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.

Gordon, Evils short as he is on a few retailers because he feels the consumer bubble is going to burst any day now. Hes going for retailers and credit companies. Not sure just who he has is bet on with but he normally uses Cantor as the top man there is a buddy.

cheers gf.

happy with trading statement and if can get beyond 145p will see 170p before
end of year IMHO can assume the issue re retailers but this at bargain basement price is not next ....

this sort of stock goes thru recessions like butter but tends to get stuck
when it shouldn't

the cash generation should sort it out and once debt down and vat sorted can see 300p again not sure i will be in it that long though

did you read my letter in shares mag re hme they sat on the fence ...

No havent got this weeks yet, but will get a copy. Thanks for your comments.
Much appreciated.

cheers GF.

looks like could be up to the 145p mark today and the bet from your mate begins to look shaky..

results due next week half decent set of results could see more upgrades and
160p shortly and 200p before to long ???

Also could hear about proposed split up/mbo if rumour had any substance to them ???

would be nice to see gg, though i am not expecting great shakes in the short term myself - i think we may have to wait a little past this set of results (hope I'm wrong though)

losing faith not great set of results and no divi

As i expected i'm afraid - sold mine, will look to buy back in later

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 ?