Prelude Trust Share Discussion Threads

[spin doctor] 03/1/2007 09:55

Got to move soon, surely.
Opened a March spreadbet. May have to roll it over if the paint continues drying this slowly.
One advantage of this stock is that the correlation with the overall market is close to zero.

[rivaldo] 27/12/2006 22:48

Not me Spin. But I agree, the buying over recent weeks has been most intriguing. 180k shares bought today when the markets are dead? And best of all, a 50k MM buy near the close - any more interest could see an actual price rise heaven forbid!

The portfolio's perking up all over the place - something's now happening at Sciona too, as they've appointed a decent-sounding CFO:



"BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Sciona, Inc., the leading supplier of consumer DNA testing for lifestyle and nutritional guidance, announced today that David Metzger has been named Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Metzger has over 25 years experience in the financial industry within both the corporate arena and private ventures. Prior to joining the Sciona team, Mr. Metzger served as Chief Financial Officer of Sterling Partners, a private equity firm focusing on buyout and venture capital investments.

Prior to leading Sterling Partners' finances, Mr. Metzger held Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Counsel and executive positions within several large corporate entities, including Airbase Services, Inc., First Mariner Bancorp, and MG Refining and Marketing, Inc. During Mr. Metzger's tenure in the financial industry and legal profession he developed expertise in finance, accounting operations, raising capital from a variety of sources including private equity firms, cash management, strategic planning, risk management, investor relations and handling legal matters.

Sciona CEO Peter Vitulli commented, "We are greatly honored to announce that Dave Metzger has joined the Sciona team -- he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Dave's expertise in corporate finance and law will be an invaluable asset to the Sciona team, our partners and stakeholders."

Mr. Metzger received his Bachelor's Degree at Loyola College, Maryland and Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Baltimore School of Law, Maryland. He is a Certified Public Accountant and member of both the American and Maryland Bar Associations.

Good bit of coverage here too from a Florida-based news station:



"THE COST FACTOR: So just how much will genetic testing set you back? It depends on who tests your genes. If you go to a top-of-the-line wellness center, you'll likely be charged between $1,500 and $2,500. You will get a variety of genetic tests and will also be seen by a doctor who will give you a physical and take a family history. Nutritionists or dieticians may also offer genetic testing, but at more affordable prices. They'll likely charge between $700 and $1,200. A company called Sciona also offers DNA testing with over-the-counter kits available at most pharmacies. Five separate kits will test for a specific set of genes in the categories of insulin resistance, inflammation, bone health, heart disease, and antioxidant/detoxification. Each kit costs $126 at However, if you want a comprehensive genetic assessment, you get more bang for the buck. That one runs $252."

[spin doctor] 27/12/2006 20:42

100k buy today. Anyone owning up to that?!

Something must give (ie news) soon, and likely to the upside.

[hvs] 24/12/2006 11:39

Thank you rivaldo,

YHave a very Merry Christmas as well

I am sure PDT will deliver.

[rivaldo] 24/12/2006 10:06

Good on ya hvs, have a great Xmas. PDT's portfolio is looking pretty healthy now - here's some more bits and pieces.

Kiadis have a decent new web site - note one product is already in Phase 3 trials:


De Novo is also looking healthy. Any company with deals with Roche, Genzyme, Genentech must be doing something right:


Finally, more good stuff about ZBD's Tesco expansion:



"Tesco introduces more electronic displays
22/12/2006

Following the successful trial of electronic shelf-edge labelling earlier this year, Tesco is to extend its trial of electronic displays to a second store.

The electronic displays permit Tesco to instantly update any form of rich text content, such as promotional offers, logos, graphics and price changes, with all displays linked wirelessly to in-store systems.

Following a successful trial at a store in Leicester, where food wastage was reduced by giving staff more time to replenish stock, the electronic displays are now being introduced in a second store in High Wycombe, which can be reached by Chilton Railways.

Unlike conventional ESEL tags, the electronic displays from ZBD are based on LCD technology which permits a large amount of text to be clearly displayed, while improved battery technology delivers a long and reliable lifespan.

David Rogers, vice president of sales and marketing at ZBD, said: 'The extension of the trial means that EPOP displays can be experienced by shoppers of a different social and geographical grouping.'

Some 400 displays will be installed at the High Wycombe store, while feedback from staff and customers will be collected in order to gauge support for a nationwide rollout.

Mark Green, head of counters at Tesco, said: 'Staff and customers in the first store have already embraced the technology as part of the delicatessen design, in particular the rich content on each display unit.

'The ability of instant price updates, as well as the amount of additional product information that can be displayed have had a major impact on staff productivity and the amount of food being thrown away.'"

[hvs] 23/12/2006 08:53

2007 has to be it.

I am still buying.

[timtom2] 22/12/2006 20:58

I reckon there are at least 4 holdings that could be exited at any moment. The longer it takes the more chance of a "burst" of activity as two or more go in quick succession. My 2c in any case.

Main poblem is the $ x-rate as I would see major trade sales still coming out of the US. Some of the biggies, that could easily take a bite of CPS as an example, are stil awash with cash but might have a problem justifying buying a £ denominated company at the moment??

[rivaldo] 22/12/2006 09:51

Ta jtjh. HYD is an interesting one, and a one-bagger in 18 months for me - not cheap on fundamentals in theory anymore, but as a play on "water as the new oil" it can't be bettered. Bound to be taken over at some point imo, and may just surprise on the earnings front too.

My point about the RNS (again) is that PDT have not made this statement about exploring exits before, and they're not allowed to make such statements unless there is a factual basis to them. So it's not a "reminder". How imminent or far away those exits might be is another matter - the point is that "something" is happening, whhich it wasn't in the past. End of story!

Have a great Xmas jtjh, hvs et al. Let's hope PDT has an active and successful 2007 :o))

[jtjh] 22/12/2006 07:02

Riv I wouldn't place too much hope in the RNS about exit opportunities. Management are obviously under pressure from larger stakeholders to see some realisation from the more mature portfolio holdings. I'm actively seeking opportunities to get a date with a very attractive young lady, but that doesn't mean I'm going to succeed any time soon!! It's their job to seek exit opportunities and it's an ongoing activity - the RNS could simply be a reminder in order to pacify frustrated shareholders. I have seen and been involved in too many situations of management spin to place much credence on the face value of statements - they can usually be interpreted very much as one likes.
On another tack I'm pleased to see your stake in Hydro International forging ahead.

[hvs] 21/12/2006 15:48

lol !!

CAR is motoring mate.

I am now looking for NEW TRANSPORT.

Have a good Christmas.

[jtjh] 21/12/2006 15:48

hvs - haven't you forgotten CAR?

[hvs] 21/12/2006 15:36

yes ,

cause the future is bright and future is MACF and PDT.

[jtjh] 21/12/2006 15:34

Your memory is playing you tricks Riv!! It was not a misquote although they did try to bluff their way out it initially. Anyway I have probably aired my view more than adequately.
Thanks for your best wishes - have a good holiday.
hvs must have very deep pockets considering how many times he has topped up on his various holdings, he seems to be in permanent top up mode!!

[hvs] 21/12/2006 14:58

I am again topping up.

2007 will be a CRACKER

[rivaldo] 21/12/2006 14:41

Jtjh, you aren't forgiven as you bring that quote up more times than I've had hot dinners :o)) Furthermore, I seem to remember the quote was dismissed as a mis-quote anyway in the end. Please let go of it now!

To note in an RNS that PDT are "exploring exit opportunities" in an RNS is something entirely different - this is official confirmation (remember that every word of that narrative will have been verified by lawyers and accountants before going to print.

Like you, I won't hold my breath - an exit might take days or many months. But I agree - today's and recent trades indicate there's something in the wind.

Merry Xmas jtjh and all others here. Should be an interesting 2007.

[jtjh] 20/12/2006 07:01

Please forgive me for bringing up the Alan Duncan quote from November 2005 again - "there will more exits in the near future" - but it may have some relevance given the distinct lack of news since then. I can only assume that, either he was genuine and since then buyers have retreated, or it was a cynical ploy to bolster the share price prior to the tender offer in January 2006 - remember the management did tender a large amount. I prefer to think that it was the former scenario, although this would not be great news for exit success.
Edit: However, my scepticism is somewhat ameliorated by the persistent buying of reasonable size over the past few weeks. Something may have leaked on the exit front and the informed punters are taking advantage perhaps.

[fse] 19/12/2006 20:49

Well I have just been talking with one of the large supermarket chains in Canada where I live and they find the labels really interesting.
Just e mailed ZBD for a contact.
I think these will have mass appeal, but agree they need to get with the plot ASAP or will lose any advantage.
Will post if anything happens that I can talk about !

[jtjh] 19/12/2006 08:30

The ZBD news confirms what I have been saying for ages, that there are a number of portfolio companies getting up to or past their sell by date! These mature holdings need the financial clout to push them to the front or they are going to wither on the vine. You get the impression that some posters disregard the competition out there.

[rivaldo] 19/12/2006 07:48

Siconnect have been named in "The Hot 100 products of 2006"!



And here's an article about a competitor to ZBD. Plenty of room worldwide for all here - it just shows that this is the way all retailing is going now. Interesting too that ZBD are namechecked:

[fse] 16/12/2006 21:53

Remember seeing this now so 1st Q answered...any idea on the other 2 !

ZBD partners with Fujitsu to drive retail revolution
4 December 2006

Partnership will enable epop inventor to meet commercial demand.

Display innovator ZBD and Fujitsu Services, one of Europe's leading IT service companies, have signed a partner agreement which will enable them to meet global commercial demand for a unique electronic point of purchase (epop) solution.

Exciting stuff !

[fse] 16/12/2006 21:50

Well it is all looking pretty exciting for ZBD and the move from a trial set up to commercial product does indeed look on the cards next year.
I am not surprised that customers like it as well as the very obvious cost savings to the stores that implement the system.
It is all starting to look like a win win situation and simply a better idea whose time has finally arrived.
ZBD could go dramatically into profit very quickly ....

3 Q's for rivaldo or anyone paying more attention than me ?

(1) I am assuming ZBD themselves will not be mass producing this. Will it be Fujitsu.
I shudder to think how many of these will need to be made if the idea does catch on

(2) Does anyone know what these cost ?

(3) Any idea more specifically when they expect to mass produce the tags ?

[hvs] 16/12/2006 09:07

Hi rivaldo,

Just topped up with another 10K.

Looking to buy more at this ridiculous price.

[rivaldo] 16/12/2006 08:36

Howdy doody D. Hope you staggered home OK....let us know if you hear any more goss.

Excellent new ZBD coverage here. PDT have 28% at a cost of £5.6m - if ZBD comes off PDT will have a big winner on its hands:



"Tesco takes to ESEL
Wednesday December 13 2006
Tesco extends its electronic shelf-edge labelling trial for dynamic pricing to a second store.

by Penelope Ody

Tesco has installed 400 of ZBD's electronic shelf-edge display labels - which the company prefers to term, "EPOP" for electronic point-of-purchase" rather than ESEL - at its Loudwater store near High Wycombe. The labels are used in the delicatessen section to enable dynamic pricing for short life products.

Tesco began experimenting with ESEL for deli items over a year ago and has been testing the ZBD system at its South Wigston store in Leicestershire, for several months. "Staff and customers in the South Wigston store have already embraced the technology - especially the rich content on each display unit," says Mark Green, head of counters at Tesco. "The ability of instant price updates as well as the amount of additional product information that can be displayed have had a major impact on staff productivity and the amount of food being thrown away."

Unlike conventional ESEL tags, the ZBD system is based on innovative LCD technology which allows a large amount of text to be clearly shown on the label while improved battery technology gives a long and reliable life to each label. "The extension of the trial means that EPOP displays can be experienced by shoppers of a different social and geographical grouping," says David Rogers, vp sales and marketing at ZBD. "This will help Tesco assess how a UK-wide roll-out of the technology would function. The system has already transformed the working practices at the South Wigston store making the shopping experience as simple as possible for customers and staff."

The technology allows prices to be reduced quickly and easily as use-by dates approach and also gives full product details in an easy-to-read format for shoppers so helping to reduce queries and increase shopper throughput. The extension to Loudwater - one of Tesco's high profile outlets - will enable wider customer feedback and staff reaction to the new system. Ivano Ortis, retail analyst with IDC, has tipped ESEL as a key emerging technology for retailers in 2007. The technology has been available for at least 20 years but cost and problems with battery life have proved major deterrents in the UK, even though there were widespread implementations in Europe enabling dual pricing when the Euro was launched. "We expect to see ESEL becoming part of the standard information systems within the store," he says. "It is certainly one to watch in 2007."

ZBD's EPOP tags are also being tested by Dixons for dynamic pricing and greater product information and are also under test with John Lewis. ZBD - spun out of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, now QinetiQ six years ago - has also now signed up Episys as a global solutions partner. Episys has already been involved with implementation of the system at both John Lewis and Dixons.

Until now, ZBD's efforts have been focused on R&D but with major retailers now poised to roll-out the technology it is moving into volume production which is likely to impact tag costs and improve the RoI. "The ground is set for ZBD to launch commercially viable production for the EPOP solution," says Clive Mayne, ZBD's ceo. "Our successful trials have proved that the technology has significant benefits and by working with Episys we will be able to deliver solutions on a global scale.""

[swalker] 15/12/2006 13:24

Howdo Riv/Tilton

Been a bit quiet of late - the oilies have been quiet and bloody frustrating and a few smaller punt situations have been keeping me interested. Otherwise just keeping the head down and snoozing. It hasnt been a great half for us - acceptable but not great (no utilities and other stuff being bought up) ah well, you take the rough with the smooth and we're still well ahead over the year.

WINS - mightly strange if you ask me though I know they are getting better at marketing and covering the ITs.

Still think PDT's price is mad at the moment given the maturity of the portfolio - ah well, its back to sleep me thinks (I need a few hours shut eye before heading off to the City later to a pre Xmas session).

D

[tiltonboy] 14/12/2006 14:29

riv,

Haven't got your e-mail addy. You can get me at home via my monika @ hotmail.com.

tiltonboy