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The Weekly Wrap-Up – June 13, 2025

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides summaries of recent publications from Hidden Opportunities including links to the full-length research reports.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas. 


HIGH-CONVICTION RECOMMENDATIONS (LONG):


RECENT INITIATIONS:


LATEST PUBLICATIONS & UPDATES:

Update – The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG) – June 6, 2025 

SMG reaffirms F2025E guidance at an industry forum; reintroduces EPS guidance of “at least $3.50”; maintain $72 fair value estimate

SMG provided its customary mid-quarter update where it reaffirmed its previously articulated F2025E guidance calling for low-single digit growth in its U.S. Consumer business, an adjusted gross margin of ~30% and adjusted EBITDA of $570-$590 million. 

All told, our base case fair value estimate for Scotts Miracle Gro (SMG) remains $72 per share, which assigns de minimis value to its remaining cannabis-related supply asset, Hawthorne, and accounts for corporate costs and net debt.

 


Radar Screen – June 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Sealed Air Corp. (SEE)*, Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG), TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*New this month


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – June 6, 2025

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides a list of upcoming spin-offs and summaries of recent publications.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas.


UPCOMING U.S. SPIN-OFFS AND EXPECTED COMPLETION DATES:

2025

2026


RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

UPDATE: Holcim AG (HOLN SW) – June 2, 2025

HOLN Spin-Off AMRZ set to Begin Trading on June 23rd (with a Record Date of the 20th)

On June 2, 2025, Holcim AG (HOLN SW), which trades on the SIX Swiss Exchange, announced it plans to complete the tax-free separation of 100% (on a one-for-one basis) of its North American business, which will be called Amrize (and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMRZ with a secondary listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange), from its remaining International business, which will maintain the current corporate moniker on June 23rd.  

In terms of indexation, AMRZ will be included in the Swiss Market Index (SMI) and the Swiss Leader Index (SLI) on its first day of trading (and intends to seek inclusion in the relevant U.S. equity indices, most reasonably, in our view, the S&P 500).  Post-spin parent, HOLN, will remain in both the SMI and SLI indexes.

Post-spin Holcim is, in our view, likely to trade more in-line with more International-focused peers, such as Buzzi SpA (BUZ IM), Cie de Saint Gobain SA (SGO FP), CRH plc (NYSE: CRH), and Heidelberg Materials AG (HEI GR), which, trade on average at ~8.0x 2026E EV/EBITDA. 

Shares of pre-spin HOLN currently trade at ~8.0x 2026E EV/EBITDA and we continue to think the upcoming transaction is likely to unlock value as shares of each company garner appropriate valuations in their respective equity markets. Thus, we maintain our pre-spin BUY recommendation. On a post-spin basis, while we still await indications as to where the individual shares will ultimately begin trading in the so-called “when-issued” market, our initial bias leans toward Amrize (SpinCo), which offers higher growth, better margins, and, in our view, will eventually be added to the S&P 500 Index (potentially boosting demand for the shares). 

ALERT: Medtronic plc (MDT) – May 22, 2025

MDT to Separate its Diabetes Business in late-2026 via a Tax-Free IPO/Split-Off 

Medtronic plc (MDT), a global healthcare technology company based in Ireland but headquartered in Minneapolis, announced the intent to separate its Diabetes business into a standalone public company. The transaction, which is “generally” expected to be tax-free to shareholders, will preferably be accomplished via an initial public offering (IPO) and a subsequent split-off within the next 18 months, subject to customary conditions, including final Board & regulatory approvals. The parent, MDT, expects the deal to be accretive to both gross and operating margins as well as EPS; management also plans to maintain its current dividend policy post-spin. As it relates to SpinCo, which accounted for ~7.5% of consolidated sales and ~3.5% of operating profit in F2025, management envisions a “scaled” and more focused player in intensive insulin management industry that will be “appropriately” capitalized.

Applying a blended multiple of 13x, based on individual segment margin profiles, to projected F2026E EBITDA and accounting for net debt yields a preliminary, base case, sum of the parts valuation of ~$128.5 billion or ~$100.00 per share (based on a diluted share count of ~1.286 billion).

 


Radar Screen – June 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Sealed Air Corp. (SEE)*, Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG), TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*added this month


Spin-Off Report Calendar – June 2025

Published monthly, The Spin-Off Calendar provides one-page summaries of every spin-off under coverage from the announcement date, followed by the filing of the Form 10 and continuing 60 days post completion.


Spin-Off Report Compendium – May 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations.


European Spin-Off Compendium – June 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations in Europe. 


Bits & Pieces – May 2025

Covers mispriced stub securities, tracking stocks and other arbitrage opportunities.


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – June 6, 2025

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides summaries of recent publications from Hidden Opportunities including links to the full-length research reports.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas. 


HIGH-CONVICTION RECOMMENDATIONS (LONG):


RECENT INITIATIONS:


LATEST PUBLICATIONS & UPDATES:

Update – The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG) – June 6, 2025 

SMG reaffirms F2025E guidance at an industry forum; reintroduces EPS guidance of “at least $3.50”; maintain $72 fair value estimate

SMG provided its customary mid-quarter update where it reaffirmed its previously articulated F2025E guidance calling for low-single digit growth in its U.S. Consumer business, an adjusted gross margin of ~30% and adjusted EBITDA of $570-$590 million. 

All told, our base case fair value estimate for Scotts Miracle Gro (SMG) remains $72 per share, which assigns de minimis value to its remaining cannabis-related supply asset, Hawthorne, and accounts for corporate costs and net debt.

 


Radar Screen – June 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Sealed Air Corp. (SEE)*, Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG), TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*New this month


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – May 30, 2025

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides a list of upcoming spin-offs and summaries of recent publications.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas.


UPCOMING U.S. SPIN-OFFS AND EXPECTED COMPLETION DATES:

2025

2026


RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

ALERT: Medtronic plc (MDT) – May 22, 2025

MDT to Separate its Diabetes Business in late-2026 via a Tax-Free IPO/Split-Off 

Medtronic plc (MDT), a global healthcare technology company based in Ireland but headquartered in Minneapolis, announced the intent to separate its Diabetes business into a standalone public company. The transaction, which is “generally” expected to be tax-free to shareholders, will preferably be accomplished via an initial public offering (IPO) and a subsequent split-off within the next 18 months, subject to customary conditions, including final Board & regulatory approvals. The parent, MDT, expects the deal to be accretive to both gross and operating margins as well as EPS; management also plans to maintain its current dividend policy post-spin. As it relates to SpinCo, which accounted for ~7.5% of consolidated sales and ~3.5% of operating profit in F2025, management envisions a “scaled” and more focused player in intensive insulin management industry that will be “appropriately” capitalized.

Applying a blended multiple of 13x, based on individual segment margin profiles, to projected F2026E EBITDA and accounting for net debt yields a preliminary, base case, sum of the parts valuation of ~$128.5 billion or ~$100.00 per share (based on a diluted share count of ~1.286 billion).

 

UPDATE: Holcim AG (HOLN SW) – May 14, 2025

HOLN Shareholders Approve Amrize Spin-Off on-track for June; Dates & WI-Trading Info TBA; Maintain Pre-Spin BUY

On May 14, 2025, shareholders of Holcim AG (HOLN SW), which trades on the SIX Swiss Exchange, overwhelmingly approved the pending tax-free separation (on a one-for-one basis) of its North American business, which will be dubbed Amrize (and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMRZ with a secondary listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange), from its remaining International business, which will maintain the current corporate moniker.  The transaction is on-track to be completed in June 2025 although specific dates and so-called “when-issued” trading information has yet to be definitively announced.

Additionally, at the 2025 Annual Meeting, HOLN also approved the previously announced 11% increase in its annual dividend to CHF 3.10 as well as elected Kim Fausing as Chairman of post-spin HOLN.  

We maintain our pre-spin BUY recommendation. On a post-spin basis, while we still await indications as to where the individual shares will ultimately begin trading in the so-called “when-issued” market, our initial bias leans toward Amrize (SpinCo), which offers higher growth, better margins, and, in our view, will eventually be added to the S&P 500 Index (potentially boosting demand for the shares).

 


Radar Screen – May 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG)*, TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*added this month


Spin-Off Report Calendar – May 2025

Published monthly, The Spin-Off Calendar provides one-page summaries of every spin-off under coverage from the announcement date, followed by the filing of the Form 10 and continuing 60 days post completion.


Spin-Off Report Compendium – May 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations.


European Spin-Off Compendium – February 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations in Europe. 


Bits & Pieces – May 2025

Covers mispriced stub securities, tracking stocks and other arbitrage opportunities.


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – May 30, 2025

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides summaries of recent publications from Hidden Opportunities including links to the full-length research reports.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas. 


HIGH-CONVICTION RECOMMENDATIONS (LONG):


RECENT INITIATIONS:


LATEST PUBLICATIONS & UPDATES:

Update – APi Group (APG) – May 22, 2025 

Quick 2025 Investor Day Notes: New 2028E Financial Targets, an Upcoming Stock Split and Commentary Suggesting a Divestiture of Specialty Services is Possible (but not seemingly imminent); Fair Value Increased to $51 per share

We attended APG’s 2025 investor day in NYC where, as promised, the company provided new 2028E financial targets, including $10 billion-plus in consolidated sales, with an adj. EBITDA margin of 16%-plus and 60% of sales stemming from inspection, service & monitoring business and ~$2.5-$3 billion of cumulative free cash flow generation.

Separately, the company announced a 3-for-2 stock split, to take effect on June 30, 2025, for shareholders of record June 16th (after which the share count is expected to be ~415 million).

Our base case fair value estimate for Api Group (APG) is revised to $51 per share, reflecting a blended multiple of ~13.5x on F2026E adjusted EBITDA of ~$1.1 billion along with projected net debt of ~$1.0 billion and a diluted share count of ~287 million.

Comprehensive Report: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG) – May 12, 2025 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG) operates three segments: 1) U.S. Consumer, which is SMG’s core domestic lawn & garden business; 2) Hawthorne Gardening, a provider of indoor & hydroponic gardening supplies; and 3) Other which is essentially the company’s lawn & garden business in Canada.  During the pandemic era SMG’s stock had a dramatic ascent amid an unprecedented surge in demand; that said, as consumer trends normalized in the post-pandemic era the company was left with a bloated cost structure and an elevated leverage profile, which weighed heavily on SMG’s stock price.  Based on management guidance and commentary as well as peer and M&A valuations, SMG could, all told, be valued at ~$72 per share, assigning de minimis value to its remaining cannabis-related asset, Hawthorne.  Accounting for corporate costs and projected net debt of $61.50 per share yields a base case sum-of-the-parts fair value of ~$72 per share (with bull/bear cases of ~$81.00 and ~$63.00 per share). Potential catalysts include the monetization of assets, leverage reductions, and/or better than expected growth & margins. Risks include management execution, competition, changes in consumer preferences, leverage, weather/seasonality, and/or a decline in discretionary spending due to a recession or other geopolitical disturbances.

 


Radar Screen – May 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG)*, TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*New this month


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – May 22, 2025

In response to the increase in European activist campaigns, carve-outs and spin-offs, we recently expanded our research team with two analysts to launch a new service – The European Special Situations Report, which provides valuation and fundamental research across a range of European restructuring opportunities.

This service includes comprehensive reports, updates and The Monthly Situation Monitor (download first edition here), which covers European activist campaigns, strategic reviews, potential spin-offs and other special situations.

To add this service to your subscription or discuss in further detail, please reply to this email or call+1-646-839-5566.


 

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides a list of upcoming spin-offs and summaries of recent publications.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas.


UPCOMING U.S. SPIN-OFFS AND EXPECTED COMPLETION DATES:

2025

2026


RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

ALERT: Medtronic plc (MDT) – May 22, 2025

MDT to Separate its Diabetes Business in late-2026 via a Tax-Free IPO/Split-Off 

Medtronic plc (MDT), a global healthcare technology company based in Ireland but headquartered in Minneapolis, announced the intent to separate its Diabetes business into a standalone public company. The transaction, which is “generally” expected to be tax-free to shareholders, will preferably be accomplished via an initial public offering (IPO) and a subsequent split-off within the next 18 months, subject to customary conditions, including final Board & regulatory approvals. The parent, MDT, expects the deal to be accretive to both gross and operating margins as well as EPS; management also plans to maintain its current dividend policy post-spin. As it relates to SpinCo, which accounted for ~7.5% of consolidated sales and ~3.5% of operating profit in F2025, management envisions a “scaled” and more focused player in intensive insulin management industry that will be “appropriately” capitalized.

Applying a blended multiple of 13x, based on individual segment margin profiles, to projected F2026E EBITDA and accounting for net debt yields a preliminary, base case, sum of the parts valuation of ~$128.5 billion or ~$100.00 per share (based on a diluted share count of ~1.286 billion).

 

UPDATE: Holcim AG (HOLN SW) – May 14, 2025

HOLN Shareholders Approve Amrize Spin-Off on-track for June; Dates & WI-Trading Info TBA; Maintain Pre-Spin BUY

On May 14, 2025, shareholders of Holcim AG (HOLN SW), which trades on the SIX Swiss Exchange, overwhelmingly approved the pending tax-free separation (on a one-for-one basis) of its North American business, which will be dubbed Amrize (and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMRZ with a secondary listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange), from its remaining International business, which will maintain the current corporate moniker.  The transaction is on-track to be completed in June 2025 although specific dates and so-called “when-issued” trading information has yet to be definitively announced.

Additionally, at the 2025 Annual Meeting, HOLN also approved the previously announced 11% increase in its annual dividend to CHF 3.10 as well as elected Kim Fausing as Chairman of post-spin HOLN.  

We maintain our pre-spin BUY recommendation. On a post-spin basis, while we still await indications as to where the individual shares will ultimately begin trading in the so-called “when-issued” market, our initial bias leans toward Amrize (SpinCo), which offers higher growth, better margins, and, in our view, will eventually be added to the S&P 500 Index (potentially boosting demand for the shares).

 


Radar Screen – May 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG)*, TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*added this month


Spin-Off Report Calendar – May 2025

Published monthly, The Spin-Off Calendar provides one-page summaries of every spin-off under coverage from the announcement date, followed by the filing of the Form 10 and continuing 60 days post completion.


Spin-Off Report Compendium – May 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations.


European Spin-Off Compendium – February 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations in Europe. 


Bits & Pieces – May 2025

Covers mispriced stub securities, tracking stocks and other arbitrage opportunities.


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – May 22, 2025

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides summaries of recent publications from Hidden Opportunities including links to the full-length research reports.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas. 


HIGH-CONVICTION RECOMMENDATIONS (LONG):


RECENT INITIATIONS:


LATEST PUBLICATIONS & UPDATES:

Update – APi Group (APG) – May 22, 2025 

Quick 2025 Investor Day Notes: New 2028E Financial Targets, an Upcoming Stock Split and Commentary Suggesting a Divestiture of Specialty Services is Possible (but not seemingly imminent); Fair Value Increased to $51 per share

We attended APG’s 2025 investor day in NYC where, as promised, the company provided new 2028E financial targets, including $10 billion-plus in consolidated sales, with an adj. EBITDA margin of 16%-plus and 60% of sales stemming from inspection, service & monitoring business and ~$2.5-$3 billion of cumulative free cash flow generation.

Separately, the company announced a 3-for-2 stock split, to take effect on June 30, 2025, for shareholders of record June 16th (after which the share count is expected to be ~415 million).

Our base case fair value estimate for Api Group (APG) is revised to $51 per share, reflecting a blended multiple of ~13.5x on F2026E adjusted EBITDA of ~$1.1 billion along with projected net debt of ~$1.0 billion and a diluted share count of ~287 million.

Comprehensive Report: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG) – May 12, 2025 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG) operates three segments: 1) U.S. Consumer, which is SMG’s core domestic lawn & garden business; 2) Hawthorne Gardening, a provider of indoor & hydroponic gardening supplies; and 3) Other which is essentially the company’s lawn & garden business in Canada.  During the pandemic era SMG’s stock had a dramatic ascent amid an unprecedented surge in demand; that said, as consumer trends normalized in the post-pandemic era the company was left with a bloated cost structure and an elevated leverage profile, which weighed heavily on SMG’s stock price.  Based on management guidance and commentary as well as peer and M&A valuations, SMG could, all told, be valued at ~$72 per share, assigning de minimis value to its remaining cannabis-related asset, Hawthorne.  Accounting for corporate costs and projected net debt of $61.50 per share yields a base case sum-of-the-parts fair value of ~$72 per share (with bull/bear cases of ~$81.00 and ~$63.00 per share). Potential catalysts include the monetization of assets, leverage reductions, and/or better than expected growth & margins. Risks include management execution, competition, changes in consumer preferences, leverage, weather/seasonality, and/or a decline in discretionary spending due to a recession or other geopolitical disturbances.

 


Radar Screen – May 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG)*, TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*New this month


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – May 16, 2025

In response to the increase in European activist campaigns, carve-outs and spin-offs, we recently expanded our research team with two analysts to launch a new service – The European Special Situations Report, which provides valuation and fundamental research across a range of European restructuring opportunities.

This service includes comprehensive reports, updates and The Monthly Situation Monitor (download first edition here), which covers European activist campaigns, strategic reviews, potential spin-offs and other special situations.

To add this service to your subscription or discuss in further detail, please reply to this email or call+1-646-839-5566.


 

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides a list of upcoming spin-offs and summaries of recent publications.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas.


UPCOMING U.S. SPIN-OFFS AND EXPECTED COMPLETION DATES:

2025

2026


RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

UPDATE: Holcim AG (HOLN SW) – May 14, 2025

HOLN Shareholders Approve Amrize Spin-Off on-track for June; Dates & WI-Trading Info TBA; Maintain Pre-Spin BUY

On May 14, 2025, shareholders of Holcim AG (HOLN SW), which trades on the SIX Swiss Exchange, overwhelmingly approved the pending tax-free separation (on a one-for-one basis) of its North American business, which will be dubbed Amrize (and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker AMRZ with a secondary listing on the SIX Swiss Exchange), from its remaining International business, which will maintain the current corporate moniker.  The transaction is on-track to be completed in June 2025 although specific dates and so-called “when-issued” trading information has yet to be definitively announced.

Additionally, at the 2025 Annual Meeting, HOLN also approved the previously announced 11% increase in its annual dividend to CHF 3.10 as well as elected Kim Fausing as Chairman of post-spin HOLN.  

We maintain our pre-spin BUY recommendation. On a post-spin basis, while we still await indications as to where the individual shares will ultimately begin trading in the so-called “when-issued” market, our initial bias leans toward Amrize (SpinCo), which offers higher growth, better margins, and, in our view, will eventually be added to the S&P 500 Index (potentially boosting demand for the shares).

ALERT: HCI Eyes a Potential Tax-Free Spin-Off of its IT Solutions Business, Exzeo, by Year-End 2025 – May 9, 2025

On May 8, 2025, after the market close, HCI Group (NYSE: HCI), a Florida-based property & casualty (P&C) insurer, announced the potential tax-free spin-off of its IT Solutions business, Exzeo (formally TypTap), from its core insurance operations via a potential tax-free separation that if ultimately enacted would be targeted for completion by the end of 2025, subject to customary conditions, including the filing & effectiveness of a Form 10 filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

In terms of valuation, the broader group of property & casualty (P&C) insurers, trade at ~2.5x book value and ~12.5x 2026E EPS while M&A activity in the non-Life Insurance sector, the average purchase multiple has been around ~16.5x in recent years, per Chain Bridge Research.  For its own part, HCI, which has seen its share appreciate materially in 2025, have generally traded at a premium to peers.  Applying a 12.5x multiple to 2026E EPS yields a preliminary fair value of $181.75 per share

ALERT: MCK Intends to Separate its Medical-Surgical Solutions Business; “Form and Timing” Remain to be Determined – May 9, 2025

On May 8, 2025, McKesson Corp. (NYSE: MCK), a pharmaceutical/medical supply distributor, announced the separation of its Medical-Surgical Solutions segment into an independent company.  Management contends the separation will help the remaining company “focus its capital deployment priorities on opportunities that best align with its long-term enterprise strategies” and further invest in higher growth, higher margin opportunities, namely Oncology & Biopharma Solutions. On the other hand, NewCo is expected to be “a differentiated medical surgical supply and solutions company with a compelling leadership position, attractive margins, and potential for growth acceleration across all the alternate sites of care markets”.

The U.S. Pharmaceutical and International segment’s largest competitors, per filings, are Cencora, Inc. (NYSE: COR) and Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH), which trade at ~16.5x 2026E EPS and ~12x 2026E EV/EBITDA. The Prescription Technology Solutions (or RxTS) and Medical -Surgical Solutions businesses compete with a broad range of national & regional players. For its own part, MCK has traded at ~20.5x and ~12.5x forward earnings and EBITDA, respectively, over the last 10-years and ~27.0x & ~12.5x over the last 5-years. Applying a blended multiple of ~20.5x to estimated 2026E EPS of ~$37.15 implies an preliminary per share value of $761.50, 10% above the current share price.

 


Radar Screen – May 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG)*, TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*added this month


Spin-Off Report Calendar – May 2025

Published monthly, The Spin-Off Calendar provides one-page summaries of every spin-off under coverage from the announcement date, followed by the filing of the Form 10 and continuing 60 days post completion.


Spin-Off Report Compendium – February 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations.


European Spin-Off Compendium – February 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations in Europe. 


Bits & Pieces – May 2025

Covers mispriced stub securities, tracking stocks and other arbitrage opportunities.


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – May 16, 2025

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides summaries of recent publications from Hidden Opportunities including links to the full-length research reports.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas. 


HIGH-CONVICTION RECOMMENDATIONS (LONG):


RECENT INITIATIONS:


LATEST PUBLICATIONS & UPDATES:

Comprehensive Report: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG) – May 12, 2025 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG) operates three segments: 1) U.S. Consumer, which is SMG’s core domestic lawn & garden business; 2) Hawthorne Gardening, a provider of indoor & hydroponic gardening supplies; and 3) Other which is essentially the company’s lawn & garden business in Canada.  During the pandemic era SMG’s stock had a dramatic ascent amid an unprecedented surge in demand; that said, as consumer trends normalized in the post-pandemic era the company was left with a bloated cost structure and an elevated leverage profile, which weighed heavily on SMG’s stock price.  Based on management guidance and commentary as well as peer and M&A valuations, SMG could, all told, be valued at ~$72 per share, assigning de minimis value to its remaining cannabis-related asset, Hawthorne.  Accounting for corporate costs and projected net debt of $61.50 per share yields a base case sum-of-the-parts fair value of ~$72 per share (with bull/bear cases of ~$81.00 and ~$63.00 per share). Potential catalysts include the monetization of assets, leverage reductions, and/or better than expected growth & margins. Risks include management execution, competition, changes in consumer preferences, leverage, weather/seasonality, and/or a decline in discretionary spending due to a recession or other geopolitical disturbances.

 

Update: NPK International (NPKI) – May 2, 2025

NPKI reported solid 1Q 2025 results, modestly raised full-year guidance (amid robust demand, share gains and zero tariff exposure); ended 1Q 2025 with net cash despite repurchasing 2% of shares during the quarter

NPK International (NYSE: NPKI), which changed its corporate moniker from Newpark Resources in December 2024 following the sale of its Fluid Systems business, reported 1Q 2025 results with sales from continuing operations up ~32% to $64.8 million, driven by strength in demand for rentals of its core-composite matting products as well as share gains.  Operating income and adj. EBITDA were up ~93% and 59%, respectively, to $13.5 million and $19.7 million on margin expansion of 670 bps to 20.9% and 510 bps to 30.4%).  EPS more than doubled to $0.12.

Our base case fair value for NPKI (formerly NR) remains ~$9.50 per share based on a 10.5x multiple on 2026E adjusted EBITDA of ~$75.5 million (previously $73 million), while accounting for corporate costs and projected net debt/cash.

 


Radar Screen – May 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG)*, TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*New this month


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566

The Weekly Wrap-Up – May 9, 2025

In response to the increase in European activist campaigns, carve-outs and spin-offs, we recently expanded our research team with two analysts to launch a new service – The European Special Situations Report, which provides valuation and fundamental research across a range of European restructuring opportunities.

This service includes comprehensive reports, updates and The Monthly Situation Monitor (download first edition here), which covers European activist campaigns, strategic reviews, potential spin-offs and other special situations.

To add this service to your subscription or discuss in further detail, please reply to this email or call+1-646-839-5566.


 

The Weekly Wrap-Up provides a list of upcoming spin-offs and summaries of recent publications.  If you haven’t engaged with the research over the past seven days, the Weekly Wrap-Up will quickly update you on our newest and highest conviction ideas.


UPCOMING U.S. SPIN-OFFS AND EXPECTED COMPLETION DATES:

2025

2026


RECENT PUBLICATIONS:

ALERT: HCI Eyes a Potential Tax-Free Spin-Off of its IT Solutions Business, Exzeo, by Year-End 2025 – May 9, 2025

On May 8, 2025, after the market close, HCI Group (NYSE: HCI), a Florida-based property & casualty (P&C) insurer, announced the potential tax-free spin-off of its IT Solutions business, Exzeo (formally TypTap), from its core insurance operations via a potential tax-free separation that if ultimately enacted would be targeted for completion by the end of 2025, subject to customary conditions, including the filing & effectiveness of a Form 10 filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

In terms of valuation, the broader group of property & casualty (P&C) insurers, trade at ~2.5x book value and ~12.5x 2026E EPS while M&A activity in the non-Life Insurance sector, the average purchase multiple has been around ~16.5x in recent years, per Chain Bridge Research.  For its own part, HCI, which has seen its share appreciate materially in 2025, have generally traded at a premium to peers.  Applying a 12.5x multiple to 2026E EPS yields a preliminary fair value of $181.75 per share

ALERT: MCK Intends to Separate its Medical-Surgical Solutions Business; “Form and Timing” Remain to be Determined – May 9, 2025

On May 8, 2025, McKesson Corp. (NYSE: MCK), a pharmaceutical/medical supply distributor, announced the separation of its Medical-Surgical Solutions segment into an independent company.  Management contends the separation will help the remaining company “focus its capital deployment priorities on opportunities that best align with its long-term enterprise strategies” and further invest in higher growth, higher margin opportunities, namely Oncology & Biopharma Solutions. On the other hand, NewCo is expected to be “a differentiated medical surgical supply and solutions company with a compelling leadership position, attractive margins, and potential for growth acceleration across all the alternate sites of care markets”.

The U.S. Pharmaceutical and International segment’s largest competitors, per filings, are Cencora, Inc. (NYSE: COR) and Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH), which trade at ~16.5x 2026E EPS and ~12x 2026E EV/EBITDA. The Prescription Technology Solutions (or RxTS) and Medical -Surgical Solutions businesses compete with a broad range of national & regional players. For its own part, MCK has traded at ~20.5x and ~12.5x forward earnings and EBITDA, respectively, over the last 10-years and ~27.0x & ~12.5x over the last 5-years. Applying a blended multiple of ~20.5x to estimated 2026E EPS of ~$37.15 implies an preliminary per share value of $761.50, 10% above the current share price.

 

ALERT:  SPGI Intends to Separate its Mobility Division via a Tax-Free Spinoff likely in 2H 2026 – April 29, 2025

S&P Global Inc. (NYSE: SPGI), a global data provider, intends to pursue the separation of its mobility division, S&P Global Mobility, into a standalone public company via a spin-off that is expected to qualify as tax-free for shareholders. The company expects the transaction to be completed within 12-18 months, subject to customary requirements and final Board approval. Management intends to provide additional information at an Investor Day scheduled for November 13, 2025.

Applying a blended multiple of ~30.5x to 2026E EPS (or a ~21.5x EV/EBITDA multiple, including debt) implies a preliminary, base case, sum-of-the parts value of ~$178.5 billion or ~$580 per share, 14% above the current share price.

 


Radar Screen – May 2025

Monthly publication providing ongoing analysis on companies where we see potential for a value-unlocking event

Companies discussed this month:  Albany International (AIN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), APi Group (APG), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (GT), Intel Corporation (INTC), Luxfer Holdings (LXFR), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Netgear Inc. (NTGR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. (SMG)*, TriMas Corporation (TRS), XPO Inc. (XPO)

*added this month


Spin-Off Report Calendar – May 2025

Published monthly, The Spin-Off Calendar provides one-page summaries of every spin-off under coverage from the announcement date, followed by the filing of the Form 10 and continuing 60 days post completion.


Spin-Off Report Compendium – February 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations.


European Spin-Off Compendium – February 2025

Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations in Europe. 


Bits & Pieces – April 2025

Covers mispriced stub securities, tracking stocks and other arbitrage opportunities.


Product Specialist

Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
+1 646-839-5566