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We believe the company’s merger and acquisition plans are likely to bode well for long-term growth.
Upsides
The launch of DOCSIS 3.1 network services, the joint venture with Vodafone Group Plc. (VOD - Free Report) in the Netherlands, the acquisition of UTV Ireland TV stations from ITV and the takeover of Cable & Wireless are expected to drive growth at Liberty Global.
Liberty Global entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the cable business of Multimedia Polska S.A. for a consideration of approximately $760 million. Notably, Multimedia Polska is the third largest cable TV operator in Poland. The all-cash transaction is likely to be completed in the next one year, subject to customary regulatory clearances.
Meanwhile, Liberty Global’s long-term agreement with Netflix Inc. (NFLX - Free Report) will allow the latter to offer its content on the former’s cable network. The service will be available in 30 countries, starting with the Netherlands and eventually expanding to other regions. Note that Netflix, at the beginning of November, announced its integration into Comcast Corp.’s (CMCSA - Free Report) cloud-based managed video delivery X1 platform.
Downturns
Shares of Liberty Global have underperformed the Zacks categorized Cable TV industry on a year-to-date basis due to multiple headwinds. The stock has lost 26.77%, lagging the industry’s growth of 19.70% over the same period.
Moreover, Liberty Global’s predominant operation in Europe is a major concern because of the prevalence of recessionary pressure, debt crisis and low per capita income in several European countries. Further, stiff competition in the video, broadband, fixed-line telephony and mobile services business, foreign exchange rate risks and integration risks remain major dampeners.
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Liberty Global (LBTYA) Raised to Buy on Solid Prospects
On Dec 27, Liberty Global plc. (LBTYA - Free Report) , a leading cable MSO with operations in Europe and Latin America, was upgraded by a notch to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
We believe the company’s merger and acquisition plans are likely to bode well for long-term growth.
Upsides
The launch of DOCSIS 3.1 network services, the joint venture with Vodafone Group Plc. (VOD - Free Report) in the Netherlands, the acquisition of UTV Ireland TV stations from ITV and the takeover of Cable & Wireless are expected to drive growth at Liberty Global.
Liberty Global entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the cable business of Multimedia Polska S.A. for a consideration of approximately $760 million. Notably, Multimedia Polska is the third largest cable TV operator in Poland. The all-cash transaction is likely to be completed in the next one year, subject to customary regulatory clearances.
Meanwhile, Liberty Global’s long-term agreement with Netflix Inc. (NFLX - Free Report) will allow the latter to offer its content on the former’s cable network. The service will be available in 30 countries, starting with the Netherlands and eventually expanding to other regions. Note that Netflix, at the beginning of November, announced its integration into Comcast Corp.’s (CMCSA - Free Report) cloud-based managed video delivery X1 platform.
Downturns
Shares of Liberty Global have underperformed the Zacks categorized Cable TV industry on a year-to-date basis due to multiple headwinds. The stock has lost 26.77%, lagging the industry’s growth of 19.70% over the same period.
Moreover, Liberty Global’s predominant operation in Europe is a major concern because of the prevalence of recessionary pressure, debt crisis and low per capita income in several European countries. Further, stiff competition in the video, broadband, fixed-line telephony and mobile services business, foreign exchange rate risks and integration risks remain major dampeners.
Zacks' Top Investment Ideas for Long-Term Profit
How would you like to see our best recommendations to help you find today’s most promising long-term stocks? Starting now, you can look inside our portfolios featuring stocks under $10, income stocks, value investments and more. These picks, which have double and triple-digit profit potential, are rarely available to the public. But you can see them now. Click here >>