Previewing Apple’s Earnings

Apple Computer (AAPL) reports after the close tonight. Consensus expectations call for revenues of $3.34 billion and EPS of 31 cents. Consensus is above management guidance of $3.25 billion and 28 cents. Full year 2005 EPS estimates are $1.33 with 2006 at $1.54, or 16% growth. Current 3Q consensus estimates for revenues and EPS are […]

Sold Half of Sears Holdings

Just a brief note to let everyone know that I sold half of client and personal holdings in Sears Holdings as the stock crossed $160 on Tuesday afternoon. I still think this momentum stock can go nicely higher as traders react to news flow including asset sales, better same store sales against easy comps and […]

Will Slowing Growth in DVD Sales Hurt Disney and Lions Gate?

Below expectation sales of DVDs of The Incredibles coming on the heels of a much larger shortfall for Shrek 2 have accelerated already brewing concerns about DVDs as a growth engine for movie studios. This has ramifications for Disney (DIS) and Lions Gate Entertainment, (LGF). Disney (DIS) has benefited greatly from sales of DVDs from […]

Takeover Rumors for SBS Broadcasting

Several recent news stories have noted that SBS Broadcasting’s (SBTV) TV stations in the Netherlands are facing a new competitor as Dutch media mogul Jon de Mol launches his own channel. The Netherlands is 20% of SBTV so this is something to watch. Interestingly, a research report out of Europe today references other news stories […]

Holding Apple Despite Concerns

Apple shares have struggled for the last few months due to fears of slowing demand for iPods due to competition. Yesterday, those fears got some fuel when the supplier of flash memory drives for the the iPod Shuffle dramatically lowered its current quarter sales outlook. This has led investors to believe there may be too […]

Potential Boost for CETV in Czech Republic

There is some potentially positive news out of the Czech Republic for Central European Media Enterprises (CETV). Yesterday, the Czech parliament passed a law that will gradually phase out TV advertising on the two government-owned stations. It is not certain that this law will ultimately go into effect. However, if it does it is a […]

Lions Gate Reports Strong Quarterly Earnings

LGF reported earnings for its fourth fiscal quarter of 2005 ending March 31, 2005 last night and conducted a conference call this morning. Overall, I found the results to be excellent, easily supporting the current valuation on the shares. Revenues were very strong reflecting the success the company had at the box office in the […]

Buying More Sears Holdings

I bought shares in Sears Holdings (SHLD) (formerly KMart) on Monday for the first time in six months following the sharp pullback in the stock after the company reported first-quarter earnings. Current holdings were maintained as the new shares were placed in client accounts who had not previously owned SHLD. When it was issued, I […]

Disney Selling Radio?

Following comments on the last quarterly conference from Bob Iger, speculation has increased that Disney (DIS) may be looking to sell its radio stations and the ABC Radio Network. Recent articles in trade magazines and The Wall Street Journal leave the impression that the division is being shopped, or at least it is being made […]

ABC Concludes Successful Upfront: Positive for Disney

The annual upfront television advertising market moved close to conclusion last week for the broadcast television networks. ABC, CBS, and FOX all announced their sales. Only NBC, which is in the weakest position due to a 15% decline in ratings last TV season, has yet to wrap up its sales. The upfront market is when […]