Positioned for Success at CBS

Two years ago, in August 2015, Disney (DIS) set off the angst that has troubled traditional media stocks since by admitting to larger than expected subscriber losses at ESPN.  We refer to August 2015 as the Media Meltdown.  This May, another round of media companies created a smaller, mirror image decline in media stocks, this […]

Liberty Global Restoring Management Credibility

Liberty Global (LBTYK) showed progress in 2Q17 after a disappointing 1Q that was accompanied by lowered 2017 guidance and a major reset and management change related to its UK buildout known as Project Lightning.  2Q17 was mixed for LBYTK with rebased revenues a bit below reduced expectations, new subscriber additions below expectations, and operating cash […]

No Surprises From Liberty Media’s Second Quarter

Another fairly quiet quarter is in the books at Liberty Media which controls tracking stocks in Formula One (FWONA/K) and Liberty Sirius (LSXMA/K).  LSXM controls nearly 70% of SIRI and SIRI had already reported strong second quarter results so there was very little discussion on that front.  FWON was the primary subject although there were […]

Activision Blizzard Reports Strong Second Quarter Results

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) reported strong second quarter results with sales and profits substantially higher than expected. While guidance for the third quarter and full year were raised from previous levels, it appears investors expected a larger increase. ATVI has typically provided conservative guidance in the past, and this appears to be the case again this […]

Disney Announces New Media Network Strategy

Disney (DIS) reported a mixed quarter that was completely overshadowed by its announcement of a new strategy for its media networks.  The shares are trading lower, which in Northlake’s opinion is logical.  Making major investments into digital, over the top distribution of its sports rights and Disney and Pixar content is going to be expensive […]

Nexstar Media Group Increases Free Cash Flow Guidance

Our timing on adding Sinclair Broadcast Group (SBGI) to Northlake’s portfolio proved poor.  Over the past few weeks, we sold SBGI at a loss and reinvested in Nexstar Media Group (NXST).  Like SBGI, NXST owns local TV stations around the country, generally in small to mid-size markets.  The bull case is also similar:  extraordinarily high […]

An Unexpected Positive Surprise for Apple

We have grown accustomed to lower volatility from Apple’s earnings and its stock price post-reporting.  Well, what do you know?  Apple (AAPL) reported better than expected 3Q17 results and the shares are responding favorably in initial trading, up about 5%.  Guidance for the September quarter, a key focus point for investors, was better than expected […]

Style Model Moves to Neutral on Growth vs. Value

Northlake’s Style model flipped to neutral for August after spending three months on growth.  The Market Cap model remains on large cap for the third consecutive month.  To align client portfolios invested in the models with the neutral signal, one half of positions in the Russell 1000 Growth (IWF) were sold and the proceeds were […]

Continuous Improvement Underway at MGM Resorts

MGM Resorts (MGM) reported strong 2Q17 results with better than expected profitability. Management executed well against long term plans to continuously improve profit margins, overcoming a self-imposed headwind from lower hotel room revenue and a slightly unlucky quarter at the casino tables. The investment thesis remains on track with several catalysts expected to drive shares […]