This morning, we publicly announced that Harsco will pursue strategic options for the separation of the Metals & Minerals (“M&M”) business from the Harsco portfolio through either a sale or spinoff. Such a separation would represent a transformational change for Harsco, so it is important for all of us to understand the rationale for our decision and the benefits to both Harsco employees and shareholders.
At the core of the decision is the conclusion that our businesses are simply too diverse to coexist within a single public company. Investors are increasingly interested in companies with a streamlined business profile and investment thesis. Our current mix of businesses was constructed at a time when the market preferred diversified companies. By and large, that is no longer the case. The list of companies who are streamlining their portfolios is lengthy. In our case, this investor preference is reflected in our stock price, since the value of our businesses on a “sum-of-the-parts” basis is higher than our current market valuation. A Wall Street analyst recently noted that our stock has traded at a 96% correlation to the Steel Index of public companies over the past two years, even though M&M accounts for only about half of our profits. The implication of this is clear: the true value of our Rail and Industrial businesses is not reflected in our current share price.
Nevertheless, the timing of our decision is not paced by external conditions, but rather by the successful efforts in M&M over the past 18 months to improve core processes, remove cost, exit poor contracts and restructure the organization. These efforts have enabled the M&M business to now stand on its own, either as a private or public company.
The separation should also enhance our growth aspirations for the Rail and Industrial businesses, since additional capital will be available for investment opportunities. A more appropriate valuation of these businesses and the eventual sale of our stake in the Brand Joint Venture should also accommodate our growth plans. Similar to M&M, the Rail and Industrial businesses have a great deal to look forward to.
In short, the successful execution of our strategy established two years ago to transform M&M, grow Rail and Industrial and build a lean, active corporate center has enabled us to take this important step. I want to personally thank each of you for the contributions you have made throughout this period.
The time required for the separation process and the ultimate form of the separation are unknown at this time. That said, our entire leadership team is committed to keeping you informed as details evolve. Click here for the dedicated site we have built on our internal Harsco Information Exchange, where you will find a copy of today’s announcement along with several questions and answers that you may have on your mind. Additionally, I and other members of the Harsco executive leadership team will be hosting a series of town hall meetings over the coming days and weeks at our major operating locations. We are committed to doing everything we can throughout this process to keep you informed to the extent permissible.
Meanwhile, we will continue to operate in the manner in which Harsco has always operated – by serving our customers, supporting our shareholders, and living our values. We firmly believe this is the right time to begin this next phase of the Harsco journey, and I deeply appreciate your support as we move forward.