By Sam Boughedda
DISH Network (NASDAQ:DISH) was double downgraded to Underperform from Buy at BofA, with its price target reduced to $10 from $30 per share on Tuesday.
Analysts explained that "after a decade scrupulously assembling a premier spectrum portfolio, entertaining strategic combinations, and exits, DISH in 2020 went all in on building its own wireless network."
"However, over the past 12 months, the company has had to navigate a prolonged period of expected and unexpected technological challenges and would not likely hit cruising speed until 2024, by our estimate," state analysts.
They added that a "once-exciting" and seemingly-clear set of opportunities for DISH to leverage its 5G wireless infrastructure "now feels further away."
"As evidence, Verizon recently lowered its own 5G-centric long-term growth outlook issued only last March," the analysts continued. "We expect declining EBITDA due to adverse pay-TV trends, higher marketing expenses, and inflationary pressure. Coupled with elevated capex, FCF trends are increasingly negative for the next 2 years."
DISH shares are currently down more than 6% in early trading, adding to their significant decline over the past 12 months.