File 024251
Email with 2015-2016 Republican Primary Debate Schedule and Media Stock Analysis (File 024251)
Email from Richard Kahn to Jeffrey E. discussing Republican primary debate schedule from 2015-2016 with attached media industry stock analysis and performance comparisons.
Summary
Richard Kahn sends Jeffrey E. an email with a link to a Politico article about Republican debate preparations. The email includes a comprehensive schedule of Republican primary debates from August 2015 through March 2016, listing dates, networks, locations, sponsors, and moderators for each debate. The document also contains a detailed media stocks analysis article evaluating top-tier and speculative media companies including Disney, CBS, Comcast, Fox, Google, Charter Communications, Discovery Communications, Viacom, Time Warner, and Scripps Networks Interactive, with performance metrics and investment analysis.
From: Richard KahnSent: 7/22/2015 5:29:11 PMTo: jeffrey E. [jeeyacation@gmail.com]Subject: Republicans gird for the Donald Trump debateImportance: Highas you predicted..http ://www.politico com/blo gs/media/2015/07/republicans-gird-for-the-donald-trump-deb ate-211033.html?ml=t1 5 b#Debate ScheduleAugust 6, 20159pm ET - Republican Primary DebateAired On: Fox News ChannelLocation: Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OHSponsors: Fox News, facebookModerators: Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly and Chris WallaceRules: Top 10 candidates in an average of 5 national pollsCandidates: To be determinedNotes: Fox News has added a candidate forum at 1pm ET the same day for candidates who don't makethe debate cutSeptember 16, 2015Reagan Library Republican Debate (Press Release)Aired On: CNN and Salem RadioLocation: Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CASponsors: Reagan Library Foundation, CNN, Salem Media GroupModerators: Jake Tapper, Hugh Hewitt,Rules: Split field into Segment B (top 10 candidates) and Segment A (remaining candidates getting at least 1%in polls) (Details)Candidates: To be determinedOctober 28, 2015CNBC Republican DebateAired On: CNBCLocation: University of Colorado in Boulder (Press Release)Sponsors: CNBC (Press Release)Candidates: To be determinedNovember, 2015*Republican Primary DebateAired On: Fox Business NetworkLocation: WisconsinSponsors: Fox Business NetworkCandidates: To be determinedDecember 15, 2015Republican Primary DebateAired On: CNNLocation: Las Vegas, NevadaHOUSE OVERSIGHT 024251Sponsors: CNN, Salem Media GroupCandidates: To be determined2016January, 2016*Republican Primary DebateAired On: Fox News ChannelLocation: IowaSponsors: Fox NewsCandidates: To be determinedFebruary 6, 2016Republican Primary DebateAired On: ABCLocation: St. Anse1m College in Manchester, New HampshireSponsors: ABC News, UReview.com (Press Release)Candidates: To be determinedFebruary 13, 2016Republican Primary DebateAired On: CBSLocation: South CarolinaSponsors: CBSCandidates: To be determinedFebruary 26, 2016Republican Primary DebateAired On: NBC and TelemundoLocation: TexasSponsors: NBC/Telemundo, National ReviewCandidates: To be determinedMarch 2016*Republican Primary DebateAired On: Fox News ChannelLocation: TBDSponsors: Fox NewsCandidates: To be determinedMarch 10, 2016Republican Primary DebateAired On: CNNLocation: FloridaSponsors: CNN, Salem Media GroupCandidates: To be determined*Debate sponsor has not yet named specific dateTop 10 Media Stocks for 2015By Dan Moskowitz March 19, 2015 AAAOat'The following list is broken down into Top-Tier Media Stocks and Speculative Media Stocks. It might surpriseyou that some of the names on the latter list aren't on the former list, but there is a simple reason for this, whichwill be revealed below.HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024252Top-Tier Media StocksWalt DisneyThe Walt Disney Co. (DIS) is one of the strongest brands in the world. It also possesses multiple revenuestreams and pricing power. Q1 EPS jumped 23% year over year based on record revenue. When a companydelivers record revenue, that trend doesn't make a sudden U-turn. If there's going to be a turnaround for theworse, it will take time to play out, giving you time to exit your position. (For related reading, see: ThisCompany Is No Mickey Mouse Operation.)CBSCBS Corp.'s (CBS) Q4 revenue increased 3% and diluted EPS improved 8%. CBS also announced a $1 billionshare buyback in the first quarter. This will significantly reduce the share count, which should improveearnings. CBS will once again have Thursday Night Football, and it will be the home of Super Bowl 50. It'salso home to regular-season NFL games, March Madness and The Masters. However, its reach goes wellbeyond sports.ComcastFY2014 revenue at Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) increased 6.4%. Operating cash flow and EPS improved 6.9%and 25%, respectively. Comcast also increased its dividend 11% and announced that $4.25 billion of its $10billion share buyback program would take place in 2015. (For more, see: This Company is as Unavoidable as itis Unloved.)Twenty-First Century FoxTwenty-First Century Fox, Inc.'s (FOXA) Q2 operating income before depreciation and amortization increased12%. Fox studios enjoyed 24 Academy Award nominations in 2015, making it the industry leader. Twenty-FirstCentury Fox also recently created the Europe's leading pay TV business.GoogleGoogle Inc. (GOOGL) is known as more of a technology company than a media company, but its YouTubesegment consumes approximately 15% of all broadband traffic in the United States and Canada (only Netflix,Inc. (NFLX) is higher at 35%). Google also makes this list because of its $62.63 billion in cash, which means itcan enter any business it pleases. If it chooses to expand its media presence, then it would likely steal sharefrom some of the current industry leaders. (For related reading, see: How Google's Self-Driving Car WillChange Everything.)Speculative Media StocksCharter CommunicationsQ4 revenue jumped 9.9% at Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) thanks to higher customer penetration onInternet, video, and commercial businesses. Another positive is that Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A) recentlyincreased its position in CHTR by adding 1.2 million shares. CHTR now represents 1.35% of the fund'sportfolio. The reason CHTR is on the speculative list is a lack of profitability.Discovery CommunicationsDifferentiation is the key here thanks to Discovery Communications, Inc.'s (DISCA) success with docudramas.In FY2014, revenue increased 13%, adjusted earnings per diluted share improved 13%, free cash flow increased2%, and $1.4 billion worth of stock was repurchased. The biggest risks here are a challenging U.S. market andcurrency headwinds. It should also be pointed out that there is an 11% short position on the stock. (For relatedreading, see: A Breakdown of Stock Buybacks.)HOUSE OVERSIGHT 024253ViacomMTV, VH1, CMT, BET, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Comedy Central, TV Land, SPIKE, and more. Do these soundlike brands that are likely to suffer? No. Viacom, Inc. (VIA) is a profitable company that pays a small dividend.On the other hand, a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.88 isn't comforting.Time WarnerTime Warner Inc. (TWX) has 165 channels across 200 countries. This includes HBO. In FY2014, revenueincreased 3%. That's not spectacular, but adjusted EPS jumped 18%, which now represents six consecutiveyears of adjusted EPS growth in the high teens. Time Warner also returned $6.6 billion to shareholders viadividends and buybacks throughout the year. Over the long haul, cable companies will have a difficult timecompeting against streaming services, but all is okay for right now.Scripps Networks InteractiveAmong Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.'s (SNI) properties are Home and Garden Television, Food Network,Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country. These are strong brands. Strongenough that Scripps Networks expects FY2015 revenue to increase approximately 4%. The company alsoexpects selling, general, and administrative expenses to come in between flat and down 2%. Either way, it's apositive when revenue is outpacing SG&A expenses. Furthermore, Scripps Networks has announced that it'sadding $1 billion to its share buyback program and increasing its dividend by 15%. The risk here is the stock'ssensitivity to broader market corrections. (For a look back to 2009, see: Scripps Network Interactive Worth aLook.)Performance ComparisonsAnother reason why some stocks made the top list and others did not is performance. If a stock can't appreciatein a bull market, then how would you expect it to perform when the trend reverses? Capital preservation shouldbe the number one priority for a savvy investor. Below are total return numbers for each company as of3/18/2015).1-Year 3-Year 5-Year 10-YearDIS 33.09% 36.87% 27.03% 15.19%CBS -3.95% 26.94% 23.19% 12.56%CMCSA 19.26% 27.62% 23.13% 13.40%FOXA 6.46% 26.99% 24.13% 8.83%GOOGL -6.61% 21.87% 14.84% 20.18%CHTR 50.27% 143.56% 140.36% n/aDISCA -25.98% 8.93% 13.74% n/aVIA -20.33% 11.19% 17.28% n/aTWX 37.35% 38.08% 25.34% 9.86%SNI 10.10% 15.26% 12.24% n/aThe Bottom LineHOUSE OVERSIGHT 024254The Top-Tier Media Stocks have outperformed Speculative Media Stocks over the past three years (for the mostpart). Therefore, you should strongly consider the first set of stocks listed above. While it's entirely possiblethey all underperform in 2015 if the market falters, these are elite names that are highly likely to be around for along time. Even if the worst occurs, you will have an opportunity to add more to your position at cheaper prices.(For related reading, see: Buying Facebook Stock, A Beginner's Guide.)Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/active-trading/031915/top-10-media-stocks-2015.asp#ixzz3gdqLDgWmFollow us: gInvestopedia on TwitterRichard KahnHBRK Associates Inc.575 Lexington Avenue 4th FloorNew York, NY 10022tel),facellHOUSE OVERSIGHT 024255