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It doesn't go ex dividend until the 18th June. The number of shares traded did not suggest an issue. I wonder if there is some tree shaking going on.

It's always good to see the words, "materially improving".

Lucas Critchley tops up his holding and the shares drop for the first time in a while! Interesting timing by him to buy now with them in the middle of the buyback programme. Whilst not a particularly large purchase any buying by executives is a positive. He timed it just before it goes XD! If Smith buys more then that will be a really positive signal given his already significant holding.

Right now it clearly has momentum. The buybacks and the two recent contract announcements are positive factors. The percentage increase in dividend did decline significantly, although some decline had to occur. I suspect a dividend increase based on the recent dividend percentage rise is now probably baked in for the next couple of years provided there are no unforeseen shocks. The management contract will remain a massive unknown factor and a drag on the price. I don't see why £4.50 cannot be met. It would still be significantly lower than the historic high of in excess of £5, which happened when the EPS was significantly lower than it is now. The finance director kept some of his recently allocated converted share options, but has unlike last year not also been topping up in the market.

You got your £4. I think the market makers must be short of shares, and the buyback is sucking up all that are available.

It looks like it is moving upwards. Probably limited stock available. It actually would be good if they can buy back the £20 million at under £4, but I wonder if it will be possible.

Looks like Mears have bought shares back heavily off the main market today

Thank you very much for this Al180, really interesting and helpful.

Al180 could you also ask about their cost of gas, and whether that is having an impact.

I would have liked to have gone along, but unfortunately have something else on. Al180 it will be interesting to hear what the general atmosphere is like. Also, as the meeting is at their production site, how busy things seem to be?

After so many years I think we can finally say the promise is finally being turned into reality. It has been a long journey!

Right now this is a good income stock, and will yield for the coming year in excess of 5% at these prices.

I think £4 is perfectly possible. The results will be robust. Currently the dividend yield is around 4.5 %, and I would anticipate the final dividend will be increased by at least 10%. There may be another round of share buybacks. As we know a major factor holding the share price back is the Asylum contract. Also, the question is where any growth is going to come from. Sensibly they are only willing to go after maintenance contracts where there is a reasonable margin. I personally watch what the Finance Director does, and he has a good sized holding, and if he tops up again then that for me would be a very positive sign.

Finally the update arrived. Very short and positive, so up goes the share price.

Last year the trading update was on the 1st November, so with nothing so far this is getting to be a significant time difference

A news item I missed from May was that Mears was prepared to repay £13.8 million to the Home Office if an audit showed they had earnt in excess of 5% on the asylum contract. Strangely this was not mentioned at all in the Interims.

Small bolt-on purchase today may mean further buybacks are on hold for now

Artemis adding to their holding, so they must think they have fallen too far. Still waiting to see if there is another buyback announced.

The case involving the Bell Hotel in Epping and the failure to get planning permission to change from it having a C1 licence, so in effect acting as a hotel, to using it for more permanent accommodation. We don't of course know how many hotels Mears use for their Management contract, and of course whether the applicable local authorities will follow the ruling to insist on planning permission for a change of use.

Not surprised to see this going lower this morning after yesterday's decision in the High Court. The market hates uncertainty, and it will be assumed that the decision will negatively impact the company.