Deja vu...
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Actually the NBR appears to have been quoting the presentation which made clear it was merely repeating the last guidance given. It would be nice to hear from anyone who was actually at the meeting obviously.
So, what did we learn from that presentation?
Well, obviously not a lot that we did not already know before, and specifically sales revenue to date.
Is there a plan? Yes, again it was laid out that the idea is to fill in the gaps in the market with a "broader and deeper channel presence". Well, that makes sense and is presumably the plan when multiplied across all markets. The presentation makes it sound like that is only happening in NZ but presumably the intention is to do it everywhere. Well, it makes sense. The company has gained access to the national markets, and then the idea is to increase the market presence.
And they repeated that last year's intention was to "build the business" this year, and then to "grow the business" and "invest in the pipeline" forwards from here. Again sensible stuff.
So we got very little actual news but we did get confirmation that they have chosen their plan and are running with it.
I think we old time investors have two issues going here. Firstly, the company has got very frugal with detailed news. I cannot for the life of me understand why they do that. It makes life difficult for investors. This is a publicly listed company and not a private company.
But, secondly, there appears to have been a major culture shift here. What was a "bold stroke on minimum budget" approach has suddenly been changed to a "large staff big budget micro-planned incremental" approach. Now, I think probably a lot of us early investors were there for the excitement and now the company has changed to the next phase of a large company and the pace seems a lot slower to us, a lot more deliberate.
But it may be that it is us who do not belong here now and not that the company is doing anything wrong. It is a different company now. I certainly am personally finding I am not really bonding with this new approach, but that doesn't mean that anything is actually wrong and maybe it does mean that I do not belong in this new direction.
But then the company is not releasing much news so that people like us find it difficult to exit because the company refuses to actively get involved with market perception. On logical grounds, the company is now a sound investment and yet the company seems disinterested in communicating that to the market.
Anyway, is there a plan? The presentation appeared to say, "Yes there is and this is it, like we said last time. We don't need a loud drum for rapid growth because we believe the incremental mathematical approach will pay off surely over time."
Or that's what I saw, anyway.
I don't know how much longer I will be part of that journey myself, to be honest. The grapevine reports that discussions at the meeting were fairly persistent. (Sorry, I only report things that I can post links to, so I won't be saying more than that, either here or via PM.) It reminds me that things have changed and I ask myself whether as a shareholder I see myself as part of the journey the company is now embarked on. I only just posted that personally I am having difficulty bonding with the new strategy, and I recently posted that I had sold some down anyway.
Most likely the company will be reporting a profit in November, and then bigger profits through next year. But I nevertheless have a feeling that my own time as a Blis shareholder may be drawing near the end sometime. Nothing lasts forever. I've made a profit already, as you say.
ps. The more observant of you will notice that it is July 2017. To your left you will notice that I joined in July 2007. Ten years.
Hi Simla
Maybe we're starting to experience the FE at Blis. What's the FE? It's the "Fonterra Effect".
I'm not a Fonterra holder, don't know much about that company and cant describe what the FE actually might be - but that's where our CEO came from and he must have been influenced by what happens there. Fonterra also does quite bit of manufacturing for BLT.
Does Fonterra have a tight-lipped policy with their shareholders? Maybe - I don't know. One thing I am pretty sure about though, is that Fonterra does know how to employ large numbers of people and pay many of them big bucks. The FE has already been seen in the BLT Board remuneration upgrade - let's hope it doesn't migrate too much further into the overall culture at BLT - at least not until there's a buck or two available for the long-suffering shareholders.
Like you, I'm pretty peeved at the way things are being handled as far as communication with the market is concerned. However the Board does seem to be more confident of delivering a profit this year, even though it hasn't been quantified. And after all the promises of the past, we cant blame Mr Market for sitting on his hands and waiting for some real money to be made. A bit of FE on the bottom line wouldn't be a bad thing!
Regrettably though, we're also having to deal with the RE - the Rachel Effect - "it wont happen overnight but........"
Once again - Patience Grasshopper!
Bonne chance
Pierre
well I felt rather flat after this presentation and even flatter watching the share price dip a bit lower.. It's a shame I was overseas as I definitely would have trekked down to Dunedin to have a listen and get a feel for what is happening. INteresting new products coming along, so good to know that..
What happened to those heady days of 6c!!! :) Come back, all is forgiven.
Simla - so it really is divorce time?
Don't know. But the conviction in my heart is cooling. Perhaps they will announce some great news in a bit and the romance will be back on. But the company is dancing to a very different beat now, and it just isn't the sort of company now that I would have invested in from scratch. I just don't know. I know I'm cooling though. I only invest when I get where the management is going, and personally I don't seem to get where the new management is going. Just my own view, as always.
I went to the AGM. There was quite some debate about raising the directors fees. They said the increase is needed to for succession planning. The Chair will retire not long after the new fees kick in. They are well aware that patents start to expire soon. They believe that there is some protection in process and the brand name. Private investors are spending up big in China trying to try and get sales there, but it is a complex area. Italy is going well, but it is raw ingredient sales. Canada and Aussie should increase soon. Japan is doing ok, but is complex. Websales are tricky as they cant promote health benefits in most places. The USA is a real problem area website wise. German regulation all but blocks them there. The Polish deal could be a company maker (we have heard that before many times, but surely one of them will come right)
They are naturally gun shy on profit projections. Sales are still lumpy, last years "profit" disappeared after a few delayed orders. I am hoping that they are now going to under promise and over deliver. They said that they have no plans to raise further cash, but if the customer from heaven arrives with big orders they would not rule it out.
Thanks for the posts, Arthur.
Thank you Arthur.
Thanks Arthur - appreciated.
Fundamentally the news is more of the same as we've had in previous years. A bit of variation on the theme but not really too much different.
Still a waiting game I'm afraid - but maybe a marginally better chance of success this year. Maybe being the operative word!
Thanks Arthur.
To others, how big would that order of a customer from heaven be for them to raise additional cash? And what for? Will they need additional staff or more manpower? Improve the lab for ingredients? I'm not getting the reasoning for the need of cash just because a big order comes along so maybe you guys can explain it to me a bit. Thanks again.
I was keen to go but my last AGM, including a trip down the mine with other shareholders, was north of Blackball.
I try and convince myself that the new CEO would not have taken extra people, and expense, on if he did not think the Company had good prospects.
All going well 6c may not be that faraway
Like many of us that have been invested a while I'm somewhat jaded about all of the opportunities than have never come to anything. I did get the vibe that they are taking more control, rather than leaving it to third parties. NZ sales are still growing. In Canada they are actually allowed to tell people of the health benefits. If Canadian sales were even half of NZ's on a per capita basis the company would be making good profits. If China gets into gear I'll be off I'll be driving a new Tesla (don't hold you breath Elon). RGR367 asked why they might need cash - lets say a customer gives them 3 months to deliver $10 million worth of product and expect to place regular similar orders. They would need more working capital and equipment, hence cash. This is not probable, but it it is possible. Disclosure - I sold about half of mine about a year ago and have not bought back yet.
I'm not a shareholder but a regular reader of this site. I would dearly love Blis to be successful, being a Dunedinite and enthusiastic about local industry. And while I greatly admire the loyalty many on this site have shown to Blis I think most of you have rose tinted glasses and cannot see the problem. So here is my opinion, for which I am sure to be attacked: The product is no good. It does nothing. The only following Blis products seems to have is from its shareholders. Quite simply the stuff hasn't taken off among the public.
Sorry to be a merchant of doom, but I can't see a future at all unless they change direction to something that appeals to Joe Blow. So ask yourself honestly, without involvement as a shareholder, would you bother with the stuff.
That's my opinion and why I don't bother investing in Blis.
Probiotics are in at the mo, lots of books and articles on the biome, many recent. BLIS has a track record with oral probiotics.
As for working, there is quietly growing evidence of efficacy particularly relating to strep throat. Which is implicated in rheumatic fever (some cases are hugely expensive to treat) and psoriasis (lots of cases).
And I offer my family's experience. I was an early adopter, years ago, when one course of BLIS stopped in its tracks a mild but persistent sore throat. Family swear by HoneyBlis for sore throats, especially the children.
Guess we will need to wait until 30th Sept to see the results
.......PUDDING, it's not designed for eradicating FUNGUS sorry mate. Try Lamisil it's supposed to work well! As for the efficacy of BLIS......well I think the numbers speak for themselves dont they?........$100k plus of product (repeatedly) going out the door each week???
That doesn't tell us much. Are the sales escalating to show repeat and new business? I do not know, but seriously doubt that there is much repeat business. Good luck to you as an obvious believer, but I am not one.
BTW thank-you for the oncern re my fungus. However it's part of me so do not want to cure it. It would be a little like you becoming GR8Fiveseconds. :D
LOL FP......some Fungus' are edible I believe so it can't be all that bad! With all due respect I personally believe BLIS is a product that indeed generates repeat business. I would very much doubt the steadily growing revenue is from mainly new customers. Yes I agree though it would be helpful to know what the breakdown is, in this regard. As ARTEMIS eluded to the benefits are numerous and science is saying NOT just pertaining to the oral cavity........but that's where it starts and finishes if a strong and healthy oral environment is maintained.
I 100% beleive in the product. For years my family has used it and I have no doubt it works for throats and also greatly reducing getting and also the impact of colds.
The bad breath product is 100%. After years of suffering bad breath I now only need to use the bad breath product approximately 3 times per year.
So for me it is the sales and distribution that is holding the comapany back. We really need a large international partner to believe in the product and run with it.
Just my opinion. But would be stuffed if BLIS went out of business and I had to find another bad breath treatment :(
In the past month. I was unable to purchase BLIS on Lambton Quay because a lady from oversea's came in in purhcased all their stock.
My wife then has the same issue in Johnsonville.
So a few people are buying the product, at least in Wgtn
......that's a great endorsement CHIPPY! That really goes to show how solid the science is behind BLIS. Halitosis as we all know is caused by the BAD bacteria. BLIS of course introduces the GOOD bacteria to overcome the BAD. Now to say you only have to "enhance" the GOOD using BLIS maybe 3 times a year (to suppress the bad breath), just goes to show the that the benefits are REAL and more importantly ON-GOING. I must admit I have often wondered this myself and wether or not it's in fact necessary to be taking it EVERY day........after all once BLIS is introduced surely the colonization process has begun? Clearly a game of numbers.....GOODIES V BADDIES.
Not sure about Johnsonville.But the pharmacy on Lambton Quay is large (on the golden mile) and has full shelves of anything they sell as they are very busy. From memory they held the full range including honeyblis and plenty of stock, I plan to be in town tomrorow so will do a stock take.
Last week I asked for HoneyBlis at Countdown Pharmacy in Newtown. Big store with specialist pharmacy. I was told not in stock, they could not get it. I told them that distribution is now via BLIS in Dunedin, has been for some time now, and that they need to follow up with their pharmacy buyers. Will they? Probably not but will ask again next time I am there.
I didn't ask about other BLIS products but will check.
Can we all just love each other? We will know who's right and wrong on 30th sept.
I had a problem with bad breath, "furry" tongue, and comments from family and workmates. Have been using Blis Throat Guard, as it was,for three years and tongue is clean and breath fine. It has been great for me. Others may not fare as well, but it's cheap enough to try.
just bought my first blis product - tooth guard. my dentist told me i have minor decay on the surface of some teeth and told me to keep them clean to prevent further decay (gotta visit again in a month to see progess). Lets see how this goes.
My DYOR is trying out their product (K12 Throat Guard) for a period of about 6 - 8 months. And without hesitation I will testify it worked for me and still working for me whenever I needed it. So without questioning the science behind it, I became a shareholder.
On a more general note, this from Fortune mag -
Biotech stocks on a roll in 2017. As you may have seen, the Dow crossed the 22,000 mark on Wednesday—a record. One sector that's outpaced the overall market? Biotech. While the Dow, S&P, and NASDAQ are all up anywhere from 11% to 18% year-to-date, major biotech indices are up anywhere from 20% to 30%.
Wish blis share went up like ntl haha
No profit till u sell, Blis may be in for the better 2 years
Cfo resignation. Any thoughts?
CMO buying 790k @ 3.3c avg.
......Chief Marketing Manager must be happy with sales up lift. Could be sign of positive things on or just over the horizon. 790,000 shares not to be sneezed at either.
Yes A sneeze for someone in this position maybe. Depends how much they had just floating around. Could also be a start to a buying spree, maybe..........................maybe we will start to see some action again.........
At least they are not selling eh?
Waiting an watching.
Ps
Used throat guard as recommended by the pharmacist this winter when I went through a rough patch I was struggling to shake. Made out I knew nothing about bliss - they were singing the praises of the product much to my delight.
Happy holder.
julie anne bought another batch. she bought ~790k shares between 1st to 9th august and the disclosure today shows she bought 366971 on 10th August. However, attached pdf in latest disclosure shows her holding was 0 before acqui/dispo... just a typo in document?
thanks
Also on 9th august, two of blis big holders (LEVERAGED EQUITIES FINANCE LIMITED and NEW ZEALAND CENTRAL SECURITIES DEPOSITORY LIMITED) increased their holdings. equities finance only went up by 3000 but NZSCD went up by 2M.
http://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/c...67%2Fdocuments
I bought some in LQ last week. I asked for HoneyBlis specifically (for one of the kids), but was also recommended a Comvita product. Although I hadn't said what the symptoms were. I asked the staff member if the Comvita one was a probiotic like Blis but was just told it had manuka honey.
Made me wonder if the staff had been informed about Blis properties. Or if there was some other reason to recommend Comvita.
The lady I dealt with in Lambton Quay was a real advocate. She new the products and said she used it herself. So I guess it depends on the individuals?
there is a lot of facebook activity on my feed lately as well. And the person running their facebook page is still hard at it after 8pm at night I notice.
Heard a radio advert for Blis a couple of times today. Sounds good. Hopefully it helps to ramp up sales.
Julie anne curphey bought $273.70 = 8294 shares. Not sure if she's buying them for as investment or part of her employement contract trying to hold the share price...
She will have a limit order in, this will be part of her bigger order.
i wonder how the sales and profitability is looking for the first 6 months of the new financial year!
170k sold and down 0.2c. just panic sell thanks to Kim Jeong Eun?
I'm starting to become a bit anti-probiotics.
yeah its about time they put out some good news to keep the loyalists happy.
They won't release any news until their chief marketing officer has filled her boots around the 33 price
Directors have strict windows on when they can buy or sell shares
You could assume there is no pending good news as an employee buying shares just prior to a positive announcement would be considered insider trading.... Though I'm picking 6-8 weeks will see something positive...;)
i'm expecting something along the lines of "assure shareholders that we are on track to $7M revenue with $700k profit". Would be good to see the company make a profit in first half as well.
Last year, on 20 October, BLT released their interim unaudited result for the half year to 20 September. They were a little bit excited at making $0.43 million before tax.
If the current silence continues until the official 1/2 year result is announced around 20 November I think we can safely assume this year's result will not be brilliant and the sadness in the SP will continue.
what are they doing in Dunedin. the share price is languishing, no news from anyone. I'm feeling pretty disappointed as the sales should be up with all the people I've recommended the product to and who have bought :)
No news is good news!! :)
A little more interest in past few days, hope its informed.
Has anyone noticed how Blis fork out 20% of revenues to the top 7 staff members and the board?
Pocketing such a huge portion of sales leaves a bit of a sour taste in my mouth ( a would be buyer of BLT )
... NPAT would be boosted quite dramatically FY18 by a slight cut back and performance incentives.
blimmin heck, someone sold down at 2.5 cents today. this is not making me happy
If BLT follows last year's pattern - and the company has had a reasonable start to the year - we might get an interim unaudited report on the 20th of October telling us they've made a few bucks for the half-year.
If there's no news announced that day then I suspect that those selling down below 3 cents might know more than we do.
Fingers crossed!
Volumes traded today not huge.....however still a concern. Waiting patiently until the company reports latest news.
Blis had a stand at the Live Well festival in Auckland over the weekend. Lots of people around them and I saw quite a few people with bags wandering around which meant they had purchased. l topped up on some stock too as it was disoucnted for the show. I did jokingly say to them what the hell is going on with the share price, but clearly they werent the right people to be asking :) My facebook feed was filled with lots of info on them being at the show as well so at least they are making some headway on some social media.
That was nothing more than a Nervous Nelly seller today. As far as I'm aware all is tracking well and it's business as usual. Depressed SP equals Time to Buy...basic sharemarket fundamentals....buy low sell high.
Last year BLT issued an unaudited report of their first-half result on October 20 - mainly because it contained good news.
If there's no news tomorrow - it probably means bad news coming.
We'll probably all still be crying over Winnie's news today anyway - so silence from BLT wont really matter too much - lol.
Hmmmmm. No news today. Should we be nervous? Probably.
Probably the news is so good they need the long weekend to put the finishing touches to the release? Maybe.
Maybe there are too many beans to count and they couldn't finish the job by 4:30pm today. Possibly.
Possibly I'm a bit foolish expecting them to mirror last year's announcement timing anyway. Whatever.
Whatever - I'm going to enjoy the holiday weekend, bask in the glow from Jacinda's teeth and worry about BLT again on Tuesday.
Bit worried all the same - no news may not be good news.
Hmm ....revenues down 46% for first half
But be ok for full year they say ..but not much improvement over prior year
All honky dory ...no worries
"As a result of this information and known orders in October and November the Board expects the Company's revenue for the year ended 31 March 2018 to be similar to that of FY2017, with a small positive EBITDA and a net deficit."
46% drop in revenues compared to last year doesn't initially sound very positive but it does seem like there are a number of initiatives that they are pushing for to get the product out there and crack into some new markets. Hopefully they can keep to their projection of a positive EBITDA for the year end. How long do we hold on for? Would be nice if we had more frequent updates as to what they are up to!
It reads like so many announcements from the past, dating back to 2004 when I first invested - excuses, excuses, deja vu, deja vu ..... Apologies for being so negative - I genuinely thought they had turned a corner earlier this year and was toying with the idea of throwing a few thou. back into the pot (they owe me a lot). Lucky I stayed out, I guess.
Well up until this morning I have supported this company almost from the beginning but unfortunately that was one poor announcement too many...
the only pleasing aspect of this report is that BLT only report to the market twice a year..... I don't think I could take them keeping the market any more informed..... Year in, year out they fail to deliver and always end their reports with a hopeful positive... They've got to do something different!! Their marketing strategies need to be reviewed..... Held shares in this company for 20 years and sick to death of the same old crap.... They should get on a plane and selling the story, benefits and the product!!!
Question - has this ever been a takeover target, appears that a much better organisation at marketing would be ideal for pushing through barriers, and leveraging better network coverage.
Unfortunately I picked BLT in the 2017 stock-picking competition to turn-around in the Oct/Nov update so now I'm going to struggle to retain my 37th position. :(
Not impressed by this update as was I hoping for better from new CEO and new marketing staff. Thankfully as my average holding cost was a tab under 1c at today's prices I'm ahead and now out. Will now watch from the sidelines. GLH.
It is sad that three companies which arrived on the scene around 2002 with so much promise Pacific Edge, Bliss Technologies and Botryzen did not thrive. Back then there was much optimism that they were potentially world class cutting edge biotech's with great potential. Alas Botyryzen went out of business years ago and both PEB and BLIS are struggling to gain traction. Why is it so hard for NZ companies to scale up and succeed. The Nordic countries and Israel can WHY CANT WE???.