2005, a pivotal year for Axis-Shield, with strong growth and profitability

So it appears the 'traders' (expecting surprise over and above expectations) supplied stock for the 'investors' that were apparently not so disenchanted, and we subsequently finished broadly flat!

What yesterdays trading update also highlights, is that we have a company who's revenue generation and profitability is 'not' dependant on what can arguably be described as a 'pivotal' or company transforming product. We have a company that is not standing still and relying solely on that pivotal product, as evidenced by yet another deal and indeed ongoing R&D that continues to enhance and extend both the boundaries and duration of sustained profitability.

Personally I cannot see how people interpret CLIA waiver as being delayed. If Provalis took a short cut to CLIA waiver, then it has back fired 'big time' with creditability likely to have been irreparably damaged (especially being so reliant on a single product). Supplying the FDA with the 'correct' information to relevant questions is all part of the FDA due process and diligence etc. So I do not see CLIA waiver as delayed. However, I do see we have a manufacturing/scale up delay, but importantly, I see we have a company with high ethic's, due diligence and who's skill's and knowledge is firmly in the 'required' field of expertise to see Afinion through to 'ultimate' success. I want to make it clear that I am no expert, but I have made it my business to take more than a cursory look at ASD and in particular Afinion. I have believed for sometime that Afinion is a company transforming product, and I still do. Svein’s comment’s yesterday that "Afinon is far in front of any competition", along with Abbott’s distribution deal and patience, should send a very clear and reassuring signal.

2005 has indeed thus far turned out to be a pivotal year for ASD, so I would welcome opinions on how then might 2006 best be described?

Regards and best wishes to all ASD ‘investors’

Wan