Expect more spinoffs in 2021

Article Excerpt

Now that uncertainty over the COVID-19 pandemic is starting to fade, companies are once again pursuing spinoffs as a way to increase shareholder value. Below, we look at one recently completed spinoff, and one that may occur in the next few months. The old AARON’S INC. (New York symbol AAN) sells furniture and electronics through more than 1,500 company- and franchisee-owned stores in 46 U.S. states and Canada. It sells these goods under a “rent-to-own” model. That’s where customers make payments over a fixed term and take full ownership at the end of the contract. In April 2014, the company acquired Progressive Leasing for $700.0 million. Progressive offers rent-to-own financing contracts though 19,000 affiliated stores. Aaron’s third business—Vive Financial—provides financing to customers who don’t qualify for traditional bank loans. On December 1, 2020, the company separated its Progressive Leasing (including Vive Financial) from its Aaron’s retail businesses. Investors received one share of the new retail business—THE AARON’S COMPANY INC. $18 (New York symbol AAN; Consumer sector; Shares…