Spinoff should push Lennar even higher

Article Excerpt

Shares of Lennar hit a new all-time high of $117.54 on December 13, 2021. That’s largely because low interest rates and the COVID-19 pandemic continue to spur demand for new houses. We feel the stock will surpass that record in 2022 as the upcoming spin-off of its mortgage origination and apartment operations unlocks the hidden value of those assets. LENNAR CORP. $97 is a spinoff buy. The company (New York symbol LEN; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 271.9 million; Market cap: $26.4 billion; Dividend yield: 1.5%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.lennar.com) is one of the largest homebuilders in the U.S. It also operates a mortgage financing business and develops multi-family rental properties. In February 2018, Lennar acquired rival homebuilder CalAtlantic Group Inc. for $6.2 billion in cash and stock. That purchase helped spur Lennar’s revenue by 114.5%, from $12.65 billion in 2017 to $27.13 billion in 2021 (fiscal years end November 30). Earnings during those five years also shot up 379.3%, from $924.3 million to $4.43 billion. Due…