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Every share in my widely spread portfolio is in the red except for Interserve. How very very strange and surely shows what a state the market has got its self into.

As long as the debt is affordable and the dividend is covered what is the problem. Sales up, company acquiring assets I cannot see why share price is falling. OK it is not going to rocket but upwards slow and steady surely.

Big worry especially for the likes of me, a small shareholder investing for dividend income, is the possibility of re-nationalisation. Even if the party who propose it were to form a government within say the next six to twelve months would they be able to re-nationalise all the utility companies, water gas and electricity plus the railways in their first term? Personally I doubt it, Railways first then water but probably late in their first term.

Whilst many pubs are closing those that survive inevitably offer more than just a bar. Food now forms a large part of the income stream as does accommodation. Marston's are well placed with the Lodges, Restaurants and Off Sales via supermarkets for home consumption. They do not just brew and sell from an estate of Rovers Return style pubs.

Another pressure is social attitudes to drinking. Drink Driving is now more or less socially unacceptable and gone are the days of pies and pints at lunch times for many workers hence a move towards a different way to enjoy the stronger waters.

Some very interesting and well made comments in recents posts.

It does seem that market sentiment has more to do with the fall in the share price than anything being fundamentally wrong with the company business model. That said the only possible concern could be debt but if that debt arises from investment to grow the business in the future and is comfortably able to be serviced and there is a slow but steady and sustained rise in income and profit I for one would not be unduly concerned.

Changes in the way leisure time is spent is also a key factor what age groups are the most frequent users of the company’s pubs, restrauants and lodges? It that age group expanding or contracting and is their disposable income rising or falling? More food for thought or discussion preferably over a glass or two of one of Marston’s excellent ales.

Before getting too hung up on the share price just look at the market overall. Share prices across the board are falling and whilst there will always be risers the overall trend is downward. Once this changes the shares price will rise as others rise. Hang on in there.

Does it really matter whether you are in the 100, 250 or 350? Does the company make an honest profit? Do profits rise year on year and do the dividends increase? Far more important considerations in my view.

Company report appears to be very honest and the underlying message is we got it wrong and this is what we are actually doing and going to do about it. Fair play to them for that. As to the future only time will tell hopefully the only way is up. Shorters and other market �messers� will no doubt continue to have their �fun�. If this time next year there is an increase in profit, some good contract wins and serious steps towards the reintroduction of the dividend then the corner will have been turned.

Interesting to note how the share prices with the temperature. Here�s to a long hot summer!

Typical Council wanting to go for the lowest price. May be better off out of that one but it would be funny if the re-tendering exercise results in an overall cost increase or they select a development partner who is not able to deliver.

Key words. "Under certain circumstances". "Discussions with Interserve are ongoing with regard to the contractual settlement". at least the lawyers have not been called in yet and both sides are talking hopefully in a positive and constructive way. Worst case a �95m hit but suspect it will be a little lower although not much. This needs to be put to bed ASAP so that the company can move forward uncertainty is something the market does not like.

So the perceived wisdom is things are looking up. The icing on the cake will come when there is an indication as to when dividends might be resumed if only a small one of just a few pence.

Look at recent share trades, 60k of shares bought so someone must think that it is worth buying.

It is an ill wind that blows no good as hopefully the next results and dividend will show.

It is an ill wind that blows no good as hopefully the next results and dividend will show.

Seems to go up in the morning and down in the afternoon.

So operating profit likely to be up. Contracts are being won and there are plans being developed for change the Fit for Growth initiative yet the share price seems to be being dragged down by others first Carillion now Capita.

This has got to come from the company. Good news regarding arrangements with banks. A line drawn under the energy from waste debacle and a good trading update. Anything else is just speculation.

You would be daft to sell a stock that is moving upwards if that sale would result in a loss. Far better to hang on in there and watch and wait.

How do we think Carillion�s problems will affect Interserve? Possible retendering of existing contracts they hold? Knock on effect driving the Support Sector down? Discuss