Mar 31, 2020

Liberty Global Q1 2020 Earnings Report

Liberty Global's Q1 2020 results reflected network resilience amidst COVID-19, with repurchased shares and increased operating income.

Key Takeaways

Liberty Global reported a 0.3% increase in revenue and a 166% increase in operating income year-over-year. The company's networks proved resilient amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and it repurchased nearly $500 million of shares. They maintain over $10 billion in liquidity.

Q1 reported revenue growth of 0.3%; rebased revenue decrease of 0.3%

Q1 operating income increased 166% YoY to $280.6 million

Q1 rebased OCF declined 3.6% to $1,150.3 million

Repurchased nearly $500 million of stock through April 30, 2020

Total Revenue
$2.88B
Previous year: $2.87B
+0.3%
EPS
$1.5
Previous year: -$0.43
-448.8%
Debt Balance
$26.9B
Gross Profit
$2.02B
Previous year: $2.07B
-2.3%
Cash and Equivalents
$5.44B
Previous year: $939M
+479.1%
Free Cash Flow
-$317M
Total Assets
$47.3B
Previous year: $53.4B
-11.6%

Liberty Global

Liberty Global

Liberty Global Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Liberty Global is still assessing the medium-term impact from the COVID-19 crisis on its financial guidance and expects to update investors on its second quarter earnings call. For now, however, it remains encouraged by its operating prospects and does not currently see the need to change or suspend its full-year guidance.

Positive Outlook

  • Continued network resiliency amidst the COVID-19 usage surge
  • Expected launch of broadband speed increases and connectivity and entertainment enhancements
  • Expectations with respect to the development, launch and benefits of innovative and advanced products and services
  • Strength of balance sheet and tenor of third-party debt
  • Share repurchase plan

Challenges Ahead

  • Continued use by subscribers and potential subscribers of our and our affiliates’ services and their willingness to upgrade to our more advanced offerings
  • Ability to meet challenges from competition, to manage rapid technological change or to maintain or increase rates to subscribers or to pass through increased costs to subscribers
  • Potential impact of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 on our company
  • Effects of changes in laws or regulation
  • Effects of the U.K.'s exit from the E.U.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income