Topic: How To Invest

Pat: What’s your opinion on Forbes & Manhattan Coal? Thank you.

Article Excerpt

Forbes & Manhattan Coal, $0.65, symbol FMC on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 34.9 million; Market cap: $22.7 million; www.forbescoal.com), acquires, develops and conducts exploration activities on coal properties in South Africa. The company holds a 100% interest in Slater Coal, a South African company that has a 70% stake in Zinoju Coal, which owns 100% of the Slater Coal Properties. These holdings include the operating Magdelena and Aviemore mines. The Slater Coal Properties are located in the Klipriver coalfield, near Dundee, in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal Province. Forbes & Manhattan’ shares continue to decline along with coal prices. More electrical utilities are switching to natural gas because of its lower cost, and stricter environmental regulations have forced older power plants to close. The company also faces a number of other risks. For example, its South African operations expose it to currency risk, and it aims to rapidly expand in the country by purchasing more coal mines. As well, Forbes & Manhattan recently defeated a..