Finch check my ABS post, that earnings included a one off gain of about 20c per share, i think you will find the current PE is about 7 based on CURRENT MARKET PRICE! assuming they will even make 20cents per share that is.
the market doesnt have it wrong, although we could get a bounce back to 160
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Would be inclined to do a little more research......(maybe can I suggest a few less posts)
Out of a vast real eatate portfolio Company has identified some $250 million of surplus land. Over a period of a number of years...these parcels are being sold off......(same as Telstra and even banks have done over the years.) This extra real estate income will be recurring for the forseeable future,
The whole company has a market cap of $700 million.....less than what they are being payed for JUST 60% of their US centres by Morgan Stanley.
Company has given specific guidance for this year...puts in on a PE of 5. They have guided strong EPS growth for next fin year.......sugest therefore a forward of 3 to 4.
Company just paid an 8 cent dividend.....so on a fully franked yield of about 12%
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Here is the offical Morgan Stanley new release:
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Morgan Stanley Private Equity Announces Agreement to Acquire Majority Stake in Learning Care Group, Inc. as Part of Joint Venture with A.B.C. Learning Centres
Apr 22 2008 | New York
Morgan Stanley Private Equity today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 60 percent stake in Learning Care Group, the U.S. subsidiary of A.B.C. Learning Centres (“ABC”), in a transaction that values 100 percent of Learning Care Group at $700 million.
Learning Care Group, a leader in the early education and childcare industry, has the capacity to serve more than 166,000 children through its network of approximately 1,150 corporate and franchise schools located in 37 states across the U.S. The company is the second largest for-profit childcare provider in North America.
Steve Trevor, Co-Head of Morgan Stanley Private Equity, said, “We are delighted to invest in Learning Care Group and support its strong commitment to early childhood educational excellence. The compelling nature of this transaction enabled us to quickly reach an agreement with ABC and Learning Care Group. We intend to work closely with the Learning Care Group management team, as well as ABC, to invest in the center portfolio and enhance the current program offering.”
Morgan Stanley Private Equity worked together with the executive teams at ABC and Learning Care Group throughout the transaction, and will maintain Learning Care Group’s current operational structure following the deal’s completion.
William Davis, CEO of Learning Care Group, said, “We are excited to be part of the joint venture between Morgan Stanley and ABC and look forward to continuing our strategic growth plan and vision, which is shared by all parties. Through the ongoing support of Morgan Stanley, we will continue providing the highest quality care to families across all of our five brands and uphold our mission of being the leader in child education and family solutions.”
Jim Howland, Operating Partner of Morgan Stanley Private Equity, said, “Learning Care Group is a market leader with a strong position in the industry. Our goal is to continue to offer quality care and programs in all of their centers across the country. We look forward to working with management and Learning Care Group’s dedicated employees to further build upon a highly successful platform.”
The transaction, which was approved by ABC’s Board of Directors, is expected to close within 90 days, following regulatory approval, funding of the committed financing facility for the joint venture, consent of ABC’s senior lenders and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.
Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Morgan Stanley Private Equity, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Clayton Utz served as its legal counsel.
This transaction represents the third U.S. investment for Morgan Stanley Private Equity since May 2007, with other deals including the acquisition of Tops Markets in December 2007 and an investment in McKechnie Aerospace in May 2007.
About Morgan Stanley Private Equity
Morgan Stanley Private Equity, part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management’s Merchant Banking Division, makes private equity and equity-related investments on a global basis. Morgan Stanley Private Equity utilizes Morgan Stanley’s vast resources, including the Firm’s global franchise and relationships with leading corporate management teams and financial sponsors, to source attractive opportunities for its investment funds. Morgan Stanley’s roots in private equity investing date back to 1985 with the Morgan Stanley Capital Partners private equity funds. To date, Morgan Stanley Private Equity and its predecessor funds have invested nearly $6.5 billion of equity across a broad spectrum of industries.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 600 offices in 33 countries. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.
ABS
a.b.c. learning centres limited
