Republicans gird for the Donald Trump debate
as you predicted..
http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2015/07/republicans-gird-for-the-donald-trump-debate-211033.html?
ml=tl_5_b#
Debate Schedule
August 6, 2015 9pm ET - Republican Primary Debate Aired On: Fox News Channel Location: Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH Sponsors: Fox News, facebook Moderators: Bret Baier, Megyn Kelly and Chris Wallace Rules: Top 10 candidates in an average of 5 national polls Candidates: To be determined Notes: Fox News has added a candidate fonim at 1pm ET the same day for candidates who don't make the debate cut
September 16, 2015
Reagan Library Republican Debate (Press Release) Aired On: CNN and Salem Radio Location: Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA Sponsors: Reagan Library Foundation, CNN, Salem Media Group Moderators: 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 determined
October 28, 2015
CNBC Republican Debate
Aired On: CNBC
Location: University of Colorado in Boulder (Press Release)
Sponsors: CNBC (Press Release)
Candidates: To be determined
November, 2015*
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: Fox Business Network
Location: Wisconsin
Sponsors: Fox Business Network
Candidates: To be determined
December 15, 2015
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: CNN
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Sponsors: CNN, Salem Media Group
Candidates: To be determined
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2016
January, 2016*
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: Fox News Channel
Location: Iowa
Sponsors: Fox News
Candidates: To be determined
February 6, 2016
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: ABC
Location: St. AnseIm College in Manchester, New Hampshire
Sponsors: ABC News, IJReview.com (Press Release)
Candidates: To be determined
February 13, 2016
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: CBS
Location: South Carolina
Sponsors: CBS
Candidates: To be determined
February 26, 2016
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: NBC and Telemundo
Location: Texas
Sponsors: NBC/Telemundo, National Review
Candidates: To be determined
March, 2016*
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: Fox News Channel
Location: TBD
Sponsors: Fox News
Candidates: To be determined
March 10, 2016
Republican Primary Debate
Aired On: CNN
Location: Florida
Sponsors: CNN, Salem Media Group
Candidates: To be determined
*Debate sponsor has not yet named specific date
Top 10 Media Stocks for 2015
By Dan Moskowitz I March 19, 2015 AAA I
The following list is broken down into Top-Tier Media Stocks and Speculative Media Stocks. It might surprise you that some of the names on the latter list aren't on the former list, but there is a simple reason for this, which will be revealed below.
Top-Tier Media Stocks
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Walt Disney
The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) is one of the strongest brands in the world. It also possesses multiple revenue streams and pricing power. Q1 EPS jumped 23% year over year based on record revenue. When a company delivers record revenue, that trend doesn't make a sudden U-turn. If there's going to be a turnaround for the worse, it will take time to play out, giving you time to exit your position. (For related reading, see: This Company Is No Mickey Mouse Operation.)
CBS
CBS Corp.'s (CBS) Q4 revenue increased 3% and diluted EPS improved 8%. CBS also announced a $1 billion share aback in the first quarter. This will significantly reduce the share count, which should improve earnings. CBS will once again have Thursday Night Football, and it will be the home of Super Bowl 50. It's also home to regular-season NFL games, March Madness and The Masters. However, its reach goes well beyond sports.
Comcast
FY2014 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 $10 billion share buyback program would take place in 2015. (For more, see: This Cornpcy is as Unavoidable as it is Unloved.)
Twenty-First Century Fox
Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc.'s (FOXA) Q2 operating income before depreciation and amortization increased 12%. Fox studios enjoyed 24 Academy Award nominations in 2015, making it the industry leader. Twenty-First Century Fox also recently created the Europe's leading pay TV business.
Google Inc. (GOOGL) is known as more of a technology company than a media company, but its YouTube segment 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 it can enter any business it pleases. If it chooses to expand its media presence, then it would likely steal share from some of the current industry leaders. (For related reading, see: How Google's Self-Driving Car Will Change Eves
Speculative Media Stocks
Charter Communications
Q4 revenue jumped 9.9% at Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) thanks to higher customer penetration on Internet, video, and commercial businesses. Another positive is that Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A) recently increased its position in CHTR by adding 1.2 million shares. CHTR now represents 1.35% of the fund's portfolio. The reason CHTR is on the speculative list is a lack of profitability.
Discovery Communications
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Differentiation 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 increased 2%, and $1.4 billion worth of stock was repurchased. The biggest risks here are a challenging U.S. market and currency headwinds. It should also be pointed out that there is an 11% short position on the stock. (For related reading, see: A Breakdown ofStock Buybacks.)
Viacom
MTV, VH1, CMT, BET, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Comedy Central, TV Land, SPIKE, and more. Do these sound like 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 Warner
Time Warner Inc. (TWX) has 165 channels across 200 countries. This includes HBO. In FY2014, revenue increased 3%. That's not spectacular, but adjusted EPS jumped 18%, which now represents six consecutive years of adjusted EPS growth in the high teens. Time Warner also returned $6.6 billion to shareholders via dividends and buybacks throughout the year. Over the long haul, cable companies will have a difficult time competing against streaming services, but all is okay for right now.
Scripps Networks Interactive
Among 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. Strong enough that Scripps Networks expects FY2015 revenue to increase approximately 4%. The company also expects selling, general, and administrative expenses to come in between flat and down 2%. Either way, it's a positive when revenue is outpacing SG&A expenses. Furthermore, Scripps Networks has announced that it's adding $1 billion to its share buyback program and increasing its dividend by 15%. The risk here is the stock's sensitivity to broader market corrections. (For a look back to 2009, see: Scripps Network Interactive Worth a Look.)
Performance Comparisons
Another reason why some stocks made the top list and others did not is performance. If a stock can't appreciate in a bull market, then how would you expect it to perform when the trend reverses? Capital preservation should be the number one priority for a savvy investor. Below are total return numbers for each company as of 3118/2015).
| 1-Year | 3-Year | 5-Year | 10-Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIS | 33.09% | 36.87% | 27.03% | 15.19% |
| CBS | -3.95% | 26.94% | 23.19% | 12.56% |
| CMCSA | 19.26% | 27.62% | 23.13% | I3.40% |
| FOXA | 6.46% | 26.99% | 24.13% | 8.83% |
| GOOGL | -6.61% | 21.87% | I4.84% | 20.18% |
| CHTR | 50.27% | ,43.56% | 40.36% | n/a |
| DISCA | -25.98% | 8.93% | I3.74% | n/a |
| VIA | -20.33% | 11.19% | 17.28% | n/a |
| TWX | 37.35% | 38.08% | 25.34% | 9.86% |
| SNI | 10.10% | 15.26% | 12.24% | n/a |
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The Bottom Line
The Top-Tier Media Stocks have outperformed Speculative Media Stocks over the past three years (for the most part). Therefore, you should strongly consider the first set of stocks listed above. While it's entirely possible they all underperform in 2015 if the market falters, these are elite names that are highly likely to be around for a long time. Even if the worst occurs, you will have an opportunity to add more to your position at cheaper prices. (For related reading, see: Bing Facebook Stock, A Beginner's Guide.)
Read more: http://www.investopedia.com/articles/active-trading/031915/top-10-media-stocks-
2015.asp#ixzz3gdqLDgWm
Follow us: @Investopedia on Twitter
Richard Kahn
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