Thursday, February 14, 2008

RUMOUR MILL: Synchronoss (NASDAQ:SNCR)

There are variation of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) or Amdocs (NYSE:DOX) for Synchronoss (NASDAQ:SNCR) rumor making rounds today and I'd like to share my initial thoughts on the topic. First of all, Synchronoss does make a great acquisition target for a number of reasons:

- Despite lowering the bar at the last earnings conference call, the co is still growing revenue 25% this year.

- Attractive margin profile: 56-58% gross margins and 30% operating margin with operating margin expanding over time.

- Co would greatly benefit from added scale when acquired by bigger player with presence at the telecom operators.

Despite its internal struggles, Ericsson does fit the profile of potential suitor. ERIC acquired LHS AG in June 2007, making entry to the OSS (operations support systems) space. Adding SNCR would give Ericsson another fitting piece to restore growth.

Amdocs is also making push to the OSS mkt and SNCR would be logical tgt for them, with margins already above those of DOX. Also, the AT&T link is there with both cos having AT&T as a major customer. And think of all the cross-selling possibilities the deal would provide.

Why would either company make an offer? First and foremost, the margin profile of SNCR that would be even more impressive on larger scale.

On an interesting sidenote, IPO bookrunner Goldman Sachs still owns 4.5% stake in the company.

Hope it helps,


NC

No comments: