Hydro Intl Share Discussion Threads

[charlie] 23/7/2007 23:41

From the FT:

"Gordon Brown, the prime minister, ordered an immediate review of the crisis, his first big test since becoming prime minister last month. The review, led by an independent figure, will consider action to improve drainage and defences, which some MPs complained yesterday were badly lacking in many of the areas worst affected.

At his first important press conference, Mr Brown told reporters that climate change would require fresh spending on flood and coastal defences. He said it was clear that "some of the 19th-century structures we are dealing with" would have to be reviewed. "



I am very surprised the share price is not rising. The political imperative to do something about fixing drainage systems has been transformed in the past few days.

[rivaldo] 23/7/2007 19:11

Garth, here they are - if you can format them properly then even better.

2007 2008
Broker Date Rec Pre-tax (£) EPS (p) DPS (p) Pre-tax (£) EPS (p) DPS (p)
KBC Peel Hunt Ltd 20-07-07 CORP 2.25 11.16 2.50 2.60 12.85 2.70

HYD probably have £3m of cash now, i.e over 10% of the m/cap. A forward P/E stripping out the cash of around 14 seems pretty low to me for a company expanding globally, with shedloads of its own IP and with all the elements (ho ho) colluding in its favour (including the UK AMP4 spending programme).

PS : Garth, there's a red cross in the header as the Vexamus site doesn't exist any more - can you get rid of it?

[garth] 23/7/2007 14:14

Guys,

If someone wants to post up current forecasts I'll add them to the header.

G.

[philjeans] 23/7/2007 07:44

Yes; the more risk prone properties that are constructed, the more essential work on flood management becomes - extremely positive news for this one.

HYD is the quality end of the market, in terms of product, reputational risk and financial strength - Condor is the poor relation and likely to remain so.

[rivaldo] 23/7/2007 07:30

Gordon Brown said yesterday that 3m new homes would continue to be built in the UK's flood plains....whether it's 300,000 or 3 million, I'd have thought that now stormwater run-off protection is going to be a must-have for all new developments rather than a feature in some. Such as for example:

[rivaldo] 21/7/2007 10:13

It's interesting that at a time when flooding is top of the national news agenda some have been taking profits.

From today's Times:



"This weekend's flooding could easily take the cost of claims past the £2.5 billion mark this month, according to leading analysts.

Fierce backroom lobbying from the industry helped to prompt the Government to promise that spending on flood defences would go up to £800 million by 2011.

However, the industry has been given no precise assurances on spending before that and is said to be increasingly frustrated. Analysts predict that it will introduce premium increases by stealth as high as double the rate of inflation."

[rivaldo] 19/7/2007 22:41

Certainly churning out the news flow:



"Purifying River Water for Board Manufacture with DynaSand®
19-Jul-2007

IGGESUND Paperboard uses some 22 megalitres of raw water per day in the manufacture of 260,000 tonnes of folding boxboard at its Workington plant. To ensure the continuity of a high quality water supply, Iggesund decided to manage the treatment on its own site, using Hydro International's DynaSand® filtration plant to handle automatically the large volumes within a very small footprint and requiring minimal supervision.

Alan Brown, Contracts & Supply Manager at Iggesund explains: "The source of process water is the River Derwent, which is a typical spate river; at low flow levels it's pretty clean but, in spate it carries high amounts of suspended solids. Our objective is to have water approaching potable quality all year round, and Hydro's DynaSand® units and Lamella Plate Clarifier have consistently and successfully delivered that since their commissioning in the spring of 2006, with minimal maintenance requirements.

"The river water is extracted by a utilities company from the river and pumped to large underground reservoirs. It then flows under gravity to the mill where the underground pipeline passes close to our wastewater plant, so it made sense to locate the raw water treatment plant there. Although the project required major civil work including cutting back into the hill side, the vertical configuration of the DynaSand® enabled us to locate all 28 units plus the Hydro Lamella Plate Clarifier and dosing equipment there."

"The process takes the raw water, doses it with a PAC flocculant, which enables the DynaSand® units operating in parallel, to filter out the suspended solids. pH is corrected and small dose of hydrochlorite sterilises the water before it enters the board mill. The backwash water from the filter is passed through a lamella clarifier to remove the solids before this flow is returned and mixed with the raw water supply. This ensures that only a minimal amount of the water is wasted through the process. Apart from topping up the chemicals there is very little intervention. The plant is automatic/PLC controlled, and this enabled us to locate a remote control station in the existing control room for the waste water treatment operator."

The DynaSand® units comprise a sand filter bed held within a hopper into which the water, pre-dosed with coagulant, is pumped via a manifold to deep within the sand. The water flows up through the sand bed, where solids are trapped on the grains of sand, into the open space above the sand, and the cleansed water exits via a weir at the top to a buffer tank.

The sand containing the entrapped solids is continuously air lifted from the bottom of the hopper, washed by a turbulent mixing action, and the clean sand allowed to return to the sand bed at the top to ensure a circular cleansing cycle. The wash water with separated solids is discharged separately for treatment. The DynaSand® filtration plant is packaged with pumps, flowmeters and dosing equipment, in a compact installation.

The Hydro Lamella Plate Clarifier occupies an area as little as 10% of that required by an equivalent settling pond. In it a gentle up flow over incline plates via a patented flow control system allows settled sludges to fall to the bottom of the separator and clarified water to leave at the top."

[rivaldo] 13/7/2007 07:32

More news - HYD's IP improving its stormwater products:



"New Inspection Access Chamber Adds Further Dimension to Hydro's Stormbloc® Stormwater Storage / Infiltration
11-Jul-2007

The new Stormbloc® Inspect adds further dimensions of usability to Hydro International's highly versatile Stormbloc® modular stormwater infiltration and storage system, and offers application and cost advantages to engineers and contractors.

By introducing a variable height inspection and access chamber in the same Stormbloc® module format, Hydro has provided integrated inlet, inspection, maintenance and access as part of the system, without additional costs for manholes and installation. The Stormbloc® Inspect unit also makes it easier for stormwater attenuation and infiltration systems to meet invert requirements no matter where they are sited.

The Stormbloc® Inspect comprises modular stackable inlet, outlet and access points to meet the height of the Stormbloc® installation. The additional extension shaft enables direct access to the chamber and the storage/infiltration modules.

Pipes can be connected at low, intermediate or high levels in four different directions, with the versatility of a 360˚ connection via the extension shaft. Connection between multiple storage units is facilitated, for example in matching phased site developments.

Cut-outs in the Stormbloc® Inspect shaft can be used for ventilation of the Stormbloc® infiltration installation, in conjunction with a standard ventilated manhole cover. Additionally, the 500 mm internal diameter shaft minimises any requirement for separate manhole chambers, thus reducing installation and capital costs.

The Stormbloc® Inspect module also adds to the system's storage capacity, and can be integrated with all Stormbloc® installations.

If you would like any further information on the Stormbloc® Inspect or any of Hydro International's stormwater, wastewater and sewage treatment systems, please call 0800 269371."

[rivaldo] 11/7/2007 21:26

Have to agree gac100. AMP4 is ramping up in the UK, legislation is being enacted in the USA which will have a similar galvanising effect for HYD over there (and HYD already have the infrastructure in place to sell into it), and then there's HYD's sales networks across Australasia, Eastern Europe, the Far East...I've suggested China to HYD in the past - maybe one day soon.

More installation news here:



"Hydro's New Stormbloc® Inspection Access Chamber Reduces Installation Costs at Largs
10-Jul-2007

High average local rainfall at Largs in North Ayrshire presented a challenge when building a 150-bay car park at a new community resource centre. But attenuation of significant surface runoff from the car park was achieved with significant cost savings by installing Hydro International's Stormbloc® modular storage system with the new Stormbloc® Inspect access chamber and a Hydro-Brake® Flow Control device.

North Ayrshire Council is building the centre to provide regional location for health care, social services and other community benefits. With an average annual rainfall of nearly 1000 mm, installing the car park for the new North West Ayrshire Resource Centre could have created significant runoff problems.

Local planning imposed a discharge limit of 5 litres / sec for the car park and the original plan was to achieve this with a modular storage cell solution sited under the car park. However, Joe Smith, Network Manager at North Ayrshire Council`s Road Services, was able to suggest a modification to the original plans with significant savings potential.

"By installing Hydro's Stormbloc® infiltration and storage solution in three separate tanks, we were able to save on the capital and installation costs," comments Joe. "Stormbloc® has an integral inspection channel built into the modular block system, and we were able to use the new Stormbloc® Inspect access chamber to provide two inspection points at each location.

"Stormbloc® Inspect costs less than conventional inspection arrangements, and allows easy access for inspection and any cleaning or jetting that may be required, lowering maintenance requirements in the long term."

The new North West Ayrshire Resource Centre is scheduled for completion in June 2008, to supplement the services of the existing Day Hospital (temporarily relocated to Brooksby House) and the Moorburn Road Community Clinic.

Technical note:
By introducing the new Stormbloc® Inspect variable height inspection and access chamber in the Stormbloc® module format, Hydro provides integrated inlet, inspection, maintenance and access as part of the system, minimising additional costs for manholes and installation. The new Stormbloc® Inspect unit also makes it easier for stormwater attenuation and infiltration systems to meet invert requirements no matter where they are sited."

[gac100] 11/7/2007 11:08

This looks like a great appointment. I really feel HYD's investment in North America must soon start to reap very big rewards - maybe even beyond our wildest dreams, despite the weakness of the dollar. Don't mind that the takeover rumour seems to have subsided, and I'm seriously considering cranking up my investment substantially; to me the HYD story just seems so good right now.

[rivaldo] 10/7/2007 21:29

USA news just out:



"Hydro International Names New National Wastewater/CSO Sales Manager
10-Jul-2007

Hydro International, a leading provider of environmentally sustainable products and innovative solutions that control and treat stormwater, wastewater and combined sewer overflows, today announced the hiring of Kenneth A. Medlin Jr. as the company's National Sales Manager for Wastewater and Combined Sewer Overflow products.

Medlin, based out of Allen, Texas, will be responsible for sales of Hydro International's Wastewater and CSO product lines through an extensive manufacturer representative network across the United States and Canada.

Medlin has more than eight years experience in business-to-business sales and account management. Most recently he worked as a business development manager for UV Pure Technologies Inc. of Toronto, driving the company's U.S. sales of a water purification system into residential, commercial, industrial and municipal markets. He also worked as North American sales manager for British water cooler manufacturer EBAC Ltd. and as national sales manager for a fitness equipment company.

"At Hydro we see a great opportunity in the wastewater and CSO sectors, selling products with demonstrated value that will save municipal and industrial customers time and money and also help to protect the environment," said Ed Izzo, President, Hydro International. "Ken has the industry knowledge and the sales experience to drive our wastewater business to a whole new level. We look forward to leveraging his superior skill set to grow our business."

Medlin lives in Allen, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in 1995 at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, and became a Certified Water Specialist II in 2005."

[davebowler] 06/7/2007 12:00

Is there a Stockbroker research link anywhere?

[mustau] 06/7/2007 08:18

gac

Thought director but GT, sorry.

[gac100] 05/7/2007 15:57

mustau - sorry, but which director are you referring to?

[mustau] 05/7/2007 15:40

NHB

I have no probs with top slicing but to spread rumours of bid so that a director can get a few extra pennies...

[nhb] 04/7/2007 21:57

Thanks Orange1. Now you point it out it is rather obvious. I must have been "skim reading" as the Hollinger director said in the Conrad Black trial. :-))

I believe Guy Thomas bought his first stake around 30p so top slicing some now is sensible.

[charlie] 04/7/2007 13:36

Years ago I printed out the start of this thread - here's post no 7 (lucky for some!!) -

garth - 14 Jul'01 - 14:13 - 7 of 1836

The IC item, 13.07.01 places Hydro on pe 7 (including NKK $ into eps)

"HYDRO INTERNATIONAL

Stormwater control manufacturer Hydro International's trading prospects are
definitely improving, but recent share sales have kept the share price depressed. Last month, for example, the Pru suddenly sold its six per cent plus holding of 855,000 shares at 27.5p. Of that number, no less than 750,000 were bought by what Hydro thinks is a first-time investor called Guy Thomas via his Isa and company interests.

Hydro's 2000 results were boosted by an initial licence fee payment of £610,000, after tax, from Japan. But there's no doubt that increasing environmental controls on stormwater are growing in demand; for exam- ple, from October 2000 all US developments of more than one acre have to incorporate devices that reduce sediment discharge in stormwater run-off. Last year, US sales rose to £2.31m from from £1.57m, thanks in part to sizeable contracts from Atlanta and Chattanooga for grit removers attached to wastewater treatment plants. At its AGM last month, Hydro reported that at end-May its order book was 30 per cent up on 12 months ago, with the majority of the increase coming from US customers. Ahead of exceptional items, Brokerlink expects 2001 sales of £6.3m, profits up to £275,000 from £204,000 and earnings 0.49p higher at 1.95p."

[rivaldo] 04/7/2007 10:58

Yep, he's top-sliced 157k and now holds 5.87%. Good on him - he took a large chunk of an illiquid company at probably and mostly well under 100p, so he's got every right to take a bit of profit when there's demand for the shares.

Having seen his investment style elsewhere I'd assume he'll continue to hold the rest long-term.

[orange1] 04/7/2007 10:42

selling: look at the position before the transaction and after.

[nhb] 04/7/2007 10:27

Is Guy Thomas buying or selling? I don't find the RNS releases very clear do you?

[rivaldo] 03/7/2007 12:35

Good spot gac. Lots of good stuff to raise awareness, particularly that rainwater harvesting article - but also the big article on page 4 about the necessity for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). This is one of HYD's big and potentially much bigger winners...

There's a number of references to Mouchel Parkman, including their pioneering of new water industry technologies for the last 18 months - I wonder if HYD would be a good fit for them?

[gac100] 03/7/2007 09:27

A 12-page "Water Management" supplement in today's Times. HYD feature in a piece on the Eco-houses in Dulwich (p.6)

Tend to agree with you Riv that nothing to be read into the IFRS rns released yesterday.

[rivaldo] 03/7/2007 07:32

No connection imo gac100, but at least the new rules impact in the right way for HYD!

A new article dated today written by HYD's MD:



"Rainwater harvesting 'should be compulsory'

Rainwater recycling should be compulsory in all new buildings to help combat climate change and ease the UK's water crisis, say campaigners Save The Rain. Despite all the recent rainfall the UK is short of water - Britain has less water available per person than most other European countries.

Save The Rain are highlighting the fact that the recent heavy rain across the UK will not be recycled to cut down on mains water usage, which they describe as 'a terrible waste' of a valuable resource.

Rainwater harvesting systems collect rain to flush toilets and water gardens. They can save up to 50% of mains water usage in the home and up to 80% in commercial / industrial installations. Save the Rain is calling on the Government to introduce legislation to make Rainwater Harvesting systems compulsory on all new buildings (www.savetherain.info. The systems collect rain from the roof into an underground storage tank, then pump it for use in toilets, outside taps and sometimes for washing machines.

Rainwater Harvesting can also play a vital role as part of flood management by holding back stormwater run-off at the point of falling during periods of heavy rain. As integral part of Sustainable Drainage Solutions(SUDS, rainwater harvesting can be considered as contributing towards discharge control consents for local planning purposes.

"Undeniably, global warming is leading us to experience extremes of flooding and drought in equal measure. Our memories are short – This time last year Britain was in the grips of drought orders and hosepipe bans," says Chris Williams, spokesman for the campaign. "Demand for Britain's water is increasing at a rate of 1% a year, and there is less water available for each UK resident than for many European countries – even the hottest and driest ones. Our consumption levels are not sustainable and the need to take a long term view has never been more pressing. Rainwater re-use seems to offer an obvious solution."

"Rainwater harvesting is a simple technology used widely in other countries. We believe if enough homes and buildings had rainwater harvesting, we could dramatically reduce demand on Britain's mains water supplies".

Save the Rain is urging people to show their support for the campaign by signing a petition to the Government at www.savetherain.info. Save the Rain is also campaigning for grants and other financial incentives for homeowners to install rainwater harvesting in existing properties.

Williams continued "The Government's Code for Sustainable Homes has gone some way to encouraging housebuilders to install rainwater harvesting through the code's 'star rating' system. The code also encourages energy efficiency to reduce our carbon footprint. But the code is only voluntary at present and we believe the Government needs to go one step further to make rainwater harvesting mandatory on all new buildings."

"We also believe that rainwater harvesting will add value to any property in which it is installed. In a recent survey conducted by Save the Rain in association with British Water, one in three homeowners said they would be more likely to buy a house if it had a rainwater harvesting system already fitted".

Chris Williams is managing director of Hydro International, a manufacturer of rainwater harvesting systems who are sponsors of Save the Rain."

[gac100] 02/7/2007 13:23

Reassurance that change to IFRS will have no major impact on HYD's accounts, other than a "Small impact to reported 2006 profit (profit after tax increases by £103,000)"



Any significance to the timing of this RNS or just coincidence with the bid rumour?