Nuance better poised for spinoff gains

Article Excerpt

NUANCE COMMUNICATIONS INC. $17 (Nasdaq symbol NUAN; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 285.6 million; Market cap: $4.9 billion; No dividends paid; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.nucance.com) specializes in speech and imaging technology. Its systems enable voice-activated services over the telephone by transforming speech into text and allowing users to control devices and software by voice. The company’s products rely on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, cognitive science, and machine learning. As the result of a strategic review, Nuance will now spin off its automotive operations as Cerence Inc. That new firm specializes in software to run car information/entertainment systems. The company has yet to announce the terms of the spinoff, but plans to complete the transaction on October 1, 2019. Shareholders will only be liable for capital gains taxes on those new shares when they sell them. Following the spinoff, Nuance will focus on its health-care and enterprise operations. Its smaller size should enhance its already-strong takeover appeal. Nuance is a spinoff buy. CAPITAL PRODUCT…