,

Relaunched thread with charts

Bought in last week..should continue to climb over the next 6/12months (imho)

Good news released this morning... should help the sp in the short term as well as the 6/12 month ahead.


EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL PLC

TRADING UPDATE

Education Development International plc (EDI), the leading provider of
educational qualifications and assessment services, announces an update on
trading for the year ending 30 September 2007.

In the Company's interim statement, announced on 31 May 2007, the Board said
that it had at that stage made further progress, maintaining growth in both
revenue and adjusted profitability, and completing the complex task of
introducing its bespoke Campus operating system into the UK market.

The second half of the trading year is traditionally the strongest period and
good progress continued during the third quarter and into July 2007 which saw
strong levels of revenue and a better contribution from the recent eNVQ and
Fusion Media Networks acquisitions than was anticipated at the time of the
purchases. The mix of turnover, operating efficiencies and some delays in
planned additional staff and marketing costs into the next financial year have
had a beneficial effect on margins, particularly in July 2007 where the month's
result was substantially ahead of budget.

Revenue patterns in August and September can be variable due to the holiday
period in the academic year however, save for unforeseen circumstances, the
Board believes that Group profitability as a whole should significantly exceed
market expectations for the year.

Good impact on the sp this morning... with the expected press coverage, tips, and the run up to the results this should at least double from here ! (imho)

Good update and sp performance, back in profit again now, nearly added again yesterday though!!!

Should see nore sp increases today! (imho)

I brought in a few weeks back, everything about this company looks good. They looked too cheap before the trading update, now they seem much more exciting going forward. Redmayne updated their forecast on 22nd August to 3.3p EPS for 2007 and 4p EPS for 2008.

Its good to know they have a healthy cash pile in todays markets, and I like the sector they operate in, the Government are always keen to support Education.

A very healthy 2.5p rise today to 30.75p. Could be on good volumes today.

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNTL.
From shares mag today....

(EDD:AIM) 29.75p
The recent trading update was extremely bullish. Sales of accredited
qualifications and assessment services were much higher than expected
in July with August likely to follow suit. Broker Redmayne Bentley has
increased its profit forecast for the year to September from 1.45million to
1.85 million and next year from 1.75 million to 2.2 million. Its price
target is upped to 40p. On a prospective PE of nine this year, falling to 7.4
next year, the shares remain good value. Despite market turbulence they
have risen 14% from the tip price of 26p on 21 June.

Another 2.75p rise today to 35.75p. Very pleased with EDD would expect a pause for breath soon, but won't complain if they keep on defying gravity.

Wish I'd had the balls to add again at 24p during the market wobble but haven't added to investments whilst market settles. However EDD is just the type of company to be in right now, profitable, good growth, low PE, low PEG.
Market sector has typical PE15 which implies potential for sp to double.

Another new Broker upgrade 4th September from Brewin Dolphin.

Buy with 2007 PBIT = 1.81m and EPS = 3.09p / 2008 PBIT = 2.09m and EPS = 3.63p.

2007 PEG = 0.6 and 2008 PEG = 0.5

Still good value imo.

Positive trading statement today, with sp responding well up 2.5p to 37.5. The statement is better than I could of hoped for. See below.

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL PLC

POST-CLOSE UPDATE


Education Development International plc (EDI), the leading provider of
educational qualifications and assessment services, today reports on trading for
the year ending 30 September 2007.

The company reported in its Trading Update issued on 21 August that trading in
July 2007 had been substantially ahead of budget. We also indicated that it was
not necessarily the case that this trend would continue, since August and
September trading is variable because of holiday periods in the education and
training sector. The Board is pleased to announce that this momentum was
sustained during August and September principally as a result of growth in sales
in the UK vocational market, the performance of recent acquisitions and
continuing operating efficiencies. We are now expecting to report Group adjusted
operating profits of not less than 2m for the year.

The Board recognises that the improvement in profitability has, to some extent,
been inflated in the period by timing issues in relation to certain staff and
marketing costs which are now expected to be incurred in the year to September
2008. However, the operating efficiencies which have benefited the business
during the current year and the underlying level of revenue growth are expected
to support further progress in profitability during 2007/08.

We expect to publish our preliminary results on 22 November 2007.

sp looking strong again ?!

Strong buying today of 155k against only 18k sells. Looking forward to Full year results 22nd November.

Brewin Dolphin reccommended EDD as an ADD 15 Oct 2007 and now show following forecast 2007 Profit 2.01m & EPS = 3.45p, 2008 profit 2.26m & EPS = 4.01p.

Thier previous buy rating on the 4th Sept was 2007 profit 1.81m & EPS = 3.09p, 2008 profit 2.09m & EPS = 3.63p.

Quite a healthy increase.

Spitfire43... thank you for the information... it's all looking good (imho)

Interesting sell transactions today 1.35m sells at 36p, one of 616k, 2 x 250k a 100k, a 50k and 2 x 25k. sp moved slightly down 0.25p, with finals on the horizon 22nd October, and looking very positive, I wonder who could be positioning. Hopefully just an investment, because I would like to stay in EDD for the long haul.

This from Daily Express this morning....explains the tick up yesterday...it's looking good. :

SHARE WHISPER: Education Development International (traders bet on strong annual figures in two weeks' time)

Good news looking forward to results.

Today will be a torrid one for the markets, lets hope they buck the trend again.

Looking good, lets hope the results match the expectation

Nice 300000 buy today, lets hope its a good sign for next weeks results.

Should be.....
Results should be good but in the current market state I don't expect any sudden sp fireworks... maybe it'll slowly rise over next 3/6 months to 50p+ (imho)

Nice little acquisition announouced today see below.

Education Development International PLC said it has acquired Huddersfield-based vocational awarding body, ASET Group Ltd for a total of up to 2.9 mln stg, cash and stock saying it is a sound strategic fit with the group.

Additional cash payments of 400,000 stg may be made dependent on the achievement of performance criteria.

The company said it expects the acquisition to add to its earnings in the financial year to Sept 30, 2008.

The prospects for longer-term synergistic savings are good as is the potential for cross-selling EDI and ASET's services to each other's customer bases, it added.

Education Development said there is good potential to grow ASET's revenues and improve margins thus providing a significant opportunity to add to overall group profitability.

Took some profit today ahead of results despite what appears a good acquisition. In theory sp should rise from here based upon low PE/PEG and trading at discount in sector but market may want more visibility of future earnings and cash position.

Good to see positive Final results today.

PBIT in line with expectation at 2.2m
EPS way ahead at 4.1p
DIV good increase to 0.33p from 0.20.
And cash is up to 3.1m from 2.3m.

Have to remember they had deferred tax allowance of 287,000 which reduced tax charge to around 9%. So EPS would have been about 3.7p on normal tax charge. I would guess the brokers would upgrade forecasts for next year, wouldn't be surprised to see pbit = 2.5m and EPS of over 4.6p.

See new broker upgrades below. With sp at 37.75 it must be a snip even in these markets.

Brewin Dolphin - 2008 profits = 2.81m and EPS = 4.84P, 2009 profits = 3.31M and EPS= 5.65p

Redmayne - 2008 profits = 2.70m and EPS= 4.7p, 2009 profits = 3.20m and EPS = 5.60p

spitfire43, Thank you for the info. Yes, worth holding onto. I saw elsewhere that the target is for 56p... that'll do for starters !

Thought it was time to remind ourselves why EDD is still such a good investment.

sp increased from August 2008 price 25p to todays price of 38.5p. = +54%

even after this 54% rise have a look at some of the fundarmentals.

cash = �3.1m / no debt

current PE = 9.46
2008 PE forecast = 8.12 - with PEG at 0.49
2009 PE forecast = 6.88 - with PEG at 0.38

Operates in Education sector, which Government has pledged to keep increasing spending.

Wouldn't even be surprised to see takeover action at some point in the future, and thats in the price for nothing. (Seems to be an agressive sector re takeovers)

I will post above on the thread ( top aim picks for 2008 ) and challenge people to find a better company on the above fundamentals, and in growth markets. I'm sure there are some but I haven't found them yet.

So have a check and see if any better shares are revealed.

When I suggested EDD could be a takeover target, I was thinking of an American company called Kaplan part of Washington Post PLC.

Kaplan is one of the largest providers of financial services training programs in the U.S. Long known as a test prep company, Kaplan has grown dramatically entering a variety of new education industries and becoming one of the largest and most diverse educational businesses in the U.S.

They acquired UK company FTC Holdings in March 2003 for 55.3m.

FTC was a leader in test preparation services for accountants and financial services professionals, with 18 training centers in the U.K. and a growing presence in Asia, including operations in Hong Kong and Singapore.

As you can see EDD would fit in with Kaplan in the very market they operate in the US. If exchange rates go towards a weaker Pound then they could be tempted into a bid.

Probably me being a bit thick, but what precisely does this company do? Who are their customers: government, private schools/colleges or individuals?

Customers in the main or colleges and schools but also individual's via online further education, They are involved in all areas of Education including Younger Kids and test and prep admission, higher education and professionals. See an overview below.

Kaplan is one of the worlds most innovative and dynamic private education providers and a wholly owned subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. The Washington Post is a venerable, highly respected publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2004, The Washington Post Company's revenues exceeded USD$3.3 billion. Recent Board members include Warren Buffett (CEO, Berkshire Hathaway), James Burke (CEO, Johnson & Johnson) and Don Keogh (COO, Coca Cola).

Established by Stanley H. Kaplan in 1938 and acquired by The Washington Post in 1985, Kaplan was one of the first companies to provide students with tutoring in preparation for the standardised university entrance examinations in the US. Today, Kaplan remains the market leader in test preparation having assisted more than 3 million students over its 70 year history. Driven by a successful diversification strategy, Kaplan has experienced exceptional growth over the last decade with revenues increasing 12-fold. Kaplan is now one of the largest and most diversified private education companies in the world with revenues exceeding USD$1.135 billion.

I believe the EDD business model would fit in very well, I should imagine that the low dollar against the pound may have held them back from making a bid.

Thanks for the info, spitfire. It looks interesting.

EDD mentioned in today's IC mag again. Basically says shares are cheap even if you take away their ?3.1m net cash position. Whilst not an quick multibagger this should double/triple over next year or two.... I've held for past 6months and am already 37% up.

A double/triple will do for me, thats certainly quick enough for me.

nice sp move today, 3.75p up to 42.75p. plenty of buys today, maybe after the write up in IC mag. Volume is 338k so far with one large sale recently gone through of 130k, but if anything the sp has firmed even more. Interesting.

Yep, it's looking good..

Reason for the 130k sale solved see latest news release below.

Education Development International plc ('EDI' or the 'Group') announces that
350,000 share options granted to Chief Executive, Nigel Snook, under the
company's unapproved share options scheme have achieved their performance
targets and vested with effect from 12 January 2008. Mr Snook does not intend
to exercise these options at the present time.



Separately, Mr Snook has today sold 130,000 EDI shares held in his pension fund
to meet a tax liability. Following this sale his total interest in EDI shares -
excluding the 350,000 which have recently vested - stands at 3,059,237,
representing 5.3% of the issued share capital of the company.



In addition, Mr Snook is a potential beneficiary of the 2,995,000 shares held in
the Group's Employee Benefit Trust, representing 5.1% of the issued share
capital of the company.

good to see EDD holding up well in these uncertain markets.

see latest news below........

Education Development International plc ('EDI' or 'the Group'), the leading
provider of educational qualifications and assessment services announces that it
intends to issue a trading update to the market by the end of February 2008.

This will provide an opportunity for EDI to give guidance on both progress
towards the integration of ASET Limited acquired on 19 November 2007 and Group
trading performance for the four months to 31 January 2008.

yes, they must have something good to shout about if the're prepared to issue a trading update...hopefully will see the sp gaining more ground.

EDD have risen 1.25p to 39.75, trades have nearly all been positive this week, hopefully investors are catching onto the potential of this company.

Have noticed a large increase in trades for EDD, on a average day you would have from 5k to 15k, but last Thursday saw 28k, Friday 26k then yesterday was over 200k and today over 100k so far. I can't find any press comment or new tips for the company, but will keep looking. Maybe it's the anticipation of the trading update before the end of February, whatever it is I believe the price is now breaking upwards.

It's gotta be in anticipation of the trading update due any day now..hope the news is better than excellent !

Nothing new but came in this am from Company Watch

EDI: earning full marks

With four profit upgrades in the space of seven months, you might expect the shares of Education Development International (EDI) to be trading on a pretty rich multiple.

But despite a recent trading update, which prompted the firms broker, Brewin Dolphin, to up its pre-tax profit forecast for the current year from 2.8 million to 2.9 million, the shares sell for less than 8.5 times prospective earnings. For a business that doubled earnings in 2006/07 and looks like achieving more than 25 per cent growth in 2007/08, that is a mean rating.

EDI grew out of a dot-com disaster called Global Online Assessment for Learning and it has since been transformed under chief executive Nigel Snook. The technology it inherited remains one of the keys to its success.

There are three areas to EDIs business. In the UK, it is accredited by the government to award vocational qualifications such as NVQs, delivered by further education colleges and other training providers. Increasingly, students are assessed online, which is a big plus for EDIs margins. The firm helps professional organisations, such as accountancy bodies ACCA and CIMA, run their foundation-level qualifications.

EDI is a business growing at 20 per cent or more a year. It could get even better if government moves to promote more employer-sponsored apprenticeships and other training programmes bear fruit. In a recent announcement, the government pledged an extra 250 million to aid skills training. The likes of EDI can help employers tap that money by providing a package that gives their in-house programmes official accreditation. EDIs chances of success here have been boosted by last years acquisition of another accredited awarding body, ASET Group.

Area number two for EDI is its international exam board business, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry International Qualifications (LCCI). The business is big in South East Asia and parts of Europe (Germany in particular) and is growing at five to ten per cent a year.

Finally, there is a support services operation, the core of which is an electronic platform, i-assess, which allows professional bodies to run their own online assessments. Most of the contracts here are of several years duration and are low maintenance.

EDI made three acquisitions last year and Snook is clearly looking for more. Last years deals used up what was a mounting cash pile but, with strong cash generation, the company could well have 1 million in the bank again by the September year-end. Of course, that wont happen if it buys another business before then which seems highly likely.

Brewin Dolphin is now looking for earnings of 5.7p next year, which would drop the multiple to just 7.4. The shares performed strongly in 2007 but still look to have a long way to go on a two-year view.


Recommendation: Buy
Ticker: EDD
Sector: General retailers
Listing: AIM
Mid-price: 42.25p
Market cap: 24.3m

Interesting article skyhigh, it highlights what a good company this. And the trading statement on Friday was very positive, (exceeding market expectations) thats music to my ears. On a 18 to 24 month view I have a price target of 80p, with my fingers crossed that a takeover could happen.

Education Development Intl PLC
04 March 2008



4 March 2008


EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL PLC

Director/PDMR Shareholding


Education Development International plc ('EDI' or the 'Company') announces that
it has today been notified that Richard Price, Chairman and Non-Executive
Director, today purchased 200,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 42.5 pence
per Ordinary Share.

Following the above purchase, Mr Price has an interest in 700,000 Ordinary
Shares in the Company, representing approximately 1.2% of the Total Voting
Rights.

Joined you guys and looking for an easy 85p over the coming year.

Welcome aboard Dil....indeed 85p would be nice and nearly a triple bagger for me..(this would make a nice change from some of the other shares I have!)

Good luck and onwards and upwards !

good choice Dil, it's going to be a troubled year, but quality companies will always shine. At 85p it would be an excellent return, purchased these in August at 24.5. Normally I sell some on the way up, but not this one.

Watched them all the way since about 20p but due to being wary of the markets over the last year failed to act.

123k buys already and no sales, the sp is up 1.75p. Must have been a tip in the weekend press, any ideas ?

tipped by scsw.

what's scsw? any links ?

Small Company Share Watch - good track record imo.

SCSW

I don't subscribe to scsw, so have only seen headline (EDD expects results ahead of expectations) scsw must have a large following with nearly 400k transactions today.

When you look at the chart for the last year, EDD have performed very well against a volatile market. It has kept consistantly above the 200 ema line, and bounced higher off it each time. Last two days have been very strong with good volume, could be another bull channel forming.

Still very cheap for the growth on offer, the 2008 peg is only 0.4, and the 2009 peg is 0.58 that is without any upgrades.

This is the only small cap growth share I have held onto since the start of this bear market, and won't be parting with any for a while yet.

Interims due 5 June.

Spitfire43.... thanks for the info and comments..

I totally agree with you.. it all looks good and I also picked up some more this morning...should be an interesting month or two coming up ?

Recently I had thought about topping up my holding rather than bothering with any other company. But I already hold a large amount in percentage terms, but it is still very tempting.

Picked up a few more this morning...

Looking forward to excellent results next week.

Yep..looking good...EDD like a coiled spring ready to continue it's upward momentum. However, as always, caution may be the word in the current market backdrop...it may take a couple of more very good qtrly trading statements (like last yr) to get this share really motoring ! (imho)

halifax - didn't realize you followed EDD, lets hope it does as well for us as BNH, a takeover would be a nice bonus at some time. But happy to hold this one for strong organic growth. The only mistake I made with BNH was to take some profit on the way up, I would only look to take any profits over 80p with EDD.

Good luck............

spitfire43 have been in EDD for a while now and very pleased with the steady increase in the sp. This is as you know is not a "shooting star" but will probably double over the next year with positive newsflow.

Me no understand!! this should be going up-not down !
Is this a tree shake before the results tomorrow ? or is not so good news due afterall ?

There's no real volume so don't worry about it , lets just wait and see.

Grim isn't it ? doesn't bode well for the morning. no strength in the sp at all.
Gotta feeling this'll tank a bit unless the results are cosmic !

Excellent results , will carry on holding.

Yes, very good. can't see anything in them that would've justified the recent drop in the sp...
I now expect that there may be a drift on the sp over the summer but will strengthen towards/at the full results in 6 months time so will hold for the time being being... they should get some decent press as well!

pleased with results, as they state profits are weighted to second half. Happy to hold these upto 80p area, when smallcaps come back in favour these should be to the forefront.

Good to see Brewin Dolphin restate it's buy rating and increase forecast for 2008/2009 on 5th June.

2008 = profit 3.2m and EPS 5.4p

2009 = profit 3.6m and EPS 6p

sounds good! bring it on!

how did 2007 finish up ?

sorry for the delay

2007, PBIT = 2.2m and EPS = 4.1p - EPS is tax paid 9% due to deferred tax.

The forecast before 2007 results were PBIT = 2.01m and EPS = 3.45p. As you can see EDD beat the forecast by a considerable margin, and I can see no reason why this should not happen again.

Have noticed large volumes in last 3 to 4 days, mostly sells but some larger buying coming in this afternoon with sp down to 37.25. Can't see any reason for the interest, has anyone any ideas.

good strong company...sp is a good level to get in at...?

RNS this morning...
Is the reason for the recent (overdone?) drop in the sp ?

will the sp start to recover now ?

Be nice to have Brewin Dolphin update..

Education Development makes 96,333 pounds deferred payment for eNVQ
AFX


LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Education Development International Plc. (EDI) said it has made a deferred payment of 96,333 pounds in cash and shares, relating to the May 2007 acquisition of eNVQ Ltd.

Of this, 70,750 pounds will be paid in cash with the balance 25,583 pounds payable by issuing 79,205 new EDI shares at 32.3 pence, representing 0.14 percent of the company's enlarged share capital.

Following this, EDI said it has a total 57,591,496 shares in issue.

Over the past 12 months, EDI said eNVQ revenues have increased 22.5 percent to 127,777 pounds - which in turn triggered the deferred payment.

Under the terms of the purchase agreement, deferred consideration is payable on the basis of incremental revenue at the end of each of the three years following the acquisition.

TFN.newsdesk@thomson.com

I can't see by increasing the share capital at 32.3p by 0.14% would have had any effect on the sp. Seeing that the price has dropped 25% it would be nice too have a statement saying that they know of no reason for the sp movement.

There has been some consistant selling over the past few weeks, but today was the first day to be heavily positive buying. If we could have some sort of confirmation that drop is due to no more than weakness in the small cap sector, it could prove a good entrance price to top up.

I dont think the market liked the news that the balance was paid in new shares rather than cash,surely they can't be short of the odd 25k.

Does seem a small amount but rns only released today, and buy volume and sp was positive, first time in two weeks.

hit stop spitfire so I'm out til chart tells me otherwise

I had so much faith in these .... sp is probably due to general market but I got rules

good luck guys

wise move dil, best to stick with your rules.

I have always sold holdings in the past at my stop/loss, but this time I have torn up my rule book for EDD, hope I don't regret it!

I noticed a 0.5p rise today before any trades. The reason is in todays share mag the cover feature is about possible takeover bargains with AIM companies. 1 of 5 picks is EDD, and they highlight the takeover of Nord Anglia Education recently by a private equity buyer.

I had always suspected they would be a takeover target (check thread 30) but at 33p after correcton I just hope that if a takeover occurs, it won't be at a give away price.

Yes, let's hope if it happens it's a decent price. Very unlikely it'll happen it's just shares mag short of stuff for it's mag... BTW what were the other 4 picks ?

The other 4 picks were, Carluccio's, Character Group, ITIS and Panmure Gordon. I liked the look of Panmure Gordon and will research further.

I wouldn't like see EDD taken over in the short term, because I feel there is more value along the line with this well run company.

SP making a slow but steady recovery..looking much better now...onwards and upwards! just need it to get back to 45p and I'm in profit on my last 2 buys on this...my first buy was at 28p last yr

Tipped on http://www.4wm.co.uk - 5th Episode

Have just noticed another broker in now following EDD, Finncap which I must admit to knowing much about them. But a good reccommendation with a slightly better forecast than Brewin Dolphin.

Finncap, 18.08.08, BUY
2008 = Profit = 3.3m & EPS = 5.8p
2009 = Profit = 3.6m & EPS = 6.1P

More than happy to continue holding at 39p.

Thanks for the info... I'll continue to hold as well... wonder if the current climate will impact the estimates and subsequently the sp?

Good solid RNS release this morning...


EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL PLC




CONTRACT WINS AND TRADING




Education Development International plc ('EDI' or the 'Group'), the leading provider of educational qualifications and assessment services announces the renewal and extension of three key contracts.




Contract Renewals




Accountancy body ACCA which uses the EDI i-assess testing platform to deliver certain of its qualifications online has confirmed a renewed three year contract with EDI after a market testing exercise. ACCA plans to extend its already significant use of on-line testing during the period of the contract.




JHP Training - one of the leading private sector organisations providing vocational training services across the UK - is entering into a three year contract with EDI, again after a market testing exercise, for its vocational qualifications and online assessment requirements. The new arrangements will reinforce the strong growth in JHP's business over recent years and benefit from the long-term relationship which already exists between JHP and EDI.




New Contract




After initial piloting work, the School of Mathematics and Statistics, Newcastle University, has now confirmed that it will enter into a full three year contract with EDI for the use of the i-assess platform. Although this is a relatively small scale contract it provides an important opportunity to develop and promote opportunities in the higher education sector.




Trading




Confirmation of these contracting arrangements comes during a period of positive trading in line with the Board's expectations.




Commenting on the developments, EDI Chief Executive, Nigel Snook, said:




'We are delighted that our business relationships with ACCA, JHP Training and Newcastle University have been confirmed and will be extended, especially as the new arrangements are as the result of rigorous market testing.'




'We envisage the value of these contracts will increase steadily over the next three years as we work closely with our partners both to develop new services and maximise the take up of existing opportunities.'

RNS announcement today = Octopus Investments Nominees LTD increased holdind from 3.942m to 4.089m on 3rd October and now have 7.1%. At the end of 2007 they held 3.23%, so this shows confidence in EDD.

Also in Investors Chrinicle 10th October they updated EDD with a buy rating at 33.5p and say that on a forward PE ratio of 6 they continue to rate a buy.

With the sp at 30.5p now the forward PE is now 5.7, this should give a good support now even in these volitile markets. From reports I have read EDD continue to be trading strongly, looking forward to November results.

Thanks Spitfire for your info.Yep, it's looking very encouraging.. roll on the results and the next market bull rally/run... whenever that'll be !

As you say Skyhigh the next bull rally...whenever that'll be. I'm still not buying small caps just yet. A bit more pain in the real economy first, before small caps start to recover. But I'm starting to search now for other growth stocks like EDD.

Have you looked at AEC Education, a company that EDD had a share in last year, and they are based in Singapore. I did some research on them and liked what I read, but decided not to invest yet, because Asia could be behind us in the Economic cycle, and Education doesn't enjoy the same backing from the Government as in the UK. But maybe worth looking at again in 6 month's time.

sp up 1p today on news release below, with the NVQ system with large companies, their most be plenty of other opportunities to come.

Education Development International plc ('EDI'), a leading provider of educational qualifications and assessment services, announces the launch of its partnership with J Sainsbury plc ('Sainsbury's') to award National Vocational Qualifications ('NVQ') in Retail Skills as a part of Sainsbury's in-house training programmes.

EDI has mapped Sainsbury's in-house training programmes to the national occupational standards for retailing. The qualifications meet all of the requirements of the Regulator - the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority - and are fully accredited. EDI will be providing independent external verification to ensure ongoing quality assurance. Sainsbury's staff are now able to gain nationally recognised NVQs in Retail Skills and can use an NVQ Level 2 as a part of an Apprenticeship programme.

Gary Tovey, Qualifications and Skills Manager at Sainsbury's, commented:

'We needed to work with an awarding body that had a strong vocational orientation and that understood our business. We found EDI to be very employer focused, helping us build the right solution for both our business and our staff.'

Nigel Snook, EDI Chief Executive, said:

'EDI is delighted to be working in partnership with a number of corporate customers, such as Sainsbury's, to offer their staff opportunities to achieve high quality nationally recognised qualifications. Our partnerships are a key part of our strategy to help customers to build the skills of their staff to increase productivity and improve business performance while at the same time enabling staff to develop their careers.'

Thanks for the info...looks good...the story just gets better and better!

Don't forget they report Finals tomorrow.

PBIT should be 3.3m and EPS = 6p

Good luck.............

Hopefully we'll see some sp improvement it the markets react pos+ to all the economic stimulus thats going on ?

Looks as though results tomorrow am... looking at previous results the're always released 7am.... not long to wait now... slight tick up today... surprised it's not gone up more over the past couple of days when the mkt has been more cheerful!

Awesum ! excellent results ! this should be 1+ per share! how about that for a ramp!

Excellent ramp, but no need with this one. Quality continues to shine through.

From GrowthCompany investor y'day

EDI earns full marks

Educational qualifications and assessment services counter Education Development International (EDI) has earned full marks after delivering a strong profit and cash performance for the year to September.

On sales up 35 per cent to 21.5 million, including a 2.2 million contribution from acquisitions, operating profits powered ahead by 58 per cent to 3.34 million.

EDI increased net cash from operations by 137 per cent to 4.46 million, leaving a healthy 3.23 million in the coffers and allowing for a 27 per cent rise in the total dividend to 0.42p.

Nigel Snook, chief executive, was keen to flag up good levels of organic growth throughout the business, as well as a sterling performance from the core UK vocational qualifications and assessment services division, whose sales grew by 53 per cent to 11.9 million. Here, November 2007 acquisition ASET, a vocational awarding body, broadened the customer base and service range and has helped EDI to target further education colleges.

Elsewhere, in key international markets South-East Asia and Germany EDI performed well, while growth in its support and internet services operations was robust, with sales jumping by 30 per cent to 3.7 million.

EDI is now focusing on cross-selling extra services into existing clients and winning new business with training companies, further education colleges and employers, with its eye on select acquisitions should they come up.

Striking just the right balance between confidence and caution, Snook also sees resilience in the education market, underpinned by ongoing investment in skills development by governments, employers and individuals alike.

Recommended here at 42.25p in February, shares in EDI have fallen back to 36p, where they trade on a modest prospective multiple of 5.5, based on forecast profits of 3.7 million and earnings of 6.6p. At these levels, they remain good value. Buy/hold.

Some healthy buying today, might be some more tomorrow because share are ex div on Wednesday 7th January.

Sounds good!

More good news released this morning !

this company is going from strength to strength...let's hope it has a pos+ impact on the SP !....


fEDUCATION DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL PLC




AGM TRADING STATEMENT







Education Development International plc ('EDI' or 'the Group'), the leading provider of educational qualifications and assessment services, will provide the following update on Group trading and prospects at its Annual General Meeting to be held at its Head Office at 10.00am today.







Trading




During the first three months of the Group's financial year to 30 September 2009, profitability has significantly exceeded expectations with progress being recorded in all areas of the business.




On a like-for-like basis revenue is significantly ahead compared with the same period last year, partly as the result of exchange rate gains against both the Euro and the US Dollar. Strong growth in the sales of vocational qualifications services in the UK includes the full benefits of the acquisition of ASET on 19 November 2007 and also a short-term peak in initial demand for a new road passenger transport qualification. Sales volumes of our international qualifications are running at a similar level to that achieved in the same period last year but revenues have increased as a result of the exchange rate gains.




The underlying trend in UK sales growth has, so far, exceeded our prudent expectations for the impact of our investment in marketing and sales capability over the past 18 months. Our strategy of working in partnership with training providers and larger businesses on joint development activities is progressing well. This approach has recently led to success in securing the business of a large private training provider organisation, the financial benefits of which will begin to flow through in the second half of the year.




Expenditure during the first quarter was lower than anticipated as a result of close control of operational and development costs, and planned new staff appointments taking longer to complete.







Prospects




We continue to be watchful for any impact on the development of the Group's business resulting from the economic situation. However, to date there have been no signs of any direct effect on either our UK or international operations.




With further UK government funding support recently announced for employee training and apprenticeship programmes, our growing market share in the UK and the positive impact of exchange rate movements on our overseas business, the Board is confident that EDI will continue to record strong revenue and profit growth for the remainder of the current year and perform ahead of market expectations.










Commenting on the trading update, EDI Chief Executive Nigel Snook said:




'I am very pleased that despite the difficult economic situation we are able to report such positive news to our shareholders.




'We are now seeing the full benefit of the momentum created by our long-term investment and acquisition programmes. The business is now at a point where our efforts can be concentrated on developing long-term relationships with existing and potential customers, and working towards our aim of becoming recognised as a market leader in the provision of innovative, high quality learner assessment and support services both in the UK and overseas'.

This trading statement is better than I could have hoped for, it's by far the most positive I have seen all week. If this doesn't move the price then nothing will.

Already up 2p..lets hope it's sustained, we see lot's of positive publicity and the sp gradually strengthens big time !

Lets hope so skyhigh

Have just re-read the update and it read even better second time, I have read most company reports over the last three weeks, and this has to be the most positive one I have read. amec,igg and sdl were close, but no cigar.

Moving up nicely... lets hope it lasts!

see broker updates below.....

Brewin Dolphin -
2009 - PBIT = 5.6m and EPS = 9.35p
2010 - PBIT = 6.0m and EPS = 7.72p *

Redmayne -
2009 = PBIT = 5.7m and EPS = 9.2p
2010 = PBIT = 6.0m and EPS = 7.5p *

Increase in tax charge for 2010.

This is a 50% increase on both years from each broker from the last update on 27th November. The price has increased 25% to 46p since the excellent trading update, and a 50% increase would give a modest price target of 56p in the short term.

This doesn't take into account of weekend press comment or magazines and tipsheets that are out during the week. And the buying pressure this may generate.

Thanks Spitfire43 for the info... all sounds good...56p is modest indeed,,, a yr or two ago they were saying 85p, mind you that was when the ftse market was 6000+

so if we do see those kind of levels again in the next couple of yrs then we should see 85pish+ (imho)...onwards and upwards!

Hows this for a sign of confidence, see RNS below..........

Education Development International plc (the 'Company'), the leading provider of educational qualifications and assessment services, announces that it has been notified today that the following directors have purchased a total of 739,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company.

Richard Price, Chairman and Non-Executive Director, purchased:

144,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 43 pence per Ordinary Share on 22nd January 2009;

420,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 44 pence per Ordinary Share on 22nd January 2009; and

25,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 45 pence per Ordinary Share on 23rd January 2009.

Following the above purchases, Mr Price has an interest in 1,289,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company, representing approximately 2.2% of the issued share capital of the Company.

Nigel Snook, Chief Executive, purchased 30,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 41 pence per Ordinary Share on 22nd January 2009 and 20,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 42 pence per Ordinary Share. Mr Snook now has an interest in 3,109,237 Ordinary Shares in the Company, representing approximately 5.4% of the issued share capital of the Company.

Barrie Clark, Non-Executive Director, purchased 70,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 41 pence per Ordinary Share on 22nd January 2009 and 30,000 Ordinary Shares in the Company at 42 pence per Ordinary Share. Mr Clark now has an interest in 852,222 Ordinary Shares in the Company, representing approximately 1.5% of the issued share capital of the Company.

Thanks for the post & info.... certainly looks good and SP still gaining this morning

Good decent co.

sp now just over 50p

The spread is only 1%, normally it's 4%. Could it be so narrow to attract some sellers, if mm are short of stock.

A good rise against the market today.

A good rise against the market today.

Have cut and pasted Brewin Dolphins latest update. See below........

Brewin Dolphin lifts its pretax profit forecast for 2009 by 51 percent to 5.6 million pounds, and for 2010, by 50 percent to 6 million pounds, while raising its target price to 65 pence from 42 pence. "We expect the group's tightly controlled cost base and operational gearing to enable a significant advance in profitability," says the broker, reiterating its "buy" recommendation.

Great thanks spitfire.

Huge transactions today, so far 1,920m buys - 500k sales and 5,055m unknown between 52 and 52.5p. I'm guessing buys but not sure unless someone can tell on level 2. Just worked out that 8.5% of issued shares have been traded up to this time today, at this rate my short term sp target at 56p is begining to look very short indeed.

Just seen it thanks spitfire.

Noticed lots of small buy transactions today pushing sp up, might be somthing like scsw could be out today with a good write up. However took advantage and sold part holding, but majority I will run to next target.

First sale since my purchase in september 2007.

I'm holding.

My new sp target = 84p.

wow thats great in 12 months..?

Certainly achievable within 12 months. I would expect some more broker upgrades during the year. I think brokers are being too cautious with 2010 forecasts, even allowing for a higher tax charge.

Tipped in i.c on Friday and scsw over the weekend, so expect to see higher volumes today.

cool! onwards and upwads ! any t/o, revenue. SP targets /timescales etc.. ?

Brewin Dolphin have a sp target of 65p. I can still see EDD being a takeover target by someone like Kaplan, with the pound still weak against the dollar now may be an ideal time.

Strong gains today. Interesting to see two 1 million share purchase at 10:38 at a price of 58p when the spread was 56.5 to 57, the buyer was very keen to get hold of these. Also another 1 million share purchase has just gone through at 57.83p.

still going strong...despite the crap markets ! something about to be announced ?

Just continuing strong buying, but should be RNS announcements if recent large buys trigger. I still fancy a takeover approach at some point.

wow ...whos stake building here. 3 x 1 million share purchase again after 16:20, two at 61p and the other at 60.82p. The same happened Tuesday this week and on 5th Feb, this is becoming a very interesting.

www.scsw.co.uk/searchresults.php?textfield=edd

Thanks for the link, as well as scsw tipping these, there have been strong buy tips in red hot penny shares and investors chronicle recently. These explain the heavy buying of 1000 to 15000 shares amounts by private invetors, but not the 1 million share purchases seen many times in the last few weeks.

Again yesterday saw heavy volumes, but this time 2 x 2 million sales at 61p and another 500k sale at just over 61p, and all in the last 10 minutes. Not sure of significance but hasn't effected sp which is up again today.

RNS released late today which explains one large transaction yesterday. See below.........

Education Development International plc ('EDI' or 'the Company') has been notified, today 25 February 2009, that Mr Wynford Dore disposed of 2,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company on 24 February 2009. Following this disposal Mr Dore now has an interest in 5,000,300 shares in the Company, representing approximately 8.7% of the issued share capital of the Company.

Rns released today saying that BlackRock UK Smaller Companies Fund now have 4.34% holding after passing 3% on 24th Feb, which explains the sp increase even after the large sale by W Dore. Mr Dore also sold 2 million shares on 10th Feb, but there seem to be be willing buyers in the waiting in the wings.

Always good to be in company. See RNS below.....

Education Development International plc ('EDI' or 'the Company') has been notified, yesterday 26 February 2009, that J D Slater and Family have purchased 2,135,000 ordinary shares in the Company, which represents 3.70% of the issued share capital of the Company.




The holdings disclosed above are in addition to the shareholding of 4.16% held by Slater Investments Limited announced yesterday.

british bulls sell confirmed

Dont follow Halifax, or am I being thick?

Sold this AM @ 61.15...couldn't see this going any higher for a while.. Have gone into BP for a while.. this should go up when (if?) market bounces up...

May go back into EDD when sp bottoms out and looks good again (won't be long to wai, imho)

Good luck skyhigh with BP, I also hold some so lets hope it holds up.

me too ! ...the talk on the other BB isn't encouraging about a BP statement due to be released tomo.?...squeaky bum time me thinks!

Good to see EDD increasing again to 60p, 65% sp rise in two months is rather pleasing. Happy to hold on now and enjoy the ride.

RNS yesterday saying that EDD brought one million shares @ 12p in rights issue in AEC Education based in Singapore. Holding is now three million or 11.2% and AEC sp is 18.5p.

Also yesterday Richard Price / Chairman brought another 100k @ 56.25p, which explains the jump to 60p.

up 10% today to 66p, cant see any news or reasons, but transactions very high. Anyone heard anything ?

Found out that Jim Slater tipped these in Investors Chronicale today.

Good buying activity pushing sp towards 70p mark today, looks like mm are thin on stock now with constant buying pressure.

See Jim Slaters write up below....................

Education Development (EDD) is my second choice. It is a leading educational quality assurance company, government approved and regulated with UK and international reach and expertise in IT-based product delivery and administration.
In the UK, EDD has over 300 accredited vocational qualifications, 279 specialist awards and approved programmes, 1,873 registered centres, 200,000 candidate registrations a year and over 650 school customers for online assessments. EDD also has a strong and growing position in the larger international market with over 4,500 registered centres across 103 countries and 275,000 candidate registrations a year.
As a result of a recent bullish announcement by EDD, Brewin Dolphin, the companys broker, has increased its pre-tax forecast for 2009 by over 50 per cent to 5.6m with eps 9.4p. Based on a low tax charge as in the past years, EPS of 9.4 at 56.5p would result in a prospective PE ratio of only six. With forecast EPS growth of 65 per cent the resultant PEG is absurdly low at 0.1. The company is also cash-generative with a net cash balance of over 3m at the end of 2008. My own buying, resulting in a current holding of 3.7 per cent, has contributed to the share price having a great run during the past couple of months. And after the announcement of increased profit expectations, there was further buying by directors, who added to their already significant shareholdings.
The tax charge has to be considered as there are just 4.3m of tax losses to be used in 2009 and they will run out in 2010. Another factor is that the rate of growth will slow from the astonishing 65 per cent, but it still looks as if it should be substantial, especially in relation to the low PE ratio. I find it hard to understand why a company such as EDD in a business so well suited to todays difficult conditions, growing very fast and generating plenty of cash, should be on such a low prospective multiple.

SP pulled back last week to 64p after Octopus sold just over one million shares, but still hold 6.67%. Buyers have come back in today and yesterday with sp back to 67p, soo the upwards momentum should continue.

70p resistance could be broken soon, sp up 69p now with constant buying pressure.

It's justs keeps on getting better and better.

See todays trading update below.

Trading

At the Group's Annual General Meeting on 22 January 2009 it was reported that first quarter performance had significantly exceeded expectations. The Board of EDI notes that this trend has been maintained over the past three months. As a result, the Group's interim report is expected to record high levels of year-on-year growth in both revenue and profit. Because of this the Board believes that the results for the year will be ahead of current market forecasts.

EDI's interim report will be published at 7.00 am on Tuesday, 2 June.

Just logged in to find EDD up 16p to 85p = +24%, I expected a decent increase, but this is great and a well deserved re-rating.

Saturday Times see below............

Tiddler to watch

Overseas business for Education Development International, the training company, benefited from the weak pound while UK demand grew thanks to new rules for taxi driver qualifications. Shares rose 16p to 85p after it promised that first-half sales and profits would exceed expectations. Brewin Dolphin, the house broker, has a 100p target.

After two days of some profit taking and the sp down to 78p, buyers are back today seeing a rise to 83p. A period of consoladation now ?

See rns releaased yesterday below............

Education Development International plc ('the Company') has been notified today, 30 April 2009, that Slater Investments Limited have purchased an additional 740,000 ordinary shares in the Company, this brings the total holding to 3,135,000 ordinary shares which represents 5.44% of the issued share capital of the Company.

now upto 92.5p........

Another RNS released yesterday..............

Holding(s) in Company

Education Development International plc ('the Company') has been notified today, 1 May 2009, that Mr J D Slater has a personal interest in 2,375,000 ordinary shares in the Company representing 4.124% of the Company's issued share capital. Mr Slater and Family now have a combined interest in 3,500,000 ordinary shares in the Company, which represents 6.078% of the issued share capital of the Company.

Still very strong after excellent Interims on on Tuesday ahead of expectations, and a repeat buy in Investors Chronicle today which says that EDD may now be attracting some larger institutional investors now.

Looking at todays volumes they could be right, 3 million buys against 45K sell, with a persistant buyer at 111p.

Education Development International chief executive Nigel Snook has purchased another 5200 shares in the company.

He now has an interest in 3,114,437 shares in the company, representing approximately 5.4% of the total voting rights.

It may only be a very small purchase by ceo standard, but it shows how he views the sp at the moment.

After consoladating gains above 100p for the past few months, these are breaking up very strongly now, rising to 131p this morning. Looking very promising with a trading statement due withing the next few weeks. They normally release one at the end of September or early October.

recommended offer from Pearson 200p

Note from Liberum:
Pearson are offering a 61% premium to Fridays close for Education Development International, valuing the business at 113m.
PEARSON buys another vocational training business. They are offering a 61% premium to Fridays close for Education Development International (EDD LN) valuing the business at 113m.
EDI is a leading provider of education and training qualifications and assessment services, with a strong reputation for the use of information technology to administer learning programmes and deliver on-screen assessments.
Although the premium looks large it equates to PER 14x Sept 2011 but 3.3x EV/Sales.