Hi SparklerI've noticed that inventory as well and I have to say...

Hi Sparkler

I've noticed that inventory as well and I have to say I have been quietly thinking some of the events since September (ie when the private equity approach prompted that ridiculous profit projection of 20 million LOL!) have a poorly 'manufactured' feel to them and the existance of this inventory is designed to boost a turnaround in revenue.

There are a list of issues which have been put forward to explain the slow going, the machine delays , the port issues, the chinese new year holiday impacts, the snow storms etc, but I have not yet bought the line that things are as bad as we are being lead to believe (naive? maybe). I think for their own reasons they wanted to run this co' in neutral until they got the management changes through and then kick off a new game in July. And basically that is what they have been saying about streamlining but without making it clear they are treading water. JMHO and I have to say I don't have a good reason as to why they would do this other than it has had implications for the sp if you had wanted to buy during the opes fiasco.

I'm glad to hear these other products are selling faster than they can import them, that to me is a big positive, despite how it appears that Style is losing market share.
I called one of the style plantation distributors the other day and they carry Style board and another strip bamboo product. When asked which product is superior the guy said style's woven board looks more like timber and its far far harder than the other option. The difference in price was under $10 p m, but that is obviously because they aim to make a bigger cut on the strip product.
If I were a customer however, looking for a floor to last me 15 years or more I know which way I would go, but as you have said, perhaps need to look at the getting a product out their for the budget end.

Whatever the case , I guess we'll soon know if these theories are nothing more than pipe dreams.

Cheers

Hendrous