CNBC's Jim Cramer yesterday morning said Wall Street analysts are "very excited" about the launch of FS1 and its potential for 21st Century Fox' stock. Cramer said, "I think ESPN has so much momentum right now this may not be as exciting as people think, but it's incredibly well run. These companies spew a lot of cash. I would never bet against (News Corp. Chair & CEO Rupert) Murdoch." But Cramer said he "believes very strongly this is the one," that FS1 will work and "even though I think ESPN is going to be triumphant, you're going to get a lot of money into this" ("Squawk on the Street," CNBC, 7/1). THESTREET.com's Robert Arenella reported 21st Century Fox yesterday "gained in its first trading day as a separately-owned company" after separating from parent company News Corp. Credit Suisse analysts said the company's expanded sports programming "will accelerate sales," with Fox "expected to outperform its peers ... as Fox Sports 1 and FXX take advantage of expanded international networks and the acquisition of programming." These investments will "weaken earnings before some costs growth by about 10% this year." However, the Credit Suisse analysts "expect these investments to yield solid long term returns, driving mid-teens total EBITDA growth in FY15-16E.'" 21st Century Fox is "forecast to offset current revenue weakness" with Fox' broadcast of the World Series and Super Bowl. Sports offerings are "expected to bring in 21% growth." Meanwhile, Fox execs see "lower costs and growth at their European sports broadcasting network; Sky Italia and SkyD" (THESTREET.com, 7/1).
