Category: Networking

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Silicon Motion sold for $8B

MaxLinear to acquire Silicon Motion for $114.34 per share consideration

MaxLinear (MXL) and Silicon Motion (SIMO) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which MaxLinear will acquire Silicon Motion in a cash and stock transaction that values the combined company at $8B in enterprise value.

Combined revenues are expected to be more than $2B annually and are supported by the technology breadth to address a total market opportunity of roughly $15B.

The transaction is expected to generate annual run-rate synergies of at least $100M to be realized within 18 months after the transaction closes and is expected to be immediately and materially accretive to MaxLinear’s non-GAAP earnings per share and cash flow.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the transaction consideration will consist of $93.54 in cash and 0.388 shares of MaxLinear stock for each Silicon Motion ADS and $23.385 in cash and 0.097 shares of MaxLinear common stock for each Silicon Motion ordinary share not represented by an ADS.

Upon closing of the transaction, MaxLinear shareholders will own approximately 86% of the combined company and Silicon Motion stockholders will own approximately 14% of the combined company.

Based on the closing price of MaxLinear shares on May 4, the implied value of the total transaction consideration for Silicon Motion is $3.8B. MaxLinear intends to fund the $3.1B of cash consideration with cash on hand from the combined companies and fully committed debt financing from Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

The transaction is not subject to any financing conditions and is expected to close by the first half of calendar 2023, pending satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including Silicon Motion shareholders’ approval and regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions.

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation designs, develops, and markets NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices. It offers controllers for computing-grade solid state drives (SSDs), which are used in PCs and other client devices; enterprise-grade SSDs used in data centers; eMMC and UFS mobile embedded storage for use in smartphones and IoT devices; flash memory cards and flash drives for use in expandable storage; and specialized SSDs that are used in industrial, commercial, and automotive applications.

SIMO last traded $96.52. MXL last traded at $44.26.

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Crane to split into two companies!

Crane plans to split into two independent public companies

Crane (CR) announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a plan to pursue a separation into two independent, publicly-traded companies to optimize investment and capital allocation, accelerate growth, and unlock shareholder value.

Upon completion, Crane Co.’s shareholders will benefit from ownership in two focused and simplified businesses that are both leaders in their respective industries and well-positioned for continued success:

Crane Co. will be a leading global provider of mission-critical, highly engineered products and solutions, with differentiated technology, respected brands, and leadership positions in its markets.

After the separation, Crane Co. will include the Aerospace & Electronics and Process Flow Technologies businesses.

This year, these businesses are expected to generate approximately $1.9B in annual sales with a pre-corporate Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 18.5%.

The company will be well-positioned to accelerate organic growth in its large and attractive end markets, benefit from favorable secular trends, and apply its proven processes to drive growth through new product development and commercial excellence.

Richard Teller Crane, Founder of Crane Co.

Crane Co. is expected to have a strong, well-capitalized balance sheet underpinning a capital deployment strategy focused on supporting the company’s organic and inorganic strategic growth objectives, while providing a dividend in-line with peers.

Crane Co. will be led by Max Mitchell, who will continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, with Rich Maue continuing to serve as Chief Financial Officer.

The company intends to continue to be listed on the NYSE under its current ticker symbol, “CR”.

Crane NXT will be a premier Industrial Technology business with substantial global scale, a best-in-class margin profile, and strong free cash flow generation.

This year, the Payment and Merchandising Technologies business that will become Crane NXT is expected to achieve approximately $1.4 billion in sales with a pre-corporate Adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 28%.

In addition to its market leading brands, Crane NXT will differentiate itself through its technology leadership, positioning it to leverage long-term secular drivers including automation, security and productivity, across several high-growth adjacent markets.

After the separation, Crane NXT will be positioned to drive earnings growth through continued investment in the business and value-enhancing bolt-on acquisitions. Its balance sheet and strong free cash flow will also allow it to support a robust and differentiated level of capital return to shareholders that is expected to include a competitive dividend.

Crane NXT’s shares are expected to be listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “CXT”. A process is currently underway to identify Crane NXT’s chief executive, including evaluation of both internal and external candidates.

The executives currently leading Crane’s PMT business will continue to serve in senior positions with Crane NXT.

The separation is expected to occur through a tax-free distribution of the Aerospace & Electronics and Process Flow Technologies businesses to the Company’s shareholders.

Payment & Merchandising Technologies will be renamed Crane NXT concurrent with the separation, and the Aerospace & Electronics and Process Flow Technologies businesses will retain the Crane Co. name.

Upon completion of the separation, shareholders will own 100% of the equity in both of the publicly traded companies.

The separation is expected to be completed within approximately 12 months of this announcement, subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions and final approval of the separation by Crane Co.’s Board of Directors. Shareholder approval is not required.

Crane Co. will maintain its current capital deployment policies until the separation is completed.

CR is up $2.50 to $112.63.

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NeoPhotonics sold for $918M

 Lumentum to acquire NeoPhotonics for $16 per share in cash

Lumentum (LITE) and NeoPhotonics (NPTN) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Lumentum will acquire NeoPhotonics for $16.00 per share in cash, which represents a total equity value of approximately $918M.

NeoPhotonics Corporation develops, manufactures, and sells optoelectronic products that transmit and receive high speed digital optical signals for cloud and hyperscale data center internet content provider and telecom networks worldwide.

Lumentum Holdings Inc. manufactures and sells optical and photonic products in the Americas, the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates in two segments, Optical Communications (OpComms) and Commercial Lasers (Lasers). 

Laser chips made by Lumentum

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.

The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 39% to NeoPhotonics’ closing stock price on November 3, 2021.

Laser chips made by NeoPhotonics

Lumentum intends to finance the transaction through cash from the combined company’s balance sheet.

Related to the transaction, Lumentum will provide up to $50M in term loans to NeoPhotonics to fund anticipated growth, which may require increased working capital and manufacturing capacity.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of calendar year 2022, subject to approval by NeoPhotonics’ stockholders, receipt of regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

“With NeoPhotonics, we’re making another important investment in better serving our customers and expanding our photonics capabilities at a time when photonics are at the forefront of favorable long-term market trends. At the center of our strategy is a relentless focus on developing a differentiated portfolio with the most innovative products and technology in our industry so that we can help our customers compete and win in their respective markets.

Adding NeoPhotonics’ differentiated products and technology and innovative R&D team is consistent with this strategy and together, we will better meet the growing need for next generation optical networking solutions. We are confident this transaction will make us an even better partner to our customers, while enabling our team to deliver significant, long-term value to our stockholders. We look forward to welcoming NeoPhotonics’ talented team of employees to Lumentum,” said Alan Lowe, Lumentum President and CEO.

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Loral Space in ‘advanced talks’ to combine with Telesat

Loral Space & Communications declares $5.50 per share special dividend

Loral Space & Communications (LORL) announced that its board of directors has declared a special dividend of $5.50 per share for an aggregate dividend of approximately $170.5M.

The dividend is payable on May 28 to holders of record of Loral voting and non-voting common stock as of the close of business on May 14.

Loral declares a one time $5.50 special dividend, Stockwinners

Michael Targoff, Vice Chairman of Loral’s Board of Directors, explained that, “in an effort to maximize shareholder value, we have for some time been exploring, and are now in advanced discussions with our Canadian co-owner in Telesat, Public Sector Pension Investment Board, regarding the combination of Loral and Telesat into one public company.

Telesat to combine with Loral Space, Stockwinners

“Given the advanced state of the discussions regarding the combination transaction, it is now appropriate to pay to our shareholders a significant portion of the $243M cash distribution that we previously received from Telesat.”

“It is our intention,” Mr. Targoff continued, “to request that the Board declare an additional distribution to our shareholders in coordination with signing definitive agreements for the combination transaction.”

The company added: “Notwithstanding the advanced state of the discussions regarding the potential combination transaction, there can be no assurance as to whether or when Loral will be able to conclude the ongoing negotiations, that Loral will enter into any agreement that provides for a strategic transaction involving Telesat or Loral’s interest therein, that any strategic transaction will occur, or that any particular economic, tax, structural or other objectives or benefits with respect to any strategic transaction will be achieved.”

Loral Space & Communications Inc. offers satellite-based communications services to the broadcast, telecom, corporate, and government customers worldwide.

Telesat, formerly Telesat Canada, is a Canadian satellite communications company.  The company is now the fourth-largest fixed satellite services provider in the world. It owns a fleet of satellites, with others under construction, and operates additional satellites for other entities.

LORL is up 31% to $23.10.

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Unisys Federal sold for $1.2 billion

SAIC to acquire Unisys Federal for $1.2B in cash

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Unisys Federal (UIS), in an all-cash transaction valued at $1.2B, in a highly strategic and value creating transaction, the company said.

This represents a transaction multiple of approximately 10.5x CY2020 adjusted EBITDA, adjusted for the net present value of tax assets.

SAIC buys Uinsys Federal, Stockwinners

Unisys Federal, an operating unit of Unisys (UIS), is a provider of infrastructure modernization, cloud migration, managed services, and enterprise IT-as-a-service through scalable and repeatable solutions to U.S. federal civilian agencies and the Department of Defense.

SAIC expects to fund the $1.2B cash transaction through a combination of cash on hand and incremental debt.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of SAIC’s first quarter of fiscal year 2021, ending May 1, 2020, following customary closing conditions, including HSR regulatory clearance.

Unisys Federal sold to SAIC, Stockwinners

The transaction has been unanimously approved by SAIC’s Board of Directors. The businesses will continue to operate independently until the transaction closes.

“With the addition of Unisys Federal, SAIC will be a leading provider of digital transformation services and solutions to the federal government.

This exciting opportunity advances our strategy by building on our modernization capabilities, increasing customer access, accelerating growth and enhancing shareholder value,” said SAIC CEO Nazzic Keene.

“The financial benefits of acquiring Unisys Federal are compelling, including accretion of adjusted EBITDA margins, non-GAAP earnings per share, and cash generation.”

The transaction multiple of approximately 13x LTM 9/30/19 Adjusted EBITDA represents a significant premium to Unisys’ trading multiple.

Net proceeds are largely expected to be used to pay down debt and reduce pension obligations, thereby significantly improving Unisys’ balance sheet, its U.S. pension funded status and overall financial flexibility.

The transaction was unanimously approved by the Unisys board and is expected to close in the first half of 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. Unisys’ U.S. Federal business represents more than 1,900 associates, with approximately $689 million in revenue for the LTM period ended September 30, 2019. 

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Gilat Satellite Networks sold for $532M

Comtech to acquire Gilat Satellite Networks for $10.25 per share

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (CMTL) and Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (GILT) jointly announced that Comtech has agreed to acquire Gilat in a cash and stock transaction for $10.25 per Gilat ordinary share of which 70% will be paid in cash and 30% in Comtech common stock, resulting in an enterprise value of approximately $532.5 million.

Gilat sold for $522M, Stockwinners

Founded in 1987 with its headquarters in Israel, Gilat is a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions and services with market leading positions in the satellite ground station and in-flight connectivity solutions markets and deep expertise in operating large network infrastructures.

Comtech goes shopping by buying Gilat, Stockwinners

Based on Comtech’s fiscal year 2019 actual results and Gilat’s trailing twelve-month results through June 30, 2019, on a pro-forma basis, Comtech would have reported approximately $926.1M of revenue with Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $130.2M.

The combined companies would employ approximately 3,000 people and offer best-in-class satellite technology, public safety and location technology and secure wireless solutions to commercial and government customers around the world.

Fred Kornberg, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Comtech, said,

“I am excited to have reached this agreement with Gilat and believe this combination is beneficial to the stakeholders of both companies. The acquisition better positions Comtech to take advantage of key marketplace trends, particularly the growing demand for satellite connectivity and the enormous long-term opportunity set that is emerging in the secure wireless communications market.

I believe that the combination of accelerating satellite connectivity demand and the increasing availability of low-cost satellite bandwidth, makes this a perfect time to unify Comtech and Gilat’s solutions and offer our combined customers best-in-class platform-agnostic satellite ground station technologies.

Gilat is an exceptional business that has developed extraordinary technology and has a well-respected product portfolio supported by strong research and development capabilities. I welcome Gilat’s entire talented workforce to the Comtech family.”

Dov Baharav, Chairman of the Board of Gilat, said, “The Gilat Board of Directors and management believe this highly strategic combination is compelling.

Gilat equipment allows reliable communication, Stockwinners

It is an excellent outcome for our shareholders who receive both cash and an equity interest in a strong company with a broader range of products and the benefits of combined expertise and resources that is well positioned to create future value against a highly favorable industry backdrop.

I have long admired Comtech’s commitment to technology leadership and I firmly believe that employees will have expanded opportunities for career development. No doubt, the future will be very bright for Comtech and Gilat and all of our stakeholders.”

In light of the agreement between Comtech (CMTL) and Gilat (GILT), Gilat has cancelled its fourth quarter and fiscal 2019 year-end conference call and webcast previously scheduled for February 19, 2020. Once the transaction closes, Comtech will provide combined revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and diluted earnings per share guidance in a future announcement.

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Tech Data sold for $5.4 billion

Tech Data to be acquired by Apollo Global for $130 per share in cash

Tech Data (TECD) announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management (APO).

Tech Data is taken private at $130 per share, Stockwinners

Through the agreement, the affiliate of the Apollo Funds will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Tech Data common stock for $130 per share in a transaction with an enterprise value of approximately $5.4B.

Apollo buys Tech Data for $5.4B, Stockwinners

The purchase price represents a 24.5% premium to the unaffected 30-day volume weighted average closing share price of Tech Data’s common stock ended October 15, the last trading day prior to published market speculation regarding a potential transaction involving the company.

The Tech Data Board of Directors has unanimously approved the transaction and recommends that Tech Data shareholders vote in favor of the transaction.

The transaction is not subject to a financing condition and is expected to close in the first half of calendar year 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions including expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, foreign regulatory approvals and approval by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Tech Data shares.

Tech Data expects to hold a Special Meeting of Shareholders to consider and vote on the transaction agreement as soon as feasible after the mailing of the proxy statement to shareholders.

Consistent with the Board’s commitment to maximizing shareholder value, the terms of the agreement provide that Tech Data will be permitted to actively solicit alternative acquisition proposals from third parties during a “go-shop” period from the date of the agreement until December 9.

There is no guarantee that this process will result in a superior proposal. Following the close of the transaction, Rich Hume will continue to lead Tech Data as CEO, and the company will continue to be headquartered in Clearwater, Florida.

Tech Data will become a privately held company, and Tech Data’s common shares will no longer be publicly listed.

Tech Data Corporation operates as an IT distribution and solutions company. The company offers endpoint portfolio solutions, including personal computer systems, mobile phones and accessories, printers, peripherals, supplies, endpoint technology software, and consumer electronics. It also provides advanced portfolio solutions, such as data center technologies comprising storage, networking, servers, advanced technology software, and converged and hyper-converged infrastructure, as well as specialized solutions. 

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Enterprise Spending Drought

Forescout pummeled, Cisco falls amid weakening enterprise spending view

Shares of publicly-traded companies in the network security space are trading lower after Forescout Technologies (FSCT) announced preliminary results for its third quarter.

Forescout slashed its view on sales and profit for the quarter, as sales are seen getting pushed out to future quarters amid a weakening in the global macroeconomic environment.

Forescout shares tumble on weak demand, Stockwinners

EXPECTATIONS FALL

Forescout now sees total Q3 revenue of $90.6M-$91.6M as compared to its prior view of $98.8M-$101.8M. Non-GAAP operating loss for Q3 is expected to be in the range of $1.6M-$1.4M, compared to the company’s prior guidance range for an operating profit of $2.6M-$3.6M.

Forescout CEO Michael DeCesare said, “Q3 results were impacted by extended approval cycles which pushed several deals out of the third quarter.

This was most pronounced in EMEA against the backdrop of a challenging macro-economic environment. These deals were not lost to competitors and we are working to get them over the finish line.” JPMorgan analyst Sterling Auty downgraded ForeScout to Neutral from Overweight after the company announcement.

Auty cut his price target for ForeScout shares to $35 from $54. He also called this the “first notable negative preannouncement” in the software sector and thinks investors will be watching carefully to see if there are further issues that will cause multiples in the space to contract further.

ENTERPRISE SPENDING DROUGHT

Adding to the negativity in the Enterprise space was a Cisco Systems (CSCO) downgrade from Goldman Sachs.

Goldman Sachs downgrades Cisco Systems, Stockwinners

Goldman Sachs analyst Rod Hall downgraded Cisco Systems to Neutral from Buy with a price target of $48, down from $56.

Large enterprise spending will continue to weaken and telecom spending activity will remain depressed in the near term, Hall stated.

The analyst noted that Goldman’s Enterprise Activity Index deteriorated in September, while his latest reseller survey was also incrementally negative on enterprise spending trends. PRICE ACTION: Shares of Forescout are down over 35.5% to $25.26 while Cisco is down over 2%.

OTHER STOCKS TO WATCH

Other companies to watch in the enterprise and security space include A10 Networks (ATEN), Check Point (CHKP), CyberArk (CYBR), Cyren (CYRN), and Fortinet (FTNT).

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Acacia Communications sold for $2.6B

Cisco to acquire Acacia Communications for $70.00 per share in cash

Acacia Comms tumbles, Stockwinners.com
Acacia Comms. sold to Cisco, Stockwinners.com

Cisco (CSCO) and Acacia Communications (ACIA) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Cisco has agreed to acquire Acacia.

An existing Cisco supplier, Acacia designs and manufactures high-speed, optical interconnect technologies that allow web scale companies, service providers, and data center operators to meet the fast-growing consumer demands for data.

Cisco buys Acacia Comms. at a 47% premium, Stockwinners

Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco has agreed to acquire Acacia for $70.00 per share in cash, or for approximately $2.6B on a fully diluted basis, net of cash and marketable securities.

The acquisition is expected to close during the second half of Cisco’s FY2020, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals.

Cisco, whose equipment makes up the backbone of the internet and corporate networks, has recently rekindled growth by revamping existing products and adding new software and services under a corporate makeover by Chief Executive Officer Chuck Robbins. In May, the company gave a bullish sales and profit forecast for the current period, a sign that corporations continue to spend on computer networks despite the trade dispute between China and the U.S.

Bill Gartner, who heads Cisco’s Optical Systems and Optics, wrote that Acacia’s products “are designed to transform communications networks through improvements in performance, capacity and cost.” He added that Acacia’s coherent optics technology will build on Cisco’s strength in optical, silicon, and software technologies.

Upon completion of this transaction, Acacia employees will join Cisco’s Optical Systems and Optics business within the networking and security business under David Goeckeler.

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5G Service coming to Chicago and Minneapolis

Verizon discloses pricing for first 5G mobile service

Verizon brings 5G service to Chicago and Minneapolis, Stockwinners

Verizon (VZ) earlier said it will launch its 5G Ultra Wideband Network in Chicago and Minneapolis on April 11.

To coincide with this launch, Verizon is offering the new 5G moto mod, which is exclusive to Verizon. Beginning March 14, customers anywhere in the U.S. can pre-order the 5G moto mod.

Verizon said: “Select areas of Chicago and Minneapolis will be the first to experience Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband mobile service, and the company has plans to rapidly expand the coverage area.

Last month, Verizon announced that it intends to launch its 5G Ultra Wideband network in more than 30 U.S. cities in 2019.”

It added, “For a limited time, preorder the 5G moto mod for just $50 ($349.99 retail).

5G Antennas are the size of a large pizza, Stockwinners

Verizon postpaid customers with any Verizon unlimited plan, including Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited or Above Unlimited, get unlimited 5G data for $10 per month (with the first three months free).

To buy a 5G moto mod, customers must either have an active moto z3 on their account or purchase a moto z3 at the same time as the 5G moto mod.”

What is 5G?

Like the earlier generation 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks, 5G networks are digital cellular networks, in which the service area covered by providers is divided into a mosaic of small geographical areas called cells.

 Analog signals representing sounds and images are digitized in the phone, converted by an analog to digital converted transmitted as a stream of bits.

All the 5G wireless devices in a cell communicate by radio waves with a local antenna array and low power automated transceiver(transmitter and receiver) in the cell, over frequency channels assigned by the transceiver from a common pool of frequencies, which are reused in geographically separated cells.

The local antennas are connected with the telephone network and the Internet by a high bandwidth optical fiber or wireless backhaul connection. Like existing cellphones, when a user crosses from one cell to another, their mobile device is automatically “handed off” seamlessly to the antenna in the new cell.

Their major advantage is that 5G networks achieve much higher data rates than previous cellular networks, up to 10 Gbit/s; which is faster than current cable internet, and 100 times faster than the previous cellular technology, 4G LTE.

 Another advantage is lower network latency (faster response time), below 1 ms (millisecond), compared with 30 – 70 ms for 4G.[ Because of the higher data rates, 5G networks will serve not just cellphones but are also envisioned as a general home and office networking provider, competing with wired internet providers like cable. Previous cellular networks provided low data rate internet access suitable for cellphones, but a cell tower could not economically provide enough bandwidth to serve as a general internet provider for home computers.

5G networks achieve these higher data rates by using higher frequency radio waves, in or near the millimeter wave band from 30 to 300 GHz, whereas previous cellular networks used frequencies in the microwave band between 700 MHz and 3 GHz.

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Apptio sold for $1.94 billion

Apptio to be acquired by Vista Equity Partners for $38 per share 

Apptio sold for $1.94 billion, Stockwinners
Apptio sold for $1.94 billion, Stockwinners

Apptio (APTI) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Vista Equity Partners.

Apptio, Inc. provides cloud-based technology business management (TBM) solutions to enterprises. Its cloud-based platform and SaaS applications enable IT leaders to analyze, optimize, and plan technology investments, as well as to benchmark financial and operational performance against peers.

Under the terms of the agreement, Vista will acquire all outstanding shares of Apptio common stock for a total value of approximately $1.94B.

Apptio shareholders will receive $38.00 in cash per share, representing a 53% premium to the unaffected closing price as of November 9, 2018.

Apptio’s board unanimously approved the deal and recommended that stockholders vote their shares in favor of the transaction.

Apptio’s headquarters will remain in Bellevue, with regional offices across the U.S., EMEA and APAC.

Closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of Apptio shareholders and antitrust approval in the United States.

The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2019 and is not subject to a financing condition.

The merger agreement includes a 30 day “go-shop” period, which permits Apptio’s Board and advisors to actively initiate, solicit, encourage, and potentially enter negotiations with parties that make alternative acquisition proposals.

Apptio will have the right to terminate the merger agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement.

There can be no assurance that this 30 day “go-shop” will result in a superior proposal, and Apptio does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until the Board makes a determination requiring further disclosure.

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Finisar sold for $3.2 billion

II-VI to acquire Finisar for $26 per share in cash/stock deal

Finisar sold for $3.2 billion, Stockwinners
Finisar sold for $3.2 billion, Stockwinners

II-VI (IIVI) and Finisar (FNSR) announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which II-VI will acquire Finisar in a cash and stock transaction with an equity value of approximately $3.2B.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, Finisar’s stockholders will receive, on a pro-rated basis, $15.60 per share in cash and 0.2218x shares of II-VI common stock, valued at $10.40 per share based on the closing price of II-VI’s common stock of $46.88 on November 8, 2018.

The transaction values Finisar at $26.00 per share, or approximately $3.2B in equity value and represents a premium of 37.7% to Finisar’s closing price on November 8, 2018. Finisar shareholders would own approximately 31% of the combined company.

The combination of II-VI and Finisar would unite two innovative, industry leaders with complementary capabilities and cultures to form a formidable industry leading photonics and compound semiconductor company capable of serving the broad set of fast growing markets of communications, consumer electronics, military, industrial processing lasers, automotive semiconductor equipment and life sciences.

Together, II-VI and Finisar will employ over 24,000 associates in 70 locations worldwide upon closing of the transaction. On a pro forma basis, the combined company had approximately $2.5B of annual revenue.

The combined broad base of talent, technology and manufacturing is expected to enhance the ability to better address near-to medium-term opportunities and accelerate revenue growth.

The combined company expects to realize $150M of run-rate cost synergies within 36 months of closing. Synergies are expected to be achieved from procurement savings, internal supply of materials and components, efficient research and development, consolidation of overlapping costs and sales and marketing efficiencies.

The transaction is expected to drive accretion in Non-GAAP earnings per share for the first full year post close of approximately 10% and more than double that thereafter.

II-VI intends to fund the cash consideration with a combination of cash on hand from the combined companies’ balance sheets and $2 billion in funded debt financing.

The transaction is expected to close in the middle of calendar year 2019, subject to approval by each company’s shareholders, antitrust regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.Upon closing of the transaction, Dr. Mattera will continue to serve as President and CEO of the combined company.

In addition, in connection with the closing of the transaction, three Finisar board members will be appointed to the II-VI board, which will be expanded to 11 directors.

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Electro Scientific sold for $1 billion

MKS Instruments to acquire Electro Scientific for $30.00 per share

Electro Scientific sold for $1 billion, Stockwinners
Electro Scientific sold for $1 billion, Stockwinners

MKS Instruments (MKSI) and Electro Scientific (ESIO) announced that they have entered into an agreement for MKS to acquire ESI for $30.00 per share.

The all-cash transaction is valued at approximately $1B.

The combined company is expected to have approximately $2.2B in pro forma annual revenue, based on the two companies’ calendar 2017 historical results.

The transaction is expected to be accretive to MKS’ non-GAAP net earnings and free cash flow during the first 12 months post-closing.

The combined company expects to realize $15M in annualized cost synergies within 18 to 36 months.

MKS anticipates the acquisition will further advance the MKS strategy to enhance our Surround the WorkpieceSM offerings by adding systems expertise and deep technical understanding of laser materials processing interactions.

ESI’s knowledge in printed circuit board processing systems and other capabilities will provide MKS the opportunity to accelerate the roadmaps and performance of laser, motion and photonics portfolio.

In addition, ESI brings a new platform of industrial markets enabling MKS to leverage its expertise more broadly. MKS intends to fund the transaction with a combination of available cash on hand and up to $650M in committed term loan debt financing.

On a pro forma basis, as if the transaction closed on June 30, we expect the combined company to have a strong balance sheet with combined pro forma net cash and investments of approximately $400M and total term loan debt outstanding of $1B. This would result in pro forma trailing twelve month leverage, defined as debt to Adjusted EBITDA of 1.3 times and pro forma net leverage of 0.8 times.

Actual leverage ratios will depend upon a number of factors and shall be determined at the time of the closing. The company has also obtained a commitment to upsize its asset based revolving credit facility to $100M.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the MKS and ESI boards of directors and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by ESI’s shareholders, and is expected to close in Q1 of 2019.

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Duo Security sold for $2.35B

Cisco confirms intent to acquire Duo Security for $2.35B

 

Duo Security sold for $2.35B, Stockwinners
Duo Security sold for $2.35B, Stockwinners

Cisco (CSCO) announced its intent to acquire privately-held Duo Security, headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI.

Duo Security’s solution verifies the identity of users and the health of their devices before granting them access to applications – helping prevent cybersecurity breaches.

Integration of Cisco’s network, device and cloud security platforms with Duo Security’s zero-trust authentication and access products will enable Cisco customers to easily and securely connect users to any application on any networked device.

Under the terms of the agreement, Cisco will pay $2.35 billion in cash and assumed equity awards for Duo Security’s outstanding shares, warrants and equity incentives on a fully-diluted basis.

The acquisition of Duo Security will: Extend intent-based networking into multi-cloud environments.

Cisco currently provides on-premises network access control via its Identity Services Engine product. Duo’s software as a service-based model will be integrated with Cisco ISE to extend ISE to provide cloud-delivered application access control. Simplify policy for cloud security.

By verifying user and device trust, Duo will add trusted identity awareness into Cisco’s Secure Internet Gateway, Cloud Access Security Broker, Enterprise Mobility Management, and several other cloud-delivered products.

Expands endpoint visibility coverage. Cisco’s in-depth visibility of over 180 million managed devices will be augmented by Duo’s broad visibility of mobile and unmanaged devices.

The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of Cisco’s fiscal year 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals.

Duo Security, which will continue to be led by CEO Dug Song, will join Cisco’s Networking and Security business led by EVP and GM David Goeckeler.

CSCO closed at $41.86.

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Shopify little changed after Q2 results

Analysts diverge on Shopify after quarterly results

Shopify little changed after Q2 results, Stockwinners
Shopify little changed after Q2 results, Stockwinners

Following the company’s second quarter results, Piper Jaffray analyst Michael Olson downgraded Shopify (SHOP) to Neutral saying the quarter was “not good enough” and the stock’s valuation fairly reflects current business trends.

Meanwhile, his peers at Baird and Canaccord both reiterated buy-equivalent ratings and raised their price targets on the shares following what they view as a “solid” quarter.

RESULTS

Shopify reported second quarter adjusted earnings per share of 2c and revenue of $245M, above consensus of (3c) and $234.64M, respectively.

GMV for the second quarter was $9.1B, an increase of 56% over the second quarter of 2017, and Gross Payments Volume, or “GPV,” grew to $3.6B.

The company said it sees third quarter revenues between $253M-$257M, third quarter GAAP operating loss in the range of $40M-$42M and adjusted operating loss in the range of $9M-$11M.

Additionally, Shopify said it expects FY18 revenues between $1.015B-$1.025B, FY18 GAAP operating loss in the range of $105M-$110M and adjusted operating profit in the range of $0-$5M.

PIPER MOVING TO THE SIDELINES

In a research note to investors, Piper Jaffray’s Olson downgraded Shopify to Neutral from Overweight and lowered his price target to $145 from $155 as he believes the stock’s current valuation adequately reflects the long-term growth story.

The analyst argued that the company’s second quarter was “good, but not good enough,” with monthly recurring revenue below investor expectations with a deceleration from 57% to 49% year-over-year growth between Q1 and Q2.

While Olson acknowledged that Shopify is performing well, the analyst told investors he believes this performance is mostly reflected in the shares’ valuation.

‘SOLID  QUARTER’

Still bullish on the name, Canaccord Genuity analyst David Hynes told investors to not let yesterday’s post-earnings selloff in shares of Shopify confuse them on the fundamentals.

The analyst believes this was another “solid” quarter for Shopify as the company grew its nearly $1B revenue run-rate at 62% in the quarter.

Further, Hynes pointed out that he does not believe Shopify’s growth is decelerating faster than expected or that merchant churn is “going to sneak up and bite” the company.

He continues to believe that Shopify is one of the best-positioned growth stories in application software, and is confident that this business will ultimately scale to material profits. Hynes reiterated a Buy rating on the shares, while raising his price target on the stock to $165 from $160.

Meanwhile, Baird analyst Colin Sebastian also raised his price target for Shopify to $165 from $150 and reiterated an Outperform rating on the shares. While acknowledging that slowing monthly recurring revenue growth, a new shelf filing and its third quarter loss guidance weighed on the shares, the analyst said that this was another “solid” quarter for the company.

Ramping Plus adoption, international expansion, and new Merchant Solutions features should continue to drive significant growth, he contended. Sebastian told investors that he continues to like Shopify based on the significant e-commerce growth opportunity and defensible market leadership position he sees being demonstrated in the second quarter results.

PRICE ACTION

In Wednesday morning trading, shares of Shopify were fractionally down to $137.60.

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