Desktop (DESK3) Soars Nearly 20% as Claro Deal Talks Continue Post-Anatel Report
- Why Is Desktop (DESK3) Rallying Today?
- Anatel’s Concerns vs. Market Optimism
- BTCC’s Take: Why Desktop Could Hit R$20
- Desktop’s Rocky Road to a Deal
- What’s Next for Investors?
- Desktop at a Glance
- FAQ: Your Desktop-Claro Deal Questions Answered
Shares of Desktop (DESK3) surged almost 20% on October 23, 2025, fueled by renewed Optimism over ongoing acquisition talks with Claro. Despite regulatory concerns raised by Anatel, the deal could reshape Brazil’s telecom landscape, with BTCC analysts highlighting strategic synergies. Here’s a deep dive into the drama, the numbers, and what’s next for this regional telecom player.
Why Is Desktop (DESK3) Rallying Today?
Desktop’s stock (DESK3) skyrocketed nearly 20% intraday on October 23, 2025, clawing back losses from earlier in the week. The rally follows reports that negotiations with Claro—part of Mexican giant América Móvil—are still active. By midday, shares were up 12.92% at R$15.30, making it the top gainer on Brazil’s B3 exchange. Earlier, the stock had jumped 17.71% to R$15.95. The rebound stems from renewed hopes for a binding offer of R$0.21 per share, expected by next week, according to insider sources.
Anatel’s Concerns vs. Market Optimism
Just days before the rally, Desktop shares plunged 26% on October 20 after Anatel flagged antitrust risks in a potential Claro deal. The regulator warned of "non-negligible concerns" about market concentration, switching costs, and reduced competition. But investors seem to be betting that the strategic upside—like migrating 8.1 million Claro customers to fiber—will outweigh regulatory hurdles. "This deal is small for América Móvil but a game-changer for Claro Brazil," noted BTCC’s telecom team.
BTCC’s Take: Why Desktop Could Hit R$20
In an October 22 report, BTCC maintained a "Buy" rating on DESK3 with a R$20 target (47.6% upside). Their analysis shows a Claro-Desktop combo WOULD control 53% of broadband in 20 key cities—slightly higher than a Vivo-Desktop scenario (51%). "Synergies are real, but financial impact is limited at the group level," wrote analysts. The firm also noted Desktop’s 4.78 million reachable homes and 57,000 km of fiber infrastructure as key assets.
Desktop’s Rocky Road to a Deal
This isn’t Desktop’s first M&A rodeo. In 2024, talks with Telefónica’s Vivo collapsed over network overlap issues. Now, with Claro, the sticking point is regulatory approval. Desktop’s niche—200 cities in São Paulo state—makes it a prime target for operators craving regional dominance. "It’s like a chess match where Anatel holds the queen," quipped a São Paulo-based trader.
What’s Next for Investors?
All eyes are on the binding offer deadline and Anatel’s next move. While the R$0.21/share price seems low, it’s a 38% premium to pre-rumor levels. Desktop’s wild swings—+55% in 15 days, then -26% in one session—show how deal speculation is driving volatility. "This stock isn’t for the faint-hearted," warns an BTCC markets strategist. TradingView charts reveal DESK3’s 30-day volatility at 78%, dwarfing the Ibovespa’s 22%.
Desktop at a Glance
Founded in 2021, Desktop went public as Brazil’s "leading regional telecom platform." It now covers 4.78 million homes, with 1.17 million subscribers in São Paulo’s interior. Its 2024 mobile VIRTUAL operator launch (using TIM’s network) added another growth layer. But with debt at 3.2x EBITDA, some argue a buyout is its best exit.
FAQ: Your Desktop-Claro Deal Questions Answered
Why did Desktop shares drop 26% on October 20?
Anatel’s report raised antitrust concerns, spooking investors about deal approval risks.
What’s the expected offer price from Claro?
Sources suggest R$0.21 per share—a 38% premium to pre-rumor prices.
How would this deal affect Brazil’s telecom market?
Claro-Desktop could control 53% in key cities, per BTCC analysis, potentially stifling competition.
Is Desktop profitable?
As of H1 2025, it had 1.17 million paying broadband users but carries significant debt.
