Benefit from their narrower focus

Article Excerpt

Spinoffs are a great way for companies to sharpen their focus on the more-profitable segments of their businesses. Here are two recent examples we feel will pay off for investors over the next few years. BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. $44 is a buy. The company (New York symbol BAX; Manufacturing sector; Shares o/s: 504.1 million; Market cap: $22.2 billion; Dividend yield: 2.6%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.baxter.com) makes a variety of medical devices, including intravenous pumps and kidney-dialysis equipment. Baxter now plans to spin off its Renal Care and Acute Therapies businesses as one separate company. In 2021, those kidney-care units contributed revenue of $4.86 billion, or 38% of Baxter’s total revenue of $12.78 billion. The company has not yet announced the details of the transaction. However, investors will not be liable for capital gains taxes until they sell their new shares. They can expect the spinoff in 2024. Baxter is also conducting a strategic review of its BioPharma Solutions business, which provides contract manufacturing services to the healthcare…