Google (GOOG/GOOGL) shares fell after reporting 4Q17 earnings. Revenue growth remained remarkably strong, rising 24% year over year, but Traffic Acquisition Costs (TAC) and other operating expenses rose even faster leading to margin compression and EPS below expectations. The debate for Google investors has long been focused on (1) the sustainability of revenue growth, and […]
Despite some worries related to recent changes to Facebook’s (FB) News Feed, the company reported another outstanding quarter with revenues rising 47% and operating leverage again evident even as the company continues to caution about increased spending. More importantly, the company’s words and tone when discussing the impact of changes that could limit time spent […]
Comcast (CMCSA) reported an inline quarter with upside in the closely watched video and broadband subscriber metrics. Consolidated revenues grew 4% and adjusted EBITDA was flat after taking into account $171mm in employee bonuses related to tax reform. The cable business grew revenues 3% and adjusted EBITDA 4% as margins expanded. NBC Universal had 4% […]
Activision Blizzard (ATVI) reported better-than-expected top and bottom line 3Q17 results. The strong quarter flowed through to increases in 2017 sales and earnings guidance. Important game launches including Destiny 2 and Call of Duty:WWII appear to have gone well so far. Other key franchises such as Hearthstone, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush continue to […]
During November, Liberty Media reported third quarter earnings and hosted its annual analyst meeting. A portion of the Northlake client base owns stock in companies controlled by Liberty Media including Formula One Group (FWONA/FOWNK) and Liberty Sirius (LSXMA/LSXMK). Liberty regularly creates tracking stocks or spins off companies they control. We have gradually sold off many […]
Third quarter results at MGM Resorts International (MGM) were above expectations, largely due to a boost from two massively popular boxing events during the prior three months. MGM also benefited from slightly above average luck on gaming profits. The strong results were offset by disappointing guidance for the fourth quarter after MGM experienced elevated reservation […]
Facebook (FB) reported very strong 3Q17 results with both sales and earnings substantially better than expected, largely driven by lower than expected expenses for the second straight quarter. The company has now spent less than their initial annual expense guidance for the past two years, demonstrating operational discipline even while investing for growth. FB noted […]
TV stocks have had a good rally in the past week for the first time since May. Among Northlake positions, this includes Disney (DIS), CBS Corporation (CBS), and Nexstar Media Group (NXST). Each has rallied between 5-10% off of at or near 2017 lows. The challenges facing TV have metastasized this year. The issues are […]
We have been wrong on Liberty Global (LBTYK) for more than two years. The shares peaked at over $50 in 2015 and now sit at $30. The $50 price was fed by takeover speculation but even so the shares have vastly underperformed a bull market. The shares have still returned over 50% from our original […]
Apple (AAPL) reported good September quarter earnings driven by better than expected revenue everywhere but iPhones. Profit margins were a little light driven by the mix shift away from iPhones. A lower tax rate assisted the revenue upside to produce EPS about 10% ahead of consensus estimates. The critically important guidance for the holiday quarter […]
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