I’ll Take Mickey Mouse Over Bugs Bunny

Despite being stalled for most of the last year, Disney (DIS) has generally trended up over the past three years, rising from the upper teens to the mid-$20s. Guess what? DIS is set to complete its fourth straight year of double-digit EBITDA growth. By contrast, Time Warner (TWX) is struggling to stay in the upper […]

Time Warner: The Icahn Report

I was talking with a good friend last week who runs a media-centric hedge fund. I was doing my usual rant regarding the mounds of analysis about Time Warner (TWX) coming from analysts, website commentators, and CNBC and noting that it had to be the most overanalyzed stock on the planet. My buddy noted it […]

DirecTV: Controlled Growth Strategy Might Work

DirecTV (DTV) shares are up about 3% in response to a solid quarterly earnings report. My key takeaway is that the street is beginning to respond favorably to the company’s transition to a controlled growth strategy where EBITDA and free cash flow growth is paramount and subscriber growth is secondary. The street is also pleased […]

Apple Anounces New iPod nano

AAPL shares are set to bounce at the open following some supportive analyst commentary and the introduction of a 1G iPod nano. The new nano will be priced at $149 while the shuffle line will continue with prices dropping to $69 for the 512K model and $99 for the 1G model. AAPL now has iPods […]

Motorola Under Pressure

Motorola (MOT) shares are set to bounce at the open on an analyst upgrade. The gains look small so far, especially against the 16% decline in the stock since 4Q05 EPS were reported on January 19th. Earnings were greeted by a sharp sell-off as numbers merely matched consensus despite higher whispers and despite management noting […]

Disney Comes Through

Disney (DIS) reported better than expected earnings with EPS coing in at 35 cents against analyst estimates taht averaged 30 cents. Estimates will go up across the board with FY06 ending September heading toward $1.45-$1.50 from $1.41 presently. Furthermore, management spoke confidently about 2Q06 (the current quarter) and reiterated expectations for a strong back half […]

Disney Earnings Preview: Last Slow Quarter Before Growth Accelerates

Disney (DIS) reports after the close on Monday. Due to timing issues and a tough comparison in home video, the quarter is expected to show a year-over-year decline in EPS and EBITDA. However, DIS is still poised for strong growth in its FY06 ending this coming September. I believe the back-end loaded year is well […]

E.W. Scripps: Best Growth In Traditional Media

E.W. Scripps (SSP) shares are responding very favorably to the company’s 4Q05 earnings report. I think three factors are at work. First, EPS came in above expectations at 54 cents vs. consensus of 49 cents. Second, the company announced that it is considering strategic alternatives for its home shopping business, Shop At Home. Third, Shopzilla […]

Comcast: Not Good Enough But I’d Hold On

Comcast (CMCSA/K) reported 4Q05 earnings that were pretty much inline across all metrics. Revenue exactly hit estimates, EBITDA might be considered light but that is certainly not the case if hurricane losses of $48 million due to the loss of 20,000 subscribers are considered. Subscriber additions were on target with basic subs growing 40,000 (60,00 […]

Time Warner: The Street Will Like It, But Not Me

Time Warner (TWX) reported 4Q05 earnings pretty much inline with expectations with revenue and EBITDA both coming in very close to analyst estimates. As usual, the mix at the segment level was a little different than expected. The company also provided EBITDA growth guidance for 2006. EBITDA is expected to grow in the upper single […]