Stock price when the opinion was issued
Lumpy road to recovery, but Iger's making progress. Streaming is becoming profitable. Content offerings are turning around, with a huge library. Parks have slowed, investment has increased; yet still a destination vacation for many across the world. Good growth in cruise ships. Undemanding multiple under 20x PE. She's being patient; upside from here.
A lot going on here in recent years, but just a few years ago, the stock was nearly doubled, based on hopes for Disney+. That said, they will be a long-term winner in streaming; their content is strong around the world. Also, their theme parks keep selling, and are expanding internationally. Probably we've seen peak Marvel, but Disney holds a deep catalogue of content, including Star Wars. If they can sort out management and make streaming profitable, they should return to 20% margins.
Spike in stock is due to fears of an economic slowdown being put at bay. Theme parks are expanding, but will depend on macro environment. ESPN is more challenged. Disney+ is challenged because NFLX is beating everybody. Paying 20x PE for 12-13% growth. Doesn't dislike the name, but some segments are having a tough go.
Buy at these levels? He thinks it’s a buy. A classic juggernaut. Thinks the acquisitions of the FOX assets is going to go through. He’s seen good enough operations in the last 5 or 6 years and so consistent. The results are really good; 12-13% return year in year out. It is stretched on valuation, but he will pay for a good company over a lousy or one that looks super cheap. He is not too concerned about the ESPN situation with people cutting their cable subscription and going to Netflix. He thinks they will figure out a solution either stream it or whatever, the content is still there, it’s just a different platform, they will figure a way to monetize it.