Tuesday, February 19, 2008

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Barington Capital is an activist hedge fund that has never had a bad investment, according to Dealbreaker magazine. The firm recently filed its Schedule 13F-HR filing with the SEC detailing its current holdings. Unfortunately, Barington has been holding many of its stocks for a long time which means that it may be too late for investors to trade alongside the firm. Luckily, the recent economic downturn has pushed many of these stocks down off their highs and may give investors and opportunity to invest alongside one of Wall Street’s greats. So, without further adieu, here are some of Barington’s top holdings for your consideration!

Barington’s largest holding is The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack (NYSE: PBY) in which it has a stake worth approximately $64,586,000. The automotive retail and service chain has been beaten down nearly 50 percent off of its highs of $22.49 trading now at just $11.45. The company has been struggling since it announced that its losses widened it would close stores, and reduce staff in November of last year. Recently, Pep Boys struck a deal with Lanelogic to enable its customers to sell used vehicles, which many analysts believe will boost profitability for the struggling company. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board also picked up 50,000 shares ahead of the announcement. And finally, the same strong fundamentals that prompted hedge funds like Barington to take a stake in this company still exist, making it a stock that is definitely worth watching!

Barington’s second largest holding is Lancaster Colony Corp. (NDAQ: LANC) in which it holds a $60,606,000 stake. The manufacturer and marketer of specialty food products is down about 25 percent off of its highs, but recently reported strong earnings that have sent shares higher. The company has also been buying back its own shares and eliminated and has very little debt. Activists made big money in this stock back in 2007 when the company divested its automotive accessory divisions. Its willingness to unlock value and strong fundamentals despite a troubled economy has made Lancaster a stock that is definitely worth watching!

Barington’s third largest stake is in A. Schulman, Inc. (NDAQ: SHLM) in which it holds $51,019,000 worth of stock. The stock is trading about 20 percent off of its highs for the year, but recently announced steps that it was taking to improve its profitability in North America. The company plans to shut down its manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario and to pursue a sale of its plan in Orange, Texas. This consolidation of production will improve overall capacity utilization and restore long-term profitability and stead growth to its North American operations. There has also been some speculation that the Schulman may pursue strategic alternatives after Ramius Capital installed two board members while Barington still holds a large stake. Combined, these factors make SHLM a stock worth considering!

Barington also holds stakes in Consolidated-Tomoka Land Co. (AMEX: CTO), Convergys Corp. (NYSE: CVG), Dillards Inc. (NYSE: DDS), Fisher Communications Inc. (NDAQ: FSCI), Griffon Corp. (NYSE: GFF), Macy’s Inc. (NYSE: M), and Syms Corp. (OTC: SYM). In the end, these are all stocks worth watching given the activist hedge fund’s impeccable record of success, especially given that many of them are now available at bargain basement prices!

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2/19/2008 5:44:40 PM UTC  #    Comments [0]  |  Trackback