"Ade V" wrote in message
news:MPG.1990e1503aa60134989df0@slave...
It would seem that Ken has had to pay Crapita £31 mill, because the poor
ickle darlings weren't making as much money as they'd hoped for. Why?
Because (a) the in-zone traffic as fallen by 16%, not the 10-15%
forecast, and (b) less penalty fines are being dished out (whether due
to the fundamental honesty of British drivers, or due to Crapita's
legendary incompetence, is not made clear)

Full story he
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_804435.html



In fact, Capita are doing so badly that their profits are up almost 30% on
last year.

Whatever happened to the idea that Private companies take on some of the
risk involved in the business they are involved in? If they had to compete
in the real marketplace instead of having contracts handed to them by their
government friends, things might be different for Capita.

Having said that I am tempted to invest in them, I might get some of my tax
money back in Capita dividends! If you can't beat them, join them...

Financial Highlights

Six months ended Six months ended
Change
30 June 2003 30 June 2002
Turnover £532m £391m +
36%
Profit before tax* £51.1m £40.2m +
27%
Earnings per share* 5.38p 4.30p +
25%
Total dividend per share 1.3p 1.0p +
30%

* Before amortising goodwill


Rod Aldridge, Executive Chairman of The Capita Group Plc, commented:

"... Our market place is substantial, active and capable of supporting
long-term growth."

---- Meaning, we taxpayers have VERY deep pockets and they've only just
BEGUN tapping us.