On the back of what I consider negative M&A for our portfolio (see prior post), another position reported yesterday that it is being acquired for roughly $67, while currently trading for $55. The market reaction is, not positive, mostly because it is a fully taxable event.
The stock in question is an MLP that is able to fully shield distributions from taxation, so long as you don’t sell. I’m simplifying the tax consequences, but that’s roughly the idea. The result is a holder has to pay taxes on the depreciation recapture, or more simply, the difference in basis and buyout price, as adjusted by distributions over time. If you owned it starting Friday, this is of no consequence. If you’re an aging boomer and have owned it for a decade, it is more meaningful.
We will have to pay taxes, but especially in light of getting taken out at a discount on another position last week, the context for me is positive money is better than negative money. So don’t get married to companies, don’t get into situations in size where you don’t control the outcome, and expect the unexpected.