For the first time in 34 years, two of the Original Six NHL teams will be facing off in the Stanley Cup Final. While Fool contributor Doug Ehrman cares as a lifelong fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, there are also at least three companies -- and their investors -- that should be excited as well. Comcast's (NASDAQ: CMCSA ) NBC Sports will be carrying the event and reaping the rewards as fans in two major markets tune in for the action. Disney (NYSE: DIS ) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) will also see some benefits.
In the following video, Doug discusses why each of these three companies may be excited to see these two teams facing off.
It's easy to forget that Walt Disney is more than just the House of Mouse -- it's also the owner of ESPN, for one thing. True, Disney amusement parks around the world hosted more than 121 million guests in 2011. But from its vast catalog of characters to its monster collection of media networks, much of Disney's allure for investors lies in its diversity, and The Motley Fool's premium research report lays out the case for investing in Disney today. This report includes the key items investors must watch as well as the opportunities and threats the company faces going forward. So don't miss out -- simply click here now to claim your copy today.
Best Mid Cap Stocks To Buy For 2015: Time Warner Inc.(TWX)
Time Warner Inc. operates as a media and entertainment company in the United States and internationally. It operates in three segments: Networks, Filmed Entertainment, and Publishing. The Networks segment provides domestic and international networks, premium pay and basic tier television programming services, and digital media properties, which primarily consist of brand-aligned Websites. Its premium pay television services consist of the multi-channel HBO and Cinemax premium pay television services. This segment provides programming to cable system operators, satellite service distributors, telephone companies, and other distributors; sells advertising; and licenses original programming to domestic and international television networks. The Filmed Entertainment segment produces and distributes feature films, television and other programming, and videogames; distributes home video products; and licenses rights to its feature films, television programming, and characters. T he Publishing segment publishes magazines and books; and operates various Websites, as well as engages in marketing services and direct-marketing businesses. This segment publishes magazines on style and entertainment, lifestyle, news, and sports. The company?s brands include TNT, TBS, CNN, HBO, Cinemax, Warner Bros., New Line Cinema, People, Sports Illustrated, and Time. Time Warner Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Alex Planes]
CNN achieved prominence in 1986 when it was the only network to offer live television coverage of the space shuttle Challenger, which exploded shortly after takeoff. The Persian Gulf War of 1991 was CNN's coming-out party, as it was the only outlet offering live communications from inside Iraq during the initial bombing strikes. Five years later, CNN (along with the other Turner broadcasting networks) merged with Time Warner (NYSE: TWX ) , which dramatically expanded its reach, both domestically and internationally. Today, CNN reaches more than 100 million households and nearly a million hotel rooms in the United States, and is also available in an international format in virtually all of the world's sovereign countries.
- [By Doug Ehrman]
What is Intel TV?
The new service from Intel -- which is expected to be called OnCue�-- is an attempt by the chip maker to deliver a full complement of live TV, on-demand content, and other options to consumers�over a broadband Internet connection. Unlike other set-top boxes like Apple�TV, OnCue would not require a monthly subscription to any of the major cable or satellite providers like Comcast� (NASDAQ: CMCSA ) or Time Warner (NYSE: TWX ) . The service would represent a major shift in the industry, and existing providers are fighting back. - [By Garrett Cook]
Time Warner (NYSE: TWX) shares shot up 16.08 percent to $82.43 after the company confirmed that it rejected a proposal from Twenty-First Century Fox (NASDAQ: FOXA) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the company.
- [By Tim Beyers]
In the race to get TV viewers to tune in to its comic book properties, Time Warner (NYSE: TWX ) is turning to the fastest man alive.
Earlier this week, Warner unit DC Entertainment told reporters via conference call that the Flash would appear in season 2 of Arrow before spinning off into a new show dedicated the character. Warner also has plans for a live action film. Batman? Superman? Turns out the Flash is the glue that's binding together the DC Cinematic Universe.
Top Media Stocks To Own 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 Rich Duprey]
Both Bow Tie and Cablevision (NYSE: CVC ) , which owned the Clearview chain, announced yesterday they had completed the transfer of ownership of the theaters, which was first announced in April, though financial terms for the transaction were not disclosed. As the oldest cinema company in the U.S.,�Bow Tie says it now has the largest number of theater locations in the New York metropolitan area,�and operates 63 movie theaters with 388 screens in seven states.
- [By Harold L. Vogel]
*Includes AMC (AMCX), Cablevision (CVC), Charter, Comcast Cable (CMCSA) and networks, Discovery (DISCA), Disney (DIS) cable networks, Time Warner Cable (TWC) and cable networks, Viacom (VIAB) networks.
Top Media Stocks To Own Right Now: Liberty Global Inc.(LBTYA)
Liberty Global, Inc. provides video, broadband Internet, and telephony services primarily in Europe and Chile. The company offers broadband services over cable distribution systems, including video, broadband Internet, and telephony; and video services through direct-to-home satellite, or through multichannel multipoint distribution systems. Its analog video services comprise basic and expanded basic programming; and digital cable services include basic and premium programming, digital video recorders, and high definition programming, as well as pay-per-view programming, such as video-on-demand and near video-on-demand. In addition, the company offers voice-over-Internet-protocol and circuit-switched telephony services, as well as mobile telephony services using third-party networks. Further, it owns programming networks that provide video programming channels to multi-channel distribution systems owned by the company and the third parties. As of December 31, 2011, the com pany owned and operated networks that passed 33,262,100 homes; and served 18,405,500 video subscribers, 8,159,300 broadband Internet subscribers, and 6,225,300 telephony subscribers. Liberty Global, Inc. was founded in 2004 and is based in Englewood, Colorado.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sam Robson]
LONDON -- In the latest edition of this long-running story, it has been suggested that�Vodafone� (LSE: VOD ) (NASDAQ: VOD ) could use a substantial amount of the money it would receive from selling its stake in Verizon Wireless to fund a takeover of�Liberty Global� (NASDAQ: LBTYA ) .
Top Media Stocks To Own Right Now: 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 Tim Beyers]
Who loses in all this? Pure-play content distributors such as Cablevision Systems (NYSE: CVC ) and DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH ) . Like partner Netflix, Apple is taking steps to eliminate the barriers between viewers and content created by these gatekeepers. Color me grateful -- both as an investor and as a fan of great television.
- [By Jeremy Bowman]
What: Shares of Clearwire (NASDAQ: CLWR ) were on fire today, climbing up as much as 31% after DISH Network (NASDAQ: DISH ) raised its bid for the 4G network provider from $3.30 to $4.40 a share, topping Sprint Nextel's (NYSE: S ) bid by $1.
- [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 MONEYMORNING.COM]
The Expedia announcement follows that of DISH Network Corp. (Nasdaq: DISH) two weeks ago that it would let its customers pay in Bitcoin. DISH, which is also using the Coinbase service, has 14 million subscribers.
Top Media Stocks To Own Right Now: Discovery Communications Inc(DISCA)
Discovery Communications, Inc. operates as a non fiction media and entertainment company worldwide. The company provides original and purchased programming across various distribution platforms. Its content covers science, exploration, survival, natural history, sustainability of the environment, technology, docu-series, anthropology, paleontology, history, space, archaeology, health and wellness, engineering, adventure, lifestyles, forensics, civilization, and current events. The company owns and operates nine national television networks in the United States, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Investigation Discovery, Military Channel, Planet Green, Discovery Fit & Health, and Velocity. Discovery Communications also has interests in Oprah Winfrey Network, a pay-television network and Web site; The Hub that features original programming, game shows, and live-action series and specials; and 3net, a three-dimensional network. In addition, it o ffers network branded Web sites, and mobile and video-on-demand services; and distributes various national and pan-regional television networks. Further, the company develops and sells curriculum-based products and services to public and private K-12 schools, such as access to an online VOD service that includes curriculum-based tools, professional development services, and student assessment and publication of hardcopy curriculum-based content; and postproduction audio services to motion picture studios, independent producers, broadcast networks, cable channels, advertising agencies, and interactive producers. As of December 31, 2011, it operated approximately 150 distribution feeds in 40 languages. The company is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ben Levisohn]
Another day, another market spent looking for direction, even as� stocks drop thanks to big declines in American International Group (AIG),�Merck�(MRK),� Discover Communications (DISCA), Target (TGT) and Twitter (TWTR).
- [By Patricio Kehoe] d that precise strategy and now owns several cable networks available in over 200 countries worldwide. The national and pan-regional networks, distributed through 130 feeds and in 40 languages, have established this media firm in virtually every market. So, let�� take a look at what might have encouraged investment gurus Ron Baron (Trades, Portfolio) and Lee Ainslie (Trades, Portfolio) to add more of this company�� shares to their portfolio.�
Working Through the Niche
As the niche cable network provider in the media industry, Discovery�� flagship channel addresses topics like science, technology, history and exploration. With TLC, Animal Planet and Discovery as the three key domestic channels, the company reaches 100 million households, and despite the mature U.S. market, sales have grown 6% and revenue 10% in fiscal 2013. This is mainly due to the media giant�� unique content programming and line-up refreshments. Hit shows like Shark Week, for example, have become so popular through advertising that the network experienced in 2013 its all-time best viewership with over 50 million viewing rates during one episode. The men�� lifestyle cable network, Velocity, also experienced a 30% viewership increase in quarter four of 2013, and is now the fastest-growing network in that segment.��
Furthermore, in addition to the namesake channels, Discovery also owns Investigation Discovery, The Learning Channel, a 50% stake in Oprah Winfrey�� new cable channel OWN, and The Hub, a children�� network created with Hasbro Inc. (HAS). The strong universal appeal of content which transcends cultures and languages, add a differential value to this company and has allowed international distribution across multiple media platforms. In fact, 100% content ownership gives this firm a competitive advantage, as it can seek benefits from non-traditional content distribution. With companies like Netflix Inc. (NFLX)�or Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) looking to push t
- [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]
Discover Communications operates as a non-fiction media company worldwide.�The company recently released earning that left investors happy.�The stock has been trending higher over the last couple of years and is currently trading at highs for the year.Earnings and revenue figures have been steadily growing so investors have been very satisfied. Relative to its peers and sector, Discover Communications has been an under-performer leader, year-to-date. Look for Discover Communications to continue to OUTPERFORM.
Top Media Stocks To Own Right Now: DIRECTV(DTV)
DIRECTV provides digital television entertainment in the United States and Latin America. The company provides direct-to-home (DTH) digital television services, as well as multi-channel video programming distribution services in the United States. It offers various channels of digital-quality video entertainment and CD-quality audio programming directly to subscribers' homes or businesses, as well as video-on-demand services; and approximately 160 national high-definition television channels and 4 3D channels. The company also provides premium professional and collegiate sports programming, such as the NFL SUNDAY TICKET package, which allows subscribers to view the NFL games. In addition, it offers DTH digital television services in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico. The company provides its local and international programming under the DIRECTV and SKY brand names. As of December 31, 2010, it served approximately 19.2 million subscribers in the United States; and 8.9 million subscribers in Latin America. The company was founded in 1990 and is based in El Segundo, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Doug Ehrman]
DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV ) stock surged when the company announced earnings results earlier this week, easily beating analyst estimates and highlighting the importance of sports programming to TV providers in driving revenues and profits. In the earnings call that followed the release, CEO Mike White was cagey about the future of the company's relationship with the NFL that costs about $1 billion per year and is set to expire in 2015. The market reacted well to the news, driving up DIRECTV stock by nearly 7% on the news, and allowing it to reach its highest level in a decade.
- [By Michael Lewis]
The company does not need a buyer, but it may happen anyway. DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV ) has been killing it in Latin America, adding millions of subscribers in a relatively short period of time. Even in the U.S., where pay-tv penetration approaches total saturation, the company has increased its average revenue per user, and found ways to boost its North American cash flows. Meanwhile, DISH's numbers have suffered, similar to the numbers of cable companies.
- [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]
Revenue and earnings have consistently improved on an annual basis, capital allocation is superb, and the stock should be somewhat resilient if any stock market corrections should occur. In addition to those factors, analysts love the stock: 12 Buy, 10 Hold, 1 Sell.
- [By Ian Wyatt]
But you don't have to buy them yourself. By simply buying shares of Berkshire Hathaway, you gain access to that diversity�� portfolio of stocks as varied as American Express (AXP), Coca-Cola (NY: KO), DirecTV (DTV), and Wells Fargo (WFC).
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