Disney Transitioning to Direct-to-Consumer Future

Thanks to the 2Q19 earnings report, for a brief stretch, focus on Disney (DIS) turned back to the fundamentals of their current operating businesses.  It turns out the news is pretty good.  Theme parks are performing very well with growth prospects soon to be supported by new attractions in Orlando and Southern California.  The film […]

Still Pays to Wait on CBS

Despite reporting another solid quarter in line with Wall Street expectations, CBS shares remain in a tough spot.  The shares trade at 9X 2019 estimated earnings, barely more than half of the market multiple.  The overhanging issue, which has been so for over a year, is a potential merger with Viacom.  More recently, the company […]

Transition Year Underway at Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) confirmed it is facing a transition year in 2019 with its 1Q19 earnings report and guidance update.  First quarter earnings exceeded Wall Street expectations but management guided 2Q19 below current estimates and maintained full year guidance issued earlier this year.  The combination of exiting the Destiny franchise, tough competition from free-to-play games, […]

Apple Shows Potential to Ripen

Apple (AAPL) reported weak but better than expected 2Q19 results and 3Q19 guidance.  Revenues fell -5% for the second consecutive quarter.  Operating profit fell -15% after declining -10% last quarter.  EPS exceeded expectations but still declined -10% boosted by additional share repurchases.  Net income fell -16%.  Guess what?  Amid all these negative numbers AAPL shares […]

MGM: The Wait is Almost Over

On the surface, MGM Resorts (MGM) reported 1Q19 results in line with Wall Street expectations.  However, the composition of the results is troubling investors.  Regional casinos in the US did well.  Macau showed hoped for improvement assisted by high hold at the tables.  Las Vegas fell short on EBITDA.  Given that the narrative on MGM […]

Alphabet Revenue Growth Decelerates

Alphabet (GOOG/GOOGL) reported disappointing 1Q19 earnings driven by across the board weakness in revenue trends relative to expectations.  We have noted in past earnings recaps that Alphabet was holding consistently to 20% plus revenue growth despite the company’s massive size and market share.  1Q19 saw revenue growth in the upper teens, well below expectations for […]

Facebook Weathering the Storm

After a tough stretch beginning with last August’s shocking guidance reduction, Facebook (FB) appears mostly out of the woods as far as the bear case goes.  User growth at the core Facebook app has held up well in the U.S. and Europe despite the near constant controversies related to privacy.  More importantly, advertisers appear to […]

Comcast Transition to Broadband is Bullish

After a difficult 2018, Comcast (CMCSA) shares have rebounded to challenge all-time highs reached at the beginning of last year.  This might be hard to understand given the constant drumbeat of news stories about cord-cutting.  Well, guess what?  Cable is actually a good business and getting better financially speaking.  Lost in the cord-cutting hysteria is […]

Activision Blizzard Announces Disappointing 2019 Guidance and Restructuring Plan

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) reported record 4Q18 earnings in line with expectations despite sales coming in weaker than hoped. Guidance for 2019 was poor, with sales now expected to be 13% below previous consensus estimates and earnings of $2.10 coming in 16% below consensus. Along with the disappointing guidance, ATVI announced a layoff of 8% of […]

Bullish Outlook Affirmed at Nexstar Media Group

Nexstar Media Group (NXST) reported strong 4Q18 results and issued positive initial guidance for 2019 and 2020 on a standalone basis.  NXST should complete its acquisition of Tribune Media in 3Q18 and reiterated initial guidance that the combined company will earn at least $900 million in average free cash flow in the 2019/2020 cycle.  Local […]