I have been monitoring these for the past few days and commented on them on the ADVFN site ... the comapany has underperformed over the past 6-12 months ..more to do with poor management then it's products ..last year it had a turnover of around 21m yet did not make any profits! things were looking better at the end of the last year but in January the directors released not so positive news re delays in contract wins ..( i attach that item of news below )the note of significance to me was that the company said it was going to take measures to return the company to profitability and realise shareholder value ..everyone have different interpretations of what this means (poss management buyout / breakup etc etc ).. the company has not stipulated exactly what it intends to do.. but on todays news which on the whole is positive , said talks are progressing well..

i have taken a small speculative punt on these ..other views welcomed


News released today

LONDON (AFX) - Applied Optical Technologies PLC said it still sees full year
results broadly in line with expectations expressed in January, when it said
profits would be "materially below" market expectations.
The group, which is carrying out a strategic review, also said in January
that it was at an advanced stage of discussions to ensure a return to
profitability.
Today, it said the talks are "progressing well".
It added: "The company's Brand Protection business continuesto perform well
and, as expected, we have agreed a five year extension to our contract with
Major League Baseball."
It said this contract will mean it can secure contract extensions with all
the four major sports leagues in America.
In addition, it said the tax stamp programme in the Middle East has now
begun in full and the "high volumes associated with this programme have had a
positive impact on the profitability of the European operations."
It added: "We are still expecting to secure the contract for the delayed tax
stamp programme referred to in our January trading statement."
In ID Technologies, the contract to provide security laminates for voter ID
cards to a major Latin American country has now started, it said.
"This has increased the volumes through our facility in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania but market conditions in this product area continue to be
challenging.



news release in January....

LONDON (AFX) - Shares in Applied Optical Technologies shot to the top of the
list of worst-performing small-caps after the company warned that results for
the full year are now expected to be materially below market expectations
following contract delays and the recent movement in the dollar-sterling
exchange rate.
The group is carrying out a strategic review and is currently at an advanced
stage of discussions in respect of an option to ensure a return to profitability
and a recovery in the valuation placed by the market on the group. It said it
hopes to make an announcement in the near future.
Chief executive Mark Turnage commented: "We have recently been awarded
several large contracts but the arrival of these has takenlonger than expected.
Whilst the delays are disappointing, these contracts will help underpin the
company's trading position for next year."
Applied Optical shares were 11 pence lower at 34 by 7.50 am - a decline of
24 pct.

up up and away

Altitude baffled by share price rise
StockMarketWire.com
Altitude has noted the increase in the company's share price and confirmed that it knew of no operational or corporate reason for the movement which has not previously been announced.

At 3:31pm: (LON:ALT) Altitude Group PLC share price was +26.25p at 80.5p


Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Still watching these very interesting..

Yes indeed, as you probably know a chunky 150 K buy at the closing bell on Friday ! Wish that was me, but not unfortunately !