IOL Netcom:-Expectation hurts

Scripscan:IOL Netcom
My views:Read on
Traded in:Bse


[IOL Netcom news,views and analysis/IPTV and its effects/valuations expensive/pathetic results/target price/Bulk deals/Fii selling/Analyst buy call in Iol netcom/reason for the share fall/Future prospects/much better bets available]


Another company which hogs the limelight is undoubtedly IOL Netcom.The company basically provides the much hyped Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).It does so by setting up an IP based content provisioning system and feeding into the broadband networks of BSNL and MTNL.The scrip was fancied as the hottest buy with price targets ranging from 2000-5000rs.Iol had a dream run in the bourses- the counter moved from a level of 3rs in march 05 all the way to a stunning figure of 619 in july 07. Last night i got a mail from a follower of mine who pleaded to give a fundamental check of the company.So here it is:-

1)It hasnt got any owner or promoter,no owner stake nothing.I glanced through the shareholding pattern of the company only to discover huge chunk of holdings by some corporate bodies and Fiis.Now in my approach of stock picking i dont opt for companies with miniscule promoter holdings.I feel promoters do work harder when they have got a larger shareholding.The commitment increases the vision gets better and eventually they becomes the biggest beneficaries of a rise in stock prices.Without shares in your company why would the big guys work?No matter its making profits or losses you being thye host in your company would always draw fat salaries.Again uninspiring stuffs.

2)Monopoly business,stunning potential of the company-Agreed.But its so disgusting to notice the ever rising equity of the company.Every now and then it allots warrants and equity gets blotted.Balance sheet shows not much of debts,i wonder why they are so interested in enhancing the equity.I find no clue folks.Not inspiring at all.

3)I do recollect even some months ago, a buy recomendation from a high following personality in the counter gave this company a high mindshare among investors and, hence, higher expectations. Now when you dont cope up to the expectation you get the dues.Same has happened to the counter inspite of several positive factors the company has failed to deliver numbers infact they been terrible and pathtic.I fail to undestand with the company doing horrendously why investors park their money in the counter?.When you're looking into the abyss, you don't quibble over details isnt it?

4)Several analysts and firms initiated buy on the counter with rich targets.The company missed the revenue and profit target by an immense distance.Maybe the research firm and the analysts worked for some vested interest in the company.Its hi-time our regulator examines how such reports are conjured up to influence simple investors to have a stake in the counter.

In conclusion I can only say it has thoroughly failed to live up to investors expectations.Horrible results with losses increasing at a rapid speed.I reckon the Fiis which bought at a much higer price and exiting now are all P-note stuffs.Who is firing the gun behind the scenes in anyone”s guess. A bull market and hyped-up buy calls can cause even the most cautious among us to turn reckless, and it is useful to remember that you can always buy much better companies with decent promoter holding and robust results.