MetroPCS Communications Inc. (PCS), the sixth-largest prepaid wireless service operator in the U.S. has reported lower-than-expected second quarter 2011 results. Adjusted earnings per share of 24 cents, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents but grew 13% from 22 cents in the year-ago quarter buoyed by strong sales of Smartphones based on Google’s (GOOG) Android platform.
Total revenue climbed 19% year over year to $1,209 million in the second quarter, but failed to match our expectation of $1,225 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased 11% year over year to a record high $357 million.
Operational Metrics
Average revenue per user inched up 1.6% to $40.49 in the reported quarter from $39.84 in the year-ago quarter mainly on strong demand for “Wireless for All” services and fourth-generation (4G) long-term evolution (LTE) rate plans.
Cost per user upped 6% year over year to $18.94 due to higher expenses on customer retention, costs associated with 4G LTE network upgrade and roaming expenses.
Churn (customer switch) was 3.9% in the second quarter, up from 3.3% in the year-ago quarter, due to an increase in subscriber gross additions, adjustment of false churn rates and prevailing weak economical conditions of subscribers.
Subscriber Statistics
MetroPCS added 198,810 subscribers during the quarter to reach a total of 9.1 million customers (up 19% year over year). Consolidated penetration of covered population was 9.1% compared with 8.0% in the year-ago quarter.
Liquidity
The company ended the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $1,855.9 million compared with $776.5 million at the end of the year-ago quarter. Long-term debt increased to $4.7 billion from $3.8 billion at year-end 2010.
Guidance
For fiscal 2011, MetroPCS expects capital expenditures in the range of $0.9 billion to $1.0 billion compared to its previous projection of $700 million to $900 million.
Our Analysis
We believe MetroPCS will remain benefited from the continued high demand for Android-based smartphones backed by the company’s non contractual and affordable wireless data plans. Further, its Wireless for All service plans, entry into 4G LTE wireless services, and an efficient cost structure bode well for earnings growth in 2011 and beyond.
On the flip side, we remain concerned about the highly leveraged balance sheet, which may limit the company’s ability to invest in growth initiatives . Moreover, higher promotional expenses for rolling out new service plans and new smartphones offerings will also dilute margins going forward.
Although MetroPCS is strongly positioned than its rival AT&T Inc. (T), it faces stiff competition with its archrival Leap Wireless (LEAP). Consequently, we are currently maintaining our long-term Neutral rating on MetroPCS with a Zacks #3 Rank (Hold).
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