Sobering Quarter and Guidance for Long-Time Apple Bull

I often think that my best analysis comes from real-time commentary as I listen to the conference calls that accompany the quarterly earnings reports from the companies I follow. In the past, I have offered my twitter comments on Apple (AAPL). Below are my instant message comments sent to a colleague who helps me out […]

Comcast Continues to Shine

Comcast (CMCSK) reported another excellent quarter and indicated the outlook for 2014, and even 2015, is strong. Showing confidence in its business strategy, execution, and growth potential, the company increased the dividend by 15% and expanded its share buyback program by $3 billion. The headline financial metrics for the fourth quarter were impressive: revenue +5.8%, […]

2014 Kicks Off With a Shift to Value

Northlake’s models start 2014 with a switch from growth to value in the Style model. This change occurs after three months on the growth signal during which growth outperformed value by a little less than 1%. As a result of this fresh signal, all client positions in the Russell 1000 Growth (IWF) were sold and […]

Model Volatility Continues as Mid Cap Gains Favro

Northlake’s Market Cap model shifted back to Mid Cap after a brief, one month stop at large cap in November. As a result of the new signal, client positions in the Russell 2000 (IWM) were sold and the proceeds were reinvested in the S&P 400 mid Cap (MDY). There was no change to the Style […]

Liberty Media Simplifies, Starz Hunts Hits

Liberty Media (LMCA) and its former subsidiary Starz (STRZA) reported earnings last week. LMCA is an asset play where value is created through its ownership of significant stakes in other public companies, including a majority interest in Sirius XM Satellite Radio and 25-30% stakes in Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) and Charter Communications (CHTR). LMCA also […]

Liberty Global Set to Accelerate Growth in 2014

Liberty Global (LBTYK) reported results that matched Wall Street expectations with rebased revenue and EBITDA growth of 3%. New subscriber growth surprised meaningfully to the upside following last quarter’s disappointing growth. Investors have been worried about the second half of 2013 growth due to tough competition in Netherlands and England and last quarter’s modest slowing […]

Qualcomm Guidance Raises Questions

Qualcomm (QCOM) reported 4Q13 results mostly in line with expectations. However, guidance for 2014 indicated slower growth in units and a slight decrease in average selling prices. The guidance led analysts to reduce their outlook for revenues and operating income for 2014. However, QCOM’s commitment to large share repurchases leaves earnings estimates unchanged at a […]

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 […]

Small Cap and Growth Favored for November

Northlake’s Market Cap model shifted from Mid Cap to Small Cap for November. As a result, client positions in the S&P 400 Mid Cap (MDY) have been swapped into the Russell 2000 (IWM). There was not change in the Style model, which is recommending Growth for the second consecutive month after a long run at […]