Recession fears offset spinoff benefits

Article Excerpt

These two recent spinoffs should pay off for investors over the next few years. However, the increasing likelihood of an economic slowdown this year will depressed their share prices in the short term. LITHIUM AMERICAS CORP. $28 is a hold, but only for highly aggressive investors. The company (Toronto symbol LAC; Resources sector; 151.1 million; Market cap: $4.2 billion; No dividend paid; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.lithiumamericas.com) plans to split its operations into two separate, publicly traded firms. Lithium International will hold its 44.8% interest in Caucharí-Olaroz and 100% interest in the Pastos Grandes lithium project in Salta, Argentina. It will also hold 17% of Arena Minerals Inc. (Toronto venture symbol AN), which is developing lithium and copper projects in South America. The remaining firm will keep the Lithium Americas name and operate the company’s 100%-owned Thacker Pass lithium project in Nevada. This project could begin operating in late 2026, and its reserves should last 40 years. Lithium Americas will also hold stakes in Green Technology Metals Limited…