Comcast Purchase of Time Warner Looks Good

Comcast’s (CMCSK) pending purchase of Time Warner Cable (TWC) improves upon an already positive story for CMCSK shares. Assuming approval effective 1/1/2015, analysts are estimating 5-10% accretion in free cash flow per share vs. Comcast continuing as a standalone entity. Accretion emanates from synergies in operating expenses and capital expenditures, estimated by management at $1.5 […]

Liberty Global Growth Set to Accelerate

Liberty Global (LBTYK) reported its slowest quarterly growth of 2013 in the December quarter, with low single digit gains in revenue and operating income. The numbers were not a surprise as a difficult competitive environment in the UK and Netherlands and initial dis-synergies form the acquisition of Virgin Media in the UK held back results. […]

Discovery Communications: Bottoming Out After a Rough Stretch

Discovery Communications (DISCK) reported results roughly in line with Wall Street estimates and provided 2014 guidance just a little below expectations. Estimates for the December quarter and 2014 had been falling recently as DISCK’s leading U.S. networks, Discovery and TLC, had a rough patch of lower ratings. The stock has performed poorly during this period […]

CBS Keeping Its Bullish Eye

CBS reported another healthy quarter and provided reassuring commentary on the near-term and long-term outlook. Revenues grew 6% and segment level operating cash flow grew 7%, both ahead of expectations. Advertising at the CBS Network grew 4%, better than feared given concerns over ad demand and pricing that arose following the government shutdown. Management noted […]

Disney All Good with More to Come

Disney (DIS) reported better than expected first quarter results with all divisions except ABC performing ahead of Wall Street estimates. EPS of $1.04 exceeded street consensus of 91 cents with over half the beat coming from operating factors. DIS faces a few quarters of tougher comparisons and slower growth but investor sentiment should stay very […]

Another Good Quarter Builds Bull Case for Google

Google (GOOG) reported another good quarter. Please note I am defining “good” as satisfactory to investors. GOOG went through a roughly six quarter stretch in 2012 and early 2013 where despite showing sustained 20% plus growth, investors were concerned. These last two quarters have addressed the concerns and GOOG shares have moved up sharply to […]

Models Unchanged for February: Still Like Mid Cap and Value

There were no changes to the signals from Northlake’s Market Cap and Style models for February. The Market Cap model continues to favor mid cap and the Style model still recommends value. With no changes to the signals for this month, Northlake client positions in the S&P 400 Mid Cap (MDY) and Russell 1000 Value […]