I concur that the most likely reason for the delay is related to the probability that some sort of deal is being made, hopefully.

There can be no NR released that a deal is pending or even that POET is in negotiations for a deal. Think about it. They release this information, the SP goes up, a deal falls through (for whatever reason) and the market tanks. Think of the recriminations that follow.

NRs are about material events. They cannot come out and say they are negotiating with xyz because it can be misinterpreted and misunderstood. Facts must rule.