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 […]

Comcast Continues Excellent Performance

Comcast (CMCSK) reported mixed results relative to consensus expectations but growth remains vibrant and the outlook is excellent. Financial results were good with mid-single digit revenue growth and modest margin expansion leading to high single digit growth in operating cash flow. There was modest disappointment with subscriber counts at cable but nothing outside the margin […]

Another Solid Quarter and Guidance As Apple Ripens Again

Apple reported better than expected earnings for the second consecutive quarter. Guidance for the December quarter was confusing but ultimately better than Wall Street expectations. This sets the stage for a continued recovery in Apple shares into year end. Datapoints on product sell through for the new iPhones and iPads and a possible deal with […]

Google Finally Provides Upside That Triggers Shares

Google (GOOG) finally reported a quarter that surpassed Wall Street estimates and satisfied investors. The stock had worked higher over the last few years despite never quite satisfying Wall Street. A bull market and solid core growth search carried the stock but it lacked the momentum of other high flyers with which it is often […]

Style Model Shifts From Value to Growth

Northlake’s Style model shifted from value to growth for October. As a result, all client positions invested in this model have been shifted from the Russell 1000 Value (IWD) to the Russell 1000 Growth (IWF). The Market Cap model remains on a mid cap signal for October, so current client positions in the S&P 400 […]