The Watkin Jones Group is one of the UK's leading developers of student accommodation with a reputation for consistently delivering high quality accommodation, on time, and to budget.
UK wide, our portfolio of developments range from purpose-built cluster flats and studios, to refurbishment projects and mixed-use schemes. Strategic choice of locations, coupled with cutting-edge design and exceptional build quality are the cornerstones of our success.

Today's students demand quality, affordability and exceptional connectivity with easy links to learning and leisure facilities as standard. This is an exacting combination but this is precisely the accommodation we deliver in prime locations nationwide.

Since 1999 we have developed more than 25,000 student units and have an in-depth understanding of this resilient property sector.

Company Website

Financial Calendar

Recent Broker notes

BarChart Indicators

Recent Market news

Watkin Jones Group Fundamentals (WJG)

First Day of Dealings on AIM

Issue of Shares

07 Apr 2016 Interim Pre-Close Trading Update

Are you in at the start, skinny or waiting for the sp to find it's own level?

They are on my list of companies to look at Harry - I haven't done anything as yet.

Half year results for the six months to 31 March 2016

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, announces its maiden half year results for the six months ended 31 March 2016. The Board is pleased to report a successful first six months of the financial year with trading in line with its expectations.

Financial Highlights H1 2016 H1 2015 Movement

Revenue £145.9 million £103.8 million +40.6%

Operating profit before
exceptional IPO costs £17.0 million £9.3 million +83.5%


Adjusted EBITDA1 £17.3 million £9.5 million +82.0%

Adjusted basic EPS2 5.2 pence 2.8 pence +87.0%

Notes
1 Adjusted EBITDA comprises operating profit before exceptional IPO costs, adding back charges for depreciation and amortisation.
2 Adjusted basic EPS is calculated using the profit for the period from continuing operations excluding exceptional IPO costs.

· Strong revenue and profit performance during the half year driven by student accommodation developments
· 1.33 pence per share proposed interim dividend; in line with IPO guidance
· £15.4 million net cash at 31 March 2016 (£4.0 million net debt at 31 March 2015)
· New £40 million five year Revolving Credit Facility and £10 million Working Capital Facility with HSBC put in place at IPO to provide development funding flexibility and working capital headroom. Unutilised at 31 March 2016.

Business Highlights
· Successful admission to AIM on 23 March 2016, with business continuing to deliver strong operational performance through the process
· £114 million development value of six student accommodation developments (1,660 beds) forward sold since 1 October 2015
· £90 million development value in legal negotiations for forward sale of three further student accommodation developments (1,234 beds)
· Planning permissions for nine student developments (3,478 beds) obtained since 1 October 2015, including five obtained since admission to AIM (1,733 beds)
· Development pipeline - Over 11,300 student beds in the pipeline across 31 sites, with 17 forward sold and four more in legal negotiations or under offer
· Delivery pipeline -
· 2016 deliveries - All forward sold and on target to be completed ahead of the 2017 academic year
· 2017 deliveries - All sites secured with planning and only one remaining to sell which is in legal negotiations
· 2018 deliveries - All sites secured and progressing satisfactorily
· 2019/20 deliveries - four sites secured and a number of additional site acquisitions progressing
· Fresh Student Living Limited ("Fresh") acquired for £15 million prior to IPO and successfully integrated into the Group. Fresh is engaged in the operational management of purpose built student accommodation assets
· Fresh student accommodation beds under management already contracted to increase from 8,310 beds in FY 2016 to 17,924 beds by FY 2020
· Five Nine Living Limited established for the management of multi occupancy property assets in the Private Rented Sector ('PRS'), leveraging the expertise of Fresh
· Watkin Jones plc Board formally established, comprising Grenville Turner (Chairman); Simon Laffin (non-executive director); Mark Watkin Jones (CEO) and Philip Byrom (CFO).


more...

Peel Hunt Buy 115.25 130.00 130.00 Reiterates

OMG. This company takes me back a few years. I had the dubious pleasure of issuing a statutory demand against them many many years ago to stop a debt becoming time barred. I shall have to read the research to find out what they are up to now. I expect things have changed alot - they used to be a hard nosed builder who took no prisoners.

Record university offers as top A-level grades slip

Planning consent granted for Market Street, Newcastle Analyst Site Visit

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to announce that the Group has received planning consent to progress with the redevelopment of Northumbria Police's old headquarters in Newcastle's city centre.

The proposed redevelopment of the former police station in Market Street, consists of 225 beds (177 beds and 48 studios). The total gross development value of the scheme is around £17 million. The development is anticipated to be completed in 2018.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "We are very pleased to have secured planning consent for this exciting development. Located in the city centre of Newcastle with easy access to university campuses, local facilities and public transport it is well positioned for student accommodation. This latest scheme adds to our growing pipeline and further builds our visibility around the Group's business model."

The Group also announces that it is today holding an analyst site visit. The primary objective of the event is to provide analysts with the opportunity to view two of the Group's London-based developments and to meet the Group's management team and learn more about the long term growth potential of Watkin Jones. During this visit, no new material information will be made available.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, added: "Today's site visit provides an excellent opportunity for a City audience to experience first-hand two of our developments, one of which is completed and the other currently under construction, as well as gain an insight into our business as a whole."

Planning consent granted for Hunter Street, Chester

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to announce that the Group has received planning consent to progress with the development of land currently being used as a car park on Hunter Street in Chester, Cheshire.

The development of Hunter Street will consist of 77 beds. The total gross development value of the scheme is around £6.5 million. The development is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2018. This adds to the 330 student beds already being developed in Chester, by Watkin Jones for delivery during the summer of 2017.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "The Group is delighted to have secured planning consent for this new development. This development when completed, will service students at the University of Chester and the University of Law and we are pleased to have added the Hunter Street site to our already impressive portfolio in Chester. The look and appearance of the development will be modern however we will ensure the selected materials will be reflective of the overall character and appearance of the area. The demand for student accommodation is growing and this latest scheme adds further validation to our business model."

- Ends -

Update on developments completed in 2016

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to provide the following update on the Group's developments that have been completed ahead of start of the 2016/17 academic year.

In total Watkin Jones has completed ten developments across the UK with a total of 3,819 student beds. The breakdown of these completed developments is detailed in the table below:

Development No. of beds

Heriot-Watt, Edinburgh 450

Dunaskin, Glasgow 504

Old Dumbarton Road 2, Glasgow 128

Belle Vue, Leeds 324

Bath Lane, Leicester 601

Byrom Street, Liverpool 398

Broad Lane, Sheffield 397

New Bridewell, Bristol 500

Brougham Hayes, Bath 104

John Bell House, Belfast 413

Total 3,819

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "At the time of our AIM admission in March this year, we stated that our pipeline of development projects scheduled for completion before 31 August 2017 totalled 17. It is therefore pleasing to be able to update investors today that the Group has completed and handed over ten developments ahead of the current academic year and is very much on track to deliver the remaining seven ahead of the 2017/2018 academic year, in line with our expectations.

"We continue to add new sites to our strong development pipeline. Watkin Jones currently has 19 developments with 6,317 beds targeted for delivery during 2017 and 2018. An additional two sites are being acquired which will add a further 418 beds to 2018. The pipeline beyond this is looking positive with 2,000 plus beds across a number of sites having been secured. This pipeline provides the Group with strong visibility of earnings going forward and underpins our strategy in the short term."

- Ends -

Pop!

Hmmmm - I don't like that bearish engulfing candle!

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to provide a trading update for the year ended 30 September 2016 (the 'period').

The Board expects to report a successful financial year with trading in line with its expectations.

As announced on 27 September 2016, Watkin Jones successfully completed, ahead of the 2016/17 academic year, ten developments across the UK with a total of 3,819 student beds. Watkin Jones has a record of on-time delivery of schemes and all developments expected to be completed ahead of the 2017/2018 academic year, remain on track. The Group continues to add sites to its strong development pipeline and, at 30 September 2016, it had a total of 21 developments with 6,814 beds targeted for delivery during 2017 and 2018.

The Group's pipeline beyond 2018 is also looking robust with over 2,000 beds across a number of sites already secured. This includes the proposed redevelopment of the Duncan House site in Stratford, London, to provide 511 beds of student accommodation, 44 residential apartments and approximately 28,000 square feet of academic and office space. The scheme has a gross development value in excess of £100 million and is due for delivery in 2019.

Fresh Student Living, the Group's asset management subsidiary, continues to progress well, and now has 12,337 beds under management for the 2016/17 academic year (8,310 under management during the 2015/16 academic year).

The pipeline going forward provides the Group with strong visibility of earnings and cash flows and underpins our strategy in the near term. As a result, and with interest from investors in Purpose Built Student Accommodation remaining consistently strong, the Board remains confident in the outlook for the Group.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "It has been a busy year for the Group and excellent progress has been made. Not only have we delivered 3,819 beds across ten sites in the UK, but we have also successfully made the transition to being a public company. Our performance in the year reinforces the attractiveness of our end-to-end business model to investors, whilst our development pipeline continues to provide excellent visibility of earnings and cashflow."

The Group will be announcing its Final Results on Wednesday, 18 January 2017. An analyst briefing will be held at 09.30hrs at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.

- Ends -

Peel Hunt Buy 120.00 130.00 140.00 Reiterates

Beaufort Securities Speculative Buy 120.50 125.00 148.00 Reiterates

Cardiff and Belfast developments forward sold

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, announces today that it has forward sold another two of its developments to two institutional investors, both for undisclosed fees. The first development is situated on Bridge Street in Cardiff and the other is situated on Queen Street in Belfast.

The Cardiff development occupies a prominent position in Cardiff City Centre, and is located close to Cardiff Queen Street station. The 472 bed scheme is due for delivery in August 2018, ahead of the 2018-19 academic year. The Belfast development also occupies a prominent position in Belfast City Centre directly opposite John Bell House that was completed by Watkin Jones in August this year. This 340 bed scheme is also due for delivery in August 2018, ahead of the 2018-19 academic year.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "We are delighted to announce today that we have forward sold our developments in Cardiff and Belfast to two institutional investors in purpose built student accommodation, which further underpins the visibility of our earnings and cashflow. The interest in the sector remains strong."

- Ends -

''which further underpins the visibility of our earnings and cashflow''.

How can that be when both developments were sold for ''undisclosed fees''

Update on Developments

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to provide the following update on a number of its developments.

Additional forward sale
The Group announces that it has forward sold the student accommodation element of its Duncan House development in Stratford High Street, E15 to an institutional investor for an undisclosed fee. This forward sale follows on from the announcement in June 2016 that the Group had received planning consent to progress with the redevelopment of the site. The proposed redevelopment consists of 511 beds of student accommodation (420 ensuite clusters and 91 self-contained studios); 44 residential dwellings including a proportion of affordable housing in a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units; a new education facility with 3,150m2 gross internal floor area ('GIA'), and 688m2 GIA of affordable business workspace. The residential units and academic floor space that form part of the wider scheme will be sold in separate transactions by Watkin Jones. The total gross development value of the scheme is in excess of £100million. Demolition work has started on site and the development is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2019, ahead of the 2019-2020 academic year.

Planning consents
Watkin Jones also announces that it has received planning consents for three developments, two in Aberdeen and one in Sheffield. The Aberdeen schemes include the redevelopment of Pittodrie Street, which is in close proximity to Aberdeen University, providing 618 beds of student accommodation and Caledon House, which is situated in a prime location opposite Robert Gordon University and will provide 199 beds of student accommodation (147 ensuite clusters and 52 self-contained studios). Caledon House is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2018, ahead of the 2018-19 academic year, whilst the Pittodrie Street development is expected to be completed in the summer of 2019, ahead of the 2019-20 academic year. The development in Sheffield is located in Rockingham Street, in close proximity to the University of Sheffield, and will provide 543 beds of student accommodation (457 ensuite clusters, 69 self-contained studios and 17 one bed apartments) as well as two commercial units totalling approximately 4,340 square feet. Rockingham Street is due for delivery in the summer of 2018, ahead of the 2018-19 academic year.

Completed scheme sale
Furthermore, the Group is pleased to announce that its Athena Hall development in Ipswich has now been sold for an undisclosed amount to Arlington Investors Limited ("Arlington"). Situated on the Quayside in Ipswich, Athena Hall services the University of Suffolk and comprises 590 student beds. Built by Watkin Jones, the development was completed in 2010 and has since been held and operated in a joint venture arrangement. Athena Hall has been managed by Fresh Student Living Limited ("Fresh"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, and Fresh will continue to manage the asset for Arlington.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "It is very pleasing to provide such a positive update on a number of our developments, all at different stages of their life cycle. The planning consents granted for Pittodrie Street and Caledon House are exciting as Aberdeen is an important contributor to the knowledge economy in Scotland, with two universities and approximately 21,000 full time students, and there is a recognised need for purpose built student accommodation in the city. The redevelopment of Rockingham Street in Sheffield provides us with an opportunity to further extend our reach in this important University city.

"With the forward sale of the student accommodation development at Duncan House now completed we can concentrate on the construction phase of this significant development, which will serve the University of London when completed in the summer of 2019. We expect the Duncan House development to make an important contribution to our earnings over the next three years.

"The Group's share of net funds from the sale of Athena Hall will add to our cash position and through Fresh we will have the added benefit of continuing to manage the asset going forward."

- Ends -

How can they sell developments for ''undisclosed amounts''?
2517

Peel Hunt Buy 116.50 140.00 155.00 Reiterates

Finally attempting to break out of a tight range.

Full year results for the year ended 30 September 2016

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, announces its maiden annual results for the year ended 30 September 2016. The Board is pleased to report a successful financial year with trading in line with its expectations.


more.....

Peel Hunt Buy 121.88 155.00 155.00 Reiterates

Just bought some .

Watkin Jones (LON:WJG, 129.50p) – Speculative Buy

The leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, yesterday announced its maiden annual results for the year ended 30 September 2016. The Board reported a successful trading in line with its expectations. Strong revenue growth and record operating profit, before exceptional IPO costs, were driven by student accommodation developments. Robust cash performance, with a net inflow (from operating activities but before exceptional IPO costs) of £41.7 million (2015: £28.4 million). Year-end net cash of £32.2 million (2015: £39.1 million) came after exceptional IPO cash costs of £26.6 million, £14.5 million cash cost of acquiring Fresh Student Living ('Fresh') and £10.0 million dividend to existing shareholders prior to IPO. Watkin Jones development pipeline remains strong, with 9,469 student beds across 27 sites, with 15 forward sold and seven more forward sales in legal negotiation. Of these, 2017 deliveries alone already include nine student developments (2,860 beds) sold and one operational asset (590 beds) with the remaining 454 beds in legal negotiations. Having paid an interim dividend of 1.33 pence per share in June, the Board has recommended a final dividend of 2.67 pence per share, giving a total dividend of 4.0 pence per share. With Admission having taken place towards the end of the first half of the financial year, this total dividend represents two thirds of the full year equivalent, giving an initial yield of 6% based on the placing price of £1 per ordinary share. This is in line with management's stated intention at the time of the IPO. The dividend will be paid on 28 February 2017 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 27 January 2017. The shares will go ex-dividend on 26 January 2017.

Our view: An excellent business model delivering strong maiden results. Confidence is underscored by an exceptional pipeline while delivering gross margins for the year on student accommodation developments of 20.5%, compared to 18.2% for FY 2015. This improvement reflects both the move to sole development of own projects and away from lower margin contracting work for other developers. The Group's 'forward sale' model means that FY 2017 will also benefit from progress on schemes delivering in later years, including the eleven that look to complete in FY 2018, of which ten have planning consents while planning has been submitted on the remaining one. Some of its larger 2019 schemes will also contribute to FY 2017 performance, in particular the 511-bed scheme in Stratford for the University of London, which in terms of its development value is Watkin Jones' largest ever project. Investment interest in this asset class remains strong while offering good medium-term visibility. Growth in the student accommodation management business 'Fresh' also continues, with 44 schemes under management and 61 already contracted for 2020. While there appears no need for Beaufort to adjust its current forecasts for either 2017E or 2018E, the shares still appear to be undervalued on the basis of earnings multiples of 9.3x and 8.6x for the two years, a dividend yield of 5% along with exceptional FCF yield of 13.3%. At this time, Beaufort does not take some media suggestions that the decision to leave the EU could result in international students deserting the UK in coming years, but recognises this concern will need to be dispelled before its price target of 190p/share for Watkin Jones can be achieved.

Investors Chronicle: Watkin Jones, British American Tobacco, Pearson

Annual Report and Accounts
Notice of Annual General Meeting

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, announces that electronic copies of its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2016 together with the Notice of Annual General Meeting and Form of Proxy are available from the Company's investor relations website at www.watkinjonesplc.com. Hard copies of the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts, Notice of Annual General Meeting and Form of Proxy will be posted to shareholders today.

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, 16 February 2017 at the offices of DLA Piper UK LLP, 1 St. Peter's Square, Manchester, M2 3DE.

CATHEDRAL QUARTER SCHEME ACQUIRED

A new high @135p

And a little bit more, 135.75. :o)

Another new high @138.75p plus decent volume for this time of day.

A look at 140.

Building nicely! :o)

Forward Sale in Bournemouth

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to announce that further to the positive update on developments announced on 22 December 2016 and its 2016 full year results announcement on 18 January 2017, the Group has completed the forward sale of the student accommodation element of its Christchurch Road development in Bournemouth.

The sale has been made to an institutional investor for an undisclosed fee, with the development consisting of 454 beds of student accommodation (437 ensuite clusters and 17 self-contained studios). The development is due for completion in the summer of 2017 ahead of the academic year. Following this transaction, all of the Group's student accommodation developments due for delivery before the end of the current financial year have been forward sold, while 1,840 of the 3,485 beds due for delivery in 2018 have been pre-sold and a further 1,530 have planning permission.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "We are delighted to announce that we have successfully completed the sale of the student accommodation development at Christchurch Road in Bournemouth. Having now forward sold all of our projects which are due for delivery in the current financial year, the Group has demonstrated its strong relationships with institutional investors and its ability to provide good visibility on near term returns for its shareholders."

Toying with 140 again.

New high 145.00p

some clarification where you have posted elsewhere would no doubt be appreciated :-)

Making new highs @155p.

156p.

162p

released after market close - Placing of Shares in Watkin Jones plc

Placing of Shares in Watkin Jones plc ("Watkin Jones" or the "Company")

The G&J Watkin Jones 1992 Settlement Trust and Philip Byrom (together the "Sellers"), have agreed to sell up to 50,250,000 ordinary shares of one penny each in the Company (the "Ordinary Shares") (the "Placing Shares") via an accelerated bookbuild through Peel Hunt LLP ("Peel Hunt"). The Placing Shares represent approximately 19.7% of the Company's issued share capital.

Peel Hunt is acting as sole Bookrunner in respect of the Placing, which will be launched immediately following this announcement and is open to certain existing and new investors. The final price at which the Placing Shares are to be sold will be agreed by the Bookrunner and the Sellers at the close of the bookbuild process, and the results of the Placing will be announced as soon as practicable thereafter. The timings for the close of the bookbuild process, pricing and allocations are at the absolute discretion of Peel Hunt.

The proceeds of the Placing are payable in cash and will be settled on a T+2 basis, and closing of the Placing is expected to occur on or about 24 March 2017. Of the Placing Shares, up to 49,250,000 are to be sold by the G&J Watkin Jones 1992 Settlement Trust and up to 1,000,000 are to be sold by Philip Byrom. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the Placing.

The Ordinary Shares held by the Sellers which are not to be sold in the Placing by the Sellers will be subject to a 180-day lock-up which will be subject to customary exceptions and which will otherwise only be waived with the consent of the Bookrunner (the "Sellers' Lock-Up"). In addition, the Ordinary Shares held by Mark Watkin Jones and by the Watkin Jones Will Trust will also be subject to a 180-day lock-up on the same terms as that of the Sellers' Lock-Up.

Market Abuse Regulation

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Sellers to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation. Upon the publication of this announcement via a regulatory information service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

Enquiries

Peel Hunt LLP (sole Bookrunner)
Alastair Rae
Mike Bell
Sohail Akbar
Matthew Brooke-Hitching
+ 44 (0)20 7418 8914


more.....

Result of Placing of Shares in Watkin Jones plc ("Watkin Jones" or the "Company")

Further to the announcement released yesterday, the G&J Watkin Jones 1992 Settlement Trust and Philip Byrom (together the "Sellers") have sold a total of 50,250,000 ordinary shares of one penny each in the Company (the "Ordinary Shares") (the "Placing Shares") at a price of 140 pence per share (the "Placing"). The Placing Shares represent approximately 19.7% of the Company's entire issued share capital.

Peel Hunt LLP ("Peel Hunt") acted as sole Bookrunner in connection with the Placing.

The Ordinary Shares held by the Sellers which were not sold in the Placing by the Sellers are subject to a 180-day lock-up which is subject to customary exceptions and which will otherwise only be waived with the consent of the Bookrunner (the "Sellers' Lock-Up"). In addition, the Ordinary Shares held by Mark Watkin Jones and by the Watkin Jones Will Trust are also subject to a 180-day lock-up on the same terms as that of the Sellers' Lock-Up.

Do we think there was a little leak going on here then .

Well that's upset the volume part of the chart!

It certainly has! Not sure that I understand what went on there! I didn't think it was a leak, but as it is a Welsh company it could have been a leek! :o)

Fairly standard practice so as not to upset the share price.

What happens when the shares get bought by certain existing and new investors , will it go back up .

I'd hope so.

I think it will.

I'm sorry to say this but i think it's a mess , why didn't they organise the buyers before they were sold . Obviously you or I won't be invited , but the buyers are guaranteed a low price , some have sold here and may miss out . Just goes to show who they look out for eh .

Director Shareholdings

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, announces that 50,250,000 ordinary shares of one penny each in the Company representing approximately 19.7% of the issued share capital have been placed (the 'Placing') on behalf of the G&J Watkin Jones 1992 Settlement Trust, in which Mark Watkin Jones (CEO) has an interest as a potential beneficiary, and Philip Byrom (CFO). The shares have been placed to meet demand from new and existing shareholders and to improve the liquidity of the Group.

The resultant shareholdings are shown in the table below.

Shareholder name Shares held Percentage %

G&J Watkin Jones 1992 Settlement Trust* 38,901,422 15.24

Philip Byrom 3,167,891 1.24


* Mark Watkin Jones has a life interest in the shares registered in the name of the 1992 Trust, of which Mark Watkin Jones, Glyn Watkin Jones and Jennifer Watkin Jones are trustees. Mark also holds an interest as a potential beneficiary of the Watkin Jones Will Trust (27,857,985 shares) and also holds 7,650,000 shares in his own name. Mark therefore has an interest in a total of 74,409,407 ordinary shares (29.14% of the ordinary share capital).

more.....

Vic, I believe a placing means the shares were already allocated to institutions and other major shareholders.

Saves money to do it that way but it frustrates the likes of us! 😬

Let's be honest they've been transferred to institutions at a favourable price .

Yes the sp has taken a hit but (arguably) the biggest losers are the previous holders of the shares in the placing as they received £1.40 per share, against £1.44 ish now.

See post 42 - the previous holder's were/are basically the family trust - they still own a considerable percentage and are locked in from further sales for 6 months.

Yes skinny, it appears that Mark Watkin Jones still has an interest in just over 29% of the Co. So the reasons given for the sale seem to be valid and as Kim said a placing is the cheaper option.

What is very encouraging, is that appear to have been no problems placing that number of shares.

I bought a few more earlier - albeit @145p.

Woodford Investment Management Ltd (Woodford) > 10%

Looks like we are getting back on track , some good things being said , although some big sells today .

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, announces its pre-close trading statement for the half year ended 31 March 2017.

The Board is pleased to report a successful first six months of the financial year with trading in line with its expectations.

In the year to date, five student accommodation developments in Bournemouth, Ipswich, Belfast, Cardiff and London, representing 2,347 beds in total, were sold with a gross development value of £192 million. All the developments planned to be completed by September 2017 and five of those planned to be completed by September 2018 have been forward sold. Watkin Jones has a further six developments totalling over 1,705 beds under offer and in legal negotiations which, when concluded, would see all the developments planned to be completed by September 2018 forward sold. In total, 16 developments, representing 5,679 beds, for delivery before September 2019 have now been sold.

The Group has 11,098 targeted beds in its secured pipeline, with 9,390 of these having planning consent. Planning applications have been submitted in respect of the remainder.

Fresh Student Living now have 12,117 beds under management across 43 schemes and are contracted to increase this to 16,526 beds under management across 55 schemes from the start of the 2017/18 academic year.

The Group is making good progress with its drive into the Private Rented Sector ('PRS') having completed its first PRS scheme in Leeds of 322 units and has secured a 132 unit development site in Sutton. The Group is also working on a number of planning applications and other site acquisition opportunities.

The Group's progress in delivering the current development pipeline is encouraging and the Board remains confident in the outlook for the full year.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "I am pleased with the Group's performance over the past six months, which continues to reinforce the attractiveness of our end-to-end business model to institutional investors. The market for purpose built student accommodation in the UK continues to grow and demand for our product remains strong.

"Our entry into PRS has been successful with the completion of our first scheme in Leeds and going forward we plan to grow our PRS business sustainably. Our development pipeline provides excellent visibility of earnings and cashflow and we are optimistic for the continued growth of Watkin Jones."

The Group will be announcing its Interim Results on Thursday, 1 June 2017. An analyst briefing will be held at 09.30hrs at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.

- Ends -

Peel Hunt Buy 154.13 155.00 185.00 Reiterates

Heading back to it's high point.

Making new highs.

Good trade this guys. Well done.

They were also mentioned on Great British Buildings: the other day.

Some familiar names here! :) Hopefully that's not a jinx. In at 152p a couple of weeks back.

BlackRock, Inc < 5%

BlackRock, Inc. has gone above 5%

A new high @170p.

A new high @171.50p.

Peel Hunt Buy 170.25 185.00 185.00 Reiterates

Analyst and investor site visit

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is today hosting an analyst and investor site visit at the official opening of the Group's first private rented sector ('PRS') development at The Court, Clarendon Quarter, Leeds.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "We are delighted to have completed Clarendon Quarter in Leeds, our first PRS development. The 322 apartment development is one of a number of exciting projects we are working on in this space and we believe that our expertise and institutional relationships will help build further momentum in the PRS market."

There will be no formal presentation distributed during the visit and no new material information will be given.
- Ends -

175.50 upwards and onwards!

Keep up Kim - 176.25!

Sorry, took my eye off for a second! 😀

Make that 177.25p

Not high enough!!! ;)

Woodford Investment Management Ltd > 12%

Half year results for the six months to 31 March 2017


Peel Hunt Buy 185.25 185.00 225.00 Reiterates

All going according to plan! Couldn't resist adding a few this morning.

Beaufort Securities Speculative Buy 170.00 - 195.00 Reiterates

Link copied :- Tempus today's Times

The Telegraph's Questor recommends WJG as a buy today.

Quite right too!

Lol!

Forward sale of portfolio of six developments for a gross development value of £165 million

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to announce that the Group has completed the forward sale of a portfolio of six developments (the 'portfolio') to an institutional investor, Europa Generation, for a gross development value of £165 million. The consideration payable to Watkin Jones plc over the course of the developments is circa £153 million, net of client funding costs. Europa Generation is a joint venture by Europa Capital and Generation Estates Limited established to invest in prime purpose built student accommodation in the UK.

more.....

A new high @190p

Popped a few more into my long hold drawer!

Jefferies International Buy 193.75 - 250.00 Initiates/Starts

Pop!

ST of IC today -So, with forecasts de-risked, I am upgrading my target price to 225p, bang in line with analysts at broking house Peel Hunt, but at a 10 per cent discount to Jefferies, which has just initiated coverage. Run profits

Cashed a few in today. Sorry guys!! :)

WHAT?kin!😀 I hope you made a decent profit Al.

Very reasonable, thanks. They've come a long way quite quickly so just downsized.

Planning consent for BTR development

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and Build to Rent sectors, is pleased to announce that the Group has secured planning consent for a further Build to Rent ('BTR') development at Bath Lane in Leicester.

The significant 322 unit site will consist of 174 one bed units, 137 two bed units and 11 three bed units. The Group expects to commence work on the site in FY 2018 with a phased completion anticipated during FY 2019 - FY 2020.

As reported on the 1 June, the BTR pipeline continues to grow and there are now six schemes currently targeted for delivery over the period FY 2019 - 2021, with a number of planning applications and other site acquisition opportunities in negotiation.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "We are delighted to announce the further progression of our BTR business. Our plan to sustainably grow this exciting element of the Group continues and we are pleased to see that opportunities from within the development pipeline are moving forward. We believe the BTR business will continue to drive growth, alongside our student accommodation business, as well as providing excellent visibility of earnings and cash flow."

- Ends -

Targeting a break-out.

Can't see that, skinny. Something wrong with the link?

Still watching this lot.

It looks like the site is down! :-(

"Unfortunately this site is currently unavailable.
We expect to be back soon"

New highs today on further news.


Watkin Jones signs two deals for £90m

StockMarketWire.com

Watkin Jones, a developer of student accommodation, has forward sold a development of 354 beds on Little Patrick Street in Belfast.

It has also completed a development agreement to deliver 972 beds on the Hollis Croft scheme in Sheffield to the same institutional investor.

The consideration payable to Watkin Jones is around £90 million, net of client funding costs. Both developments are due for completion for the summer of 2019.

Mark Watkin Jones, chief executive officer of Watkin Jones, said: "We now have revenue and earnings visibility on 1,981 of the 3,545 beds we plan to deliver in FY19, with the remaining beds having been secured and working through the early stages of our business model."

At 8:12am: (LON:WJG) Watkin Jones Plc share price was +1.13p at 199.38p


Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5644115

For completeness :-

31 Aug Beaufort Securities Speculative Buy 213.25 195.00 225.00 Reiterates

Looking up!

Any views? Select Property Group Finance plc 6% 2023 retail bond

Interesting skinny but too many variables for me. I'll stick with buying WJG!

Completion of forward sales of two developments

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation sector, is pleased to announce that the Group has exchanged contracts to forward sell a 618 student bed development in Pittodrie, Aberdeen to an unnamed institutional investor. The consideration payable to Watkin Jones over the course of the development, which is due for completion in the summer of 2019, is circa £51.1 million, net of client funding costs.

Following this agreement, Watkin Jones have now forward sold 2,599 of the 3,545 beds planned to be delivered during FY19, ahead of the 2019/2020 academic year. All schemes planned to be delivered during FY17 have been successfully handed over and all schemes due to be delivered during FY18 and ahead of the 2018/19 academic year have been forward sold.

In addition, the Group is also pleased to announce the forward sale of the office element of the major project on Christchurch Road, Bournemouth for £15.3 million, net of client funding costs. This forward sale completes the exit for the Group of the Christchurch Road development. This included 454 beds of student accommodation, which were completed and handed over in August 2017, as well as 129 hotel rooms for Premier Inn that has been forward sold. Completion of the Premier Inn is targeted for January 2018 and the office building for May 2018.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "We are delighted to announce that we have successfully completed the forward sale of a further two developments.

"The demand for high quality purpose built student accommodation remains strong and the Group continues to secure, forward sell and develop a diverse pipeline of high quality sites, providing excellent earnings visibility for our shareholders."

- Ends -

A new high @224.25p

New high @224.75p

A strong start - albeit on small volume.

Another new high 230.50p

Kim - I hate to be pedantic - the high was/is 230p

Well darn it! I saw 230.50 as mid price, however there was a trade at 230.20 so we are both wrong!😜

But not an "AT" trade. 😁

Miss, Miss, Skinny is picking on me!😃

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and Build to Rent sectors, today provides the following trading update for the year ended 30 September 2017 (the 'period').

The Board is pleased to announce that the Group has successfully achieved its operational objectives for the period and that it expects to report underlying earnings for the financial year in line with its expectations.

In the period Watkin Jones delivered, ahead of the 2017/18 academic year, ten student accommodation developments across the UK with a total of 3,314 beds. All ten student accommodation developments (3,415 beds) scheduled for delivery in FY18, ahead of the 2018/2019 academic year, have been forward sold and are on track. Looking to FY19, the Group has already forward sold five student accommodation developments (2,599 beds) for delivery ahead of the 2019/20 academic year. In addition to these forward sold developments, Watkin Jones has a further eight secured development sites (2,959 beds) targeted for delivery during FY19 to FY21.

Watkin Jones is continuing to gain momentum in the Build to Rent sector. The Group has ownership of three development sites and is in separate negotiations on several other opportunities, from which it is targeting to develop approximately 1,500 units during FY18 to FY22, subject to securing the necessary planning consents. The Board is encouraged by both the Group's progress in securing Build to Rent opportunities and the prospects for growth in this market going forward.

Fresh Property Group, the Group's accommodation management subsidiary which trades under the brand names of Fresh Student Living and Five Nine Living, performed in line with the Board's expectations for the period and now has 16,082 student beds across 53 schemes under management for the 2017/18 academic year (12,337 student beds under management at the start of the 2016/17 academic year across 44 schemes).

Investor demand for purpose built student accommodation remains strong and the Group's robust development pipeline continues to provide strong future visibility of earnings and cash flows. The Group is well positioned to expand its operations into the Build to Rent sector as further sites and opportunities are being secured and investor appetite gathers momentum. As a result, the Board remains confident in the future outlook for the Group.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "We are pleased to have delivered on our development pipeline objectives for the year, alongside a strong operational performance and expect to report underlying earnings in line with the Board's expectations.

2017 has been another year of significant progress for the Group with our student accommodation, Build to Rent and accommodation management divisions all performing strongly, providing us with excellent future earnings and cash flow visibility. This demonstrates the robustness of our model and ability to deliver significant returns for our shareholders."

The Group will be announcing its Final Results on Monday, 15 January 2018. An analyst briefing will be held at 09.30hrs at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.

- Ends -

A new high @239.50p

Making new highs again @244.50p.

Taking a bit of a hammering , for some reason ,nothing changed but you'd think end of the world , how do they get away with it .

Fantastic trade regardless if you were in at the IPO. Well done guys.

Starting falling about 11 which is a bit odd. Maybe just some profit taking?

I sold 20% near the top, but didn't expect this fall - all very strange.

This is where i'm poor really , it's had such a good run should have took some profit , but i think it will carry on up that lovely slope soon .

Skinny, I see the fall started a number of days ago but could the last couple of days be something to do with housing associations now being classified as in the private sector which will enable them to borrow more? I can't see why though.

Or it could be someone being margin called on CLLN (timing doesn't fit well though)

Or it could just be it's had a fantastic run and now we are in to stop running (think this one most likely)

imho - I haven't got a clue really

I guess danger zone is next load of stops at 200?

As you say - any/none of the above.

Annoying really, as this has been one of my better performers and (I thought) not one to lose sleep over!

I seem to remember the Telegraph said take some profits about a week or so back some one said , gone too far though .

Looking at that delayed 22k trade at 205.0 I'd suggest a forced close by broker/spreadbet company.

CC - it was a delayed trade.

Very strange sp action. Did a quick trade but suspect I sold too soon!😃

This getting stupid now , no one knows anything yet .

The recent Questor article in the Telegraph suggested it was a good time to take profits but today's action appears to be a bit excessive!

The sp was around 249p at the time of the Questor article so it's come off a long way (now 197p ish) for just profit-taking, imo.

There's no way someone knows something to cause this , it's just got out of hand in my view , well hope so .

Maybe it needs the Co to say we see no reason for share price movement .

Stops taken out at 200, then 190, then 185.

Has bounced now to around 200 but risk it will drift back to 190 as those in from far lower down take some off the table.

Octopus Investments > 5%

Planning Update on Developments

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, is pleased to announce the receipt of a number of planning consents during December 2017.

Student Accommodation

Building on momentum gained in the 2017 financial year, Watkin Jones confirms it has achieved planning consent for two student accommodation developments in London. The first of these is for a 283 bed development at Albion Way in Wembley. The second scheme is a 353 bed development at Forest Road in Walthamstow, close to the Group's Mannequin House site which was successfully completed in August 2017. In addition to the London schemes, the Group has also secured planning consent for a 323 bed development in Chester. All of the above-mentioned student accommodation developments are anticipated to be completed in 2020 ahead of the 2020-21 academic year.

General momentum within the Group's student accommodation division is excellent, with the overall current pipeline standing at 9,120 beds, of which 6,090 beds are forward sold and 7,497 have achieved planning consent.


Build to Rent

The build to rent division continues to progress well and Watkin Jones is pleased to announce that it has secured planning consents on three developments. These encompass 147 units at the Group's site at Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, an increase from 132 to 165 units on its Sutton site and 62 units on its site at Stepney Street, Sheffield adjacent to its completed 78 unit scheme.


In addition to the progress made on these three sites, the Group is pleased to announce that it has exchanged contracts on a build to rent development site in Uxbridge, which subject to planning consent, will deliver approximately 270 units.


Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "The Group is continuing to deliver in the UK student accommodation sector and these schemes will increase our presence in key markets nationally, including our first site in West London.


"Build to rent is progressing well and we are extremely pleased with this division's performance in its maiden year. The additional planning consents and securing of the site in Uxbridge strengthens our pipeline as we continue to target the development of approximately 1,500 units between FY18 and FY22."


As previously announced, the Group will be issuing its Final Results on Monday, 15 January 2018. An analyst briefing will be held at 09.30hrs at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.

- Ends -

Beaufort Securities Speculative Buy 221.00 225.00 225.00 Reiterates

Worth more I'm sure!

Full year results

CEO succession


Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, today announces that Mark Watkin Jones has notified the Board of his intention to stand down as the Group's Chief Executive Officer once a suitable successor has been appointed, following an orderly handover period. For personal reasons, Mark is not able to undertake a full time executive role over the longer term and he and the Board believe that it is in the Group's best interests to recruit a successor.

The Board will initiate a formal search process to identify a new Chief Executive Officer and a succession timetable will be announced once this process has been concluded. The Board is keen to retain the benefit of Mark's valuable knowledge and experience and the intention is that, following the transition, the Board will look at how this might be achieved, including the option of him becoming a Non-Executive Director of Watkin Jones.

Under Mark's leadership, Watkin Jones has gone through a transformational period, a key part of which has been the establishment and development of a strong senior management team capable of supporting the Group's long-term growth aspirations. The Board will be seeking a successor to Mark who can build on this platform and maintain the Group's track record of profitable, cash generative growth.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "After careful consideration I have decided that it is necessary for me to step back from my position as Chief Executive Officer. The Group has reported record results today and with excellent earnings visibility, Watkin Jones is in a strong position to achieve continued success in both student accommodation and build to rent. Solid foundations are in place for my successor to work with, including an excellent management team that has supported me over the years in successfully growing the business and who will continue to drive Watkin Jones forward for the long-term benefit of our shareholders."

Grenville Turner, Non-Executive Chairman of Watkin Jones plc, said: "After 15 successful years at the helm, the Board understands Mark's desire to relinquish the CEO position and the associated demands of this role. Mark has played a pivotal part in shaping the Watkin Jones strategy and success and has built an experienced and stable leadership team who have increasingly taken on the day-to-day responsibility for the running of the business. The Board would like to thank Mark for his enormous contribution and is also delighted that he has indicated his willingness to continue to support his successor and the business going forward. The search for a successor will commence immediately and we will make a further announcement upon completion of the formal search process."

- Ends -

Peel Hunt Buy 0.00 230.00 230.00 Reiterates

Interesting developments today. Hmm.

Float the company.

Do a good job post flotation

And retire I should think

Good luck to him

Absolutely!!

The company has seen good growth and forward earnings are decent ........ but what after that?

Al. Here's my take. I'm missed out on this one completely mostly as half my portfolio is construction stocks and I couldn't add any more.

I've know this company for 25 years from the days they were entirely based in Wales building fairly standard stuff.

They've done incredibly well and the moment they floated the company I perceived this was the route to exit as there was no way the Watkin Jones family was going to have the responsibilities of being on the stock market unless they were getting something out of it.


I kind of feel the stock has had it's day now and if we want to make big money it's time to find the next Watkin Jones. However, I do think this is the right sector at the right time as the economy is coming back and the demise of Carillion will completely change margins for the better. I wouldn't blame anyone for staying with this trade.

I like the sector as I said. I have CTO, NMD and SFR having sold all my TW. and PSN.

I also have LWB which is a supplier to the sector, which has just come off the recent low if you like catching knifes.

A number of the other construction companies have pulled back a bit on the Carillion news. So, far I've looked at VANL, SDY and PTSG. I don't like any of them at their current prices.

Woodford Investment Management Ltd > 13%

CC - I was in and out of this quite quickly last summer and they're not much higher now than when I got out. Of course, they have been higher!! At the time I also held CLLN in the SIPP. Luckily saw the light just before the big drop, but took a loss anyway. I still hold TW. though. Had them since 26p so the yield in the SIPP is high given the current divi. Not inclined to dump them just yet whilst that's available. They've paid for themselves many times over obviously.

Just not sure where WJG go from here. Stunning run, but you always wonder when someone so close to an outfit bails after that kind of action. Not inclined to get back in.

Annual Report and Notice of AGM

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, announces that electronic copies of its Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2017 together with the Notice of Annual General Meeting and Form of Proxy will be available from the Company's investor relations website at www.watkinjonesplc.com on Monday, 22 January 2018. Hard copies of the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts, Notice of Annual General Meeting and Form of Proxy will be posted to shareholders today.

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, 13 February 2018 at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.

- Ends -

Octopus Investments ---> 6.4%

AGM today.

Result of Annual General Meeting

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, announces that at the Company's Annual General Meeting held earlier today in London, all resolutions put to shareholders were duly passed.

- Ends -

Director Shareholding

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, announces that Mark Watkin Jones (CEO) has today sold 3,825,000 ordinary shares of one penny each in the Company, representing approximately 1.5% of the issued share capital, in order to facilitate final settlement of divorce proceedings. Following the trade, Mark Watkin Jones holds 3,825,000 ordinary shares, which are subject to a lock-up expiring in 180 days from today, and the Watkin Jones Family* continue to hold, in total, 70,584,407 ordinary shares representing 27.64% of the issued share capital.

14:51:54 195.0000 3,825,000 O 199.4000 201.0000 Sell 20,768 3,856,873

This maybe ties in with his retreat from day to day running of the Co , wants a bit of life back .

That's quite a bit of life!😃

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, announces its pre-close trading statement for the half year ended 31 March 2018 (the 'period').

The Board is pleased to report a strong trading performance in the first six months of the financial year, in line with its expectations.

Student Accommodation

In the period, good progress has been made in the student accommodation development business. As announced on 23 March 2018, Watkin Jones has now secured a development pipeline in excess of 9,800 beds, with over 8,300 beds having already received planning consent. All the developments due for delivery ahead of the 2018/19 academic year (3,415 beds) and a further five schemes (2,675 beds) currently scheduled to be delivered ahead of the 2019/20 academic year have been forward sold. The Group is actively marketing a number of further schemes scheduled to be delivered ahead of both the 2019/20 and 2020/21 academic years and is seeking to secure forward sales for these developments in the second half of the financial year.

Build to Rent

The Group has continued to push forward with a number of opportunities in the build to rent sector. In the first half of the year, planning consents have been secured for three sites located in Bournemouth, Sheffield and Sutton, increasing the pipeline of owned sites with planning to approximately 700 units. The Group has also secured a significant development site in Uxbridge and is progressing the planning consent. In total, the Group is now in control of five build to rent development sites and remains in positive negotiations on several other opportunities, from which it expects to deliver over 1,500 units in the next five years.

Fresh Property Group ('FPG')

FPG currently has 16,185 student accommodation beds and 533 build to rent units under management, across 58 schemes. As advised in the Group's FY17 full year results issued on 15 January 2018, Watkin Jones anticipated that as a consequence of the sale by the Curlew Student Trust ("CST") of a portfolio of 14 schemes (the 'Enigma' portfolio), comprising 5,124 beds, it was likely that the management of the schemes concerned would be taken in house by the new owner. FPG has since agreed to provide full management services for these schemes until 30 April 2018, after which they will continue to provide financial reporting services for the schemes until at least September 2018. FPG will be fully compensated for any difference in the level of fees receivable over the remaining periods of the existing contracts. Excluding the Enigma schemes, FPG is currently contracted to manage 14,016 student accommodation beds from the start of the 2018/19 academic year. The recent successful launch of Curlew Student Trust 2 ('CST2'), an investment vehicle focused on UK student accommodation for which FPG is the preferred property manager, provides an additional opportunity for future business growth. FPG is working with CST2 in appraising several new schemes.

Outlook

The Group's progress in implementing its operational and strategic objectives is encouraging and the Board remains confident in the outlook for the full year and beyond.


Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "I am delighted with the Group's performance in the period. The outlook for the UK purpose built student accommodation market is positive and demand for our high-quality product remains strong. FPG continues to be successful in securing new contracts and, from the start of the 2018/19 academic year, is contracted to manage over 14,000 beds.

"We continue to make solid progress in the build to rent sector, having successfully acquired five build to rent development sites. We remain in positive negotiations on several other opportunities and will update the market as these opportunities progress.

"As we continue to consolidate our position as a market leader in the development and construction of student accommodation and make good progress with our build to rent developments, the business continues to demonstrate sustainable growth. Given the encouraging start to the financial year, we believe our business model will continue to deliver strong returns to shareholders."


Notice of Results

The Group will be announcing its Interim Results on Tuesday, 22 May 2018. An analyst briefing will be held at 09.30hrs at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.



- Ends -

A mention here.

Half year results for the six months to 31 March 2018

· Revenues for the half year up 18.4% on the prior half year, driven by student accommodation developments.

· Strong profit growth for the half year, with gross profit increased by 18.6% to £34.5 million (H1 2017: £29.1 million) and operating profit increased by 22.7% to £23.8 million (H1 2017: £19.4 million).

· Gross margin for the six months to 31 March 2018 maintained at 21.8% (H1 2017: 21.8%).

· 12.3% increase in the interim dividend to 2.47 pence per share (FY 2017: Interim dividend of 2.2 pence per share), in line with our progressive dividend policy.

· Strong cash performance in the first half of the year, with net cash at 31 March 2018 of £38.4 million (31 March 2017: £11.7 million).



More.....

Peel Hunt Buy 205.75 230.00 240.00 Reiterates

Interesting UT of 28 shares @185.4000

Update on Student Accommodation and Build to Rent developments

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, announces that is has exchanged contracts to acquire a site in Wembley, London from Kelaty Propco Limited (a joint venture ultimately owned by Singapore incorporated Lum Chang Holdings Limited and Sin Heng Chang Private Ltd) (the 'Vendor'). The site benefits from an existing planning consent for a 599 bed student accommodation scheme, which will be developed by the Group for delivery in time for the 2021/22 academic year.


In addition, as part of the arrangement, the Group has entered into a development agreement with the Vendor to deliver 300 build to rent apartments on an adjoining site, to be completed in March 2021.

The securing of this opportunity in Wembley represents a significant addition to the Group's FY 2021 student accommodation and build to rent delivery pipelines.


- Ends -

Peel Hunt Buy 197.10 240.00 - Reiterates

Analyst and investor site visit

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, is today hosting a site visit for analysts and investors to Duncan House in Stratford, one of the Group's London based developments.

Attendees will see the progress being made at Duncan House, a mixed use development on Stratford High Street offering 511 beds of purpose built student accommodation, 23 private residential apartments and 22 affordable shared ownership housing apartments. The scheme also provides a four-storey academic block (2,786 sq.m.) designed to accommodate potential teaching spaces, lecture theatres and dining facilities. The development is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2019 ahead of the start of the 2019/20 academic year.

There will be no formal presentation distributed during the visit and no new material trading information will be given. Further information on the Group's performance will be released in the FY Pre-Close Trading Statement on 31 October 2018.



- Ends -

Forward sale of portfolio of developments

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, is pleased to announce that the Group has completed the forward sale of a portfolio of four purpose-built student accommodation ('PBSA') development schemes to a joint venture between KKR and Round Hill Capital ('Round Hill') (the 'JV'). The Group has also exchanged an option agreement with the JV, conditional on full planning consent, for a fifth PBSA scheme in Bristol (the 'Portfolio').

The consideration payable to Watkin Jones over the course of the four forward sold developments is circa £180 million, net of all client funding and acquisition costs. This will be payable over the period September 2018 to September 2020. Additional consideration in respect of the Bristol scheme will be agreed once the option is exercised.

The JV invests in student accommodation through multiple strategies including acquiring existing assets, developing new PBSA, forward-funding and repositioning assets across select university towns and cities in the UK, Spain, Netherlands and wider Europe. This is the first student housing transaction for KKR and Round Hill through their JV in the United Kingdom.

The portfolio consists of 2,163 student accommodation beds and associated commercial use classes. Four of the schemes have planning consent granted with Bristol in the planning process. Further information on the five developments is detailed in the table below:

more.....

EQUITY DEVELOPMENT CHAMPIONING GROWTH COMPANIES

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Strong FY18 Trading Slightly Ahead of Expectations

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi occupancy property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and Build to Rent sectors, is pleased to provide a trading update for the year ended 30 September 2018 (the 'Period' or 'FY18').

The Board is pleased to announce that it expects to report revenues and underlying earnings (which excludes non-recurring profit items) for the financial year slightly ahead of its previous expectations. The Group's strong trading over the Period has also been reflected in its cash performance.

Student Accommodation

In the Period, Watkin Jones completed ten student accommodation developments across the UK with a total of 3,415 beds. As previously announced, at the end of FY18 the Group successfully completed an agreement for the forward sale of a portfolio of four student accommodation developments comprising 1,815 beds for delivery in FY19 and FY20, together with an option for the forward sale of a fifth student accommodation development of 348 beds for delivery in FY21.

As a consequence, the Board is pleased to report that of the six schemes now scheduled for delivery in FY19 (2,723 beds), five schemes comprising 2,646 beds have been forward sold. For FY20, the Group expects to deliver seven schemes (2,606 beds) of which four schemes comprising 1,844 beds have so far been forward sold. The remaining four schemes for delivery in FY19 (77 beds) and FY20 (762 beds) are secured. In addition, the Group continues to build its delivery pipeline for FY21, with four development sites (circa 2,189 beds) already secured. The location and forward sale values which have been achieved for the schemes scheduled for delivery in FY19 and FY20 underpin management's earnings expectations from the student accommodation division over these two years.

Build to Rent

Watkin Jones continues to make good progress with its strategy for the Build to Rent sector. As previously announced, in the Period the Group entered into development agreements with M&G Real Estate to deliver a high profile Build to Rent scheme of 315 apartments in Reading and with Singaporean incorporated Lum Chang Holdings Limited and Sin Heng Chang Private Ltd to deliver a scheme of 300 apartments in Wembley, both of which are for completion in FY21. Including these two developments, the Group now has a secured delivery pipeline of approximately 1,500 apartments across seven sites, which it is targeting to deliver over the period FY19 to FY22. In addition, the Group has several other site opportunities which are in legal negotiations to acquire or are under offer.

In the Group's FY18 interim results statement, the Board announced that it was at an early stage of exploring ways to enhance shareholder returns from the longer term value creation opportunity of the Group's Build to Rent programme, including consideration of establishing a new investment vehicle. The Board is continuing to evaluate its options and will update shareholders as appropriate.

Residential

The Watkin Jones residential division had a good year and completed 175 sales (FY17: 94 sales), comprising a mix of homes and apartment sales across the division's North West residential sites.

Fresh Property Group ('FPG')

As at the start of the 2018/19 academic year, FPG had 15,421 student beds and Build to Rent apartments under management across 56 schemes (16,617 student beds and Build to Rent apartments under management at the start of the 2017/18 academic year across 57 schemes). Of these 56 schemes, 52% were not developed by Watkin Jones.

As previously announced, the anticipated drop in units under management reflects the loss of 4,597 student beds following the sale of the Enigma property portfolio by the Curlew Student Trust. However, in the Period, FPG was appointed as manager for 14 new schemes effective from the start of the 2018/19 academic year, resulting in a net drop in units under management of only 1,196.

Under the terms of the management contracts with the Curlew Student Trust, FPG has been compensated for the early termination of those contracts relating to the sale of the Enigma portfolio. In addition, as FPG holds a carried interest investment in the Curlew Student Trust, which was established when the Fund was launched, in recognition of the importance of FPG's role as property manager, it received a share in the profit arising from the sale of the Enigma portfolio. These two items have given rise to a circa £4.0 million non-recurring profit in the Period, which is in addition to the Group's underlying earnings performance.

Outlook

Watkin Jones continues to maintain excellent visibility over future revenues and earnings, supported by the pipeline of forward sold and secured sites for the student accommodation division. The Group's success in securing the significant Build to Rent development agreements for the schemes in Reading and Wembley in the Period, together with the pipeline of sites which the Group has secured, is highly encouraging. In addition, the Group's residential and accommodation management divisions are well positioned to contribute to progressive growth in earnings. As a result, the Board remains confident in the future outlook for the Group.

Mark Watkin Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Watkin Jones plc, said: "Trading in the Period has been strong and we are pleased to report that revenues and underlying earnings for the financial year are expected to be slightly ahead of the Board's previous expectations.

We have achieved excellent progress on forward sold student accommodation developments, successfully completing all ten schemes scheduled for delivery in the Period and continue to see strong demand from institutional investors. We are also encouraged by the progress that has been made in the Build to Rent sector, with the agreements for significant developments in Reading and Wembley demonstrating our position as a developer of choice for leading institutions.

The Group has a strong development pipeline that provides us with excellent future earnings and cash flow visibility, demonstrating the robustness of our model and ability to deliver significant returns for our shareholders."

The Group will be announcing its Final Results on Tuesday, 15 January 2018. An analyst briefing will be held at 09.30hrs at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.

- Ends -

31 Oct 2018 Peel Hunt Buy 205.97 240.00 Reiterates

30 Oct 2018 Berenberg Buy 205.97 235.00 Initiates/Starts

Octopus Investments Nominees 7.96% -> 8.06%.

15 Jan 2019 Preliminary Results for the year ending 30 September 2018.

I wonder if this company might struggle over the coming year and beyond. There has been an arrangement with many European Universities to encourage students to the UK via various schemes (Erasmus, ISEP etc) and it looks like these are going to come to an end. I know many visiting students are now from Asia, but they seem to be cash rich and not interested in staying in student accommodation. I hold ESP, but might cash them in before the bad news hits.

Looking perky before tomorrow's update.

Well the chart's going the right way.

Full Year Results

Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), a leading UK developer and constructor of multi-occupancy residential property assets, with a focus on the student accommodation and build to rent sectors, announces its annual results for the year ended 30 September 2018 ('FY18'). The Board is pleased to report a successful financial year with revenues and underlying earnings (which excludes non-recurring profit items) slightly ahead of its previous expectations.

more.....

Peel Hunt Buy 216.50 240.00 250.00 Reiterates

Link copied ... Watkin Jones maintains momentum

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, 14 February 2019 at the offices of Buchanan, 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN.

Director/PDMR Shareholding