Break-up would unlock even more value

Article Excerpt

SARA LEE CORP. $19 (New York symbol SLE; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 639.3 million; Market cap: $12.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.1; Dividend yield: 2.4%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.saralee.com) has gained 58.3% since we first recommended it in the December 2009 Wall Street Stock Forecaster. That’s because the company is focusing on its processed-food operations, and has sold most of its less-profitable household and body-care products businesses. As a smaller company, Sara Lee is reportedly attracting takeover offers. However, Sara Lee may instead spin off its meat and beverage businesses as separate companies. Break-ups like this help unlock hidden value, and generally lead to above-average results for a period of years. Sara Lee is still a buy. buy…