QVC Group (NASDAQ:QVCA) is a tracking stock issued by Liberty Interactive which includes subsidiaries QVC, zulily and its interest in HSN. QVC Group operates an American television network and also operates televised and online shopping experiences in other countries. In the third calendar quarter of 2016, shares of QVC Group fell after management indicated that its QVC U.S. business had experienced a significant sales headwind. QVC’s U.S. business, which had not seen a decline since the Great Recession, saw sales fall nearly 6% in the third quarter and 7% in the fourth quarter, as several categories simultaneously slowed. Importantly, we don’t view these issues as a sign of the QVC model suddenly being broken, and management has indicated sales results have begun to stabilize. QVC’s customer retention and loyalty remain strong, as does viewership of their network. Furthermore, the international businesses appear unaffected by the current U.S.-centric slowdown. Although the decline in QVC shares has been disappointing, management has taken advantage by accelerating their share repurchase to foster per share value growth.
From Weitz Value Fund first quarter 2017 commentary.
