Corsair Capital's Q1 Letter & Pitch on Orbital ATK

Jay Petschek and Steven Major's hedge fund firm Corsair Capital is out with its first quarter letter to investors.  In it, they talk about the global macro situation as well as their positions in Ryman Hospitality (RHP), Kindred Healthcare (KND), CommScope (COMM), and Republic Airways (RJET).

Sees IAC Interactive Spin-Off Coming

Additionally, they outline their thoughts on IAC Interactive (IACI).  They feel shares are worth over $100 (currently trading around ~ $72) and see revenue growth via their online dating apps (advertising implementation on Tinder and paid subs on Tinder Plus).  Corsair expects chairman Barry Diller to spin-off the online dating segment (Match Group) in order to unlock value.

Pitch on Orbital ATK

The end of their letter includes a pitch on Orbital ATK (OA).  In summary, Orbital merged with Alliant Techsystems and they see various synergies here.  This, plus increased buybacks and dividends lead them to believe multiple expansion will occur, bringing the company more inline with competitors.  They think shares are worth ~$100 and currently trade around $73. See the letter below for the full pitch.

Corsair's Q1 Letter

Embedded below is Corsair Capital's Q1 2015 letter:



For more from this hedge fund, head to Corsair Capital's recent interview with Graham & Doddsville.

Corsair Capital Provides Updates on Their Positions: Q1 Letter

Jay Petschek and Steven Major's hedge fund Corsair Capital is out with their Q1 letter and in it they detail updates on their investments in: LyondellBasell (LYB), Shaw Group (SHAW), Republic Airways (RJET), Neo Material Technologies (NEM) and TNS (TNS).

Given that LYB has been owned by numerous hedge funds, we wanted to highlight their commentary:

LyondellBasell (LYB) - "Though the company reported a weak Q4 as expected, the market anticipates record-low gas prices will continue to suppress ethane prices, one of LYB's main input costs, thereby supporting high ethylene margins.  If current ethane prices are sustainable, the industry could enter a 'super-cycle' where LYB would show earnings previously not thought possible.  The company also took advantage of the current strong credit markets and refinanced $3 billion of debt, benefitting by both extending maturities and lowering interest payments."


Also, the fund addressed their position in Shaw Group (SHAW): "two of its main customers received the final requisite Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing to construct two new nuclear power plants and the EPA's increased environmental standards drove power plant maintenance contract wins.  The company also reported a strong fiscal Q2 and the upcoming divestiture of the Energy and Chemicals division in the next few months should create additional shareholder value.  We estimate that SHAW could earn $3.00/share in FY 2013, which would increase its net cash position to over $17.00/share."

We've previously posted up Corsair's investment thesis on Shaw Industries for further color.



Embedded below is Corsair Capital's Q1 letter:



Later this morning we also posted up Corsair's investment thesis on SunCoke Energy.