Stifel lifts Ciena PT on AI strategy upside from Nubis buyout

** Stifel raises PT of networking equipment maker Ciena CIEN.N to $152 from $120, maintains "buy" rating

** New PT a 9.1% upside on stock's last close

** CIEN said on Monday it would acquire privately held Nubis Communications for $270 mln in an all-cash deal

** The acquisition is consistent with the company's strategy to secure a leading position in the AI-driven data center interconnect market, Stifel says

** Brokerage says the combined business "can offer a comprehensive portfolio addressing the full spectrum of data center connectivity needs"

** 12 of 18 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, five "hold" and one "sell"; their median PT is $127.5 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, shares up about 64% YTD