AuthenTec is a global provider of touch-powered technology applicable to PCs, cell phones and other devices, creating a “smart fingerprint” solution for Web sites, online social networks and digital identity.

The company announced the expansion of its Shanghai operations, naming Dr. Lunji Qui as vice president and general manager of AuthenTec China, which is the base of operations for the company’s software, sales and technical support. Dr. Qui’s various notable positions with Atrua Technologies, Broadcom China, and Motorola in Singapore position him to lead all aspects of AuthenTec China, including business development, software expansion, customer support, and marketing and sales.

Scott Moody, AuthenTec chairman and CEO, said Dr. Qui’s background in fingerprint sensor solutions will enhance the company’s steps to take advantage of global opportunities.

“We are extremely pleased to appoint Dr. Qiu to lead our business development efforts and our growing software development team in China,” Moody stated

AuthenTec [AUTH: 1.78, 0.00 (0.00%)], the world’s leading provider of fingerprint sensors and solutions to the PC, Wireless and Access Control markets, released their Q1/09 earnings and held their analyst conference call May 12th after the market closed.

As I wrote on my Twitter feed, 3 of the companies in the portfolio reported last week, and all things considered, AuthenTec was not the highest on my priority list by any means.

Sure, I guess that speaks to the status of the company, and I’m seriously considering shuttering the entire position as I’ll discuss below, but for now, it looks like with AuthenTec’s huge cash position (the stock currently trades at less than the $2.31 per share in cash on hand), as well as their intellectual property (IP) and client

AuthenTec, Inc. stock was upgraded from “Outperform” to “Strong Buy” by Raymond James Financial on Thursday (June 12th). The announcement fueled a rapid appreciation of 12.3 percent for the day.

AuthenTec itself has been growing by leaps and bounds, seeing a 67 percent revenue increase in the first quarter of 2008. In a recent conference call held to discuss the quarter ended March 31st, the company expressed the belief that 2008 revenues will only continue to grow. It is estimated that earnings for the second quarter will total more than $17.2 million, as a result of large-volume shipments of the company’s “AES 2810″ PC fingerprint-authentication product. It has also been reported that Intel’s Montevina laptops will come equipped with the AES 2810 sensors, to begin shipping in the second half of 2008.

In addition, AuthenTec has announced its intent to step up research and development efforts in a play for an