Alcoa sells packaging/consumer unit to Rank Group for $2.7 billion


Alcoa has agreed to sell its packaging and consumer businesses to New Zealand's Rank Group Limited for $2.7 billion, the company announced Wednesday. Alcoa (NYSE: AA)'s shares gained 37 cents to $37.38 in Wednesday afternoon trading.

Alcoa's packaging / consumer unit generated about $3.2 billion in revenue and $95 million in after-tax operating income in 2006, or about 3% of operating income, the company said.

Alcoa said it's also seeking to sell its Reynolds Wrap, consumer products, flexible packaging, and plastic / aluminum packaging closure units in order to more fully concentrate on its mining / aluminum production business.

Stock Analysis: Alcoa, which has been the subject of seemingly continual takeover talk, says the Rank transaction furthers its goal of concentrating on its core business. The proof will be AA's Q4 2007 and 2008 earnings, and until it consistently exceeds EPS consensus estimates -- the Reuters F2007/F2008 EPS estimates for AA are $2.64/$3.09 -- it remains in yours truly's Don't Buy category.

DISCLOSURE: Joseph Lazzaro has no positions in stocks. In addition to private real estate holdings, he owns corporate and municipal bonds and cash certificates of deposit.

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