The past few years have been painful for media companies. Shares soared as firms rolled out streaming services. But the high costs of content development and changing consumer tastes have led investors to put these stocks in the bargain bin.
That’s an opportunity for investors today. Especially as media companies own considerable intellectual properties and brands that can likely lead to far higher valuations in the future.
One potential winner in the short and long term is The Walt Disney Company (DIS). The company’s board is facing a proxy battle, as several outside investors are looking to improve Disney’s share performance.
No matter how that battle ends out, shares likely have more upside here. The company is working on shifting to stronger profitability, and has made tremendous strides. That will continue no matter the outcome of the board battle.
In the meantime, shares look heavily discounted relative to the value of the company’s brands, film studio, theme parks, and other media assets.
Action to take: Investors may like shares here. If the activists prevail, shares may see some shorter-term moves higher in the coming months. If not, the share price will take some more time to play out, but it likely will.
With its restated dividend, Disney now also pays 0.8%.
For traders, the September $135 calls, last trading for about $3.75, could see mid-to-high double-digit returns. Traders may want to take quick profits if there’s a share spike following the board vote.
Disclosure: The author of this article has no position in the company mentioned here, but may trade after the next 72 hours. The author receives no compensation from any company mentioned in this article.