Sprinting like Linford C
anyone got a clue why?

hi stockbunny, do you think a PE of around 10 is excessive then???

Kivver, my only point is that if you are buying for a divi and you have the option at buying at a price that is rapidly rising or at a steadier price, it is quite possible that the attraction of the steadier price would be greater.

fully agree with you bunny, i suppose we might see the times frames differently. If I was going to buy a share for a dividend i would buy 2 or 3 months in advance it wouldnt suprise me with some if they would leave it much later, so perhaps this is the steadier price. Im sure the action will speed up before/after results and ex-div date.

In my (somewhat limited) experience with high yielders and the increases in price immediately preceding XD date, if you wish to buy the share you are better off getting in on the sell off immediately post XD. Even when purchasing for an ISA the sell off after the XD date seems to outweigh the net dividend receivable, (particularly if the divi is taxed but you can use a CGT annual allowance for gains).

I would say that if no bid action is already in motion or imminent at XD date, the recent rises and the XD will see a fair amount of profit taking. However for my money, I think 2006 will see Lloy either recovering its image/shareholder perception ala. M&S, or being merged/taken over by a US/European offering. Either way I am backing LLOY.

Also as a (in my opinion) switched on consumer of financial products I have a lot of products from Lloyds group, (mortgages- residential & buy-to-let, savings a/c's, current account, car loan, ISA). All of these purchases were made on independant thinking and review of best value for money products at the time (as opposed to cross selling), and I think it is a measure that Lloy are getting something right.

why is the price going up today???

This will be the reason Kivver:

This Morning in London eyes and ears were trained towards LloydsTSB, as we awaited the supposed announcement from BBVA stating their intentions (if any) for UK bank. What has happened, is that another name has been added to the potential suitors, this time the 4th largest US bank Wachovia. Wachovia Corp has interests in mortgages, retail and investment banking, with a market cap of around $83 billion

flying again

on a lot of hot air LOL
;>)
but who's complaining...not me :>)

off to a great start today, big smile on the face ;0) is this because of the results or take over rumouirs again???

The results appear to be much better than market expectations.
This will virtually end any takeover potential that the shares had.
However it's beginning to look attractive again on fundamentals.

and of course keeping their lovely dividend yield (i think!), anyone know when ex-div date is???

Final divi 23.5p payable 3rd May, ex div 8th March. Same total payout as last year and it looks as though it can now be at least maintained going forward (cover risen to 1.3X).

good time to BUY these babies are gonna fly..........