Who Owns VIAVI Company?

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Who Owns VIAVI Solutions?

Understanding VIAVI Solutions' ownership is key to grasping its strategic path and market impact. The company was formed in August 2015 from the split of JDS Uniphase Corporation (JDSU), a significant move that redefined the optical communications and network testing sectors.

VIAVI Solutions, now a leader in network test, monitoring, and assurance, traces its lineage back to Uniphase, established in 1979. This spin-off allowed VIAVI to concentrate on its core offerings, while Lumentum Holdings Inc. acquired the optical products division.

VIAVI Solutions is primarily owned by its shareholders, with institutional investors holding a significant portion of the company's stock. As of March 2024, its market capitalization stood around $2.201 billion. Key institutional holders include Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., and Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, collectively managing a substantial percentage of the outstanding shares. These major shareholders influence the company's direction through their voting rights and engagement with the board of directors. Individual investors and company insiders also hold ownership stakes, contributing to the diverse ownership structure.

For the fiscal year ending June 2024, VIAVI reported revenues nearing $1.0 billion. The company's product portfolio includes solutions for 5G, fiber optics, and broadband networks, with offerings like the OneExpert™ ONX-620 playing a role in network testing and assurance. A thorough VIAVI PESTEL Analysis can provide further context on the external factors influencing its operations and market position.

VIAVI Solutions emerged not from individual founders, but as a strategic spin-off from JDS Uniphase Corporation (JDSU) in August 2015. Its lineage traces back to 1979 with Uniphase, a laser manufacturer, and JDSU's own formation through significant mergers, including the 1999 combination of JDS Fitel and Uniphase, and the 2005 acquisition of Acterna.

Spin-off from JDSU

VIAVI Solutions was officially established on August 1, 2015, as a result of JDS Uniphase Corporation's separation. This move created two independent, publicly traded companies.

Shareholder Distribution

At the time of the split, JDSU shareholders received one share of Lumentum common stock for every five shares of JDSU they held. VIAVI Solutions retained approximately 19.9% of Lumentum's outstanding shares.

Leadership Transition

The leadership team that guided VIAVI at its inception transitioned from JDSU. Richard Belluzzo was appointed Chairman, and Oleg Khaykin served as President and CEO.

No Traditional Founding

Unlike companies with individual founders, VIAVI's early ownership structure was directly linked to the existing JDSU shareholder base. This meant ownership was distributed among the broader investment community from the outset.

Asset Allocation

VIAVI Solutions inherited its assets and operational structures directly from JDSU. This spin-off model meant the company did not receive initial venture capital funding.

Historical Context

The company's history is complex, involving mergers like JDS Fitel with Uniphase in 1999 and the acquisition of Acterna in 2005. This intricate past shaped the ownership landscape at the time of VIAVI's formation.

The early ownership of VIAVI Solutions was a direct consequence of its corporate restructuring from JDSU. This meant that the initial VIAVI stock ownership was held by the shareholders of the former JDSU entity. As a publicly traded company, VIAVI ownership is now dispersed among a wide range of institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. Understanding Mission, Vision & Core Values of VIAVI can provide context on how this ownership structure influences the company's strategic direction.

VIAVI Ownership Overview

VIAVI Solutions is a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among its shareholders. The company's market capitalization as of late 2023 and early 2024 reflects the collective value placed on it by investors.

• VIAVI ownership is primarily held by institutional investors, including large asset management firms and mutual funds.
• Individual investors also hold VIAVI stock, contributing to the broad shareholder base.
• The VIAVI board of directors oversees the company's strategy and operations on behalf of all shareholders.
• As a publicly traded entity, VIAVI's financial reports are publicly available, offering transparency into its performance and ownership details.

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VIAVI Solutions began its independent journey on August 4, 2015, after spinning off from JDSU and commencing trading on NASDAQ under the ticker VIAV. This transition marked a significant shift in its ownership structure, moving towards a publicly traded entity with ownership primarily distributed among institutional and individual investors.

The ownership landscape of VIAVI Solutions is predominantly shaped by institutional investors, who collectively held approximately 85.4% of the company's shares as of July 2025. Key institutional stakeholders include Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Co., T. Rowe Price Investment Management, Inc., Schroder Investment Management North America, Inc., BNY Mellon Investment Adviser, Inc., and DFA Australia Ltd. State Street Corp. is also a notable institutional shareholder, possessing around 3.99% of VIAVI's shares. The vast majority of shareholders, about 88.11%, are based in the United States, reflecting the company's primary market presence. This substantial institutional backing suggests that the company's strategic decisions and governance are significantly influenced by the collective interests of these large investment firms, often focusing on long-term financial performance and growth.

VIAVI's Shareholder Profile

Understanding VIAVI's ownership is key to grasping its strategic direction. The company's market capitalization and share structure provide insights into its valuation and investor base.

• As of December 31, 2023, VIAVI's market capitalization was approximately $2.2 billion.
• By July 27, 2024, the company had 221,912,561 shares of common stock outstanding.
• In fiscal year 2024, VIAVI repurchased 2.3 million shares for $20.0 million.
• The significant institutional ownership, particularly from US-based entities, indicates a strong influence on corporate governance.
• For a deeper dive into the company's history, explore the Brief History of VIAVI.

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The Board of Directors at VIAVI Solutions is instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction and ensuring robust corporate governance. As of late 2024, the board comprises eight directors, with an average tenure of 10.7 years, reflecting a blend of experience and continuity. Key figures include Chairman Richard Belluzzo and President and CEO Oleg Khaykin, supported by directors like Keith Barnes, Doug Gilstrap, and Joanne Solomon, who collectively bring a wealth of expertise in technology, finance, and executive leadership.

In November 2024, VIAVI Solutions' shareholders elected eight directors to serve until the 2025 Annual Meeting, with strong support indicated by approximately 94% of outstanding shares being represented. The voting structure adheres to the standard one-share-one-vote principle common for NASDAQ-listed companies, meaning there are no special share classes conferring disproportionate voting power. The company actively engages with its shareholders, having reached out to holders of about 40% of outstanding shares in FY22 for feedback. A notable governance change for the upcoming period is the decision by Tor Braham, a director since 2015, not to seek renomination for the 2025 Annual Meeting.

Understanding VIAVI Ownership and Governance

VIAVI Solutions is a publicly traded company, meaning its ownership is distributed among its shareholders. The board of directors is elected by these shareholders to oversee management and ensure the company operates in their best interests. Understanding the Growth Strategy of VIAVI is closely tied to how its ownership structure and board decisions influence its market position.

• VIAVI is a publicly traded entity, with ownership spread across its shareholders.
• The board of directors is elected by shareholders to provide oversight.
• Voting power is typically based on a one-share-one-vote system.
• Shareholder engagement is a key aspect of VIAVI's governance.

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Over the past three to five years, VIAVI Solutions has experienced significant shifts in its ownership structure, driven by strategic acquisitions and capital allocation initiatives. These developments reflect a proactive approach to market positioning and shareholder value enhancement.

The company's strategic direction is further underscored by its capital allocation strategy, which includes ongoing share repurchase programs. These actions, alongside significant acquisitions, aim to strengthen its market presence and financial standing. The anticipated demand recovery in the first half of calendar 2025, following a more conservative spending environment in 2024, suggests a positive outlook for the company's performance and, by extension, its ownership trends. Understanding these movements is crucial for assessing the overall trajectory of VIAVI ownership.

Strategic Acquisitions Driving Growth

VIAVI's recent acquisitions, such as Inertial Labs and the pending acquisition of Spirent's business, are designed to expand its capabilities in key technology areas. These moves are expected to significantly boost revenue in its Network and Service Enablement segment.

Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns

The company actively manages its capital structure through share repurchase programs. These buybacks, coupled with strategic investments, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing shareholder value and managing its stock performance.

Financing and Board Influence

Major financial maneuvers, like the loan from Wells Fargo and investment from Silver Lake, highlight the financial strategies supporting VIAVI's growth. The addition of Silver Lake's Chairman to the board indicates a significant stakeholder's influence on the company's direction.

Insider Activity and Market Outlook

Insider trading activity, such as the sale by Senior Vice President James L. Veler Jr., provides a snapshot of individual stakeholder actions. The company's outlook anticipates a gradual demand recovery, influencing investor sentiment and overall VIAVI ownership dynamics.

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