Sage Share Discussion Threads

[lyntwyn] 08/5/2007 08:08

The Sage Group plc ('Sage'), a leading global supplier of business management
software solutions, announces the acquisition of Snowdrop Systems Limited
('Snowdrop') from its shareholders for an enterprise value of £17 million, paid
in cash. Snowdrop provides leading human resources, personnel and payroll
management software and related services to over 700 mid - sized businesses in
the UK.

The company, which was established in 1991, provides businesses with the
software to automate and manage more effectively a broad range of HR activities
including recruitment, personnel, pay and flexible benefits, e-HR, training and
development and succession planning.

In the full year to December 2006, Snowdrop reported revenues of £7.5 million
and EBITA of £1.1 million.

[maddox] 04/5/2007 12:13

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Private equity firms 3i Group and Bridgepoint Capital are considering rival bids for UK accounting software supplier Iris, which could fetch 250-300 mln stg, according a source familiar with the situation.

"The attraction for bidders is a stable cash flow," the source said. "It's the same market as Sage Group."

The source said there was a deadline for bids later this week.

Iris, which is backed by private equity firm HG Capital Trust, has insisted it wants to remain independent, despite growing speculation the company will be swept up in the IT industry consolidation.

Earlier, Iris declined to comment on the bid speculation.

Iris, which supplies accounting software and services to more than 40,000 businesses and 9,000 accountancy practices, has forecast revenue of around 45 mln stg for 2007/8.

Trade names linked with the Datchet, Berkshire-based business, include Sage and Microsoft Corp, although the source said some trade buyers had been put off by the company's valuation, which they thought was too high.

Bridgepoint said it declined to comment on market speculation while 3i could not be immediately reached.

[e-mail] nh/am

[maddox] 14/4/2007 08:16

Jim,

Good luck with your other investments. Yep there are undoubedly some higher growth opportunities elsewhere. But you're making the assumption that dividends equals slower capital growth - not necessarily. Sage has an underlying organic growth rate at a very creditable circa 8%. On top of this it is acquiring other companies at values that immediately enhance value. Then, as you say there are those growing dividends, based on Sage gearing up its B/S with more debt (that it can afford) enhancing returns to its shareholders. That will all be factored into the price - so it may not be racey - but add the divs and the capital growth together and you have a compelling investment.

Just MHO you appreciate.

Regards, Maddox

[jimcocallis] 14/4/2007 00:54

Well its mid life without a crisis. Div growth promised to be aggressive so its confirmed. Slow capital growth - time to look for something else. I don't want divi income - share price up and up is my cup of tea. Much better for my maxi ISA and my retirement.
IMHO
DYOR etc
Jim

[coffee cream] 13/4/2007 12:45

boooooooooooring

[lyntwyn] 13/4/2007 09:37

Maddox, looks to me like SGE is going through a period of consolidating its many acquisitions, which is why it may appear soooo boring to some. Solid medium to long term growth almost assured, but patience is needed. Management is not known for tripping up on banana skins, so no "excitement" likely from such a source!.
Lyn

12.04.07 : UBS reiterated its 'neutral' stance and 290 pence price target, Goldman Sachs also kept its 'neutral' stance and 280p target, dealers said. In reaction, Goldman Sachs said the in-line trading statement should not come as a surprise to the market, and added that Sage's guidance is close to its forecast of 577m for revenues and 121m for pretax profit. UBS said that it thinks Sage shares may rise a little after the trading update news, but broadly speaking the shares look fairly-valued.

[maddox] 12/4/2007 23:48

Hi Lyntwyn,

Not a huge purchase but immediately value-adding at a p/e of 9. ERP is somewhat new but where does ERP stop and accounting software begin? Also, soooooo boring to hear that the 1H results are in-line - whadyasay Coffee?!?

Regards, Maddox

[lyntwyn] 12/4/2007 08:05

LONDON (AFX) - Sage Group PLC said it expects its first-half results to be in line with expectations and that it has bought Switzerland-based Pro-Concept SA for 7.5 mln stg in cash.

The UK accounting software supplier said Pro-Concept, a supplier of enterprise resource planning software with over 350 customers, reported operating profits of 826,000 stg for 2006 on revenues of 9.5 mln stg.

Sage's first-half results will be announced on May 9. [e-mail] faj/jr

[gutsie] 10/4/2007 16:02

fwiw I punt the trading news will pleasantly surprise. dont forget H2 grew at 8%. merrill have 295 target post 2729 - sounds good to me. DYOR & all that.

[coffee cream] 10/4/2007 13:49

seems not... this stock is soooooooooooooo boring

[gutsie] 10/4/2007 12:44

Any views on the organic growth rate? Has it picked up from last years H1 of 5%?

[coffee cream] 10/4/2007 11:54

FTSE up nearly 30 points but SGE still going nowhere

[gfaw] 10/4/2007 11:49

well You are so. Tell me, Why?

[coffee cream] 10/4/2007 11:04

FTSE now up 20 points but SGE is down... booooooring

[coffee cream] 10/4/2007 09:33

FTSE up again but SGE still going nowhere... booooooring

[bearishbull] 05/4/2007 18:11

Ignore Coffee Cream, it's easter, she'll be back at school in a couple of weeks.

[coffee cream] 05/4/2007 15:01

FTSE up but SGE going nowhere... booooooring

[lyntwyn] 04/4/2007 15:07

Notification of interim results date and period-end trading update

The Sage Group plc ('Sage') will announce its interim results for the half year
ended 31 March 2007 on Wednesday, 9 May.

Sage will announce a brief period-end trading update for the half year to 31
March on Thursday, 12 April.

[maddox] 04/4/2007 13:40

Hi Coffee Cream,

An important criteria for me selling a stock out of the Maddox portfolio is when I loose interest in it. If I cannot be bothered to read the news and announcements or update my projections; then its time to sell.

I suggest that you sell up and buy something more interesting to you and can make a contribution to the BB.

Regards, Maddox

[coffee cream] 04/4/2007 09:29

this stock is sooooo boring

[maddox] 03/4/2007 16:36

Hi Jim,

Yep, so basically I think we should see steady progress if no dramatic surges. Sage is never really cheap. The strategy is sound and they management much practiced in its execution.

Regards, Maddox

[jimcocallis] 03/4/2007 13:19

Hi Maddox
Have looked back - can't disagree with your findings.
Jim

[maddox] 30/3/2007 22:36

Hi Jim,

If you want to know my views why don't you read my previous posts.......

Regards, Maddox

[jimcocallis] 30/3/2007 00:30

Has this company entered the 'Middle Age' - at first rapid growth - now settling down - Directors r doing very well out of their options, but, its sort of lost its way (can it expand; in a capital growth way). You know; we are doing ok so lets just keep going along? The share price seems to reflect that view.
IMHO - any views?

[w.bramley] 07/3/2007 08:42

XD 8th Feb - Final dividend paid 9th March