Member Info for rustybucket

We plan to invest around £1.6 billion across our five divisions over the next four years to underpin growth and return our businesses to our target levels of profitability. Through these actions, combined with our scale and expertise, we are positioning the business for improved growth and returning it to a profile of consistent returns and cash generation. “We are targeting an appropriate, progressive and sustainable dividend policy with cover of 2.0 to 2.5x in the medium term. In the short term the Board proposes that no final dividend will be paid in respect of the year to 31 March 2013, nor an interim dividend for the year to 31 March 2014. Payments will recommence with a final dividend for the year to 31 March 2014, subject to performance in line with expectations, as a transition to re-establishing a progressive dividend policy thereafter. While the exact quantum will be determined at that time, the Board’s intent is to pay a transitional final dividend of up to £50m in the year to 31 March 2014.

Very rarely do I come out and talk up a share, why because I normally keep myself to myself, but, in this share I put my reputation and credentials on the line. I said at the outset of the rights issue that if I came in I would keep my stake and be there for the longer term. Well, not only have I kept me stake I have increased it and I feel as if this will do well. Short, medium and LONG. Good Luck All. I do not think you will be disappointed.

No problem I am glad it wasnt as it would have been wrong before event. Good thing is this was after hours so should be in newspapers over weekend which will (hopefully) lead to an increase in Monday leading to results Wednesday. May be a clever ploy by BOD, or not !!!!!. We will see. I cant see how they have had the debt reduction which should automatically increase profit as less debt, small sell to reduce debt further and less restrictions will again (hopefully) lead to a large increase in share price. I believe that if results are good this will see share price shoot up from these levels. Time will tell and my head on the block again.

Where was the big buy. Late "buy" was uncrossing trade

Announced right on finish. Hopefully will lead share price up from Monday ready for results Wednesday. (OK i can dream) . FIRSTGROUP PLC (`FirstGroup' or `the Group') Statement re: SHORTLISTING FOR SCOTRAIL FRANCHISE COMPETITION FirstGroup has been shortlisted for the ScotRail franchise competition by the Scottish Government. The Group currently operates the franchise which provides passenger train services throughout Scotland. The new ten year contract, with a potential break point after five years, will be awarded next year and is expected to start in April 2015. Commenting, Vernon Barker, FirstGroup's Managing Director, UK Rail said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the ScotRail franchise competition. "As a Scottish company, we are proud to run Scotland's railway and proud of our success in growing the business. First ScotRail now carries 83 million passengers a year, 30% more than in 2004, and has introduced 300 more services per day, whilst seeing record high customer satisfaction scores. We also hold the title of Scottish Public Transport Operator of the Year. "The railway is integral to Scotland's growing and ambitious economy and we look forward to submitting a compelling, competitive and value for money bid which meets the needs of customers, businesses and taxpayers. We have demonstrated that we have the capability and commitment to meet that challenge and deliver for the people of Scotland."

You are right and yes they did overpay. But based on the update last time and Stagecoach, itmight end upok. Benefit of hindsight is wonderful, but as long as company makes good profits reduces debt and makes comment about future dividends this will start rising rapidly. Or I am bankrupt (lol).

The big problem for this company seems to be overpaying for the busieness in America. Stagecoach results showed that there american business was profitable. The company now has a number of options. They can continue to make profits (which they have always done) and reduce debt even further. They can sell parts of business, but for higher prices than they would have been able to to before refinancing, or they can become a takever target. Stagecoach was in as much if not more bother years ago and look at them now, As for National express and chinese there are loads of different companies who may eye these up. But, Board of directors (in my opinion) WOULDNT sell cheap as they actually hold shares

Stagecoach Go Ahead or Arriva (but there may be mergers and monopoly concerns) but lots of companies are cash rish and may want to diversify. Even a Hedge fund might be interested in a speculative buy.

Thought there would have been more movement. Positive is it hasnt provoked mass selling or mass exodus and I think that when you look at employees and pensioners seeing there shares reduced massively in value this drop is a drop in the ocean. Doesnt matter what the FTSE is doing at moment this doesnt seem to respond. I am convinced results will be good as I have looked statement again and again. I think this could be poised for take off. But then again I have been saying that for a while. Perhaps I am wrong and I will end up being marooned on my own on this board. We will see.

That we would have reached these levels after being at 1.24 Hope its market makers at work rather than someone getting a sniff of poorer results ??

Market maker factor may be a bigger factor on this as if these believe that results are going to be good they will want plenty of cheap shares to sell at a higher price at a later day. So be p[repared for market maker games as they will be up to their tricks. I have no doubt about this at all.

6th November .

No chance of me giving up. I am relying on this little baby to perform. Confident long term just didnt see it dropping at this point. Hopefully stagecoach results (especially America) will be a pointer to ours as to all intents and purposes America has been a drag.

Bus and train operator Stagecoach Group said profitability has remained satisfactory, and there has been no significant change to expected adjusted EPS. Like-for-like revenue growth for the financial year to date in each of the Group's main businesses is provided below. UK Bus (regional operations) - twenty four weeks ended 13 October 2013 5.0% UK Bus (London) - twenty four weeks ended 13 October 2013 (1.6)% UK Rail - twenty four weeks ended 13 October 2013 3.0% North America - five months ended 30 September 2013 7.3% (including Megabus.com) Virgin Rail Group - twenty four weeks ended 13 October 2013 6.1% The UK Bus (regional operations) division has performed strongly during the period, with both passenger volumes and revenue growing year-on-year. The UK Bus (London) division has continued to perform well. The reduction in revenue during the period includes the effect of non-recurring revenue related to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is in line with our expectations. The financial performance of the rail businesses is in line with expectations. As expected, the rate of revenue growth is lower than that reported for the first twelve weeks of the financial year, which is partly due to the effects of (a) non-recurring revenue in 2012 related to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games and (b) current year resignalling work in the Nottingham area. Megabus.com in North America is the fastest-growing part of the Group, increasing revenue by 23.7% in the five months ended 30 September 2013. This reflects further growth in existing services, as well as contributions from the Texas and California networks launched during 2012/13. Overall, the North American business remains on track to deliver a significant increase in its operating profit in 2013/14 when compared to 2012/13. We are continuing to expand our megabus.com business, and intend to add significant new operating mileage over the next 12 months. Virgin Rail Group (VRG) continues to earn a fee equivalent to 1% of revenue from the West Coast rail franchise with the DfT taking the risk that revenue and/or costs differ from those expected. VRG and the DfT are discussing revised commercial terms that could see VRG take greater revenue and cost risk for the period from a date to be agreed through to April 2017 for a commensurate financial return. Sightseeing revenue at the Twin America joint venture has reduced year-on-year in an increasingly competitive New York sightseeing market, that has seen Twin America's share of the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour market reduce. The Group maintains a strong financial position with investment grade credit ratings and appropriate headroom under its debt facilities. Consolidated net debt has, as expected, remained broadly consistent with the position at 30 April 2013 reflecting continued strong cash generation, offset by the reversal of favourable working capital timing differences in the previous finan

Whole idea of rights issue was to reduce debt. This has to have some effect so with increased profitability this has to go higher.

UP TO NOW BUT i STILL FEEL THAT THIS SHARE PRICE IS VERY LOW !!!

Then again !!!!

This price again. I will admit defeat with this share and sell If there is not a re-trace of this after results. They must give update on reduced debt (as it must have been reduced due to rights issue) give update on return of dividend (next year) Good profits hopefully American business starting to contribute . I feel a lot of upside.

Wow, The market makers will be happy no need to pull price down now. Onwards and upwards

Thats why when we are talking on here that we need to remember that there are some employees and pensioners some of whom will have considerable holdings so when we are talking about small losses or share price not moving the way we think it should spare a thought for these people who are affected even more.