Entries by Steve Birenberg

Liberty Global Growth Acceleration Affirmed

Liberty Global (LBTYK) reported solid 4Q16 results, affirming the acceleration in the company’s growth rate that is critical to our investment thesis.  Using the company’s methodology that ignores foreign exchange fluctuations, M&A, and the new joint venture with Vodafone in the Netherlands, rebased revenues grew 3.3% and operating cash flow grew 7.5%.  Revenues were slightly […]

Puts and Takes But No Significant Change for Core Holding Disney

Disney (DIS) reported its second consecutive quarter of lower year over year revenue, operating income, and earnings growth as it faces difficult comps from the massive success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and a big step up in programming expenses due to the new NBA rights contract that went into effect this season.  While […]

Steady As She Goes at Blue Chip Comcast

Comcast (CMCSA) reported another steady growth quarter with revenues up 9%, operating cash flow up 8%, EPS up 10%, and free cash flow up 64%.  Despite emerging completion form internet delivered skinny bundles such as DirecTV Now and Sling, the core cable business remains healthy.  During the fourth quarter, cable revenues rose 7% led by […]

Another Good Quarter But Facebook Range Bound for Near-Term

Facebook (FB) reported another strong set of earnings, again beating the high bar set by Wall Street estimates.  Revenues grew 51% ahead of expectations in the high 40% range.  Mobile ad growth continues to lead the way, up 61%, and now accounting for 84% of total revenue.  Profitability also exceeded expectations with GAAP margins of […]

Small Caps and Value for Feb as Market Consolidates

There are no changes to Northlake’s model signals for February.  For the second consecutive month, the Market Cap model favors small caps and the Style model favors small cap value.  As a result, client positions in the Russell 2000 (IWM) and the Russell 2000 Value (IWN) will be maintained at least through February. The Market […]

Selling ClubCorp as it Explores Stategic Alternatives

In Northlake’s yearend letter, we stated “Admittedly, we have been too patient with ClubCorp.  However, with oil prices rebounding and golf rounds played rising for the first time in several years, we feel if the stock is going to work it should do so as we approach the 2017 golf season.”  Lo and behold, it […]

Change to Begin 2017 for Northlake’s Models

Both of Northlake’s models changed signals to begin 2017.  The Market Cap model is now recommending small cap after spending eight months at mid cap. The Style model is still recommending value but as a result of the new small cap signal, value exposure will shift from large cap value to small cap value.  The […]

Back to Value as Trump Trade Bites

Northlake’s Style model moved decisively to value for December reflecting the “Trump Trade” that has dominated the stock market since Election Day.  Northlake client accounts will sell all holdings in the Russell 1000 Growth (IWF) with proceeds being fully reinvested into the Russell 1000 Value (IWD).  The Market Cap model remains firmly in mid cap […]