Previewing Disney’s September Quarter Earnings

Disney (DIS) reports after the close tonight. Current consensus estimates call for EPS and revenue of 18 cents and $7.9 billion, respectively. EPS are down a penny from a year ago and revenue is up 5.5%. Operating income growth is projected at just a 2.2% gain. These headline figures mask a better underlying story as […]

Central European Media Enterprises: News From Prague Meeting Is Good

The news from Prague about last week’s analyst meeting for Central European Media Enterprises (CETV) sounds good. Nothing earth-shattering but a good turnout, solid presentations by local operating management, and a reiteration of guidance with increased detail on a country-by-country basis all bode well for the shares. I still think the seasonally strong 4Q will […]

Mixed Quarter For Lions Gate But Results Set To Improve

Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF) reported a mixed quarter with revenue and free cash flow slightly ahead of estimates and EBITDA and EPS at the very low end of the range of analyst estimates. The disparity among theses figures is due to film accounting which often leads to mismatches between cash and non-cash expenses and the […]

With Private Equity Sniffing, NTL Getting Interesting

Speculation reemerged two weekends ago that the NTL-Telewest (NTLI-TLWT) deal may be intercepted by private equity investors. As reported by the UK newspaper The Sunday Express, Ajax Partners is considering joining a group of private equity firms with deep media experience that had previously been rumored to be interested in the deal. The original group […]

Knight Ridder Sale Won’t Rescue Newspaper Stocks

I don’t think Knight-Ridder (KRI) is likely to receive a takeover much more than 10% above the current price. Further, I don’t think the current situation surrounding KRI is likely to kick off a round of takeovers in the newspaper industry. Assuming KRI gets a bid, which is not guaranteed, it will provide support for […]

Echostar: I Prefer Other Multichannel TV Stocks

Echostar (DISH) reported 3Q05 revenue and EBITDA right in line with expectations at $2.1 billion and $501 million, respectively. However, the EBITDA figure included a $35.1 million one-time benefit. Therefore, EBITDA appears to be short of expectations and is likely the reason the shares are trading down over 2% as the conference call wraps up. […]

Cablevision: Cheap But Too Many Distractions

My initial reaction when I read through the Cablevision (CVC) earnings report was that the shares would trade off because EBITDA from the cable business was light of expectations by about $15 million or 4%. The Street seemed to agree as the shares fell by about 1%. However, on the call the company explained the […]

Central European Media Enterprises: Good Third Quarter Sets Up Strong Finish to 2005

Central European Media Enterprises (CETV) reported solid 3Q05 EPS last week in a seasonally weak quarter. The market liked the results and the stock is set up well heading into what should be a well-attended analyst meeting in Prague scheduled for Thursday and Friday (my best contact on CETV will be in attendance). I think […]

DirecTV: Not Interested In Getting Long

DirecTV (DTV) reported slightly disappointing 3Q05 results primarily due to higher than expected churn and retention marketing. Revenue of $3.2 billion was a little shy of estimates while EBITDA of $365 million was a more significant shortfall. Gross and net adds don

Comcast: Disappointing Quarter Delays Potential Upside

Elements of Comcast’s 3Q05 earnings report are disappointing and they are elements that will matter to the Street. While top line revenue growth and EBITDA growth closely tracked Street estimates, rising 10% and 14%, respectively, a loss of 37,000 basic subscribers in a seasonally strong quarter and higher than expected capital spending, and thus lower […]