today's guardian "Among the small caps, market professionals were nibbling away at Homestyle, the Rosebys and Bensons Beds retailer, after they learned In vestec Securities had put the stock back on its buy list with a prediction that a re-rating is on the cards.

Readers will recall that Investec's two retail analysts, Matthew McEachran and Mark Charnock, have successfully called the recent turn in fortunes at Mothercare, 6p higher at 309.5p, JJB Sports, 11p lower at 283.5p, and Matalan, off 0.75p at 250.25p.

Having visited a number of Homestyle stores in the past week the Investec duo believe that the sales increase referred to in the company's recent trading update can be sustained. "Based on our current forecasts, the shares could recover by 30% to 170p, while still retaining a substantial 30% discount to its peers," Mr McEachran said. Homestyle rose 3p to 132p.

down 11p to 123p, glad i got out for the short term

GG - you still holding/watching these. I guess we have now got to try to call the bottom!!!

still hold some offloaded some when 157-158 few weeks ago going to forget about this one for while are you also in thus ?

yes i have a small amount tucked away - currently trying to ignore this weeks pricemovements - would like to know whats driving it - can't find any news. GG how do i e-mail you on this site - i will drop you an e-mail with all my holdings - your views on all/any would be appreciated

whats driving it was the poor results and cutting the divi and the debt going up but L4L sales were positive which starts to balance things up

post your holdings here noone else seems to
be using this thread

Had a better read last night, there was some good sales news hidden. My biggest concern is the increasing debt and the fact they are not producing cash - Dec/Jan are going to be highly critical trading wise. I'm happy to sit on the sidelines and try and gauge how their xmas trading goes before venturing back in.

I'm currently holding:

ISA: SKP,RTD,LLOY,DNX and some cash
Dealing account: all cash
Spreads long: GSK,THUS,GFRD (jun/Sep futures)
Invest Club: SKP,BSY,GSK,RTD,TTC,TRK,RAC,HBOS,BYG

bit of a bounce today any rumors around as buyers return ???

been looking but can't find anything

rang them trading stmtn due 21/1 so cannot be that else on for good run between now and then ???

from what i hear retailers in furniture and soft furnishing did the worst over xmas and sell note outfor them tempted to move on ??

got out yesterday perhaps bit premature but worried about trading stmnt next week which could be profits warning back in if slips toward 100p

expect trading stmtn to be bordering on profits warning IMHO could see 100p ?

more like 70p

you can't half pick them gg :-)

I was in @ 140p and out at 157 and 125p plus 8p divi potential was there
may come good one day worth watching


Poor style in Homestyle from shares mag 23/04/04

Shares magazine has been very negative about Homestyle (HME) and its directors. In the past, I would have questioned this, but looking at the graph something horrible is about to happen it peaked above 10p earlier in the year and is now trading at 90p heading towards 60p?

Looks like the Harveys deal was a deal too far.

Richard Chapman
VIA EMAIL


John Marshall replies: Shares has been negative about the company for some time. On 13 November last year, we included chief executive Michael Rosenblatt in our list of chief executives who should be sacked. The UK furniture market has become increasingly competitive and the acquisition of Harveys has certainly added to the groups problems.

The shares used to find favour with income funds but the company has indicated that the dividend, which was cut last year, will be cut again because of poor trading. In addition, the group is subject to a claim for over 27 million (plus interest) from Customs & Excise, which it is resisting. The new chairman, David Brock, is well regarded but he has to show his mettle by making changes at the top.

Our chartist, David Jones, adds that the shares look as though they are going to dip to 60p soon.

I'm glad I bought on Monday

what made u buy ??

what made u buy ??

already passed on the iterim divi likley to do same at final

i buy these 2 week ago, very cheap. good prospect i

think. we may see price higher, but we have to wait.

watch the way of falling in this shares, nothing can stop it, today's massive sell off confirm it, I shall double my shorts again!