Liberty Global (NASDAQ:LBTYA) is the largest international cable company, with operations across Europe providing video, broadband Internet, fixed-line telephone and mobile services to its customers. Throughout 2016, Liberty Global suffered as the translational impact of a stronger U.S. dollar muted its reported financial results. Liberty’s revenues and expenses are generally denominated in the local currencies of its European operations, but its dollar denominated stock can create mismatches from time to time. Shares weakened, particularly in the wake of this summer’s “Brexit” vote, as the UK is the company’s largest market. Shares have recouped some of these losses as the market has further digested the Brexit event. Meanwhile, the results from the company’s new build program in the UK appear to be solid, and the pace of adding newly connected homes should accelerate into 2017. We remain confident in management’s plans to drive cost efficiencies and their new build investment strategy to provide future growth.
From Weitz Investment Management's Value Fund fourth quarter 2016 commentary.
