Edgewell has high takeover appeal

Article Excerpt

In July 2015, Energizer Holdings split into personal-care products maker Edgewell and battery-manufacturer Energizer—a move that created two pure-play leaders in their markets. Edgewell has dropped over 60% since the split, which has prompted it to re-focus on more profitable businesses. It’s also aggressively cutting its costs. Those moves, as well as its affordable market cap and well-known brands, make it a highly attractive takeover target. EDGEWELL PERSONAL CARE CO. $30 is a buy for aggressive investors. The company (New York symbol EPC; Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 54.4 million; Market cap: $1.6 billion; No divd.; Takeover Target Rating: Highest; www.edgewell.com) has three main businesses: Wet Shave (58% of sales, 56% of earnings) makes razors, shaving gels and creams, mainly under the Wilkinson Sword and Schick brands. Sun and Skin Care (28%, 29%) makes sunscreen lotions (under the Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat brands), skin creams (Bulldog) and hand wipes (Wet Ones). Feminine Care (14%, 15%) makes tampons, pads and liners under the Playtex, Stayfree, Carefree and o.b. brands. Edgewell continues…