Spinoff could lead to takeover offers

Article Excerpt

Transportation firm XPO will soon complete the spinoff of its logistics business after stock market disruptions caused by COVID-19 initially delayed that split. The breakup will create two pure-play firms—one focused on hauling goods on trucks, and one devoted to improving the flow of goods. Investors prefer pure-play firms, as they are easier to evaluate as potential takeover targets. In fact, it’s possible the two new firms could attract takeover offers from bigger competitors. XPO LOGISTICS INC. $143 is a spinoff buy. The company (New York symbol XPO; Manufacturing sector; Shares outstanding: 111.7 million; Market cap: $16.0 billion; No dividends paid; Takeover Target Rating: Highest; www.xpo.com) is a major global provider of supply-chain services to over 50,000 businesses worldwide. The company generates value for investors through its two businesses: Its first, Transportation (62% of XPO’s 2020 revenue), offers freight brokerage; last-mile logistics for heavy goods; less-than-truckload services; and intermodal operations. The second business—Logistics (38%)—provides contract, warehousing, distribution and inventory management. XPO’s revenue rose 18.2%, from…