DISH Network Shares Get Boost Following Positive Goldman Commentary

Shares of DISH Network Corp (NASDAQ: DISH) were indicated nearly 4 percent higher in after-hours action Monday, apparently on the heels of a positive post-market research note from Goldman Sachs' analysts.

The Goldman analysts' note was published ahead of DISH's first-quarter earnings report, expected out on Wednesday.

The analysts will be looking for an update on DISH's Sling TV and subscriber growth which is anticipated to "more than offset losses in satellite during Q1, driving our estimated 105k pay-TV net adds."

DISH's earnings conference call is likely to focus on the company's "video strategy as the quiet period in effect for the ongoing broadcast incentive auction limits DISH's ability to discuss its spectrum strategy," according to the Goldman note.

The Goldman analysts also highlighted, "the perceived pause in DISH's spectrum strategy during the auction is a key reason for YTD weakness in the stock. DISH's share price implies spectrum value of $0.83/MHz/POP, which is a 50% discount (fully taxed) to valuations seen in the AWS-3 auction and other recent precedent transactions. This looks attractive to us..."

Goldman Sachs maintains a Buy rating and $79 price target on shares.

With the stock last indicated at $48.24 in Monday's after-the-close trading session, the Goldman price target represents potential upside of about 64 percent.