Maple Leaf aims for ‘pure-play’ gains

Article Excerpt

A key reason why spinoffs tend to work out well is because investors prefer “pure-play” firms that they can more easily evaluate and compare to other stocks. Iconic food maker Maple Leaf Foods now plans to set up its less-profitable hog processing business as a separate, publicly traded firm. That should help improve the value of its main, value-added food operations. We feel this move will ultimately pay off for investors. However, Maple Leaf’s shares will probably stay in a narrow range until more information becomes available. MAPLE LEAF FOODS INC. $25 is a hold. The company (Toronto symbol MFI; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 122.5 million; Market cap: $3.1 billion; Dividend yield: 3.5%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.mapleleaffoods.com) sells fresh and prepared meats under the Maple Leaf and Schneider labels. In response to changing consumer tastes, Maple Leaf has expanded beyond its traditional products. Under that plan, it has acquired firms that make plant-based hamburgers, hot dogs and other protein products under the Lightlife and Field Roast brands…