Member Info for JamesOxford

@broomtree You are not a member of the CFC - apologies my mistake. Can I ask, are you a Capita long-term shareholder and how many Capita shares do you own approx?

@NoFear. Given AH doesn't look like he will release an RNS update. In a couple of weeks, can you phone Helen for an update? I know all other Capita shareholders are in the dark, but at least the few on here can be informed.

@Iwontell You're welcome.

Just to add on the pub ban for smokers: For what its worth, I would say that pubs have seen reduced numbers in modern times due to a change in generational habits. EG smartphones, social media, netflix (which has killed off cinemas) etc. When I was in my late teens and early 20s, pubs were a frequent visit. Now I have two 'kids' aged 22 (male) and 20 (female) years (one works in IT and one studies at University), neither them nor their friends have that much interest in pubs i.e. not a Friday/Saturday night ritual. However, when they do visit, they are happy that no one can smoke inside the pubs. Therefore, I would say on balance, that Wetherspoons is right in that the ban on smokers will not have any real impact on pubs. That said, I don't like the fact that the Labour Govt thinks it can tell people how to live their life. As a non-smoker, I think it's fine for smokers to smoke outside pubs. To me it seems the Labour Govt has started to talk about any news to move the narrative as far away from from important areas like wage rise for public sector employees, cost of living crises, illegal immigration etc.

More importantly, I am not yet invested in Marstons. However, I note that Marstons has moved away from brewing beers to focus on pubs only. This is a big move. The Marston's share price appears to be on the cheap side. Especially when compared to Wetherspoons and M&B. Is this the case? Any opinions/views would be appreciated.

@Trisor 'Hopefully just a matter of time chaps and HP seems to have indicated according to NF that things might be good to go in the next 2 weeks.'

I agree. This is why AH needs to issue an RNS update to that effect on Monday. If HP can say it to Fearful (as presumably she too is bound by the conditions of the contract i.e. confidentiality etc.), then AH can provide ALL shareholders with the same update via an RNS update. Why should Fearful obtain access to information that has not been communicated to ALL shareholders via official channels?

It is for this reason (and the stablisation of the Capita share price) that AH needs to issue an RNS update on Monday to inform ALL shareholders of the status and/or the new expected completion date.

@Bubbles59. All I have done is answered questions/statements/comments/insults thrown my way. Everyone here is entitled to ther own view, but some here are vitriolic towards others. I have the right to reply. If I am blocked by a few CFC members, it does not bother me at all. I would rather have discussions with those who have a balanced view of Capita.

@Iwonttell. My advice to you to stop moaning about Zephyr and sell up was based on your comment 'Had enough of oilers!'. So sell up and I'll be happy to buy at a lower price.

@JG-IQ68 I do not intend to 'sew fear and unrest' on Capita or elsewhere for that matter. I call it as I see it - and sorry if that offends some members of the Capita Fan Club. Also, I doubt very much that the discussions between pretty much the same people on this Capita discussion board (many of whom are CFC members who trys to discredit or block anyone who does not act as a 'Capita cheerleader' at all times!) will move the share price one way or another. If I want to try to move the share price one way or another, do you seriously think this is the place to do it? Get real. I have made it pretty clear that so far I have £160k invested in Capita. I do not intend to sell out on Monday. In fact, if the Capita share price falls further (which is likely without an RNS update), I'll probably add. I plan to stay for the Capita turnaround over the medium-long term. On your other point about Prudential Plc, I brought on the historic low and have made capital gains so far. I'll be happy to add more whenever I feel like it, as it's a medium-long term investment. FYI I am also invested in several other companies on the LSE and elsewhere. However, I prefer not to discuss other investments on the Capita discussion board. I really don't know why you would bring my other investments into play here. Honestly JGIQ68, you really don't have to worry about me and my investments, I've done very well over the years. Just worry about your own backyard.

@Kipper (aka SmellyFish). Why is it almost every time you post you mention you have blocked JO. I think we all know that by now (although I bet you take a peep once in while). If it's a wind-up you're looking for, your often-repeated statement 'I've blocked JO' is as stale as those old and crusty grey pair of slippers you wear around the house.

@Trisor. All I and many others want (especially when saw th Capita discussion board on Friday...heck even Fearful phoned Helen on Friday afternoon for an update) is an RNS update. I agree with you Trisor that it needs to be agreed by both the buyer and seller - but that is always standard practise anyway. My point is, if all is OK and new expected completion date in in September or later, then it is in everyones' interest (stakeholders and shareholders alike) to provide an RNS update on Monday. Time will tell if we recieve it. Without an RNS it is likely the Capita share price will fall. With an RNS it is likley the Capita share price will stabilise and even increase. Simple.

@broomtree (isn't a 'broomtree' some kind of shrub?). Initially, I mentioned I would probably buy Capita after the next set of results, but I changed my mind due to further research and in-depth discussions with other investors (not on this discussion board obviously). I don't spread 'FUD' - but CFC members (like you) are very easily spooked. Last time I checked, it's a free world - so I'll invest wherever and whenever I like.

@Trisor 'An RNS can only be forthcoming if the contract confidentiality clause allows it.'

What rubbish you spout!

AH can easily issue an RNS update to say 'Further to the RNS released 9 July: The completion of the sale of Capita One is proceeding with completion expected by the end of September' or similar.

@Trenners. I agree. Let's hope that's exactly what happens.

Trisor I know how contracts work. As usual you mis-read my post and put your own crap spin on it. I pointed out the bleeding obvious that without an RNS update (to reassure nervous shareholders) the share price will fall. Most shareholders won't wait, instead they will vote with their feet and the share price will drop (if no sale, then the share price will collapse). To remind you - I in my post I said:

'Daytraders have no doubt invested for the completion of the sale of Capita One 'towards the end of August subject to conditions' and some would have pulled out as completion has not happened as yet.'

and...

'However, without an RNS update, many shareholders will be nervous (understandably) that maybe the buyer has indicated they will pull out, and that AH is working hard behind the scenes (under the most strict 'need to know' basis) to avoid that scenario. To reassure stakeholders and shareholders, AH needs to provide an RNS update.'

and

Daytraders have no doubt invested for the completion of the sale of Capita One 'towards the end of August subject to conditions' and some would have pulled out as completion has not happened as yet. Each to their own.

The smart money knows that the sale of Capita One for £207 million cash is massive in terms of the Capita turnaround story, and have invested for the medium-long term. Once the sale is completed the Capita share price should continue to climb over the next 12-24 months, and will most likely double over the next 12-24 months.

However, without an RNS update, many shareholders will be nervous (understandably) that maybe the buyer has indicated they will pull out, and that AH is working hard behind the scenes (under the most strict 'need to know' basis) to avoid that scenario. To reassure stakeholders and shareholders, AH needs to provide an RNS update.

If AH does not issue an RNS update, then the Capita share price will continue to fall until such time an RNS update is made. This means any spike upwards as a result of the completion of the sale of Capita One will be more of a 'fizz' than a 'pop', as the Capita share price would have already fallen to a low base level.

Remember when the Capita share price was around the 12p-14p mark? It only moved upwards on the back of the RNS on 9 July which advised of the sale of Capita One. A lack of an RNS update could easily result in a return to the 12-14p mark quite quickly.

If all is fine, but a short delay is expected - wonderful! AH needs to issue an RNS to reflect that. I understand that I may be out of step with some on this discussion board who think or want to believe (but do not know) that all is fine. Personally, I invest based on management guidence, financials and other updates, and when management guidence/expectations are not met, as a shareholder I expect an RNS update.

JL for the most part treated Capita shareholders with contempt. AH ought not to make the same mistake. I expect AH to issue an RNS update on Monday.

The full context is: 'The Disposal is expected to complete towards the end of August, subject to satisfaction of the following Completion conditions:'.

Stakeholder and shareholders are entitled to an update due to the delay beyond management's own expectations of 'completion towards the end of August'.

I know for a fact institutional investors will want an RNS update.

How does anyone know the buyer has not pulled out? We don't.

No news is no news.

So issue an RNS update. Simple.

@Broomtree and @CraigJD. I disagree. There is 'something' to report, and it is not a 'waste of time and money' to do so. A company has a duty to report to its shareholders whenever management expectations are not met...

I note Capita's RNS on 9 July 2024 states that:

'The Disposal is expected to complete towards the end of August, subject to satisfaction of the following Completion conditions:

The sale of Capita One is a Class 1 transaction under the current Listing Rules and is conditional on the approval of Capita's shareholders (to the extent such approval is required by the Listing Rules as may be amended or replaced by the FCA) with a shareholder circular (the Circular) to be published in due course including a timetable for a General Meeting of Capita shareholders; and

notification and confirmation from the Secretary of State that no further action will be taken under the UK's National Security and Investment Act.'

The reason I expected an updated RNS is due to the leading statement: 'The Disposal is EXPECTED to complete TOWARDS THE END OF AUGUST (emphasis added)...'

Given 31 August 2024 is on a Saturday, it is reasonable to assume completion will in fact not be made towards...or by the end of August. Therefore, completion is now outside of management's own expectations. Capita should have announced an updated RNS today Friday 30 August to advise there will be a delay (and the reason for the delay) and the new expected completion date is X. It would have been better had Capita's initial RNS issued on 9 July read 'The Disposal is expected to complete by the end of September...' and therefore no such update would have been required.

The fact is that stakeholders and shareholders do not like or appreciate 'unexpected surprises' or events that are outside of management's expectations. Shareholders rely on 'management expectations' to make informed investment decisions. Capita's share price has dropped by 2.27% due to the lack of RNS that states the sale of Capita One has completed. Unfortunately, Capita's share price is likely to continue to fall further until:Capita releases an updated RNS with the reason for the delay and the new/revised expected completion date; or Capita releases an RNS to confirm the completion of the sale of Capita One (whenever that may be). If Capita releases an RNS to advise the sale of Capita One will not proceed, then Capita's share price will be dumped.

Stakeholder and shareholders alike depend on companies to issue updates, news etc. especially when management's own expectations have not been met. I have no doubt whatsoever that current institutional investors in Capita would want an updated RNS on Capita One pronto.

To be fair to AH, Capita updates have been timely and reasonable to date, so this could be one-off 'blip'. Hopefully it's not worse than that. However, an updated RNS on Capita One that is short and sharp would put all doubts to rest.

Https://www.retailsector.co.uk/657049-halfords-sees-surge-in-demand-for-bikes-amid-olympic-success/

Although subscription required for the link above.

The rise in Halfords' share price today, was likley due to the rise in interest in bikes over the Olympics:

https://www.retail-week.com/sports-and-leisure/halfords-bike-website-had-a-boost-in-visitors-after-team-gbs-cycling-success/7046936.article

and

@Iwonttell Rather than moan, why not sell out of Zephyr? Cut your losses and move on. I'll be more than happy to buy more at a lower price prior to the next RNS.

Just checked up on the Capita share price and this discussion board. What a difference a day makes. No RNS from Capita to say the Capita One sale has been completed, and as a result the Capita share price tanks by 2.27% (COB on LSE 30 August). No surprise there and it probably should have been much worse i.e. around 5% decline. It was a shame I was away today as I would have bought more on the slide.

I am surprised Capita chose to not issue an RNS today. It would have been useful to provide an update on the completion of the sale of Capita One - even if it was simply to say expected completion is now in 14 days. It would have been very easy to do and would have kept shareholders informed and updated, and thereby would have helped stabilise the Capita share price. It's not in anyone's interest for the Capita share price to fall (other than shorters - of which there appears to be few and far between) at this stage of their turnaround.

Well done to the FearlessOne who phoned Helen for an update. I bet she was flooded with calls today and under instructions to answer all calls with the standard police phrase of "Nothing to see here, move along, move along...". Capita could have and should have avoided such calls/communications via an RNS update.

BTW. I notice Kipper9 (aka SmellyfFsh) and JD68 (JD with the IQ of 68) - even though both claim they have blocked me - have once more attempted to slander me...even when I have made no comments today until now. Maybe I have two new stalkers. I like that Broomtree calls it like it is and is right that SmellyFish needs a 'head wobble'.

With the limited 'new news' on the RNS today and the share price drop of 5%...maybe there is a reason limited information is available.

This is only hyperthetical, but thought I'd share it...

If CH is in final stage discussions and negotiations with investors/partners and those final negotiations are dependent upon favourable test results...and the new investors/partners will invest in Zephyr (i.e. partial buyout or be awarded shares in return for investment); then it makes no sense for CH to disclose the positive test results to the market until after the investors/partners have signed off on the agreement. To disclose the positive test results prior to sign-off would most likley drive the Zephyr share price dramatically upwards too soon, which could be counter-productive. Whereas, the current share price means more shares can be purchased/awarded to the new investors/partners (less share dilution for current shareholders).

If the above is true, then it would be best for CH to sign-off on agreements with investors/partners. Then announce agreement/partnership and test results at the same time. That would be a cracker of an RNS!

Personally, I am very happy with the RNS. It tells me that all developments are proceeding in line with managements' expectations. There are no nasty surprises whatsoever.

CH is very transparent and a good comminicator with stakeholders and shareholders alike. CH wanted to provide an update on developments within time promised, so he did that. If CH did not provide an update before end of August then serious questions may (more likely would) be asked by shareholders.

CH is managing the spinning of multiple plates with test results, stakeholders, new investors/partners, and shareholders all at once. CH will do his best to align all the spinning plates accordingly. CH needs to be 100% sure that the tests are carried out and completed thoroughly with proven and accurate test results. Discussions and negotiations with investors and partners are now in the advanced/final stages and they must all be 100% sure the tests are completed correctly, with undeniable clear and concise facts before they commit to Zephyr (as they too have to keep their stakeholders and shareholders happy).

I have no concerns with CH or Zephyr. Definately looking forward to the next RNS.