Analysts at Morgan Stanley predict that BSkyB will report 153,000 new subscribers to its digital satellite service when it posts third quarter financial results later this month.
This figure is at the top end of expectations, with Lehman Brothers expecting 145,000 additions and Merrill Lynch looking at 137,000.
Morgan Stanley says that Sky faced limited competition during its Q3, with cable companies NTL and Telewest reporting declines in the period. In addition, the availability of Freeview boxes was limited and its marketing did not start in earnest until April. As a result, Freeview sales may impact Sky’s Q4, says the broker.
It is predicting that a price increase of 3%-5% in January will push up the average revenue per user (ARPU) to around the £360 mark, up from £351 in Q2. Earnings are forecast to be £84 million; Lehman Brothers expects £82 million and Merrill £80.7 million.
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