Warner Music Group: No Wonder Edgar Doesn’t Want To Sell

Warner Music (WMG) reported very strong March quarter results this morning. EMI, which is trying to buy the company, now has extra incentive to raise its price slightly. The combination of good earnings and takeover interest should keep WMG shares at current levels or slightly higher. Upside is limited, however, as a buyout is unlikely […]

Unvision: Good Quarter Supports Buyout Valuation

Bidders for Univision (UVN) won’t have to adjust their models very much based upon the company’s 1Q06 earnings report. Revenues were about $10 million light, but margins were better than expected so EBITDA slightly exceeded estimates. EPS also beat by a couple of pennies. Specifically, revenue was $49 million against consensus of $460 million, EBITDA […]

I Liked DirecTV’s Quarter But Market Did Not

I think the numbers from DirecTV (DTV) look pretty good. The results support the company’s new strategy to focus on profitable growth even if it means slightly slower subscriber growth. Gross adds did come in a little light at 919,000 vs. estimates of around 1 million. However, the focus on retaining and attracting better quality […]

Central European Media Enterprises: Shares Respond Well To First Quarter Earnings

Here are the comments I wrote yesterday as soon as I got off the CETV conference call. I’ll post a more complete analysis Monday morning after I finish updating my spreadsheet and checkng withmy contacts: I just got off the Central European Media (CETV) conference call. The shares are trading up, recouping some of the […]

Cramer Mentions NTL and Yours Truly

Jim Cramer mentioned NTL Incorporated (NTLI) bullishly last night on Mad Money, including a mention of my analysis on StreetInsight.com that is also posted here. With Cramer putting the stock in the news, I wanted to mention that the company recently announced it will report before the open next Tuesday, May 9. Additionally, at least […]

Central European Media Enterprises: Earnings and Guidance Due Tomorrow

Central European Media Enterprises (CETV) reports before the open tomorrow. The company should also provide full year 2006 guidance and possibly comments on 2007. I am confident in the 2006 and 2007 outlook, however, I think the first quarter holds the potential to disappoint some investors and create skepticism that the full year guidance will […]

Clear Channel: Better Quarter Will Help Short-Term

Clear Channel (CCU) reported better than expected 1Q06 results led by a positive surprise in radio and continued strong growth in outdoor. CCU has easy comps in radio in 2006 and management seemed confident that current trends would hold. Consequently, I think the shares can trade moderately higher in the near-term and will continue to […]

Another Mixed Quarter For Time Warner

Time Warner (TWX) reported mixed results. The headline numbers looked real good but after adjustments it was just another quarter of mediocre growth with flat revenues and mid-single digit EBITDA growth. Free cash flow continues strong and the share buyback has been very aggressive, both of which provide near-term support for the shares and add […]

Time Warner: Cable To The Rescue?

Time Warner (TWX) shares have firmed up recently as investors are taking a more optimistic view of its most important division: Cable. Yes, that’s right, cable. Despite all the focus that AOL will receive when the company reports earnings on Wednesday morning, it is cable that stands to be largest driver of TWX shares. Regardless […]

Akeelah Provides Just A Small Boost So Far

My idea to buy Lionsgate (LGF) in anticipation of a ramp in the stock ahead of today’s opening of Akeelah and the Bee has provided only a 2% return. Not bad, but less than I expected. I’ve looked over a couple of predictions for the opening weekend and the numbers are just $9 million. I […]