Anyone knows about the recent speculation of big contracts coming up at C&W ??? Would welcome any threads. Thanks.

UK's Cable & Wireless jumps on ABN AMRO optimism

LONDON, Dec 19 (Reuters) - British telecoms firm Cable & Wireless Plc topped the FTSE 100 (^FTSE - news) gainers list on Friday, recovering from a two-month low after C&W's house broker ABN AMRO (Amsterdam: AAH.AS - news) told clients the stock looked cheap.

C&W shares were up 5.3 percent at 133-1/4 pence by midday. Volume was heavy, with over 34 million shares changing hands, above the 90-day average volume of 29.6 million. Earlier in the week, C&W touched 123-1/4p, its lowest level since mid-October.

"Since C&W announced their U.S. exit the stock has drifted off around 10 percent and I think the main reason for that is people have been reducing beta in their portfolios towards the end of the year, but I do think the downside risk has minimalised," said ABN AMRO analyst Richard Eary.

"Even if the markets turn and look for low-beta stocks next year and go back to value plays, C&W should also come up on radar screens given its cash pile, low multiples and ability to increase the dividend side or potentially embark on share buy-backs," Eary added. He has an "add" rating on C&W, with a price target of 148p.

C&W shares have been the star performer of the blue-chip FTSE index in 2003. Friday's rise brings its increase in the year so far to a massive 196 percent. The next best gainer looks set to be mobile phone company mmO2 , up 74 percent at 77p since the beginning of January.

Current price 132.25 down 1.8%. Looks like a good opportunity?

Thought that you might want to know an interesting fact on the AFX news today:

LONDON (AFX) - Richard Lapthorne, the businessman parachuted in to rescue Cable & Wireless PLC, is set to make more than 2.5 mln stg in his first year in the job, the Sunday Times reported, giving no sources.

It said the C&W chairman is paid a salary of 386,000 stg and holds a large number of shares that on paper have given him a gain of almost 2.3 mln.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

pav/

Current price 134.25 up 1.5% from 22 Dec. That's alot if you've a large holding in the company. Since it's a blue chip company, you can easily sell at large volume without any problem. I'm happy with it and IMHO, its going to grow quick enough.

Slow but Steady. Price now 135.5

We could see some top line movement here. I amm very pleased with my investment.
Thanks to all on the thread for their first class research. jock.

Price now 137.25. If you look at the price and date closely it has risen from 130 to 137.25. A good 5.5%. An investment of 50,000 will bring you a profit of 2788 pounds. Not bad huh? The price still looks very cheap and its rising fast today.

Just realised that the price has gone up to 139. Cheap!

price now 141.25 Good value shares are hard to ignore.

142.5 now up 9% from 22 Dec. Heard that there are contracts to be announced and price is going up.

145.5 now. Still extremely good value.

On the 8 of Jan company directors have purchased at a price of 135.25 pence
per share.

146.25 now

Tech sector was boosted by the research on Mobile phone effects on human health - the result was inconclusive. One to watch as well. This company was once valued at 15 pounds per share!!

148.25 now. For those who have listened, you would have gained a massive 12% !!! Still cheap if you're looking for medium to long term investment.

I am considering buying C&W I bought a long time ago when things were really looking bad and took the profits long ago. I see that they still have their huge cash pile and they are saying that it will only cost them around 300 million to exit the US.

I would still think that this is a good medium to long term bet - anyone disagree? I can't seem to find a huge amount of information on them.. though their website is very good

Stay out for the time being. I sold mine at 154.

This is strong.
I wa s checking the highs... 430p!! Was there any trade above 400p today?

hmm

Received a C&W Plc securities litigation notice from USA court in Virginia in respect of shares held during Aug 1999 and Dec 2002(lost a fortune then).
Any one any comment on this notice???
Thanks p/271

Does anyone else think the support level at 146 is an indication to buy?