The second strategic issue Pandora Group will call attention to is the negative impact
that Altria’s ownership is having on Kraft’s stock price and debt ratings. Kraft’s debt
ratings were downgraded as a result of a $10.1 billion settlement in Altria’s tobacco
litigation. With no apparent strategic reason for Altria to own Kraft, Pandora Group
recommends an immediate separation of Kraft from Altria. This separation should
result in an upgrade of Kraft’s debt ratings and will allow Kraft better access to the
capital markets. As a result, Kraft will be able to increase its leverage to peer levels,
which are nearly double the amount of leverage Kraft currently holds. The proceeds of these debt issuances should be returned to shareholders through share repurchases.
Furthermore, Kraft’s separation from Altria will increase the “tradable” volume of
Kraft’s stock, result in Kraft’s inclusion in several key indices, and produce an
immediate increase in Kraft’s share price. Spinning off Kraft should also be beneficial to
Altria. In the past, the stock prices of conglomerates have received premiums because
of the perceived notion of less risk through diversification.i
Today, however,
conglomerates often trade at discounts because they are viewed as inefficient and
reduce investors’ ability to diversify risk themselves. Therefore, there is limited
downside to Altria shares for the spinning off of Kraft.