The Weekly Wrap-Up provides summaries of recent publications from the Spin-Off Report 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.
UPCOMING SPIN-OFFS AND EXPECTED COMPLETION DATES:
- Baxter International Inc. (BAX) / Vantive – 2Q 2024
- Jacobs Solutions Inc. (J) / Critical Mission Solutions – 3Q 2024
- Western Digital (WDC) / HDD Business – 2H 2024
- MDU Resources Group (MDU) / Construction Services – 2H 2024
- Berry Global Group Inc. (BERY) / HH&S And Films Businesses (to merge w/ Glatfelter) – 2H 2024
- Select Medical Holdings Corp. (SEM) / Concentra Business – 2H 2024
- Edwards Lifesciences Corp.(EW) / Critical Care Business – 2H 2024
- Holcim Ltd. (HOLN SW) / North American Business – 1H 2025
RECENT PUBLICATIONS:
A.P. Moller-Maersk / Svitzer – Comprehensive Note
April 29, 2024
On April 30, 2024, A.P. Moller-Maersk (MAERSKA DC, MAERSKB DC) completed the spin-off its Towage business, Svitzer, into a standalone, publicly traded company.
While Svitzer is a compelling business, its contribution to Maersk is minimal; so much so, that management indicated during a recent earnings call that it never considered the segment when determining the outlook for the consolidated company. Whereas Maersk’s 2023 revenues totaled $51 billion, Svitzer contributed less than $1 billion, and its fair value estimate amounts to less than 5% of the parent company’s market capitalization. This could create significant selling pressure on Svitzer shares upon distribution should Maersk’s shareholders, many of which are likely required to hold only large capitalization equities, not be allowed to own the much smaller Svitzer.
The container shipping industry is currently experiencing some upheaval, as freight rates decline from Covid-era highs. Additionally, a robust order book for new vessels has created a capacity glut that is expected to persist for the foreseeable future. Finally, attacks on vessels have disrupted shipping routes in the Red Sea – a situation expected to impact approximately one-third of Maersk’s fleet.
Svitzer’s business is significantly more stable and predictable, as its operations are largely governed by long-term contracts. Revenues, EBITDA and earnings have grown steadily in recent years, and free cash flow is expected to increase meaningfully as the company forecasted lower capital expenditures in 2024. A fair value estimate of DKK7 billion ($1 billion) for Svitzer represents a multiple of 10x forecast free cash flow for 2024, a modest multiple of 7.5x EV/EBITDA based on company guidance, and a price-to-book value multiple of approximately 1.1x.
If one believes the predictability of Svitzer’s business warrants a slight premium to book value, a valuation of DKK7 billion ($1 billion) can be justified. This is inline with the low end of fair values based on the free cash flow analysis and implies a fair value estimate of just over DKK220 per share.
Radar Screen – May 2024
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 Corp. (APG), Bloomin’ Brands (BLMN), California Resources Corp. (CRC), Carrier Global Corp. (CARR), Crown Castle Inc. (CCI), Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Inc. (FLT), IAC Inc. (IAC), Liberty Broadband Corp. (LBRDK), Masimo Corp. (MASI), Matthews International Corp. (MATW), Natura & Co. (NTCO), Newpark Resources (NR), PAR Technology Corp. (PAR), RCI Hospitality Inc. (RICK), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK)*, TFI International (TFII), TriMas Corporation (TRS)
*New Entry this Month
Spin-Off Report Calendar – May 2024
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 – March 2024
Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations.
European Spin-Off Compendium – April 2024
Murray Stahl’s commentary on various investing themes and single stock recommendations in Europe.
Bits & Pieces – April 2024
Covers mispriced stub securities, tracking stocks and other arbitrage opportunities.
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Rich Albanese
ralbanese@pcsresearchgroup.com
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