Lumentum Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: LITE) reached an
agreement
to acquire Oclaro Inc (NASDAQ: OCLR) in a deal that
makes "strong strategic sense" for the companies and highlights the longer-term potential of the optical sector, according to
Craig-Hallum Capital Group.
The Analyst
Analyst Richard Shannon maintains a Buy rating on Lumentum Holdings' stock
with an unchanged $90 price target.
The Thesis
Oclaro's combination with Lumentum makes sense on a strategic and financial level, Shannon said in a Tuesday report.
On the strategic front, Oclaro provides a strong leading edge product in the telecom industry with coherent transmission
products, an area where Lumentum has lagged in recent quarters, the analyst said. On the financial front, the combination should be
accretive to Lumentum's business by around 10 percent based on expectations of $60 million in annual synergies, he said.
Lumentum's acquisition is also a "potential starting point" for increased consolidation activity within the optical space, Shannon said. The industry has become too fragmented, and Lumentum's M&A
deal will likely "spark other moves," he said — meaning optical stocks are likely to become "healthier," with more favorable
longer-term pricing.
Lumentum is one of Craig-Hallum's top ideas for 2018, the analyst said.
Price Action
Lumentum shares were trading down slightly at $71.95 late Tuesday afternoon.
Related Links:
Morgan
Stanley's Guide On How To Play The Optical Space
UBS
Highlights Two Buys, One Sell In The Optics Sector
Latest Ratings for LITE
Date |
Firm |
Action |
From |
To |
Mar 2018 |
Morgan Stanley |
Maintains |
Equal-Weight |
Equal-Weight |
Jan 2018 |
UBS |
Initiates Coverage On |
|
Buy |
Jan 2018 |
Loop Capital |
Initiates Coverage On |
|
Buy |
View More Analyst Ratings for
LITE
View the Latest Analyst Ratings
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