We prefer the parents, not the spinoffs

Article Excerpt

These two overseas firms are spinning off some of their smaller businesses, which helps unlock value. For your new buying, we still like their shares, but we suggest holding off for now on buying additional shares in their spinoffs. ABB LTD. ADRs $27 is a buy. This Swiss-based company (New York symbol ABB; Manufacturing & Industry sector; ADRs outstanding: 2.1 billion; Market cap: $56.7 billion; Dividend yield: 3.3%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.abb.com) is a leading maker of electrical transformers, transmission systems and circuit breakers for electrical utilities. It also makes automation systems and robotic equipment. ABB is now spinning off its turbocharging business (called Accelleron). That unit makes equipment to improve the performance of diesel and gasoline-powered engines. In 2021, the business generated revenues of $756 million, or about 3% of ABB’s total revenue of $28.9 billion. Shareholders will receive 1 Accelleron share for every 20 ABB shares they hold (each American Depositary Receipt equals 1 common share). The new Accelleron shares will trade on the…