Unfortunately, though, there is a "dark side" to resource conversion activities—the dreaded "take-under", where a company is acquired for less than its value. While managements and investment bankers will often use a premium to market price to justify a transaction value, we look instead at the offer price versus intrinsic value. Tellabs' (TLAB, Financial) announcement in October to sell itself to Marlin Equity Partners, a private equity firm, is a take-under, in our opinion. Under the terms of the transaction, Tellabs agreed to a cash tender offer of $2.45 per share, which excluding the $551 million of cash on Tellabs' balance sheet, was only 0.37x revenues and attributed no value to the company's intellectual property and real estate. Third Avenue filed a Form 13D in November 2012,where we sought to reserve the right to meet with management, the Board and other shareholders in order to enhance shareholder value. Over that time, we were successful in nominating two members to the Board, and the company paid a special dividend and took steps to reduce costs. While the purchase price is disappointing, it still represents a 17% premium to the price of the stock when we filed our 13D (adjusted for dividends received), highlighting the importance of buying at a discount to NAV to provide a margin of safety. However, we acknowledge a less than optimal result over the life of this investment. The telecom equipment industry in which Tellabs participates is fraught with issues—from competition, technology leapfrogging and the need for high R&D investments, to a highly concentrated customer base and resultant pricing pressure. Despite its super-strong balance sheet, its operating and acquisitions track record was checkered.From Third Avenue Management's fourth quarter 2013 commentary.
Research Tools
All-In-One Screener
Stock Ideas
Stock List
Guru List
Guru Real-Time Picks
Insider List
Insider Trades
Economic Indicators
Sector & Industry Performance
DCF Calculator
Discussion Board
Product
Pricing Plans
Excel Add-In
Google Sheets Add-on
Data API
Stock Comparison Table
Manual of Stocks
Mobile App
中文
Education
Financial Glossary
Tutorials
FAQ
Schedule Free Session
Buffett Indicator
Shiller P/E
Yield Curve Today
U.S. Inflation Rate
Global Market Valuation
Fed Net Liquidity
Buffett Assets Allocation
Company
About GuruFocus
Career
Contact Us
ETF
Advertise
Site Map
Term of Use
Privacy Policy
Referral Program
Partner Program
Survey
We'd love to learn more about your experiences on GuruFocus.com and how we can improve!
Take Survey
Disclaimers
GuruFocus.com is not operated by a broker or a dealer. It has an affiliated registered investment adviser, which serves as the subadviser to an exchange traded fund. This investment adviser does not provide advice to individual investors. Under no circumstances does any information posted on GuruFocus.com represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. The information on this site, and in its related newsletters, is not intended to be, nor does it constitute investment advice or recommendations. The individuals or entities selected as "gurus" may buy and sell securities before and after any particular article and report and information herein is published, with respect to the securities discussed in any article and report posted herein. Gurus may be added or dropped from the GuruFocus site at any time. In no event shall GuruFocus.com be liable to any member, guest or third party for any damages of any kind arising out of the use of any content or other material published or available on GuruFocus.com, or relating to the use of, or inability to use, GuruFocus.com or any content, including, without limitation, any investment losses, lost profits, lost opportunity, special, incidental, indirect, consequential or punitive damages. Past performance is a poor indicator of future performance. The information on this site, and in its related newsletters, is not intended to be, nor does it constitute investment advice or recommendations. The information on this site is in no way guaranteed for completeness, accuracy or in any other way. The gurus listed in this website are not affiliated with GuruFocus.com, LLC. Stock quotes are provided by QuoteMedia, Inc. (CSI). Company fundamental data is provided by Morningstar. Analyst estimates data is sourced from both Refinitiv and Morningstar, with priority given to Refinitiv data. Data is updated daily.
© 2004-2024 GuruFocus.com, LLC. All Rights Reserved.