On October 11, 2023, research analysts at UBS Group lowered the price target for Liberty Global (NASDAQ:LBTYA) from $25.00 to $24.50. This adjustment was reflected in a research note and indicates a “buy” rating for the stock. Further analysis by UBS Group suggests a potential upside of 48.22% from the company’s previous closing price.
During midday trading on Tuesday, shares of NASDAQ:LBTYA saw an increase of $0.20, reaching $16.53. The trading volume amounted to 361,546 shares, compared to an average volume of 1,714,856 shares. Liberty Global has a fifty-day simple moving average of $17.77 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $17.87. Over the past year, the stock has ranged between a low of $15.22 and a high of $22.09. The company holds a current ratio of 1.45 and both a quick ratio and debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66.
In terms of institutional ownership changes, several investors have recently adjusted their positions in Liberty Global. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in the company during the first quarter valued at approximately $1,700,000. Additionally, Captrust Financial Advisors increased their holdings by 40% during the second quarter and now own 1,821 shares worth around $38,000.
CVA Family Office LLC also expanded its position by 272% in the fourth quarter and currently holds 2,420 shares worth approximately $46,000.
Moreover,Franklin Resources Inc., on the other hand,further boosted its holdings by67%. The investment firm now has2 ,699 shares estimated at$51 ,000in LBTYAs stock.FinallyBlair William & Co.uIL also enteredthe liberty group top5 holders by purchasingsections estimatedaround$59,000.
Liberty Global’s most recent quarterly earnings results were announced on July 24th. The company reported an EPS (earnings per share) of ($1.13) for the quarter, which fell short of the consensus estimate of ($0.24) by ($0.89). It is worth noting that Liberty Global experienced a negative net margin of 48.91% and a negative return on equity of 15.74% during this period. Revenue for the quarter amounted to $1.85 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $1.81 billion.
Based on research analyst forecasts, Liberty Global is expected to post an earnings per share figure of -1.89 for the current year.
In conclusion, UBS Group reduced its price target for Liberty Global on October 11, 2023, suggesting a potential upside from the stock’s previous close. While shares traded up during midday trading, reaching $16.53, it is essential to note that the stock has seen fluctuation between $15.22 and $22.09 over the past year. Various institutional investors have made recent adjustments to their positions in Liberty Global as well.
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Insider Sales and Analyst Ratings Impact Liberty Global Stock
As of October 11, 2023, multiple research analysts have shared their insights and opinions on Liberty Global (LBTYA). Berenberg Bank, for instance, recently reduced its price target on the company’s shares from $33.00 to $26.00. This adjustment was made known through a research note released on July 7th. Similarly, TheStreet downgraded Liberty Global from a “c-” rating to a “d+” rating in another research note on July 25th.
On a more positive note, Benchmark reiterated a “buy” rating on Liberty Global’s shares and set a price target of $33.00 in its research note dated July 24th. However, Barclays took a different stance by lowering their price objective from $25.00 to $23.00 in their report filed on October 2nd.
Out of all these ratings and reviews provided by the equities research analysts mentioned, six have given Liberty Global’s stock a hold rating, while three have labeled it as a buy. According to Bloomberg’s records, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” with an estimated average price target of $26.24.
Shifting focus to recent news within the company, Executive Vice President Bryan H. Hall conducted a transaction wherein he sold 5,000 shares of Liberty Global stock on August 31st at an average price of $19.82 per share. This resulted in a total value of $99,100 for the sale. Following this transaction, Hall now owns 133,902 shares directly and these are valued at approximately $2,653,937.64 based on the current market prices as disclosed in the Securities & Exchange Commission documents.
Additionally, Hall was involved in another sale of 5,000 shares held by him on that same date at an average price of $19.82 per share with the same cumulative value as before ($99,100). Consequently, Hall’s ownership now stands at 133,902 shares in the company, with a valuation of $2,653,937.64.
Apart from Hall’s actions, Chief Accounting Officer Jason Waldron also sold 9,714 shares of Liberty Global stock on September 13th at an average price of $19.46 per share. This amounted to a total value of $189,034.44. Following this sale, Waldron directly holds 81,892 shares in the company worth about $1,593,618.32 based on market prices.
Further details regarding these sales made by insiders can be found in the respective filings submitted to the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), accessible through provided hyperlinks.
It is noteworthy that insiders have collectively sold 129,797 shares of Liberty Global stock valued at $2,494,774 over the past 90 days. Insiders’ holdings account for approximately 9.45% of the company’s outstanding stock.
These recent developments and transactions within Liberty Global provide key insights into the sentiments surrounding the company’s stock and its leadership’s movements. As investors and market participants continue to evaluate and assess such information alongside research analysts’ ratings and recommendations, it will inevitably contribute to shaping perceptions and potential future actions in relation to Liberty Global’s position within the market.
