Our timing on adding Sinclair Broadcast Group (SBGI) to Northlake’s portfolio proved poor. Over the past few weeks, we sold SBGI at a loss and reinvested in Nexstar Media Group (NXST). Like SBGI, NXST owns local TV stations around the country, generally in small to mid-size markets. The bull case is also similar: extraordinarily high […]
MGM Resorts (MGM) reported strong 2Q17 results with better than expected profitability. Management executed well against long term plans to continuously improve profit margins, overcoming a self-imposed headwind from lower hotel room revenue and a slightly unlucky quarter at the casino tables. The investment thesis remains on track with several catalysts expected to drive shares […]
Facebook (FB) reported better than expected sales with profits significantly ahead of expectations. The strong results reflect expense discipline even as FB continues to invest for future growth. Looking ahead to the rest of this year, FB narrowed full year expense growth guidance from 40-50% to 40-45%. EPS easily beat Wall Street estimates even after […]
Despite lots of discussion of cord cutting and cord shaving and merger rumors, Comcast continues to produce good financial and operating results. Furthermore, management is careful with the balance sheet by keeping debt levels low and appears to be cautious about the need for a big acquisition. We like the steady growth and low risk […]
Alphabet (GOOG/GOOGL) shares seem likely to take a breather following the company’s 2Q17 earnings report. Overall, we would give the report a solid “B” but with the shares having soared 26% this year before the report an “A” was probably required to sustain the momentum. The report showed remarkable growth in Google’s mobile search, YouTube, […]
Liberty Global (LBTYK) remains a troubled stock after reporting mixed 1Q17 results and lowering full year guidance for growth in operating cash flow. The shares performed poorly last year but bounced back strongly to start this year. Unfortunately, the sharp down move post the 1Q17 earnings report last week lost all of the year to […]
Formula One (FWONA/K) and Liberty Sirius (LSXMA/K) are tracking stocks of Liberty Media. FWON owns the Formula One racing circuit and LSXM owns a controlling interest in SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SIRI) representing approximately 70% of the shares outstanding. Consequently, when Liberty reports earnings and hosts a conference call the discussion is on these separate businesses. […]
Activision Blizzard (ATVI) reported a strong quarter, beating consensus sales and profit expectations. Full year guidance was increased from prior levels but remained below consensus. In past quarters, ATVI has tended to offer conservative guidance leading to upside surprises when they report actual results. Investors focused on strength in the Blizzard and KING segments, while […]
Disney (DIS) reported first quarter earnings of $1.50, up 10% from a year ago, and ahead of Wall Street estimates of $1.41. Revenues grew just 3% and operating income just 5% as EPS benefited from a lower than expected tax rate and share repurchases. DIS shares have reacted negatively to the report, falling -2% to […]
Amid a tough quarter for media earnings, CBS was a bright spot. We have long liked CBS for two reasons and both were on display in 1Q17. First, management continues to execute quite well as evidenced by better than peer trends in national and local advertising and subscription fees. Second, and related to effective management, […]
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