|  OCT 1985

Riding for Profits with "Irv the Liquidator" by Richard J. Maturi

Riding for Profits with ""Irv the Liquidator"" by Richard J. Maturi Wall Street Journal articles over the past few months have reported the financial dealings of Irwin Jacobs, better known as ""Irv the Liquidator."" Jacobs invests in companies he considers financially sound but in need of turning around. He has completed several such acquisitions (Bekins, Aegis) and has sold other interests back to the pursued company for a handsome profit. Recent headlines include: Disney Buys Out Jacobs' Stake for $158.1 Million Group Led By Jacobs Plans Bid For Rest Of Lyon Metal Jacobs Increases Stake in Minstar Inc. Jacobs Controls 9.5% of G.C. Murphy Avco Position of 6.5% of Common Held by Jacobs Group Minstar to Complete Acquisition of Aegis Although interesting reading, their value escaped me until I conducted an analysis of the stock prices of Jacobs' prey. As it turns out, the relatively narrow trading range of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and low volume trading days offer me little opportunity for profits or excitement but Jacobs' investments offer both. My analysis began with researching old Wall Street Journal and Barron's articles for leads on companies pursued by Jacobs. This was followed by charting the stock price action (high, low, close, change, and volume) weekly for a period beginning at least a month before the articles were released. Analysis of the stock charts points out the following investment opportunities:

by Richard J. Maturi