DirecTV, the largest U.S. satellite- television provider, reported first-quarter profit that beat analysts’ estimates after adding a record number of Latin American subscribers. Net income climbed 21 percent to $674 million, or 85 cents a share, from $558 million, or 59 cents, a year earlier. Analysts predicted 71 cents, the average of estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Sales rose 13 percent, also beating projections. DirecTV has exceeded analysts’ profit estimates for six consecutive quarters as consumers show a willingness to pay for premium video content such as National Football League games. DirecTV could add more customers if an NFL lockout ends this quarter, according to Marci Ryvicker, an analyst at Wells Fargo & Co. The company, the exclusive provider of “NFL Sunday Ticket,” could lose as much as $750 million in revenue if the season is canceled, analysts project, according to Bloomberg.
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