CBS Lacks Usual Upside But Upside Intact

CBS reported solid but unspectacular third quarter 2013 results. EPS matched Wall Street consensus of 76 cents, up from 64 cents a year ago. Revenue grew 11% but EBITDA was up only 4%. Revenue was a little ahead of estimates, while EBITDA fell slightly short. Unlike many recent quarters, CBS did not show an upside […]

Discovery Finds Love After Strong Quarter

After a couple of quarters where Discovery Communications (DISCK) did not quite meet the high expectations the company has rightly created for itself, third quarter 2013 results hit the mark. Domestic advertising and affiliate growth were ahead of expectations. International growth was a little light but clear indications that the company’s acquisitions in Europe are […]

Comcast Continues Excellent Performance

Comcast (CMCSK) reported mixed results relative to consensus expectations but growth remains vibrant and the outlook is excellent. Financial results were good with mid-single digit revenue growth and modest margin expansion leading to high single digit growth in operating cash flow. There was modest disappointment with subscriber counts at cable but nothing outside the margin […]

Another Solid Quarter and Guidance As Apple Ripens Again

Apple reported better than expected earnings for the second consecutive quarter. Guidance for the December quarter was confusing but ultimately better than Wall Street expectations. This sets the stage for a continued recovery in Apple shares into year end. Datapoints on product sell through for the new iPhones and iPads and a possible deal with […]

Google Finally Provides Upside That Triggers Shares

Google (GOOG) finally reported a quarter that surpassed Wall Street estimates and satisfied investors. The stock had worked higher over the last few years despite never quite satisfying Wall Street. A bull market and solid core growth search carried the stock but it lacked the momentum of other high flyers with which it is often […]

Comcast and Liberty Global Remain Leaders in Bullish Cable Industry

Cable stocks have performed well this year due to a combination of steady moderate growth, industry consolidation rumors, and companies returning cash to shareholders via dividend increases and share repurchases. The most recent set of quarterly earnings reports support current bullish trends in these areas. Northlake clients own positions in Comcast (CMCSK) and Liberty Global […]

Messy Quarter But Core Growth At Discovery Warrants Patience

Discovery Communications (DISCK) shares have traded off 5% since reporting June quarter earnings. The underlying organic growth rates were largely in line with estimates but accounting adjustments related to the company’s acquisitions in Europe earlier this year led to a reduction in net income guidance for the year and miss on reported EPS for the […]

Qualcomm Fights Offs Bears

After a lot of worry on the part of investors, Qualcomm (QCOM) reported solid June quarter results and provided guidance for more the same. QCOM shares have lagged in 2013 due to investor fears about a slowdown in high end smartphone demand. Despite signs of slower growth (offset by a positive surprise in iPhone volumes […]

Better Quarter Clears Deck for Apple New Products

Apple (AAPL) reported a better quarter although earnings are still down year-over-year. I expect that earnigns will turn positive again in the Decemebr quarter and growth will pick up as next year moves along, partially due to very easy comparisons beginning next spring. Renewal of earnings and product momentum is critical to get AAPL shares […]

Google Core Trends Intact Despite Noisy Quarter

Google (GOOG) reported slightly disappointing second quarter earnings. Revenue of $11.1 billion was slightly less than estimates of $11.4 billion. EPS of $9.54 were materially below consensus expectations of $10.81. Given these headline numbers, GOOG shares initially traded down about 5%. However, they were down less than 2% when trading closed the day after the […]