Philips grows in Saudi Arabia

Article Excerpt

PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V. ADRs $34 (New York symbol PHG; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; ADRs outstanding: 913.3 million; Market cap: $31.1 billion; Priceto- sales ratio: 1.0; Dividend yield: 2.9%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.philips.com) has agreed to merge its LED (light emitting diode) lighting product business in Saudi Arabia with local firm General Lighting. As part of the deal, Philips will also contribute $235 million, which is equal to 42% of the $566 million, or $0.59 per ADR, that it earned in the quarter ended December 31, 2013. In return, Philips will receive a 51% stake in the combined company. Teaming up with a well-established local firm should help Philips take advantage of fast-growing demand for LED lighting, particularly as the Saudi government aims to cut its energy use. Philips is a buy. buy…