Member Info for Auson

NigeCo,

I reckon they might be accumulating for someone ! Or at the very least they know of a buyer.

'Do you worry about artificial intelligence? There is some commentary that agencies, like a lot of businesses, are going to struggle because some of their services can be created using AI.

I am very positive and bullish on AI. I think it's going to be a great help for agencies. I believe, of course, that agencies not using AI will be replaced by agencies using AI because it's completely changing the productivity, the efficiencies, the effectiveness [of the work]. I don't see a real threat in terms of losing business because some of our clients would integrate their advertising or communication capabilities [in-house as a result of AI].

I still believe that we are delivering a service of professionals working together that is unique and will be very hard to replicate inside a client or a different kind of organisation. Because it's a combination of strategy and creativity – a mix of left and right brain – and I still believe that agencies are the best places to use AI for the best interest of their clients.

The best analogy that I have found is, like the invention of the camera at the beginning of the 20th century. It hasn't killed all the painters, it has only killed the average painters. Where you are right is I would say for an average agency, not producing great work, it's going to be hard because you can really internalise this kind of work [as a client by using AI in-house].'

'Brian Wieser, an analyst and founder of Madison & Wall, said Havas’ margin was probably affected by the fact it is “small in the US where they would arguably get a bigger margin” and “they operate a legacy creative network” that will “still have infrastructure costs that are high”.

During the wide-ranging interview, Bolloré also discussed how Havas had been the “most acquisitive” agency group, buying into ten agencies, including Uncommon Creative Studio, in 2023'

LacticsRule,

Or is it just a level where some people are happy to sell the warrants ? After falling back from touching 14p it does seem like momentum building again. 13.65p hit earlier today.

GoCPI,

We are going to see a reduction in staff costs, so that is at least one positive for the balance sheet.

Redwineday,

It shouldn't report as sold because they have only lent them and often retain the voting rights.

Pauldrayton,

I think you are right and am not sure they are so naive not to know this. I read somewhere recently that carbon credits are cheaper in more 2nd or 3rd world type countries so we can export our carbon emissions so to speak. It also has to weeken the Scottish economy meaning they have less chance of going independent.

Pokerchips,

Were all of those large U/Ts deletion from MSCI indexes ? Enquest, Petrofac I know were both booted out, and had massive U/Ts

I should add this is the same situation for Enquest who are already up 3% today, and also saw a massive U/T

We have been booted out of the MSCI Smallcap Index and added to the MSCI Microcap Index as of 29the Feb. So I expect the selling yesterday will not turn to buying today from Microcap funds

1msn,

Yes I believe there were two other bidders for Media Monks around that level, WPP being one of them !

Obviously sentiment here is on the floor at the moment.

BrokeNSmoke,

I don't believe that is the case at all. Tech deferred its own ad spending all together, I don't think it was a case of spending in house and cutting agency spend. Has anyone go any numbers to disprove my understanding ?

GoCPI,

Good point, what are the Bloomberg holdings saying today ?

I guess there are no sellers and the buyers see no rush.

Pokerchips,

If we are not talking about any cash drawn from the revolving credit facility, I think you are right, so could be something like £2.5m in lost credit interest rather than circa £15m extra interest having less cash. I do know there have been staff cuts since the last update so am thinking there are further cost savings.

Ovets,

Maybe modular homes ?

www portakabin com/gb-en/why-portakabin/on-time-on-budget/

Great posts guys, very interesting.

Still no share price response !

Pokerchips,

I would add that with reduction in headcount from 8600 ( 2023 Interims ) to 7700 ( third quarter trading update) we should see circa £50m reduction in staff costs. Although with net debt higher likely around £15m in extra interest costs. I suspect Sorrell will continue with the reduction in headcount possibly by another 450 to 900, saving a further £25- £50m.

Pokerchips,

But going by the fintel and Bloomberg holdings the bulls already have bought/ are buying. There is not going to be any good Macro data re advertising for some time. This recovery play is about the legacy funds selling out which is why we went down to the 30s, couple that with the accounts delays poor forecasting and the largest net debt SFOR ever had. These things will change before the macro improves then who knows what the shareprice will be. Bear in mind it bounced to 240s quite quickly !

I hope so, but I don't really know if that is the case. I do know that SFOR is much more agile and being pure digital also has to be a big plus.