The latest Investing Matters Podcast episode featuring Jeremy Skillington, CEO of Poolbeg Pharma has just been released. Listen here.
For the first time, there is actually a net outflow of funds from China by international investors. To counter this, HSBC and Standard Chartered have suddenly been granted top tier banking licenses by China after years of trying. IMO this bodes well for PRU's operations here.
Not Shakespeare, but Drahi. Its past the witching hour of Nov 24th, the genie is out of his bottle. Back in September, FT Lex article quoted analyst who believed that Drahi could takeover BT as leveraged buyout at 170. Since then, Saudi's have approached Drahi about his stake but no more has been heard. Any thoughts on what next ?
Scurrilous rumour has it there is a docudrama script going around entitled 'Mr Smith versus the Bank'. Mr Smith's first name is Nigel and we are all familiar with the plot ... Should make fantastic TV. Not sure what effect it will have on the sp.
Broomfielder, thank you for your concise analysis, on point as usual.
Your note mirrors my worst fears about what might happen next.
Don't think anybody (including myself) took this sale seriously back in November, as at the time, it looked like there would be an early election.
However, with autumn election in mind, and Hunt seeking something to put in his election war chest, IMO, a sale, which let's face it was telegraphed in his November statement on 22/11/23, suddenly looks almost inevitable ! In which case, a discounted offer would need to be made in line with points made by yourself and PSK.
Scurrilous rag has picked up on fact that election in Autumn gives Hunt option to flog his 38% to public, but to do it, he will need to offer a discount... How much discount ? IMO more than the divi but who knows.
They are being honest : 'limited requirements for further large-scale capital investment'. History says give it 6 months. Never seen a 1p cash raise before, in fact, until now, never seen a 2p cash raise before. No doubt next one will come with share consolidation.
Tories as the next HMG ? Cannot believe anyone thinks this is an option. IMO question is what will Labour do next, how will they manage the telecoms industry. Will they nationalise BT OpenReach ? Cheap broadband for low income families ? Etc et al ...