BloggingStocks

Alcatel-Lucent Launches Tiny New Cell Phone Antenna System

Connie Madon — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: International Markets, Launches, Industry, Internet, Competitive Strategy, Alcatel-LucentADS (ALU), Smartphones, Technology

This is a technology truism: "New technology breeds more new technology." Let's take the explosion of mobile data. Smartphones and iPhones are creating a huge traffic jam in wireless communication. At present we are using fixed cell towers to transmit data from towers to the Internet.

The need to handle the mobile explosion is putting extreme pressure on present tower operators to upgrade their equipment or build new towers. This is a cumbersome, time consuming process.

Continue reading Alcatel-Lucent Launches Tiny New Cell Phone Antenna System

Alcatel-Lucent Launches Tiny New Cell Phone Antenna System originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast Attracts Bullish Sentiment Following Latest Report

Steven Mallas — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, General Electric (GE), Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Media World

Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) reported earnings for the fourth quarter on Wednesday. Today, the company's shares hit a new 52-week high of $25.39 during the intraday session (there's still more than two hours left until the closing bell rings, so that high point could eventually change).

The 52-week low for the cable business is $15.55. The one-year chart tracks the positive momentum of the equity. Will the stock break out to new heights from this juncture?

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Comcast Attracts Bullish Sentiment Following Latest Report originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why Not Try Free HDTV?

Connie Madon — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Analyst Reports, Products and Services, Market Matters, Recession

The recession is taking its toll on TV cable providers. High unemployment and low wages are the main causes for the drop off in viewer numbers. Craig Moffett, analyst with Sanford C. Bernstein estimates that cable and satellite companies lost about 330,000 customers in the third quarter, as reported in the New York Times.

Customers are cutting cable service and returning to the old 'rabbit ears." Antennas Direct, maker of the new style rabbit ears expects to sell 500,000 this year, up from 385,000 in 2009.The cost is is between $25 and $150.

Continue reading Why Not Try Free HDTV?

Why Not Try Free HDTV? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy Shaw for Income

Gordon Pape — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: Canada, Stocks to Buy, Stock Picks

I am maintaining a buy recommendation on Shaw Communications (SJR) despite an underwhelming year-end financial report.

I originally recommended Shaw in my Internet Wealth Builder newsletter on Feb. 4, 2008 at $20.64. Calgary, Alberta-based Shaw, is a telecommunications company, which dominates the rich Alberta market. It recently also purchased the bankrupt CanWest Global television empire. Shaw is a low-risk company that won't suddenly shoot up in price but that compensates with limited downside, steady cash flow, and long-term growth potential.

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Buy Shaw for Income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable: A Cautionary Tale

Gary Sattler — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Forecasts, Products and Services, Television, Time Warner Cable (TWC), Media World

A bright and shiny conference call has today boosted shares of Time Warner Cable (TWC). The stock has risen in the range of 5%, with shares trading at a healthy $62.34 as of this writing. The company reported a 5.7 percent increase in third-quarter adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization, via its 8:30 am conference call today. However, investors might wish to think carefully before loading up on too many shares of this stock.

Continue reading Time Warner Cable: A Cautionary Tale

Time Warner Cable: A Cautionary Tale originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast's Q1 Earnings Beat Street, Shares Rise

Joseph Lazzaro — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Stocks to Buy

At least initially, investors liked what they saw in Comcast Corporation's (CMCSA) first quarter report, during which the company earned 31 cents, above the Thomson/Reuters First Call first quarter EPS estimate of 30 cents. Shares rose
30 cents to $18.76 in Wednesday afternoon trading, despite a choppy market.

Comcast, the nation's largest cable television operator, said it added 399,000 high-speed Internet subscribers and 373,000 phone customers in the first quarter. Comcast lost 82,000 basic video subscribers, but average revenue per video subscriber increased 6.3% to $122.98 per month. The company earned 27 cents per share a year ago, in the first quarter of 2009.

Continue reading Comcast's Q1 Earnings Beat Street, Shares Rise

Comcast's Q1 Earnings Beat Street, Shares Rise originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cablevision: Incremental Progress

Joseph Lazzaro — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Stocks to Buy

Cablevision Systems Corporation (CVC), post-spin off of Madison Square Garden (MSG), has understandably dipped, but the latter has been more than offset by MSG's current share price, about $19, as Cablevision subscribers were allocated one share of MSG for every four shares of CVC.

I'll review MSG's business model in the weeks ahead. For now, I still like Cablevision, first written about on May 29, 2009, at a price of $19.03.

Continue reading Cablevision: Incremental Progress

Cablevision: Incremental Progress originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast Down on Q4 Release

Steven Mallas — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, General Electric (GE), Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Media World

Comcast (CMCSA) published fourth-quarter numbers earlier today. On a reported basis, net income more than doubled to 33 cents per share. According to Reuters, the cable company earned 29 cents per share on an adjusted basis, beating estimates by two pennies.

Management loves to promote its ability to generate free cash flow. There was an increase in this metric of just under 21% for the twelve-month period. I love free-cash generation, and I appreciate this example of growth, but one thing should be pointed out: operational cash flow was flat. As the earnings release stated, a reduction in capital expenditures was mostly responsible for the expansion. Free cash flow was down 11% for the fourth quarter itself, sorry to say.

Continue reading Comcast Down on Q4 Release

Comcast Down on Q4 Release originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast grows free cash in Q3, but when will it do a deal?

Steven Mallas — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, General Electric (GE), AT and T (T), Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Verizon Communications (VZ), Media World

Cable giant Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) posted Q3 numbers earlier today. It seems like the company is doing well with earnings growth and cash flow, even if revenues moved up a meager 3%.

Adjusted earnings per share grew over 20% to 28 cents per share. According to our earnings preview, the market was looking for 25 cents per share. Operating cash flow increased a little under 3%, but free cash flow went up almost 20%, aided by a smaller amount of capital expenditures compared to the previous year's similar quarter. I'm sure shareholders are more than satisfied with the growth rate of the green stuff over the past three months. Comcast saw excellent expansion of free cash over the last nine months, too.

Continue reading Comcast grows free cash in Q3, but when will it do a deal?

Comcast grows free cash in Q3, but when will it do a deal? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Cablevision is getting its business right, one customer at a time

Joseph Lazzaro — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Stocks to Buy

It looks like Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC) is starting to get-it-in-gear. Hence, I'm reiterating my Buy rating for CVC, first recommended on May 29, 2009 at a price of $19.03. If you purchased CVC then, you're up about 30%.

Even ignoring the potential spin-off of sports arena Madison Square Garden, Cablevision's positives have always been compelling: fifth-largest cable t.v. operator (about 10.4 million revenue generating units), with a strong presence in a lucrative market (New York City area, 3.1 cable t.v. subscribers); included in that are about 2.8 million premium cable t.v. subscribers, called iO Digital; nearly 2.5 million high-speed internet subscribers; and 1.9 million internet voice (telephone) subscribers.

Continue reading Cablevision is getting its business right, one customer at a time

Cablevision is getting its business right, one customer at a time originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World Wrestling Entertainment's new media ambition

Steven Mallas — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Television, General Electric (GE), Media World, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

There's some exciting news in the world of World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE). Looks like Vince McMahon wants to expand his media empire via entering the world of basic cable. Yes, he's already on basic cable, of course, but now he's intent on literally creating his very own wrestling channel.

According to a blog at the Los Angeles Times website, McMahon would be interested in launching a dedicated WWE channel within two years. This makes complete sense on several levels. First, WWE has a lot of content in its library that needs to be monetized; WWE's existing video-on-demand product already leverages the company's portfolio, but exposure to ad-supported cable would be helpful. Second, it could boost the profile of the WWE brand. Third, it might help long-term growth; without question, WWE needs to do something to compensate for the falloff it is seen in pay-per-view buys.

Continue reading World Wrestling Entertainment's new media ambition

World Wrestling Entertainment's new media ambition originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast is testing institutional investors' patience

Joseph Lazzaro — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Stocks to Buy

It's a close call, but I'm Reiterating my Buy rating for Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ: CMCSA), first recommended on April 22, 2009 at a price of $14.05.

Comcast's stock has moved sideways, basically, for the last six months, so a caution flag nevertheless has been raised. The stock has straddled the 50-day moving average during that period, suggesting that institutional investors are concerned about Comcast.

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Comcast is testing institutional investors' patience originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast tops projections in Q2, keeps free cash flow steady

Steven Mallas — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:10:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Television, Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Verizon Communications (VZ), Media World, Technology

Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA), the high-profile cable and Internet provider, produced some good second-quarter stats on Thursday. Reuters says that the 33 cents per share earned in the period beat estimates by 7 cents. According to the company press release, sales increased over 4% and operating cash flow expanded by over 5%. Free cash flow, however, was flat in Q2.

That wasn't a big deal, though. The free cash covered both the dividend and the monies used to repurchase shares. In fact, Reuters reported that the buyback activity in the quarter represented a resumption of the program. We can take that as a positive sign of confidence from management.

Continue reading Comcast tops projections in Q2, keeps free cash flow steady

Comcast tops projections in Q2, keeps free cash flow steady originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Cable companies working to curb free online TV

Beth Gaston Moon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Google (GOOG), Viacom (VIA), AT and T (T), Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Verizon Communications (VZ), Time Warner Cable (TWC)

Right now, over at Hulu.com -- a joint project of News Corp. (NYSE: NWS) and General Electric Company's (NYSE: GE) NBC Universal, viewers can check out recent editions of, for example, The Daily Show or Man Caves, among many other programs normally viewed on cable networks such as Comedy Central or the DIY Network. Viewers need a computer and a high-speed Internet connection to catch these programs, but they don't need a cable subscription (or even a television!).

Continue reading Cable companies working to curb free online TV

Cable companies working to curb free online TV originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comcast delivers the cash in 2008 and increases its dividend -- is it a buy?

Steven Mallas — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Time Warner (TWX), Walt Disney (DIS), Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Verizon Communications (VZ), Media World

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA), a cable/broadband entity that competes with Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) and DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH), reported earnings for the fourth quarter on Wednesday. Adjusted revenues increased 7%, and earnings per share jumped 35% to $0.27. Not a bad performance, and in fact, earnings beat estimates by four pennies according to this source.

Perhaps the biggest piece of news in the release is the increase in free cash flow for the full fiscal year. That jumped 56% to $3.7 billion, driven in part by a decrease in capital spending. I liked reading that management intends on focusing on free cash flow. It better, because it's going to be a challenging environment for the cable business, and the company committed itself to raising its dividend by 8%. On the flip side, though, as has been noted in a couple news reports, Comcast stated in the release that it doesn't feel like buying back stock at the moment. That won't be comforting to shareholders who have seen their shares hovering closer to a 52-week low than a 52-week high.

Continue reading Comcast delivers the cash in 2008 and increases its dividend -- is it a buy?

Comcast delivers the cash in 2008 and increases its dividend -- is it a buy? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner Cable to issue debt to pay dividend to parent

Jon Ogg — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Time Warner (TWX), Time Warner Cable (TWC)

Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) has filed a shelf registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission and has commenced an underwritten public offering of debt securities with maturities ranging from 5 to 30 years. Unfortunately, the size was not listed in the S-3 filing this morning.

The net proceeds from the issuance of the debt securities are expected to be used to finance a one-time dividend to stockholders of Time Warner Cable to be paid just prior to the previously announced spin-off of Time Warner Cable from its parent company Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX).

What is interesting is that this leaves an out in case market conditions or other conditions would keep that spin-off from happening. If the separation is not consummated and the special dividend is not paid, Time Warner Cable says it will use the proceeds for general corporate purposes. Those general purposes are the traditional terminology that is cookie cutter vernacular: additions to working capital, capital expenditures, repayment of debt, the financing of possible acquisitions and investments or stock repurchases.

Time Warner Cable Inc. is the issuer and these debt instruments that are to be guaranteed by its subsidiaries TW NY Cable Holding Inc. and Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P.

While the size was not listed, this is likely going to be a very large underwriting if you see how many underwriters there are for a mere debt offering. Banc of America Securities, BNP Paribas Securities, Greenwich Capital Markets, Morgan Stanley, and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC are the listed underwriters for this debt offering.

Time Warner Cable to issue debt to pay dividend to parent originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Service so bad, city of Los Angeles sues Time Warner Cable (TWC)

Carol Vinzant — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Television, Time Warner Cable (TWC)

For every person who had to wait forever for Time Warner Cable, Inc. (NYSE: TWC) to pick up the phone, for every customer who had to slog through an automated voice menu, then stew waiting to talk to a person, for every family that went days without TV or internet, Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo struck a blow Friday. On behalf of the city of Los Angeles, Delgadillo sued the top cable provider for southern California, saying its service was so bad it constituted fraud and deceptive advertising.

The city wants $2,500 for each instance, double if the victim was old or disabled. Part of the problem in Los Angeles stemmed from the company's complicated task of absorbing Comcast and Adelphia customers, not everyday business. Consumers had filed their own civil suit a while back.

Time Warner Cable stock dropped $1.23, or about 4%, Friday on somewhat heavy trading. The damages could add up to potentially millions of dollars. Or it could be one of those lame settlements that give customers useless coupons.

The direct impact of the civil suit isn't as much of a big deal -- yet -- as the broader implications. What if other cities or customers sue? How is this suit going to influence the opinion of someone who's deciding between Time Warner and Dish Network or DirecTV? Between Roadrunner and wireless broadband? For a long time, cable providers could offer lousy service because there was basically no competition. Now, they have to behave better or lose customers. Now that could be real money.

Service so bad, city of Los Angeles sues Time Warner Cable (TWC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time Warner meets quarterly earnings and sets 2008 targets

Jon Ogg — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:52:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings Reports, Time Warner (TWX), Time Warner Cable (TWC)

Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) has reported earnings and gave guidance this morning. The company earned 29 cents per share from continuing operations, which was in-line with First Call estimates. Revenue was also in-line at $12.6 billion.

As far as guidance, the media giant gave 2008 earnings targets of $1.07 to $1.11, while estimates from First Call are $1.11. Free cash flow for the year was put "at or above'" $3.6 billion. It also put adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization growth of 7% to 9% off of a $12.9 billion base.

CNBC reported earlier this morning that Jeff Bewkes will announce restructuring efforts that will lead to a sale or divestiture of cable assets and a break-up of certain AOL properties later in the year that may include a sale of the ISP operations and keeping the ad businesses.

It is still too early to see trading indications this morning, so this is still a work in progress.

Time Warner meets quarterly earnings and sets 2008 targets originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shorts bet cable's problems aren't over: CMCSA, CHTR

Douglas McIntyre — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:43:00 EST

Filed under: Industry, Consumer Experience, Competitive Strategy, Short Stories, Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Verizon Communications (VZ), Technology

Cable stocks have fallen sharply and most trade near 52-week lows, but that is not keeping short sellers from continuing to believe that they could go lower. The short interest in Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and Charter (NASDAQ: CHTR) went up on December 14 compared to November 30 according to data from Nasdaq.

The slide in cable shares began around mid-year, when comments from Comcast indicated that the new TV-over-fiber products from telecom companies like Verizon (NYSE: VZ) were starting to take cable customers. Up until recently, cable was able to market voice, TV,and broadband as one package into the home. The telephone companies could not match that. But fiber installations have changed the picture, and competition is fierce.

Cable companies are starting to see slowing growth in their subscriber bases. That could push them to drop rates, and it is forcing them into capital expenditures to improve the speed of their own networks. Both moves put pressure on earnings.

Continue reading Shorts bet cable's problems aren't over: CMCSA, CHTR

Shorts bet cable's problems aren't over: CMCSA, CHTR originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cramer on BloggingStocks: Comcast's blowup cuts cable

Jim Cramer — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:22:00 EST

Filed under: Television, Comcast Cl'A' (CMCSA), Verizon Communications (VZ), Time Warner Cable (TWC), Cramer on BloggingStocks

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says this major player's lowered guidance shows why its whole sector is uninvestible.

Is it EchoStar (NASDAQ: DISH) (Cramer's Take)? Or is it foreclosures? Is it DirecTV (NYSE: DTV) (Cramer's Take) or is it bills that are too high? Is it Verizon (NYSE: VZ) (Cramer's Take) or is it house poor fears?

We will debate the Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) (Cramer's Take) blowup -- it just cut its forecasts for 2007 sales, new subscribers and cash -- for a long time. Trying to figure out how a monopoly utility that we used to regard as a utility that could no more be shut off than Con Ed, has become a totally discretionary competitive item that needs to be sold and can't be pulled.

The implications either way show you the limits of this former wonder industry. For all of the years I have been in the business, investing in cable stocks worked. The companies always grew with consistent cash flow and that was enough. They were utilities that always talked about how dividends weren't tax-advantaged and instead focused on the broad expansion and cash flow growth.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Comcast's blowup cuts cable

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Comcast's blowup cuts cable originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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