A number of years ago, a movie was made called the King’s Speech a very good and dramatic movie about talking in front of an audience. We expect on leaders to speak well and a host of other things. What if a leader was thrust into the spotlight and did not speak well? and most people on the inside knew it. The person would need training to ensure the people’s expectation and his delivery matched. The book about the King’s Speech written by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi, Penguin, London, 2010 is the story of King George VI and Lionel Logue overcoming the King’s stammering when speaking. Those who are born to monarchy are to represent the King and Queen in all sorts of functions when dignitaries are needed to open something, turn the sod, give comforting words etc. King George VI was not expected to be King as the second son, his brother stepped down for love of Mrs. Wallace Simpson (and perhaps other reasons) and Albert stepped up to become King George VI. The King VI had stammering problem and Lionel helped him with it. There were many lessons, a wonderful relationship and a King who delivered on the people’s expectations.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, expectations plays a significant part of investing in the markets. Expectations of the quarterly results; expectations of new products or services; expectations of raising money with debt or equity; expectations of dealing with change in market conditions; expectations of the new management, and the list goes on. If a company delivers consistently on its expectations while showing a profit its goodwill goes up people will flock to owning the stock because expectations have been met. If expectations are not meant by, the markets will send the price of the stock lower, for there is always another choice when dealing with the markets.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.