ADVFN Logo

We could not find any results for:
Make sure your spelling is correct or try broadening your search.

Trending Now

Toplists

It looks like you aren't logged in.
Click the button below to log in and view your recent history.

Hot Features

Registration Strip Icon for default Register for Free to get streaming real-time quotes, interactive charts, live options flow, and more.

SIT Sanditon Investment Trust Plc

90.00
0.00 (0.00%)
28 Mar 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Sanditon Investment Trust Plc LSE:SIT London Ordinary Share GB00BMPHJ807 ORD �0.01
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 90.00 88.00 92.00 - 0.00 00:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Sanditon Investment Share Discussion Threads

Showing 2626 to 2648 of 2875 messages
Chat Pages: 115  114  113  112  111  110  109  108  107  106  105  104  Older
DateSubjectAuthorDiscuss
10/4/2008
20:55
will this effect sit's work with them

Ikea, the Swedish retail chain, warned today that the housing downturn is hitting sales of its flat-pack furniture and said it is scaling back some of its expansion plans.

The world's largest furniture retailer has suffered falls in like-for-like sales in some of its major markets, and warned the declines could spill over to other European countries.

"The housing downturn is important for our business and we feel it quite a lot," Anders Dahlvig, the chief executive, said at the World Retail Congress in Barcelona. "Our growth is going down slightly in the US, the UK and Germany. The downturn is affecting us quite a lot."

He said future expansion would be at a "much slower" pace. "I definitely see big challenges in the western world and opportunities in emerging markets."

The retailer, which operates 260 stores across 37 countries, will concentrate its investment in emerging markets such as Croatia, Slovenia and Ukraine, and adding stores to those it has established in countries such as Poland, Russia and China. He also hopes to break into India if legislation on foreign ownership is eased.

Dahlvig criticised UK planning laws which have restricted the construction of edge-of-town superstores, which he said had hampered Ikea's expansion in Britain and forced it to open smaller high street stores. "This anti-competitive legislation is a problem for us."

He also warned that retailers faced the prospect of shrinking margins not only because of the economic slowdown but also because of "shifting priorities" as consumers spend less on household goods and more on leisure and travel. Ikea is taking a hit to its margins because it is not passing on higher raw material costs to its customers, who are already struggling due to soaring utility bills and higher taxes.

Coming months will see retailers focusing more on cost effectiveness, he said, as they struggle to maintain profit growth. "You take away all the 'nice to have' projects in the bad times," he added. Nonetheless, he also sees some evidence of shoppers who normally buy more expensive furniture trading down to Ikea.

His gloomy description of the credit crunch's impact on retailing was echoed by several of the 2,000 sector leaders attending the congress.

motoben
07/4/2008
14:43
There is the jump up. Not sure what caused it. Has news leaked?
babylon3
07/4/2008
14:36
I'm back in
asparks
07/4/2008
14:10
Good buying again today. All buys and no sells......
babylon3
03/4/2008
14:24
That 50k has done the trick...
babylon3
03/4/2008
12:52
dont hold.
nice buy rec in shares mag today.

cestnous
03/4/2008
11:53
BUY

3 April 2008

Libra Natural Resources

PRICE: 6.75p | US/CANADA | RENEWABLES | LNR.L | LNR.LN

n Building the No. 1 wood pellet producer

Libra Natural Resources (LNR) has stated that its aim is to build the world's number one producer of wood pellets over the next 24 months with a total capacity of around 1.5 million tons, thereby making it the largest supplier of wood biomass fuels for renewable electricity generation and heating.

n From an existing current production capacity of 131,500 tons of wood pellets and 100,000 of wood chips, LNR intends to be a major consolidator in North America of wood pellet companies by making a number of carefully selected and strategic acquisitions. In addition, the company plans to build a number of green field developments where the appropriate long-term feedstock and off-take agreements are in place.

n LNR currently has over 1.5 million tons of new or existing production facilities under exclusive option, development and/or due diligence for the objective of becoming the world's leading producer of wood pellets.

n As a first step, LNR has today announced the acquisition of Coeur d'Alene Fiber Fuels Inc., a profitable US producer of wood pellets. The company owns three plants, which together will have a total annual production capacity of 120,000 tons by YE 2008. In aggregate this is expected to give LNR a total capacity by year-end of 321,000 tons of wood pellets and 100,000 of wood chips.

n LNR also announced today signing Heads of Agreement to form a Joint Venture in China for the production of straw and rice husk biomass with a major northern Chinese wood pellet company and a Canadian biomass products company. A demonstration plant has been constructed. Considerable expansion is expected over the coming years.

n LNR is to divest all of its non-wood pellet/biomass interests, transferring them to Aim-listed Ethanol Investments plc in return for shares in that company. It is LNR's intention to reduce its holding in that entity over time, generating cash for the Company.

n Libra Natural Resource is shortly to change its name to "FibreGen plc" (subject to shareholder approval at the next AGM) to reflect the Company's sole focus on building the world's number one producer of wood pellets.



Nick Walker +44 (0)20 3100 2267 nick.walker@liberumcapital.com





Nick Walker
Head of Renewables



Tel:
+44 (0) 20 3100 2267

Fax:
+44 (0) 20 3100 2099

Mob:
+44 (0) 7983 959063


Nick.Walker@liberumcapital.com
www.liberumcapital.com

asparks
01/4/2008
15:15
Just been looking at the numbers from yesterday.

I've got the following:

Shares in issue: 91.3m
Current market cap: £82.m or $163.3m

Estimated revenue for 2008 is $140m-$160m (last year the company exceeded their own estimates, so they seem to be playing the game well of keep market expectations behind actual delivered numbers)

What is more difficult to calculate is how profitability will look.

They expect a gross margin of 18%+
So on $150m that would be $27m

But out of that comes costs such as interest, tax etc.
The company have some tax credits and also I note that they paid down a lot of debt in 2007.

I wonder if someone more clever than myself would like to hazard a pre-tax profit figure from these numbers?


On the face of it I would say that the company looks undervalued - especially if they can maintain this level of growth.

One main concern ahead is the cost of the capital spend on a new faciltity in Europe.

gsands
31/3/2008
23:00
well i liked that they got lots of contracts from europe any more for this year, but am pretty disappointed that they hardly did anything in the usa considering they have a partner that cost a lot in shares/warrants and they seem to be rubbish at getting any work for sit.
it must cost a lot to ship all the roofing across to europe so no wonder they want to expand the factory here.

motoben
31/3/2008
19:04
Well, I, for one, thought the results made pretty good reading (and have topped up), but they seem to have gone down like a damp squib :-(. Not one transaction showing following the webcast. I guess there aren't many peeps watching this, but it is a share that Investor's Chronicle follow, so we might get a positive update from them on Friday
3offthet
31/3/2008
14:44
Quite a robust presentation. I'm going to run some figures now and then post them up.

Anyone else got some thoughts/numbers they'd like to share?

gsands
31/3/2008
14:01
Webcast not started yet. Should be interesting.
gsands
31/3/2008
13:23
not bad but I think ROMag solar has better prospects:

Gulf International Trading Group partners with patented glass manufacturer Romag (ROM)
Eco-friendly distributor Gulf International Trading Group (GITG) has signed a major contract with UK-Based Romag, a manufacturer of patented 'green' glass products.
United Arab Emirates: 4 hours, 52 minutes ago PRESS RELEASE

Under the mandate of UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the need for eco-friendly products and methods has been a driving force between this partnership, as the demand for 'green' building solutions has already begun to skyrocket.

Romag's Sales Director, Keith Morrison, was enthusiastic about its partnership with GITG noting, 'We have been looking for a partnership in the Middle East for several years now and are most confident in building our relationship with GITG. Their enthusiasm and unique vision, supported by Romag's technical ability and quality products will prove to be a winning formula. This arrangement also supports Romag's growth strategy in a market where renewable energy and security are a priority.' When asked about growth in the region, Morrison added, 'With a partnering approach and patience, we see business growing at a rate that will benefit both parties in the medium term with limitless and long-term potential.'

GITG is the first eco-friendly distributor in the UAE. Since its inception, it has been recognized for its commitment to providing the Gulf and UAE with alternative construction products that protect and benefit the environment via energy efficient building solutions. The firm's partnership with Romag is a logical step in its growth, as Romag produces energy efficient glass, also known as PowerGlaz, with solar modules that can actually generate energy. These photovoltaic panels are unique in that they convert light into electricity thereby reducing power costs and CO2 emissions. Morrison highlighted that, 'Considering the 340+ days of sunlight enjoyed in the UAE, the amount of electricity generated throughout buildings that utilize Romag will go unprecedented. This is a perfect location to maximize the efficacy of our product.'

The initial cost of the solar installation is offset during construction and the electricity produced by PowerGlaz continues to lower electricity costs during the lifetime of the building.

The Energy Information Administration reports that energy consumption in the Middle East will increase by an estimated 2.3% per year between 2004 and 2030, while the total world energy consumption will only increase 1.6% per year for the same time period. There is indeed an urgency to develop sustainable buildings in the region that will rely on renewable energy sources.

GITG's CEO, Mr. Khalid Al Midfa elaborated on the need for a partnership with Romag stating, 'The recent mandate to 'go green' in addition to the high demand for glass, as it is used on just about every new building project in the region, has been a surefire reason to partner with Romag. Their emergence in the Middle Eastern marketplace is going to have a positive impact on eco-friendly initiatives and we are looking forward to the green footprint we'll be making together throughout the region.'

asparks
31/3/2008
10:03
Excellent set of results. 2008 should be a good year.
babylon3
31/3/2008
09:54
Extract:












Final Results




RNS Number:1111R
Solar Integrated Technologies Inc
31 March 2008

SOLAR INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGIES INC

SOLAR INTEGRATED REPORTS 2007 AUDITED FINANCIAL RESULTS AND PROVIDES 2008
GUIDANCE

- Revenues more than double in 2007

and transition to adjusted EBITDA positive -

- Expecting continued strong growth in 2008 and

transition to profitability -

London, UK and Los Angeles, California, March 31, 2008 - Solar Integrated
Technologies, Inc. (AIM:SIT.LN), a leading provider of building integrated
photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing systems, today announces its audited financial
results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, highlights of recent
corporate activities, and financial guidance for 2008. Unless otherwise noted,
all amounts are reported in U.S. dollars. This press release contains both U.S.
GAAP ("GAAP") and non-GAAP financial information, including non-GAAP adjusted
EBITDA financial information.

2007 Full Year Financial Highlights

* Revenue of $81.1 million, up 112% from $38.2 million in 2006

* Gross margin of 17.8%, up 144% from 7.3% in 2006

* Gross margin of $14.4 million, up $11.6 million or 414% from $2.8 million
in 2006

* Excluding non-cash stock-based warrant and option compensation and
depreciation, SG&A costs down $0.7 million or 4.1% to $16.3 million (2006:
$17.0 million) and down to 20.1% of revenue as compared to 44.5% of revenue
in 2006

* Adjusted EBITDA (which adjusts earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,
amortization by also excluding the effects of stock-based warrant and option
expense, change in fair value of warrants, recovery of impaired accounts
receivable and loss on debt conversion) of $0.1 million, compared to $(15.6)
million in 2006

* On a GAAP basis, net loss of $24.7 million or $0.35 per share, which
includes $13.9 million for non-cash stock-based warrant and option
compensation, $4.8 million for a non-cash loss on the conversion of
convertible notes, and $0.9 million for the fair value accounting of certain
warrants, partially offset by a $3.3 million recovery of an impaired
receivable, when compared with net loss for 2006 of $22.9 million or $0.62
per share

* Closed placement of 16,470,588 common shares for aggregate gross proceeds
of $28 million in December 2007

* Repositioned $31.1 million of convertible notes with reduction of $23.1
million of debt through retirement of $16.2 million of notes and conversion
of $6.9 million of notes into equity, along with amendment of remaining $8.0
million

* Cash balance of $11.3 million as of December 31, 2007, as compared to
$1.8 million as of June 30, 2007 and $7.0 million as of December 31, 2006

2007 Second Half (H2) Financial Highlights

* 2007 H2 revenue of $61.2 million, up $38.5 million or 170% from 2006 H2
revenue of $22.7 million

* 2007 H2 gross margin of 19.4%, up 177% compared to 7.0% in 2006 H2

* 2007 H2 gross margin of $11.9 million, up $10.3 million or 644% from $1.6
million in 2006 H2

* Excluding non-cash stock-based warrant and option compensation and
depreciation, 2007 H2 SG&A costs of $8.6 million (up 18% from 2006 H2 cash
SG&A costs of $7.3 million) down to 14.1% of revenue as compared to 32.2% of
revenue in 2006 H2

* 2007 H2 adjusted EBITDA of $4.8 million, a $12.1 million improvement
compared to 2006 H2 adjusted EBITDA of $(7.3) million

2007 Sales and Operations Highlights

* 76 solar projects completed in 2007, representing 9.1 MW of installed
solar systems (2006: 40 projects representing 4.2 MW)

o Completed 57 projects in Europe representing 5.5 MW of installed solar
systems

o Completed 19 turn-key projects in the U.S. representing 3.6 MW of
installed solar systems

* Expanded penetration into key solar markets with a total of more than 180
projects completed representing 19.3 MW of installed solar systems since
Company's inception

* Expanded customer list and signed new business for projects with each of
Audi, Carrefour, Metro, Tesco, Unibail-Rodamco, UPC Solar and Westfield

* Signed $70 million contract to supply solar roofing systems on multiple
large buildings in Italy in 2008 and 2009

* Expanded product application to two new market opportunities

o Signed initial contracts totaling $10 million including a flexible
ground-mount system for installation at the Malagrotta Landfill site
outside of Rome, Italy

o Signed initial contracts for solar carports that provide shaded parking
for vehicles while generating clear solar energy

* In response to strong order demand, second and third shifts were added to
manufacturing operations in May and October, respectively

* Increased production throughput by more than 100% over 2006 production

* Achieved certification by the California Energy Commission for performance
monitoring and metering of the Company's Renewable Energy Management (REM)
software system; 46 REM systems now installed, monitoring over 8 MW of
installed solar systems

* Won Sika Sarnafil's "2007 U.S. Sustainability Project of the Year" for
Tesco's Fresh & Easy Markets 663,000 sq. ft. distribution centre in
Riverside, California, believed to be the world's largest BIPV solar roofing
project

2007 Corporate Platform Highlights

* Strengthened sales, product development and manufacturing teams with key
management appointments:

o Bart Van Ouytsel as Vice President, Sales & Marketing - Europe

o John Snelling as Vice President, Sales & Marketing - Americas

o David Gralnik as Vice President, Strategic Accounts & Alliances

o Arthur Rudin as Vice President, Product Development

o Dr. -Ing Claas Helmke as Director, Product Development - Europe

o Peter Douglas as Director, Manufacturing

* Appointed Ernst & Young as new independent auditor

* In March 2008, granted a U.S. patent for proprietary "no compromise" BIPV
roofing product

2008 Outlook

* 2008 revenue guidance in the range of $140 million to $160 million,
representing up to 100% growth over 2007 revenue

* 2008 full year consolidated gross margin guidance for core BIPV products in
excess of 18% (excludes non-core BIPV products and roofing)

* Revenue and gross margin contribution weighted in 2008 H2

o Revenue guidance of $40 million for 2008 H1

* Expect to more than double production throughput in 2008 compared to 2007

* Evaluating option of opening a European manufacturing facility

* Achieve profitability on a full-year consolidated basis, excluding the
effect of any non-cash fair value accounting

Commenting on the results, R. Randall MacEwen, President & CEO, said:

"We had an extraordinary turn-around in 2007 and exited the year firing on all
cylinders. While successfully managing triple-digit growth, we significantly
improved our financial performance through gross margin expansion and
disciplined management of our overhead costs and working capital. After
transitioning to EBITDA positive in 2007, our line of sight is now on
profitability in 2008. With a growing order book of profitable business, we are
now positioned as a compelling growth story in the attractive commercial solar
roofing market."

John M. Palumbo, Chief Financial Officer, added: "In addition to improved
operational performance, we made important progress in 2007 on strengthening our
balance sheet. Our equity capital raise in December facilitated the elimination
of $23.1 million of convertible debt, reducing our related annual cash interest
costs from $2.6 million to $0.5 million. This will support our goal of
profitability in 2008. In addition, our improved financial condition enables us
to invest in the business at a time when new attractive solar markets are
developing with premium feed-in tariffs for BIPV products."

The Company will host a conference call today (Monday, March 31, 2008) at 3:00
pm London time/10:00 am ET/7:00 am PT. Investors and analysts can participate
in the call by dialing 719-325-4858 with code 2043089. The event will be
webcast and can be accessed from Solar Integrated's website at
www.solarintegrated.com.

About Solar Integrated:

Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc. (SIT: AIM.LN) is a Los Angeles-based company
that manufactures, designs and installs building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV)
roofing systems for non-residential, low-slope rooftops. We are a leader in the
development of an innovative and proprietary BIPV roofing system that combines
flexible thin-film solar modules with a single-ply roofing membrane for
large-scale commercial and industrial applications. Our BIPV roofing system
enables our customers to transform a traditional rooftop into a value-generating
asset.

Our proprietary 'no compromise' approach for solar roofing is fundamental to our
vision of BIPV solutions. Unlike typical after-market solar panel providers, we
provide an integrated BIPV roofing system that meets the customer's energy,
environmental and roofing requirements. Our lightweight, flexible and durable
product typically forms the top layer of the customer's roof with no additional
roofing penetrations, thereby preserving the roof's structural integrity and
aesthetics, while also delivering the full benefits from electricity generation
through clean, secure natural sunlight.

Our customers include Audi, Carrefour, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Frito-Lay,
Honeywell, IKEA, Metro, ProLogis, San Diego Unified School District, Tesco,
Toyota, Unibail-Rodamco, UPC Solar, U.S. Air Force, U.S. GSA, U.S. Navy,
Wal-Mart and Westfield. For more information, please visit
www.solarintegrated.com.

For more information, please contact:


Solar Integrated Investor Contacts:
Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc
R. Randall MacEwen John M. Palumbo
President & Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Los Angeles, California, USA Los Angeles, California, USA
+1.562.299.0136 +1.562.299.0121


KBC Peel Hunt Ltd. Mirabaud Securities Limited
Nominated Advisor and Joint-Broker Joint-Broker
Jonathan Marren or Oliver Stratton Peter Krens or Kim Richardson
+44.20.7418.8900 +44.20.7878.3362


Solar Integrated Media Contacts:
Pelham Public Relations
Chelsea Hayes / Robert Koh
London, UK
+44 207 743 6675

Thinking Integrated. Building Integrated.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

grupo guitarlumber
31/3/2008
09:49
Tick up on some decent buying
babylon3
27/3/2008
13:40
Gone very quiet of late....
babylon3
26/3/2008
09:02
good news for the sector:

Gulf International Trading Group partners with patented glass manufacturer Romag (ROM)
Eco-friendly distributor Gulf International Trading Group (GITG) has signed a major contract with UK-Based Romag, a manufacturer of patented 'green' glass products.
United Arab Emirates: 4 hours, 52 minutes ago PRESS RELEASE

Under the mandate of UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the need for eco-friendly products and methods has been a driving force between this partnership, as the demand for 'green' building solutions has already begun to skyrocket.

Romag's Sales Director, Keith Morrison, was enthusiastic about its partnership with GITG noting, 'We have been looking for a partnership in the Middle East for several years now and are most confident in building our relationship with GITG. Their enthusiasm and unique vision, supported by Romag's technical ability and quality products will prove to be a winning formula. This arrangement also supports Romag's growth strategy in a market where renewable energy and security are a priority.' When asked about growth in the region, Morrison added, 'With a partnering approach and patience, we see business growing at a rate that will benefit both parties in the medium term with limitless and long-term potential.'

GITG is the first eco-friendly distributor in the UAE. Since its inception, it has been recognized for its commitment to providing the Gulf and UAE with alternative construction products that protect and benefit the environment via energy efficient building solutions. The firm's partnership with Romag is a logical step in its growth, as Romag produces energy efficient glass, also known as PowerGlaz, with solar modules that can actually generate energy. These photovoltaic panels are unique in that they convert light into electricity thereby reducing power costs and CO2 emissions. Morrison highlighted that, 'Considering the 340+ days of sunlight enjoyed in the UAE, the amount of electricity generated throughout buildings that utilize Romag will go unprecedented. This is a perfect location to maximize the efficacy of our product.'

The initial cost of the solar installation is offset during construction and the electricity produced by PowerGlaz continues to lower electricity costs during the lifetime of the building.

The Energy Information Administration reports that energy consumption in the Middle East will increase by an estimated 2.3% per year between 2004 and 2030, while the total world energy consumption will only increase 1.6% per year for the same time period. There is indeed an urgency to develop sustainable buildings in the region that will rely on renewable energy sources.

GITG's CEO, Mr. Khalid Al Midfa elaborated on the need for a partnership with Romag stating, 'The recent mandate to 'go green' in addition to the high demand for glass, as it is used on just about every new building project in the region, has been a surefire reason to partner with Romag. Their emergence in the Middle Eastern marketplace is going to have a positive impact on eco-friendly initiatives and we are looking forward to the green footprint we'll be making together throughout the region.'

asparks
26/3/2008
09:02
good news for the sector:

Gulf International Trading Group partners with patented glass manufacturer Romag (ROM)
Eco-friendly distributor Gulf International Trading Group (GITG) has signed a major contract with UK-Based Romag, a manufacturer of patented 'green' glass products.
United Arab Emirates: 4 hours, 52 minutes ago PRESS RELEASE

Under the mandate of UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the need for eco-friendly products and methods has been a driving force between this partnership, as the demand for 'green' building solutions has already begun to skyrocket.

Romag's Sales Director, Keith Morrison, was enthusiastic about its partnership with GITG noting, 'We have been looking for a partnership in the Middle East for several years now and are most confident in building our relationship with GITG. Their enthusiasm and unique vision, supported by Romag's technical ability and quality products will prove to be a winning formula. This arrangement also supports Romag's growth strategy in a market where renewable energy and security are a priority.' When asked about growth in the region, Morrison added, 'With a partnering approach and patience, we see business growing at a rate that will benefit both parties in the medium term with limitless and long-term potential.'

GITG is the first eco-friendly distributor in the UAE. Since its inception, it has been recognized for its commitment to providing the Gulf and UAE with alternative construction products that protect and benefit the environment via energy efficient building solutions. The firm's partnership with Romag is a logical step in its growth, as Romag produces energy efficient glass, also known as PowerGlaz, with solar modules that can actually generate energy. These photovoltaic panels are unique in that they convert light into electricity thereby reducing power costs and CO2 emissions. Morrison highlighted that, 'Considering the 340+ days of sunlight enjoyed in the UAE, the amount of electricity generated throughout buildings that utilize Romag will go unprecedented. This is a perfect location to maximize the efficacy of our product.'

The initial cost of the solar installation is offset during construction and the electricity produced by PowerGlaz continues to lower electricity costs during the lifetime of the building.

The Energy Information Administration reports that energy consumption in the Middle East will increase by an estimated 2.3% per year between 2004 and 2030, while the total world energy consumption will only increase 1.6% per year for the same time period. There is indeed an urgency to develop sustainable buildings in the region that will rely on renewable energy sources.

GITG's CEO, Mr. Khalid Al Midfa elaborated on the need for a partnership with Romag stating, 'The recent mandate to 'go green' in addition to the high demand for glass, as it is used on just about every new building project in the region, has been a surefire reason to partner with Romag. Their emergence in the Middle Eastern marketplace is going to have a positive impact on eco-friendly initiatives and we are looking forward to the green footprint we'll be making together throughout the region.'

asparks
17/3/2008
18:11
See today's announcement has instigated a frenzy of buying!
bert brokers
17/3/2008
09:14
Good spot.
babylon3
17/3/2008
08:27
Solar Integrated Technologies granted US roofing patent




LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Solar Integrated Technologies, the solar roof
systems provider, has been granted a patent in the US for its BIPV roofing
system, it said in a statement.
The patent, valid until 2023, covers its roofing system which has a flexible
roofing membrane. The company said that similar applications have been filed in
other solar markets.

edward.mcallister@thomson.com
ejm/sal

waldron
17/3/2008
07:50
From today's Independent newspaper ....

Small Talk: Solar panels firm recovers to see bright future

The turnaround of Solar Integrated Technologies (SIT) has been remarkable.

In 2006, the company, which manufactures solar panelled warehouse roofing, nearly went bust due to poor organisational and financial management, according to analysts at Mirabaud. But the last two years have been a revelation for the group that started as a roofing firm before realising the potential of embracing environmental technology. A new management team led by chief executive Randolph MacEwen was appointed, and with the benefit of a customer list that includes some of the world's biggest companies, the group is now thriving. SIT doubled its growth between 2006 and 2007, with analysts expecting that its latest results, to be published on 31 March, will show that the company has again come on in leaps and bounds.

The technology is simple. They buy in the solar panels from an outfit called Unisolar, and attach them to their own roofing membrane, before rolling the whole lot out on flat warehouse roofs.

SIT operates around the world targeting countries that have favourable feed-in tariffs; the cash paid to electricity generating companies that feed their excess power back to the grid. For its customers, which include Tesco, Coca-Cola and Carrefour, the advantages are mighty; they get to point out their green credentials to ever more environmentally aware customers, and can earn a tidy sum by selling their electricity.

In February the group announced a contract worth $3m with the French chocolatier Cemoi. The agreement is small, but according to KBC Peel Hunt "the deal is further evidence, in our view, of the success of the company's strategy".

Today is going to be another big day for SIT. It is planning to announce that its solar-panelled roofing technology has been granted a patent in the US.

Most of its competitors are solar companies, which lack roofing know-how.

The only risk to the business is the company's ability to keep pace with its order book, which analysts describe as strong.

The share price has remained steady at around 90p since it tanked back in 2006; analysts are expecting this to grow, with Mirabaud saying there is potential to rise to at least 150p, but even they concede that "the full growth potential may not be reflected in our estimates".

edcrane
Chat Pages: 115  114  113  112  111  110  109  108  107  106  105  104  Older

Your Recent History

Delayed Upgrade Clock