Bns Telecom Share Discussion Threads

[holdontight] 09/2/2006 18:31

Yes, I do want some.....but am fully invested. Did you get chance to have a look at IFL.....?

In fact there are bloody loads of co's I wnat to buy right now and I am nit convinced I am actually in the best one's, although they are generally doing ok.

[mr ashley james] 09/2/2006 18:13

HOT,

No I set up threads on stocks just for the hell of it and blabber on about them incessantly just to irritate other BB Posters.(;-)0

The reason I like TSX:BTP is a combination of the Palladium/Platinum grades on the Chromite B Reef (a sample of 112g/t the highest I have ever heard of) in the Stilll water Complex, plus the fairly extensive I think 11km run of Bushveld Merensky and UG2 Reefs in RSA.

A portfolio of Palladium and Platinum Assets ie a nice geographical spread and Palladium to Platinum versus Platinum to Palladium Commodity mix.

All IMHO, NAG, DYOR etc

Cheers

Ash:)

[holdontight] 09/2/2006 18:07

Do you hold these Ashley? I like the tiny mkt cap personally.

[mr ashley james] 08/2/2006 18:29

Biswell,

Hammer in Platinum Futures Rising hammer in Palladium Futures

A and C at 100% Equality at C$0.15

[mr ashley james] 02/2/2006 16:55

Palladium on a chart break out



All IMHO, NAG, DYOR etc

Cheers

Ash:)

[mr ashley james] 31/1/2006 18:42

Palladium Breaking strongly up in Futures Markets!

[mr ashley james] 30/1/2006 16:48

Palladium and Platinum breaking up again US$1064 Pt and US$277 Pd Futures markets showing Pt hitting US$1,066.70 and Pd hitting US$283.50 toz

[acamas] 27/1/2006 18:23

2LB,

I am watching with interest

[2lb] 27/1/2006 15:02

RNS Number:3963X
BNS Telecom Group plc
25 January 2006


BNS Telecom Group plc

Acquisition of Telecom Asia to launch additional mobile services


BNS Telecom Group plc ("BNS"), a leading provider of integrated, white labelled
telecoms services to the SME and corporate market in the UK, has acquired
Telecom Asia Limited ("TelAsia"), a mobile data services provider, for a total
consideration of #450,000.


TelAsia has a VoIP based switching platform which provides carrier grade
wireless SMS and MMS services on a bulk scale within the UK and internationally.
The main revenue streams are generated through worldwide outbound SMS and MMS
transport, premium rate SMS transactions, and content provision and message
management. TelAsia commenced trading in January 2004 and in the 12 months ended
31 December 2005 is expected to make a profit before tax of #60,000.


This acquisition will enable BNS to cross sell additional mobile services into
its existing SME customer base, in addition to enhancing the Group's VoIP
capability currently offered through Modus Telecom.


The consideration is to be satisfied by payment of #250,000 cash and by way of
the issue of #200,000 in new ordinary shares of BNS, being 328,947 shares (the "
Consideration Shares"). Completion of the acquisition of TelAsia is conditional
upon admission of the Consideration Shares to trading on AIM ("Admission"). It
is expected that admission will become effective on or around 30 January 2006.


The Managing Director of TelAsia, Mark Stewart, will join BNS' management
(non-board) and lead its Mobile Services division, taking responsibility for
selling services into the combined customer base. Telecom Asia Limited has also
been renamed BNS Mobile Limited.


Garry Moat, Managing Director, said:


"At our listing at the end of last year, we indicated that, over and above our
organic growth strategy, we intended to take advantage of commercial
opportunities in the marketplace to widen our portfolio of products and
services. Not only do we expect the acquisition of TelAsia to be earnings
enhancing, it is also advantageous as it extends our offering to SMEs, whilst
being complementary to our VoIP business, Modus."

[mr ashley james] 20/1/2006 17:31

Palladium (Pd) is the relatively unknown "sister" metal to platinum (Pt). These metals share many of the same unique characteristics and physical properties; both are non-tarnishing, strong and naturally white precious metals. They are equally rare and are mined together in less than a half-dozen regions around the world, with no new near-term projects under development. Each has a limited annual mine production of approximately 6.5 million ounces, which is a mere fraction of the approximate annual 100 million ounces of gold that is produced. Due to past market events, platinum is trading at over a US $700 per ounce premium to palladium. Palladium's price difference with platinum, its limited supply in combination with its increasing demand for existing and new uses, provides the foundation for its long-term price appreciation potential.

Currently, palladium is trading at under US $300 an ounce in comparison to platinum that is over US $1,000 an ounce. These two metals historically traded in a 2:1 range (Pt:Pd) prior to a market disruption in late 2000, when palladium surpassed platinum and spiked at over US $1,000 only to reach a low of US $140 an ounce a few years later. In specific applications these metals are virtually interchangeable. The realized cost savings is a key driver for manufacturers to begin substituting palladium for platinum in order to reduce and/or maintain costs.

Palladium's primary use (over 50%) is in the auto industry where it is a key component in controlling exhaust emissions as mandated by more stringent standards for cars. These environmental standards must be considered when attempting to forecast future demand for platinum group metals. It is estimated that by 2011 China alone will produce over 8 million cars (double its current production); all of which will require a catalytic converter in order to meet its government's commitment to the Euro II standards. Manufacturers are now confirming that with the massive price difference between the two precious metals, they are planning to substitute varying amounts of palladium for the platinum in the converters. This will ultimately aid the long-term price appreciation for palladium.

Palladium is also used in the dental, electronics, jewellery and chemical sectors. This past year witnessed an exponential increase in the use of palladium in the jewellery industry. No longer is it only being used in combination with gold to create white gold, rather consumers are seeking an alternative "pure" and naturally white precious metal to the significantly higher priced platinum pieces. According to industry sources, for 2005 it is expected that demand for palladium jewellery is likely to have increased 70% in China alone.

Finally, in addition to the above drivers for the palladium price, the metal is beginning to make headways into the investment coin sector. The one ounce 99.95% fifty dollar Palladium Maple Leaf Coin was the first palladium product introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint. Experienced and novice investors alike are beginning to understand the long-term value associated with this rare and precious metal.

The massive price imbalance between palladium and platinum, its growing demand in the autocatalyst and jewellery sectors, along with the introduction of the new bullion coin by the Royal Canadian Mint, are all key factors in the long-term potential for palladium's price appreciation.

[mr ashley james] 20/1/2006 15:51

Platinum stocks conundrum
By: Barry Sergeant
Posted: '18-JAN-06 14:45' GMT © Mineweb 1997-2004



JOHANNESBURG (Mineweb.com) -- Mark Smith, an investment analyst at RBC Capital Markets, recently completed detailed presentations suggesting that investors reduce their holdings of Anglo Platinum and Impala, the world's two biggest platinum stocks.

This may prove to be important advice, in the wake of the fantastic bull run that has been enjoyed by these stocks.

Looking at the global platinum-group-metal (PGM) sector, RBC has, however, recommended neutral-to-positive recommendations on other stocks.

Other stocks with operations in SA are ranked as 'outperform' in the case of Lonmin and Platinum Group Metals (listed in Toronto), and neutral in the case of Aquarius and Northam. RBC notes that South African PGM equities have rallied over 200% since the start of 2005, 'and are now trading at historic highs'.

The stocks have been driven to these peaks on the back of 'the uncertainty of the metal price outlook, and are pricing in spot metal prices in the short-to-medium term to derive valuations'.

In RBC's opinion, 'these high PGM prices are unsustainable, particularly in rand terms, longer-term'. RBC has just revised its platinum, palladium price and rand forecasts; it continues to forecast a 'natural' closing of the spread between platinum and palladium prices in the longer run towards historical levels, of around $375 an ounce.

RBC's long-term price forecasts remain at $700 an ounce for platinum and $375 for palladium (up from $300 an ounce). The current spot price for platinum is $1 025 and for palladium $270 an ounce. RBC argues that the price forecasts are supported by three underlying themes. First, supply-demand analysis; second, operating margin preservation, and third, price support to attract new supply onto the market. RBC now also expects a weaker rand longer-term.

The platinum market is seen as supply driven. RBC anticipates the platinum market to remain tight for 2006, but to start moving into a net supply surplus in 2007. The palladium market is now seen as turning into a demand driven market. According to RBC, the largest influence on the demand for palladium is from the increased use of the metal in automobile catalysts, followed by the emergence of a palladium jewellery market in China, and strong fundamentals for palladium overall.

RBC expects that gross operating margins at South African PGM producers will peak between 35% and 50% in 2006, and then decline moderately going forward. It is believed that current increases in profit margins are already priced into certain equity prices, that that a margin decline will trigger a sell off in the equities.

Analysts traditionally look at PGM producers' revenues on the basis of a 'basket price' that represents the '4E' metals, viz., platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
Domestic PGM producers also dig out nickel, copper and yet other metals and minerals.

Anglo Platinum is seen as facing a 'challenging outlook, including the heavy burden of simultaneously developing a number of new mines and paying dividends'. RBC adds that Anglo Platinum may indeed be at risk of not gaining its necessary black economic empowerment (BEE) credits. Failure to achieve mining charter requirements could hasten the need for Anglo Platinum to sell portions of its existing highly profitable mines.

Impala Platinum is seen as dogged by an 'unclear' corporate strategy and its Zimbabwe exposure, 'as well as a glass ceiling to expansion due to the political situation in Zimbabwe'. Growth at Impala Refining Services is seen as uncertain, with margins 'coming under competitive pressure'. RBC's concern over clarity on corporate strategy springs from Impala's recent withdrawal from the Ambatovy Nickel Project in Madagascar and the resumption of a share buyback.

Lonmin is favoured, not least on its growth potential, principally at the Greater Messina operations, and the respected influence of the guiding hand of relatively new CEO Brad Mills.

RBC sees Lonmin as offering the 'most potential upside to spot metal prices (long-term)'. Aquarius (rated as neutral by RBC) is seen as somewhat hampered by a large portion of its growth potential being attached to Zimbabwe; 'clearly there is increased sovereign risk'. Northam, also ranked as neutral, stands to capture the growth potential offered by the yet-to-be-developed Pandora, Booysendal project, and toll smelting ability.

As for other stocks in the PGM universe, RBC rates Stillwater Mining (NYSE: SWC) as 'outperform', and North American Palladium (TSE: PDL) as 'neutral'. RBC is restricted on offering a recommendation on Ridge Mining. For investors looking for a play on palladium, the North American PGM equities are seen as offering the greatest leverage; Stillwater ranks as RBC's preferred name.

[all eyez on me] 19/1/2006 01:46

huh?

Ide say the above post is consistently wrong

[mr ashley james] 18/1/2006 23:29

Platinum stocks conundrum
By: Barry Sergeant
Posted: '18-JAN-06 14:45' GMT © Mineweb 1997-2004



JOHANNESBURG (Mineweb.com) -- Mark Smith, an investment analyst at RBC Capital Markets, recently completed detailed presentations suggesting that investors reduce their holdings of Anglo Platinum and Impala, the world's two biggest platinum stocks.

This may prove to be important advice, in the wake of the fantastic bull run that has been enjoyed by these stocks.

Looking at the global platinum-group-metal (PGM) sector, RBC has, however, recommended neutral-to-positive recommendations on other stocks.

Other stocks with operations in SA are ranked as 'outperform' in the case of Lonmin and Platinum Group Metals (listed in Toronto), and neutral in the case of Aquarius and Northam. RBC notes that South African PGM equities have rallied over 200% since the start of 2005, 'and are now trading at historic highs'.

The stocks have been driven to these peaks on the back of 'the uncertainty of the metal price outlook, and are pricing in spot metal prices in the short-to-medium term to derive valuations'.

In RBC's opinion, 'these high PGM prices are unsustainable, particularly in rand terms, longer-term'. RBC has just revised its platinum, palladium price and rand forecasts; it continues to forecast a 'natural' closing of the spread between platinum and palladium prices in the longer run towards historical levels, of around $375 an ounce.

RBC's long-term price forecasts remain at $700 an ounce for platinum and $375 for palladium (up from $300 an ounce). The current spot price for platinum is $1 025 and for palladium $270 an ounce. RBC argues that the price forecasts are supported by three underlying themes. First, supply-demand analysis; second, operating margin preservation, and third, price support to attract new supply onto the market. RBC now also expects a weaker rand longer-term.

The platinum market is seen as supply driven. RBC anticipates the platinum market to remain tight for 2006, but to start moving into a net supply surplus in 2007. The palladium market is now seen as turning into a demand driven market. According to RBC, the largest influence on the demand for palladium is from the increased use of the metal in automobile catalysts, followed by the emergence of a palladium jewellery market in China, and strong fundamentals for palladium overall.

RBC expects that gross operating margins at South African PGM producers will peak between 35% and 50% in 2006, and then decline moderately going forward. It is believed that current increases in profit margins are already priced into certain equity prices, that that a margin decline will trigger a sell off in the equities.

Analysts traditionally look at PGM producers' revenues on the basis of a 'basket price' that represents the '4E' metals, viz., platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
Domestic PGM producers also dig out nickel, copper and yet other metals and minerals.

Anglo Platinum is seen as facing a 'challenging outlook, including the heavy burden of simultaneously developing a number of new mines and paying dividends'. RBC adds that Anglo Platinum may indeed be at risk of not gaining its necessary black economic empowerment (BEE) credits. Failure to achieve mining charter requirements could hasten the need for Anglo Platinum to sell portions of its existing highly profitable mines.

Impala Platinum is seen as dogged by an 'unclear' corporate strategy and its Zimbabwe exposure, 'as well as a glass ceiling to expansion due to the political situation in Zimbabwe'. Growth at Impala Refining Services is seen as uncertain, with margins 'coming under competitive pressure'. RBC's concern over clarity on corporate strategy springs from Impala's recent withdrawal from the Ambatovy Nickel Project in Madagascar and the resumption of a share buyback.

Lonmin is favoured, not least on its growth potential, principally at the Greater Messina operations, and the respected influence of the guiding hand of relatively new CEO Brad Mills.

RBC sees Lonmin as offering the 'most potential upside to spot metal prices (long-term)'. Aquarius (rated as neutral by RBC) is seen as somewhat hampered by a large portion of its growth potential being attached to Zimbabwe; 'clearly there is increased sovereign risk'. Northam, also ranked as neutral, stands to capture the growth potential offered by the yet-to-be-developed Pandora, Booysendal project, and toll smelting ability.

As for other stocks in the PGM universe, RBC rates Stillwater Mining (NYSE: SWC) as 'outperform', and North American Palladium (TSE: PDL) as 'neutral'. RBC is restricted on offering a recommendation on Ridge Mining. For investors looking for a play on palladium, the North American PGM equities are seen as offering the greatest leverage; Stillwater ranks as RBC's preferred name.

[mr ashley james] 18/1/2006 20:55

AEOM,

Not if you are familiar with the Bushveld properties of Messsina Limited/Southern Platinum Limited previously owned by Southern Era Resources Limited TSE:SUF then sold to Lonmin Plc LSE:LMI ie surrounding Desert Charm assets it is not.

Personally think next target C$0.275 then C$0.335

All IMHO, NAG, DYOR etc

Cheers

Ash:)