This article is part of our Rising Star Portfolios series.
In my Special Situations portfolio, I focus on transaction-driven investments. In the past week or so, we've seen quite a few interesting developments in the special-situations arena. Here are three stocks I'm keeping my eyes on.
Diamond Foods
This snack maker has agreed to buy Pringles, the world's largest potato crisp brand, from Procter & Gamble
Personally, I'm interested in the transaction mechanics. Diamond will fund the acquisition with $1.5 billion in its stock, which P&G will distribute to its electing shareholders in exchange for P&G shares. That stock will comprise some 57% of the new Diamond. With such a large portion of the shares changing hands, there's some possibility of forced selling. Add Diamond Foods to your Watchlist by clicking here.
Expedia
Last week, Expedia announced that it would spin off its TripAdvisor media unit. This advertising-driven business has some 50 million unique monthly visitors. Last year, the unit comprised 15% of Expedia's sales, but 35% of its operating income. Even more attractively, TripAdvisor posted 38% sales growth last year, compared to just 13% for Expedia as a whole. The transaction should take place in the third quarter.
It's unclear what the exact motivation for the spinoff is, although at least one analyst has suggested that Liberty Interactive
Genzyme contingent value rights
Last week, sanofi-aventis
Interested in any of these transactions? Have another stock to share? Join me on my discussion board and follow me on Twitter (@TMFRoyal).