Liberty Global
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Liberty Global met expectations on revenue and missed expectations on earnings per share.
Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue increased and GAAP earnings per share contracted to a loss.
Gross margins increased, operating margins expanded, and net margins dropped.
Revenue details
Liberty Global logged revenue of $2.54 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected revenue of $2.54 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.43 billion.
![](https://g.fool.com/img/editorial/templates/LBTY.A_ERChart1_Q_2012-03-31.png)
Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
EPS details
EPS came in at -$0.20. The four earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.16 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.09 for Q1 against $1.22 per share for the prior-year quarter.
![](https://g.fool.com/img/editorial/templates/LBTY.A_ERChart2_Q_2012-03-31.png)
Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.
Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 64.6%, 170 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.5%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -1.0%, 1,510 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.
Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.62 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.36.
Next year's average estimate for revenue is $10.52 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.46.
Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Liberty Global is outperform, with an average price target of $56.38.
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