JDSU Steps Up the Pace

A retooled JDSU (JDSU Quote) says it's geared up for a little growth.

Lest troubling memories linger of the former JDS Uniphase, the San Jose, Calif., company is on Wall Street this week to stress that this is the "new JDSU." And with several underperforming businesses and nearly four dozen executives out the door, the new-and-improved JDSU says it is succeeding by focusing on three main businesses: optical components, network testing and specialty coatings.

David Gudmundson, the company's head of corporate development, dropped by Monday. The visit came ahead of a shareholder vote Thursday on a proposed reverse stock split. JDSU wants investors to rubber-stamp a plan to boost the share price by reducing the number of shares outstanding.

Even without any reverse split, JDSU's revival efforts have been handsomely rewarded. The stock has gained nearly 50% in the two months since the company floated the reverse split plan and changed its name. JDSU shares fell 4 cents to $2.39 in midday trading Monday. ...