Lots of news from Apple Computer (AAPL) this week coming from its annual MacWorld convention. Steve Jobs introduced new Intel-based Macs six months ahead of schedule and there were lots of upgrades to iPod accessories and applications within AAPL’s iLife suite of digital media and internet products and services. Most importantly for the stock, Jobs […]
Northlake clients have been long Motorola (MOT) for over a year and were well-rewarded in 2005 when the shares rose over 30%. I lightened the position once in the low $20s and have been hoping to sell the balance in the $26-28 range. Analysts have begun to preview the company’s 4Q earnings report due on […]
“Sears Sees Stingier the Side of Holiday Sales” “Dismal Christmas Puts Heat on Sears Chairman” “Retail Experts Doubt Lampert’s Strategies” The headlines in a front page story from last Friday in the Chicago Tribune scream of the demise of Sears Holdings (SHLD). And the Trib is not alone. Virtually every retail expert quoted anywhere thinks […]
The last time I posted on Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF) was following their presentation at the UBS Media Conference. At the time, I wrote: I was dissatisfied with the explanation that Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF) provided at its presentation for the latest quarterly shortfall. I can accept the argument that free cash flow is the […]
The Sunday Telegraph is reporting Virgin Mobile shareholders want an increase of more than 20% in the original offer while rumors continue to swirl that indicate NTL is willing to bump its offer by 10%. The continuing rumors of private equity interest in the merged entity also complicate matters as Virgin Mobile shareholders want to […]
So far the positive news out of Dow Jones (DJ) that 4Q05 guidance was being raised has done little to rally the newspaper group. I think several factors are at work that reflect the unique mix of businesses at DJ vs. its newspaper peers: # DJ has very heavy exposure to B2B advertising from technology […]
Casino stocks responded negatively to news earlier this week that Boyd Gaming (BYD) was closing its Stardust property on the Strip and would build a new $4 billion development that would contain several hotels, a casino and a convention center. Casino stocks have been strong recently, recovering their sharp losses from last summer when concerns […]
Ned Davis Research has an interesting tidbit today in favor of the recent shift in client portfolios from value to growth. As noted in this chart, investors within Fidelity’s mutual fund complex currently have fewer dollars invested in growth funds than anytime since 1992. This seems like a good contrary indicator especially in light of […]
Dow Jones (DJ) was in the news yesterday as the stock rose more than 10% after the company increased 4Q05 EPS guidance and named a new CEO. I believe the move is mostly the result of the guidance bump despite persistent takeover rumors surrounding DJ. It seems to me that appointing a new CEO and […]
According to reports in the UK press, NTL is going to announce an increase of about 10% in its offer for Virgin Mobile this week. The price will still be about 10% below what the Virgin minoirty shareholders are demanding but it should be enough to get the parties to the negotiating table. I still […]
