Newspaper stocks rose strongly yesterday after the Wall Street Journal reported that private equity groups were showing an active interest in Tribune (TRB). On its earnings call last week, TRB reiterated that it hoped to have the strategic review complete by the end of 2006. The Journal is reporting that TRB prefers to sell itself […]
Yesterday my colleagues at theStreet.com, Jim Cramer and Cody Willard wrote opposing opinions about the attractiveness of investing n cable stocks. I have been bullish on cable and Cramer even mentioned me as the lonely bull recently on his Mad Money show on CNBC. Cody is a good friend and we have debated this topic […]
I think the money quote from last Thursday’s widely discussed article on steep cost cutting at NBC Universal came from Bob Wright: “As we reprioritize ourselves toward digital, we’ve got to be as efficient in our current business as possible.” The reality is that analog is under pressure due to continuing moderate viewership declines, alternative […]
The weekend box office for the top twelve movies was up 26% vs. last year according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. That makes it four for four so far in October, with the total box office running about 13% ahead of 2005 for the month. The Prestige, from Disney (DIS), led the way with a better than expected […]
I have a few follow-up comments to my earnings call coverage of Apple Computer (AAPL). First, analyst commentary fell along the lines I expected. Estimates are going up, bullish analysts are reiterating their recommendations, and cautious analysts remain worried about valuation. So far I don’t see any upgrades or downgrades. Second, analysts are saying that […]
Apple Computer (AAPL) reported another excellent quarter. There is absolutely no reason that anyone who was bullish prior to the quarter should change their opinion. And there is reason to believe bears might have to rethink their position. Estimates will rise by about the same 5% increase in the stock price after hours so the […]
Although all client holdings of MOT were sold a few months ago, I am posting the latest earnings summary on the main page as the latest quarter highlights some of the reason why I sold the stock There was some good and bad in the Motorola (MOT) earnings report but the bottom line is that […]
Dow Jones (DJ) reported earnings a day ahead of schedule due to the announcement of its acquisition of the 50% interest in Factiva owned by Reuters. Reuters and DJ formed a 50/50 joint venture for Factiva in the late 1990s. DJ will now control of Factiva and consolidate its financials. Factiva is a subscription based […]
Tribune (TRB) reported an unimportant quarter form the perspective of the near-term stock price. It is not just that the near-term will be dominated by the outcome of the strategic review due by year end. The quarter was just more of the same, which means bad, and won’t move the needle at all. In fact, […]
New York Times (NYT) reported EPS of 10 cents but adjusted for one-time items, the figure could be as high 16 cents. Guidance was 11-15 cents, so it looks like it can be called at the high end of guidance and ahead of consensus of 12 cents. Revenues look about $10 million light after adjusting […]
