Marvell’s Proposed Acquisition of Lumentum Sparks Pre-Market Divergence in Optical Communications Stocks: MRVL Falls Over 11%, LITE Rises Over 4%, COHR Slips 0.63%

TradingKey - On October 28 ET, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Marvell Technology (MRVL) is in advanced acquisition talks with optical communications equipment maker Lumentum Holdings (LITE). A deal could be announced as early as next week, though the two parties have not yet reached a final agreement.

Following the news, the stock prices of the two companies diverged. In pre-market trading on October 29, as of press time, Marvell dropped over 11% to around $223, while Lumentum rose about 4.71% to $957.

Meanwhile, Coherent (COHR) fell 0.63% to $238.07, and Nvidia (NVDA) slid 0.59% to $214.10.

[Source: TradingView]

Marvell Plans to Acquire Lumentum to Expand AI Data Center Optical Interconnect Business

Marvell primarily provides custom AI chips, data center networking, and interconnect products, while Lumentum produces lasers and other optical components used in communication networks and data centers.

If a deal is reached, Marvell is expected to further integrate chips, network interconnect technology, and Lumentum's optical components, expanding its product coverage in the AI data center interconnect field. However, the actual gains from the transaction remain dependent on the acquisition consideration, financing costs, and subsequent integration outcomes.

Marvell previously announced the acquisition of photonics technology company Celestial AI for an initial consideration of approximately $3.25 billion, completing the deal in February 2026. In October 2026, the company raised its fiscal year 2028 revenue target from $15 billion to $20 billion, citing strong demand for custom AI chips and data center networking products.

If it acquires Lumentum, Marvell will further expand its optical device business, but whether this will enhance long-term profitability remains to be seen.

Acquisition Financing Pressure Draws Focus; Nvidia Partners With Both Optical Firms

Financing capacity is one of the key issues in this potential transaction. Reuters reported that as of the end of Marvell's latest quarter, the company held approximately $3.92 billion in cash and cash equivalents, compared with Lumentum's market capitalization of around $83 billion at the time.

Market capitalization does not equal the final acquisition price, but the gap in scale between the two implies that if the deal value is substantial, Marvell may need to raise funds through debt, equity issuance, or other means, which would increase interest expenses or cause share dilution. The ultimate impact will still depend on the acquisition price and specific financing arrangements.

Nvidia had previously not only invested $2 billion in Marvell and established a strategic partnership, but also invested $2 billion each in Lumentum and Coherent.

Nvidia signed multi-year, non-exclusive strategic agreements with both Lumentum and Coherent involving advanced lasers, optical components, and optical networking products, along with multi-billion-dollar purchase commitments. This indicates that both Lumentum and Coherent have commercial ties to Nvidia's AI infrastructure supply chain.

However, if Marvell acquires Lumentum, it could alter the competitive landscape in the optical components sector, though the actual impact on Coherent will still depend on product competition, customer demand, and subsequent business developments.

The market will next watch whether Marvell and Lumentum can reach a definitive agreement, as well as the transaction consideration, financing structure, and integration plan. For Marvell, the acquisition valuation, financing costs, and integration performance will be critical factors for investors in evaluating the deal.