DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ UBS shares the only 4 media stocks worth buying now as the cable bundle collapses, the Disney-Charter conflict gets ugly, and streaming growth slows
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Media analysts say this dispute could be the beginning of the end for the cable bundle. After a decade of steady decline, the pay TV bundle now appears to be on life support. Charter refuses to pay Disney's higher asking price for its family of networks, including ESPN, without including Disney+ and Hulu in the bundle. The cable giant also wants its customers to have a Disney-free option for a reduced price, which may also be a non-starter. Otherwise, it plans to send its pay TV customers elsewhere.

Persons: Tim Nollen, That's, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, John Hodulik, Hodulik Organizations: Disney, Media, UBS, ESPN, Hulu, Macquarie, Bank of America, Netflix, Charter Locations: imploding

☆ Fight the market malaise with these ‘attractive’ stocks, Bank of America and Goldman say
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Goldman Sachs and Bank of America named an assortment of companies this week that they say have upside in the weeks ahead. NextEra Energy Buy the dip in shares of the renewable energy company, Goldman analyst Carley Davenport says. Endeavor Group Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich said earlier this week that shares of the media company offer "striking value." Endeavor Group- Bank of America, buy rating "An entourage of highly attractive assets. ... .We continue to believe that valuation is attractive..." H World Group Limited- Bank of America, buy rating "Shares weak despite solid results = attractive opportunity.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Goldman, Carley Davenport, Davenport, she's, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Reif Ehrlich, BofA, Neil Mehta, Mehta Organizations: Bank of America, CNBC, Marathon Petroleum, Endeavor, H, NextEra, Florida, Endeavor Group Bank of America, WWE, UFC, Media, Entertainment, MPC, Petroleum, ~$ Locations: China

☆ 'Our favorite name:' Why analysts are still bullish on Disney after latest earnings report
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Despite a mixed fiscal third-quarter report, Wall Street analysts are positive on Disney going forward. Morgan Stanley's Benjamin Swinburne maintained an overweight rating with a $105 per share price target, or 20% upside from Wednesday's close. JPMorgan's Philip Cusick similarly reiterated an overweight rating with a $125 per share price target on Disney, which implied upside of 43%. Goldman Sachs' Brett Feldman, meanwhile, has a buy rating on Disney stock with a price target of $128 per share, or 46% upside from Wednesday's close. Citi's Jason Bazinet reiterated a buy rating on Disney stock accompanied by a $125 per share price target.

Persons: Morgan Stanley's Benjamin Swinburne, Swinburne, JPMorgan's Philip Cusick, " Cusick, Goldman Sachs, Brett Feldman, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Bob Iger's, Ehrlich, Jason Bazinet, Disney's, Michael Bloom Organizations: Wall Street, Disney, DIS, Media, ESPN . Bank of America, ESPN Bet

☆ Analysts say Netflix investors should 'buy the pullback,' as password sharing 'supercharges' subscriber growth
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Wall Street analysts were positive on Netflix after its latest subscriber additions and largely dismissed concerns of that the monetization of paid sharing is too slow. The company added 5.9 million subscribers in the quarter in a sign that its password sharing crackdown and advertising tier is generating new subscribers. "2Q review: Password sharing supercharges subs Netflix (NFLX) reported healthy 2Q results, which reflected strong net adds of 5.9mn (vs. guidance of ~1.75mn and our 2.95mn est. ), indicating the initial rollout of password sharing has been very positive," the analyst wrote on Thursday. Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall said investors are "over-exuberant on paid sharing," though he reiterated an overweight rating on the stock.

Persons: Doug Anmuth, Anmuth, America's Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall, Needham's Laura Martin, NFLX, OTT, — CNBC's Michael Bloom, Alex Sherman Organizations: Netflix, " Bank, America's, DIS Locations: Wednesday's

☆ All of Netflix's drivers of growth are super high margin, says BofA Securities’ Jessica Reif Ehrlich
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAll of Netflix's drivers of growth are super high margin, says BofA Securities’ Jessica Reif EhrlichJessica Reif Ehrlich, BofA Securities senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Netflix quarterly earnings results, the effect of password crackdown, growth outlook, and more.

Persons: Jessica Reif Ehrlich Jessica Reif Ehrlich Organizations: BofA Securities, Netflix

☆ Netflix Set to Report Earnings, Against the Backdrop of Two Strikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Nicole Sperling | More About Nicole Sperling | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Netflix has been on the receiving end of much of the vitriol surrounding the strike, primarily from writers who say the economics of the streaming era have eroded their working conditions and hurt their overall compensation. The company already contended with angry shareholders last month, when they voted to reject lucrative pay packages for the company’s top executives. A rosy earnings report could certainly inflame those on the picket lines. Obviously, I will ask them about the strikes, but they have other things going on, like password sharing, which has nothing to do with the strike. I just don’t know how carefully worded or guarded they will be because of the potential reaction by the guilds.”The company has already seen some benefits from the strike.

Persons: ”, Jessica Reif Ehrlich Organizations: Netflix, Bank of America, HBO, Brothers, ” Netflix, Consumers, “ Locations: WarnerMedia, United States, United Kingdom

☆ Get your eyes checked to keep your brain healthy, study says
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Madeline Holcombe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The participants, who were all older than 71, were then screened for dementia using the Dementia Screening Interview, the study said. In people with distance visual impartment, that jumped to 19.5%; 21.5% for near visual impairment; and 32.9% for people who had moderate to severe visual impairment or were blind, according to the study. Another factor that might lead to the correlation is a possible decrease in opportunities and community participation that could come with vision loss, Silverman said. “When it comes to vision impairment and blindness, an estimated 80 plus percent is either preventable or even reversible,” he added. “If you notice that you have vision that is starting to be impaired, get it checked out.”But not every case of vision loss is treatable.

Persons: Joshua Ehrlich, Ehrlich, “, ”, Arielle Silverman, Silverman, Thomas Holland, Chicago . Holland, Holland, ” Holland, ” Silverman Organizations: CNN, Ophthalmology, University of Michigan, American Foundation for, Rush Institute, Healthy Aging, Rush Medical College Locations: United States, Ann Arbor, Chicago ., Holland

☆ These sectors outperformed in the first half. How analysts are playing them for the rest of 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Fred Imbert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The S & P 500 is closing out a strong first half thanks in large part to three sectors. The broader market index is up more than 15% year to date, on track for its best first half since 2019. The bulk of those gains came from three sectors — tech, consumer discretionary and communication services — which are up more than 30% each. Given this backdrop, CNBC Pro used FactSet data to screen the top three performing sectors to find which names analysts expect to outperform in the second half. Earlier this week, KeyBanc downgraded the stock to sector weight from overweight, citing concerns at multiple of the company's divisions .

Persons: Disney, KeyBanc, Bank of America's Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Ehrlich, Goldman Sachs, Brian Lee, it's, Lee, SolarEdge, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Nvidia, CNBC Pro, Bank of America's, Disney, SolarEdge Technologies, Caesars Entertainment, Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts Locations: Vegas

☆ The Best and Worst Habits for Eyesight
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Hannah Seo | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

But many eye conditions are treatable or preventable, said Dr. Joshua Ehrlich, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at the University of Michigan. Here are nine common beliefs people have about eye health, and what experts have to say about them. Reading a book or looking at an electronic device up close is bad for your eyes. When we do, especially as children, it encourages the eyeball to lengthen, which over time can cause nearsightedness, or myopia. To help reduce the strain on your eyes, Dr. Zhu recommends following the 20-20-20 rule: After every 20 minutes of close reading, look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

☆ Mental illness may mean higher heart attack, stroke risk for people under 40
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Madeline Holcombe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Those people younger than 40 with a mental disorder were 58% more likely to have a heart attack and 42% more likely to have a stroke than those with no disorder, the study found. That could point to a greater need for managing psychological conditions and monitoring heart health in those at risk, Park added. It is important to note that the findings do not show that mental illness causes heart attacks or stroke, she added. Choi recommends that people with mental health conditions receive regular checkups as well. “Many individuals with mental illness suffer from social isolation and loneliness, and for years researchers have been sounding the alarm that loneliness is detrimental for physical health,” Ehrlich said.

☆ Bank of America upgrades Comcast, saying it is 'poised for a strong turnaround'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Bank of America is upbeat on shares of legacy media company Comcast as its latest quarter provided evidence that a turnaround is nearing. Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich highlighted the resilience of the company's media segment as a factor contributing to her upgrade. CMCSA YTD mountain Comcast could add another 18% upside for investors after gaining as much from the start of the year, according to Bank of America. "...Film is on fire, with animation exceptionally strong, which will especially benefit Peacock (where losses are peaking), but also support Theme Parks," Reif Ehrlich said. Meanwhile, Comcast's strong balance sheet remains noteworthy, Reif Ehrlich added.

☆ Benjamin Millepied Uses Movement to Reinvent ‘Carmen’ on Camera
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( Roslyn Sulcas | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

For IndieWire, David Ehrlich wrote: “‘Carmen’ is stretched across a few too many borders to ever feel like it’s standing on solid ground. “It’s an unsteady composition, a frenzied combination of willowy movement pieces, an ecstatic score and a too-loose narrative,” Lovia Gyarkye wrote in The Hollywood Reporter. Over coffee, Millepied discussed the critical reaction to the film, the allure of “Carmen” and working with actors. Early on, when I was starting to think about the story, I had dinner with [the director] Peter Sellars and mentioned I wanted to make a “Carmen” film. He got kind of passionate, and said, “You have to reinvent it, it’s a terrible story.” I thought he was right.

☆ Netflix shares drop after mixed earnings. Here's what the experts have to say
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Christina Falso | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailNetflix shares drop after mixed earnings. Here's what the experts have to sayJim Cramer, Jessica Reif Ehrlich of Bank of America Securities, Michael Nathanson of SVB MoffettNathanson, John Blackledge of Cowen and Bill Nygren of Oakmark Funds on what they think about Netflix.

☆ Analysts say Netflix's password crackdown could reaccelerate growth, though concerns linger
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Netflix's mixed quarterly results had something for the bulls and the bears, as analysts weighed their outlook on the streaming service against a delay in the password sharing crackdown and lackluster guidance. Hodulik upgraded Netflix to buy from neutral, saying he expects growth will inflect with double-digit profit growth and rising free cash flow. What's more, he said restricting password sharing could become "meaningfully accretive" for Netflix as soon as the third quarter. Netflix turned to an ad-supported plan, and a password sharing crackdown, after reporting its first subscriber loss last year. He cited mixed subscriber growth, light guidance, and uncertainty around the delayed rollout in the password sharing crackdown.

☆ These stocks have the most upside in the second-quarter, analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

CNBC Pro combed through the most recent quarterly research reports to find stocks with upside as the new quarter gets underway. They include: Simon Property, Spotify , Netflix , Enphase and Palo Alto Networks. Palo Alto Networks The cybersecurity company is firing on all cylinders, RBC said earlier this week in its top second-quarter picks note to clients. Hedberg believes Palo Alto has a unique opportunity to take share in a rapidly burgeoning field. ... .We view Palo Alto as well positioned to benefit from an increasingly complex security and threat landscape and as an industry leader in security."

☆ Inside Disney it's 'Revenge of the Creatives' and 'Shields Up!' against outside foes as returned CEO Bob Iger is taking no prisoners
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-07 | by ( Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Since returning as Disney CEO, Bob Iger has vanquished foes and dumped many of predecessor Bob Chapek's hires. But it's a supercharged Bob Iger who is really taking command. "If I'm inside Bob's head coming back, after the downfall of Bob Chapek, this is all about taking no prisoners," said Will Schutte, a high-level executive coach. Disney World is scheduled to host a major conference on gay rights in September, according to the Miami Herald. Even if he wants to be the Bob Iger of old he can't be.

☆ Netflix vs. Disney? Analysts have a favorite, and give it nearly 30% upside
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Zavier Ong | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

There's plenty of competition in streaming services, but Netflix and Disney are undoubtedly two of the biggest names — and both are facing a number of headwinds. However, analysts' average potential upside tells a different story: Disney gets average potential upside of 26%, according to FactSet data, while Netflix's comes in at just 3.8%. The case for Netflix For Bank of America, Netflix is a "world class brand" with a "leading global subscriber base." "I think Netflix is certainly going to have a lot of leverage on revenue growth and cost discipline. With the kind of blended businesses and the opportunities for improvement, I think Disney is a little bit better in my favor," he said.

☆ Bob Iger has handled himself incredibly well since he's been back to Disney: BofA's Ehrlich
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailBob Iger has handled himself incredibly well since he's been back to Disney: BofA's EhrlichJessica Reif Ehrlich, senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst at BofA Securities, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss how Ehrlich is considering Disney's stock, Disney's theme park business, and more.

Bank of America thinks media giant Paramount could see big gains ahead. She also hiked her price target on Paramount to $32 per share from $24 per share, implying upside of 54.1%. Ehrlich noted the company's list of strong assets that could aid the business if it ever puts itself up for sale. Shares of Paramount popped 5.4% in premarket trading Tuesday, adding to the company's 23% gain from the start of the year. PARA YTD mountain Bank of America sees Paramount as a buy thanks to the company's strong assets in the event of a sale of the business.

☆ Ex-Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan won't challenge Trump in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

He was Maryland's second Republican governor ever to be reelected. Some Republicans had hoped that Hogan, emerging as the new best hope of a small group of "Never Trump Republicans," would challenge Trump in 2020. In his first year as governor, Hogan went right to work on pocketbook issues. Hogan has long been upfront about his distaste for Trump as president. "I did not go out of my way to criticize the president," Hogan said.

☆ Digital video is set to top traditional TV this year. How Wall Street says to play it
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

As of Thursday's close, Netflix shares were up 9% year to date, while Disney , Paramount and Warner Bros. NFLX YTD mountain Netflix shares since the start if 2023 During the pandemic, the streaming industry challenged cable TV as customers cut the cord. Shares of Netflix struggled Thursday following a report from The Wall Street Journal that the company was cutting prices in over 30 countries. Disney represents another clear-cut behemoth in the space, and boasts one of the higher number of buy ratings on Wall Street. The Trade Desk is another advertising stock Wall Street is bullish on, with more than 60% of analysts giving a buy rating on the stock.

[1/3] The signage at the main gate of The Walt Disney Co. is pictured in Burbank, California, May 7, 2012. This is a win for all shareholders," a spokesperson for Peltz's Trian Fund Management said on Thursday. The decision, first reported by CNBC, came only hours after Disney reported earnings that topped Wall Street expectations and Iger outlined a corporate restructuring that addresses many of Peltz' criticisms. Disney's stock price climbed 3.6% in Thursday trading. "Bob Iger has a long, strong track record which provides confidence he will manage this transition for Disney."

☆ Analysts praise Disney's cost-cutting plan, say focus on profitability is 'restoring the magic'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The cost-saving initiatives unveiled by Disney on Wednesday give analysts another reason to remain bullish on the media giant. The commentary from analysts comes after the company on Wednesday revealed plans to cut 7,000 jobs and slash $5.5 billion in costs . "Bob Iger laid out a plan for cost cuts, content and streaming rationalization and ultimately improved profitability," said Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall in a Wednesday note to clients. "An execution story is a cleaner catalyst path, and the shares should track higher on confidence + estimates." "Bob Iger has a long, strong track record which provides confidence he will manage this transition for DIS," she said.

Disney issued a statement applauding Peltz's decision to end a board challenge which it called a "distraction. 'FIRST PHASE' IN DISNEY'S TRANSFORMATIONFor Peltz's Trian Fund Management the board challenge appears to have paid off with an estimated 20% gain on his investment. Analysts said Peltz made a reasonable request for one board seat and to join the 12-member board himself. Peltz appeared on CNBC on Thursday to announce his proxy fight with Disney was over. "Bob Iger has a long, strong track record which provides confidence he will manage this transition for Disney."

☆ Watch CNBC's full interview with Bank of America's Jessica Reif Ehrlich
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWatch CNBC's full interview with Bank of America's Jessica Reif EhrlichJessica Reif Ehrlich, senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst at BofA Securities, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to break down her buy rating on Disney.

Search resuls for: "Ehrlich"

25 mentions found