Fortunately I sold most of my PLA in the very high $2.00s, i started to buy back at $2.20 and obviously lower. Though I only ever had half of my previous holding.
I then started to trade PLA to cover the losses, I finally exited in the high 60s
Tough decision to exit as I had similar thoughts and views as many posters here today (you should read some of my old posts on PLA)
1. Golden rule do not fall in love with a stock. Also management repeatedly disappointed, all the production milestones that were set were not achieved.
2. BOA is still a substantial holder, but it appears they are loaning shares to Sabre Fund to short the stock. BOA would be getting a fee each time they loan to Sabre Fund. The agreement states "will the securities be return on settlement" Yes.
BOA is using their holding as a trading position, they need to recover their losses, at the expense of every other holder.
3. South Africa'a Labour issues is a big problem, best to avoid miners in that country,
4. John Lewins and Chairman should have been replaced to restore shareholder confidence. Imo both have failed badly, firstly using third party workers and a third party company to mine was a poor decision, they lost control. Whilst the same management are in charge I am not confident.
5. Will it bounce? it is certainly due. But any rise will be met by holders looking to exit.
6. PLA needs to be taken over, but I would not any stock with that being the primary view, as it may never come.
7. I have had discussions with JL in past, verbal and in writing, one thing that has always annoyed me is the lack of appreciation on how to communicate to shareholders and attempt to build shareholder confidence.
PLA should release progress reports, as that effort last Thursday can really rattle some holders, some may have sold as they are in the dark as to what caused that new low.
I would not invest in PLA at this point in time, far too many unknowns.
PLA Price at posting:
5.9¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
