Chartists may like this one - albeit I prefer facts, which is what you get every 6 months in Chairman's comments. Have held for several years, as I like to hold for the longer term small/medium businesses with tangible assets, good track record and paying dividends. Downside is lack of liquidity (family control over 50%). Steep recent rise on back of good results but could be more to come. Market cap now just under 30M, looks fair for a solid timber merchants business (been around since 1750!)which made 3M pretax in year to 3/2004 and current year has started well. Modest gearing. Yield 3%. Interesting bit is its former depot on which planning for mixed residential/commercial development recently received on Appeal after a long battle. With the company not needing the cash from the sale there could be a bumper one-off dividend. Anybody care to guess approximate value of just over 13 acres development land in Clapton?

Yet another nice surprise this morning - with their depots in East London and Olympics construction work about to begin in earnest,still keeping mine.

LISTEN: Peter Latham, Chairman of James Latham Plc, discusses the half year results

Click here to listen

Interesting looking back on these - held for over 10 years and returns have been excellent. A prudently run business with solid asset backing and decent track record. Inevitably linked to construction activity to some extent, but they have prospered without recourse to any net bank debt. Present rating not very demanding - not imo a share for traders, but has certainly rewarded the patient over the years. Always dyor.

Today’s trading statement offered the usual reassurance.

The announcement confirmed that revenue for the year ending 31st March 2015 is expected to be ahead of, and profit before tax is likely to be in line with, market expectations. Consensus expectations are currently for revenue around £175m, pre-tax profit of £9.7m and eps of 39.50p.

The company is another of AIM’s quality businesses. New research note at http://tinyurl.com/pcojyv6

We’re hunting for bargains in what many consider the more boring end of AIM – solid, well-established profitable businesses, that have consistently delivered excellent returns over the long term.

Ironically these businesses often fail to attract the attention of AIM’s thrill seekers but have delivered material returns for investors over a long time in terms of both earnings and dividend growth.

James Latham has been a great story over the past few years and the business looks well set for the future with a supportive market and expanding UK presence. The current year appears to have started positively with revenues for April and May 7% higher than the corresponding period last year, both in panels and timber. More positively the gross margin is also higher.

The current share price sell-off could therefore present an interesting buying opportunity.

Read more about our hunt for bargains at http://tinyurl.com/osaj5k7

James Latham issues an encouraging AGM statement.

Read more at http://tinyurl.com/nr6oz69

Been a great investment for me since 2002. Interims today not well received, being below very strong comparatives last time. Still the second best first half, cash generation remains good, plenty of cash in the bank. Margins affected by currency, but said to be stabilised and sales ahead. Added a few more on the drop. Always dyor.