The sale still benefits Perrigo investors

Article Excerpt

Generic drugmaker Perrigo recent sold its topical treatments business instead of spinning it off as originally planned. We feel the transaction will ultimately pay off for investors, as the cash from the sale will let the company make acquisitions to fuel its long-term growth. PERRIGO CO. PLC $41 is a spinoff buy. The company (New York symbol PRGO, Manufacturing sector; Shares outstanding: 133.7 million; Market cap: $5.5 billion; Dividend yield: 2.3%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.perrigo.com) took its current form in June 2013 when it merged with Irish-based drug maker Elan Corporation, plc. The combined firm is now based in Dublin, Ireland. The company is one of the world’s largest makers of over-the-counter (OTC) health-care products. Those include treatments for cough, cold, allergies and pain. Perrigo sells those products mainly under the private-label brands of retail chains. Walmart is its biggest customer, accounting for about 13% of overall sales. Perrigo’s sales fell 10.4%, from $5.28 billion in 2016 to $4.73 billion in…