Recent trading statement stated like for like sales up 1%, more importantly the dividend will be maintained.

Also with the consolidation within the retail sector involving the likes of Allders and House of Fraser, James Beattie could be next.

Hi 8ball,just thought I'd say hello,just so's you ain't talking to your self..................I've got a few of these,about 25p "underwater" at the
moment..........cheers pho............

James Beattie PLC
('Beatties' or the 'Company')

Preliminary Results for the Year Ended 31 January 2003

Financial Highlights

2003 2002
(Restated)
m m

Turnover 141.6 128.4
Operating Profit 7.0 8.0
Profit before tax 7.0 8.5
Earnings per share 12.0p 14.5p
Final Dividend 8.40p 8.40p
Total Dividend 11.90p 11.90p

- Total sales up 10.3% to 141.6 million

- Profit before tax 7.0 million (2002: 8.5 million).

- Operating profit 7.0 million (2002: 8.0 million)

- Profit reduction principally due to losses at Birmingham

- New store in Huddersfield (opened 1 March 2002) performing
well and generating profits

- Appointment of David Sankey and Terry Stannard as
independent non-executive directors

- New store in Telford opening 5 September 2003

- Dividend maintained at 11.9p for the year

- Total sales in February and March up 1.0%. Like for like
sales (excluding Birmingham and Huddersfield) up 0.1% for the
same period

I am a holder of these since 2002 and today's maintained dividend giving a full year of 11.9p is very welcome. It appears to be is a very well managed concern that plods on with the retail business in a very controlled fashion.

It would be interesting to hear from 8 Ball or anyone who has something to offer to this board on the financial details of the report.

I do not live in their area so would also be interested to know what their stores are like to visit. Are they up with the times and busy etc.

I've had 'em since 01,looks like they will be going for 1/2 p less than I paid for them,UNLESS ofcourse someone else makes a better offer,pigs might fly I guess.......................