Split could boost shareholder value

Article Excerpt

The ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China—with its tariffs and retaliatory tariffs—has hurt Chinese demand for U.S. ethanol, a corn-based fuel additive. However, the Trump administration is also making it easier for U.S. refineries to add higher levels of ethanol to U.S. gasoline. That should boost demand. In light of the uncertainty, Archer Daniels Midland continues to look at setting up its ethanol business as a separate company. That spinoff would let Archer Daniel focus on its more-profitable operations. As well, given its moderate size, the new ethanol firm would likely become an attractive takeover target for a larger producer. ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO. $40 (New York symbol ADM; Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 560.1 million; Market cap: $22.4 billion; Dividend yield: 3.3%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.adm.com) processes corn, wheat, soybeans, flaxseed, peanuts and other crops to make a variety of ingredients such as flour, oils and sweeteners. The company is also the second-largest U.S. maker of ethanol from corn after privately held…