A promising acquisition

Article Excerpt

MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC. $421 is a buy. The company (New York symbol MSI; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 166.9 million; Market cap: $70.3 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 6.6; Dividend yield: 1.0%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.motorolasolutions.com) makes communications equipment such as two-way radios for police and fire vehicles, as well as high-definition surveillance systems. Motorola has a long history of using acquisitions to enhance its expertise and broaden its product lines. The company’s latest purchase is Silvus Technologies, Inc. Based in California, that firm makes specialized communications equipment for military and law enforcement clients. Its products make it easier for users to transmit data in harsh conditions and areas without cellphone towers. Motorola will pay $4.4 billion when it completes the purchase later this year. Depending on future performance, it may have to pay an additional $600 million in 2027 and 2028. The new operations look like a good fit with Motorola’s existing products, and should add to its earnings in the first year. Motorola…