Final Wrap-Up of 2007 Box Office

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) released its package of theatrical market statistics for 2007 last week. Most of the data I have already recounted in my many updates about the box office. However, there is some interesting data, especially as it relates to the major movie studios which are owned by Disney, News […]

Newspapers and Radio Ad Markets Remain Troubled

Within traditional media, the newspaper and radio industries have been in their own recession for some time. TV is better off for now. Both newspapers and radio are in secular decline due to two major trends. First, the internet is stealing market share from traditional advertising. Newspapers are especially hurt by this trend as classified […]

TV Ad Market Holding Up(front)

The Wall Street Journal reported that TV networks, advertisers, and ad buyers are all saying the upfront ad market will be strong this year. The writer’s strike lead to lots of speculation that the upfront would be scrapped or altered but it appears to be going on as usual. Not only is it going on […]

CETV Issuing Convertible Bonds

CETV announced a $425 million convertible offering after the close yesterday with a $50 million green shoe. Proceeds will be used to acquire another 30% of its operations in Ukraine, bringing control and 90% ownership. Given its strong balance sheet, CETV didn’t need to raise this money to fund the $210 million Ukraine purchase so […]

March 2008 Model Signals

There were no changes for March to Northlake’s Market Cap and Style models that I use for ETF allocation. The signals remain mid cap and growth. The mid cap signal remains a weak one that could shift back to large cap next month. The growth signal is moderately strong and got a little stronger last […]

Viacom: Turn On Track But Lacked Upside in 4Q07

Viacom reported solid results that were at the high end of expectations but I would not call it an upside surprise. Guidance for 2008 was for low double digit EPS growth which would put EPS in line with the current consensus. I think the results and guidance are good enough to support the recently improved […]

Good Quarter, Good Outlook For Central European Media Enterprises

Central European Media Enterprises (CETV) reported excellent 4Q07 results easily beating estimates on revenues, EBITDA, and EPS. Revenues and EBITDA grew 40% and 33%, respectively, with all six countries where the company owns TV stations or networks beating my estimate for revenue and five of the six countries beating my estimate for EBITDA. To gain […]

Cablevision Dealling Well With Competition For Now

Cablevision reported better than expected results driven by its core Cable operations and Madison Square Garden. Revenues grew 11% to $1.84 billion ahead of consensus of $1.78 billion. EBITDA grew 20% to $610 million, ahead of estimates for $560 million. Financial and subscriber metrics at the Cable systems were better than expected. Revenues rose 8.6%, […]

NII Holdings: Finally In The Clear?

NII Holdings (NIHD) reported better than expected 4Q07 financial results yesterday but the shares sold off sharply anyhow. I can see three potential issues. First, EBITDA guidance is a bit low even after adding back the $30 million in unexpected expenses related to upgrading the company’s network in Peru to 3Q. Revenue guidance is in […]

Selling Regal Entertainment

I posted the following on Real Money before the open on February 27th explaining my decision to sell client holdings of Regal Entertainment. By way of background, Doug Kass is a major figure on Real Money and appears regularly on CNBC. He manages hedge funds that are dedicated to selling short. This means he bets […]