Tuesday 30 November 2004

Company Update: Blair

Ticker: BL

Price: 35.00

Up 37 percent since initial report (2/14/03)



Shares of Blair Corp, a small mail order apparel company are up 37 percent since our initial report on 2/14/03. Just like the other companies we initially profiled on this site, the company no longer trades below its net current asset value. Nonetheless, the company still boasts a rock-solid balance sheet, with $35 million in cash (or about $4.50 per share), and no long-term debt.



While third quarter sales ($107.1 million) were down 14 percent from the same period last year ($124.1 million), net income was up significantly, from $793 thousand to $2.9 million. The company has been successful in cutting costs, boosting margins, and garnering more revenue from the e-commerce side of its business.



The company also continues to pay a $.15 quarterly dividend, and yields 1.68 percent. Blair is the epitome of a successful NCAV company: Solid balance sheet, unrecognized value in the marketplace, and profitable. Patient investors have been rewarded nicely.





OUR NEXT REPORT



Stay tuned for a new report which will reveal a profitable regional retailer which is currently trading below its net current asset value. Please send feedback and questions to:



cheapstocks@earthlink.net

Wednesday 3 November 2004

Company Update

Ambassadors International

Up: 46 percent

Last report: 2/22/03

Price: $12.46



Shares of this tiny travel services company have performed well since our initial report (see archive). At the time, the company was trading below it's net current asset value, but with its subsequent run-up, it no longer does. That doesen't mean, however, that there is no value here.



Although trading at a high price earnings multiple (around 70), the company boasts a strong, cash-rich balance sheet. With $97 million in cash and marketable securities, (that equates to $10 per share!), the company has no debt. Third quarter 2004 sales rose to $4.5 million, or $.07 per share, up sharply from the same quarter last year ($3.0 million, breakeven). The company also pays a $.10 quarterly dividend, and currently yields more than 3 percent. Watch as this story unfolds. Essentially, if you purchase this stock at $12.46, you are theoretically buying $10 in cash, a 3% yield, and getting the operating businesses for $2.46.