Further Improvement at Liberty Global

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 […]

Accelerating Growth at Apple

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 […]

Alphabet Delivers Accelerating Growth

Alphabet (GOOG/GOOGL) reported better than expected 3Q17 results. Sales were up 24% compared to 3Q16, accelerating from 21% year-over-year growth last quarter. Earnings per share were almost 15% above expectations, partially boosted by a favorable tax rate. Mobile search advertising, YouTube, and cloud computing each contributed to the strong results. GOOG grew advertising revenue by […]

Comcast Posts Solid Results Despite Increased Competition

Comcast (CMCSA) reported in line results for 3Q17 although admittedly expectations on subscriber metrics had been reduced after the company adjusted its guidance.  Financial results matched initial expectations and were never adjusted lower despite the lower subscriber counts.  Comcast shares fell 15% from all-time highs since the company announced in September that they would lose […]

Painting Profits with Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams (SHW) has been added to Northlake’s individual stock portfolio.  SHW is the type of high quality, long-term growth company we prioritize.  The company is in the process of integrating the acquisition of Valspar.  We have been awaiting more clarity on progress of the integration and an updated multiyear outlook to confirm our bullish […]

Positioned for Success at CBS

Two years ago, in August 2015, Disney (DIS) set off the angst that has troubled traditional media stocks since by admitting to larger than expected subscriber losses at ESPN.  We refer to August 2015 as the Media Meltdown.  This May, another round of media companies created a smaller, mirror image decline in media stocks, this […]

Liberty Global Restoring Management Credibility

Liberty Global (LBTYK) showed progress in 2Q17 after a disappointing 1Q that was accompanied by lowered 2017 guidance and a major reset and management change related to its UK buildout known as Project Lightning.  2Q17 was mixed for LBYTK with rebased revenues a bit below reduced expectations, new subscriber additions below expectations, and operating cash […]

No Surprises From Liberty Media’s Second Quarter

Another fairly quiet quarter is in the books at Liberty Media which controls tracking stocks in Formula One (FWONA/K) and Liberty Sirius (LSXMA/K).  LSXM controls nearly 70% of SIRI and SIRI had already reported strong second quarter results so there was very little discussion on that front.  FWON was the primary subject although there were […]

Activision Blizzard Reports Strong Second Quarter Results

Activision Blizzard (ATVI) reported strong second quarter results with sales and profits substantially higher than expected. While guidance for the third quarter and full year were raised from previous levels, it appears investors expected a larger increase. ATVI has typically provided conservative guidance in the past, and this appears to be the case again this […]

Disney Announces New Media Network Strategy

Disney (DIS) reported a mixed quarter that was completely overshadowed by its announcement of a new strategy for its media networks.  The shares are trading lower, which in Northlake’s opinion is logical.  Making major investments into digital, over the top distribution of its sports rights and Disney and Pixar content is going to be expensive […]