Acquisitions should push them higher

Article Excerpt

So far, Henry Schein’s spinoff of Covetrus (its animal health business) has delivered mixed results for investors: the former parent is up over 25%, while the new firm is down roughly 50%. We still like the outlook for both companies, particularly as recent acquisitions position them for better earnings growth. HENRY SCHEIN INC. $78 is a buy. The company (Nasdaq symbol HSIC; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 139.7 million; Market cap: $10.9 billion; No dividend paid; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.henryschein.com) is the world’s largest provider of health-care products and services to doctors and dentists. On February 8, 2019, the company spun off its animal health business. At the same time, that new firm merged with privately held software maker Vets First Choice to become Covetrus. Schein shareholders received 0.4 of a Covetrus share for each HSIC share they held. After the completion of the transaction, Schein shareholders owned 63% of Covetrus, with Vets First Choice shareholders holding the remainder. Schein recently completed two acquisitions that will…