OTCPicks.com: OTCPicks.com Daily Market Movers Digest Midday Report for Monday, August 4th NXPC, SMTK, MMPI, NTRZ

Aug 04, 2008 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- SMTK | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Our Stocks to Watch today include NeXplore Corp. (OTC: NXPC), Simtek Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTK), Meruelo Maddux Properties Inc. (Nasdaq: MMPI), NutraCea (OTCBB: NTRZ)

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NEXPLORE CORPORATION (OTC: NXPC)

Detailed Quote: www.otcpicks.com/quotes/NXPC.php

Company Profile: www.otcpicks.com/nexplore/nexplore.htm

NeXplore Technologies is developing a Web 2.0 search engine and an assortment of social networking portals and tools that will enable users to personalize their Web experience and tailor it to their unique needs, interests, and online pursuits. The Company's social computing platform, MyCircle.com, offers an enhanced, user-friendly graphical interface search engine, combined with innovative backend technology, which enables users to improve the way they connect with information and other people on the Worldwide Web. MyCircle's Web 2.0 interface provides users with an online tool for sharing their Blogs, Voice-Over IP, photos and documents, podcasts and videocasts, classified advertising, instant messages, SMS text messages, Chat and personal profiles.

NXPC News:

July 31 - Scott Grizzle, Chief Marketing Officer of NeXplore Corporation, Discusses Recent Web Traffic on WallSt.net's 3-Minute Press Show

NeXplore Corporation (OTC: NXPC), an Internet technology company, announced that the company's Chief Marketing Officer, Scott Grizzle, is featured in an exclusive interview on WallSt.net's "3-Minute Press Show."

The interview gives viewers an overview of the company, and the significance of the company's latest press release.

To view the clip in its entirety, visit www.tv.wallst.net/r/3-minute-press/Scott-Grizzle-NXPC/183/796.

SIMTEK CORPORATION (NASDAQ: SMTK | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) "Up 44.89% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/SMTK.php

Simtek Corporation, a fabless semiconductor company, designs and markets high-speed, re-programmable, and nonvolatile semiconductor memory products. It offers 16, 64, and 256-kilobit and 1-megabit nonvolatile static random access memory products, which consist of nonvolatile memories that combine static random access memory and nonvolatile elements within memory cell on a single silicon chip. The company's products are used in various systems, including RAID servers, industrial automation, GPS navigational systems, robotics, medical instrumentation, and networking and telecommunications equipment. Simtek Corporation sells its products primarily in the United States, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

SMTK News:

August 1 - Cypress to Strengthen Leadership Position in Nonvolatile Embedded Memory Solutions With Acquisition of Simtek Corp.

Nonvolatile SRAMs Ideal for Use in Secure Data Storage Applications For Embedded Systems

Programmable solutions leader Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY) and Simtek Corp. (Nasdaq: SMTK), the world's leading supplier of nonvolatile static random access memory (nvSRAM) integrated circuits, announced that they have reached an agreement whereby Cypress will acquire Simtek in an all cash transaction for $2.60 per share of Simtek common stock, or an aggregate value of approximately $46 million (including the value of Simtek shares held by Cypress).

The transaction will be structured as a cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Simtek common stock and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in or prior to the fourth calendar quarter of 2008.

Simtek's nvSRAMs provide the high-speed memory access of standard SRAMs (15-ns access time), but retain data when power is turned off-a feature critical to applications where secure data storage is essential to system functionality. This combination of features makes the devices ideal for applications requiring critical data retention under almost any operating conditions, such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) data storage, industrial controls, military and avionics, medical patient monitoring and automotive systems.

Cypress currently holds approximately four-percent of Simtek's outstanding common stock and has been marketing and licensing Simtek's technology since engaging in a joint product development agreement with Simtek in March 2006.

"Simtek's nvSRAM technology combines with our S8 (0.13-micron) design platform to provide outstanding features and functions for the embedded marketplace," said Ahmad Chatila, executive vice president of Cypress's Memory and Imaging Division. "We are looking to integrate this technology into many of our products, including our PSoC Programmable System-on-Chip, providing a highly integrated control and power failure solution for complex analog and digital systems."

Robert Pearson, chairman of the board of Simtek, added: "This is the result of a long and rigorous process of evaluating the Company's strategic alternatives. Cypress's global presence and manufacturing muscle along with its longstanding expertise in SRAMs will accelerate acceptance of Simtek's world-class nvSRAM technology by broader markets and application areas. Simtek's worldwide team of technical and business professionals is excited to become a part of Cypress's globally recognized and respected team."

ABOUT CYPRESS

Cypress delivers high-performance, mixed-signal, programmable solutions that provide customers with rapid time-to-market and exceptional system value. Cypress offerings include the PSoC Programmable System-on-Chip, USB controllers, general-purpose programmable clocks and memories. Cypress also offers wired and wireless connectivity solutions ranging from its WirelessUSB radio system-on-chip, to West Bridge and EZ-USB FX2LP controllers that enhance connectivity and performance in multimedia handsets. Cypress serves numerous markets including consumer, computation, data communications, automotive, industrial, and solar power. Cypress trades on the NYSE under the ticker symbol CY. Visit Cypress online at www.cypress.com.

MERUELO MADDUX PROPERTIES INCORPORATED (NASDAQ: MMPI | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) "Up 24.35% in morning trading"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/MMPI.php

Meruelo Maddux Properties is a self-managed, full-service real estate company that develops, redevelops and owns commercial and residential properties in downtown Los Angeles and other densely populated urban areas in California that are undergoing demographic or economic changes. Meruelo Maddux Properties is committed to socially responsible investment. Through its predecessor business, Meruelo Maddux Properties has been investing in urban real estate since 1972.

MMPI News:

August 4 - Meruelo Maddux Properties Announces the Closing of a $84 Million Construction Loan for Its 717 W. Ninth St. Project

Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc. (Nasdaq: MMPI), a self-managed, full-service real estate company that develops, redevelops and owns commercial and residential properties, announced the entering into of a $84.0 million construction loan on its 35-story, high-rise multi-family project located at 717 W. Ninth St. The initial construction draw on this loan occurred on August 1, 2008.

The loan proceeds will be used primarily to (a) fund the remaining development needs on the Company's 717 W. Ninth St. project, (b) fund an interest payment reserve and (c) fund a real estate tax and insurance reserve. No additional borrowings are projected to be needed to complete the 717 W. Ninth St. project.

The loan has an initial eighteen (18) month term with five (5) extension periods (subject to extension fees) of six (6) months each for a total maximum term of up to forty-eight (48) months. This variable term structure affords Meruelo Maddux Properties the flexibility to be able to re-finance this construction loan or secure permanent takeout financing at a point of time of its own choosing.

The loan has a 1.50% commitment fee for the initial eighteen month term and has a fixed 12.00% interest rate through final maturity. There are no exit fees. The loan is pre-payable at any time. There is a pre-payment penalty only during the initial eighteen month term. The pre-payment penalty is structured such that the lender will receive a minimum interest payment equal to twelve months of interest in total (net of any interest previously received) on advanced loan proceeds.

This financing is being provided by an affiliate of Canyon Capital Realty Advisors LLC. Canyon Capital Realty Advisors LLC and its affiliate Canyon Capital Advisors LLC are registered investment advisors and money management firms located in Los Angeles, California with approximately $20 billion of assets under management.

The Company's 717 W. Ninth St. will feature 214 luxury apartment homes in downtown Los Angeles near the Staples Center and LA Live projects. The apartment homes will be located high above the street and the private gated above-ground parking and will feature dramatic views of downtown, the west side of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

A secure, private residential entrance and a restaurant and bar will be located at the street level. Resort style amenities including a lap pool and whirlpool spa, a fitness facility, a living room/library and an outdoor social area with BBQ grills and firepits will be located at the seventh level. The property will include 24 hour digital security, valet parking and concierge services. High-speed elevators will provide secured access to each floor. Each apartment home will be well appointed with high-end finishes and appliances, walk-in closets and state-of-the-art media technology infrastructure. The project has been designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building program standards and is seeking a Silver designation.

The property is located at the corner of Flower and Ninth Streets in downtown Los Angeles, across the street from downtown's only major supermarket, Ralph's, adjacent to the financial district, and proximate to the new LA Live entertainment and dining complex and the Staples Center. The building will be one of the tallest residential structures in downtown Los Angeles.

NUTRACEA CORPORATION (OTCBB: NTRZ | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) "Up 35.48% in morning trade"

Detailed Quote: http://www.otcpicks.com/quotes/NTRZ.php

NutraCea, a health-science company, develops and distributes stabilized rice bran and proprietary rice bran formulations. Its products include food supplements and medical foods that provide health benefits for humans and animals based on stabilized rice bran, rice bran derivatives, and the rice bran oils. The company's customers include consumer nutrition and healthcare companies, domestic and international food companies, and companion animal feed manufacturers. NutraCea was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

NTRZ News:

July 31 - NutraCea Announces Second Quarter Conference Call

* Company Reconfirms Revenue Guidance for Second Quarter

* All Construction Projects Are on Schedule

NutraCea (OTCBB: NTRZ), a world leader in stabilized rice bran (SRB), nutrient research and technology, announced that it will release its second quarter results on Monday, August 11, 2008, after market close.

Management will host a conference call at 5:30 p.m. ET on Monday, August 11, to review second quarter financial results. Interested parties should dial 800-257-1927. International callers should dial 303-262-2138.

The call is also available via a Webcast that can be accessed at www.investorcalendar.com/IC/CEPage.asp?ID=132444 and will be archived for 30 days.

The Company previously provided guidance on the first quarter conference call May 12, 2008 for revenues for the second quarter to be between $9 and $10 million. The Company is pleased to report that it will meet or exceed this guidance for the second quarter and that all of its previously announced construction projects are on schedule.

Management is continuing to evaluate various financing options available to them to fund the construction of the world's largest rice bran oil refinery in China and expects to announce the appropriate financing option before September 30, 2008.

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