Fiber and networking company Level 3 Communications (NYSE:LVLT) declined 17% as concerns about near term top-line growth rates outweighed improvement in margins and free cash flow (FCF) generation. During the quarter, the company reported organic revenue growth across North America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) in-line with expectations, while Latin America, which represents approximately 10% of consolidated revenue, had weaker growth mainly due to currency. The integration of tw telecom remains on track with synergy realizations ahead of schedule. Level 3 already has achieved approximately $115 million of annualized run-rate EBITDA synergies and the company should achieve 70% or $140 million of its annualized synergy target by the end of the first quarter of 2016. FCF growth at Level 3 is ramping up and, we believe, marching toward explosive FCF growth on a per share basis in the next few years as a result of the business’ strong incremental margins, the aforementioned tw telecom synergies, and continued debt reduction and refinancing. During the quarter, major bond rating agencies upgraded approximately $11 billion of the company’s rated debt and credit commitments, further proof of Level 3’s improving business and financial profile.
From Longleaf Partners' third quarter 2015 commentary.
