The Dallas-based telecom giant, AT&T (T), reported quarterly operating results after the closing bell on Tuesday that just barely topped analysts’ expectations.
AT&T’s Earnings in Brief
EPS for the quarter came in at $0.53 per share, beating the projected $0.50 figure, and more impressively marking a hefty 20% improvement from the $0.44 EPS seen during the year-ago period. AT&T raked in revenues of $33.16 billion for the quarter, topping the projected figure of $33.06 billion and marking a healthy 1.8% improvement on a year-over-year basis. For the full year 2013, AT&T reported EPS of $2.50, marking a solid 8% increase from the last year-end figure of $2.31 per share. U-verse revenues posted the biggest year-over-year increase among all the operating segments, growing by nearly 28%. Looking ahead to 2014, T expects revenue growth in a range of 2% to 3%.CEO Commentary
10 Best Managed Healthcare Stocks To Own Right Now: Internet Gold Golden Lines Ltd (IGG)
Internet Gold Golden Lines Ltd., incorporated in April 1992, is a communications services provider. The Company�� subsidiaries are B Communications Ltd. (B Communications) (formerly 012 Smile.Communications Ltd.) and GoldMind Ltd. (formerly Smile.Media Ltd.). B Communications is the controlling shareholder of Bezeq. It owns 78.11% of the interest B Communications. Bezeq is the principal provider of communications services in Israel. The Group has four areas of operation, which include Bezeq domestic fixed-line communications, Pelephone Communications Ltd., Bezeq International Ltd. and D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. The Company�� subsidiary, B Communications, holds 30.44% interest of Bezeq (TASE:BZEQ). On March 14, 2011, B Communications purchased additional interest in Bezeq increasing its ownership interest to 31.37%. On March 3, 2011, Partner completed its acquisition of 012 Smile.
Bezeq domestic fixed-line communications primarily includes Bezeq�� operation as a domestic operator, including telephony services, Internet services, transmission services and data communications. Pelephone Communications Ltd. provides cellular services (cellular communications), marketing of end-user equipment, installation, operation and maintenance of cellular communications equipment and systems. Bezeq International Ltd. provides international communications services, Internet access (ISP) services, and network endpoint (NEP) services. D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. provides multi-channel broadcast and value added services via satellite.
Bezeq fixed-line business
Bezeq's telephony services include basic telephony services on domestic telephone lines and associated services, such as voice mail, caller identity (ID), call waiting, call forwarding, speed dial, and conference calls. Bezeq also provides national services for businesses (1-800, 1-700) that offer full or partial payment for incoming calls by businesses. As of December 31, 2010, Bezeq operated about ! 12,500 public telephones around the country, which were operated by various types of pre-paid cards. Bezeq operates a unified telephone directory for fixed-line and cellular telephony operators, as well as a unified Website, which is free of charge, in addition to its 144 (directory information) service. As of December 31, 2011, Bezeq had 2,367,000 active telephone lines.
Bezeq provides broadband Internet access infrastructure services in xDSL technology. As of December 31, 2011, Bezeq had 1,111,000 Internet subscribers. Data communications services are network services for point-to-point transfer of data, transfer of data between computers and various communications networks, services to connect communications networks to the Internet, and remote access services. The companies operating in this field are Cellcom, Partner (which acquired the Med-1 operation), HOT and Internet companies that also use leased infrastructures. Bezeq offers transmission services, including high speed services, to other communications operators and to its business customers over a variety of protocols. At December 31, 2011, the percentage of Internet subscribers connected to the next generation network (NGN) was approximately 87% of Bezeq's total Internet subscribers, and the percentage of subscribers using NGN services was 48% of all Internet subscribers connected to the NGN network.
Bezeq provides services to other communications operators, including the cellular and international operators, cable broadcasting license-holders, NEP operators, ISPs, domestic operators, and Palestinian communications providers. Bezeq�� services include infrastructure, connection to Bezeq's network, transmission, billing and collection, rental of space and provision of services in its rented properties and rights of use for seabed cables. Bezeq operates and maintains radio transmitters, including those operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority, television transmitters of Channel 1, Educational Television and Cha! nnel 2, a! nd the transmitters of regional radio stations. Bezeq also operates digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmitters. Bezeq is responsible only for operation and maintenance of the transmitters for distribution of radio and television programs, and not for the content of the broadcasts.
Bezeq performs setup and operation work on networks and sub-networks for various customers, such as the Ministry of Defense, HOT, radio and television broadcasting companies, cellular and international communication operators, local authorities, municipalities and government agencies. Bezeq and HOT have agreements for the provision of installation and maintenance services of cable networks, on Bezeq's infrastructure, from the starting point of those licensees��operating center, up to the point of delivery at the entrance to subscribers��homes. The IP Centrex service is a virtual private exchange service. Data Center service enables provision of a solution for customers from the aspects of backup and survivability. 144 Internet site is a search engine for finding business and private telephone numbers. Bezeq�� launch of its new generation network (NGN) has enabled it to offer new services, such as Bphone (a service enabling telephone calls to be made through the Internet as calls made from a fixed-line phone), on-hold music, storage services on the network and home exchange services.
Pelephone
Pelephone provides its subscribers with an offering of voice transmission, transmission of text messages, data communications and advanced multimedia services. Pelephone�� service package includes basic call services, call completion services and auxiliary services, such as call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, voice conference call and caller ID. Pelephone offers its customers value added services, such as Internet surfing, text messaging and information services using short message service SMS (text), multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages, voice information services using ! special p! urpose asterisks, information and entertainment services through as Internet portal. Pelephone�� value added services also include the ability to watch various television channels, such as music, sports, news and entertainment channels, and the ability to photograph and forward video files.
Pelephone provides roaming services (communications by means of cellular handsets from different locations around the world) in accordance with agreements it has with cellular operators abroad, enabling Pelephone to access their networks. Pelephone offers its customers a repair service for a monthly payment entitling the customer to a warranty for the cellular handset, or for a one-time payment at the time of repair. Pelephone offers its customers various types and brands of cellular telephones, on-board telephones and hands-free devices, as well as support for its range of services. Pelephone also supplies its customers with modems and laptop computers for surfing the Internet through the Pelephone network. Pelephone provides roaming services (communications by means of cellular handsets from different locations around the world) in accordance with agreements it has with cellular operators abroad, enabling Pelephone to access their networks. The roaming tariffs are defined in the Individual Annex. Pelephone offers its customers a repair service for a monthly payment entitling the customer to a warranty for the cellular handset, or for a one-time payment at the time of repair. Pelephone offers its customers various types and brands of cellular telephones, on-board telephones and hands-free devices, as well as support for its range of services. Pelephone also supplies its customers with modems and laptop computers for surfing the Internet through the Pelephone network.
Bezeq International
Bezeq International provides communication solutions to its customers in the private and business sectors, in four areas of operation. It includes Internet access services, International tele! phony ser! vices, NEP services, and Data and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), solutions. In the voice services sector, Bezeq International provides international direct dialing (IDD), services to business and private customers; toll-free number services for business customers overseas; international call routing and termination services (hubbing) transfer of international calls between foreign communication providers (worldwide), calling card services enabling prepaid and postpaid dialing from and to Israel, for business and private customers, and the 1809 service for dialing from Israel to other countries. Bezeq International also provides domestic telephony services by means of Voice over Broadband (VOB), access.
In the Internet services sector, Bezeq International provides Internet access services for private and business customers, including terminal equipment and support, with an emphasis on broadband Internet based on asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or cable infrastructures; hosting services site storage and server services in a designated installation for business and private customers, including value-added services (such as monitoring and control); information security services, services securing customers Internet and local area network (LAN) connections using the required terminal equipment or software, including monitoring; data services with international data communication IP solutions for business customers, including global deployment if necessary, and wireless fidelity (WIFI) access fast wireless access solutions for private and business customers, including in various public locations (hotspots).
Bezeq International supplies of international data communication solutions for business customers, including customized global deployment. As part of the service contracts, Bezeq International supplies direct maintenance of a range of exchange manufacturers. The services are given to gateways, exchanges and NEP designated for use with both internal and ! external ! lines. As part of business information technology (IT) solutions, Bezeq International provides communications services, including data and overseas communication services, server and Website hosting services, technical maintenance and support services, networking and system services, outsourcing and out-tasking services, security and risk management solutions and IP based services. Bezeq also provides ICT solutions to business customers as part of an overall ICT solution for businesses. Bezeq International provides broad communications services, including international data and communication services, server and site hosting services, technical support and maintenance services, network and system services, outsourcing and out-tasking services, security and risk management solutions and managed IP services.
DBS
DBS�� broadcasts approximately 150 different video channels, of which 14 are pay-per-view (PPV) channels and 19 are high definition (HD), channels, 20 radio channels, 30 music channels and interactive services. The broadcasts include a basic package which each subscriber is required to purchase as well as additional channels chosen by the subscriber, whether as a package or as single and PPV channels. The main channel packages marketed by DBS in addition to the basic package are the movie, entertainment, children's, music, sports, science and nature packages. DBS also has a content Website which is operated together with Walla! which allows viewing of various forms of content, some of them at a fee. DBS markets personal video recorder (PVR), decoders which interface with DBS�� electronic broadcast schedule and enable receipt of special services, including ordering recordings in advance, recording series and pausing live broadcasts. DBS also provides its subscribers with HD broadcasts, which can be received through special decoders.
The Company competes with Cellcom Israel Ltd., or Cellcom, Partner. 013 Netvision, 012 Smile, 018 Xfone, HILAT Israel Telecom! municatio! ns Company Ltd., and Telzar International Communication Services Ltd.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Alexis Xydias]
Brokerages are beating banks and the broader market in Europe. The Stoxx 600 Financial Services Index has gained 12 percent this year, more than twice the 5.6 percent advance for a gauge of European banks. Hargreaves Lansdown Plc (HL/), the U.K.�� largest retail broker, which received record cash in its latest quarter, according to an April 17 statement, advanced 33 percent. IG Group Holdings Plc (IGG), the London-based provider of spread betting, rose 30 percent.
Top Telecom Stocks To Own For 2015: Rewards Nexus Inc (ERNI)
Rewards Nexus Inc., formerly NIS Holdings Corp., incorporated on June 21, 2004, through its subsidiaries, operates in the loyalty/rewards industry. The Company has launched the Earn IQ rewards program, a consumer loyalty platform-coupled with marketing and advertising services for various industries.
The Company provides consumers with opportunities to interact and engage with online and mobile products. It primarily focuses on various business sectors, including the customer loyalty management market, the gift card industry, the online food ordering industry, and the marketing consulting industry
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks Rewards Nexus Inc (OTCMKTS: ERNI), MyEcheck Inc (OTCMKTS: MYEC) and ITonis Inc (OTCMKTS: ITNS) fell 29.6%, 18.92% and 9.09%, respectively, last Friday. Moreover, some of these small cap stocks are already making big moves again this morning - perhaps in part because they have all been the subject of recent paid promotions. So where are these small cap heading this week and for the long term? Here is a quick reality check:
Top Telecom Stocks To Own For 2015: West Corp (WSTC)
West Corporation, incorporated on February 22, 1994, is a provider of technology-driven, communication services. The Company offers a broad portfolio of services, including conferencing and collaboration, unified communications, alerts and notifications, emergency communications, business process outsourcing and telephony / interconnect services. The scale and processing capacity of its technology platforms, combined with its managing voice and data transactions, enables them to provide reliable, mission-critical communications designed to maximize return on investment for its clients.
Its clients include Fortune 1000 companies, along with small and medium enterprises in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, retail, financial services, public safety, technology and healthcare. It focuses on addressable markets with attractive growth characteristics have allowed them to deliver steady and profitable growth.
Unified Communications
The Company provides its clients with an integrated global suite of meeting services. Conferencing and Collaboration Services include On-Demand Audio Conferencing, which is an automated conferencing service that allows clients to initiate an audio conference at any time, without the need to make a reservation or rely on an operator; Web Conferencing and Collaboration Tools allow clients to connect remote employees and bolster collaboration among groups. These tools provide clients with the capability to make presentations and share applications and documents over the Internet, these services are offered through product, InterCall Unified Meeting, as well as through the resale of Cisco, Microsoft and Adobe products, Web conferencing services can be customized to each client�� individual needs; Video Managed Services and Video Bridging allows clients to experience real-time face-to-face conferences. These services are offered through its products, InterCall Video Conferencing and InterCall Video Managed Services in conj! unction with third-party equipment, and can be used for a wide variety of events, including training seminars, sales presentations, product launches and financial reporting calls.
InterCall offers multimedia platforms designed to give its clients the ability to create, manage, distribute and reuse content internally and externally. Through a combination of products and strategic partnerships, its clients have the tools to support diverse internal and external multimedia requirements. Event Services solutions include Audio and Video Webcasting Services, which allows users to broadcast small or multimedia presentations over the Internet. It offers its clients the flexibility of broadcasting any combination of audio, video (desktop or high-end) or PowerPoint slides using any operating system; Virtual Event Design and Hosting offers clients consulting, project management and implementation of hosted and managed virtual event and virtual environment solutions. Clients are able to provide audiences easy and instant access to content, experts and peers. Examples of virtual events include trade shows, user groups, job fairs, virtual learning environments and town hall meetings, and Operator-Assisted Audio Conferencing Services are pre-scheduled conferences for complex or important events. Operator-assisted services are customized to a client�� needs and provide a wide range of scalable features and enhancements, including the ability to record, broadcast, schedule and administer meetings.
The Company provides its clients with enterprise class IP-based communications solutions including Hosted IP-PBX and Enterprise Call Management, which allows an enterprise to upgrade its use of communications technology with a suite of cloud-based, on-demand services including full private branch exchange (PBX) functionality, advanced enterprise and personal call management tools and edge unified communications features. These services can be fully integrated with a client�� existing IP o! r legacy ! time-division multiplexing (TDM) infrastructure where required, leveraging investments already made in telephony infrastructure and providing a seamless enterprise-wide solution; Hosted and Managed Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Network, which is a suite of IP trunking solutions designed to provide enterprise clients with carrier-grade service, along with the benefits of IP-based service that allows their business to run more efficiently. These solutions deliver a consistent set of voice services across an enterprise�� infrastructure, with flexible IP and TDM trunking options for clients��on-site PBX; Unified Communications Partner Solution Portfolio, which enables them to engineer flexible and scalable solutions suitable to an enterprise�� needs, leveraging a portfolio of Microsoft and Cisco offerings integrated with its products, applications and services; Cloud-Based Security Services aggregate a set of technologies into one simple and scalable cloud-based solution that provides clients with network protection. This service can help protect the client�� network from spam and viruses, unauthorized intrusions and inappropriate Web content, while providing simplicity and consistency of security policy management and eliminating single points of failure and bottlenecks that can occur with premise-based security solutions, and Professional Services and System Integration provides its clients with advice and solutions to integrate their unified communication systems. It offers consulting, design, integration, and implementation of voice, video, messaging, and collaboration systems and services.
The Company�� technology platforms allow clients to manage and deliver automated, proactive and personalized communications. It uses multiple delivery channels (voice, text messaging, email, social media and fax), based on the preference of the recipient. For example, it delivers patient notifications, confirm appointments and send prescription reminders on behalf of its healthca! re client! s; send and receive automated outage notifications on behalf of its utility clients and transmit emergency evacuation notices on behalf of municipalities. It offers Automated Voice Notifications are customized voice messages sent on behalf of its clients that are delivered with personalized information. Its systems provide accurate detection of voice mail versus live answer, customized caller ID and retry logic; Short Message Service (SMS)/Email Alerts and Notifications are customized electronic notifications sent on behalf of its clients directly to their customers��handheld devices, wireless phones, two-way pagers or email inboxes; Social Media Messaging enables clients to deliver targeted, personalized messaging to social media sites; Multichannel Preference Management and Campaign Management Solutions allow its clients to create and manage customer information in a real-time environment. Its Web-based user interface tool allows clients to upload customer contact information, create reusable notification templates and customize campaigns, and Website and Customer Portal Management , which is a Web design service whereby it creates custom-built, interactive websites for clients. It also provides a variety of additional features and services, including hosting, search engine optimization and maintenance.
The Company competes with AT&T, Verizon, PGi, BT Conferencing, NTT, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, IBM, ON24, Thomson Reuters, Sonic Foundry, TalkPoint, Adobe, BT Conferencing, PGi, Arkadin , INXPO, 6Connex, WebEx, Verizon, BT, ShoreTel, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, XO Communications, 8x8, M5, Varolii, SoundBite Communications, PhoneTree , Silverlink Communications, Patient Prompt, Sesame Communications and Google
Communication Services
The Company is one of the providers of emergency communications services, based on the number of 9-1-1 calls that the Company and other participants in the industry facilitate. Its services are critical in facilitating public safety! agencies! ��ability to receive emergency calls from citizens. Its clients generally enter into long-term contracts and fund their obligations through monthly charges on users��telephone bills. It offers 9-1-1 Network Services are the systems that control the routing of emergency calls to the appropriate 9-1-1 centers. Its next generation 9-1-1 call handling solution is an IP-based system designed to significantly improve the information available to responders by integrating capabilities such as the ability to text, send photos or video to 9-1-1 centers as well as providing stored data such as building blueprints or personal medical data to responders. Its carrier-grade Location Based Services process over 125,000 daily requests in support of its clients��Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) and commercial applications and 9-1-1 Telephony Systems and Services include its fully-integrated desktop communications technology solutions which public safety agencies use to enable E9-1-1 call handling. Its next generation 9-1-1 solution can be deployed in a variety of local, hosted and remote configurations, allowing public safety agencies to grow with minimal incremental investment. It operates in approximately 5,000 call-taking positions in more than 1,000 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in North America.
The Company�� services allow its clients to effectively communicate with their customers through inbound and outbound IVR applications using natural language speech recognition, automated voice prompts and network-based call routing services. In addition to these front-end customer service applications, it also provide analyses that helps its clients improve their automated communications strategy. Its open standards-based platform allows the flexibility to integrate new capabilities, such as mobility, social media and cloud-based services. Its Automated Call Processing includes Automated Customer Service Solutions range from speech/IVR applications and mobile solutions to SMS, chat and email. It helps ! its clien! ts engage their customers through the channels they prefer. Examples of self-service applications used by its clients are: access account balances, activation of credit cards, placing orders, FAQ�� and stop/start utility service and Voice and Data Network Management Services assist its clients as they manage or update their own contact center communications networks. It offers hosted or managed services for the operation, administration and management of voice and data networks such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network management, network automated call distribution (ACD)/multi-channel contact routing, workforce management, monitoring and predictive dialing.
The Company's telephony / interconnect Services support the merging of traditional telecom, mobile and IP technologies to service providers and enterprises. It is a provider of local and national tandem switching services to carriers throughout the United States. It leverages its customer traffic information system, sophisticated call routing and control facility to provide tandem interconnection services to the competitive marketplace, including wireless, wire-line, cable telephony and VoIP companies. Toll-Free Origination transports and switches toll free traffic originated by traditional wireline, VoIP, cable, and wireless carriers to all inter-exchange carriers (IXC) in the United States. This service provides a scalable and efficient means to pass toll free traffic to IXCs. Termination Services using its soft switch platform, national optical backbone and direct network interconnections allow for the termination of outbound toll traffic. Termination Services using its soft switch platform, national optical backbone and direct network interconnections allow for the termination of outbound toll traffic.
The Company provide its clients with agent-based services. It target opportunities that allow its agent-based services to be a part of larger strategic client engagements and with clients for whom these serv! ices can ! add value. It believes that it is known in the industry as a provider of these services. It offers a flexible model that includes on-shore, off-shore and virtual home-based agent capabilities to fit its clients needs. Agent-Based Services include Customer Care and Acquisition Services support its clients with their consumer-based communications needs. It provides customer acquisition and retention, customer care, technical support and sales services. Its customized process strategically matches its client�� goals to the appropriate solutions to maximize results; Business-to-Business and Account Management Services combines its experience, sales methodologies and technology to deliver an integrated suite of solutions that allow its clients to overcome a variety of common sales challenges across a multitude of business segments. Examples of these services include lead management, team sell, account management and sole territory coverage; Receivables Management Services support many of businesses and institutions with a fully licensed collection agency that has integrated partnerships across the telecommunications, financial services, government, healthcare and utilities industries, and Overpayment Identification and Recovery Services provides cost containment programs to organizations including: health insurance payers, third party administrators, managed care organizations, hospitals/physicians and self-insured companies. It analyzes data from multiple healthcare sources, identify incorrectly paid claims, provide targeted communications and collect funds on behalf of its clients.
The Company competes with Cassidian Communications, EmergiTech, 911-Inc, Inteliquent (formerly Neutral Tandem), Peerless Network, Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC), Convergys, TeleTech, Sykes, NCO, GC Services, Infosys Limited and Aegis Global.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Garrett Cook]
West Corp (NASDAQ: WSTC) shares tumbled 3.66 percent to $26.65 after the company announced an offering of $1 billion senior notes. Analysts at Morgan Stanley downgraded West Corp from Overweight to Equal-Weight.
Top Telecom Stocks To Own For 2015: Tim Participacoes SA (TIMP3)
TIM Participacoes SA (TIM) is a Brazil-based holding company engaged in the telecommunications segment. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, TIM Celular SA (TIM Celular) and Intelig Telecomunicacoes Ltda (Intelig), it provides telecommunication services throughout Brazil. TIM Celular and Intelig are active as Public Switched Telephony Network (PSTN) providers in the local and national and international long-distance modalities in all Brazilian states. Additionally, the Company provides multimedia communication services and personal mobile services, mobile data services and a third generation (3G) network, as well as international roaming agreements, multimedia messaging services, blackberry services and sale of related equipment. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Zahra Hankir]
Brazil�� Ibovespa extended its weekly decline to 3.3 percent. Mobile carrier Tim Participacoes SA (TIMP3) sank after parent Telecom Italia SpA (TIT)�� chief executive officer said its Brazilian assets are strategic, damping speculation the local unit will be sold.
- [By Jonathan Morgan]
Telecom Italia SpA (TIT) jumped 6.2 percent to 65.6 euro cents. The phone company that was stripped of its investment-grade rating is seeking at least 9 billion euros for its controlling stake in Brazilian wireless carrier Tim Participacoes SA (TIMP3), according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
- [By Inyoung Hwang]
Telecom Italia climbed 5.2 percent to 64.2 euro cents, its highest price since May. The telecommunications operator would gain enough funds to improve its domestic business if it sells at least 4 billion euros ($5.4 billion) of shares or its stake in Tim Participacoes SA (TIMP3) in Brazil, according to Goldman Sachs.
Top Telecom Stocks To Own For 2015: Virgin Media Inc.(VMED)
Virgin Media Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides entertainment and communications services in the United Kingdom. The company offers cable broadband Internet, television, and fixed line telephone services under the Virgin Media brand to residential customers; mobile telephony services through Virgin Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator; broadband and telephone services to residential customers through third-party telecommunications networks; and video on demand services, including access to movies, television programs, music videos, and other on-demand content, as well as provides digital video recorders. It also offers voice, data, and Internet solutions to commercial customers comprising analog telephony and managed data networks and applications, as well as supplies communications services to health and emergency services providers. As of December 31, 2011, the company provided cable broadband services to approximately 4 million subscribers; cable television s ervices to approximately 3.76 million residential subscribers; cable telephony services to approximately 4.2 million residential subscribers; mobile telephony services to approximately 3 million customers; non-cable fixed line telephone services to approximately 163,300 subscribers; and voice, data, and Internet solutions to approximately 50,000 businesses and 250 public sector organizations. The company offers its products and services through telesales, customer care centers, and online, as well as through its sales force. It serves mobile and fixed-line service providers, systems integrators, and Internet service providers; and private and public sector organizations. The company was formerly known as NTL Incorporated and changed its name to Virgin Media Inc. in February 2007. The company was founded in 1993 and is based in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Tim Brugger]
Upon Liberty Global's (NASDAQ: LBTYA ) successfully closing its acquisition of Virgin Media (NASDAQ: VMED ) , Tom Mockridge will assume CEO responsibilities of the U.K. communications firm, Liberty Global announced today.
- [By Markos Kaminis]
Whether the stock is overvalued or not does not matter at this point, because an impact to its subscriber base due to the data sharing news would probably change market expectations for the company's operations and affect both earnings estimates and valuation multiples. It would probably drive the shares lower in my view, and I see no reason to risk that by holding the stock. Long-term holders, of course, have tax considerations to consider, and the news is still filing out. If Verizon's peers are also implicated clearly, perhaps with the aid of a Verizon PR push, this issue would be effectively mitigated. Though even in that case, there could be market share loss by all major American firms, with companies like T-Mobile US (TMUS) and Virgin Media (VMED) benefiting, whether they have also been involved or not. In any event, for new stakeholders, or those willing to deal with tax implications; or for those interested in a potential short opportunity, I would sell the stock today. I see no reason to bear risk while this issue and its implications are still unraveling, and while VZ has thus far not been significantly discounted for it.
Top Telecom Stocks To Own For 2015: Vivendi SA (VIVHY.PK)
Vivendi SA (Vivendi), incorporated on December 18, 1987, is a communications and entertainment company. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had six business segments: Activision Blizzard, Universal Music Group, SFR, Maroc Telecom Group, GVT (Holding) S.A. (GVT) and Canal+ Group. Activision Blizzard develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software, online or on other media (such as console and personal computer (PC)). Universal Music Group is engaged in the sale of recorded music (physical and digital media), exploitation of music publishing rights, as well as artist services and merchandising. SFR is engaged in the phone services (mobile, broadband Internet and fixed) in France. Maroc Telecom Group is a telecommunication operator (mobile, fixed and Internet) in Africa, principally in Morocco, as well as in Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Mali. GVT is a Brazilian fixed and broadband operator. Canal+ Group is engaged in publishing and distribution of pay-television mainly in France, in both analog and digital (terrestrially, via satellite or ADSL), as well as film production in Europe. In July 2013, Vivendi SA and Universal Music Group announced the completion of the sale of Parlophone Label Group to Warner Music Group Corp.
On November 13, 2009, Vivendi acquired an aggregate of 29.9% of GVT�� outstanding voting shares from Swarth Investments LLC, Swarth Investments Holdings LLC and Global Village Telecom (Holland) BV. In addition, Vivendi acquired from third parties an additional 8% interest in GVT's outstanding shares. On December 28, 2009, Canal+ Group, Vivendi�� subsidiary, acquired TF1�� 9.9% interest in the capital of Canal+ France. On July 31, 2009, Maroc Telecom acquired 51% controlling interest in Sotelma. On August 27, 2009, CID, a company 40% owned by SFR and 60% by other financial investors, acquired the 62% interest in 5 sur 5.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Eric Rodawig]
Activision Blizzard (ATVI) is the world's largest and most successful video game developer, and is majority owned (61%) by French telecom and media conglomerate Vivendi (VIVHY.PK). Vivendi has been undergoing a massive strategic review with the intent to reduce debt and unlock the value of its assets that has fueled speculation surrounding ATVI. In conjunction with this, ATVI CFO Dennis Durkin announced on the 4Q12 earnings call
No comments:
Post a Comment