benefits that bring another height to their education on both an academic and social level. Aside from boosting academic performance, children are less at risk of bad behavior and also have the opportunity to engage in physical activities that promote better health.

Giggles N’ Hugs is not just a chain of family friendly restaurants that offer organic, healthy food. It is a company that is dedicated to offering parents a place to be while their children are involved in a range of beneficial activities. These include: face painting, scavenger hunts, karaoke, dance parties, arts and crafts, and much more. A feature at Youth.gov, entitled ‘Benefits for Youth, Families & Communities’ (http://dtn.fm/Guo9K), highlights a number of benefits of afterschool activities, some of which include improving academic performance and classroom behavior.

Giggles N’ Hugs came about when Dorsa and Joey Parsi could not find anywhere to have a healthy meal with their children. They now cater for thousands of children and families across southern California. GIGL is a family-friendly restaurant that does not just offer a child-friendly menu, but everything that goes with it. From utensils, to the right sizes of chairs, and everything in between, GIGL has become a positive life experience for children. GIGL teaches children about team building and nutrition, and also shows them right from wrong. The company is one-of-a-kind and offers a range of afterschool activities that are engaging, entertaining and educational.

Learn more by visiting www.gigglesnhugs.com

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Grey Cloak Tech, Inc. (OTC: GRCK) is on a mission to revolutionize internet security by overcoming major security concerns, one threat at a time. The company’s debut cloud-based product, Fraudlytic, seamlessly detects, tracks and eliminates digital advertising fraud in all of its forms, including cookie stuffing, ad stacking and domain spoofing. By helping its clients detect non-human online traffic, Grey Cloak is taking aim at an internet security issue that costs unsuspecting advertisers an estimated $8.2 billion each year, according to data from the Interactive Advertising Bureau.

“Online click fraud… is a serious problem affecting too many online marketers,” Fred Covely, chief executive officer of Grey Cloak, stated in a recent news release. “Well-meaning advertisers and agencies may not grasp the extent of the deception because their analytics software is unable to recognize the sophisticated new fraud techniques these nefarious players utilize.”

While use of digital marketing continues to grow at unprecedented rates, the problem of click fraud is keeping pace. In total, some estimates suggest that about 50 percent of digital marketing spending is stolen through some form of click fraud. In a 2015 article on Bloomberg (http://dtn.fm/XS3ib), the damaging effects of bots on some high profile advertising campaigns are highlighted. In 2013, Heineken (OTC: HINKF) unleashed a massive marketing campaign surrounding its change from stubby beer bottles to fashionable long-necks designed to keep the beer cold longer. While television spots posted a return of 6 to 1 or greater for every dollar of ad spending, digital returns topped out at about 2 to 1. After some research, Heineken discovered that only about 20 percent of its served ads were viewed by actual people.

In another high-profile case, executives with Kellogg (NYSE: K) became frustrated with the intrinsically confusing process of digital ad billing and decided to assume direct control of its contracts with ad platforms such as Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO). The multinational food manufacturer started using software similar to Grey Cloak’s Fraudlytic that alerted its team when ads ran on suspect sites that refused third-party validation to screen for fraudulent traffic. The result was a drop of nearly 75 percent in bot traffic and click fraud, as well as a significant jump in returns for its advertising campaigns.

Grey Cloak’s Fraudlytic platform takes the successes of industry giants with in-house fraud management teams and allows smaller firms to experience the benefits without the sizable upfront investment. The company’s cloud-based software monitors clients’ internet traffic in real time in order to block malicious and false clicks while maximizing the effectiveness of their advertising budgets. As digital advertising appears poised to overtake television as the number one destination of marketing dollars by 2019, according to PwC, Grey Cloak is strategically positioned to capitalize on the rising demand for advanced software solutions that help businesses overcome the most costly online security threats.

For more information, visit www.greycloaktech.com

Laguna Blends, Inc. (OTC: LAGBF) has a rapidly growing network of independent affiliates that includes more than 700 members from all corners of the United States and Canada. While this growth can be partially attributed to the company’s business model, which allows individuals to leverage tools and technology to build an international business from their own homes, Laguna’s innovative product line is also noteworthy. Capitalizing on the strong performance of the hemp retail industry, which was estimated at $620 million in 2014 according to the Hemp Industries Association, Caffe and Pro369 are infused with hemp protein to appeal to an increasingly mainstream audience.

“The feedback from the first product Laguna recently introduced, ‘Caffe’, has been tremendous,” Stuart Gray, president and chief executive officer of Laguna, stated in a news release. “By infusing both hemp and whey with coffee we have generated interest in hemp within a mainstream market of coffee drinkers. We are equally as excited to now offer Pro369 to our active affiliates and their customers.”

Prepared to stand behind its products, Laguna recently sent samples of Caffe to the QualityStocks team. After sharing these samples with family and friends, the reviews live up to the lofty standards set forth by Laguna’s management team.

“I was amazed they actually put protein and calcium in it.”

One of the biggest benefits of Caffe is its infusion of both hemp and whey protein. Hemp protein is derived from the hemp seed and is considered a powerful addition to any diet. Unlike lesser protein sources, it offers above-average digestibility, according to Livestrong, and provides additional benefits including potential immune enhancing and anti-fatigue properties, as well as kidney-protective effects. Unlike chalky protein powders, however, Caffe offers the benefits of hemp protein in a tasty package, and that’s something QualityStocks’ taste testers enjoyed.

“Best instant coffee I ever had.”

Even without the benefits of hemp protein, coffee is big business. According to Statistic Brain, about 54 percent of all Americans over the age of 18 drink coffee every day, with the average coffee drinker consuming more than three 9-ounce cups daily. With Caffe, Laguna targets this market, adding the convenience of an instant, ‘just add water’ packaging that boasts two grams of protein in every serving.

“I thought the coffee was very tasty and probably the best instant coffee I’ve ever had.”

Creating ongoing demand for a high quality product is always easier than peddling subpar wares, and Laguna is setting its affiliates up for success with Caffe. Last month, the company added to its product line with the introduction of Pro369, a single serving hemp protein powder available in four delicious flavors. Pro369 targets the global sports nutrition market, which is expected to reach $33.6 billion by 2020, according to Allied Market Research. Leaning on this market performance, Laguna will look to make a major splash through its network marketing business model in the months to come.

“With the commercialization of our unique, hemp-based beverage products, Laguna Blends is strategically positioned to capture market share in two high-demand markets,” added Gray.

For more information, visit www.lagunablends.com

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Zinc recorded a mild decline last week as the U.S. dollar strengthened against foreign currencies, but industry analysts remain bullish regarding the metal moving forward. On Thursday, Goldman Sachs upped its six-month price forecast for zinc to $2,100 a metric ton, an increase of more than 23 percent over previous forecasts. The investment banking firm cited stronger than previously anticipated demand from China and a tightening supply stemming from mine depletions and producer discipline as primary factors in its calculation.

“We view zinc as the bullish exception in the metals space, and remain very bearish on the outlook for the other base metals prices, most notably copper and aluminum, where we see very strong supply growth,” analysts with Goldman Sachs wrote in the firm’s May 19 report. “Zinc has by far the most bullish supply-side dynamic.”

Star Mountain Resources, Inc. (OTC: SMRS) is in a favorable strategic position to capitalize on this market growth following its 2015 acquisition of the Balmat mining complex in St. Lawrence County, New York. In February, the company announced the results from an Industry Guide 7 (IG7) Mineral Reserve Report for the property, which reflected 585,000 tons of proven and probable reserves with 9.2 percent grade zinc that’s expected to generate roughly $80.8 million in revenue over Star Mountain’s initial 2.5-year mine plan.

“We believe the findings in the IG7 report are very positive and reaffirm our confidence that the geological and engineering conditions reflected in the long production history of the Balmat mining operation can be sustained well into the future beyond the initial 2.5-year plan,” Joe Marchal, chief executive officer of Star Mountain, stated in a news release. “We continue to evaluate the current zinc market and the best strategy to move forward with a production plan and schedule.”

Last month, Star Mountain took a major step toward commencing operations at the Balmat property when it secured a $500,000 loan from a New York public benefit trust. Marchal referred to the promissory note as “one of many partnerships in our plan to re-commence operations at the Balmat Mine.” This capital is expected to play a key role as the company continues to prepare the mining complex for operations before putting it back into production in order to capitalize on the expected strengthening of zinc prices in the months to come.

Star Mountain is led by an experienced management team featuring decades of applicable industry experience. CEO Joe Marchal has worked in the financial sector since 1983, most recently serving as CEO for the Asia-Pacific Region of Chi-X Global, Inc. The company’s president and chief operating officer, Mark Osterberg, Ph.D., has worked for major gold and base metal mining firms for over 30 years, during which time he has provided high level technical expertise and managed both domestic and international exploration and development projects. This combined experience, along with the experience of other members of the management team, played a key role in Star Mountain’s acquisition of the Balmat zinc mine late last year.

“The recent rebound in zinc prices along with a strengthening world-wide economy validates our decision in November 2015 to acquire the Balmat zinc mine at a deeply discounted price and its 585,000 tons of proven and probable reserves of 9.2% grade zinc plus the mineralized material adjacent to the current reserves that in all likelihood will be reclassified to reserve status as the mine progresses,” concluded Marchal.

For more information, visit www.starmountainresources.com

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Agora Holdings, Inc. (OTC: AGHI) is providing enterprises with a tool to help their investor and public relations departments control their content and message flow in today’s not-so-easy-to-navigate social media waters, and if there is one product characteristic the company is proud to hang its hat on, it is the fact that FRAME passes the ultimate litmus test for success. Just ask Facebook (NASDAQ: FB), Twitter (NYSE: TWTR) and Instagram.

With literally hundreds of burgeoning social media networks clawing for mindshare, time and attention and offering their own individual access to impressive numbers of followers, FRAME delivers a comprehensive and efficient way to enter various environments at one time. Agora Holdings, parent company of Geegle Media, introduces to the user a single platform for accessing the network(s) of choice. Now, the company or individual user can focus on the message and allow FRAME to take care of delivering the goods.

At the product’s launch, Dan Terziev, chief executive officer of Agora, noted, “Imagine FRAME as a single door that leads to many rooms. Each room represents a website that we log into several times each day. Rather than signing in several times, logging once into FRAME is sufficient to bring together all your social media accounts, making a far more organized and engaging social media experience.” And recently, Terziev added, “We’re anxious to introduce our game-changing FRAME technology to the market upon final polish of the product. As we prepare for this corporate milestone, we are building on strong momentum triggered by the development of a product that will revolutionize the way brands interact via social media, and one that provides long-term value for our shareholders.”

Additional FRAME features include many advanced functions, such as engagement and customer care tools, reporting and measurement of campaign success via social media performance. The platform also monitors brand-related posts and media mentions. Scheduled publishing capabilities enhance an organization’s bottom line by way of saving the time typically involved in releasing content specifically crafted to the organization’s unique message.

Agora Holdings, Inc., together with subsidiary Geegle Media, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise. The company’s five business segments – media networks, TV, consumer products, interactive media and studio entertainment – endeavor to leverage the strength of media and technology.

For more information, visit www.agoraholdingsinc.com

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Before the opening bell, Cryoport, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYRX), a premier provider of cryogenic logistics solutions to the life sciences industry, announced a strategic partnership with International Stem Cell Corp. (OTCQB: ISCO) through which it will provide global logistics support to ISCO for its impending phase I clinical trial. ISCO received authorization to begin a phase I/IIa clinical trial of its human parthenogenetic stem cell-derived neural stem cells (ISC-hpNSC) in patients with moderate to severe Parkinson’s disease from the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia in December, and the company commenced patient enrollment for the study earlier this year.

As the premier cryogenic logistics provider, Cryoport will leverage two of its strategically located depots, including locations in southern California and Singapore, to safely move ISCO’s high-value biologic material from its research facility in California to the study site in Australia. Cryoport’s proven track record in the logistics space, particularly as it relates to clinical trials and commercialization programs, makes it an ideal option for ISCO moving forward.

“This trial will take place across the globe and it is imperative that our cell therapy maintains integrity,” Russell Kern, PhD, executive vice president and chief scientific officer of ISCO, stated in a news release. “We are pleased to have Cryoport handle our global logistics requirements.”

Through its partnership with Cryoport, ISCO moves one step closer to the commencement of its highly-anticipated clinical trial. In December, the company signed a clinical service agreement with the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, one of the world’s leading brain research centers. In March, ISCO entered into definitive agreements with two institutional healthcare investors and management for the private placement of $6.3 million of the company’s convertible preferred stock, adding capital that’s expected to drive its phase I study in the months to come.

As its scientists continue to evaluate additional therapeutic indications for its innovative stem cell technology platform, ISCO is primed to rapidly expand its presence in the biotechnology space. Leveraging partnerships with Cryoport and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the company will look to build on its current momentum while working toward the release of preliminary safety and efficacy clinical data from its upcoming study by the end of the year.

For more information, visit www.internationalstemcell.com

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