Things that make you go hmmm... v 2.0 Alright this is a lengthy one so bear with me. So my weekend reading took me down a path that made me think Stratasys..... this is why.
https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/stratasys-metal-3d-printer-129759/
Feb. 26 update for PYR regarding powders, and the above article dated Feb. 28, the dates are interesting but there were a couple things that made it more interesting. Stratasys is releasing its new printer platform in April, and its suspected of being a MIM printer. Except one problem the article also contains a line that Stratasys announced it was investing 25 million last April 6th with LPW Technologies to develop their powder capabilities. No doubt this was in response to GE purchase of Arcam and the need for Stratasys to have that quality of powder. April 25, 2017, PYR announces first order from "multinational conglomerate"... interesting because of this article.
https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/stratasys-strengthens-metal-additive-manufacturing-expertise-110232/
This is the funding announcement last April regarding Stratasys and LPW, but the most interesting part of the article (other than LPW diagram that they use gasification and not atomization) is that Stratasys.... "has entered into a strategic partnership with SIA Engineering Company Limited (SGX: S59). As a part of the Singapore Airlines Group, SIA Engineering Company has expertise in manufacturing for the aerospace industry." That sure seems like a multination conglomerate... with ties to aerospace and engine manufacturers. Side note TCT Asia just wrapped up March 3.
The last piece comes from Peter in the last news release, "These are expected steps as the customer goes through the decision process, identifies/allocates the necessary funds, and ultimately allocates the time. Layering on top of this process is the fact that most of these customers already had a strategy in place before we came along."
Stratasys and SIA had a strategy in place which was invest 25 million into LPW to develop better powders... except at the same time PYR came along. Funny thing here is that you can only find one mention of LPW on Stratasys website in the Q1 2017 report... no mention of dollar value. There is no news release on their website related to 25 million and LPW.... why because it never came to fruition... our friends at PYR came along (guess who got the free order). PYR received more orders, probably some who are competitors to Stratays and SIA so more NDA's were signed. PYR is in a position of power with the negotiations that will be going on, many companies want what they have and no doubt there are high level discussions going on as to how best to navigate this pivotal time for PYR.
Strangely enough Stratasys is announcing more details on the printer at the TCT in Forth Worth, at the end of April...... which is coincidentally the same week that PYR will release its FY and Q1.... So Peter's "very soon" may be more than a few weeks. I wonder what the cut off date for shares will be for the spin off....
Last release SIA and Stratasys still moving ahead with partnership, again no mention of LPW.
https://investors.stratasys.com/news-releases/news-release-details/sia-engineering-company-and-stratasys-form-additive
Side note, Stratasys and GE are both early investors in Desktop Metals, which makes for an interesting dynamic when you consider what is going on in this industry.
I wrote this Sunday night and I apologize, I was being selfish and didn't share my thoughts until I picked up more shares today... I thought I was done but now all the pieces make sense I wanted more. As always I'm open to critique and comments, its the open discussion that makes us all more informed.