Q: As a followup to an earlier question on Maple Leaf Foods of August 26th is it likely the announced spinout of their Fresh Pork business will have tax implications for the shares i own in the form of Capital Gains? When new shares are issued when are shareholders typically advised of tax implications such spinoff would have for tax planning purposes?
I have owned shares for many years and previously worked in this Industry and companies in the Meat business typically display slow growth and cyclical price swings so am looking for an opportunity to dispose of part of my position. Would your inclination be to sell ahead of the issue of new shares or wait for the new shares and sell subsequent to the split?
It was always my belief that the only way to get this stock moving would be an outright sale or go Private plan by some of the controlling family. At current share prices would you agree neither look probable at this time or are the underlying reason for this re-organization of Maple Leaf?
I have owned shares for many years and previously worked in this Industry and companies in the Meat business typically display slow growth and cyclical price swings so am looking for an opportunity to dispose of part of my position. Would your inclination be to sell ahead of the issue of new shares or wait for the new shares and sell subsequent to the split?
It was always my belief that the only way to get this stock moving would be an outright sale or go Private plan by some of the controlling family. At current share prices would you agree neither look probable at this time or are the underlying reason for this re-organization of Maple Leaf?
5i Research Answer:
With the spin out, we highly doubt the family will look at other options in the short term. We consider the stock 'OK' but the big move this year relates to the spin out and we absolutely would not expect 77% gains going forward. Combined, we would expect slower but perhaps steadier returns. The transaction still needs some approval for taxes, but it is fully expected to be a 'butterfly' type transaction which would be tax-free to Canadian shareholders.