Intrepid Capital’s Five Picks

September 27, 2007

This week, we spoke with Mark  F. Travis, CIO and Senior Porfolio Manager at Intrepid Capital Management. He gave us a look at some of the companies they invest in. The following is accurate as of 9/10/07:

  1. Alberto-Culver (AV): “They had the unusual experience late last fall of sitting on a $25 per share special dividend, and then they spun off a company called Sally Beauty Products. Probably the most famous brand in their stable is Alberto VO5.”
  2. Hanesbrands (HBI): “[After their spin off from Sara Lee] management is probably more focused and excited to run their particular business line out from u nder a big corporate umbrella…”
  3. Jackson Hewitt (JTX): “If you’ve been in a Wal-Mart, they’ve got some little kiosks set up to help people file tax returns. They’ve had some reporting issues, but I think they’ve resolved those, and it’s given us an opportunity to invest.”
  4. Tellabs (TLAB): “Tellabs  has always had a very clean balance sheet with good cash generation and we think that’s an opportunity.”
  5. Connecticut Water Service (CTWS) “They’ve gotten a rate increase; they pay a nice dividend and have, I believe, since the 1950s.”

 For the full interview with Mr. Travis, including more information on how and why Mr. Travis and Intrepid pick stocks, click here.