Google Looks Fine but Street Votes No

Despite Google (GOOG) stock getting a drubbing today I am more comfortable with the shares than I was before the earnings report last night. The report was largely in line. Revenues were as expected/ EPS upside was from tax rate and good expense control that juiced margins. I think expenses are a little lumpy at […]

From Virgin Media and England to Liberty Global and Germany

All Northlake client positions in Virgin Media (VMED) have been swapped into Liberty Global (LBTYK). Both companies are leaders in supplying cable TV, telephony, and internet. VMED operates solely in England, while LBTYK operates throughout Northern and Central Europe with a major focus on Germany. I think both stocks have similar upside of 20-30%. However, […]

Virgin Media Back on Track

Virgin Media (VMED) had a tougher than expected 2011 as the crisis in Europe included the UK economy. In addition, competition picked up as all of the company’s cable, satellite, and telecom competitors responded aggressively to the macro weakness. This environment led VMED to increase capital spending amid discounting form some competitors while its own […]

Another Blowout from Apple Supports Mobile Broadband Theme

Apple continues to amaze. Relative to expectations this is one of the best quarters I ever remember by any company. Damn, I am pretty certain I wrote that about Apple previously! In calendar 2011, Apple earned $35 a share. Guidance for the March quarter is up 32% and is probably conservative. The company could earn […]

Strong Quarter for EMC Justifies Growth Story

EMC Corporation (EMC) reported better than expected 4Q11 results. Revenues of $5.57 billion and EPS of 49 cents exceeded consensus estimates of $5.49 billion and 46 cents, respectively. The company provided detailed 2012 guidance in line with street estimates. Revenues are forecast at $22 billion, up 10%, with EPS forecast at $1.70, up 13%. Given […]

Google in the Penalty Box. For Now.

Two minute minor, five minute major, ten minute misconduct, or game misconduct? I’m thinking ten minute misconduct. The quarter is not nearly as bad as the stock would suggest. Revenues were light but operating income, EBITDA, and free cash flow were in line with expectations. Operating margins, a big issue over the past year, were […]

A Holiday Gift for Charter Communications. And Northlake Clients.

Just before Christmas Santa delivered gold for shareholders of Charter Communications (CHTR). Santa made a first stop at Cablevision (CVC) headquarters, leavng coal, when it was announced that Tom Rutledge was abruptly leaving his role as #1 operating executive at CVC. Rutledge is the most highly regarded executive in the cable industry, a role that […]

New Liberty Media and Qualcomm

Two transactions have occurred in Northlake client accounts as of this morning. Last week, shares of Qualcomm (QCOM) were purchased as a new investment idea. More on QCOM in a moment. Today, a merger concluded between Liberty Capital (LCAPA) and Liberty Starz (LSTZA). The new Liberty Media will trade as LMCA. As of this morning, […]

CBS Leads More Solid Media Results

Given the increased importance of macro issues on the stock market and record high correlations among individual stocks, I am expanding media company earnings analysis this quarter to touch on all companies and major trends, not just Northlake positions. Media earnings season continues to roll along. The message so far is that media fundamentals are […]

Discovery Leads Solid Media Earnings But Virgin Media Mixed

Given the increased importance of macro issues on the stock market and record high correlations among individual stocks, I am expanding media company earnings analysis this quarter to touch on all companies and major trends, not just Northlake positions. Several important media companies reported earnings since yesterday’s close, kicking off about a dozen reports from […]