Hot Media Companies To Invest In Right Now

Kindred Healthcare (NYSE: KND  ) announced today that it is selling eight nursing centers for around $49 million to privately run Signature Healthcare.

According to the press release, the sale makes sense for Kindred. All eight centers are considered "non-strategic" and are located outside of the corporation's 21 designated Integrated Care Markets. In fiscal 2012, the facilities brought in around $61 million in net profit.

"The transaction with Signature further accelerates our repositioning strategy with the goal of improving our long-term growth, profitability and financial position," said CEO Paul Diaz in a statement today. "Like the Vibra Healthcare transaction announced in April, this tax-efficient transaction allows us to sharpen our focus on our Integrated Care Markets and provides more capital to grow our home health and hospice operations."

Kindred will use the proceeds from this sale to most immediately address $350 million in outstanding balances under the company's $750 million revolving credit facility. In the long term, the company expects to reinvest the proceeds into further acquisitions and/or Kindred's Integrated Care Markets.

Best Cheapest Companies To Watch For 2015: DISH Network Corporation(DISH)

DISH Network Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscription television services in the United States. It offers programming that includes approximately 280 basic video channels, 60 Sirius satellite radio music channels, 30 premium movie channels, 35 regional and specialty sports channels, 2,800 local channels, 250 Latino and international channels, and 55 channels of pay-per-view content. The company also offers local HD channels in approximately 160 markets and 215 national HD channels; and receiver systems, including a small satellite dish, digital set-top receivers, and remote controls. In addition, it provides DISHOnline.com, which enables DISH Network subscribers to watch 150,000 movies, television shows, clips, and trailers; DISH Remote Access that enables subscribers to remotely manage their DVRs using compatible mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops through their broadband-connected receiver; and Go ogle TV that enables DISH Network subscribers to search the Internet, check email, interact with social media, and find additional online programming content while simultaneously watching television. As of March 31, 2011, the company had approximately 14.191 million customers. DISH Network provides receiver systems and programming through direct sales channels; and independent third parties, such as small satellite retailers, direct marketing groups, local and regional consumer electronics stores, nationwide retailers, and telecommunications companies. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Shares of Dish Network (NASDAQ: DISH) got a boost, shooting up 4.04 percent to $49.42 after the company posted a profit in the third quarter.

  Assured Guaranty (NYSE: AGO) was also up, gaining 6.63 percent to $23.16 on Q3 results.

• [By Anders Bylund]

  Sprint Nextel (NYSE: S  ) is suddenly red-hot as two suitors fight for the blushing bride's hand. First there was a 70% ownership offer from Japanese iconoclast Masayoshi Son and his SoftBank business -- a pure wireless combination that puts Japanese interests into Sprint. Then Charlie Ergen's DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH  ) countered with a larger cash-and-stock offer that would swallow Sprint whole. This combination would create a brand new hybrid -- let's call it a wireless broadcaster.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Like a spring that launches itself into the air after the pressure is released, the stock market has jumped higher as Vladimir Putin dialed back the tension in Ukraine. Walt Disney (DIS), American Express (AXP), Goldman Sachs (GS), Dish Network (DISH) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) helped lead the markets higher.

Hot Media Companies To Invest In Right Now: CBS Corporation(CBS)

CBS Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a mass media company in the United States and internationally. The company?s Entertainment segment distributes a schedule of news and public affairs broadcasts, sports, and entertainment programming; produces, acquires, and distributes programming, including series, specials, news, and public affairs; produces and distributes theatrical motion pictures across various genres; and operates online content networks for information and entertainment. Its Cable Networks segment owns and operates multiplexed channels that offers subscription program services, including recently released theatrical feature films, original series, documentaries, boxing, mixed martial arts and other sports-related programming, and special events; and CBS College Sports Network, a 24-hour cable program service related to college sports. This segment also owns and manages Smithsonian Networks, which operates Smithsonian Channel, a basic cab le service in the United States. The company?s Publishing segment publishes and distributes adult and children?s consumer books in printed, audio, and digital formats. Its Local Broadcasting segment owns 29 broadcast television stations; owns and operates 130 radio stations in 28 U.S. markets and related online properties; and owns local Websites that combine television and radio local media brands online to provide the latest news, traffic, weather, and sports information, as well as local discounts, directories, and reviews. The company?s Outdoor segment sells advertising space on various media, including billboards, transit shelters and other street furniture, buses, rail systems, mall kiosks, stadium signage, and in retail stores. CBS Corporation was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian O'Connell]

  CBS (NYSE: CBS) has been on a wild ride over the past four months, swinging from $56 to $68 per share, but evidence is mounting that the broadcast giant�� stock is ready for a big bang theory of its own.

• [By Douglas A. McIntyre]

  Traditional media sites did unusually well, given that they are not the core products of their parent companies. Broadcaster CBS (NYSE: CBS) was in 9th place at 80.9 million unique visitors in November. Comcast NBCUniversal was 14th place with 64.4 million. Gannett (NASDAQ: GCI) sites were 16th at 57 million. Viacom had 54.3 million, and ESPN 38.7 million.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Timing of the transaction completion is mid 2015, following final approval of the BoD, receipt of favorable opinion on tax free status from IRS, shareholder approval, & all regulatory approvals. As a point of interest we have seen several announcements recently where an announcement of the split drives the stocks up 10% and quickly fades as timing sets in and market risk still exists. recent examples [Hertz (HTZ), FMC Corp (FMC), Agilent (A), Noble (NE), CBS (CBS)]. I would expect the stock to fade hard from these levels

• [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

  CBS continues to offer high-quality entertainment content. As evidenced by its first-quarter results, both its Showtime and CBS network channel audiences have grown on a year-over-year basis. One cause for concern is the increased competition from Time Warner�� HBO. Additionally, it remains to be seen if nascent content producers such as�Netflix will provide formidable competition for Showtime. Still, CBS is trading at a reasonable price-to-equity ratio, has a manageable debt level, and pays a modest dividend. CBS is probably due for a slight pullback, as it recently set a new 52-week high ��however, it should continue to OUTPERFORM for the rest of the year.

Hot Media Companies To Invest In Right Now: Cablevision Systems Corporation (CVC)

Cablevision Systems Corporation provides telecommunications and media services. It operates in two segments, Telecommunications Services and Other. The Telecommunications Services segment is involved in television business, including video, high-speed data, and VoIP operations, as well as the provision of commercial data and voice services. The Other segment offers Newsday, a daily newspaper; amNewYork, a free daily newspaper; and Star Community Publishing, a group of weekly shopper publications; and newsday.com and exploreLI.com. This segment also engages in motion picture theatre business, Clearview Cinemas; provision of the News 12 Networks, a regional news programming services; and the MSG Varsity network, a network covering high school sports and activities, and other local programs, as well as cable television advertising. Cablevision Systems Corporation was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Bethpage, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jonathan Berr]

  Its doubtful that federal antitrust regulators would ever allow Comcast (CMCSA) to buy the company because some might argue it would restrict competition. The company might be able to acquire Cablevision (CVC) if the Dolan family, which controls the smaller cable company, would sell. But that seems unlikely.

Hot Media Companies To Invest In Right Now: Gannett Co. Inc. (GCI)

Gannett Co., Inc. operates as a media and marketing solutions company in the United States and internationally. Its Publishing segment publishes 83 U.S. daily newspapers with affiliated online sites, including USA TODAY, a national, general-interest daily newspaper; USATODAY.com; USA WEEKEND, a magazine supplement for newspapers; Clipper Magazine, a direct mail advertising magazine; bi-weekly Nursing Spectrum and NurseWeek periodicals; and military and defense newspapers. This segment also includes 17 paid-for daily newspapers; approximately 200 weekly newspapers, magazines, and trade publications; and approximately 600 non-daily publications, as well as involves in commercial printing, newswire, marketing, and data services operations. The company?s Digital segment owns and operates CareerBuilder, an employment Web site, which offers online recruitment and career advancement services for employers, employees, recruiters, and job seekers; ShopLocal, which provides multicha nnel shopping and advertising services; Planet Discover, which offers hosted search and advertising services; PointRoll, which provides digital marketing services and technology; and Schedule Star, which offers scheduling solution for high school athletic departments. Its Broadcasting segment operates 23 television stations and affiliated Web sites, which produce local programming, such as news, sports, and entertainment programming. This segment also includes Captivate Network, a national news and entertainment network that delivers programming and full-motion video advertising on video screens located in elevators of office towers and select hotel lobbies in North America. The company has strategic business relationships with online affiliates, including Classified Ventures, ShopLocal.com, Topix, and Metromix LLC, as well as strategic marketing agreement with Microsoft. Gannett Co., Inc. was founded in 1906 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Douglas A. McIntyre]

  Traditional media sites did unusually well, given that they are not the core products of their parent companies. Broadcaster CBS (NYSE: CBS) was in 9th place at 80.9 million unique visitors in November. Comcast NBCUniversal was 14th place with 64.4 million. Gannett (NASDAQ: GCI) sites were 16th at 57 million. Viacom had 54.3 million, and ESPN 38.7 million.

• [By Mike Deane]

  Early on Monday morning, Gannett (GCI) had its price target raised to $35 from $34 at FBR Capital. The ratings company also affirmed that Gannett is a “Top Pick.”�

  Gannett, a publishing and broadcasting company that operates in the U.S. and the U.K., currently has a price of $29.76, and FBR’s new target suggests an 18% upside.

  FBR analyst William Bird had the following comments about GCI’s PT raise: “Based on our analysis, we estimate that Gannett’s spectrum is worth approximately $2.2 billion, or $9 per share, roughly doubling in value from the�acquisition�of BLC (i.e., pre-deal valuation of ~$1.1 billion). Separately, we are lowering our 2014 EPS estimate by $0.07 to reflect the previously announced sale of three stations to MDP (note: an expected midyear close means that the stations will not be in operating results from January 1, but the proceeds will not be received until midyear). We are increasing our price target to $35 from $34 to reflect shareholder accretion from the sale. We like Gannett’s improving business mix, growth profile, and ability to drive growth with its own propeller through higher retrans, synergies, and potential TV acquisitions.”

  Gannett stock was inactive in pre-market trading. So far this year, the company’s stock is up 0.61%.

Hot Media Companies To Invest In Right Now: Comcast Corporation(CMCSA)

Comcast Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides entertainment, information, and communications products and services in the United States and internationally. Its Cable Communications segment provides video, high-speed Internet, and phone services to residential and business customers. As of June 30, 2011, its cable systems served approximately 22.5 million video customers, 17.5 million high-speed Internet customers, and 9.1 million phone customers. The company?s Cable Networks segment operates cable entertainment networks, such as USA Network, Syfy, E!, Bravo, Oxygen, Style, G4, Chiller, Sleuth, and Universal HD; news and information networks, including CNBC, MSNBC, and CNBC World; cable sports networks comprising Golf Channel and VERSUS; regional sports and news networks; international entertainment, and news and information networks, such as CNBC Europe, CNBC Asia, and Universal Networks International portfolio of networks; cable television production oper ations; and digital media properties consisting primarily of brand-aligned Websites and other Websites, such as DailyCandy, Fandango, and iVillage. Its Broadcast Television segment operates the U.S. broadcast networks, NBC and Telemundo; 10 NBC and 15 Telemundo owned local television stations; broadcast television productions; and related digital media properties. The company?s Filmed Entertainment segment operates Universal Pictures, which produces, acquires, markets, and distributes filmed entertainment and stage plays worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television, and other distribution platforms. Its Theme Parks segment operates Universal Studios Hollywood park and Wet ?n Wild water park, as well as licenses intellectual properties and provides services to third parties that own and operate Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore. Comcast Corporation was founded in 1963 and is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Beyers]

  Thanks to the success of The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, networks are offering more fantasy, sci-fi, and genre programming than ever before. And yet the original genre channel -- Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA  ) Syfy --�hasn't�cashed in nearly as well as HBO or AMC Networks. �

• [By Steve Symington]

  Instead, they largely chose to check out�Despicable Me 2 from Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA  ) Universal Studios. That film hauled in a whopping $143.1 million domestically in its first five days, including an $83.5 million domestic gross during the three-day calendar weekend. For those of you keeping track, that extended holiday weekend gross beats even Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3, which held the previous record for the best five-day start for an animated movie at $141 million.�

• [By Mark Reeth, Michael Finarelli, and Sean O'Reilly]

  On this edition of Consumer Countdown, Motley Fool analysts Mike Finarelli, Mark Reeth, and Sean O'Reilly discuss the new move from Amazon, and the competitors in various spaces that this could impact. The guys look not only at the other streaming services such as Netflix that will be affected, but also other services offering set-top boxes for streaming services, like Roku. They then take a look at how much of an impact this could have on cable companies such as Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA  ) , and whether this could further push consumers to "cut the cord" and leave their cable providers behind.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA  ) (NASDAQ: CMCSK  ) Universal Orlando theme park resort in Florida is lavishing Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) with heaps of praise.�

Hot Media Companies To Invest In Right Now: News Corporation(NWSA)

News Corporation operates as a diversified media company worldwide. Its Cable Network Programming segment produces and licenses news, business news, sports, general entertainment, and movie programming for distribution through cable television systems and direct broadcast satellite operators primarily in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The company?s Filmed Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures for distribution and licensing in entertainment media, as well as produces and licenses television programming worldwide. Its Television segment operates 27 broadcast television stations in the United States. The company?s Direct Broadcast Satellite Television segment distributes programming services via satellite and broadband directly to subscribers in Italy. Its Publishing segment provides newspapers and information services, such as publishing national newspapers in the United Kingdom, approximately 146 newspapers in Australia, and a metropolitan and a national newspaper in the United States; book publishing services, including the publishing of English language books worldwide; and integrated marketing services comprising the publishing of free-standing inserts, which are marketing booklets containing coupons, rebates, and other consumer offers, as well as provides in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods manufacturers in the United States and Canada. The company also sells advertising, sponsorships, and subscription services on the company?s various digital media properties and outdoor advertising space on various media primarily in Russia and eastern Europe; and provides data systems and professional services that enable teachers to use data to assess student progress and deliver individualized instructions. News Corporation was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Corey Rosenbloom]

  We’ll skip News Corp. (NWSA) and focus on the other names for candidates.

  Specifically, Newmont Mining (NEM) has formed an interesting retracement to compress again between the 20- and 50-day EMAs:

• [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

  News Corp. will not only engage in the publishing business as it has announced a spinoff of the entertainment side of the business. The stock was on a strong run towards higher prices. However, its stock price has been cut in half yesterday. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenue figures have been on the rise which has pleased investors in the company. Relative to its peers and sector, News Corp. has been a weak year-to-date performer. WAIT AND SEE what News Corp. does in coming quarters.

• [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

  News Corp. is a media and information services company that was recently spun off of its very profitable entertainment segment. It will be interesting to see how the company does, without the entertainment segment boosting profits by a significant margin. The stock is now attempting to establish value after the recent spin-off. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenue figures have been on the rise, which has resulted in happy investors. Relative to its peers and sector, News Corp. has been a poor year-to-date performer. WAIT AND SEE what News Corp. does this coming quarter.

• [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

  News Corp. provides entertainment and information through a variety of mediums to consumers and companies all around the world. The stock has been on a bullish run over the last several years and is now trading at all-time high prices. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenue figures have been increasing which has pleased investors. Relative to its peers and sector, News Corp. has been a year-to-date performance leader. Look for News Corp. to OUTPERFORM.