Stick with the former parent for now

Article Excerpt

As investors prefer “pure-play” firms that focus on a single businesses, more companies are turning to spinoffs as a way to boost their value. For example, on April 1, 2024, 3M spun off its Health Care division as an independent firm called Solventum. Shareholders received one share of Solventum for every four shares they held. 3M still owns 19.9% of Solventum, but plans to sell those shares over the next five years. While the split will benefit both, we prefer the former parent for your new buying. 3M COMPANY $98 is a buy for long-term gains. The company (New York symbol MMM; Income Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 553.4 million; Market cap: $54.2 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.7; Dividend yield: 2.9%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.3m.com) started in 1902, when it was called the Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company. Today, 3M makes more than 55,000 items, including Post-it notes, Scotch tape, Scotch-Brite cleaning products, Scotchguard protection and Thinsulate insulation. In the three months ended…