Word of the Day

Commodity

Even if you don't think you do, you already know plenty about commodities. Want us to prove it? No problem.

What makes oil produced in Saudi Arabia different from oil exported from Nigeria? It's the same thing that makes the corn you ate at last summer¿s barbecue different from the corn used to produce ethanol. Stumped? Well, don't feel bad, it's a trick question. The answer? Absolutely nothing. Corn is corn no matter where it comes from -- just as wheat is wheat and natural gas is -- right! -- natural gas. (Though the quality may differ, the make-up is uniform.)

So, in less elaborate terms, corn and oil (and all other commodities) are homogenous goods that can be processed, resold and more often than not, used as an input to the production of other goods or services. These goods are traded on a commodity exchange, thus setting the price-per-barrel (or other metric unit) used to value them.

Now pay attention, here's a question that indeed does have an answer: What is the difference between a commodity and a stock? While a stock can tank and become worthless, a commodity cannot have its value be wiped to zero. One other difference: Most commodities are traded in futures, meaning traders buy and sell where they think the price of a product will be at a certain point in the future. Stocks trade based on the value of the underlying company at that point in time.

Home / Markets / Industries / Industrials

Monday, July 21, 2008

Charles & Colvard Announces the Resignation of Robert S. Thomas

Email this Story | Respond to Editor | Print

Comtex

MORRISVILLE, N.C., Jul 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) ----Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ: CTHR), the global source of moissanite, a created jewel available for use in fine jewelry, announced the resignation of Robert S. Thomas as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Chairman of the Board of Directors and as a Director effective immediately. Following his resignation, Mr. Thomas has agreed in principal to serve as a consultant to the Company. Dr. Frederick A. Russ, the lead independent Director will serve as the interim Chairman of the Board of Directors. Dennis M. Reed, the Company's President and Chief Marketing Officer will be responsible for managing the Company's operations.

Dr. Russ stated, "Bob Thomas has earned respect from the jewelry industry in establishing moissanite as a viable, independent category of fine jewelry. We thank him for his contributions to the Company."

"I am honored to have had the opportunity to lead this Company and to work with our fine employees," added Mr. Thomas.

Mr. Reed stated, "We thank Mr. Thomas for his past service to the Company. While the outlook for the jewelry industry continues to be challenging, we will work diligently to grow the Company. In this economic environment, we believe moissanite offers consumers a beautiful, unique, affordable jewel with more fire and brilliance than any other."

About Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

Charles & Colvard, Ltd. (NASDAQ: CTHR), based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina, is the global sole source of lab-created moissanite, a unique, near-colorless jewel that is distinct from other gemstones and jewels based on its exceptional fire, brilliance, luster, durability and rarity. Currently used in fine jewelry, Charles & Colvard created Moissanite(TM) is primarily marketed to the self-purchasing woman as the perfect reward or indulgence for a woman celebrating her achievements, whether personal or professional, big or small. For more information, please access www.moissanite.com or www.charlesandcolvard.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements expressing expectations regarding our future and projections relating to products, sales, revenues and earnings are typical of such statements and are made under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, representations and contentions and are not historical facts and typically are identified by use of terms such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue" and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently.

All forward-looking statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties inherent in predicting the future. You should be aware that although the forward-looking statements included herein represent management's current judgment and expectations, our actual results may differ materially from those projected, stated or implied in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to the Company's ability to manage growth effectively, dependence on Cree, Inc. as the current supplier of the substantial majority of the raw material, ability to develop a material second source of supply, dependence on a limited number of jewelry manufacturing customers, dependence on continued growth and consumer acceptance of the Company's products, in addition to the other risks and uncertainties described in more detail in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur except as required by the federal securities laws, and you are urged to review and consider disclosures that we make in the reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission that discuss other factors relevant to our business.

SOURCE: Charles & Colvard, Ltd.

Charles & Colvard Ltd. Jim Braun, 919-468-0399
   Ext. 224 Chief Financial Officer jbraun@moissanite.com or Investor Relations: ICR, Inc. Jean Fontana, 203-682-8200 jean.fontana@icrinc.com