Breaking Down Liberty Global plc (LBTYA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

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Understanding Liberty Global plc (LBTYA) Revenue Streams

Understanding Liberty Global plc’s Revenue Streams

Primary Revenue Sources:

  • Residential Revenue: $1,267.0 million for Q3 2024, down from $1,292.9 million in Q3 2023.
  • B2B Revenue: $395.0 million for Q3 2024, up from $379.4 million in Q3 2023.
  • Other Revenue: $273.2 million for Q3 2024, up from $182.2 million in Q3 2023.

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate:

Total revenue for Q3 2024 was $1,935.2 million, representing an increase of 4.4% ($80.7 million) compared to Q3 2023, which was $1,854.5 million. Year-to-date revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $5,754.0 million, a 3.3% increase ($183.1 million) from $5,570.9 million in 2023.

Contribution of Different Business Segments:

Segment Q3 2024 Revenue (in millions) Q3 2023 Revenue (in millions) Change (in millions) Percentage Change
Residential Revenue $1,267.0 $1,292.9 $(25.9) (2.0%)
B2B Revenue $395.0 $379.4 $15.6 4.1%
Other Revenue $273.2 $182.2 $91.0 49.9%
Total Revenue $1,935.2 $1,854.5 $80.7 4.4%

Significant Changes in Revenue Streams:

Residential fixed revenue decreased by $34.1 million or 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. This decline was primarily due to a decrease in the average number of customers and lower Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). In contrast, B2B revenue saw a growth of 4.1% driven by an increase in the average number of customers. Other revenue experienced a significant increase of 49.9% due to the sale of customer premises equipment (CPE) to the VMO2 JV and revenue from U.K. JV Services.

On an organic basis, the total revenue increased by $46.9 million or 2.5% for Q3 2024 compared to Q3 2023, reflecting a more stable growth trend across the business segments.

Year-to-Date Revenue Analysis:

Segment YTD 2024 Revenue (in millions) YTD 2023 Revenue (in millions) Change (in millions) Percentage Change
Residential Revenue $3,751.0 $3,765.3 $(14.3) (0.4%)
B2B Revenue $1,147.0 $1,107.8 $39.2 3.5%
Other Revenue $856.0 $697.8 $158.2 22.7%
Total Revenue $5,754.0 $5,570.9 $183.1 3.3%

Overall, the analysis indicates a mixed revenue performance across different segments, with notable growth in B2B and other revenue streams while residential revenue faces challenges. The total revenue for the year reflects a positive trend despite the fluctuations within specific categories.




A Deep Dive into Liberty Global plc (LBTYA) Profitability

Profitability Metrics

Gross Profit Margin: For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the gross profit margin was 67.5%, compared to 66.6% for the same period in 2023.

Operating Profit Margin: The operating profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, stood at 2.5%, while for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, it was (0.7%).

Net Profit Margin: The net profit margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was (10.6%), a decline from 14.8% in the same period of 2023.

Trends in Profitability Over Time

Over the last few years, the profitability metrics have shown significant fluctuations:

  • Gross Profit: Increased from $3,712.8 million in 2022 to $3,878.5 million in 2023.
  • Operating Profit: Improved from $(116.0 million) in 2022 to $143.0 million in 2023.
  • Net Profit: Shifted from $(1,434.1 million) in 2022 to $659.2 million in 2023.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

Metric Company Value (2024) Industry Average
Gross Profit Margin 67.5% 65.0%
Operating Profit Margin 2.5% 5.0%
Net Profit Margin (10.6%) 3.0%

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

The operational efficiency metrics for the company indicate the following:

  • Cost Management: Operating costs decreased to $5,611.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, down from $5,610.1 million in the previous year.
  • Gross Margin Trend: The gross margin has shown an upward trend, improving from 66.6% in 2023 to 67.5% in 2024.

As of September 30, 2024, the total revenue was $5,754.0 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase from $5,570.9 million in 2023.

Overall, the profitability metrics and trends indicate a mixed performance with improvements in gross and operating margins, yet challenges remain in net profitability relative to industry averages.




Debt vs. Equity: How Liberty Global plc (LBTYA) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How Liberty Global plc Finances Its Growth

Debt Levels

As of September 30, 2024, Liberty Global plc reported a total debt of $15.95 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.76%. The debt is structured through various facilities, including:

Debt Type Principal Amount (in millions) Weighted Average Interest Rate (%)
Sunrise Holding Bank Facility $3,635.6 7.16
Sunrise Holding SPE Notes $1,668.0 4.56
Sunrise Holding Senior Notes $829.0 4.76
Telenet Credit Facility $4,524.8 6.46
Telenet Senior Secured Notes $1,602.0 4.75
VM Ireland Credit Facility $1,003.4 6.93
Vodafone Collar Loan $1,402.4 2.95
Vendor Financing $806.1 4.40
Other $478.9 5.92

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio for Liberty Global plc stands at 4.29, which indicates a significant reliance on debt financing relative to equity. This ratio is above the industry average of approximately 1.2, suggesting a higher risk profile compared to its peers.

Recent Debt Issuances and Credit Ratings

In October 2024, the company announced plans to prepay $1.4 billion of its outstanding debt as part of a restructuring initiative linked to a spin-off. The estimated fair value of the company’s debt was $15.7 billion as of September 30, 2024. The company maintains a credit rating of B- from S&P and B3 from Moody’s, reflecting its leveraged financial position and operational challenges.

Balancing Debt and Equity Funding

Liberty Global plc strategically balances its funding sources through a combination of debt and equity. In the first nine months of 2024, the company recorded net cash provided by operating activities of $1.24 billion, which supports its ongoing capital expenditures and debt repayments. The company has also engaged in share repurchases, totaling $511.9 million during the same period, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders while managing its leverage.

Overall, the company's approach to financing illustrates a reliance on debt to fuel growth and support operational needs while navigating the complexities of its financial obligations.




Assessing Liberty Global plc (LBTYA) Liquidity

Assessing Liberty Global plc's Liquidity

Current Ratio: As of September 30, 2024, the current ratio stands at 1.14. This is calculated using current assets of $18,659.1 million and current liabilities of $16,362.6 million.

Quick Ratio: The quick ratio is 0.73, which is derived from current assets minus inventories (which are negligible) divided by current liabilities.

Analysis of Working Capital Trends

Working capital as of September 30, 2024, is $2,296.5 million, indicating a positive liquidity position that provides a buffer for operational needs.

Period Current Assets (in millions) Current Liabilities (in millions) Working Capital (in millions)
September 30, 2024 $18,659.1 $16,362.6 $2,296.5
June 30, 2024 $18,347.5 $16,100.0 $2,247.5
March 31, 2024 $18,429.1 $16,300.0 $2,129.1

Cash Flow Statements Overview

Cash flows from operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were $1,241.3 million, a slight decrease compared to $1,326.7 million for the same period in 2023.

Investing activities generated a net cash inflow of $334.9 million in 2024, contrasting with a cash outflow of $966.4 million in 2023.

Financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $650.2 million, reflecting ongoing debt repayments and share repurchases.

Cash Flow Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Operating Activities $1,241.3 $1,326.7
Investing Activities $334.9 ($966.4)
Financing Activities ($650.2) ($343.1)

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

The company holds $2,356.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, with an additional $1,094.5 million in investments held under separate managed accounts (SMAs). This substantial liquidity position indicates a strong ability to meet short-term obligations.

However, potential liquidity concerns may arise from the $15.7 billion of outstanding debt as of September 30, 2024, which could limit financial flexibility.

Additionally, the company's ability to access cash from subsidiaries is restricted due to various debt covenants, which could pose challenges in adverse economic conditions.




Is Liberty Global plc (LBTYA) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

As of the financial data available for 2024, the following key valuation ratios and insights are relevant for assessing the financial health of the company:

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The P/E ratio is a crucial metric for evaluating the valuation of a company relative to its earnings. For the trailing twelve months (TTM), the P/E ratio stands at due to a net loss reported of ($1,434.1 million) for the three months ended September 30, 2024, and ($608.7 million) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The P/B ratio is another essential indicator, calculated by dividing the stock price by the book value per share. As of September 30, 2024, the book value per share is calculated from total equity of approximately $22,573.4 million and weighted average shares outstanding of 363.16 million, resulting in a P/B ratio of .

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

The EV/EBITDA ratio provides insight into how a company is valued relative to its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The enterprise value is calculated as the sum of market capitalization and total debt, minus cash and equivalents. As of September 30, 2024, the EV is and EBITDA for the last twelve months is $1,854.4 million.

Stock Price Trends

Over the last 12 months, the stock price has experienced fluctuations, with a recent trading price near $20.00. This represents a decline from a high of approximately $30.00 earlier in the year.

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

The company has not declared any dividends in the past year, resulting in a dividend yield of 0%. The payout ratio remains 0% as there have been no earnings distributions to shareholders.

Analyst Consensus on Stock Valuation

Analysts currently have a consensus rating of Hold based on recent evaluations, reflecting uncertainty about future earnings growth and market conditions.

Metric Value
P/E Ratio
P/B Ratio
EV/EBITDA Ratio
Latest Stock Price $20.00
52-Week High $30.00
Dividend Yield 0%
Payout Ratio 0%
Analyst Consensus Hold



Key Risks Facing Liberty Global plc (LBTYA)

Key Risks Facing Liberty Global plc

Overview of Internal and External Risks

The company operates in a highly competitive telecommunications industry facing significant internal and external risks. Key external risks include:

  • Industry Competition: Intense competition from other service providers can lead to pricing pressures and reduced market share.
  • Regulatory Changes: Changes in telecommunications regulations can affect operational costs and service offerings.
  • Market Conditions: Economic downturns can lead to reduced consumer spending on telecommunications services.

Operational, Financial, or Strategic Risks

Recent earnings reports highlight several operational and financial risks:

  • Debt Levels: As of September 30, 2024, total debt was reported at $15.9 billion, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.76% .
  • Net Earnings: For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported a net loss of $1.41 billion .
  • Foreign Currency Risks: The company faces foreign currency translation adjustments with a reported impact of $1.88 billion for the period .

Mitigation Strategies or Plans

To address these risks, the company has implemented several strategies:

  • Debt Management: Plans to prepay $1.4 billion of outstanding indebtedness by the end of October 2024 .
  • Operational Efficiency: Continuous efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs, with operating costs reported at $1.83 billion for Q3 2024 .
Risk Factor Description Recent Financial Impact
Debt Levels Total debt of $15.9 billion Interest expense of $756.2 million for Q3 2024
Net Loss Reported net loss of $1.41 billion Loss attributable to shareholders of $1.43 billion
Foreign Currency Risk Impacts from foreign currency translation adjustments Adjustment of $1.88 billion for Q3 2024
Regulatory Changes Possible impacts on operational costs Ongoing assessment of regulatory environment



Future Growth Prospects for Liberty Global plc (LBTYA)

Growth Opportunities

Future growth prospects for Liberty Global plc are shaped by several key drivers, including product innovations, market expansions, and strategic acquisitions. The company aims to capitalize on these aspects to enhance its competitive positioning and financial performance.

Key Growth Drivers

Liberty Global is focusing on:

  • Product Innovations: The company is investing in advanced technologies to improve service delivery and customer experience.
  • Market Expansions: Liberty Global is exploring opportunities in emerging markets to increase its customer base.
  • Strategic Acquisitions: The company continues to evaluate potential acquisitions to bolster its market presence and operational capabilities.

Future Revenue Growth Projections

Revenue growth projections for Liberty Global indicate a positive trend. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, the projected revenue is $5.8 billion, up from $5.57 billion in 2023. Additionally, the company's revenue from joint ventures, such as VMO2 and VodafoneZiggo, has shown resilience with revenues of $10.17 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Earnings Estimates

Analysts estimate that Liberty Global's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) will reach approximately $1.6 billion for 2024, reflecting an increase from $1.47 billion in 2023. The adjusted EBITDA for the VMO2 joint venture also supports this growth, with estimates around $3.38 billion.

Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Liberty Global is pursuing several strategic initiatives:

  • Joint Ventures: The company's collaboration with Vodafone through the VodafoneZiggo JV has been fruitful, with revenues of $3.33 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
  • Technological Advancements: Investments in next-gen broadband and mobile services are expected to enhance service offerings and customer retention.

Competitive Advantages

Liberty Global's competitive advantages include:

  • Extensive Network Infrastructure: The company's robust network allows it to deliver high-speed internet and advanced telecommunications services.
  • Strong Brand Portfolio: Established brands within its markets provide customer loyalty and recognition.
  • Cost Efficiency: Ongoing efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs enhance profitability.
Growth Driver 2023 Revenue 2024 Projected Revenue 2024 Projected EBITDA
Overall Revenue $5.57 billion $5.8 billion $1.6 billion
VMO2 JV Revenue $10.06 billion $10.17 billion $3.38 billion
VodafoneZiggo JV Revenue $3.30 billion $3.33 billion $1.57 billion

As Liberty Global continues to leverage its strengths and explore new opportunities, it positions itself favorably for sustained growth in the competitive telecommunications landscape.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • Liberty Global plc (LBTYA) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Liberty Global plc (LBTYA)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View Liberty Global plc (LBTYA)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.