Thus - The New Ashtead?

abergele - the market is the market - no point in getting vitriolic. Short positions are a fact of life. I dont short myself, but not because of any issues of principle, just I am more comfortable with a buy & hold, or cut my losses stance.
Take shorts into consideration as an element of prevailing trading conditions, they provide liquidy and an extra dynamic. Its like complaining about sharks in the ocean when you go swimming. They are there as a fact of life.
If they start consistently winning, it gives you a very good reason to re-evaluate your investment.

IMO, in the prevailing climate of consolidation THUS' down side is even more limited than it was last week & there are a number of possible scenarios that could make THUS share price turn on a sixpence. Something from left field will catch them shorts out big time. Never say never.
Analysts, particuarly Sam Morton has written THUS off on the basis of their short term growth prospects. He may have called it right. However as the climate of consolidation heats up, there are 3 less players in the UK market than there were last month. That has to be good for the industry as a whole. And at the current levels THUS still have to be considered as a play .
Volumes picking up & price firming. I'm happy to hold, sit back & wait and wouldnt be short right now.

malc