‘Carveout’ sets investors up for higher gains

Article Excerpt

Foodmaker Post Holdings recently initiated a “carve-out,” using an IPO to sell a portion of its active nutrition business, BellRing Brands. That now pure-play firm makes protein bars, shakes and nutritional supplements. Post used the proceeds from the sale to pay down its debt and strengthen value for investors. But more important, the IPO sets the stage for it to complete the carveout by spinning off its remaining BellRing stake to its investors. POST HOLDINGS INC. $92 is a spinoff buy. The company (New York symbol POST; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 69.9 million; Market cap: $6.4 billion; No dividends paid; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.postholdings.com) is a leading maker of cereals and packaged foods. The U.S. supplies 87% of its sales. Post has fuelled value for investors through acquisitions. For example, in 2017 it paid $1.5 billion for Bob Evans Farms’ refrigerated retail business. It makes breakfast sausages, and bacon, egg, potato and cheese products. In April 2017, Post purchased British cereal maker Weetabix for $1.8 billion. As…