Boston, MA 05/23/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Liberty Global plc – Class A Ordinary Shares (NASDAQ:LBTYA), a $9.7 billion media giant with international operations, has good plans for its customers and shareholders this year and beyond. The company recently announced positive quarterly results that all but confirmed the improving performance in the company.
The results not only exceeded the estimates of analysts, but also showed big subscriber gain in key markets and segments in which the company operates.
The company reported sales of $4.53 billion in 1Q, suggesting an increase of 70 percent over the same quarter a year earlier. Analysts on the average expected the company to report sales of $4.52 billion. The 1Q sales gains were derived from the strong growth in subscribers. The company continues to attract new subscribers as it expands into more markets especially in Europe where its Horizon TV service is fast-taking roots.
Although it started offering its TV Everywhere service in Western Europe, Liberty Global plc – Class A Ordinary Shares (NASDAQ:LBTYA) recently announced expansion of the service to more European markets including Poland where it offers a rich TV menu.
The Horizon TV service allows subscribers to enjoy a wide range of television channels on multiple platforms that include smartphones, tablets, laptops, PCs and TV sets.
Returning money to shareholders
Liberty Global plc – Class A Ordinary Shares (NASDAQ:LBTYA) consistently aims to maximize shareholder value. In addition to making more investment to grow into new markets and attract higher revenue and profits, the company also spares its free cash flow to share with its investors. Therefore, it plans to buyback $3.1 billion worth of its shares from April 2014 to December 2015.
The company returned $400 million in the stock repurchase to shareholders in 1Q.
Acquisitions
As Liberty Global plc – Class A Ordinary Shares (NASDAQ:LBTYA) pursues organic growth, the company also seeks to acquire companies that can immediately boost earnings or those that have long-term potential. Of late, it has been looking to Europe for acquisition deals.
