EchoStar Posts $2.03 Billion Loss as Dish Network Loses 314,000 Pay TV Subs | Multichannel News
EchoStar, which now encompasses Dish Network, faced a challenging fourth quarter with accelerated losses in its pay TV subscribers. The company reported a significant drop in net pay TV subscribers, falling by 314,000 to 8.53 million. This decline is more severe compared to the 64,000 subscribers lost in the third quarter and 268,000 in the same quarter last year.
Dish Network’s satellite subscribers decreased to 6.47 million from 6.82 million in the previous quarter. Similarly, Sling TV, a virtual multichannel video programming distributor, saw its subscriber count drop to 2.06 million from 2.12 million. This decline in subscribers led to a 12% decrease in pay TV revenue, falling to $2.8 million from $3.2 million a year ago.
EchoStar’s overall performance in the fourth quarter was marked by a substantial loss of $2.03 billion, or $7.48 per share. This is a stark contrast to the net income of $984 million, or $3.21 per share, reported in the same period last year. The company attributed this loss primarily to a non-cash goodwill-impairment charge of $758 million and an adjustment to the carrying value of the 800-MHz purchase option totaling approximately $1.6 billion. Overall revenue also fell by 8% to $4.16 billion.
The company also experienced declines in other areas. Retail wireless revenues dropped to $899.3 million from $928.1 million, accompanied by a loss of 123,000 subscribers. Broadband and satellite service revenue decreased to $449.8 million from $499.9 million, with broadband subscribers down by 59,000.
EchoStar’s CEO, Hamid Akhavan, commented on the completion of the merger with Dish Network, emphasizing the creation of a global leader in wireless connectivity and entertainment services. He highlighted the company’s focus on integrating the business, realizing savings and operational efficiencies, and targeting the most profitable customers across their market segments………..[read more]
Rising Dough
In the context of EchoStar’s recent challenges and strategic focus post-merger, how might the company leverage its combined resources and capabilities to innovate and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving telecommunications and entertainment industry?
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