Improved Ratings At ABC Help Disney’s TV Stations

Last week, I initiated a position in Walt Disney (DIS) based on the company’s strong operating momentum and identifiable catalysts. Among the several catalysts I mentioned was the upfront market, the launch of Hong Kong Disneyland in the fall, 3Q EPS to be reported on May 11 (better than expected with rising guidance and estimates […]

Upfront Ad Market A Potential Catalyst for Disney

One of the reasons I like Disney (DIS) is that it has strong fundamental operating momentum with identifiable catalysts. One catalyst is the upfront network television advertising market that gets underway this month. The upfront market occurs each spring when the broadcast and cable television networks sell options on much of the advertising time for […]

Disney: New Buy

Disney Investment Thesis: Strong fundamentals with identifiable catalysts make DIS the choice among big-cap entertainment stocks despite its premium valuation compared to its peers. I’ve been very close to taking a long position in Disney (DIS) over the past couple of months. My working thesis has been that fundamental momentum is the strongest at DIS […]

Motorola Finally Getting Some Respect

Beginning with the first quarter of 2004, Motorola (MOT) has reported five consecutive quarterly earnings reports that have matched or exceeded Wall Street estimates. Unfortunately, MOT shareholders have gone largely unrewarded for this impressive string of results as Wall Street has failed to embrace MOT’s turnaround despite mounting evidence. Following last week’s better than expected […]

Central European Media Enterprises Equity Offering This Week

Central European Media Enterprises (CETV) looks set to complete its financing this week for the acquisition of TV Nova, the largest and most successful television broadcaster in the Czech Republic. A review of the prospectus and several 8-Ks the company has filed indicate that all is well as the company….

Morgan Stanley Downgrades NTL

Morgan Stanley (MWD) downgraded NTL Incorporated (NTLI) from buy to hold yesterday leading to a decline in the shares. Sitting out the market’s big turnaround lifted my frustration with the NTLI position. However, it is worth noting that the downgrade comes along with a $75 target, up 15% from current prices. I remain bullish as […]

Lightening Up On SBS Broadcasting But Long-Term Thesis Intact

SBS Broadcasting (SBTV) shares have been acting very well recently, making a 52-week closing high on Monday. On Friday, Bear Stearns wrote about SBTV for the first time in many months, updating estimates and raising the price target to $51. Bear Stearns issued a 56-page report, so essentially this is new coverage. There is virtually […]

Catching Up With Motorola

Cross-posted from StreetInsight.com…. Motorola (MOT) reports on April 20th. Yesterday, the shares had their best day in a long time, rising over 2% in a strong tape for technology stocks. After peaking at over $18 in December, the shares have fallen pretty steadily to recent lows at $14.70. I’ve been long the stock since last […]

A Visit to an Apple Store Keeps Me Bullish

The following entry is cross-posted from Street Insight. As some clients and friends of Northlake Capital Management know, I write a brief daily commentary for StreetInsight.com, the professional version of The Street.com. Street Insight is an expensive service targeted at money managers. Along with another two dozen money managers, I contribute commentary on the stock […]

Central European Media: Plenty of Upside Remains

Central European Media Enterprises (CETV) has given back some of its recent gains including about 7% since the company reported earnings before the open of trading on Tuesday. Mostly, I think this is a sell the news reaction to a stock that moved from $35 to $55 since late January. The fourth quarter 2004 earnings […]