Member Info for TopLink

I like boring. Slow and steady getting on with the job and paying a dividend what’s not to like. A slow upward share price but feel sure that will come.

I seem to recall reading that Card Factory cannot pay a dividend until debt is paid down to below a certain level. A good Christmas and the usual card buying celebrations next year Valentines, Mother's, Father's Days plus Easter and a backlog of weddings, engagements etc. due to Covid should send card buyers rushing back into stores. In my view a dividend of maybe one or two pence per share may be possible with perhaps a special dividend a year later.

Seem to recall reading that dividends could not resume until debt is below a certain level - not that I have any issues with that. Hopefully that will be achieved ahead of schedule and a small dividend paid late next year.

Dammed if the pay a dividend and dammed if they don’t. Shareholders moan if no dividend, the press and no doubt some politicians moan if they pay even a small one. However if the money is used to pay down debt and or invest in the business then may be that is for the long term best.

Will continue to improve until such time as it as easy to shop on the high street as it is on line. Look at the obstacles placed in the way of even getting to the high street. Expensive public transport, extortionate car parking and when you do get there the item you want / size is not in stock. Cannot see this ending any time soon.

Companies that look after their staff as per the in information in hodgy2108 post usually perform well as staff are key in any business and should be looked after and treated well.

Good that shops are getting busy again, no doubt people stocking up with cards for forthcoming birthdays etc. In about a months time or possibly less Christmas Cards will start to appear and beforehand there is Halloween. Christmas Card sales may be falling due to higher postage costs and a general decline in people sending them.

The next twelve months are key as we have missed out on Mother’s Day, Easter and Farther’s Day due to lock downs. All should be clear in twelve months time.

I think it is a bit much that LSE have not transferred details of holdings in Standard Life to the new company. Is it that difficult for them to do? Even if it could not be done for a day or so then at least say so.

Usually a good sign when those working at the coal face speak in a positive manner about a business.

I can never understand why the share price appears to be so volatile. The company has a good order book, is involved in cutting edge research and development pays a good dividend. Although subject to government whims both at home and abroad, as to defence spending the customers are in the main friendly stable states.

What are the chances of a dividend being paid in the near future? I understand that there is to be a statement regarding this around the 23 Feb.

A company needs a broad share holder base. Those that dip in and out as prices rise and fall. The long term holders for the dividend. This is better for everyone staff, shareholders and customers. These private equity pirates need to be far more tightly controlled and the Board should send them packing as should shareholders should matters come to a vote. In this respect those whose shares are held by a corporate nominee need to have an individual vote.

One thing people cannot do with out Water. As long as OFWAT keep their nose out and money can be found for ongoing renewal / investment particularly on the drainage side and there are no clouds on the industrial relations front this share should remain a solid long term hold with a good and certain dividend. I for one live in hope.

A number of things to consider.

I seem to recall reading that Moonpig may be listed on the stock market existing as the private equity owners bailing out. That could make things very interesting and possibly give rise to an either way take over bid in the future.

A lot will depend on when we are released from Lockdown hopefully before Mothers Day and Easter but sadly looks very unlikely before Valentines Day. The next challenge will be to get people back into the habit of shopping and buying cards.

You often get a better "feel" for a business by simply being a customer and watching other customers behaviour. People are slowly returning to stores and no doubt stocking with cards etc. for birthdays anniversaries etc. coming up over the next two to three months. Some will be getting Christmas cards but the main rush for those will not start until mid to late November depending whether or not you are in a locked down area. The biggest risk I see is that some people will get out of the habit of sending cards.

Trip to a large former county town in Southern England today. Many shops including large departmental stores still closed and fewer people than normal about. Card Factory Shop open with customers in the store and making purchases. Not as many as usual but customers none the less. This may be a confidence thing and people may need to learn to shop again.

Given the forthcoming reopening of pubs I am surprised that the share price is falling. Although supermarket sales have helped the brewing side of the business the pub side is where the social drinkers meet. People are inherently social animals and after being confined in doors with many people working from home the opportunity to socialise again is likely to be taken up with enthusiasm.

Whilst I can understand the reasons for non payment of dividends it is a bit much not to pay the one which is just a few weeks away from actual payment and well past the record date. There are many who rely on the dividends to pay their own bills etc. Perhaps a little more thought Should have been given with a reduction, not just total non payment over a longer period.

And your evidence and or rational for this is?

The retail sector is going through a period of change, the pandemic may keep shoppers at home whilst it lasts but people will return and the low value discretionary spending that this business depends on will return as people have become more caring, feeling and thoughtful towards others, some may say softer a trend likely to continue.

Let’s try and look on the bright side. Mother’s Day is coming up followed by Easter and people are still having birthdays. Postage costs may be increasing but people can and do hand deliver cards. I think the results are due 21 April which will hopefully bring some good news.