I enjoyed the discussion with Ed Clarke and was interested in the question around his shareholding, or lack there-of. Am just piecing together the story - would appreciate anyone with deeper background filling me in. He is listed in the 2021 Annual report as having absolutely zero shareholding - as noted here in this forum. He said in reply that he has an investment vehicle, managed by a director and has “very strong ownership”. This is all very opaque and a turn off for me.
He also chose, in May 21, not to purchase his 13m in ‘in the money’ options that he’d held since the reverse takeover in 2016. I’ve only just started looking, but this seemed weird (maybe he has no cash?). Note these were the only interests he held in the company as per his initial directors interest notice in 2016 (albeit this mystery indirect ownership may have still been there).
There are no holders over 7.27% as at the 21 Annual report (UBS Nominees - maybe they are working for him). It’s hard to think that he holds more than 3% of the company, given at 2016 REEF investments were the only >5% holder (~11%) and they have roughly held this position and retain only now 3% given all the dilution. Unless he’s been accumulating in the background - but if that’s the case why not convert the options.
I liked the sound of the company and Ed presented well, but when you are required to believe the story - given the loss making early stage nature of the business - insider ownership and transparency are a big deal. I’m not an expert and realise ownership structures can be complicated, can anyone shed any more light?
We have a late starter with Yojee (ASX:YOJ) managing Director Ed Clarke joining us this Wednesday, 29th June, at 1pm AEST.
Details on Meetings page, and I'll send out an email reminder on Wednesday morning.
Further Reading: 19-Aug-2020: ABN Newswire/Yahoo News: WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC) Continued Strong Growth, Revenue Up 23%, EBITDA Up 17%
https://www.wisetechglobal.com/
[I don't hold WTC or YOJ. I am thinking about buying some YOJ.]