To get the thread rolling on this stock - of those people who had windfalls, or ahve invested in the stock at flotation or since - it would be interesting to know what your thoughts are.

For those that were and are eligible for the 5% discount this time next year (+ the dividends beforehand), are you planning to sell at this level or hold. Are others buying at this price?

My own money is that the 5% share top up next year together with a divi of perhaps 4% (on flotation price) makes these shares a hold - and if enough other shareholders feel the same it is likely that there will not be much stock for others to purchase and the price will hopefully rise further. But what are the thoughts of others?

fliper----Quite possibly, but we're talking about bonus shares at the rate of 1 for 20, even if this ratio applied to the total of shares in issue, (and it doesn't) the fall in the sp after the bonus shares were issued would not be very big, yes many small investors may sell out then, but I think any fall would be short lived. As always this is imo.
2517

Yes , after the free ones are given out the sp may dip . This could be a good time to get some more .

Given the increase in price recently, (today just under 320) and the IMHO toppiness of the market generally, what is the view of others who bought at flotation regarding waiting for the bonus shares in July ?
Ie. do you think the shares will be 5% lower, (304p) by July, thus negating the bonus shares ? At the present price - buy, sell, hold ?

i hold and shall continue to do so ...... good long term stuff; solid, boring etc etc but has performed pretty well since flotation .... for sure there will be sellers of the bonus issue, but there is the (slight?) possibility that SL will ultimatley become a t/o target in due time

This for me is the type of share which I will hold for the long term, I am quite happy to ride out the short term girations of the market, I believe this co will pay progressive dividends for the forseeable future, as the yield improves (and it's decent atm) so will the sp. There will from time to time be the inevitable link with being t/o, which will add to the attractions, one to buy and lock away, imo of course.
2517

just found this thread...
the real reason I went with SL was because it was a mutual!! I didn't want to have a company that had to please bloody shareholders..
I was with Australian Mutual for the same reason.. and look what a sham that has turned out to be - jumping through hoops with Prudential and now London Life. The admitted publically that the worst thing they ever did was to float, so why did SL follow? I had a windfall - I will hold mine.... for now.

SM

Lively today.
2517

Hold , extra shares to come and a good divy .

Well, here we are about 45% up from flotation.

That's a much better return than the dopey buggers could achieve by managing my pension, so I'm happy anough for the moment.

Biker... had to laugh at 'dopey buggers'!
I transferred ALL my pensions to Skandia nd manage them myself, online.
I have been doing this for a few years now and have moved all the SL stuff there too... my pension has done very well since then.
I source my information from trustnet
go into prices and performance and you can get just about all the info you need there.

SM

It's ok sm. They haven't got too much of my pension. I manage the vast majority myself.

I just find it amazing how these companies get away with giving such poor returns year after year after year.

All about timing, when I took early retirement 10 yrs ago they were leaders in the field and i am eternaly grateful.and annuity rates were a little different to current.

Are results due or am I totally off beam?

Bunny - look here http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=1948192

Thank you Skinny :>))) Didn't think it was literally today LOL

Bonus shares due soon aren't they?
2517

2517: due 10/7

Thanks for that robinhood, SL. have performed quite well since flotation and I will continue holding for the long term, this is one of my core holdings. I believe the insurance sector is ripe for consolidation over the next 2 or 3 years, so there may well be some juicy profits to be had. IMO of course.
2517

When are the free shares due ?

TD waterhouse said they "will be added to your portfolio week commencing 16/7"