hernje's Comments

Heartbeat of the Internet Is Speaking, but Is Sirius XM Listening?

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:44:06 -0400

What's to stop companies from hiring or using shills to post positive comments, about themselves, that may not necessarily be true?

'Free' Should Not Be a Sirius Business Model

Mon, 25 May 2009 21:40:37 -0400

Great post,thanks.

On May 22 01:21 PM Come on Guys Lets get Sirius! wrote:

> Sirius XM Radio Inc. chief Mel Karmazin said in an internal memo
> to
> staffers that the company now has the most revenue of any other radio
>
> company - not just in the United States, but in the world.
>
> "Based on revenue in the first quarter of 2009, SIRIUS XM is the
>
> largest radio company in the U.S., which means we are also No. 1
> in
> the world," wrote Karmazin in the memo to employees.
>
> Orbitcast has obtained Mel Karmazin's note to Sirius XM employees,
>
> read it after the jump...
> Internal memo:
>
> To All Employees:
>
> Obviously, we are very focused on continuing to grow our business
> in a
> very difficult environment. As you all saw with the release of our
>
> 1st Quarter earnings, the difficulty in the U.S. auto market is
adversely
> affecting our subscriber growth. With that understood, the
> growth of our company, particularly since the merger, has been
phenome...
>
>
> All of the major radio companies have now reported their first quarter
>
> results and I thought you would be interested in seeing the revenue
> of
> SIRIUS XM relative to the other large radio companies in the U.S.
>
>
> 1st Quarter Revenue
>
> SIRIUS XM $605 Million
>
> Clear Channel Radio $603.6
> CBS Radio $259.7
> Citadel/ABC $158.9
> Cox Radio $75.5
> Entercom $75.4
>
> Based on revenue in the first quarter of 2009, SIRIUS XM is the
largest
> radio company in the U.S., which means we are also No. 1 in
> the world. Some of these companies have been in business for decades
>
> and we only began to generate revenue in 2002. Based on seasonal
>
> differences in the radio advertising business, I would estimate that
>
> Clear Channel will have greater full year revenue than SIRIUS XM,
> but
> I hope your efforts in growing our company will prove me wrong.

>
> Mel Karmazin
> CEO
> SIRIUS XM Radio

How Does Internet Radio Stack Up Against Satellite?

Mon, 25 May 2009 21:26:15 -0400

Why can't you make your point without reverting to name calling? You're a real asshole. (How do you like it?)

On May 25 11:57 AM relmar2003 wrote:

> Hey Im not Jim Cramer. Your an idiot. You also lost all your credibility
> with me. Your back to lying. THEY ARE CURRENTLY PROFITABLE, minus
> Capex, with 15.4 million subs. SO go suck on that. GO back and read
> the Q1 report. Positive EBITA. Sorry to break it to you, they beat
> earnings last quarter, and have raised EBITA guidance. Stop coming
> on here and lying, because you keep missing the boat. Get a life,
> and move on you complainer. Your suck a wind bag. Doesnt 4 months
> straight of being wrong mean anything to you?

Serious Subscriber Decline Bodes Ill for Sirius XM

Sun, 10 May 2009 10:28:42 -0400

If you have to ask "What's your point?", then I should have said you're a dumb ass.

On May 08 09:02 AM sl62 wrote:

> hernia..
>
> well thought-out post...you're use of the word 'you're' is amazing.
> Then you bring in the venerable 'an'...that's just artistic...and
> if all that weren't enough...you top it all off with a third word!!!
> Ass!. Sweet. I just don't know how you do it. and..so I'm an ass.
> what's your point?

Serious Subscriber Decline Bodes Ill for Sirius XM

Fri, 08 May 2009 08:38:27 -0400

You're an ass.

On May 08 07:20 AM sl62 wrote:

> Julia...
>
> I hate to tell you this (because you're kinda hot) but you're also
> kinda an idiot. Your opening thesis immediately is senseless..if
> you actually knew what the company was about.

Next Leg of Growth for Sirius XM

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:17:25 -0400

Because, at the time Siri was in fierce competitiom with XM for the best content. They both racked up boatloads of debt that nearly destroyed the merged company of today.(somewhat ironic)

On Apr 27 08:23 PM wholesalecd wrote:

> One thing that still boggles my mind. Howard Stern was basically
> expelled from Terrestrial Radio if I remember right. Why did Siri
> offer him such a large contract when they didn't need to. He was
> out of a job and where else did he have to go?
>
> I'm still confused on this and I thought this was such a bad bad
> business decision that still haunts Siri XM today.
>
> Billy Bob

Perspective on John Malone's Sirius Stance

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:55:22 -0400

Thanks for the interesting insight.

On Apr 23 02:45 PM NP Refugee wrote:

> I worked for John Malone at one time in my career, so I can speak
> with absolute authority when I tell you that he is not only smart,
> he is very keen when it comes to perception about the potential of
> businesses. He is looking beyond the surface and has probably sized
> up the business wisely. I haven't spoken to him in over 10 years,
> but his way of thinking would be this:
>
> If the Fairness Doctrine comes back, then talk radio goes to satellite
> radio. Whatever his motivation, he is betting on some event that
> will fundamentally alter the chess board.
>
> I will say this about him too. I had to present my budget to he and
> several others every year. The others always appeared distracted--some
> to the point of reading the WSJ as I presented. Not John. He hung
> on every word I said and I felt he was scanning my brain. That is
> one seriously focused and engaged man.

Sirius Poised to Benefit from Auto Sector Upgrade

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:45:25 -0400

Brandon, You have the talent to make it to the next level; however you will never do so, if you allow others to cause YOU to lose focus. Critics will always be out there, and you can bet the better you get, at your job, the more there will be. The best of the best not only have talent, they also have thick skin. I enjoy your articles. Good luck.

Positioning Sirius for an Eventual Economic Turnaround

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:20:29 -0400

Very well said.

On Apr 17 01:18 PM Ron the Rocket wrote:

> Pmac...your just flat wrong. It seems by your comment that you are
> not a subscriber. If you were, you would understand the power of
> SiriusXM...the loyalty of the shareholders comes from their pure
> satisfaction with the product. I switched from XM to Sirius when
> Howard started...i had never had access to Howard on a daily basis.
> To be honest, he's way past his prime...pretty boring usually...not
> that great a show. However, i would never leave SXM because of the
> amazing music with no commercials and the ability to listen to news,
> talk, sports at a much higher quality level and less commercials
> than regular junk FM.
>
> If Howard leaves, I assure you the cancellations will be minimal.
> And it would be a great money move considering what we wouldn't have
> to pay his ass on a yearly basis. He's way overrated...way, way overrated.
>
>
> Cheers from KC...

Sirius XM Goes to Hollywood

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:50:07 -0400

Take solace in the fact you're not alone; many people are in the same boat.

On Mar 12 09:31 AM sirius sucker wrote:

> I am a Sirius victim who purchased the stock around mid-2007 at over
> $4.50 a share (more like $4.89), when the stock was being touted
> a great buy at that price on speculation of a merger with XM. I had
> initially bought 1000 shares and soon watched the stock decline steadily
> while analysts continued to market the stock on the much anticipated
> merger with XM. So, I held on to the stock, hoping to sell it if
> it ever got back to my purchase price. In order to lower my cost
> basis and be able to recover my investment sooner, I purchased another
> 2000 shares when the stock dropped to around $2.50 a share, believing
> all that I read about the potential value of the stock once the merger
> would be approved. However, the stock kept declining and I continued
> to buy in order to reduce my cost basis and believing that the stock
> would eventually turn around and I could recover my investment sooner.
> When the much awaited merger was finally approved, the stock only
> declined further and eventually became a penny stock. Today I have
> accumulated 10,066 shares of Sirius and brought my per share cost
> down to $1.37 a share. As a reslut, I have a Sirius loss of $12,248.57
> to date.
>
> If Brandon wishes to contact me, I may be reached at harini.raj10@gmail.com...

Sirius XM: Can It Tune into Markets Beyond Cars?

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:24:41 -0400

Smart and pretty! Just the way I like 'em. Julia, will you marry me?

Pensions: The Biggest Story of the Week - Or the Year

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:40:57 -0500

Why is it that state and federal government employees aren't made to live in the real world they helped create? That world being one where pensions are, for the most part, a thing of the past. Private sector employees have been forced to fund their own retirement by way of 401/k plans and a social security pittance. It's time for government employees to do the same, as we the people!

Sirius XM: Working on Debt, But Not Out of the Woods

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:13:55 -0500

Maybe with a bit of fortune from the good Lord, you'll be able to share this quote with your children; " No guts, no glory." Good luck.

On Feb 13 03:49 PM I'm not Jim Cramer wrote:

> I am going to do the most stupid thing I have ever done in 10 years
> of investing. Doubled down at .0571 and am now sitting on an 85%
> gain! God help me I am holding for the weekend. If my kids ever did
> something like this I would take their money from them and tell them
> they weren't smart enough to manage it for themselves. LOL

Wall Street Boys Cautiously Bullish - Barron's

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:02:30 -0500

Who in their right mind would put any credence in what these know nothings say? The fact that every one of these 'experts' was completely blind sided by the biggest financial meltdown in the last 100 years shows that they are just a bunch of talking heads, with absolutely no special insight.

Satellite Radio Is Not Immune to Big Three Troubles

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:17:51 -0500

No it is not.

On Dec 11 03:10 PM tostrhed wrote:

> Cant all the other car companies around the world install Sirius
> too? It is a global radio isnt it?
>

Microsoft: Headed for an Earnings Miss?

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:31:52 -0500

How about more articles without question marks, at the end of the headline????? I, for one, am looking for information and facts; not maybes, possibilities,or theories. That should be left in High School creative writing. Of all the industries that have fallen off a cliff, in America, journalism may have fallen the furthest.

Microsoft and eBay Team Up: Desperate or Brilliant?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:46:51 -0500

The columnist states "I think eBay would do better if stayed true to its roots, instead of constantly trying to beat Amazon...". Then, in the same paragraph, states "I've never quit eBay completely, but my visits have decreased considerably over recent years."

The Autos and Mentality That Ruined Detroit

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:57:52 -0500

Get rid of the lousy management that created the mess. My decision to buy a Honda (terrific machine) had nothing to do with union workers and everything to do with product quality.

On Nov 16 10:27 PM ptr44 wrote:

> Get rid of the union clowns before it's too late.

The Autos and Mentality That Ruined Detroit

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:48:56 -0500

Here, here! My personal nightmare involved a 1992 Dodge Dakota. I pretty much lived in the service waiting room, while owning that piece of junk. I distinctly remember reading an article, about 1994, where Kirk Kerkorian suggested to the CEO, at the time, to improve the quality of Chrysler's products. His response was that it would be too expensive to do so, and that Chrysler would remain on the charted course. Lousy, shortsighted, greedy management is to blame and should not be rewarded, with a bailout.

On Nov 16 06:16 PM wyosteven wrote:

> Good. Let Detroit rot.
>
> Speaking from personal experience, American auto's have been a shame.
> After owning a Ford F250, and Taurus, I will never buy another Ford
> again.
>
> Credit, price, etc, mean absolutely nothing to the consumer that
> values quality -- Detroit was utterly doomed when they couldn't offer
> anything above a 36k mile warranty.
>
> They won't recover.
>
> NO BAILOUT FOR THE RICH AUTOMAKERS AND THEIR FAT CAT UNIONS THAT
> MADE HORSE-$HIT DECISIONS AND WORSE CARS/TRUCKS!

Earnings Preview: Sirius XM Radio

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:21:47 -0500

Mike01251: You made a valid point. Don't listen to any of these coffee-clatching, no life, gossiping, bitches. They spend their whole lives stroking each other and talking about a 25 cent stock. Just the fact that they judge the QUALITY of a comment, by the QUANTITY of past comments shows the intelligence level you're dealing with. Same level of intelligence that brought upon their huge stock losses.

On Nov 10 12:01 PM Mike01251 wrote:

> well, I certainly can appreciate that you fine SIRIUS investors choose
> to denigrate my posts due to the fact that I've only had two of them.
> Okay, here's #3.... If you are all so smart, why do you spend SO
> much time lamenting over your SIRIUS stock? Hmmmmm? Please try and
> appreciate the fact that we ALL have opinions, and, the fact that
> they don't meet your approval doesn't make them any less valid. Despite
> your low opinion of me, I will continue to root for some good news
> from Mel this afternoon so that you may have at least one night of
> restful sleep.

General Motors: Beginning the Endgame?

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:09:36 -0500

Excellent comment. But, I'd like to add ,a serious commitment to product quality is also in order.

On Nov 08 03:07 PM Fred in Michigan wrote:

> Allowing the auto companies to fail would be a mistake, yet the prospect
> of giving them our money to continue their disastrously bad ways
> is also unacceptable.
>
> Until there are big changes (radical downsizing, brand consolidation,
> serious small car production, union giveups, ...), they shouldn't
> be given taxpayer money.
>
> Why haven't we heard more about replacing management? Why aren't
> the stockholders more active?

Finally Some Good News for Sirius Shareholders

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:03:13 -0400

User284270: Priceline.com is one ,that comes readily to mind. Although you are correct most reverse stock splits do not work, I believe that is because of bad underlying businesses. In the case of a Priceline.com,(and quite possibly,Siri) if the core business fills a consumer void, it stands a very good chance of succeeding.

Sirius XM On the Rise - Does Microsoft Want a Piece?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:40:55 -0400

Prediction: Siri will declare bankruptcy and common shareholders will lose 99% of their investment. Siri, then will reorganize it's debt, insiders will become even richer than they are now, and the company will gradually become successful. Saddest fact of all is the initial financial backers (common shareholders) are left holding the bag, which of course, will be empty.

Will You Look Back on Today as Your Greatest Missed Opportunity?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:08:13 -0400

I've been taught a company's P/E ratio should reflect it's earnings growth rate, therefore, I tend to see nearly every one of the example stocks as being overvalued between 1998 and 2007; and now being somewhat fairly valued. Is the columnist suggesting we will inevitably return to the days of bloated stock prices?

What Did Buffett Buy: American Express or Wells Fargo?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:08:37 -0400

Emerald, nice slam. (and appropriate)

Berkshire Hathaway: Like a Kid in a Candy Store

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:01:24 -0400

The columnist writes " Berkshire Hathaway's stock price has doubled,over the past ten years." Using the "rule of 72" that works out to an annual return of 7.2%. A decent return for sure, but it hardly warrants all the gushing. I think some people are just caught up in the Warren Buffet mystic and lose sight of the facts.

Citi: Sirius XM Is “Massively Undervalued”

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:09:08 -0400

cos1000: Thanks for the insight. Good luck with your considerable investment.

The Ford Debt Disaster Continues

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:37:34 -0400

PhillyD, 1) "J.D. Powers says the NEW Ford products are rated higher than their Toyota counterparts." Quality, especially in automobiles, is judged over long periods of time. It is impossible to accurately determine reliability from a NEW product; that's just common sense. 2) You call me a "loser " because I won't purchase a Ford product. I think I'd be a bigger loser ( and a dumb consumer) if I were to purchase an inferior product just because it's American made. If mediocrity is rewarded,it will always be mediocre. In fact, if Ford has improved their product ,as much as you say, you probably have consumers like me to thank. Afterall, nothing stirs change,in corporate America, like dwindling profits. 3) You sure do drive alot!

The Ford Debt Disaster Continues

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 14:59:17 -0400

icandoitdon shows the most insight, with his comments. I, personally, have never, nor ever will buy a Ford product; and it has everything to do with quality, not union workers. If Ford's management had focused on building a reliable product, over the past several decades, the sales would be there to support a union workforce, as was the case in the past. Short sighted management is to blame, pure and simple.

It's Still About Affordability, Stupid [Housing Tracker]

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:18:07 -0400

The so-called housing "crisis" is a classic market correction; and will be looked back on as a good thing. Just as in any market, where the speculators and greedy take charge, prices become bloated and the "average Joe and Jane" get priced out. This correction will enable them to get back in , at much more realistic and affordable prices. Personally, I'm loving it!