trading halt re guidance, page-15

The recent SP performance has got all the hallmarks of behind the scenes corporate shenanigans.

The price drops 30%+ in a week or 2 based on what?? Farm-in with a major? Restructured balance sheet? Sophisticated investors / funds buy in at a $1.20 and 3 or 4 months later they are down 25%??

The tanking share price is exactly what happened a couple of years back when the refinancing etc was underway (this only became apparent later when AJL was forced to put out announcements and the shares were ultimately suspended). This time no news to the market but miraculously the share price tanks on low volume and just after a raising / balance sheet restructure. Everything seems on the up but still the SP drops like a stone. I smell a rat.

IMO someone is pushing the price down to improve their bargaining position. Kero is the obvious beneficiary.

The update on trading conditions and Cuadrilla progress should come as no surprise. Still it was good to see some confirmation of Cuadrilla activity. The balance sheet hasn't changed in the last couple of months so what is driving the price??

AC relinquishing the Chairmanship is a step in the right direction however it does have a bit of the Putin becoming PM feel to it. He may not be the Chairman but the new Chair is an insider and someone he appointed! Maybe this is AC freeing himself from corporate responsibility to shareholders for a shot at a privatisation!!!

The longer we struggle on with poor performance from the operating businesses and delays on UK progress, the greater the chance that the split will happen. The share price doesnt reflect the value, mainly because the AJL brand is tarnished by the continuing shite performance and AC and his band of merry men.

Personally I'd love to see the split happen. I'm yet to be convinced that the average joe shareholder will be the winner though, especially if it is left to AC to run the deal.