Sharesmagazine
 Home   Log In   Register   Our Services   My Account   Contact   Help 
 Stockwatch   Level 2   Portfolio   Charts   Share Price   Awards   Market Scan   Videos   Broker Notes   Director Deals   Traders' Room 
 Funds   Trades   Terminal   Alerts   Heatmaps   News   Indices   Forward Diary   Forex Prices   Shares Magazine   Investors' Room 
 CFDs   Shares   SIPPs   ISAs   Forex   ETFs   Comparison Tables   Spread Betting 
You are NOT currently logged in
Register now or login to post to this thread.

KCOM traders (KCOM)     

little woman - 21 Oct 2003 09:38

Kingston Communications is an established UK communications company. The Group's national business-to-business capabilities encompass the provision of fully integrated and managed network solutions, complemented by the delivery of voice, data and call handling services in the towns and cities served by the Kingston Communications network. This infrastructure comprises twenty-five metropolitan fibre networks and a long distance broadband network, which was initiated for service in May 2001. Kingston's new media activities include the DSL-based interactive television service, KIT, and satellite broadband content, storage and distribution arm, Kingston inmedia. The Group's East Yorkshire network operation has served business and residential customers since 1904.

draw?startDate=02%2F01%2F04&epic2=UB67&pdraw?epic2=UB67&epic=KCOM

optomistic - 31 Mar 2006 08:08 - 183 of 582

Bid talks off but trading better:

KINGSTON COMMUNICATIONS (HULL) PLC (KCOM.L)
PRE-CLOSE STATEMENT

Kingston Communications (HULL) PLC ('Kingston') is holding its normal series of
pre-close period meetings with analysts, ahead of its preliminary results
announcement on 23 May.

Approach

Further to the announcement made on 10 November 2005, Kingston announces that
the discussions relating to an unsolicited potential offer for the Company have
ended because the parties failed to agree on price and structure.

Trading update

As expected, overall the Group will deliver a stronger second half performance
than experienced in the first half both in revenues and earnings.

We have made progress in the implementation of our strategic repositioning
towards the delivery of integrated converged communications services whilst at
the same time reducing our exposure to capital intensive and increasingly
commoditised legacy business.

The market continues to evolve at an ever increasing pace reflecting both a high
level of competition and continued migration towards IP-delivered services. A
combination of regulatory change and shifts in technology is enabling us to
develop a more flexible approach in delivering services to our customers.

Kingston Communications

Trading has been particularly strong throughout the year. Our broadband service
continues to grow with the customer base likely to exceed 119,000 at the full
year, some 61 per cent higher than last year.

Activity in our traditional incumbent business has been focused on managing the
continued effects of both mobile and internet services on traditional voice
revenues. The launch of KC Talk, our bundled access and usage packages, together
with the growth in our broadband business have increased the level of
subscription-based revenues within our traditional licensed area.

Affiniti

In a challenging market environment, the business integration process has
established a stable platform for managing the continued transition of Affiniti
in to a leading provider of integrated communications and managed services. Our
pipeline of prospects has improved, order intake levels have risen during the
second half and churn has reduced. We have seen some significant new customer
wins including Toyota, together with renewals and service extensions with
existing customers such as the Environment Agency.

At the same time, the Affiniti business mix has continued to move away from
traditional network services, particularly those delivered through our partner
channels, into delivering more complex managed solutions direct to customers,
which is leading to a longer implementation and billing cycle. Whilst order
intake has strengthened, revenues and earnings will be below expectations for
the second half due to this longer implementation cycle.



Information Services

Our information services business has continued to perform well during the half
year.

To build on the success of our existing retail and wholesale directory enquiries
service, we have acquired the business of 118800 Limited for 1.187 million.
This will be funded by 1.012 million in cash and the issue of 254,916 new
shares to the value of 175,000. Application has been made to admit the new
ordinary shares to the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and to trading
on the market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange plc. This
acquisition will allow us to increase our retail presence and exploit our
outsourced wholesale call handling capabilities.

Outlook

The outlook for the Group reflects robust underlying organic growth in the
delivery of both broadband services and integrated communications services to
enterprise and public sector customers. At the same time the mix of our business
continues to shift away from network intensive services. The impact of this
change is to reduce the anticipated level of capital expenditure within our
business model along with a commensurate reduction in EBITDA margins, but it
will enable the Group to continue to generate anticipated cash flows.

In the light of the change in our business mix and the increased commoditisation
of legacy network services, the Group will be making a further impairment
provision against the carrying value of its network assets.

Michael Abrahams, Chairman, said: 'We have a clear strategy to develop the
business. We recognise the challenges in the market and have made good progress
in our repositioning to minimise their impact whilst capitalising on the
opportunity to deliver integrated converged communication services. A
combination of clarity of strategy and strength of management gives the Board
confidence in the future of the Company and our ability to deliver returns to
shareholders.'

greekman - 10 May 2006 16:59 - 184 of 582

A main regeneration scheme has been going on for several weeks now in Hull with the city center being closed to traffic for the next 28 weeks. What has this got to do with KC I hear you ask. Well Hull City Council, holders of the worst council in GB award, are renown for running out of money and cash waste. I have a feeling that well before the end of the project they will be looking for a cash inflow. As they still own a huge amount of KC shares, they may need to look at a big slice of their holding being put to a different use. We all look to sell when we run out of cash. Just a thought.

greekman - 17 May 2006 17:53 - 185 of 582

Analysts are predicting a healthy rise in pre-tax profits.

Robert Hughs a local stockbroker said ( in The East Riding Mail ) analysts were predicting pre-tax profits of between 24m and 30m up on last years operating profit of 12.6m. Now I am not saying a local stockbroker knows more that none local analysts, but as said in previous posts just talking to KC engineers ( which I did several months ago when they were working almost opposite my house ) gives a good insight into how things are going, ie overtime being worked, numbers on waiting lists for connections etc. Local knowledge, connections can be a valuable tool. Someone once said ( I think it was Warren Buffet but I may be wrong ) that talking to a companies customers can give a good insight into the company itself.
Lets hope predictions are right.

optomistic - 17 May 2006 18:00 - 186 of 582

Greekman, Robert Hughes may make a name for himself here. Hope he's correct...I'm going to upgrade my car, but will wait until after the 23rd (playing safe)

cynic - 17 May 2006 19:11 - 187 of 582

I stayed with this company for quite a while, but am glad I got out when i did .... Iam afraid i see no great future for KCOM without a bid which, after the last fiasco, seems to be a long way off

optomistic - 17 May 2006 19:23 - 188 of 582

"the last fiasco" never really made it to bid status. A proper bid will shake things up, can't come soon enough!!

greekman - 18 May 2006 08:10 - 189 of 582

From SDA INDIA

Kingston Adds PageOnes Desktop SMS Text Messaging

Kingston Communication has partnered with PageOne to provide web-based desktop SMS text messaging to its business customers. Under the terms of the agreement, PageOne's connect product will be re-branded and integrated by Kingston Communications to allow its customers to send and receive text messages directly from their Kingston Communications account.

As to the so called fiasco, it was only a bid approach, which was called off as terms, structure could not be agreed. It was deemed that the offer mentioned was too low. KC know that this company is on the up. I suspect after the results are announced, further offers will flow in. Even if KC continue as a company, I think since the overhaul of the management lessons have been learned.
A company with a good product,good customer base and a good management team.

greekman - 23 May 2006 07:53 - 190 of 582

Just had time to skim through but results look as good as expected.

cynic - 23 May 2006 07:59 - 191 of 582

Hull Council are in something of a cleft stick with their effectively controlling 30% stake ...... It seems that the previous offer was for 85p but HCC deemed it too low and/or they are very worried about being seen for selling out for too little ...... At the end of the day, like with houses, you can ask whatever price you like, but whether you can get it is another matter.

greekman - 23 May 2006 21:17 - 192 of 582

Paul Simpson today acquired 30,000 shares.

KEVIN WALSH acquired 21,000 SHARES.

KERRY SIMPSON acquired 30,000 shares

Nice to see three fairly large purchases by personds connected to the company.

Perhaps something IS brewing

greekman - 13 Jul 2006 15:05 - 193 of 582

Nice to see a positive RNS.

KC sign another contract. Their reputation, re IP integration into county councils and private companies is spreading. This makes them even more a takeover target.

greekman - 14 Jul 2006 07:31 - 194 of 582

It appears Karoo (KC broadband) are experimenting at putting speeds out up to 8mb. A bit of a technophobe myself but I understand this is fast.
They will also be looking at price structuring for their broadband packages.
You will no doubt have noticed that many broadband providers have increased speeds and lowered prices, so it is about time KC got competitive again.
No time limit has been mentioned but hopefully they will have to get a move on or they will start to loose customers, which is a shame as their Karroo customer service is excellent and in most cases free.

optomistic - 29 Jul 2006 15:53 - 195 of 582

Time this thread came back to the top again,
Nice trading update last week.
May even get Little Woman posting again soon :-)



The Group has seen a robust start to its new financial year with the momentum created in the second half of last year continuing in to the first quarter of the new year.

Affiniti has made an encouraging start to the year. As expected, we have seen strong growth in revenues from our direct business-to-business channel, in particular reflecting increasing demand for converged communication services. At the same time, following the launch of our mass interactive call platform in the first quarter, we have seen increased sales to the media and quiz call sector. The combination of these two trends has more than offset the anticipated reduction in our indirect partner business, which has a greater exposure to traditional basic voice services. Contract wins during the first three months of the year include Fife Council, CSEE Transport, GVA Grimley, Balfour Beatty and ADT Fire & Security.

Kingston Communications has performed strongly. Broadband services continue to be a key area of growth where our focus continues to be on building our business in less price sensitive segments of the market, where availability and service quality, rather than price, are valued by customers thus building stronger loyalty. The customer base at the end of June was over 129,000, an increase of 51 per cent year on year.

Michael Abrahams, Chairman commented: During the first quarter we have seen ongoing momentum across the Group resulting in good contract wins, a strong order pipeline and continued growth across the business. As a result, trading is in line with our expectations.

Kingston Communications will announce its Interim results for the six months ending 30 September on 28 November.

cynic - 29 Jul 2006 18:22 - 196 of 582

and meanwhile, i see little long-term future and with Hull CC holding 30% i feel this is a stock with much more likely risk than reward.

optomistic - 29 Jul 2006 19:16 - 197 of 582

Oh dear cynic, I was just beginning to look ahead optimistically and along you come to dampen my enthusiasm, on the oilers as well!
Insight on what stocks you are positive on would be interesting?

cynic - 29 Jul 2006 20:36 - 198 of 582

first of all, bear in mind that i am still not convinced that thye markets are heading back up, notwithstanding that Dow surged past 11150 and even 11200 ..... very much feel markets are choosing to ignore what is still potentially a very ugly situation in M/E.

Of the oilies, i very much like BUR which i think is a cracking company, very well managed and is a proven producer ..... in mining, i like ANTO and POG and perhaps CER and ENK ...... BARC looks a good solid hold and BVIC, though that may now be a bit late ...... on the speccy side, still keen on VOG and CHP ..... and the DOW and NASDAQ 100 are worth watching, though I would not be a uyer at these levels ..... Gold is also interesting though i have rather lost track of where it is now going; probably upwards, but i am not sure if there are any resistances close at hand.

optomistic - 29 Jul 2006 23:47 - 199 of 582

Cheers cynic, thanks for your reply....... I still like the potential of KCOM irrespective of the HCC holding.

greekman - 31 Jul 2006 07:36 - 200 of 582

Hull City Councils center of Hull regeneration is well under way.
The city center is virtually closed to traffic and will be for some time.
I only mention this for the following reason. The project is looking to be completed by Sept 2007 at a cost of 150,000,000. No doubt the council will not be liable for the full cost due to the EU assistance, city generation schemes etc, but if you look at just about every similar project, they always (alright being generous) nearly always come in late at well over budget.
If they do start looking for extra cash, they may start looking at share offloading via KC or at least back any sort of buy out.
I can't see KC staying independent for much longer.
Only my opinion obviously.

optomistic - 03 Aug 2006 21:24 - 201 of 582

If this doesn't lift the price tomorrow what will, why was the announcement delayed until after the close?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Affiniti chosen by The Carphone Warehouse to install three new IP contact centres to underpin business growth
Expanded capacity to reach 60 per cent market penetration by 2008
Virtual structure ensures the ultimate flexibility combined with an excellent customer experience
Local loop unbundling driving ambitious customer acquisition programme
Contract worth 3m over three years
The Carphone Warehouse will improve customer service and business efficiency, by means of three new virtual IP contact centres. Installed by communications integrator, Affiniti, the new centres will allow The Carphone Warehouse to reach its goal of 3.5 million customers by 2009. The contract is worth approximately 3m over three years and involves the planning, provision, building and ongoing management of the Cisco-based contact centres.

Through the new IP contact centres, The Carphone Warehouse will benefit from efficient integration of new agents, sites and applications. Utilising Affinitis intelligent call routing, enquiries can be distributed via different agents on different sites. Calls can be placed depending on the agents skills, ensuring individual requests can be appropriately answered. Agents will benefit from increased facilities such as CTI technology with screen pop-ups - callers are automatically recognised giving agents open access to their history and preferences.

The contact centres will manage much of the traffic generated by new services from The Carphone Warehouse, for example, the Free for Life broadband proposition that has been opened up by local loop unbundling. 1,800 new customer service advisers will meet increasing levels of demand. Two of the contact centres are located in the North West of England and one in South Africa.

As The Carphone Warehouses longest serving communications partner, Affiniti was chosen for its open and trusted working relationship, proven track record for delivery, attention to detail and consultative approach to delivery.

Robert Kent, Business Relationship Manager for CRM at The Carphone Warehouse said: The new contact centres will enable us to service our customers quickly and efficiently. We currently handle around a million calls a month and expect this to rise significantly as more and more customers take the Broadband product.

He continued: Affiniti de-risked the project for us, providing invaluable technical expertise to complement our in-house skills and offsite testing resources to ensure efficient implementation.

Gary Young, Managing Director of Affiniti, said: Affiniti has worked closely with The Carphone Warehouse over a number of years providing a wide range of solutions. This latest series of contact centre projects will play a key role in supporting the companys rapid business expansion for both TalkTalk and its mobile business.


greekman - 04 Aug 2006 07:32 - 202 of 582

Good news indeed.
As to waiting till the market closed before the announcement release, you will find this is often the case so it gives as much as possibly an equal opportunity for punters to buy.
As you say this should lift the price, although a contract worth 1 mill per year for the next 3 years, it may not move too much.
Register now or login to post to this thread.