Place your snippet of news on this thread if you feel it will help others gain from the news.

cheers GF.

Myself and a number of colleagues who work in the packaging industry have our fingers crossed that Stanelco will take-off soon following their packaging patent. It has huge potential as it could reduce costs and packaging waste at the same time. Once the retailers understand this (and they are involved) they could and possibly will specify the type of system used which gives meat packers two choices, use conventional system with higher energy costs and waste or invest in this system and benefit from the savings,no doubt with retailers taking a share!
In the background is a court case with BPRG over a patent for use RF technology for producing gel capsules, but with so many things happening it will not be the end of the world if defeated but if they win?
DYOR

Cheers Andy, now thats the kind of info we want on this thread.

Well done and lets have more.

cheers GF.

From Killiik Brokers this morning...........

VANCO Siemens contract



Ahead of interim results due next week, Vanco has served up another good contract win. This time it is with Siemens which demonstrates that this smaller virtual network provider can pull in the big names. The contract is worth Euro4.3 million over three years, which in itself would be considered small. However, as we have said before, initial contract sizes are no guide to future revenue potential and this is a first class win from which will add to the momentum we have seen coming from this group. We shall comment further next week.



cheers GF

Shrewdies detect recovery at Babcock

Published: 08:22 Mon 6 Sept 2004
By Patrick Sherwen, Deputy & Secret Buying Editor
Email to a friend |


Three top investors have backed Babcock International to come good after the engineering group's recent turbulent history which has witnessed the long drawn out takeover of Peterhouse and big redundancies in its Rosyth dockyard.

The 240 million support services company works primarily with public sector institutions, such as Network Rail, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. It is split into four business divisions in the UK and overseas operations in Africa and the US. Three quarters of the 452 million turnover last year derived from the UK, after which Africa was the next most important market accounting for 18%.


The Rosyth job losses were announced in late July and drew much criticism from trades unions. They were bad news for the employees, and for Gordon Brown who is MP for that constituency, but are likely to benefit shareholders by lowering the cost base and increasing efficiency. They also followed less bitter news that the company had won contracts worth 13 million to refit four Royal Navy warships.


New Star's AA-rated fund manager Stephen Whittaker clearly has a positive view of these developments as he was buying shares for his UK Growth fund this week. He added 70,000 shares to the holding to take it to a little more than 2 million or 0.97% of the company. The price around this time was 115p, at which they are valued at an attractive 9.22 times forecast earnings for 2005 and 8.5 times forecasts for 2006.


His equally rated rival Paul Mumford has also bought in the last month or so, adding 20,000 shares to Cavendish Asset Management's stake in late July to take it to 965,000. AAA-rated Henry Maxey of Ruffer Investment Management holds 400,000 shares in the Equity & General fund after buying in June.


* This article also appears in today's Financial Mail on Sunday

cheers GF.

From the Midas column This Is Money...........................

Costain, the building company that delivered

a rise of more than a third in its interim profits to 8.1m last week. It also has a juicy couple of water utility projects that could be worth 350m over five years.


Rated a buy at 35 1/2p in January, the shares ended Friday at 42 1/4p, but with further progress expected this year and a renewed intention to resume dividends next year, the shares trade at just above ten times forecast earnings and should be bought.

cheers Gf

From tonights Growth Company Investor..............


Bond International Software - STRONG BUY
Revitalised recruitment and human resources software play Bond powered home with excellent interims to June, as UK and US markets improved. Pre-tax profits leapt 359% to 711,000 on a 26% sales jump to 4.24m, with sales rising across the board in the UK .......

06/09/2004
Teleunit SpA - SPECULATIVE BUY
Italian communications concern Teleunit, the first Italian company to be quoted on a London exchange, offered up solid, if unspectacular, maiden interim results. Although turnover was down 5.6% to 5m (17m), this was actually a strong performance as a p.......
06/09/2004

WSP - BUY
WSP has been appointed as the biggest structural engineer for the Freedom Tower in New York, the 1,776-foot skyscraper that will rise as the centrepiece of rebuilding at the World Trade Center site. This prestigious award, which will be worth about 5m to.......


cheers GF.

Morning note from Killik Brokers.............

Insurance stocks are moving higher following Amlins report yesterday and BRITs today. The hurricanes in Florida causing billions of pounds of damage are expected to extend the firm pricing environment at least for another year. Benfield reports tomorrow and the stock has been a firm market from a low base on good volume. Call your broker for a copy of our research note on this stock.

cheers GF

Recent BUY note out from Hoodless.......................

CARBO 11p Speculative Buy
Broker: WH Ireland Listing: AIM
Sector: Engineering & Machinery Market Cap: 6.6m
Reuters: CAB Year High/Low: 17.5/10.5p
Website: www.angloabrasives.com Next Results: Interims Oct
New shareholders have the chance of becoming involved at a potentially highly rewarding stage of Carbos
redevelopment. As mMuch of the re-engineering is completed this could well be the last funding before the
group returns to profitability.
Jan m 02 03 04
Turnover 64.19 56.09 52.6
Op. Loss -7.76 -7.54 -6.9
Interest -2.24 -0.66 -1.0
Loss PBT -10.00 -4.49 -8.0
EPS (p) -6p -54.9 -95.2
P/E - - -
Strengths
The turnover may bottom out at 50m and as much
has already been done to align cost, this leaves
plenty of recovery potential
Owner of a portfolio of strong and durable brands,
with capacity for increased production.
It is one of only two companies in the world
producing coated and bonded abrasives.
Banks have agreed a refinancing package worth up
to 9.5m and the loan notes have been converted
New management team lead by Lord Hodgson are
investing 1.2m and are being support by a trading
investor taking (0.5m) 14% of the issue,
Weaknesses
Mature market and the manufacturing plant is in
Europe.
At the last yearend losses were 7.5m and there
were 820 employees.
Recent lack of working capital impacted on last
years results.
Business Background
Carbo supplies high quality abrasive products
throughout the world under various brand names.
These products are used in a wide variety of industries
including: automotive, aerospace, metal work,
furniture, cutlery, valves, power tools, hand tools and
tobacco production.
The Group also owns Anglo Abrasives, which is one
of the UKs largest distributors of abrasive products,
with branches located throughout the country. There
are subsidiaries across Europe in Germany, Belgium,
Norway, Italy, Portugal, France. The manufacturing
units are located in Germany, Italy and the UK and
this is in the process of being further rationalised. The
high capital investment in machinery for bonded
products forms a barrier to entry and trends to create
pressures towards joint ventures. There are
opportunities to outsource some of the product range
to cheaper production centres.
Market Opportunity
The Europe and USA market for coated and bonded
abrasive products is worth an estimated $5.5bn The
range of industries is extremely wide from aerospace
to hypodermic needles through construction to razor
blades. Carbo are in the process of revitalizing existing
distribution channels and looking towards the higher
margin sectors.
Product Portfolio
Carbo is one of only two major companies distributing
a full range of abrasives. Coated Abrasives are cloth
and paper backed, Bonded Abrasives are grinding
wheels and CBN/Diamond are grinding wheels for
industrial applications. The brand names include
Carborundum, Anglo Abrasives and BMA.
The 3.5m funds raised will be used to complete the
rationalisation of the Group, which includes projects
in both Germany and the UK.
In Germany, they will complete the already
announced head count reduction programme, which
aims to save E2.8m (1.9m) in the first full year. They
will introduce a new IT system and the rationalisation
of the product range by eliminating duplicates. This
will dramatically reduce the number of manufactured
products by two thirds and will, in turn, facilitate the
streamlining of the sales and administration functions.
Activities Market Financials
Manufacture and sale of industrial
abrasives
Market Makers: 4
Bid/Offer: 9-12p (25%)
NMS: 10,000 Screen : 25,000
No Shrs: (59.6m )
Debt: 1.8m
NAV: Negative
Increase working Capital 1.2m

In the UK, the entire operation at Trafford Park will
be relocated to a smaller area of the current site with
the balance of the land being released to the
freeholder.
Current Clients
There is a long list of international blue chip clients
the biggest of which is Daimler Chrysler with 1% of
turnover. Clients include Phillips, Rover, Rolls
Royce, Gillett and Siemens.
There are three main competitors: Saint Gobain, SAI
and Naxoflex and joint manufacturing arrangement
are being negotiated with SAI.
Operations
The key to the groups operational performance is to
have enough working capital to purchase raw
materials supplies. The evidence of the improved
working capital management is that cash flow from
operations has increased substantially and the recent
funding will alleviate the financing constraint.
Country Operations review
Italy. BMA has now been refinanced. Sales and
production efficiencies are starting to rise as the
company's reputation in the market place begins to
return. There is no reason why this company should
not now be able to earn a decent return.
United Kingdom. Last year the focus was on
eliminating the losses in the UK. The Razor and
Rubber manufacturing operation in Manchester has
responded well to increased management focus.
Output is up and, though small, the operation is
nicely profitable. Anglo, the distribution business, has
closed further three depots and made other cost
reductions. As market reputation begins to improve
sales have stabilised so therefore a return to profits is
anticipated.
The focus has to be on reorganising the German
operations and the implementation of new
management structures to replace the hierarchal
structure more appropriate of an old fashioned
manufacturing company. Given the restrictions of
Germany's labour laws all this has taken time to
achieve, but is now well underway.
Senior Directors
Lord Hodgson Chairman ( Robin Granville) former
financier and owner of Granville Baird.
Jean-Louis Moatti is a director of Cemom SA in
France, Ekament AB in Sweden, Ekamant Polska and
Polsoft Spzoo, both in Poland. He is also a major
investor in Carbo plc.
Financials
The recent placing raised 3.2m, which funds the
companys working capital as well as providing 2m
capital for German expansion with 0.3m to complete
UK reorganisation After the conversion of debt into
equity earlier this year this has de-geared the
company, removed all current debt and strengthened
the balance sheet.
Recommendation
At an operational level the recovery is well underway
and we expect that this will soon be translated into a
visible improvement in earnings performance. As
well as recovery prospects corporate actions can also
be anticipated. Speculative Buy
Analyst: Jon Levinson August 04
KEY RECENT EVENTS INCLUDE
1991
2002
Oct 2003
July 2004
Acquired by Hopkinson Group
New team took control
Refinancing of debt & Restructuring
Issue of Equity 3.2m at 10p
FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Year End Jan
Interims Oct
Finals June
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS INCLUDE (%)
Lord Hodgson 17.8
H Fuchs 11,6
P Gyllenhammmar 6.7

cheers GF

GF

Been reading your postings for a few months now and have to say you're certainly on the ball. The only problem I have is that you cover such a large range of stocks which I can't keep up with. If I asked you to list your top 5 short, mediun and long term what would they be?

Regards
Mickeyskint

Hi Mickey, I normally go for long termers so I would be looking at,

Hamworthy
Bischi
Pipex
Anglo and Pacific
Merchant Retail

More or less in that order.

Of course it doesnt always work out as youd wish and some long termers become either short termers or medium termers depending on circumstances.

Best to cut losses quickly if they start to impact, I never average down but do buy in tranches upwards and also sell that way.

Please remember I do not own stock outlined on this thread they are just ideas that may interest others.

Hope you have a good day cheers GF.

GF

Many thanks

Mickeyskint

mes amities RE; GF's somewhat amusing jog down memory lane brought a wry smile to my face .As for my own personal favourite gaff of the hi tec daze, which determined the INANE ethos by which stock was valued , was Paul Kavanagh of Killicks waxing lyrical about Kewill systems which at the time were trading at 19,76 , and he dogmatically stated a more true and fair value was 60-00 !!!! ,,, .lndeed Paul . .Currently trading @ 60 odd pence . c'etait un coup de tete. Il n'a pas encore compris le truc .. Although Balt tec were the real king of the 99% club , my personal favourite was Vocalis . One day it was trading at 300p and i went for a drink at lunchtime and by the time i came back it was 1100p .........Happy daze for some; a nightmare still being paid off by more..ALL of which illustrates that the VAST majority of analyists are no better than the hacks telling you which horse will win the 2-30 at Newmarket . ln Public they dance to one tune ; ln private they sing to quite a diffeent tune . PPJ

I had a great time TFC. I think my favourite was Aortech, my father had died the previous year through a heart attack so I thought well ill have a few bob in a good cause at 34p. Latter that day they made an RNS something about stents I think and within 3 days they were 10 plus.

Bring those days back I say.

cheers GF.

GF

Where do you pitch you stop losses 10% 20%.
Mine are at 5-7.5% which I think might be a bit tight. Any pointers would be great. I just hate loosing money so I tend to jump at the least little thing. I am better than I use to be 2.5% was once my point of exit.

MS

Hi Mickey, I dont use stop losses any more I just by instinct know when to sell through experience (been in this business over 20 years now and still learning).

I used to use 15% in my earlier days, I would have thought the figure you are using is indeed too tight and if you have computerised triggers I am sure you will be outed way before you would have wished to get out.

cheers GF.

From Killiks morning notes...................



News in brief



When results are flowing through thick and fast, in the interests of time, we look to cover more of the stocks in brief.



Woolworths announces a first half loss some 5% lower than last year at 33 million. The group makes all of its money at Christmas as demonstrated by the 80 million profit forecast for the full year. These results are in line but trends are hard to establish. Certainly, operating margin improvements are encouraging as the group gets to grips with its security problem and the new Big W format comes through. On 11x earnings, not expensive.



Helphire, the claims handling business for the motor insurance industry, reports trade in line. Expectations are high for some serious growth from this organization but the move to new offices is showing the group is capable of a big leap in growth. No comment is provided on the potential acquisition of Albany Insurance.



WS Atkins reported strong progress last night at its AGM due to better than expected operating margin growth. The stock price of Atkins was as low as 50p last year but has recovered to 680p as management reacted to trading problems swiftly. Profits for the year are expected to hit 67 million according to the top of the range Bridgewell Securities for a price earnings ratio of 15 dropping to 13 for next year. The recovery in the stock price appears to have run its course for now.



Market gossip suggests that Countryside Properties is worth a look. The Cherry family has announced that they are reviewing the potential of a Management Buy Out which has carried the stock up from 220p to 275p. However, this may pave the way for others to take a look at the assets. Indications are that assets are worth well in excess of 300p, possibly as high as 350p. The shares have upside potential but are not without risk if the Cherry family decides to pull out.



Hardman Resources trade slightly lower today after gains yesterday as the Woodside Petroleum boss ( the lead partner in the Mauritania drilling program) cooled expectations for the first drill. The first well (Dorade) is perceived as high risk and of course, should they hit a dry well, this will upset sentiment. These comments are sensible rather than a forecast to lower expectations. As we heard recently with the attempted political overthrow, Woodside do paint a very conservative picture in their statements. Whilst the ride will be rocky, we remain excited by the prospect in Mauritania and finance and rigs are ready for a $100 million 21 hole drill program which begins in the next few days.



cheers GF.

Nice to pick up these snippets - as a shareholder in Hardman I bought this as speculative chance. Recent "problem" in Mauritania could have caused some baling, instead opportunity for more buys. With worldwide demand for oil increasing always worth a gamble in this sector with part of portfolio and Hardman looked as good as any as they have more eggs in more baskets than just this, although I think the mauritania looks potentially the most rewarding.

Any thoughts?

If you want to count this as a snippet, there has been a 9.3 Million crossing trade on PTG.

looking into HMY & BISI. Why is the spread so large. If you take this into account plus brokerage and duty the price has to increase 20% before breakeven.
Who fixes the spread? Is it a reflection of the risk or just to keep the tiddlers like me out.

Back to top, any answers anyone?.

cheers GF.