Post Holdings (POST, Financial) is a consumer packaged goods holding company whose products are sold through a range of channels, such as grocery, drug stores, foodservice and the Internet. The company has been transforming itself from a branded cereal manufacturer into a food holding company with a more growth-oriented portfolio in protein, private label and value cereals. Post’s stock has appreciated due to an improved outlook for Post’s overall businesses and prospects for the recently acquired Malt-O-Meal brands. Prior investor concerns about the impact of Avian Influenza on Post’s Michael Foods unit have become muted as it appeared the outbreak would likely be one-time in nature and the financial impact less than feared. In addition, Post benefited from a capital raise of equity and debt which delivered the business, putting the company in a better position to take advantage of future value-enhancing M&A. We eliminated the position in the third quarter when the stock traded above our business value estimate.
From Wallace Weitz (Trades, Portfolio)'s Partners Value Fund commentary for third quarter 2015.
