SPK- Spark NZ (TELCO)

[Bobdn]

Start in Tokyo and finish in Singapore, 17 days in total. I've treated myself to a balcony cabin. The biggest challenge will be avoid putting on a kilo a day :)

[couta1]

Really - just in your opinion you probably thought that when they hit $3.60xd, you might just as easily expect the price to move higher esp if the Reserve Bank cuts again soon. Spark has a 4 star trader rating and a 4 star investor rating, choose your poison or mix your poison:cool:. PS-It doesn't have a 4 star trader rating because it's price keeps going up aye.

[bull....]

back in looks like 4 dollars is coming sooner than we thought, esp if you read all those fund manger comments last week by overseas funds about them wanting into spk div yield

[bull....]

exciting news

https://www.nzx.com/companies/SPK/announcements/281288

looking forward to seeing earnings growth in the future, that will really put a rocket under the share price and dispel the non - believers who still see spark as a stable to declining business.

[macduffy]

Yes, certainly interesting. But looking past the Simon Moutter hype what do we know about the people "moving on" and those replacing them? Does it really herald an exciting new phase for SPK or is it a company reorganisation as some leave and others are promoted? Note that two execs are yet to be recruited.

Disc: Holding SPK - not exactly a "non-believer" but yet to be totally convinced.

[Zaphod]

exciting news

https://www.nzx.com/companies/SPK/announcements/281288

looking forward to seeing earnings growth in the future, that will really put a rocket under the share price and dispel the non - believers who still see spark as a stable to declining business.

Backing up what Macduffy has said - yes interesting, however I'd also like to see some more substantial announcement on initiatives and strategies to growth their market share, but particularly what SPK are doing to grow new value-added products and services.

[bull....]

http://investors.sparknz.co.nz/FormBuilder/_Resource/_module/gXbeer80tkeL4nEaF-kwFA/doc/Strategy-Update_Three-Year-Aspiration.pdf

this is presentation on 3yr strategy, what you probably want to know is how are the new people going to drive earnings better than the old people leaving?

[bull....]

free lightbox video streaming

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11629953

[RGR367]

free lightbox video streaming

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11629953

TY bull.... We were wondering when are they're going to charge us because it's been a year since we got this free access to Lightbox. So the good times roll on..... :t_up:

[bull....]

TY bull.... We were wondering when are they're going to charge us because it's been a year since we got this free access to Lightbox. So the good times roll on..... :t_up:

yes good times spark now has a clear difference in broadband

[Zaphod]

http://investors.sparknz.co.nz/FormBuilder/_Resource/_module/gXbeer80tkeL4nEaF-kwFA/doc/Strategy-Update_Three-Year-Aspiration.pdf

this is presentation on 3yr strategy, what you probably want to know is how are the new people going to drive earnings better than the old people leaving?

Thanks for that - there's a bit of detail in there, but it's left me when even more questions. Maybe it's time I turned up to one of the annual meetings.

[bull....]

Thanks for that - there's a bit of detail in there, but it's left me when even more questions. Maybe it's time I turned up to one of the annual meetings.

you can email questions to them?

anyway the lightbox offer combined with broadband will only be a success if the product is good and consumer sees the value add-on. eg lightbox need good content and new content ( which they have some) and flawless interface connection which I believe there are issues still with some devices or lack of range of devices and execution in some devices etc anyway probably more knowledgable people in this area than me

[biker]

Interesting that Spark are taking over the naming rights of Vector Arena, in my view a place that is not fit for purpose. That's how I saw Spark when I was with them ( as telecom)
They both deserve each other.

[dobby41]

Interesting that Spark are taking over the naming rights of Vector Arena, in my view a place that is not fit for purpose. That's how I saw Spark when I was with them ( as telecom)
They both deserve each other.

Spark is a different beast than Telecom was - from someone who has been with the company in one way or another from Post Office days.
The mind-set and feel have changed a lot.

[mondograss]

I always thought Vector Arena was a pretty good venue, it's certainly a heck of a lot better than the old "super top" ever was.

[bull....]

good fit spark and stadium branding

[biker]

I always thought Vector Arena was a pretty good venue, it's certainly a heck of a lot better than the old "super top" ever was.

I guess its all relative. Off topic i know but the acoustics and sound system leave a lot to be desired is all I'll say. Aotea centre acoustics are also very poor.

The old Auckland town hall remains one of the best in Auckland sadly (IMHO)

[mondograss]

Yeah they don't make them like they used to. Still, I got to see "The Wall" at Vector, which I otherwise wouldn't have been able to see for lack of any other venue, so I guess I cut it a bit of slack.

[blockhead]

What gives ?

SPK appoint a new Director and sp slips 4.5%, she bring a bit of baggage ??

[couta1]

What gives ?

SPK appoint a new Director and sp slips 4.5%, she bring a bit of baggage ?? SKT in discussions with Vodafone so possible impact on Spark if a merger occurred.

[blockhead]

Ah Ha, out of the country and missed that bit, thanks

[bull....]

hope spark have a plan for sky/ vodaphone merger was pretty obvious sky would do this

[Major von Tempsky]

Looks like it won't happen anyway. Most interesting to read the financial data on Vodafone, losing heavily (as they have since the start) so Vodafone UK want to dump them. SKY TV have been pumped dry as a cash cow by their Australian owners and now have serious competition for the first time so their Australian owners want to dump them, or at least spread the load. If you add 2 losers do you get a winner or more target practice for Spark etc?

[Mickey]

I took the opportunity to top up with a few at 333

[bull....]

bt telecom faced a similar problem yrs back against the big bskyb who dominated pay tv so they introduced free packaged tv targeted all people who didn't want to pay pay tv prices and who were disalusioned with pay tvs high prices, they also have sport content now - imagine if skydaph lost the all black rights?

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/dec/05/news.uknews

[couta1]

Spark don't seem that concerned about the proposed merger between Sky and Vodafone, as they have been selling each other's services for a few years now anyway. Once the dust settles, those buying at current prices will have gotten themselves a nice bargain.

[Master98]

Spark don't seem that concerned about the proposed merger between Sky and Vodafone, as they have been selling each other's services for a few years now anyway. Once the dust settles, those buying at current prices will have gotten themselves a nice bargain.
dear couta, sold my SPK shares weeks ago, learned from AIR won't buy back until clearly turned.

[QOH]

dear couta, sold my SPK shares weeks ago, learned from AIR won't buy back until clearly turned.

Opposite here, sold AIR a couple of months ago, bought SPK yesterday.

[couta1]

Well done to both of you, having sold my SPK a few weeks ago like you Master, I bought back a few days ago in the low $3.60s for the next divvy,so got one right and one wrong where as you both got it right.(If only we could know news in advance aye)

[Zaphod]

hope spark have a plan for sky/ vodaphone merger was pretty obvious sky would do this

I would assume that SPK's strategy for triple-play is to pump up Lightbox. Content wise it can't compare with Sky nor especially Netflix, but there are opportunities there none the less.

[dobby41]

Content wise it can't compare with Sky nor especially Netflix, but there are opportunities there none the less.

So nothing has changed really?

[bull....]

So nothing has changed really?

not really, tougher competitor now in sky-da-ph who can make more money from bundling products but doesn't guarantee success
have a read of this

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_bundling

even a lessor bundled package can still drive a superior bundled package from the market

also worth noting is that the moves of spark and sky-da-ph will prohibit other gentailers from entering the market for broadband eg trustpower is a good example of gentailers entering the market:p

[Bobby_Fischer]

sky-da-ph

I quite like the "ring" of Skodaphone myself, ba-boom!

[bull....]

Bundling, market power, and competitiveness[edit (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Product_bundling&action=edit&section=4)]In oligopolistic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligopoly) and monopolistic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopoly) industries, product bundling can be seen as an unfair use of market power because it limits the choices available to the consumer. In these cases it is typically called product tying (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_tying). Some forms of product bundling have been subject to litigation regarding abuses of market share (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-trust).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Product_bundling

from the same article

[bull....]

be interesting see what the bundling involves sky-da-ph as vodaph parent in there annual report states we will seek to challenge any bundling that a competitor uses from there superior content to limit competition. wonder if that translats to there superior position in nz?

[sb9]

Holding pretty well in light of what's happening in wider market overall....

[couta1]

Holding pretty well in light of what's happening in wider market overall.... Not surprised as it got trashed last week,bit of a money parking spot is our Spark, remember last year when the market tanked and Spark went up?

[bull....]

sky secures soccer rights and then makes customers pay another $18 to watch them on top of the sports fees already hahhaa man is this a sign of things to come if I was spark ill be sh..... in my pants

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/81047631/football-channels-will-cost-1196-a-month-sold-separately-from-skys-other-services

[Bobdn]

sky secures soccer rights and then makes customers pay another $18 to watch them on top of the sports fees already hahhaa man is this a sign of things to come if I was spark ill be sh..... in my pants

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/81047631/football-channels-will-cost-1196-a-month-sold-separately-from-skys-other-services

Interestingly, according to an NBR article today, SKT doesn't make 1 cent from the EPL. They are merely providing it as a platform for the EPL provider. I know that sounds like rubbish but the NBR interviewer asked that question three times of the SKT spokesperson. Not one cent from EPL. Of course you need the basic SKT package to watch it so it's not a complete waste of time for SKT. Apparently the EPL would have cost them $12M over three years if they did it another way.

I sold Spark and own SKT. However, I'd love to buy back into Spark one day. It's a great company, with excellent customer service. And while Sky and VF are fluffing around after the merger, there'll be plenty of opportunity for Spark to steal more market share during the chaos. Spark has to get rid of Lightbox in my opinion, it's a waste of money and I don't know of anyone that has got or retained Spark because of it.

[BlackCross]

sky secures soccer rights and then makes customers pay another $18 to watch them on top of the sports fees already hahhaa man is this a sign of things to come if I was spark ill be sh..... in my pants

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-game/81047631/football-channels-will-cost-1196-a-month-sold-separately-from-skys-other-services


Actually it's $11.95 and terrific value if you take into account all the added games. You can, I guess, use Kodi etc. to illegally steam games but with all the hassle etc. that's involved, and for $11.95 a month what's the point? Nice one SKY.

Edit: I forgot to add that you don't have to subscribe to SKYSports to get the Soccer channels.

[Rawiri]

not sure how accurate this is(or if it is already common knowledge among spark shareholders) but I was just hearing from my brother earlier today that he had been thinking about changing power companies from Genesis Energy to trustpower and bundling the energy bill with broadband etc. Less than a few hours after signing on with trustpower he received a call from Genesis where they offered him a package deal of energy bills with Spark broadband at a much cheaper rate than trustpower were offering!

[Bobdn]

Didn't realise that Genesis and Spark had an alliance. Looks like the deals are for new customers, pity.

[dobby41]

Didn't realise that Genesis and Spark had an alliance. Looks like the deals are for new customers, pity.

Ask them if they'll do a deal to retain you.

[cyclist]

Ask them if they'll do a deal to retain you.

Wrong thread, but Genesis are open to negotiation for existing customers. Ring them up and say you are reviewing your provider arrangements. When I did they offered the choice of their latest promotion, or a reduced rate.

[bull....]

not sure how accurate this is(or if it is already common knowledge among spark shareholders) but I was just hearing from my brother earlier today that he had been thinking about changing power companies from Genesis Energy to trustpower and bundling the energy bill with broadband etc. Less than a few hours after signing on with trustpower he received a call from Genesis where they offered him a package deal of energy bills with Spark broadband at a much cheaper rate than trustpower were offering!

that be good deal join with biggest gentailer by customer

[bull....]

anyone grab some deals last week at the spark fire sale?

[bull....]

see theres a article in nbr about spark and mediaworks behind a paywall so I don't know what it says but anyway do ya reckon they will join , I doubt it as spark sees Netflix, apple and you tubes as the competitors.
hence why I say they will have to go after sport content now esp since sky-da-ph marriage - why because live sport cannot be substituted by content available on Netflix, apple etc so it acts as a clear difference.
or as a wild card maybe they offer Netflix free to customers hahaha

[bull....]

cat must be outta the bag? back to highs end of week?

[QOH]

anyone grab some deals last week at the spark fire sale?

Yea grabbed some last Week at $2.35

[bull....]

some comment about spark and tvnz

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11658191

[Zaphod]

Spark take-over of TVNZ? No, highly unlikely and not a good combination IMO. Purely media conjecture designed to sell copy.

[bull....]

Spark take-over of TVNZ? No, highly unlikely and not a good combination IMO. Purely media conjecture designed to sell copy.

I wouldn't right it off -

its called Telco tv
Telco TV (sometimes known as Fiber-enabled TV Service) – With Telco TV telephone service providers act as the television network operator.

heres an example

https://broadband.ee.co.uk/ee-tv

tvnz would be better than tv3 I guess either way spark have to do something

[Zaphod]

I wouldn't right it off -

its called Telco tv
Telco TV (sometimes known as Fiber-enabled TV Service) – With Telco TV telephone service providers act as the television network operator.

heres an example

https://broadband.ee.co.uk/ee-tv

tvnz would be better than tv3 I guess either way spark have to do something

I'm not talking about the tech; it's the issues with merging to culturally dissimilar entities, with one that is regularly used as a political football that concerns me.

[Major von Tempsky]

Nice announcement by Spark this morning that they are now Number 1 in mobiles, ahead of Vodafone :-)

[bull....]

Nice announcement by Spark this morning that they are now Number 1 in mobiles, ahead of Vodafone :-)

yes good news, mr moutter is doing a great job turning old telecom around.

[bull....]

heading back to the highs?

I was in a spark store on the weekend as I needed a broadband wifi booster for my mansion as you probably know a normal wifi signal from your router is not strong enough to reach all areas of a large house with a sufficiently strong signal anyway got to the store and I say have you got a wifi booster, oh yea says the sales person one of many sales people in the store ( good to see lots of sales people ) here it is. cool I thought until I see it was a adsl model, I say I want for fibre the sales person says oh we don't sell them you have to go to JBHI FI , I say what.

anyway youd think spark would utilize all those lovely sales people by having a decent range of by products to just there phones so as to upsell or cross sell or what ever would boost retail profits for sure instead of me having too pay $200 at JB instead.

[blockhead]

Mrs Spark phoned Blocky a couple of months ago and offered "wireless broadband", no extra cost, in fact it was a few dollars less, crafty move by Spark that was, now have speeds good enough to use Lightbox and Sky On Demand, shortly after I had to up the usage limit to 80gb so the "free" upgrade I received is already paying off for Spark. Works well around Blockys humble cottage and out on the lawn for a fair way as well.

Good for watching Hayden Paddon and Tour de France at times when I can sit down with a pint.

[Mickey]

heading back to the highs?

I was in a spark store on the weekend as I needed a broadband wifi booster for my mansion as you probably know a normal wifi signal from your router is not strong enough to reach all areas of a large house with a sufficiently strong signal anyway got to the store and I say have you got a wifi booster, oh yea says the sales person one of many sales people in the store ( good to see lots of sales people ) here it is. cool I thought until I see it was a adsl model, I say I want for fibre the sales person says oh we don't sell them you have to go to JBHI FI , I say what.

anyway youd think spark would utilize all those lovely sales people by having a decent range of by products to just there phones so as to upsell or cross sell or what ever would boost retail profits for sure instead of me having too pay $200 at JB instead.

It's a common problem in large houses or multi-dwelling properties. Before you go an splash out $200 - have a look at this site
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/300Mbps-Original-Wireless-N-WIFI-Repeater-High-Quality-Network-Router-Signal-Booster-Strengthen-802-11N-B/32340963002.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.1.o3zZiV&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_0,searchweb201602_2_100 37_10017_407_10033_406_10032,searchweb201603_2&btsid=6f50404d-10e2-4189-a39d-f131c82a7ab1

I have one of these in my lounge and it boosted my signal from 45-50% to 92-95%.

[bull....]

It's a common problem in large houses or multi-dwelling properties. Before you go an splash out $200 - have a look at this site
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/300Mbps-Original-Wireless-N-WIFI-Repeater-High-Quality-Network-Router-Signal-Booster-Strengthen-802-11N-B/32340963002.html?spm=2114.30010308.3.1.o3zZiV&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_0,searchweb201602_2_100 37_10017_407_10033_406_10032,searchweb201603_2&btsid=6f50404d-10e2-4189-a39d-f131c82a7ab1

I have one of these in my lounge and it boosted my signal from 45-50% to 92-95%.

cheers certainly much cheaper than jb , im assuming its fibre compatible? and compatible with spark huewai routers

[Mickey]

cheers certainly much cheaper than jb , im assuming its fibre compatible? and compatible with spark huewai routers

Yes - it's a repeater so it just picks up the wifi signal being sent out by your router and amplifies it. It works well for me but best you have a good read of the description (and peoples feedback) to make sure it is what you need. Certainly a cost effective option.

[bull....]

can we do it this time that 3.73 on a weekly been quite a pain

[blockhead]

Was it only a few weeks ago there was a fire sale of SPK shares on account of Sky/Vodafone ? short memories some punters !

[stones]

Yes as they say the stayers and the players!!

[blockhead]

We are in uncharted territory with the sp at the moment arent we ?

$3.80 beckoning

[craic]

Will be looking to buy 32000 @ 383 this morning and expect 400cps by Friday or earlier. 500 looms for the first time in years.

[blockhead]

Other than the fact SPK still offers a reasonable % return as a div, what do you suspect is pushing it forward at the moment, nothing has changed to be expecting better results than those forecast.......or has it ?

[winner69]

Other than the fact SPK still offers a reasonable % return as a div, what do you suspect is pushing it forward at the moment, nothing has changed to be expecting better results than those forecast.......or has it ?

Just that punters all over the world are happy as a sandboy. Got to buy things, anything

[craic]

Stability. In the years I have been with this one I have heard all the reasons that spk was about to go down the tubes - 1,001 reasons that it was about to be run into the ground by its competitors - and it hasn't happened. Idiots like me have made good money trading the share. This place - NZ - is one of a very small number of stable western economies at the moment and there are fools like me looking to protect their assets. "Finding" the Sparks will always cause a disproportionate response.

[bull....]

spk very cheap on forward fundamentals grossed up yield over 7% pe 18 is cheap compared to overseas telecoms of around 23 - 24 and with an improving financial and business turnaround a no-brainer really and factor in low interest rates for a long time where else ya going to get this yield from a steady as ya go company.

[blockhead]

Will be looking to buy 32000 @ 383 this morning and expect 400cps by Friday or earlier. 500 looms for the first time in years.

Don't see that 32,000 order sitting in there yet Craic ??

[stones]

Go Craic. You are a legend!!!

[macduffy]

Don't see that 32,000 order sitting in there yet Craic ??

We canny investors don't show our Buy hand until the fish are biting! ( To mix a few metaphors)

;)

[craic]

Two separate orders, one 18000 and one 14000. both through first thing. Today is pension day so I'm just back from the supermarket, the club and various other places that we oldies frequent when we are flush.
Don't see that 32,000 order sitting in there yet Craic ??

[blockhead]

Good work Craic


This piece of news wouldn't have hindered the sp either

"Sky Network Television fell 1 per cent to $4.85 after a government paper raised some questions about its proposed merger with Vodafone New Zealand."

[macduffy]

Tom Pullar-Strecker takes Spark to task (again?) for being slow to pick up the phone!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/82014982/sparks-fly-as-callwait-times-blow-out-to-over-three-hours

[dobby41]

At least the advertise their failings, recognise them and are doing something about it - hiring 200 more help desk staff.

[bull....]

much needed breather, if you brought last couple days im sure it will come back

[Nasi Goreng]

Well the telephone companies are leading the way in cutting costs and squeezing every last ounce of profit that they can from their business. I've experienced terrible service from both Spark and Vodafone over the last 2 years, their products are great until there is a problem. It is only then that you realise how bad things have become.

They have done the maths and realised the cost to improve service is far more than the profit lost of customers who leave due to bad service.

As an investor, I struggle to want to back a company that is this short sighted. I know others are the same, it's nice to use the services of owned companies and feel a sense of pride that they care about their customers.

[dobby41]

If this was really true of Spark why would they be spending more to hire more customer service agents?

[macduffy]

If this was really true of Spark why would they be spending more to hire more customer service agents?

It's a balancing act. Cut back too far and it really does start to hit the profitability of the company.

[Nasi Goreng]

Have you had an issue with Spark in the last 3 years or so that needs resolving? I had multiple when I became a new mobile customer and cannot believe that customer service is high on their agenda.

If they are spending more on new staff, then i suspect it is through absolute necessity to fix 3 hour wait times rather than to shift gears and suddenly become customer focussed.

Seriously, I have recently been having drop out issues with Vodafone broadband so I started to look at other suppliers, it is actually really hard to find Sparks phone number, and eventually when I did, I got the multiple options on their telephone system and after holding for a while ( minutes, not hours ) I gave up and found a chat option on their website where I could talk to a staff member by chat. Only a 5 minute wait here and It would have been ok if the chat person had some product knowledge because each question I asked took 2-3 minutes to get a response... after 15 minutes of chat pain, I gave up again.

This is just an example of mine which I don't think is isolated. If you do truly believe that great customer service is something they aspire to, then that's ok, your opinion against mine.

[couta1]

much needed breather, if you brought last couple days im sure it will come back Lot of ramping up going on here over the last couple of days, I'm surprised Craic bought back his lot at $3.83 yesterday, I could see it was at its top for now, in fact I sold my holding last week as I consider it too expensive at current prices and offering little value. Adding to my Air holding and SCL both of which I see as having good value at current prices. PS-Spark is one of my favourite stocks and one I know very well.

[Bobdn]

Will be looking to buy 32000 @ 383 this morning and expect 400cps by Friday or earlier. 500 looms for the first time in years.

Pretty sure Chorus will see $5 before Spk ever sees $4.

Although I should add, I've been wrong plenty of times before so take what I'm saying with a grain of salt ;). looking forward to buying Spk again in the future.

[bull....]

looks like a big bounce tomorrow if ya go off the aus quotes

[bull....]

4 dollars soon I hope still cheap I reckon

[couta1]

4 dollars soon I hope still cheap I reckon Yeah right to the cheap bit.

[Nasi Goreng]

Spark model just like SKY/Vodafone, its a dying business. Enjoy the uptrend people :-)

[BIRMANBOY]

Spark and Tel before it has been making money and paying dividends longer than your somewhat limited vision recognizes. All IT related enterprises will founder if they don't adapt and adopt new visions. Parking SPK along with SKY is just way too simplistic and it would appear most investors don't agree with you...so you are a contrarian...good on you. But not a contrarian based on any recognition of history of the company, but based on what?
Spark model just like SKY/Vodafone, its a dying business. Enjoy the uptrend people :-)

[Nasi Goreng]

I would base my theory on technology. For example, there are now 1 billion users of Facebook Messenger who are able to make their own private calls without the need of a telephone company.

The big tailwind for telcoms has been the rise of the smart phone and people have needed to buy data plans which are of more value now than free calls. I just think 5-10 years from now, technology will change so fast that we may eventually be able to get by without phone companies at all, some say we may eventually get rid of telephone numbers all together - imagine that! We would need more free wifi zones to enable this but its not inconceivable to imagine it happening.

So maybe my somewhat limited vision can't see too far into the past but its not really the past investors need to worry about is it? Happy to be contrarian.

[bull....]

I would base my theory on technology. For example, there are now 1 billion users of Facebook Messenger who are able to make their own private calls without the need of a telephone company.

The big tailwind for telcoms has been the rise of the smart phone and people have needed to buy data plans which are of more value now than free calls. I just think 5-10 years from now, technology will change so fast that we may eventually be able to get by without phone companies at all, some say we may eventually get rid of telephone numbers all together - imagine that! We would need more free wifi zones to enable this but its not inconceivable to imagine it happening.

So maybe my somewhat limited vision can't see too far into the past but its not really the past investors need to worry about is it? Happy to be contrarian.

you could say spk is a technology company sort of now it main businesses are data, it, cloud etc while its legacy is phone.
if we don't have ph companies in 10yrs guess chorus wont be around then too.

[Nasi Goreng]

Who knows? I think The Chorus infrastructure was absolutely necessary and may support technology in the future.

I wonder where self driving cars, drones etc will get their data from. Maybe Spark will be the benefactor but why would the makers of these vehicles want to deal with 3rd party. Possibly too much for some sharetraders to take in for one morning lol.

[bull....]

Who knows? I think The Chorus infrastructure was absolutely necessary and may support technology in the future.

I wonder where self driving cars, drones etc will get their data from. Maybe Spark will be the benefactor but why would the makers of these vehicles want to deal with 3rd party. Possibly too much for some sharetraders to take in for one morning lol.

yes benefactor, very cheap share

[oldtech]

I would base my theory on technology. For example, there are now 1 billion users of Facebook Messenger who are able to make their own private calls without the need of a telephone company.

The big tailwind for telcoms has been the rise of the smart phone and people have needed to buy data plans which are of more value now than free calls. I just think 5-10 years from now, technology will change so fast that we may eventually be able to get by without phone companies at all, some say we may eventually get rid of telephone numbers all together - imagine that! We would need more free wifi zones to enable this but its not inconceivable to imagine it happening.

So maybe my somewhat limited vision can't see too far into the past but its not really the past investors need to worry about is it? Happy to be contrarian.

Spark is no longer primarily a phone company as such. One of the reasons they changed their name from Telecom was to try and emphasise their move away from "just a landline/phone company". They are now about mobile, internet TV, cloud, and data, with ye olde telephone capabilities still hanging around in the background. The core infrastructure, the exchanges and the fibre connecting them, has been carrying far more than just phone calls for many many years - as an example go back to the 60's 70's and 80's when telex was still around! The future is about data in many different guises, and Spark has the infrastructure to carry that data in NZ and overseas - remember they own 50% of Southern Cross.

Their challenge, like all tech companies, is to keep up with changing technology and stay relevant, and I think they have the ability to do that. Sometimes they get it wrong (remember First Media, the failed experiment in cable TV back in the late 90's?) but they've been in the game a long time.

Disc: Spark employee for 20-plus years, in a technical role. In all that time I have NEVER worked on a phone or a landline.

[dobby41]

Their challenge, like all tech companies, is to keep up with changing technology and stay relevant, and I think they have the ability to do that. Sometimes they get it wrong (remember First Media, the failed experiment in cable TV back in the late 90's?) but they've been in the game a long time..

Their challenge is getting people to pay.
Bandwidth useage is increasing at a great rate but people don't want to pay more for it.
Supplying bandwidth (fixed or mobile) does cost money but people want more and more for less and less.
So the challenge is getting money for what is now a commodity.

[RGR367]

I have to side with oldtech on this one as the issue is for Spark to complete its transformation from old Line company to more of a "servicing data company", whatever that means. You'll be hearing new money earning services unheard off from an old phone exchange company when everything falls in to place. They're still transforming from over a thousand legacy systems/platforms/services to less than 250 or so as I was told. The old Telecom that we all knew then is no longer the same as Spark. May it happen soon for all those who want to see this company succeed.

[BIRMANBOY]

Well if you had the vision to look at the past, you might have noticed that SPK has changed with the times and as the need occurs..so a reasonable assumption might be that they could continue doing this. Your point is that technology has changed and changes all the time...so why wouldn't you believe that SPK would do the same? They have displayed these attributes year after year. Suddenly they'll stop and remain static? I think not. Past behaviour is no guarantee of future performance but it certainly informs one of likelihood of what might happen. All tech outfits need to be light on their feet. SPK is large but appears to be pretty nimble from past history. A lot of posters have made a lot of money from this either through trading or simply growth and dividends. It would be a brave person who thought that was coming to an end. Are you brave or simply misguided?:p
I would base my theory on technology. For example, there are now 1 billion users of Facebook Messenger who are able to make their own private calls without the need of a telephone company.

The big tailwind for telcoms has been the rise of the smart phone and people have needed to buy data plans which are of more value now than free calls. I just think 5-10 years from now, technology will change so fast that we may eventually be able to get by without phone companies at all, some say we may eventually get rid of telephone numbers all together - imagine that! We would need more free wifi zones to enable this but its not inconceivable to imagine it happening.

So maybe my somewhat limited vision can't see too far into the past but its not really the past investors need to worry about is it? Happy to be contrarian.

[dobby41]

I have worked for Spark in its' various guises for 38 years and the Spark of now is a far different creature than anything from the past.
Simon Moutter has moved the company a long way in the right direction - product and culture.

[bull....]

$4 soon a, people must be waking up to how cheap the shares are relative to others

[couta1]

$4 soon a, people must be waking up to how cheap the shares are relative to others Yeah right, cheap in comparison to what others?

[bull....]

Yeah right, cheap in comparison to what others?

us telecom index pe 21 next yr 22, spark 19 so at a pe of 21 - 22 would be 4.50 so very cheap on this comparison and such a juicy dividend yield too.

[couta1]

$4 soon a, people must be waking up to how cheap the shares are relative to others Nothing to inspire any significant SP movement in the latest results other than a flurry here and there by divvy hunters.

[bull....]

I think there result is pretty good -

if you believe this site they seemed to have beaten estimated forecasts

http://www.4-traders.com/SPARK-NEW-ZEALAND-LTD-6492600/

The company seems to be repositioning very nicely as I say earlier spark is no longer just a Telco as many industries are now converging. media, Telco, ICT all rolling into one

Google the future role of telcos in ICT markets theres a pdf report from McKinsey about how ICT and telcos and how they will evolve in the future.

Spark has big opportunity to get growth in this ICT space and big data also probably thru acquisition I reckon and bolt ons.

Also liked the growth in mobile revenue and the margins, broadband is always going to be difficult as so many can offer the service so maintaining is good.

Be interesting to see where they see there position in the media segment.

[couta1]

Then again if you believe that site, you get a median target of $3.28.:eek2:

[Major von Tempsky]

Ok guys, I admit it, I'm beaten, totally bushed!

Nowhere can I find the date they payout dividend, presumably sometime in early October 2016.

If anyone can find it please let me know where! as well as when.

cheers,

le Commandant

[bull....]

Ok guys, I admit it, I'm beaten, totally bushed!

Nowhere can I find the date they payout dividend, presumably sometime in early October 2016.

If anyone can find it please let me know where! as well as when.

cheers,

le Commandant

looks like 7 oct

[bull....]

Then again if you believe that site, you get a median target of $3.28.:eek2:

lol yes that's why its a median

[Hoop]

Can't find dividend ????..
The NZ herald has it (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11696242)
quote...The board confirmed a final dividend of 11 cents per share and special dividend of 1.5 cents, payable on October 7 with a September 23 record date, taking the total payment to 25 cents in the year. Chairman Mark Verbiest said the company plans to repeat that return of 22 cents in ordinary dividends and a 3 cent special dividend in 2017.

The NZX announcements has it (scroll half way down page) PDF file here

(https://www.nzx.com/files/attachments/241567.pdf)

[Muppett]

Ok guys, I admit it, I'm beaten, totally bushed!

Nowhere can I find the date they payout dividend, presumably sometime in early October 2016.

If anyone can find it please let me know where! as well as when.

cheers,

le Commandant

Its on page 36 in the Annual Report.
Ex Dividend date = 22 Sept
Record date = 23 Sept
Payment date = 7 October
Imputation credits are: same as last time: 4.2778 and .5833 for the 11 cents and 1.5 cents dividend

[Major von Tempsky]

Thanks Bull. Hoop and Muppett! I think next time I will go straight to the NZX which is where I eventually found it after the helpful comments here.

Well Spark seems to have exceeded expectations with comments about expected dividends and the progress in IT and mobile. I think all those panic monkeys who sold out in the days/weeks before the announcement must be kicking themselves!

[RGR367]

...........

Well Spark seems to have exceeded expectations with comments about expected dividends and the progress in IT and mobile. I think all those panic monkeys who sold out in the days/weeks before the announcement must be kicking themselves!

So we'll remember:
The Key Numbers

​Operating revenues and other gains

​​$3,497m​

​down 1.0%, up 2.5% once adjusted



​EBITDA

​$986m

up 2.5%​


​Net earnings before income tax

​$512m

​up 6.2%



​Net earnings after tax

​$370m

​down 1.3 %



​CAPEX $ excluding spectrum

​$381m

​down 8.9%



​CAPEX $ including spectrum

​$390m

​down 32.3%



​Mobile revenues

$1,134m ​
​up 11.3%



​IT services revenue

​$658m

​up 11.1%



​Ordinary dividends per share

​22 cents

​up 10.0%



​Mobile connections

​2.293m

​up 5.3%



The sp has just moved up for the coming div., I say.

[craic]

Tradersdelight. Went out on the hill with my chainsaws yesterday and decide to put 18000 on the market at a price about what I thought was the max I could possibly expect. Decided on 390cps and then in a fickle moment, decided on 392cps. Came down a couple of hours later and was stunned to find I had sold. Bought them back in the mid-eighties with enough cash to buy a couple of take-aways in threedays when the cash is cleared. Back on at 393 for a few days.

[bull....]

Tradersdelight. Went out on the hill with my chainsaws yesterday and decide to put 18000 on the market at a price about what I thought was the max I could possibly expect. Decided on 390cps and then in a fickle moment, decided on 392cps. Came down a couple of hours later and was stunned to find I had sold. Bought them back in the mid-eighties with enough cash to buy a couple of take-aways in threedays when the cash is cleared. Back on at 393 for a few days.

a bit light 3.93 how about 3.99

[EJK]

What's the news that made SPK jump over $4 mark today? I see an article about it on NBR but sadly my companies IP subscription expired and can't read it.

Anyone happy to enlighten me, please?

[bull....]

What's the news that made SPK jump over $4 mark today? I see an article about it on NBR but sadly my companies IP subscription expired and can't read it.

Anyone happy to enlighten me, please?

might be due to this news release

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1608/S00702/spark-celebrates-100th-rural-broadband-initiative-cell-site.htm

[bull....]

having a breather today after reaching that cheap price of $4 dollars yesterday - roll on div time need some spending money

[Kelvin]

$3.6 cum dividend, might be a good chance to buy?

[Blendy]

$3.6 cum dividend, might be a good chance to buy?

Yes, I took the opportunity to top up today

[bull....]

Yes, I took the opportunity to top up today

ive still got my div quota but sold my trading quota at our $4 target so be watching to enter for my trading quota

[bull....]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/85533093/simon-moutters-parents-ditch-sky-as-merger-debate-hots-up

still reckon it would be laughable if they get the go ahead here for there merger considering voda-phone was against such arrangements overseas as it stifled competition

[bull....]

AT&T merger with Time warner

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2016/10/23/t-time-warner-deal-could-spur-more-mergers-scrutiny/92590758/

things regulators might be looking at

http://fortune.com/2016/10/23/att-time-warner-merger-consumers/

wonder if commerce commission will delay sky merger with vodaphone decision to see how this one plays out

[bull....]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11739334

sky merger delayed, interesting this part

In its letter, the commission's competition manager Katie Rusbatch said the regulator was concerned because: The merged business would have "substantial market power by virtue of its portfolio of content, including premium content such as live rugby";

I see in the UK there was similar issues with dominance of sky in premium live sports.

As a result of its recent investigation into the pay-TV market, Ofcom decided that Sky should be required to sell some of its premium sports channels, including Sky Sports 1 and 2, on a wholesale basis at a fair price to enable others, like BT and Virgin, to compete effectively. It is therefore possible now for non-Sky subscription holders to view these premium channels if they subscribe to BT Vision or Virgin Media.
This requirement on Sky was imposed as a result of Sky's "market power” in relation to the supply of premium sports channels

http://www.out-law.com/en/articles/2013/december/bt-football-broadcast-rights-the-telecoms-market-and-competition-law/

wonder if comcom has power to enforce, can impose restriction on sky to make them offer fair wholesale arrangements to other telcos for premium sport, would level the playing field more?

also would still allow spark to partner with tvnz for other tv programming? have sky/vodaph vrs spark/tvnz with premium sport available to everyone from every platform at fair price? duopolies seem the norm in NZ don't they lol interesting times for the Telco and media industries

[Major von Tempsky]

I remember mentally noting that the Sky-Vodafone merger would not go ahead because it would be a bad deal for shareholders once the Sky price went down towards $4 a share which has now happened.

Interesting article here which says the merger is now definitely OFF!

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/85987508/sky-and-vodafone-merger-on-path-for-rejection

[dobby41]

Interesting article here which says the merger is now definitely OFF!

Seemed to me it said it was very unlikely?

[Major von Tempsky]

Seems to be some determined punters on the NZX today to whom "very unlikely" means it's on!
What do they know that the rest of the market doesn't know?....

[Major von Tempsky]

Belatedly, the punters have started to read :-)

Isn't there a sizeable penalty, millions and millions of dollars, payable by Sky to Vodafone when the merger doesn't go ahead?

Sin in haste, repent at leisure. Might cost a few directors their jobs.

[peat]

Isn't there a sizeable penalty, millions and millions of dollars, payable by Sky to Vodafone when the merger doesn't go ahead?



Hi Major, Can you show us where you got this idea from ? I've had a bit of a look but couldn't find anything to support it.

[Major von Tempsky]

Here's the background http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/81033953/sky-vodafone-get-into-detail-on-merger
Quite interesting but somewhat lengthy.
It appears my recall is slightly wrong, it's only if the Sky Directors speak or act against the merger that the penalty is payable.

[peat]

Here's the background http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/81033953/sky-vodafone-get-into-detail-on-merger
Quite interesting but somewhat lengthy.
It appears my recall is slightly wrong, it's only if the Sky Directors speak or act against the merger that the penalty is payable.
This is what I have now found

SKY may, in certain circumstances, incur a termination fee of up to $21.5 million.

I'm still looking for the detail of those certain circumstances ;+)

[dobby41]

This is what I have now found

SKY may, in certain circumstances, incur a termination fee of up to $21.5 million.

I'm still looking for the detail of those certain circumstances ;+)

I doubt it would include the regulator not allowing the merger.

[Major von Tempsky]

Sky $4.36 on the NZX at the mo says it ain't gonna happen! :-)

[bull....]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11740704

just goes to show sky cant be trusted in regards to wholesaling of content to telcos.

wonder if the comcom remembers how they were treated, maybe a law change is needed to give comcom more powers of enforcement?

[couta1]

Death cross formation after today's drop, the first since April 2015, no worries though as 2017 guidance was confirmed at todays AGM so divvies will keep rolling in at around the 7% net mark. Disc-Hold a lot but not as cheap as today's closing price.

[craic]

Any half-reasonable explanation why this is going down faster than the Titanic? Or why it is so volatile at this time?

[couta1]

Any half-reasonable explanation why this is going down faster than the Titanic? Or why it is so volatile at this time? Large US investor base in the stock, defensive divvy payers currently out of flavour apparently.

[craic]

Thanks,couta1, So far I owe DT big time. I was sitting on an American sit watching his progress (about 30 minutes ahead of NZtv) and managed to drop mine at a good price and then buy them back cheaply at days end when the end of the world was being predicted. Sold again at a very high price next morning and watched them dive again and bought back 15cps cheaper but I was premature and could have done a lot better. No sooner posted y question than they are off up again.
Large US investor base in the stock, defensive divvy payers currently out of flavour apparently.

[JeremyALD]

Bit of disaster for Spark today with significant outages lasting 8 hours or so. Will be interesting to see if it leads to any churn in business.

[Baa_Baa]

Bit of disaster for Spark today with significant outages lasting 8 hours or so. Will be interesting to see if it leads to any churn in business.

Yes, bloody frustrating as well, that some 'hot standby' (redundant server) doesn't fire up when the production systems fails and hello, a whole day of no service while they deal with a large "backlog" of reconnecting devices re-authenticating to the service. For a miserable $19 a month pre-paid cellphone, one could argue there's not much to moan about, but multiply that over a family of connected teens and all their devices, then hello(!) they're all immediately looking to switch to the competitors. There's no loyalty anymore, it's plain and simple, provide continuous uninterrupted service or face the stampede. Shifting suppliers is easy, way easy. Spark dropped the ball on this one.

[winner69]

Bit of disaster for Spark today with significant outages lasting 8 hours or so. Will be interesting to see if it leads to any churn in business.

'Disasters' always bound to happen in the pursuit of ever higher shareholder returns.

[BlackCross]

These 'hiccups' often seem to happen at weekends or bank holidays - our broadband often used to deteriorate gradually over a weekend - I presumed it was because those who knew how to keep the systems up to speed were away on their jollies.

[dobby41]

These 'hiccups' often seem to happen at weekends or bank holidays - our broadband often used to deteriorate gradually over a weekend - I presumed it was because those who knew how to keep the systems up to speed were away on their jollies.

Or it could have been due to capacity issues and more people using it on holidays?

[Major von Tempsky]

Funny, in the sense of strange, I'm with Spark, have been for a long time and I haven't experienced a single proble the last few days...

[bull....]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11793631

interesting in the article they mention spark may offer Netflix in bundles, good strategy for the moment against vodasky minus sport but still will not be able to compete against vodasky with sport.

Im hoping nz first bill passes I hardly watch any sport now don't pay to watch as a protest because I already pay thru my taxes for sport in this country why should I pay twice and more actually kids are not really that interested in sport and makes me wonder sometimes is it because they don't see it on tv? youtube facebook more fun than sports Lol no wonder sporting participation is falling as a nation.

wonder if anyone has done a study on falling sport participation in a nation and rising crime?

[Entrep]

Spark getting Netflix is a smart move, but will also be very expensive for them. Netflix + Spotify is a killer combo. If only they could get their mobile network up to scratch (I get mobile ph internet outages all the time in Auckland). Strange to hear they are keeping Lightbox too. Netflix is all they need (if they are getting it).

[bull....]

Spark getting Netflix is a smart move, but will also be very expensive for them. Netflix + Spotify is a killer combo. If only they could get their mobile network up to scratch (I get mobile ph internet outages all the time in Auckland). Strange to hear they are keeping Lightbox too. Netflix is all they need (if they are getting it).

agree if they go with netflix dont really need lightbox unless the majority think lightbox is better than netflix nz.

anyway i see in australia they have done research into the link between sport and crime and concluded there is a link.

Crime Reduction and the Role of Sport https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0008/615977/Crime-Reduction-and-the-Role-of-sport-thumb.jpg Thinkstock, 134067696

Prepared by: Chris Hume (http://secure.ausport.gov.au/clearinghouse/Library/general_enquiry), Senior Research Consultant, Clearinghouse for Sport, Australian Sports Commission
Evaluation by: Professor Colin Tatz (https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/people/experts_directory/current_experts/professor_colin_tatz), Visiting Fellow, Politics and International Relations, Australian National University (December 2016)
Reviewed by network: Australasian Sport Information Network (https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/about/governance) (AUSPIN)
Last updated: Chris Hume (January 2017)
Please refer to the Clearinghouse for Sport disclaimer (https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/legal_information/disclaimer) page for more information concerning this content.






IntroductionA growing body of evidence, suggests, well organised and delivered sport and physical activity programs combined with other targeted interventions can make a contribution in reducing crime within targeted groups and communities.
Key Messages

With the right policy settings sport can assist to reduce crime in society.
Sport can be effective when combined with programs which seek to address wider personal and social development.
There are a number of Government programs at all levels that use sport as tool for crime minimisation






https://www.clearinghouseforsport.gov.au/knowledge_base/organised_sport/sport_and_government_policy_objectives/crime_reduction_and_the_role_of_sport

bill english increased the police levels but maybe should have included sport back on free to air as well as part of his crime fighting speech.

[Baa_Baa]

I have both,

Lightbox good for TV serials - can watch the episode, series or whole season if you like. Family loves it too for programs not available in NZ on TV. It's free as well for Spark Mobile monthly post-pay customers. ;)

Netflix much better for Movies, quite a good selection but still not as good as the USA subscribers. Family not so into movies, but usually find something when wanted. Pity they can't gives us the USA selection.

I think it's a good idea if Spark provided both Lightbox and Netflix, they're not really natural competitors in content, though for eyeballs viewing time they are.

[bull....]

good to see spark mopping up the minnows price is generous for sure

[bull....]

awesome, grew revenues and profits.

[Master98]

if remove 9m dividend from south cross which normal included in 2H then the 1H results hard to surprise market,

[bull....]

if remove 9m dividend from south cross which normal included in 2H then the 1H results hard to surprise market,

awesome was probably the wrong wording - steady probably better but facing headwinds for sure in most categories with a key event later this mth which potentially could alter the landscape.

[Master98]

awesome was probably the wrong wording - steady probably better but facing headwinds for sure in most categories with a key event later this mth which potentially could alter the landscape.
if sky tv and vodafone merger go ahead then ...you know

[EJK]

I don't understand. Can someone help me understand why SPK announcement of increase in profit, revenue, and dividend payout has affected share price drop by -3%?

Am I missing something or have I read it wrong?

[craic]

EJK the great mysteries are there to confound us. I just got back from delivering a load of firewood, expecting the price to be near the 370's. I sold a large block at 365 two days ago and hoped for a drop of five cents so that I could buy back and make a few hundred dollars but last night I was sure that I had stuffed up - again. Then my surprise that my wish had come through while I was out in the rain. I went to the investor centre to find out what had been announced only to find I can only get last years figures. I will go elsewhere and hunt for answers. still $729 in 2 days is not bad.

[Major von Tempsky]

A worthy question, oft repeated with Spark. Fortunately, for you and I, most of Spark's shares are held overseas and as a very minor part of their owner's total portfolio. This means that those owners are oblivious to good results and good dividends and nearly totally concentrated on the movements and coming movements of the US dollar, interest rates, the euro, the Chinese economy &&.

Fortunate, because for perceptive NZ shareholders who are concentrated on good dividend yields as an essential part of their income to live off, Spark fits the bill nicely and we can sail on blithely oblivious as to whether Trump has been caught again in flagrante delicto (with his pants down), Volkswagen has been caught cooking its emissions books, Marine le Pen has been elected, North Korea has successfully fired an ICBM, China's inverted pyramid of mountainous debt has come crashing down, the Pope has been caught with a choirboy.

Celebrate, mate, forget the rest!

[Major von Tempsky]

I had a little look around EJK, apparently the NZ dollar has broken downwards through some silly 3 week "technical" resistance chart so all the overseas holders of Spk will be thinking the US dollar value of their Spk holdings has fallen/is falling significantly. Also Auck Airport and Fletcher have both fallen significantly. AIA, which is the nearest thing to a sure bet in NZ unless there's a big volcanic eruption in Auckland and most of Air NZ's jets crash simultaneously has fallen 13 cents! Make that fallen 16 cents!
So, time to get your Bible, get under the bed with a flask of coffee, put on sackcloth and ashes and read Revelations under the bed for the rest of Thursday....

[h2so4]

I had a little look around EJK, apparently the NZ dollar has broken downwards through some silly 3 week "technical" resistance chart so all the overseas holders of Spk will be thinking the US dollar value of their Spk holdings has fallen/is falling significantly. Also Auck Airport and Fletcher have both fallen significantly. AIA, which is the nearest thing to a sure bet in NZ unless there's a big volcanic eruption in Auckland and most of Air NZ's jets crash simultaneously has fallen 13 cents! Make that fallen 16 cents!
So, time to get your Bible, get under the bed with a flask of coffee, put on sackcloth and ashes and read Revelations under the bed for the rest of Thursday....
Well here is a revelation. The share price is too expensive but this revelation might spark a SD valuation.
Oh no.

[Major von Tempsky]

However, Sulphuric Acid, the result was in line with Spark's guidelines and a bit better than guidelines so there's no surprises. I'm just going to see if you have posted the same comment on the AIA thread to see if you are logically and factually consistent.

[peat]

I don't understand. Can someone help me understand why SPK announcement of increase in profit, revenue, and dividend payout has affected share price drop by -3%?

Am I missing something or have I read it wrong?

The market tends to build up its expectations prior to the announcement hence the old adage, "buy the rumour, sell the fact"
plus what the others said re SPK being an international plaything.....

[bull....]

just a reflection of how out of favour nz shares are at the moment.

Telstra result was pretty bad as well so the whole sector is getting a hiding

[Major von Tempsky]

Well here is a revelation. The share price is too expensive but this revelation might spark a SD valuation.
Oh no.
Well, no sign of any comment on the AIA thread by H2SO4. Very telling.

I consulted the NZX re SPK and AIA. Here's results; AIA a P/E of 31.200 and a Gross Dividend Yield of 3.535%.
SPK a P/E of 18.350 and a Gross Dividend Yield of 9.359%.

So which share price is too expensive H2SO4? Obviously AIA is yet you have made no comment on the AIA thread to that effect.

Are we to conclude that you are one of the small band of irrational Telecom haters then?

[airedale]

I wonder who knows the name of the Wall st pundit who said "sometimes the market does something so stupid that it takes one's breath away.";)
A chocolate fish for the correct answer.

[dobby41]

I wonder who knows the name of the Wall st pundit who said "sometimes the market does something so stupid that it takes one's breath away.";)
A chocolate fish for the correct answer.

Jim Cramer

[Hoop]

The market tends to build up its expectations prior to the announcement hence the old adage, "buy the rumour, sell the fact"
plus what the others said re SPK being an international plaything.....

Agree...
NZX exposure to the global markets is limited to a few stocks with big enough market cap and liquidity.. SPK is one of those few..

Long term...Telco's in general (global) looked to had risen too high in the middle of last year and been cooling off since then.. Looking at Telstra results now and using hindsight that share price bump last winter is now considered too high as well.
Short term..Swings and roundabouts last winter's good shareprices is now late summer"s ****storm...Investors see better opportunities elsewhere...


just a reflection of how out of favour nz shares are at the moment.

Telstra result was pretty bad as well so the whole sector is getting a hiding

Agree...
NZ Market is well down the list with this latest global rally....A falling NZ$ reflects weak demand for NZ dollars so not surprised to see a laggard NZ Equity market.


I don't understand. Can someone help me understand why SPK announcement of increase in profit, revenue, and dividend payout has affected share price drop by -3%?

Am I missing something or have I read it wrong?
In the short term investor sentiment rules over fundamentals..It could be raining gold bars from heaven event and if we all complain it not enough then we all would be pessimistic/suspicious about that event...Animal group behaviour sometimes resembles this weird behaviour..... In the Long term the shareprice usually reflects fundamentals..but the crunch is, by then the fundamentals may have changed for better or worse.


Well here is a revelation. The share price is too expensive but this revelation might spark a SD valuation.
Oh no.
I agree..A company that has no growth (past history -ve growth) a PE of 17 or 18 could be seen as too high....The Telco sector has lower PE's e.g Telstra's PE is 10.5 and it got wacked big time today


Well, no sign of any comment on the AIA thread by H2SO4. Very telling.

I consulted the NZX re SPK and AIA. Here's results; AIA a P/E of 31.200 and a Gross Dividend Yield of 3.535%.
SPK a P/E of 18.350 and a Gross Dividend Yield of 9.359%.

So which share price is too expensive H2SO4? Obviously AIA is yet you have made no comment on the AIA thread to that effect.

Are we to conclude that you are one of the small band of irrational Telecom haters then?

AIA PE should always be a lot higher than SPK.... Growth companies normally have higher PE's than low/-ve growth companies..

Is AIA PE 30 more expensive than SPK PE 17?....I think so, but not by much....

I stand corrected but off the top of my head SPK historically runs around average PE17? AIA averages in the 20's?
However when it comes to where the shareprice has come from AIA a growth stock has risen in shareprice +1600% (without adding div) since year 2000.. SPK with chorus chopped off -50%...It's the higher yield div that keeps SPK in play..also.. up to now it was (?) an increasing NZ$ capital play with overeas investors.

Also ,,, MVT..play nice to your fellow ST members, we all have different views and opinions..debating is fine but we should all be able to express our view right or wrong without receiving unnecessary hostile comments in return

[h2so4]

Well, no sign of any comment on the AIA thread by H2SO4. Very telling.

I consulted the NZX re SPK and AIA. Here's results; AIA a P/E of 31.200 and a Gross Dividend Yield of 3.535%.
SPK a P/E of 18.350 and a Gross Dividend Yield of 9.359%.

So which share price is too expensive H2SO4? Obviously AIA is yet you have made no comment on the AIA thread to that effect.

Are we to conclude that you are one of the small band of irrational Telecom haters then?

Yes your right Major.

[airedale]

Jim Cramer


Well done Dobby.:)

[craic]

I've been daytrading 34000 spk for a number of years and I'm happy to continue. only about half the lot are mine, the rest are on behalf, but it keeps me fat and happy. they are currently on the market at 370 - that is the price I would take and lose the dividend. Don't tell me I won't get that price - I know that - it's just a safety valve that allows me to cut trees drink alcohol and back slow horses without having to check the market every five minutes

[Major von Tempsky]

Wot? No whoops of Victory! You guys are very modest and restrained. What does the ComCom thumbs down on Sky TV/Vodafone merger mean for Spark? When can I give up my $100 plus a month Sky TV habit?

[dobby41]

When can I give up my $100 plus a month Sky TV habit?

Any time you wish - just cancel it!

[Zaphod]

Any time you wish - just cancel it!

Plenty of other options out there these days, but in the meantime enjoy your "free" Lightbox service.

You can always sign back up to Sky with one of their special offers - out last offer was $40/month for the basic package, decoder, and one premium channel.

[bull....]

Wot? No whoops of Victory! You guys are very modest and restrained. What does the ComCom thumbs down on Sky TV/Vodafone merger mean for Spark? When can I give up my $100 plus a month Sky TV habit?

common sense has prevailed from the commerce commission, an okay would have ruined the competitive Telco environment we now enjoy.

[Master98]

spark partners with netflix

https://nzx.com/companies/SPK/announcements/297423

[ShouldHaveHeld]

spark partners with netflix

https://nzx.com/companies/SPK/announcements/297423

This has got me interested

[Major von Tempsky]

In just over a month (when I am flush with my Spark dividend) I am interested....Spark have made a fibre connection for our street....I could take up a Spark offer to get free Netflix...one pain is that I really need to buy a new TV to take full advantage....anyone from Spark reading? Come and negotiate with me!

[dobby41]

In just over a month (when I am flush with my Spark dividend) I am interested....Spark have made a fibre connection for our street....I could take up a Spark offer to get free Netflix...one pain is that I really need to buy a new TV to take full advantage....anyone from Spark reading? Come and negotiate with me!

Negotiate what - give you a free TV as well?

[bull....]

I don't know how successful the Netflix offer will be as its for new customers on a locked in 24 mth plan, doing a quick comparison of broadband prices shows spark is one of the most expensive plans for unlimited data around at the moment by about $10/mth that might explain the decrease in there market share and the increase in skinny at the lower price point. Spark will need to improve price point or keep losing market share I reckon.

[bull....]

Also im on a mobile plan and there new IT setup is pi..... me off it keeps double billing me each mth after asking them to fix it I see this mth I have new problems so why the customer service was alright the person who supposedly fixed the problem caused a new one now im getting 2 data plans on my ph with 1 billing lol guess I will have to ring back again.

[brend]

Negotiate what - give you a free TV as well?

why do you need a new TV?

p.s Chorus do the fibre installs, not spark. Based off my experience, I have been frustrated with the technicians doing the installs, constantly had to follow up where the job was at and had to incur costs to help get the job done.

[JAX]

In just over a month (when I am flush with my Spark dividend) I am interested....Spark have made a fibre connection for our street....I could take up a Spark offer to get free Netflix...one pain is that I really need to buy a new TV to take full advantage....anyone from Spark reading? Come and negotiate with me!


Just buy a $50 Chromecast and you can run it on practically any TV. Despite my so called Smart TV from Samsung supporting Netflix - the interface is terrible and laggy - we prefer to use the Chromecast.

[dobby41]

why do you need a new TV?

was in relation to MvT saying "one pain is that I really need to buy a new TV to take full advantage....anyone from Spark reading?"

[44wishlists]

... the decrease in there market share and the increase in skinny at the lower price point. Spark will need to improve price point or keep losing market share I reckon.

Skinny is a division of Spark.

In regards to the Netflix deal, will be interested to see what content that we can get in New Zealand. It will be very attractive if the contents are the same as in the US Netflix. Otherwise, will be better off streaming from Amazon Video, or iTunes.

[bull....]

Skinny is a division of Spark.

In regards to the Netflix deal, will be interested to see what content that we can get in New Zealand. It will be very attractive if the contents are the same as in the US Netflix. Otherwise, will be better off streaming from Amazon Video, or iTunes.


that's right skinny is budget end of spark offering so I would imagine lower margins, the nz Netflix offering is quite limited no comparison what so ever to the us version.

[voltage]

I have nz Netflix which is very limited. Out of interest can you get US Netflix.

[Stumpynuts]

Skinny is a division of Spark.

In regards to the Netflix deal, will be interested to see what content that we can get in New Zealand. It will be very attractive if the contents are the same as in the US Netflix. Otherwise, will be better off streaming from Amazon Video, or iTunes.



..... Or use Kodi instead.

[Major von Tempsky]

What nonsense trading on the NZX is. Spark signs a brilliant deal to offer Netflix and is slashed by 4 cents. SKT is neutered by ComCom and goes up a cent!

[minimoke]

What nonsense trading on the NZX is. Spark signs a brilliant deal to offer Netflix and is slashed by 4 cents. SKT is neutered by ComCom and goes up a cent!
Maybe great for customers but not so much the company bottom line. I already have free lightbox (along with my free fibre ) which pairs nicely with my free tivo (yes it is still going strong) so i suppoae netflix will provide more free channels i wont watch.

[44wishlists]

What nonsense trading on the NZX is. Spark signs a brilliant deal to offer Netflix and is slashed by 4 cents. SKT is neutered by ComCom and goes up a cent!

In addition to Minimoke's comment, the Netflix that Spark signed offers very average rated contents. So, today's SP reflects the market thinking towards the deal today. And just being a thought, the deal could be a "positive" news on Spark if the SKT Vodafone merge did go through last week.

[lawson]

I have netflix I find it pretty good for movies and TV. Lightbox only has TV and it is very limited. There's nothing average rated about the Netflix NZ content. Here for example is the movie list for Netflix NZ with all the films you'd expect all the Best Picture winners and top rated stuff is pretty much there. I've had it a few month and haven't made a dent yet in everything I want to see in movies alone.

https://www.finder.com/nz/netflix-nz-movies

I'm not suggesting the deal would drive sp up but I wouldn't expect it to drive it down either. Still it's good for me as I am thinking of purchasing a few and the share price is now almost at the pre-comcom decision level and hasn't gone ex dividend yet so will have to do some more research and see where it is tomorrow. I'd speculate sentiment towards the sector and international yield play money continuing to be diverted into other options has more influence on the price today than the Netflix announcement.

[minimoke]

. I already have free lightbox (along with my free fibre ) which pairs nicely with my free tivo (yes it is still going strong).
In for a busy weekend as i prepare my consumer guaranteees act claim against spark for defective tivos in October. Very sad day yesterday with the announcement tivo service is stopping in oct which essentially makes tivo box obsolete before its use by date

[theace]

Had been thinking about getting Netflix, and have a been a Spark ADSL customer. Signed up to VDSL and 2year contract with *free* 1 year Netflix on Monday .... new modem delivered, connection transferred, Netflix a/c created ... within 4 days ... impressed with the turnaround, and kept informed via emails.

[Stumpynuts]

.
In for a busy weekend as i prepare my consumer guaranteees act claim against spark for defective tivos in October. Very sad day yesterday with the announcement tivo service is stopping in oct which essentially makes tivo box obsolete before its use by date

By any chance minimoke did your Tivo boxes keep on continuously have their hard drives die out or the TiVo would just reset right in the middle of viewing either live or pre-recorded shows?

[airedale]

Spark showing some strength today despite going ex divi.

[couta1]

Spark showing some strength today despite going ex divi. Madam Janet calmed the US Spark investors with her speech, otherwise the price would be down quite a bit from today's close, bless her.

[couta1]

A bit of large cap index rebalancing going on at close (International boys) SPK and RYM both hit hard.

[craic]

I Made a great profit on St Patricks day - sold on the remarkable and short lived high and bought back on the later big drop. Made enough for a weekend in Taihape (including air fares). Since then it has been driving me mad. Every move I make it jumps the wrong way. I'm only posting this to nail my button pushing fingers down until it reaches 345cps.

[couta1]

I Made a great profit on St Patricks day - sold on the remarkable and short lived high and bought back on the later big drop. Made enough for a weekend in Taihape (including air fares). Since then it has been driving me mad. Every move I make it jumps the wrong way. I'm only posting this to nail my button pushing fingers down until it reaches 345cps. Big volume sell down by U.S players at the moment, will need to wait for them to finish playing before we get any traction.

[JoeGrogan]

Big volume sell down by U.S players at the moment, will need to wait for them to finish playing before we get any traction.

i'm hoping the international players bring it below 335 before i jump back in. However, there was a strong rally this arvo so it might not get there.

Edit: i just noticed the last minute selldowns at 5pm.

[Baa_Baa]

Big volume sell down by U.S players at the moment, will need to wait for them to finish playing before we get any traction.

Do you have broker data to base this on?

[couta1]

Do you have broker data to base this on? Spark has a very large U.S ownership, they control the stock and use it as a money parking spot, and with rising interest rates will be taking money out. PS-I reckon Spark is as good a hedge fund as any aye.

[Baa_Baa]

Spark has a very large U.S ownership, they control the stock and use it as a money parking spot, and with rising interest rates will be taking money out.

The way you said it implied that you have the data to support your supposition. It's a reasonable guess though.

[craic]

Up goes the market and down goes SPK. I suppose when it does turn the same runners will be back with their cash and it will shoot up past the falling market.

[Joshuatree]

He does that all the time BB making his opinion sounding like a fact; dangerous ground.
How do you time trading in craic? Looks like ripper entry coming up?

[couta1]

He does that all the time BB making his opinion sounding like a fact; dangerous ground.
How do you time trading in craic? Looks like ripper entry coming up? Stop mischief making and stirring dissent,others don't have a problem in that way with my posts except you.

[Joshuatree]

Facts are facts; easy to adapt your way of saying things

[couta1]

Facts are facts; easy to adapt your way of saying things I would suggest you go and do some factual research on Spark, find out who owns the majority of their shares and you might discover why the price has dropped and not recovering it's divvy to date. Disc-Have 90% of my portfolio in this company, and that's a FACT.

[couta1]

Up goes the market and down goes SPK. I suppose when it does turn the same runners will be back with their cash and it will shoot up past the falling market. I reckon that's a pretty good assumption, patience is all we need.

[bull....]

Up goes the market and down goes SPK. I suppose when it does turn the same runners will be back with their cash and it will shoot up past the falling market.

telecoms out of favour in nz and aus by the look of things

[bull....]

I would suggest you go and do some factual research on Spark, find out who owns the majority of their shares and you might discover why the price has dropped and not recovering it's divvy to date. Disc-Have 90% of my portfolio in this company, and that's a FACT.

im confused I thought you owned lots of air?

[craic]

Sorry Fellas but I have 100% and 100% of my sons in this lot. Close to $130,000 all up so I watch it like a hawk. At my age, all money is play money so the $1,000 I made since the div. is less than I had a week ago. My biggest problem is patience. I have a sell at 345cps and that will happen and give me a profit but it may be a day or two away.

[couta1]

im confused I thought you owned lots of air? Sold my Air to get the Spark divvy.

[Joshuatree]

Stop mischief making and stirring dissent,others don't have a problem in that way with my posts except you.

That is not a fact or a truth. You've been given a gift of how some others experience what you are saying. At times it comes across as facts or qualified advice but without a source to back it up. When it really is only your opinion. Don't you see how close to the line that can be. Im hoping you don't want to influence people or ego is in the way,but thats the feedback I'm giving you of how it comes across some of the time. BB for one did just now too. I wish /want us all to get along on the S/T community. I admire Roger as he has adapted his communicating style slightly and although he's an excitable hound occasionally:) i now value his contributions,even his self motivating weight losing diary has bought some great info in from others.:t_up:.

"I reckon that's a pretty good assumption, patience is all we need." This is clearly your opinion and its appreciated for what it is

[tim23]

I'm more interested in what they do next with TTK bid 80c aint going to cut it

[winner69]

Broker reports are only opinion

[Baa_Baa]

Broker reports are only opinion

Trade data is fact, brokers have that data, but we haven't seen any of it posted or put up as evidence to support the suppositions stated in a manner that implies they are facts.

Trouble is, even if the data was available, it's still not clear who's acting for who on behalf of whom etc. So the only fact is that no one seems to have any facts about which shareholders are actually doing the buying and selling. Otherwise it's all conjecture, and should be stated as such, imho.

Like this for example: 'I think it's probably the big US shareholders and not the NZ Insto's or Funds or large individual shareholders that are doing the selling today'. Then we would know it's an opinion, unsupported by facts, but nevertheless worth pondering.

[couta1]

That is not a fact or a truth. You've been given a gift of how some others experience what you are saying. At times it comes across as facts or qualified advice but without a source to back it up. When it really is only your opinion. Don't you see how close to the line that can be. Im hoping you don't want to influence people or ego is in the way,but thats the feedback I'm giving you of how it comes across some of the time. BB for one did just now too. I wish /want us all to get along on the S/T community. I admire Roger as he has adapted his communicating style slightly and although he's an excitable hound occasionally:) i now value his contributions,even his self motivating weight losing diary has bought some great info in from others.:t_up:.

"I reckon that's a pretty good assumption, patience is all we need." This is clearly your opinion and its appreciated for what it is A forum is simply an exchange of ideas(or opinions) with or without facts to back them up. Unless someone clearly states that what they are saying is fact, then they are are not saying it is fact, you can assume whatever you want but you could also be completely wrong in your assumptions.The fact that you now find Rogers communicating style more appealing just means you agree with him more than you used to, you now value his contributions, yet they have always been valuable. Unless people are being insulting or downright rude or state that their opinion is outright fact (without evidence) then let them be themselves.

[Joshuatree]

A forum is simply an exchange of ideas(or opinions) with or without facts to back them up. Unless someone clearly states that what they are saying is fact, then they are are not saying it is fact, you can assume whatever you want but you could also be completely wrong in your assumptions.The fact that you now find Rogers communicating style more appealing just means you agree with him more than you used to, you now value his contributions, yet they have always been valuable. Unless people are being insulting or downright rude or state that their opinion is outright fact (without evidence) then let them be themselves.

Surely you've picked up on Rogers posting style change; have a look ; little changes make a big difference ; same with his weight; he's on a born again Mission:D. Those examples BB and I gave ,have another look; little changes make a big difference to the reader; be open to it rather then closed. Make an informed response rather than a reactive one. Think how others may be seeing you esp newbies i.e. outside of ones own bubble.We have a big responsibility on forums if we want to share; lets do it right .

[couta1]

Such a boring stock but I love it, up on average buy price with big divvy coming Friday, what's not to love.

[Beagle]

Such a boring stock but I love it, up on average buy price with big divvy coming Friday, what's not to love.

Congrats mate so its trading ex divvy and you've effectively stripped the dividend as well as still being up on your recent acquisition price. In my opinion, and certainly based on the comprehensive Australian study I reviewed, most times, most companies recover the amount of the dividend fairly quickly. Predicting the future is always hard, (and I still believe its best not to be too sure of one's ability to second guess where the market is going, hence my belief in a well diversified portfolio of quality stocks), but I think dividend stripping is a very valid investment methodology especially when used in conjunction with sound technical analysis and fundamental analysis although as discussed I have some reservations about how hard you're going at this approach.

SUM very good long term growth and value elsewhere in the market in my opinion :)

[couta1]

Thanks Roger, I know your not comfortable with my hard out approach and I respect that, takes a bit of perseverance to see past a very large red arrow like I had beside this stock just a week ago, but I reckon I'm well practiced at the art by now. PS-Just to keep you happy, and so I don't have to use my wife's proxy card to get into the Sum AGM, I bought Sum today.:cool:

[bull....]

Good on spark for not increasing the bid would have been way overpaying for the asset.

[Beagle]

Thanks Roger, I know your not comfortable with my hard out approach and I respect that, takes a bit of perseverance to see past a very large red arrow like I had beside this stock just a week ago, but I reckon I'm well practiced at the art by now. PS-Just to keep you happy, and so I don't have to use my wife's proxy card to get into the Sum AGM, I bought Sum today.:cool:

Fair enough mate and congrats, there's SUM marvelous long term growth there and you've bought at a great price :) not so sure you'd call the long term growth prospects of Spark electrifying...
You might still need that proxy card as annual meeting notices / admission cards have already been sent out.

[couta1]

Fair enough mate and congrats, there's SUM marvelous long term growth there and you've bought at a great price :) not so sure you'd call the long term growth prospects of Spark electrifying...
You might still need that proxy card as annual meeting notices / admission cards have already been sent out. Boring, low growth with excellent divvies in a stock which acts like a hedge fund will do me mate, especially when you'rve got a large percentage of your portfolio in there. Good point about the proxy card.

[tim23]

[Not according to Grant Samuels valuation 80c is way too cheap!QUOTE=bull....;661632]Good on spark for not increasing the bid would have been way overpaying for the asset.[/QUOTE]

[Major von Tempsky]

I'm more interested in what they do next with TTK bid 80c aint going to cut it

Well TIM23, TTK shares are currently (morning of Wed 5th April 2017) crossing at 80cps....care to comment?

[Bobdn]

Well as a Spk shareholder all I can say is, I hope Spk is not cutting off our nose to spite our face. It is happy to spend how much of our money on Lighbox? $20 million to $60 million? (not sure about the cost, think its something like that) But is passing up an opportunity to buy a nifty fibre optic network at a reasonable price.

[couta1]

A huge transaction of over 40 million shares just went through at $3.65. Massive volume for the day so far of over 47 million shares ,someone's keen.

[sb9]

A huge transaction of over 40 million shares just went through at $3.65. Massive volume for the day so far of over 45 million shares ,someone's keen.

Here it is..



10
274
3:12:03 pm
365
40,105,344
$146,384,506
Off Market

[JoeGrogan]

Here it is..



10
274
3:12:03 pm
365
40,105,344
$146,384,506
Off Market




Wow thats an awfully large amount.

[couta1]

Wow thats an awfully large amount. Paid a premium as well, VWAP was under $3.61 until that transaction.

[percy]

Paid a premium as well, VWAP was under $3.61 until that transaction.

Did you have to mortgage the ranch,or did you sell it?

[winner69]

Wow thats an awfully large amount.

Hope craic didn't push the wrong buttons and bought more than he intended.

Even craic doesn't want 2% of Spark

[couta1]

Did you have to mortgage the ranch,or did you sell it? Whoops, forgot to add they. PS-Ranch currently submerged.

[BIRMANBOY]

This could well be some broker combining their orders and putting them all through at once. Could be hundreds of orders.
A huge transaction of over 40 million shares just went through at $3.65. Massive volume for the day so far of over 47 million shares ,someone's keen.

[macduffy]

This could well be some broker combining their orders and putting them all through at once. Could be hundreds of orders.

Hundreds of SPK sell orders for one broker? Possibly, but 40 Million is still a heap of shares and one wonders who the seller/s is/are!

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11832525

[Major von Tempsky]

Here's the guts of it here, Spark finally starting to get the recognition it deserves http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11832525

[bull....]

around that 3.40 level has for awhile now been good buying if you look at the chart

[macduffy]

Here's the guts of it here, Spark finally starting to get the recognition it deserves http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11832525

So we know who's buying. But who's selling?

;)

[percy]

I followed Spark's advice and changed from Yahoo to Spark to receive my emails.
All good until I tried to file them.
Went to their guide and followed it,without success.
As I am deaf I did not ring for help, as I can not understand people whose first language is not English.
Took myself to Spark store at Westfield,where a very pleasant young lady said that will be no trouble to sort out.Her supervisor them called her to one side, and told her they only helped people with phones,not lap tops.
I then asked if Spark had a place I could get help from in ChCh.No there is nothing in the South Island.

[percy]

Well my poor grand daughter was given the task to help me.
After telling me she could not get it to work,I asked her to have one last try.
In the end she got me up and running.
A very special thank you to fellow ST poster, Mickey ,for the trouble he has gone to,to help me.

[dobby41]

Well my poor grand daughter was given the task to help me.
After telling me she could not get it to work,I asked her to have one last try.
In the end she got me up and running.
A very special thank you to fellow ST poster, Mickey ,for the trouble he has gone to,to help me.

And what was the solution?

[percy]

And what was the solution?

No idea.!!!!
No longer comes in on a separate window.
All my files are still there,but when I go to forward an email, a lot of my contacts are missing.
The result is very workable, and I am over being very stressed and back to my happy self.
Staying at Tui Oaks Motor Inn, with a great view over Lake Taupo ,is also doing wonders to my out look.!

[bull....]

spark one of the better performers last mth doing good wonder if we will have the strenght to get back to previous highs

[couta1]

spark one of the better performers last mth doing good wonder if we will have the strenght to get back to previous highs I would see no reason for the price going much higher than where it is currently, except on an irrational basis, it's fully priced at the moment.

[bull....]

I would see no reason for the price going much higher than where it is currently, except on an irrational basis, it's fully priced at the moment.

think they are meant to update there new strategy soon might do it?

[bull....]

https://news.vodafone.co.nz/article/new-vodafone-partnership-powers-all-blacks

surprised spark didnt see this coming vodaph sly manouver around commerce commission ruling to get the crown jewels.

[RGR367]

https://news.vodafone.co.nz/article/new-vodafone-partnership-powers-all-blacks

surprised spark didnt see this coming vodaph sly manouver around commerce commission ruling to get the crown jewels.

Not sure how visible will this Voda sponsorship be but Spark used to sponsor the All Blacks too but Simon drop it together with a lot of employees a year of starting his reign.

[Major von Tempsky]

It's a truly pathetic effort by Vodafone if you ever go to physically watch rugby games and compare that experience to watching on Sky. The "crowds" that turn up to watch rugby games are relatively puny compared to the number who are watching at home on Sky in comfort. With MySky you can get all the reruns you want, on a large screen. If you look around you can see all the empty seats even in "sold out" grounds.

It's got to the point where I am personally embarassed if a friend offers me a free ticket togo and watch a game with him, I desperately scratch my head thinking of excuses. The seats are hard, the large screens at the ground difficult to see and they have low definition.
Would you sit at home and watch a tiny smart phone or tablet screen in preference to a large screen? No.

So, Vodafone have got in on small/tiny screen broadcasts of the Rugby Tests? Bully for them. They might score 1% of the market for watching rugby if they are lucky.

[bull....]

all time highs maybe soon $4 ? nice trend going on

[couta1]

all time highs maybe soon $4 ? nice trend going on As you know the big boys can trash this stock as quick as they can drive it up, too toppy currently for the locals. Will be obtainable cheaper before the next divvy in 3 or so months time.

[Major von Tempsky]

As you know the big boys can trash this stock as quick as they can drive it up, too toppy currently for the locals. Will be obtainable cheaper before the next divvy in 3 or so months time.

You're out of date old son. That used to be the case.
Brian Gaynor says there's a new $100 million a week coming available from Kiwisaver and other NZ Investment funds who have target percentages to put into the NZ sharemarket. Week after relentless week.

Besides what are the alternatives? Interest investments? Not competitive with gross dividend yield. Real estate? Falling off in Auckland and that will spread to other centres. Cardboard boxes under the bed? Hmm, I'd rather put my money to work.

[couta1]

Sounds like your very confident MVT, willing to take a nice wager that you will be able to buy these shares 10c or more cheaper than today's peak sometime between now and say end of August simply due to the big boys doing what they do. Are you that confident?

[bull....]

You're out of date old son. That used to be the case.
Brian Gaynor says there's a new $100 million a week coming available from Kiwisaver and other NZ Investment funds who have target percentages to put into the NZ sharemarket. Week after relentless week.

Besides what are the alternatives? Interest investments? Not competitive with gross dividend yield. Real estate? Falling off in Auckland and that will spread to other centres. Cardboard boxes under the bed? Hmm, I'd rather put my money to work.

totally agree spark dividend is very attractive compared to the alternatives