Interesting to note that the word "spin off" is not mentioned per se in any of the communication to-date (at least not that I have seen). They refer to it as a "strategic decision" and that Sirona Biochem will maintain majority ownership in the subsidiary. They also state "Ultimately, the creation of Sirona Laboratories stands as a strategic move that directly benefits our stakeholders, and it safeguards shareholder interests. I presume this is all debatable.
is created when a company forms some part of its operations into a separate entity and distributes shares in it tax free to shareholders of the
. The number of shares that a parent company shareholder receives is based on the number they own in the parent company."
- Spinoffs can have great potential for growth due to their smaller size and a management motivated to achieve success.
- Due to stock price volatility, spinoffs can underperform in weak markets and outperform in strong markets.
- Historically, spinoffs have been good investments for investors.
- If a company has sought, but failed to interest, a buyer in purchasing a division, it may decide that a spinoff is its next best option. As a spinoff, the newly restructured division may exceed its past performance when part of the parent company and boost financial gains.
Shareholders should be aware of the price dip that typically happens to the parent company stock price after a spinoff. This occurs because assets that now belong to the subsidiary are removed from the parent company's books, which lowers the parent company's book value.
However, the value of the subsidiary's stock tends to make up the difference that this dip causes. The sum of the two stock prices typically approximates the parent company's pre-spinoff stock price.
Spinoffs shares can lose value for a period of time after the new company is created for other reasons, as well. The drop can be due to parent company shareholders selling their spinoff shares. Some institutional shareholders such as index funds may sell shares because a spinoff isn't part of the benchmark they follow. Other institutions may sell because the spinoff doesn't meet their investment criteria.
The share price of the parent company can rise when spinoff plans are announced if investors believe such a move is financially beneficial. Of course, they could also decide a spinoff isn't wise and sell shares in response to the news. Depending on their point of view, such a time could offer existing shareholders the opportunity to buy or sell parent company shares.
Spinoff investors may see share price volatility due to the company's newness and lack of financial results. As a result, spinoff stock can underperform when markets are weak and outperform when markets are strong.
Spinoffs can perform well due to the force of an enthusiastic management that's eager for success and potentially motivated by financial incentives. What's more, with a parent company now free to focus fully on its own operations, the value of both entities' stock can rise.
Generally speaking, after early price drops, spinoff stocks strengthen and offer a positive performance for several years. They tend to outperform over time. This bodes well for investors who prefer to hold on to their shares.