Message From Nighthawk Systems CEO
Good morning!The following release went out this morning an announces that we have received our largest single order for CEO700 whole house remote disconnect devices in our history! Back in May, we received our largest initial order ever from the Town of Smyrna, Delaware, and then in August we received our (then) largest single order from Avista Utilities. Now the Town of Smyrna has topped that with an order for 500 units. So every few months we have been setting a record for the size of an order of CEO700’s, and I think there is a good chance that this trend will continue in early 2008 as new budget money becomes available. Smyrna has become a very good customer in a very short timeframe. A new city ordinance goes into effect today that requires many customers and all new apartment/rental developments to install remote disconnect devices. That is GREAT news as I believe this most recent order is just part of a much larger overall need that Smyrna will have, as it is a growing area experiencing some rapid development. They have told us that, based on their experience so far, they believe they can save substantial dollars using our devices that would otherwise be spent on additional personnel because of their growing customer base and customer service obligations. This will serve as a fantastic case study for Nighthawk to use, and we certainly hope other municipalities will adopt similar ordinances. A precedent has certainly been set! For a look at a draft of the ordinance, you can go to: http://www.smyrnadelaware.com/gov_notices/watsewelec.pdf. Have a great day!H. Douglas Saathoff Chief Executive Officer Nighthawk Systems, Inc. Nighthawk Systems Receives Largest
Remote Disconnect Order in Company History-- Newly Adopted Ordinance Expected to Spur Additional Orders-- SAN ANTONIO, TX – 12/5/07 – Nighthawk Systems, Inc. (OTC BB: NIHK), a leading provider of intelligent wireless power management and emergency notification solutions, announced today that it has received the largest single order for its CEO700 remote disconnect devices in its history from the Town of Smyrna, Delaware. Smyrna first ordered units from Nighthawk in May of this year, and has recently adopted an ordinance which will require certain customers and any newly constructed rental properties to install remote disconnect collars on meters. This latest order of 500 units represents the third order placed by Smyrna for remote disconnect units in 2007. The CEO700 gives electric utilities the ability to remotely connect and disconnect power to residential electric meters on a moment’s notice, improving customer service response times and saving the utilities significant time and money compared to the traditional manual method that requires truck rolls and field personnel. By utilizing Nighthawk’s remote disconnect solution, Smyrna can avoid additional personnel costs typically associated with a growing utility customer base without sacrificing customer service. H. Douglas Saathoff, Nighthawk’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Each successive quarter we’re getting larger orders from customers, which is obviously fantastic. I’m excited that use of our equipment over the past six months has proven to be sufficiently effective to support a new ordinance in Smyrna requiring use of remote disconnect collars. With the delivery of this order, Smyrna will now have in excess of 1,000 devices available for use, and we look forward to providing them with units going forward as their own customer base and service needs continue to grow.” About Nighthawk Systems, Inc. Nighthawk is a leading provider of intelligent wireless power control products that enable simultaneous activation or de-activation of multiple assets or systems on demand. Nighthawk's installed customer base includes major electric utilities, internet service providers and fire departments in over 40 states. Nighthawk also designs and manufactures an advanced line of set-top boxes that are utilized to deliver high-definition multi-media content and applications to the hospitality industry. Individuals interested in Nighthawk Systems can sign up to receive email alerts by visiting the Company’s website at www.nighthawksystems.com. Forward-looking statements Statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts, including statements about plans and expectations regarding business areas and opportunities, acceptance of new or existing businesses, capital resources and future business or financial results are "forward-looking" statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, customer acceptance of our products, our ability to raise capital to fund our operations, our ability to develop and protect proprietary technology, government regulation, competition in our industry, general economic conditions and other risk factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and our future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements may not meet these expectations. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law. CONTACT: Doug Saathoff dsaathoff@nighthawksystems.com (877) 7-NIGHTHAWK, Ext 701 Labels: Nighthawk, Nighthawk Systems, Nighthawk Systems Inc., NIHK, NIHK.ob, OTCBB: NIHK
Message From Nighthawk Systems CEO
Good morning!
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving last week. The following announcement went out this morning and discusses the fact that we have started shipping our MediaPro IP3000 HD set-top boxes (“STB’s”) to our major hospitality customer.
This is significant because it starts the revenue stream and cash inflows from the STB business that we purchased about six weeks ago. We’ve got over $900,000 in orders in-house related to this business, so we’ll begin to see this turning to revenue in this current fourth quarter!
As I say in the release, our employees have worked very hard to re-kindle or establish relationships with vendors to get production going on the units in such a short timeframe. I’m obviously happy to start seeing some financial benefits of the STB business so quickly!
This release will also serve as a great marketing tool for us. We believe that we have the best high-definition STB on the market. As other potential customers see this release, it will validate for them that our units are being purchased and produced for use in some of the finest hotels in the U.S.
Have a great day!
Doug
H. Douglas Saathoff
Chief Executive Officer
Nighthawk Systems, Inc.
Nighthawk Systems Initiates Shipments of IPTV Set-Top Boxes
-- Units Feature MPEG-4 (H.264) High-Definition Technology--
SAN ANTONIO, TX - 11/29/07- Nighthawk Systems, Inc. (OTC BB: NIHK), a leading provider of intelligent wireless power management solutions and IP video set-top boxes, announced today it has initiated shipments of its MediaPro IP3000HD video set-top box units to a leading hospitality services provider, and expects to continue making regular shipments to the customer throughout the remainder of 2007. These shipments allow Nighthawk to begin recognizing revenues from the recently-acquired set-top box operation. Nighthawk had previously disclosed that it had assumed a backlog of approximately $400,000 in orders for the units when it acquired the IPTV set-top box operations of Eagle Broadband in October, and had received an additional order for approximately $480,000 of the units subsequent to making the acquisition.
The MediaPro IP3000HD is a high-definition set-top box with a compact footprint and quiet, fan-less design that delivers exceptional streaming video quality for both NTSC and PAL broadcast standards. It uses an advanced system-on-chip architecture including an integrated graphics accelerator and dedicated multimedia engines executing in parallel to deliver the highest performance 2D, 3D graphics and video capabilities with motion compensation for video playback. Capable of supporting a variety of leading middleware and video-on-demand systems, including Java Script capabilities, the MediaPro IP3000HD platform delivers the advanced content system security and digital rights management (DRM) needed by a wide variety of industries and markets. It supports both high definition MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) and MPEG-2 video standards.
H. Douglas Saathoff, Nighthawk’s CEO, commented, “I’m extremely pleased that we’ve already begun shipping products from our contract manufacturing facility overseas. Our employees have worked hard to establish new relationships with key vendors in a short timeframe in order to get this process started. We look forward to continual strengthening of these relationships with vendors, and further enhancement of the Nighthawk MediaPro brand within the hospitality marketplace.”
About Nighthawk Systems, Inc.
Nighthawk is a leading provider of intelligent wireless power control products that enable simultaneous activation or de-activation of multiple assets or systems on demand. Nighthawk's installed customer base includes major electric utilities, internet providers and fire departments in over 40 states. Nighthawk also designs and manufactures an advanced line of set-top boxes that are utilized to deliver high-definition multi-media content and applications to the hospitality industry.
Individuals interested in Nighthawk Systems can sign up to receive email alerts by visiting the Company’s website at www.nighthawksystems.com.
Forward-looking statements
Statements contained in this release, which are not historical facts, including statements about plans and expectations regarding business areas and opportunities, acceptance of new or existing businesses, capital resources and future business or financial results are "forward-looking" statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, customer acceptance of our products, our ability to raise capital to fund our operations, our ability to develop and protect proprietary technology, government regulation, competition in our industry, general economic conditions and other risk factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made, and our future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements may not meet these expectations. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law.
CONTACT:
Doug Saathoff
dsaathoff@nighthawksystems.com
(877) 7-NIGHTHAWK, Ext 701
Labels: Nighthawk, Nighthawk Systems, Nighthawk Systems Inc., NIHK, NIHK.ob, OTCBB: NIHK
Fire in the West
 Unless you've been hiding under a rock for the past few days, you are aware of the ongoing wildfire situation in Southern California. 45 people have been injured, 5 people have been killed, 500,000 homes were evacuated and so far 1500 homes have been destroyed. While our doors were shut due to a mandatory evacuation earlier this week and the phone lines were temporarily down, things are back to normal here at MSP and everyone here and their families were fortunate enough to come through this disaster unscathed. Unfortunately that is not the case for the hundreds of thousands still evacuated and the many families returning to rubble where their homes once stood. We'd like to start off this edition by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the recent catastrophe and are confident that, through the generosity of Americans, these communities will soon be pieced back together again. CPNE - To Split or Not to Split  So, in the spirit of dusting off the computers and catching up on lost time, we thought we would touch on a few topics that we felt would wrap up the week on a strong note. After taking investors on a tumultuous ride that saw share price soar upwards into the $3.50 range from under a quarter and then free fall all the way down below a dollar where it sits today, Commerce Planet Inc. (OTCBB: CPNE) announced plans to apply for listing on a National Exchange earlier in the week. While the move is very positive for the company, it may not be quite so rosy for most current shareholders. CPNE meets or exceeds every possible requirement criteria to trade on a senior exchange, except for one, share price! So, the obvious move is a reverse split. In my experience, reverse splits carry with them a very negative connotation. This is even truer over the near-term following the split. Long term, those willing to stay on board could be rewarded greatly, but if my dollar today is worth a quarter tomorrow, how can that be positive for me economically until my dollar rises back to its original value? Despite this being a risky move on CPNE's part, we think this company has the wherewithal to execute it successfully. For long-term holders, this is what we call crunch time. It's time to weigh the pros and cons of sticking it out for a home run or taking some ducats off the table. We have long been believers in CPNE and we still think this company is going to become one of our diamonds in the rough. We'd love to hear your thoughts and our blog represents a great forum for voicing your opinion. ATSI Communications: Stellar FY2007 ATSI Communications Inc. (OTCBB: ATSX), one of the most promising companies in our small-cap portfolio, continues to impress the investment community with its improving financials. Management announced last week that revenues for the 4th quarter trumped those of Q3 by almost $2,000,000 and towered over Q4 '06 by nearly 90%. ATSI has now logged 12 consecutive quarters of record revenues, 5 consecutive quarters of positive cash flow from operations and 3 consecutive quarters of net positive earnings per share. The real game breaker here at this point in time appears to be ATSI's flare for international business. Since the majority of VoIP growth is anticipated to occur in markets outside of the U.S. over the next five years, The Company's ability to establish business relationships with international telecommunications players, including the Mexican government and PCCW Ltd, continues to facilitate an improving financial situation for the company. ATSI is entrenched in Mexico, the world's number one user of voice traffic along with the U.S., and a $2 billion+ telecommunications market. This has been a key factor driving growth to current levels. ATSI's success in Mexico is facilitated by its (49%) interest of a subsidiary in Mexico, ATSI Communications, S.A. de C.V - that operates under a 30-year government issued telecommunications license similar to the license owned by AT&T's subsidiary in Mexico. Since the Mexican government has a well- documented history of being stringent in its introduction of telecommunications competition and has constructed significant roadblocks to new market entrants, possession of a long-term concession license in the country should be viewed as a major advantage for ATSI. At a price of just under $.30, we are very bullish on ATSI Communication's potential over the next 12 months. Nighthawk - Highest Revenues in 4 Years Nighthawk Systems Inc. (OTCBB: NIHK) provided guidance Wednesday on 3rd quarter earnings that marked the company's highest revenues in the past 4 years. With revenues improving on both quarter-over-quarter and sequential basis, investors embraced the guidance warmly as the stock traded up over 11% to .1140 on volume exceeding 5,000,000 shares. As of 11:00 PST on Thursday morning, share price has held stable. Could we be looking at a new bottom? Since NIHK recently acquired a high potential IPTV set-top box business and management has stated publicly that revenues for the first nine months of 2007 already exceed those of calendar year 2006, and also that future IPTV related sales could accelerate near-term revenue growth rates by a multiple of two, the market may have awoken to some extent and started pricing that potential into shares. Just a thought. . . Marmion Industries: Almost Profitable? Marmion Industries Corporation (OTCBB: MMIO) traded incredibly on Thursday with no news. The stock gained nearly 30% on volume exceeding 4,000,000 shares. For those of you still scratching your head, we thought you might appreciate a tidbit of information we stumbled upon from loyal subscribers. The fact that the market at large is becoming increasingly aware of MMIO's progress may help explain the surge in activity lately. When you cut out the company's current financing agreement, which is essential in the construction of a new facility that will sustain current growth and allow for higher volume production, MMIO is pretty darn close - if not already - profitable. Which is more than General Motors can say for itself! As a public company breaks into the market, the amount of capital necessary can often be the company's undoing. This begets the necessity for financing - often an even greater cause of demise. For a small cap company, climbing its way to profitability means chewing through large amounts of debt just to start at ground zero. Knowing the nuances of the small cap industry is vital to understanding how to invest in it wisely. That being said, profitability is not only a rarely achieved Labels: ATSI, ATSI Communications Inc., ATSX, Commerce Planet, Commerce Planet Inc., CPNE, Marmion Industries, Marmion Industries Corp., MMIO, Nighthawk Systems, Nighthawk Systems Inc., NIHK, NIHK.ob
Another Record Quarter On The Horizon For NIHK
Nighthawk Systems Inc. (OTCBB: NIHK) provided guidance today on rosy 3rd quarter earnings today that saw revenues improve on the $899,000 logged during Q2 and increase nearly 55% over Q3 '06. Investors embraced the news with open arms as the stock traded up over 11% to .1140 on volume exceeding 5,000,000 shares. With its traditional business making record quarterly growth seem somewhat commonplace recently, adding on the high potential IPTV set-top box biz provides a new level of hope for the company bringing annual revenues into the double digit million range. For the near to mid-term, the IPTV business may prove to be the icing on the cake for NIHK. With management stating that revenues for the first nine months of 2007 already exceed those of calendar year 2006, I'd say things were chugging along just fine prior to the recent acquisition. CEO Doug Saathoff states in today's release that the IPTV biz could possibly accelerate near-term revenue growth rates by a multiple of two. If that's the case, the market may have awoken to some extent today and started pricing that potential into shares. Just a thought. Labels: Nighthawk, Nighthawk Systems, Nighthawk Systems Inc., NIHK, NIHK.ob
Yahoo Finance Users Bullish on Nighthawk Systems Inc - NIHK
Green Light For Nighthawk
 Let's imagine for a minute a scenario that every driver has to admit to at one time or another. There you are approaching a traffic light that just barely tu rned yellow. You are late, traffic is backed up, you just can't wait to be out of that suit and tie, dinner is on the table, your boss has already called to find out where you are - whatever the reason, a red light right now would just compound your problems. So you scour the intersection for any unnoticed police men and upon seeing that the coast is clear, you are SO tempted to just put the pedal to the metal and put this intersection behind you. Well these days, if you are like me, you are a little older, a little wiser and definitely aware that running a yellow or red light also runs the risk of getting a ticket in the mail with your handsome mug on it - probably even shamefully on a cell phone. For some, red light cameras are vicious, nasty little contraptions that only cause trouble. But every time we hear that another red li ght camera is being installed, it is music to our ears! Sure it makes the roadways safer but we particularly rejoice because one of our favorite investments has a hand in the red light camera phenomenon. New Applications, New Markets = New Growth As if Verizon Wireless, American Messaging, and SkyTel weren't doing enough for sales, Nighthawk Systems Inc. (OTCBB: NIHK) took a huge step forward from an operational standpoint today, announcing an alliance with American Traffic Solutions ("ATS"). Based in Scottsdale, Arizona - ATS is a leading domestic player in the high potential photo traffic safety and enforcement solutions market. Over the past few years, cities and states around the nation from Columbus-Ohio to Ventura-California have tested red light cameras with tremendous success. Check out this report to get a better feel for what this market is all about:
http://www.stopredlightrunning.com/pdfs/Focus%20on%20Safety.complete.FINAL..pdfFor Nighthawk, Red Means GreenWith photo enforcement solutions now proven to lead to safer driving habits, reduction in traffic crashes, hindrance of dangerous/aggressive driving - while saving lives and increasing police and public safety - widespread adoption is on the horizon and ATS is helping to lead the way in North America. To give you an idea of the value-add here: According to the World Report on Road Traffic Injury Prevention issued in 2004 by the Worth Health Organization and the World Bank "the benefits of speed cameras outweigh their costs by a three-to-one margin, without taking fine revenue into account" In addition, although it is a bit dated, the following tidbit of information exemplifies perfectly the need for automated traffic control systems: in 2000, the cost of speeding related crashes in the U.S. was an estimated $40.4 billion, or $76,865 per minute. With the majority of competition in the space coming from International counterparts (RedFlex Holdings and Gatsometer B.V. are two key players), ATS appears to be holding its own. The company is contracted to install and operate more than 850 red light and speed cameras across the country and more than 220 red light cameras in 19 Texas communities. Going forward, NIHK's customized PT10000 boards and firmware will be implemented into ATS traffic management equipment, which has been achieving stellar sales. This should provide a nice bump to revenues, likely during the fourth quarter of this year and beyond. Multiple Products = Multiple Revenue StreamsAlthough most of the buzz lately has been generated by NIHK's CEO700 units gaining record traction within both the utility industry and in green applications, this most recent agreement involves the company's PT1000 board and firmware. In a world where there are simply too many violations and not enough police, ATS solutions, with the help of NIHK products, assist law enforcement in keeping the streets safe from mischievous motorists. Of course, we are thrilled to see NIHK targeting a continuously expanding pool of opportunity, through multiple partnerships, with multiple products. With research indicating that there are more drivers on our roads than ever before and also that drivers, even those who admit to frequent speeding, think traffic enforcement is too lax (40% of a 2002 survey stated that there was too little enforcement of red light running and speeding), the need for automated enforcement solutions as a complement to traditional methods is paramount. In a testament to their effectiveness, a review of red light camera studies around the world concluded that cameras reduce red light violations by 40-50 percent and reduce injury crashes by 25-30 percent. Nighthawk saw second quarter revenues improve 60% over Q1 and recently announced its largest sale ever. In addition, the company's PT1000 boards were just implemented in a statewide generator automation project with Verizon before being chosen by ATS. Needless to say, NIHK is now faced with the largest market opportunity in company history. Management's dedication to pursuing favorable business relationships that directly correlate with increased sales volume is taking NIHK to new heights. The only question is: when will the market at large wake up and smell the profits? Labels: Nighthawk, Nighthawk Systems, Nighthawk Systems Inc., NIHK.ob, Photo Enforcement
Earnings Earnings Earnings
 It is a bit difficult, after years of investing in start up and small cap companies, not to look at the world for the demands that are burgeoning and whether or not they are being met by the current market. I constantly enjoy seeing an ingenious product or service or, even better, a dramatic improvement on a service or product. This business side of me has a constant eye on developing trends and markets being tapped or untapped, and then promptly puts my foot in the door. This weekend was no exception. DineWise On The Rise  While stepping out for a stroll to the beach Saturday morning in an attempt to forget about work for awhile (no such luck!), I was hit square on the head by one of the key reasons that DineWise Inc. (OTCBB: DWIS) is experiencing such solid growth and holds so much potential for the future. We'll get into my rundown on one of the company's biggest value propositions later on, but first, Q2 numbers were announced today, and we like what we see. The company's flagship DineWise® brand (24% of total sales) has experienced 8 consecutive quarters of sales increases. Q2 '07 revenues have increased a whopping 317% over Q2 of '06 and first half '07 revenues expanded 428% over the same period of '06. DWIS has also improved their net loss per share by nearly 80% and decreased operating expenses, giving a very positive indicator of what the future holds. Nighthawk Soaring to New Heights  Another one of our long-time favorites, Nighthawk Systems Inc. (OTCBB: NIHK) is also out with stellar earnings this AM. Announcing that Q2 revenues outpace those of Q1 2007 by 60% and Q2 2006 by 35%, it appears that NIHK is developing a well-entrenched position in the surging utility automation market. With management stating that more than 75% of Q1 revenues were derived through utility sales, it's very positive to see the company thriving in what it recently defined as its "largest opportunity for near-term growth". Commenting on the results H. Douglas Saathoff, Nighthawk's CEO, stated, "Demand for our CEO700 remote disconnect product has been very strong so far this year and I'm extremely pleased to see growth not only in the number of electric utility customers, but also in the size of the orders being placed by those utilities. We are building our manufacturer's rep network and beginning to see some positive results from that program. We're making enhancements to our products that will make them even more useful to our electric utility customers while decreasing our production costs per unit. I'm excited about the progress that we are making in the utility market, which I believe presents the Company with the largest opportunity for near-term growth and positive financial results."
NIHK has amassed an optimal configuration of customers, partners, and distributors and is now cashing in on its ability to help just about everybody under the sun conserve energy. With the massive amount of investment dollars being spent by electrical utilities during the first half of '07 as well as the M&A activity in Nighthawk's industry, this company gets more and more attractive every quarter. Protecting Our Parents  As I embarked on my leisurely jaunt this past weekend, I noticed an older woman in what seemed to be her early 80's about a block ahead doing her best to navigate her cane, her three bags of groceries, and herself back to her domicile. Before I could get close enough to offer assistance, seemingly in slow-motion, the woman took a bad fall. Just missing the pavement by inches with her head, she wound up lucky and a bit shook up with a few minor scrapes on the arm. Luckily for her that morning, I was there to help her up, carry her and her groceries back safely to her place, which was up two flights of stairs that I could barely make it up. I say luckily because there were about 10 other people in the vicinity carrying on with their daily lives that were not stopping to help or even blinking an eyebrow. Wow, I thought. This is somebody's mother, somebody's grandmother. When she mentioned that she had no family in the area, it dawned on me. This is the exact drastically under-served market that DWIS has built an early entrant position in and continues to thrive in. Think about it - From the Amalfi Research Report  "According to a 2004 study conducted by MetLife and the National Alliance for Caregiving, more than 34 million Americans provide support to an aging family member. In addition, it is expected that today, in between 7-10 million of these are classified as "long- distance" caregivers. This number is expected to skyrocket over the next five to ten years as the baby boomer market ages and one American turns 60 every 7.5 seconds."
"With care giving, comes significant expenditures of both money and time. The 2004 study reveals that long distance caregivers spend an average of $392 per month on travel and other out of pocket expenses while missing an average of 20 work hours per month. By providing a "plug-and-play" in-home dining solution to the nation's caregiver population, DineWise is able to help keep costs down, while allowing customers to feel good about doing the right thing for their families."
This is just one key market for DineWise Inc. that has facilitated growth thus far. The company is a marketing machine and has already developed invaluable inroads into the senior caregiver space as well as other very lucrative plays including: Low-Carbohydrate - estimated 10% of U.S. on "low-carb" diets; Overweight/obese - >65% of U.S. "overweight, > 39% "obese" Diabetic - nearly 60 million of U.S. now classified as either diabetic or pre-diabetic; Premium diet - 33% of U.S. on diet, >70% vow to diet in and The on-the-go, health conscious consumer - 76%of U.S. consumers are making some type of effort to improve their health. And don't think for one minute that these guys are just "targeting" some hot markets, DWIS is rapidly penetrating these key under-served segments with a new product line and is aligning itself with the proper company to facilitate major growth. As mentioned in previous editions, Management in both companies have EXTENSIVE experience in running much larger public organizations. More importantly, they have taken on their current assignments because they believe in their business plans as well as their ability to build leading brands and meet enormous demand in a number of under served markets - just one more reason we believe in them! Labels: DineWise Inc., DineWise., DWIS, DWIS.ob, Nighthawk Systems, Nighthawk Systems Inc., NIHK, NIHK.ob, OTC BB: DWIS, OTCBB: NIHK
Record Order For NIHK
 Yesterday, I spent my afternoon watching the game and thinking about work. I just hate how that always seems to happen! At any rate, there I am recumbently watching a slow going game on a warm afternoon when I can no longer control the urge and decide to see what was on CNBC. However, to my utter confusion, the remote was not next to me as it should be. I was suddenly hit with panic. Where could that darn thing be? I begin to practically overturn the couch looking for it. Lo and behold one of my daughters had taken off with it for some reason or another but do you know what I did? Absolutely nothing! I sat and watched the game drawl on because I was definitely NOT going to get up to change the TV channel. Yeah right! To think that fifty years ago, the first television remote control (besides the kid of the house) was called "Lazy Bones" and was actually on a string. Before that, the public reveled at the newly released garage door opener and its many wonders. Power: On!Now I don't mean to get into the history of the remote control (as fascinating as I am sure you would find it) but it got me thinking what I always think: 1. Who was the genius who created the remote? and 2. Who were the forward thinking investors who backed it? These days, the remote control is not only a staple for televisions viewers across the world, but also used in every other area of life you can (but likely don't) think of. Why, you may ask, do I spend my afternoons pondering the nuances of  remote controls? Well it happens that one of the companies I really like these days is in the market of making every kind of remote you have likely never thought of - and doing it well. I think it is shaping up to be a record year at Nighthawk Systems Inc. (OTCBB: NIHK). After announcing not long ago that Q2 revenues are expected to be the highest in 48 months, NIHK is out with big news this morning noting the company's largest single sale ever. Company Keeping Good Company  The order is from Avista Utilities of Spokane, Washington and trumps the largest sale in corporate history announced back on 5/31 to the Town of Smyrna, Delaware (a 300 unit order a la Rumsey Electric, a leading U.S. electrical wholesaler). This should provide a nice boost to Q3 & year-end financials and also bolster the company's rapidly growing utility customer base while opening the doors to a solid recurring revenue prospect (in the past, repeat orders have typically been larger for NIHK). One important thing to note here is that although relationships with Verizon Wireless, SkyTel, and American Messaging all pack the punch to change the face of Nighthawk with just one order - NIHK has developed a nationwide distribution network chock-full of leading players capable of bringing in record orders themselves. Leaner and Meaner By The Day  In addition to becoming more operationally efficient and attracting new and repeat business, seemingly on a daily basis, NIHK also benefits from playing in some surging markets - Utility, Industrial, and Building Automation to name a few. As smart metering/smart grid programs roll out nationwide, commercial/industrial energy users continue to consume nearly 63% of US produced energy, and the need to become more efficient in the design and development of energy infrastructure reaches paramount heights, the demand for Nighthawk's products has never been greater. The beauty of it all is, NIHK products can be used to conserve energy everywhere - from a diesel generator, to turning off the power in 24C when the bum doesn't pay his bill. Sales and Stock - Both in UptrendIf that doesn't scream that NIHK has the macro trends on its side, check out this recent commentary from England & Company - a Washington, DC-based investment bank focused on the middle market: "With oil circling $75 per barrel and natural gas trading at $6.50 per million BTUs and likely to go higher, conservation is on the minds of all Americans. Although oil is a critical component in transportation and an important feedstock into many manufactured goods, its role in the production of electricity is limited to approximately 3% of generation output in the US in 2005. With its cost, natural gas is predominantly used to fuel smaller plants, accounting for 19% of total megawatt output. As measured in megawatts of generating output, coal is king, producing approximately 50% of electricity generated in the US. With the continuing increase in demand (especially peak load) over the next several decades, the US Department of Energy estimates that an additional 258 gigawatts generating capacity will be required by 2030, representing a total investment of approximately $412 billion dollars. (Source: US Energy Information Administration.)"
"We believe that the challenges inherent with balancing economic growth and good stewardship of the environment present tremendous opportunities for companies involved in infrastructure and industrial technology markets."Don't forget also that Chartwell Inc. revealed back in 2004 that 55% of utility organizations used, planned to use, or were using technologies that allow for the remote connect/disconnect of energy meters AND also that approximately 2.3% of U.S. electric meters were individually disconnected and reconnected on more than 4 occasions resulting in estimated costs of more than $1.2 billion to utility providers. I'd wager that if you took a head count now, these figures are much higher. Chartwell's research accurately predicted an ongoing surge in utility organization investment in process improving technologies. NIHK goes to show that remote controls not only occasionally keep lazy people like me from working my Sunday afternoon away but meet needs that never even occurred to me before - and in a big way! I can't help but wonder how many more uses there are for the remote control. How will this little invention continue to make the world even more efficient and convenient?
The way I see it, this is just the beginning for utility automation on a global level as well as growing demand for energy conserving products. What a great time to be on board with Nighthawk.
Labels: Nighthawk, Nighthawk Systems Inc., NIHK, NIHK.ob, OTCBB: NIHK
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