Vistance Networks saw its stock jump after the company disclosed a definitive agreement to sell its RUCKUS Networks business to Belden Inc. for $1.846 billion in cash. The deal prompted an immediate market reaction, with Vistance shares rising sharply following the announcement.
The companies said the transaction is expected to conclude in the second half of 2026, contingent on customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Vistance projects it will receive approximately $1.7 billion in net proceeds after accounting for taxes and transaction expenses. Management intends to return a substantial portion of the excess cash to shareholders via a special distribution to be paid within 60 days after the closing.
Quarterly results and operational highlights
Alongside the sale announcement, Vistance released financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Net sales totaled $471.8 million, an increase of 21.6% from $388.1 million in the same quarter a year earlier. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted EBITDA was $87.3 million, up 85% from $47.2 million in the prior-year quarter.
On a GAAP basis, income from continuing operations was $231.7 million, or $1.02 per share, compared with $341.1 million, or $1.50 per share, in the first quarter of 2025. Vistance reported non-GAAP adjusted net income per diluted share of $0.34, representing an increase of 209.1% from $0.11 in the prior-year period.
The company highlighted growth at its Aurora Networks segment, which reported revenue growth of 33% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 32% in the quarter. Vistance reiterated its view that the Aurora standalone business should generate between $225 million and $250 million of adjusted EBITDA in 2026.
Recent asset sales and capital returns
The RUCKUS Networks sale follows Vistance's January 2026 disposition of its Connectivity and Cable Solutions segment to Amphenol Corporation. That transaction produced approximately $10 billion in net proceeds, which Vistance used to retire outstanding debt and redeem preferred stock. The company subsequently distributed excess cash to shareholders at $10.00 per share on April 27, 2026.
Market and shareholder implications
The planned sale of RUCKUS and the earlier Amphenol transaction have materially changed Vistance's balance sheet, leaving the company with substantial cash proceeds that management plans to return to shareholders. The RUCKUS agreement is expected to further concentrate Vistance's operations around its remaining businesses, including Aurora Networks, which the company projects will be a meaningful contributor to adjusted EBITDA in 2026.
Precise treatment of the roughly $1.7 billion in net proceeds - including the exact portion to be distributed - will depend on final taxes and transaction costs and the timing of closing and regulatory clearances.