Another Month of Mid Cap and Value

There are no changes to the recommendations from Northlake’s Market Cap and Style models for June. The favored signals remain mid cap and value. As a result, all client positions tracking the models will be maintained for at least another month. Mid cap and value are represented in portfolios by the S&P 400 (MDY) and […]

Focus on M&A At Liberties

Liberty Media (LMCA) and Liberty Global (LBTYK) reported earnings last week, finishing off the latest quarterly reports for Northlake’s portfolio of individual stocks. Both stocks reacted favorably to their results although the real focus of investor attention at both companies is on recent merger and acquisition activity. LMCA recently announced it was taking a 25% […]

Media Earnings Look Good Overall and for Northlake

Media companies reported earnings over the last two weeks including Northlake positions’ CBS, Discovery Communications (DISCK), and Disney (DIS). In general, the news from Northlake’s holdings and other media companies was good. The two key takeaways are: (1) the national TV ad market is firming up a bit from its tepid growth late last year […]

Market Cap Model Volatility Continues with Mid Cap Back in Favor

Due primarily to trend and technical indicators, Northlake’s Market Cap model shifted from small cap to mid cap for May. As a result, all client positions following the model previously invested in the Russell 2000 (IWM) have been sold and proceeds reinvested in the S&P 400 Mid Cap (MDY). This change continues an unusually volatile […]

CBS Delivers Another Quarter, More Upside Lies Ahead

CBS reported another excellent quarter, showing solid growth even against tough comparisons and declining ratings at the flagship CBS Network. Revenues grew 6%, slightly ahead of expectations. Excellent cost controls and a positive mix shift led to a 15% gain in adjusted operating cash flow, the most important financial measure for media investors. Extremely aggressive […]

Qualcomm Raises Concerns But Story Intact

Despite reporting results largely in line with estimates and slightly raising full year guidance, Qualcomm (QCOM) shares traded down sharply following its earnings report. Investors were disappointed with margins, especially looking ahead to next quarter when the company expects them to remain under modest pressure. The margin guidance led to June quarter EPS being forecast […]

EMC Results Better Than Peers But Patience Has Run Out

EMC Corporation reported first quarter 2013 revenue and EPS just barely below street estimates. Revenue of $5.39 million was just below the $5.43 billion estimate. EPS of 39 cents was a penny below estimates. Growth in revenue and EPS was 6% and 5%, respectively. Against recent reports from IBM and other companies serving very large […]

Apple: Complete Reset of Expectations Could Mark The Bottom

Apple reported its second quarter 2013 earnings at the high end of expectations and guidance. However, the real news surrounded the company’s guidance for the next quarter, commentary on future product introductions, and a large increase in the company’s capital allocation program to return cash to shareholders. For the near-term, I see these factors in […]

Another Solid Quarter From Google Supports Bull Case

Google reported solid first quarter 2013 earnings with most important financial and product metrics tracking very close to expectations. With the stock off 10% from its 2013 and all-time high going into the report, the results were good enough to relieve the pressure. The shares are now up 7% off their April lows but remain […]

Models Stabilize Favoring Small Cap and Value

After several months with one or both models changing signals, the April signals showed stability. For the second consecutive month, the Market Cap model is recommending small cap and the Style model is recommending value. The small cap signal remains borderline but the value signal has moved into strong territory. This suggests that value will […]