JDS Uniphase Could Sell Optics Unit Before Spin-Off Date

JDS Uniphase Corp JDSU gained more than 4 percent Thursday after the company beat expectations and said it would consider selling its optics and laser business rather than spinning off as expected.

JDS Uniphase announced plans for the spin-off in September. But activist hedge fund Sandell Asset Managment recently pushed for a sale of the unit.

JDS' Chief Executive Thomas H. Waechter told investors Wednesday that the company remains committed to the spin-off, expected in the third quarter of 2015.

"But if we do see interest out there in one of our businesses that will bring greater value to the shareholders, we'd obviously pursue that path," Waechter said in a conference call.

Waechter added that regarding acquisitions prior to the spin-off, "there is nothing precluding us from doing that."

MKM Partners's Michael Genovese said Thursday the optics and laser unit could be merged with rival Finisar Corp. Genovese said a deal would improved the combined companies' ability to raise prices.

JDS traded recently at $12.82 per share, up 3.1 percent.

Posted In: Analyst ColorNewsM&A
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!

Loading...