GlaxoSmithKline
It's a somewhat eclectic group from alli to sleep aid Nytol to dietary supplement FiberChoice. But that's kind of the point. Glaxo expects that they're worth more to another company that might have enough critical mass to maximize their potential.
I'm a little surprised that alli fits into that category. Now that it looks like there won't be any competition from prescription drugs in the near future, you would think Glaxo would want to run with the weight loss product. Maybe the company is worried about the risk-reward proposition with a possibility that the product could follow in the footsteps of Abbott Labs'
Sales of the products to be divested brought in about $800 million last year, around 10% of revenue from Glaxo's consumer healthcare division, which made up less than 20% of Glaxo's total revenue. We're not talking about a huge divestiture here.
But, like that sweater from your grandmother, it's the thought that counts. Glaxo is maximizing value for shareholders. It plans to return funds to shareholders through a share buyback or special dividend. And it'll be left with a more focused consumer healthcare division.
Glaxo isn't the only pharma that's figured this out. Pfizer
Diversification within a company is nice; it helps smooth out the wrinkles. But I like a company that isn't afraid to sell off what isn't working to help maximize value.
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