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Spinoff: Definition

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Simple Definition

When a company separates a division into a new independent company, giving shares to existing shareholders.

Why It Matters

Spinoffs create value by letting each business focus and be valued independently. If you own the parent company, you automatically get shares in the spinoff - it's like a special dividend of stock. Research shows spinoffs often outperform the market because they're overlooked and forced selling creates bargains. PayPal spun off from eBay in 2015 and massively outperformed.

Key Points

  • You receive spinoff shares automatically (no action needed)
  • Your cost basis gets split between parent and spinoff
  • Spinoffs often outperform - institutional investors may be forced to sell

Related Terms

Common Questions

When a company separates a division into a new independent company, giving shares to existing shareholders. Spinoffs create value by letting each business focus and be valued independently. If you own the parent company, you automatically get shares in the spinoff - it's like a special dividend of stock.

Spinoffs create value by letting each business focus and be valued independently. If you own the parent company, you automatically get shares in the spinoff - it's like a special dividend of stock. Research shows spinoffs often outperform the market because they're overlooked and forced selling creates bargains. PayPal spun off from eBay in 2015 and massively outperformed.

You receive spinoff shares automatically (no action needed)

Your cost basis gets split between parent and spinoff

Spinoffs often outperform - institutional investors may be forced to sell