I love this little beast but the trading patterns leave me confused. Where next 6p or 10p?

no idea see my notes on previous thread hope for 10p when news comes out

found the reverse gear again was hoping for trading update at some stage ??

did you know TED BAKER owns 14% of this lot shrewd business ...not sure when they took stake wasnt recently mus be some news soon ?

Yep,

I've bought a few more. The market makers are a bit confused on this one so spotting the turn wont be easy.

down yesterday and up today seems volitile for no reason are results due some time in april ?? was hoping for trading statement

all sellers today yet price up ???

Exactly, the market makers seem to be doing odd things here. If the results come suddenly and are good the price will rocket.

agree great stock profits fcs of 1.2m mkt cap 4.8m no brainer for me will top up if fall any more as 18p is about the right price for this one if continue the same way

Gordon Geko - is the forecast still for 800,000 profit for y/e Aug 2004? Have seen so little news about ACT recently, and they have not given a trading update since Christmas. Disappointing interims could send this one backwards. Any recent broker's notes.

Agree on the face of it 7.25p looks blooming cheap.

They don't give a trading statement, but the Director I spoke to last month sounded confident

my mate another holder wrote to shares mag this week this is what they said

Pro-Actif

Shares tipped Actif (ACT) in November and mentioned a post-Christmas trading statement. I havent been able to get hold of this statement on the companys website or on RNS/AFX.

Could you give an update, as the shares are now slipping back from their tipped level?

From the accounts, I see Ted Baker has a 14% holding. Is this a recent development? Do you think it might increase its holding?

Ahmad Naseer
VIA E-MAIL


James Quinn replies: Having spoken to Actifs broker, Seymour Pierce, it seems that Actif, unlike other retailers, does not normally issue a post-Christmas trading statement. That said, the fact that nothing untoward has been issued should mean the company is running fairly in line with forecasts and that no hiccups are in store.

The reason for the slippage relates to a lack of newsflow. Results are expected in April or May. Ted Baker has been an investor in the company since 1996 four years before it floated and does not appear to have raised its stake during that time, so dont get your hopes up.

Brilliant GG - many thanks for that. I guess if Xmas trading had been poor they would have had to issue a profits warning...

The IC also seemed positive this week, low market capital and profit of over 800 000. Makes them look good.

There is real growth here, with so many new stores in areas such as the Bull Ring and here on the IOM there isn't a girl without an ELLE item.

It reminds me of French Connection in 1990. I wish I'd held onto those. I can remember buying those at under 10p. It was quite a journey to 20 over the following decade!

50% buys and sells yet the price falls ?? when are results actually due ?

The results were in April last year and they say they'll be earlier this year and that's encouraging.

How can it possibly fall when there has only been a buy?

In my opinion they are simply trying to scare off the small shareholders who bought following two tips by Shares late last year.

I agree, I bought some yesterday, this company looks cheap. Have visited some of their stores, I was very impressed. I look forward to the results.

Why the sudden big rise today?

I said the market makers would panic!
Who are they?

must be reason for the rise is some news about to get out tempted to get some more ???

It's just the gap, mind u the market makers must be pleased to get their hands on more

Next week I hope!

Up nearly 10% today - does anyone know why? there was an RNS saying that an ex-employee had exercised some options. Does that indicate he/she is bullish about the stock?

results out today fair set but thinks falls short of mkt expectations

They're not bad though

take it back thought these were the finals not interims my mistake

01/04/04 Retail minnow Actif said that its profits for the six months to the end of January had risen from 90,000 pounds to 320,000 pounds and with an upbeat note on current trading, Richard "Ratty" Ratner at Seymour Pierce reckons that full year profits could be 800,000 pounds (earnings of 1p) rising to 1.25 million (1.4p) next year. Even up 0.375p at 7.875p on the day, Ratty reckons the rating is modest and is sticking with his "buy" stance

I agree there's certainly no need to panic

Price has suddenly shot up 18% to 8.8p this pm - anyone know why?

lots of selling going on think shares mag given up positive update today ???

Don't think it can be the item in Shares Mag, which is very neutral, not to say cautious.

This is fun!

Look at the size of the buyss. Wow!

And just before the Easter Break!

Are French Connection really sniffing around. For a low trader people were desperate to be in before the break. Someone even bought at 10p.

The fundamentals though are still good!

What do you think?

I bet the Sunday's miss this one!

Any thoughts before the markets open?

I am surprised there have not been any announcements. 23% price hike at 3.30pm the day before a Bank Holiday weekend looks like the start of a hostile bid to me. Keep eyes peeled.

if so what happened today ? looking like the friday gain about to evapourate ?

A bit of mirrors here. A decent buy and and interbroker trade!

Well someone is building a stake in this company - up over 9p again today.

This is fun!

It's getting better!

There looks to be aa good write up in Shares Mag

positive article mentions the ted baker connection can see someone picking this up but 15p likly price also mentions intested in extending their brands

good article in shares mag saying interested in buying another brand also mentions the ted baker connection as their finance director sits on actifs board price monved today hoping for above 10p soon still lack of volume problem

The market makers are making investors think twice again. This is madness!

A national brand name, minimal debt, store network for just over 5 million. The profits this year could touch 1 million. This is a sitting duck!

Look at IC profits and turnover up 200%, not many like that. Please waken up or lend me the money to buy them out!

A slight wobble today but I don't know why

Sit tight JRM, we are still sitting on a share with a prospective PE for this year of 9. Could easily double in the course of the year. Worth topping up if it drops any lower.

Yer but it's a bit frustrating isn't it!

This ones on my watch list, definatley a value stock & good growth forecasts

PE drops to 6.34 for 2005..... Any know if trading is in line or ahead?

tempting!!

still watching this one but lacking in excitment shares mag did update on it last week very positive will come back to this later
hold 25k of shares just bought 250k of EEN on friday check that out for a rollercoaster ride

I'm selling my EEN. They've gone mad, the market capital?
Act is much better!

Time to buy more of these or what?

Had another look at the tables in IC. This really stands out and I feel sure they'll tip it soon. Any thoughts?

A big buy this morning

Signs of life today!

No buying yet.

I'd like to but I've spent too much this week!

One seller can wreck a small company!

What's happening????????????

have held this share for a while, although nothing spectacular yet. Sheep trading possibly due to fall recently, and boredom perhaps?. Im still here though!

I love shares so much!! Doesn't it keep the mind occupied on a boring day?

nasty fall last few days not sure why as nothing to justify

I feel a bit stupid, I planned to sell some profit one fine Monday morning, I could have got 9.4p now they're 6p -What a difference 10 days makes!

But I still love 'em. I'd buy the company if I'd more money. But that's life!

I've bought more!

They shouldn't be overlooked when there's a spotlight on retailing.

I wish I'd the cash to buy the company, I must check my lotto numbers!

There must be some interest, isn't there?

Hello JRM. Yes I hold ACT shares as well, and I'm still following your thread. Am sitting tight and hoping that ACT makes its forecast profit for the year!

Thanks for listening and even more thanks for writing back - I thoght I was all alone!

Looking at a past, IC's there's a tendency for them to review companies that have good results about 6 weeks later once they've settled down. If this is the case next week we should get a tip.

Hello JRM. I hold ACT shares as well but normally just read and not post.

yes, It would be nice to get a tip.

Thanks for talking!

Things are rather quiet here any thoughts?

A buying opportunity?

I am not going to buy any more, but I'll hang on for the next news. If ACT fulfils its profit expectations of 800k profit for the current year, then we should be looking at about 10p.

This must be the only fashion chain that's not buzzing. See Laura Ashley, ASOS, Alexon, M and S etc etc

Yes that's right - so small it's below the radar for the institutions...

I think the name is the biggest problem -people know Elle but not Actif!

tif Group PLC
12 July 2004



Actif Group plc

Trading update

At the time of the interim results announced by the Company in March this year,
the Chairman reported that good progress had been made towards increasing sales
and margins of Elle merchandise across both the wholesale and retail
distribution channels. However he also stated that the Group was finding
post-January trading in its retail formats to be unpredictable and took a
cautious view about the short term outlook for Elle retail.

Since then retail trading conditions in Elle prime stores and concessions have
deteriorated sharply resulting in total retail sales for the 23 weeks since 31
January 2004 being 14% below last year, which represents a like for like decline
of 18%. This is attributed to difficult market conditions, where the cool, dull
weather since Easter contrasts sharply with the prolonged spell of hot, sunny
weather enjoyed last year. This is a similar situation to that being experienced
by other High Street clothing retailers, but has been exacerbated by a poor
performance of High Summer ranges, especially within the Tops category, which
accounts for approximately 50% of the retail sales mix.

This sales shortfall will have an adverse impact on profitability, and the Actif
Group Board now anticipates that the outcome for the year to 31 July 2004 will
be significantly below market expectations, coming in at around the break-even
level. The Group continues to generate good cashflows and net debt at the end of
the year is anticipated to be in line with last year at around 1.1m, following
capital expenditure of 0.7m.

Sales within the wholesale business have remained strong, building on the growth
seen in the first half, with full year sales increasing by 35% on last year.

Mark Evans, Chief Executive of Actif Group comments:

'This is a disappointing set back to the profit recovery of the Group,
particularly given the improvement in the wholesale division. The weakness in
our retail summer ranges has been compounded by more challenging market
conditions.

The necessary actions have been taken to address the product weaknesses
highlighted in the Spring / Summer season and the results of these actions are
evident in the strength of Autumn / Winter 2004 wholesale sales.

We remain confident in the Elle brand appeal in the UK market and in our future
development.'


GREAT....................

I still think they're an amazing bargain. Where else can you get such a well known national brand name for only 3m, with such insignifant debt? If I was a little braver I'd bid myself.

LONDON (ShareCast)13/7/2004 - It was a mixed day for London's small caps with shares in Actif Group (LSE: ACT.L - news)FALLING SHARPLY AFTER ISSUING A PROFIT WARNING LAST NIGHT. It is 4.25p.
The sports goods retailer said full-year results would be "significantly below market expectations" after a sharp fall in sales.

It's so like French Connection and next a decade ago! A small holding is surely worth the risk?

Why is the gap so large between the buy and sell price?

Ok, it's wrong!!!!!!!!!!!

I phoned HL yesterday for a price and it was 4-5p, not to be put off, I asked the chap to check, within moments I'd bought more of this little darling for less than the quoted mid price -What's happening?

The results are coming and they are unlikely to sparkle, but that's retailing, and they've warned us.

But if the results slightly exceed those of the interims, they'll be well up on last years.

Minimal debt, an establihed brand name, national coverage and change out of 4 million -They're having a laugh! But who will win

Market value of less than 3 MILLION!!!

A BRAND NAME.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND COVERAGE.

LOW DEBT.

BUT, AN IFFY TRADING STATEMENT - AM I A FOOL STILL BELIEVING? -PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Have a look at the results

The profits aren't great - but they're positive and sales are well up on a good point last year.

The market makers are being stupid 3.5- 4.5p yesterday, but I bought more for 3.9p Its mad!!

Why does nobody care?


It was the same with Arcadia and Bhs

Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JRM - it's a dog, let's face it. A year ago it was 8p. I lost a lot of money on this and I baled out ages ago.
Better to accept reality and put what's left into something else.

We should have been in ASOS!

A nice buyer today. A person with knowledge?????

Does anyone have a date for results and/or any clue on xmas trading?
looking at the chart im not sure if anyone holding act is still alive?? Am going to treat this more as a British photographic mission to Mars with a high likelihood of no reply.

They don't do things as common as trading statements! The next statement is due in late March.

I must ring JD Sport to tell them about this gem. It's typical of their recent purchases.

The market makers must be open today!

I think the trading statement is good. Ok over the 28 weeks there is a dip but look at Christmas 6%+

Any thoughts?

Today we're up whatever next?

They're paying over 5p a share. Whatever next? A takeover??

I've put it on JD Sports Chairman's answer phone. Will he think I'm mad or inspired?

Just look at the spread 0.2p is the real gap. This really does my head in!!!

Two nice buys!!

Any thoughts???????????

didnt see the directors buys until now all good news long way to go for me having paid 10p.......but it all helps

Perhaps you should buy more??

They're still a bargain

Up 17% today, director buying last week, now all thats needed is lovely swimwear weather this summer.

50% up last week can we expect more this?

not been noticed anywhere cannot see it getting above 10p in short term but haviong paid 10.5p myself hope i'm wrong

We're getting closer! Even at 10p the market cap is too low!

Any thoughts?

About time. We're moving. Yippy!

No Director buying for several days. What now?

must be good recovery play / takeover target with mkt cap of 3m and sales of 28m if they get it right two seasons in a row it will fly either that someone
will pick it up for a song IMHO

couple of big trades gone thru today both at same amount could 2nd trade be a delayed buy ??

cannot see me getting anything back from this one now along with ien becomes one to write off not surprising FD left is it

can see a bid around the corner as things dont need much to turn around elle is a good brand can see 5p shortly

Actif says Nakterhuset lifts stake in co to 9.31 pct
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - Actif Group PLC said Nakterhuset AB acquired 400,000 shares in the group on Oct 28, raising their stake in the company to 6,083,333 shares or 9.31 per cent of the issued stock.