Sage Share Discussion Threads

[moneysage] 09/5/2006 18:58

what software is there from Microsoft to rival Sage. You hear of it, but has anyone seen it?

[hotfinance14] 09/5/2006 17:59

I am lurking.

Anyone going to test me ?

[maddox] 09/5/2006 17:51

Hi HF,

Are you lurking over from ASD or are you a holder?

Regards, Maddox

[lyntwyn] 09/5/2006 16:37

Maddox, yes, but the shorters always play well on a hint of negativity. And who can blame them. But the bulls will win the race!

[hotfinance14] 09/5/2006 16:35

Anybody like to test me on the Sage package ?

[maddox] 09/5/2006 16:16

Lyntwyn,

Well the bears are winning the day, incredible really, the perception is of poor results. Whereas, revenue up 18% and profits and eps up 19% - and positive forward view of accelerating organic growth in the second half and more value-adding acquisitions on the way.

Pearls before Swine..... Pearls before Swine.

Regards, Maddox

[lyntwyn] 09/5/2006 15:51

would be nice buy sub 250 - don't think we'll see it.

[lyntwyn] 09/5/2006 14:14

Bridgewell Securities reiterates its overweight ratings for Sage Group .

Judging by the manipulation of the share price today I would say that someone wants to buy a lot of SGE!

From Sharecast:
Accountancy software house Sage failed to garner much support from its first half results, despite beating expectations as organic growth came in at just 5%, slightly lower than previously.

Pre-tax profit for the six months to the end of March came in at £113.7m on turnover of £455.9m. The shares have had a good run recently as brokers turned positive ahead of today's figures

[lyntwyn] 09/5/2006 12:07

No need to worry about this a.m.'s pullback- SGE has long way to go.


Sage looks to spend £400 million war chest
By: Joanne Wallen, Online Editor,Citywire
FTSE 100 accounting software group Sage has £400 million of fire power still to spend on acquisitions having walked away from Scandinavian player Visma last month, and business is looking as strong as ever.

Shares (SGE) slipped 2p to 263.25p as profit takers cashed in after yesterday's rise.......


..........Citywire Verdict:

A few years ago it looked as though Sage would have to chug along with fairly low growth rates, comfortably milking its large customer base.

To its credit, it has become an active and hungry acquirer, and the figures suggest it is doing this for all the right reasons.

Small businesses come and go all the time, and the younger generation of entrepreneur is more likely than ever to want to automate back office functions from day one, so there is little danger of Sage going out of fashion any time soon.

The threats and opportunities have not changed substantially either. There is always the great Microsoft looming on the horizon, there is always the chance that someone will acquire Sage, but in the meantime Sage continues to spread its wings and its influence and looks as solid as ever.
Citywire Verdict:

A few years ago it looked as though Sage would have to chug along with fairly low growth rates, comfortably milking its large customer base.

To its credit, it has become an active and hungry acquirer, and the figures suggest it is doing this for all the right reasons.

Small businesses come and go all the time, and the younger generation of entrepreneur is more likely than ever to want to automate back office functions from day one, so there is little danger of Sage going out of fashion any time soon.

The threats and opportunities have not changed substantially either. There is always the great Microsoft looming on the horizon, there is always the chance that someone will acquire Sage, but in the meantime Sage continues to spread its wings and its influence and looks as solid as ever.

[ajm123] 09/5/2006 09:51

down 6p?

dont understand

[wapper] 09/5/2006 09:33

Agree Lyntwyn...but nice anyway.They were slightly ahead of expectation.And twice as many buyers as sellers.

[lyntwyn] 09/5/2006 09:27

The figures were much as expected, hence already in the price so some holders sold out first thing. If FTSE turns +ve then I agree SGE should close in the blue today.

[wapper] 09/5/2006 09:24

Don't worry Ain.....this should end the day in positive territory.Will be broker presentation....probable broker upgrades...and Yanks will like these numbers IMO.

[ain2001] 09/5/2006 09:05

shame the share price has gone down on the good first half...

[lyntwyn] 09/5/2006 08:11

* Sage Group first-half pre-tax profit up 19% to £113.7 million vs £95.8 million; revenue up 18% to £455.9 million vs £385.6 million; organic revenue up 5%; earnings per share up 19% to 6.10p vs 5.14p; expects increased organic revenue growth for second half; confident about 2006

[lyntwyn] 07/5/2006 17:31

* Sage Group will announce a sharp rise in profits this week, making it an increasingly attractive takeover target - (The Business 7th May 06)

[maddox] 04/5/2006 15:46

In favourable market conditions SGE doesn't really tax the analyst's brain too much. The strategy is consistent and proven with a management team that executes supremely well. It has to be a buy until the valuation becomes too challenging. Hence SGE never looks cheap.

Regards, Maddox

[lyntwyn] 04/5/2006 11:14

more on the UBS stance-
03.05.06 :-0.25, (253.75) upgraded to 'buy' from 'neutral' by UBS, with a raised target of 310 pence from 270 on valuation ahead of the software group's interim results on May 9, dealers said. The Swiss broker said it expects few surprises with Sage's first half 2006 results and sees pre-tax profits of 111m on sales of 444m. It noted however, that it believes the IT spending backdrop remains relatively favourable and expects the group to sustain a 6-7% organic growth rate in the medium term.

[lyntwyn] 03/5/2006 13:21

Yet another positive broker!

Sage Group 254-3/4 up 3/4 - Teather 'buy'; &

UBS -upgraded its rating for Sage Group to buy from neutral

and more on yesterday's Citgroup-

upgraded to 'buy' from 'hold' by Citigroup, with a raised target of 325 pence from 285, dealers said. The US broker argued that small-to-medium sized businesses are increasingly seeking greater functionality from legacy investments, which it feels will start to drive organic growth rates for the group. It added that Sage is currently valued at 800 stg per customer, which it feels does not capture all of the additional revenue generating opportunities available and could double this valuation.

[johnsmithbillion] 02/5/2006 11:56

dont think too many people will be happy with that... LOOK!!! price targets are still moving up....

London shares - midmorning features

LONDON (AFX) - FTSE 100 risers

Sage 253 up 3
'Buy' from 'hold' with tgt upped to 325p from 285 - Citigroup

[big investor2] 01/5/2006 03:10

Perhaps MS want the share price down so they can buy it at 350p rather than 500p ;)

[johnsmithbillion] 30/4/2006 00:22

dont forget the recent trading statement...

Sage's revenues, operating profit and pre-tax profit were all in line with
market expectations....

The current market averages of analyst forecasts for the six months ended 31
March 2006, under International Financial Reporting Standards, are as follows:

Revenues of £444m, operating profit of £115m, pre-tax profit of £111m.

[johnsmithbillion] 29/4/2006 12:45

I just could not believe my luck yesterday, my favourite stock was back to my 250p buying level!!! Who was it that said it would not come back to 250p? I am elated because I just cannot believe increased spending by MSFT will hurt Sage. Surely this investment is mainly about beefing up MSN. Even if they do significantly ramp up spending at MS Dynamics, I am confident Sage will fend them off. After all MS have made no dents so far. I am a great believer in Sage!!!