Member Info for Ballantyne

Completely agree - but at the same time, the performance seems to contradict the price drop but with no news we are all only making assumptions. We need some consistent numbers showing financial strength, paying down debt (if that is an issue), resume dividends, new contracts adding not just revenue but profitability etc….,plus the shorters closing…only then will we see a recovery in my opinion!

Found the following report that was posted earlier today on the outlook for NEX - interesting reading and keeps up my hope that this will eventually come good!

https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-affirms-national-express-at-bbb-outlook-stable-02-11-2022

I am completely lost on this now…the drop that never stops! Roll on the trading update to see if I’ve been completely delusional the whole time…

Anyone know any good jokes?? I need cheering up as this is just depressing viewing! Thought we’d turned a corner when back near to two quid, and now look….

Looked it up and next trading update is 20th October.

Same for the euros too with ALSA and German Rail…that’s also giving a lot more sterling into the pockets of NEX. It’s a very slow burner this one!

Just did some back of the ciggie packet numbers based on what the H1 revenue would look like using todays FX. Reckon that should equal to a 14% rise on total turnover - with that as a guide for H2 and the patronage increasing it should be good news…but again, I am the internal optimist here! Have a good week all!

Well it’s not going to plan just yet…

Glad I am not too deluded and that you agree with me LongerGuy. See that as a massive positive to along side all the other positives - It’s all about patience and playing the long game (I hope)

Hi All, long time frustrated holder here and trying to keep my spirits up….welcome any view on the following.

Given that a large proportion of the business is outside the UK, and sterling is particularly weak at the moment - surely this is good news as all those US dollars and Euros NEX are paid in will equate to more pounds…or am I continually looking for positives to remain sane given the continual slide!

Looks like good news to me ….
Bus fare cap: England charges to be held at £2 for three months
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-62775639

Still optimistic about this but it is certainly testing watching the slide. Just when you think the corner has turned with positive trading update, it all gets forgotten about and we drift lower again….roll on the reinstatement of dividends, a few new big contract wins and return to normal patronage and profitability!!

All looking positive - let’s see how the market reacts!

Interesting article…..shame we are still sinking but at least reading articles like this provide rays of hope for the future!

https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/golden-age-buses-buyers-hop-uk-transport-firms-2022-06-15/

Its bucketed in with travel and hospitality stocks - same issue faced through Covid when comparing NEX to an airline. Now we face the issue that we are bucketed with hospitality which will get hammered in a recession as discretionary spend is cut….need solid profitable growth for a prolonged period and reinstatement of dividends to catch the eye of the big investors….that’s my view but what do I know!

Was thinking along the same lines - not hoping for a quick rebound but worth an extra top up at this price.

Last week I said 187 but looks I may have been a bit optimistic…any views on when and what the bottom is?

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/dozens-national-express-services-day-7286103.amp

Looks like a great way to tempt people off trains and out of cars!

We are in the same boat. My plan is to buy another 10k or so at 1.87 and then not look for a year! It could be a terrible decision but I don’t think they are going bust and with the headwinds come tailwinds….fuel prices up = higher running charges but equally bus / coach becomes more appealing than car ownership / running. Bus driver shortage is painful but might lead to more outsourcing in US. Covid causing impact to smaller players mean possible aquisition opportunities etc.

PE have noticed this as an industry to profit with the recent competitor news, just think it’s time that we need to show NEX back in healthy, regular profits to boost the share price.

Welcome any views on the impact of FX.

The trading update came as a surprise to all, and also thought was surprised by the continual drop. Thought it may drop a little but they implemented significant cost saving iniatives as a result of the pandemic that will reap rewards for long term, in addition with the FX rate I thought it might be beneficial too given the business in US and growth in Spain and Germany…not sure how FX plays a role but you’d think it would boost the GBP numbers reported. Interested on any views on that.

I am still happy with my investment - my average is about 2.35, and will have a time horizon of 2025 when I hope it will be back over 3.50….plus any dividends will be a bonus. That’s my plan so wish me luck!