The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Sony, Rogers Communications, Comcast, Lions Gate Entertainment and Time Warner Cable

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Sep 13, 2012, 09:30 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE), Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI), Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq:CMCSA), Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:LGF) and Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE:TWC).

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Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:

Rogers Joins Forces with Sony

In a bid to offer high-speed wireless connection to Sony Corporation's (NYSE:SNE) 3G-based PlayStation Vita, Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) – the second largest telecom operator in Canada, intends to collaborate with Sony's subsidiary Sony Computer Entertainment Canada. The wireless connectivity will be available for a price of $299 this fall.

Rogers' wireless connection will enable the PlayStation Vita users to stay hooked with the game wherever they feel like. Faster 3G network service will also offer better gaming experience to the users and will also allow them to play online games with their friends while on the move. Simultaneously they can update their latest scores on different social network sites.

Rogers will be offering two different monthly plans of 250 MB and 5 GB to PlayStation Vita users costing $15 and $35, respectively. PlayStation Vita users can easily activate their data plans through Rogers SIM card integrated within the device which also allows better wireless connectivity and easy payment interface support to its users.

In the recently concluded second quarter, Rogers Communications reported dismal results, where both its top and bottom lines fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimates. Consequently, in order to improve its top-line growth, the company is continuously launching different 3G/4G wireless devices, which we believe will boost its profitability in the upcoming days. As of now, the company is also involved in a lot of media-related business acquisitions, which will aid in strengthening their media business.

Rogers Communications Inc. has a Zacks #3 Rank, implying a short-term Hold rating. Considering the fundamentals, we maintain our long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock.

Comcast Targets Hispanic Customers

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq:CMCSA), the largest cable Multi Service Operator (MSO) in the U.S. has launched the Xfinity Triple Play MultiLatino service, which includes high-speed internet services, a wireline service and the MultiLatino TV video programming and services.

New and existing MultiLatino Triple Pay customers will get 300 free international minutes for making calls to landlines in Mexico and other Latin American markets. Additionally, they can also make calls at discounted rate in these markets but the rate will vary from one country to other. The Xfinity Triple Pay MultiLatino packages start at $99 per month.

To celebrate the Hispanic Heritage month, the company is offering a wide choice of multicultural programs that include award winning films from Universal, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (NYSE:LGF), Cine Latino in addition to providing television serials, music and children's programs. All these features will be available to the Xfinity TV subscribers through Xfinity On Demand from October 15, free of cost.

By providing this affordable Triple Pay package we believe the company is targeting the Central and Latin American customers residing in North America. Launching this attractive service before the Hispanic Heritage month will help the company to gain Hispanic customers from arch rival Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE:TWC).

The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for Comcast Corporation. is pegged at 46 cents for the third quarter of 2012 with a growth rate estimate of 40.19%. For 2012, the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at $1.93 with a growth rate of 21.89% while for 2013, the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at $2.23 with a growth rate of 15.99%.

Recommendation:

We retain our long-term Neutral recommendation on Comcast Corp. Currently, it has a Zacks #2 Rank, implying a short-term Buy rating.

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