Member Info for MontrealJon

Discussion still ongoing no additional news

Results look OK. Nothing in there that we were not expecting although I did note that there is more store closures to come. Pretty much what we expected, shame no more information on the possible bid. What is clear is that government actions have significantly impacted the recovery actions but despite that God progress has been made.

Two buys of 1.3 million today...any idea who is buying that is a chunk of money

It depends on whow you look at it. The cost of buying the company, including debt is around £1.9 billion. This is less than the last 2 times that william hill was sold "William Hill's non-US assets (including UK operations) were sold to 888 Holdings by Caesars Entertainment for approximately £1.95 billion to £2.2 billion, with the deal finalizing around July 2022. This followed Caesars' acquisition of the entire company for £2.9 billion in April 2021. " and doesn't take into account pre-existing activities of 888. I'm not saying they are worth that now but the assumption that this is is a dead duck is probably not true. The £65 million (if that is accurate) extra tax does not take into account cost saving activities and with a 15% forcast gain in profit next year is almost covered by the extra earnings. I don't see issues servicing the debt at the moment although this is a high risk play.

That's the reason they are focused on shareholder value!!

Maybe I'm a glass half full person EBITDA forecast to rise 14-15%. Revenues up albeit by a small margin. I'm disappointed with the commentary from the CEO, why if there are unprofitable shops doesn't the company close them now, they don't need to wait for the review to complete. Financial situation arguably better than a year ago (outside of the Reeves tax grab) share price down 2/3rds. Understand the negative start this morning but would expect to see modest increases over the coming months

I hope we get an update on any proposed restructuring next week with the results. My average is 49p, I was brave enough to buy a fair few at 22p. Now my biggest share holding after the rise and currently biggest loss. Looks to me like shorters closing positions ahead of the results locking in profits given the higher than usual volumes. High risk, at some point I will start to reduce my stake it's too much of my portfolio.