SNE - Sony Corporation
| Previous Close | 49.51 |
| Open | 50.11 |
| Bid | 49.90 x 800 |
| Ask | 50.14 x 800 |
| Day's Range | 49.79 - 50.36 |
| 52 Week Range | 44.53 - 61.02 |
| Volume | 879,652 |
| Avg. Volume | 1,123,977 |
| Market Cap | 63.743B |
| Beta (3Y Monthly) | 1.39 |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | 10.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | N/A |
| Earnings Date | N/A |
| Forward Dividend & Yield | 0.26 (0.53%) |
| Ex-Dividend Date | 2018-09-27 |
| 1y Target Est | N/A |
- Motley Fool•2 days ago
How Microsoft Could Make a Comeback in Video Games
The company has trailed competitors in gaming lately, but that could change over the next decade.
- The Wall Street Journal•3 days ago
[$$] Sony’s RCA Label Parts Ways With R. Kelly
Pop singer R. Kelly and Sony Corp.’s RCA Records label are parting ways, amid renewed scrutiny of sexual-abuse allegations against the R&B artist. The split comes a week after a six-part Lifetime documentary series, “Surviving R. Kelly,” sparked a public campaign for the label to drop the 52-year-old singer. Mr. Kelly has been removed from RCA’s roster, according to a person familiar with the matter, and is no longer listed as an artist on the website for the label.
- TechCrunch•3 days ago
Sony venture arm invests in geocoding startup what3words
Sony's venture capital arm has invested in what3words, the startup that has divided the entire world into 57 trillion 3-by-3 meter squares and assigned a three-word address to each one. Financial details were not disclosed. The ability to integrate what3words into voice assistants is what has piqued the interest and investment from Sony and others.
- Zacks•4 days ago
SNE vs. GPRO: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
SNE vs. GPRO: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
- Zacks•5 days ago
Sony (SNE) Stock Sinks As Market Gains: What You Should Know
Sony (SNE) closed at $49.60 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.48% move from the prior day.
- Market Realist•5 days ago
Looking at Comcast’s NBCUniversal Streaming Content
Inside the Impact of Comcast’s New NBCUniversal Streaming Service(Continued from Prior Part)NBCUniversal is a late entrant in the streaming spaceComcast’s (CMCSA) NBCUniversal recently announced that it would be launching its new streaming
Yahoo Finance•6 days agoDespite its price increase, Netflix is still a deal — for now
Netflix is raising its prices on U.S. subscriptions, but the streaming service is still a heck of a deal.
- Market Realist•6 days ago
Will AMD Update Its Long-Term Financial Model?
A Look at AMD's Long-Term Financial Model(Continued from Prior Part)Does AMD need to update its long-term financial model Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is on track to achieve its long-term financial model, which was last updated in May 2017, and does
- InvestorPlace•7 days ago
7 Video Game Stocks on Steep Discount
[Editor's note: This story was originally published in November 2018. It has since been updated and republished. While the author's opinions may have shifted, the longer-trend for video game stocks remains.] If you're looking for an investment sector that is very likely to rise higher, video game stocks are your ticket. The concept of the video game has evolved from nerdy niche to mass mainstream infiltration. Still, powerful fundamental tailwinds haven't prevented video game stocks from absorbing huge losses. Indeed, anywhere you look, the major (and minor) indices are flashing red. The broader markets finished 2018 down 6.2%, and our own Dana Blankenhorn, in November 2018, stated bluntly "we're already in a bear market." Any contrarian analyst would be hard-pressed debating Blankenhorn on this issue as the volatility persists into 2019. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips I'm certainly not going to attempt it, especially if I'm looking at esports and gaming stocks. The video game as an investment vehicle is a platform that has profited many investors handsomely over the years. Unfortunately, the declines in video games and esports stocks over the past year have forced everyone to rethink their assessments. I can't deny the obvious: This is a time when all market participants should strongly consider protective measures. We have many factors that are completely unrelated to video games but could end up roiling video game stocks. However, I'd also caution against overreactions. Recall that the Dow Jones lost double digits between late January and early February of 2018 … * InvestorPlace Roundup: The Hottest Stocks in the Market Today The point is to protect yourself from this violent storm, but also to realize that all storms eventually fade away, producing excellent deals only in hindsight. If you've got the nerve, here are seven video game stocks on serious discount. Source: Dalvenjah via Flickr ### Sony (SNE) When you think about the modern video game, you immediately think about Sony (NYSE:SNE). Admittedly, SNE stock has become a running joke within consumer-electronics circles for the underlying firm's other endeavors. For instance, its smartphone is nowhere near as popular as Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone, and it once ran a computer-monitor business. But don't ever question SNE stock for its part in advancing the video game to the mainstream. Its PlayStation console resonates deeply with consumers, and better yet, it keeps improving. Just a few days ago, Sony announced during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that the current-generation PlayStation 4 hit 91.6 million unit sales. More impressively, this tally occurred over roughly a five-year lifespan. Of course, the markets don't typically respond to past achievements. What makes SNE stock so compelling for the video game industry is corporate synergy. Make fun of Sony all you want, you can't deny its vast entertainment portfolio. Management can easily leverage this for exclusive titles, which they do frequently for marquee brands. Source: Shutterstock ### Microsoft (MSFT) Every great organization has an equally great competitor. In the war of supremacy for the video game, we have two top console-makers: Sony and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). The rivalry between the two tech giants is no joke for many gaming enthusiasts. Microsoft stopped reporting sales figures for its Xbox console, which understandably drew snide snickering, but estimates put it around the 40 million mark. Based on this, Sony is vastly outpacing Microsoft in the console wars. But that hasn't stopped MSFT stock from making significant gains in the markets. Part of the reason is that in terms of graphics and gameplay capabilities, Microsoft has largely gone toe-to-toe with Sony. Additionally, the house that Bill Gates built features its own batch of attractive exclusive titles, including the ultra-popular "Halo" series. Naturally, this has encouraged long-term investors to pile in on MSFT stock. * 10 Companies That Could Post Decelerating Profits And while I'm a Sony guy, I think Microsoft offers better overall stability. Along with its video-game business, it has a virtual lockdown on PC operating systems and various pieces of professional software. Plus, MSFT stock pays a much higher dividend, which isn't something to ignore at this juncture. Source: Shutterstock ### Nintendo (NTDOY) In my opinion, and those of fellow gamers, the architect of today's video game is Nintendo (OTCMKTS:NTDOY). However, other video game stocks have captured investors' attention. Moreover, as a Japanese over-the-counter name, NTDOY stock doesn't always generate positive news. That has proven especially true in 2018. Last year, NTDOY stock returned handsome monetary rewards for shareholders thanks to the Nintendo Switch. This spectacular console is actually a hybrid device. Nintendo designed the Switch primarily for home usage, but you can just as easily take it on the road. However, great news becomes old news quickly, and shares faltered. Still, the scope of the damage seems excessive. Over the past year, NTDOY stock has dropped a staggering 30%. While further losses are not out of the question due to the overall market panic, the bears are overlooking the company's long-reaching brands. For instance, the "Mario Bros." franchise is gaming gold, which Nintendo can leverage for profitable synergies. Source: Shutterstock ### Electronic Arts (EA) For anybody who has picked up a video game in the last decade, chances are, you fed the Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA) cash cow. From developing games for the Commodore Amiga -- does anybody remember that? -- to driving the latest innovations in esports, EA stock is a mainstay within the industry. That said, video game stocks have incurred horrific losses, and Electronic Arts was not spared in any way, shape or form. Since July 25, EA stock has hemorrhaged more than 43% of market value. Some of that was due to the poor outlook given in its first-quarter fiscal 2018 earnings report. But later losses stemmed from internal issues, such as the delayed launch for its heavily-anticipated video game Battlefield V. I understand why investors are now hesitant on EA stock. A few months ago, I provided my analysis on the company's extreme volatility. That said, my ultimate take is that Electronic Arts suffers from fixable problems. * Mizuho: 7 Long-Term Value Stocks to Buy Now Moreover, they leverage an enviable sports-licensing franchise. No matter what happens, throngs of gamers always eagerly await the latest iteration in the Madden or FIFA series. On the surface, such fandom seems irrational because the changes are minute. Still, the consumers are shelling out big bucks every year, so who am I to judge? Source: Gamevil Inc. via Flickr ### Activision Blizzard (ATVI) One of the biggest reasons why the video game industry has captured mainstream attention is the proliferation of the online shooter genre. And in this genre, no one does it better than Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI). Over the last few years, ATVI stock has skyrocketed based largely on its Call of Duty franchise. Rather than being shunned by the real heroes in uniform, our military forces embrace these games. Earlier last year, Activision announced that it donated more than $100,000 worth of Call of Duty games to the United Service Organizations, or USO. However, like Electronic Arts, ATVI stock incurred heavy losses in the markets. Since the close of Oct. 1, Activision shares have tanked 40%. A major culprit is fierce competition, particularly from Epic Games' Fortnite. In the long-term, though, ATVI stock looks very intriguing. Over a year-and-a-half of market gains was wiped out in less than two months' time. That's a little bit over the top considering that the company levers one of the most popular franchises among video stocks. Source: Shutterstock ### Nvidia (NVDA) Semiconductor firms like Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) started to light up the markets in 2016, and that momentum continued into last year. Unfortunately, we learned a physics lesson with NVDA stock: what goes up must come down. And shares are doing exactly that. What appeared to be a promising start for 2018 turned into a veritable nightmare. Between the January opener and the end of September, NVDA stock gained nearly 44%. Since the beginning of October, however, the company has tumbled over 48%, finishing the year down 31%. As a leader in advanced technologies, Nvidia took the brunt of the sector fallout. The geopolitical wrangling between the U.S. and China isn't helping matters. Plus, the severe plummeting in bitcoin prices is likely to negatively impact its crypto-mining-specific graphics processing units, or GPUs. * 7 Stocks to Buy That Are Run By Billionaires Nevertheless, I really like NVDA stock, especially at these prices. I'm not the only one, as notorious short-sellers Citron Research just recently reversed their bearish take on the company. While you shouldn't rush in simply based on one expert opinion, Nvidia offers exposure to multiple next-gen businesses. I doubt that NVDA will stay deflated for long. Source: Shutterstock ### GameStop (GME) In following with my usual routine of sticking speculative names in the back, I bring to you GameStop (NYSE:GME). GME stock is easily one of the riskiest investments among video game stocks. The company pays out a near-10% dividend, which tells you all you need to know. The other reason that GME stock is down -- aside from all the terrible factors that slammed valuations -- is related to its PR crisis. Many gamers hate GameStop because the retailer rips off customers who are looking to trade in their games and paraphernalia. That's true, but at the same time, you can't have it both ways. The reason why other gamers love GameStop is due to their extensive library of preowned products. In my opinion, it's far superior to online sales and subscription-based services due to its easy return policy: if you don't like a particular video game, just return it. This return policy is a major but underappreciated benefit for GME stock because many gamers are young. They (or their parents) may not have the funds for subscription services. GameStop gives these customers better pricing and superior flexibility. As of this writing, Josh Enomoto was long SNE and bitcoin. ### More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Key Emerging-Market Stocks to Buy for Contrarian Investors * 7 Stocks at Risk of the Global Smartphone Slowdown * 7 Pharmaceutical Stocks That Just Raised Prices This Year Compare Brokers The post 7 Video Game Stocks on Steep Discount appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Market Realist•7 days ago
AMD on Track to Hit Long-Term Financial Target ahead of Schedule
A Look at AMD's Long-Term Financial ModelAMD’s product launches for 2019 and 2020 2019 is an exciting time for Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), as the company’s new product announcements could put rivals Intel (INTC) and NVIDIA (NVDA) on their toes.
- Market Realist•7 days ago
AMD Becomes Active in the Gaming Market after a Year of Silence
AMD's 2019 Products Could Keep Intel and NVIDIA on Their Toes (Continued from Prior Part) ## AMD in the gaming market Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and NVIDIA (NVDA) are the leading chip suppliers in the gaming market, with AMD leading in the console gaming space and NVIDIA leading in the PC gaming space. AMD’s Radeon GPUs (graphics processing unit) are used by PC gamers, in Microsoft’s (MSFT) Xbox One, in Sony’s (SNE) PlayStation 4, and in the cloud. After a year of no new GPU releases, AMD launched a Polaris refresh Radeon RX 590 midrange GPU in December 2018. It’s still launching refreshes of its previous-generation Polaris GPUs, as its next-generation Vega 56 and Vega 64 GPUs failed to gain traction in the gaming market. In January, AMD announced the second generation of its Vega GPU Radeon VII on the 7 nm (nanometer) node. It remains to be seen whether the new GPU will gain traction in the gaming market. AMD is also working on gaming consoles and cloud gaming. ## AMD has more coming in the gaming space AMD’s CEO, Lisa Su, expects Microsoft and Sony to start talking about their next-generation consoles, which are expected to launch in 2020, soon. AMD will supply processors for both consoles. There are rumors that AMD’s first Navi GPU will be developed exclusively for Sony’s next-generation PlayStation. Microsoft is working on something called Project xCloud, which will bring gaming to any device with the help of the cloud. Although no details are available about the two new consoles, details should be disclosed as the 2020 launch date nears. These new consoles could significantly boost AMD’s revenue next year. AMD also made some exciting announcements in the PC processor market at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show. We’ll check them out next. Continue to Next Part Browse this series on Market Realist: * Part 1 - AMD Gives a Glimpse of Its 2019 Product Launches at CES 2019 * Part 2 - AMD Enters the High-End Gaming GPU Segment with Radeon VII * Part 3 - When Will AMD Offer Ray Tracing Technology?
- Motley Fool•8 days ago
Sony and AT&T Want to Sell This Social Game Maker
But will anyone buy GSN's aging game unit?
- InvestorPlace•10 days ago
Amazon’s Streamed Gaming Service Is Neat, But It’s Not a Disruption
In recent years, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has found ways to surprise people, such as its takeover of Whole Foods Market. Such moves lend credence to the disruptive nature of Amazon. But in other cases, the disruption could be seen a million miles away. That's the case for the latest rumor centering on an Amazon streaming video game service. According to inside sources, Amazon is developing a platform to stream video games over the internet. This decision pits the company directly against Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL), which is working hard to launch a similar service. The e-commerce giant is also going up against video-game powerhouses Sony (NYSE:SNE) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). The news couldn't come soon enough. Despite its dominant presence, the markets haven't been kind to Amazon stock. Sure, AMZN did return 28% for its shareholders last year, which is a deeply impressive haul considering the circumstances. But since the end of August, shares are down nearly 18%. Plus, the choppiness over the past three months isn't helping matters. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips In theory, a groundbreaking reveal like Amazon's streaming games service should bolster the case for the company. In the nearer-term, I can see Amazon stock tick a little higher. But over the long run, the forecast is a little hazy. * 7 Stocks at Risk of the Global Smartphone Slowdown Let's take a look at both sides of the issue, beginning with the positives: ### Amazon Stock Has a New Weapon The appeal for Amazon stock doesn't just rely on the underlying company's disruptive strategies. In many cases, it creates new markets and subsequently dominates them. A prime example is their smart speakers. While Alphabet is catching up, Amazon owns the greatest market share by a country mile. More importantly, rival Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has no answer. Considering this track record, I can appreciate the optimism for Amazon's upcoming streaming games service. For starters, it brings a new revenue stream for the company that previously didn't exist. Moreover, as its Prime media-content platform has demonstrated, Jeff Bezos & Co. can compete with anyone, even well-established players. That should make the management teams at Sony and Microsoft uncomfortable. Adding to that point, Amazon could possibly put physical gaming consoles on the endangered-species list. Rather than producing its own console, an Amazon streaming service would store the energy-intensive hardware in-house. This allows the tech company to transmit data through the internet. Two advantages readily stand out. First, such a mechanism will entirely forego a physical console. This saves space and cost for the gamer. Second, streaming allows consumers to enjoy graphically intense games on smaller devices like smartphones or tablets. If that's the case, Sony and Microsoft are futilely spinning their wheels developing their next-generation consoles. ### Amazon Streaming Service Is Not Practically Feasible On a surface level, the bullish argument for video game streaming as a catalyst for Amazon stock is extremely convincing. Apparently, it's a no-brainer. Considering the rapid proliferation of gaming culture, the e-commerce giant has another guaranteed money-maker on its hands. But does it really? While I generally have a positive view on AMZN stock, I'm not entirely convinced that Amazon's video game streaming service will get the job done. The venture might even lose money for the vaunted organization. We must consider why consoles exist in the first place. Essentially, they are purpose-driven computers: their entire functionality revolves solely on gaming. Additionally, these devices utilize graphics processor units (GPU) from leading companies like Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA). GPUs are processors designed to accommodate the intensive data requirements of today's top video games. Amazon intends to replace this physical platform through streaming. Even with 5G technology, this is an ambitious undertaking. More critically, Amazon's intended input devices -- smartphones, tablets, TV controllers -- don't work well with most modern games. For example, a "Call of Duty" game is tough enough as it is on a traditional console and dedicated controller. I can't imagine the frustrations involved playing that on my iPhone. ### Bottom Line on AMZN If you're asking me about my overall opinion on Amazon stock, I maintain my long-term bullishness. AMZN already changed how we shop. Eventually, it will shape how an entire generation lives. But as a gamechanger in gaming? I'm not sure I can buy into that story. Amazon may think it can stream state-of-the-art video games from its data center. But when Sony and Microsoft continue to pound out successor consoles, eventually, the inherent advantages of having a dedicated (and decentralized) platform will outweigh the conveniences of a streaming setup. As long as management keeps expectations in check, and doesn't go overboard with expenses, this new venture could work. But if they think they can topple the alpha dogs in this sector, they're in for a rude awakening. As of this writing, Josh Enomoto is long SNE. ### More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Stocks You Can Set and Forget (Even In This Market) * 10 Virtual Assistants for the Future of Smart Homes * 7 5G Stocks to Buy as the Race for Spectrum Tightens Compare Brokers The post Amazon's Streamed Gaming Service Is Neat, But It's Not a Disruption appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Zacks•13 days ago
Sony (SNE) Gains But Lags Market: What You Should Know
Sony (SNE) closed at $49.90 in the latest trading session, marking a +0.36% move from the prior day.
- Engadget•13 days ago
Sony really wants you to know it's not a tech company
When Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida stepped on stage, he laid out that he planned to "shift our gears" and showcase the company's involvement in more creative endeavors. At a show famed for hardware announcements, the company sidelined its own news. Remember: Sony cancelled its plans for the E3 gaming show this year.
- InvestorPlace•13 days ago
2019 iPhone Leak Suggests Apple Moving to Triple Cameras
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones have been in the headlines frequently over the past few weeks, primarily because they aren't selling the way the company had expected. However, it's 2019, a new year, and AAPL is obviously hard at work trying to come up with a design that will convince customers to upgrade. An early leak claims that Apple will be releasing at least one triple camera iPhone in 2019 in an attempt to get those numbers back up. ### OnLeaks Publishes Render of Triple Camera iPhone 2019 is only a week old, but we're just nine months from September, when AAPL will probably be launching this year's iPhone. That means Apple designers and engineers are hard at work on the company's new flagship -- and with a new sense of urgency. The first major iPhone leak of 2019 is hitting headlines, competing with all the tech industry news from CES 2019. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips According to industry insider OnLeaks (Steve Hemmerstoffer), Apple is working on a triple camera iPhone. Along with website digit, he published high-resolution renders of the design based on information he's obtained from Apple sources. And according to OnLeaks, the triple camera iPhone isn't just a sketch on a designer's iPad Pro, it's in Engineering Validation Test mode -- which means it's in the prototype stage. ### Why Three Cameras? At first blush, the idea of a triple camera iPhone sounds as though Apple is chasing the pack. A number of smartphone makers have been moving beyond dual camera configurations to cram the back of their smartphones with lenses. Samsung's Galaxy A9 featured four rear cameras, Huawei's P20 Pro features three cameras and leaked photos have shown a Nokia-branded smartphone with five cameras on its back. Alphabet's (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google may be stubbornly sticking with a single-camera main shooter for its Pixel smartphones but the trend is clear: smartphone makers have been making dual camera systems the default configuration over the past several years, and are now pushing that number higher. However, in Apple's case, that additional camera may be much more than simply another shooting option for owners. Bloomberg published a report near the end of 2018 about Sony (NYSE:SNE) boosting output of 3D cameras for smartphones based on increasing demand from its customers -- including Apple. The triple camera iPhone prototype uncovered by OnLeaks may very well be intended to capture 3D images. And while 3D fell flat so far as TVs are concerned, capturing 3D images with an iPhone plays into AAPL's augmented reality push. According to Bloomberg, Sony has been showing off AR applications while demoing the 3D cameras. ### Can This Prop Up Apple's Faltering iPhone Business? Will a triple camera iPhone be enough to turn around Apple's fortunes at a time when global smartphone sales are beginning to contract and the company is facing increasingly ferocious competition from Chinese companies like Huawei? AAPL stock is apparently going down the path, at least as an option. It's still early, and there are undoubtedly multiple iPhone prototypes in testing as the company tries to come up with the formula that will win over new customers and more importantly, convince existing iPhone owners to upgrade. The big cluster of cameras shown on that triple camera iPhone render isn't pretty. Then again, the dual camera system first introduced with the iPhone 7 Plus took some getting used to as well. If AAPL can put that additional camera to good use -- whether through turning AR into a must-have feature, or improving low-light photography -- that might be enough for the 2019 iPhone to sell better than the last crop has. Stay tuned because the 2019 iPhone rumors will be ramping up as the year progresses. As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. ### More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Stocks to Buy Down 20% in December * 5 Chinese Stocks to Avoid Now (But Buy Later) * 3 Big Gainers That Easily Could Be the Best Stocks to Buy Compare Brokers The post 2019 iPhone Leak Suggests Apple Moving to Triple Cameras appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Bloomberg•14 days ago
‘Aquaman’ Wins the Box Office Again
(Bloomberg) -- “Escape Room,” a horror thriller from Sony Corp., opened as the first big movie release of 2019 and landed in second place, behind the Warner Bros. superhero movie “Aquaman,” now in its third week.
- InvestorPlace•14 days ago
8 Streaming Services That Won (and Lost) the 2019 Golden Globes
Among the most disruptive industries, streaming services transitioned from a niche technology to an absolute necessity. Nowadays, if you don't have at least some exposure to this format, you're dead in the water. Plus, the meteoric rise of streaming stocks has given traditionalists plenty of food for thought. Naturally, with opportunity comes fierce competition. As it stands, the low-hanging fruit in streaming services is gone. To differentiate against the sea of competitors, sector players must provide attractive pricing and compelling content. While the latter is a subjective exercise, award shows like the Golden Globes provide key insights. Although the Academy Awards carry more prestige, the Golden Globes bring together Hollywood standouts from the big and small screens. This unique setup provides media companies with a substantive indicator of what works and what doesn't. Furthermore, Golden Globes winners have historically influenced the Academy Awards' votes, which have clear financial implications. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips After all, streaming stocks are rarely focused on just streaming services. Companies who offer the best, most attractive content can advantage this through exclusive licensing rights. Such aggressive measures weed out the pretenders from the contenders. * 10 Top Stock Picks From the Street's Best Analysts Here are the streaming services that received a sentiment lift via Golden Globes winners, and those who fell short: Source: Shutterstock ### Disney (DIS) If any one entertainment studio stood out as the practical beneficiary among Golden Globes winners, it would be Disney (NYSE:DIS). Its most prominent contribution to the night, Black Panther, received three nominations. Although the film failed to bring home the hardware, its "Best Motion Picture" nod represented a groundbreaking achievement. First, it's extremely rare that a comic-book based movie would receive such an honor. Most best film awards go to historically significant or culturally relevant dramas. That Disney broke through with a Marvel Comics brand is a major catalyst for DIS stock. When people go to the movies, it's usually for big blockbusters, something that fits Disney to a T. Second, DIS stock wins on diversity. African-American actors featured prominently throughout the film, directly confronting Hollywood's history of whitewashing. Not only that, Black Panther was the highest-grossing film of 2018. With Disney scheduled to compete with other streaming services at the end of this year, things are looking good for DIS stock. Source: Dalvenjah via Flickr ### Sony (SNE) Most people recognize the Sony (NYSE:SNE) brand as a video-gaming powerhouse, thanks to its ultra-successful PlayStation consoles. Older millennials and above may remember SNE for its Walkman, which popularized the concept of convenient, portable entertainment. But in recent years, Sony has branched into other avenues, including streaming services. Admittedly, its PlayStation Vue has problematic vulnerabilities, least of which is its misleading brand name. At the same time, SNE levers an enviable content library which can produce powerful synergies. A prime example is its popular movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Although Sony numerically fell short among Golden Globes winners, Spider-Man did take home "Best Animated" honors. This is a massive victory for two reasons. First, Sony has a complicated relationship with Disney-owned Marvel Comics. Long story short, the Japanese consumer-tech giant has exclusive rights to produce Spider-Man films and video games. Therefore, success at the box office translates to sales at GameStop (NYSE:GME) and other gaming retailers. * 7 Stocks to Buy Down 20% in December Second, Sony is finally doing something right and investing in its content umbrella. What we're seeing with Spider-Man is only the beginning of a true turnaround for SNE stock. Perhaps the momentum might be enough to also rejuvenate PlayStation Vue. Source: Spotify ### Spotify (SPOT) I'm going to preface my Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) pick with this caveat: I'm not 100% convinced about SPOT stock. As I mentioned last month, Spotify has balancing pros and cons. On one hand, the company suffers from poor financial performances, tough competition, and a non-distinctive business. But on the flipside, SPOT is heavily discounted, considering that it's the clear leader in music streaming. As far as Golden Globes winners are concerned, Spotify easily garnered massive sentiment points. Due to the diverse structure of this award show, several original songs and movie scores received primetime broadcasting. So even though A Star is Born faltered badly, fans will undoubtedly log onto Spotify to download the film's Globe-winning song, Shallow. But will this be enough to justify SPOT stock? I don't like investing based on any one event or news item. Overall, though, the bearishness in the broader markets have brought Spotify down to a much more attractive level. Source: Shutterstock ### Netflix (NFLX) According to Deadline.com, few expected Richard Madden to take home the award for best actor in a television series. Likely, the Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) original series Bodyguard resonated with fans and critics for its gritty realism. But for NFLX stock, this latest victory confirms what we've all witnessed over the years. Netflix evolved from merely offering a convenient platform to a must-have digital asset. Among streaming services, no one else provides the depth and volume of compelling content. In addition, Netflix is on a roll. In last year's Emmys, the streaming king took home 23 awards against 112 nominations. Just as impressively, NFLX beat out premium-cable TV frontrunner HBO in nominations, which 108 nods. Streaming stocks are putting the squeeze on traditional-media providers at every corner, and Netflix is leading the charge. * 7 Tech Stocks Without China Exposure Of course, this year's Golden Globes didn't provide a standout victory for streaming services as the Emmys did. However, I'm looking at this from a longer-term perspective. Every win for this burgeoning sector represents a step closer to inevitable domination. Source: Shutterstock ### AT&T (T) I like AT&T (NYSE:T), especially at this juncture. When the markets are in full-blown panic mode, you must first limit your exposure to speculative names. Next, you should ramp up your position in stable, dividend-paying companies. In my opinion, T stock checks off most of the attributes you want in a protective investment. But despite my general bullishness, AT&T slipped badly among Golden Globes winners. Under the Warner Bros. name, AT&T supposedly had a sure thing in A Star is Born. Although nominated five times, Star failed to deliver in any of the cinematographic categories. Instead, the film snagged the honor for "Best Original Song." It's no secret that T has ambitions to eventually lead streaming stocks. The biggest advantage the company levers here is resources. However, AT&T's expensive Time-Warner buyout looks iffy if the merger can't produce winning content. Source: Shutterstock ### Amazon (AMZN) Heading into awards night, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) had a distinct opportunity. With its programs nominated for the top honors of best drama series, best comedy series, and best limited series, it had the chance of taking home all three. The last time such a hat-trick occurred was back in 2001. Unfortunately, AMZN missed the mark completely and didn't take any statues in these revered categories. Further, I believe the judges assessed the issue correctly. For instance, FX's Cold War era The Americans was one of the most underrated shows on TV. I'm surprised it took this long for the critics to acknowledge the series. * 8 Cheap Value Stocks That Just Got More Enticing While Amazon didn't go home empty-handed, the Golden Globes served some humble pie to the e-commerce giant. Probably the most eclectic name among streaming services, AMZN didn't find that extra gear this time around. Source: Mike Mozart via Flickr ### Comcast (CMCSA) I rarely talk positively about media stalwart Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) and for good reason. The cord-cutting phenomenon has negatively-impacted CMCSA stock in recent years. Wall Street simply doesn't trust Comcast to remain relevant in the 21st century. Although the company has its Xfinity platform to counteract streaming services, the venture is a mixed bag. The mid-tier and premium packages are priced higher than competitor offerings. Moreover, younger consumers increasingly want original content, not traditionally-popular fare like sports. That said, I must give credit where it's due. Comcast, through Universal Pictures' critically-acclaimed film Green Book, cleaned house among Golden Globes winners. This bodes well for the upcoming Academy Awards. Should Green Book take top honors there, it theoretically gives CMCSA credibility to bolster its streaming umbrella. However, several social critics have blasted the movie for glossing over underlying racial tensions. And at any rate, the Green Book isn't one of those lighthearted, vapid movies that ring up the cash registers. Source: Shutterstock ### IQiyi (IQ) For years, iQiyi (NASDAQ:IQ) has wanted to co-produce Hollywood movies. If IQ management intends to change Tinseltown's whitewashed complexion, I say good flippin' luck! Golden Globes co-host Sandra Oh at one point gave an impassioned speech about diversity. As an Asian-American entertainment pioneer, Oh was surely referencing Crazy Rich Asians. The comedy broke new ground last year for its all-Asian cast. More importantly, Crazy featured Asians in a normal and dignified light: no karate, nunchucks or tired racist tropes. Nominated for two high-profile awards, Crazy fell flat on both counts. Frankly, I felt awkward for the Asian actors and actresses in the room. Oh perceived that after decades of being an invisible minority, this was the year that Hollywood finally wakes up. Instead, it's just a minor footnote. * 5 Strong-Buy Stocks That Crushed 2018 To be fair, Crazy as a film wasn't particularly original or profound. But the bigger issue is that outside of one-off projects, Hollywood largely refuses to cast Asians in normalized roles. This kind of overt discrimination seriously impedes IQ and its American ambitions. As of this writing, Josh Enomoto is long Sony stock. ### More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Top Stock Picks From the Street's Best Analysts * 7 Tech Stocks Without China Exposure * 5 Strong-Buy Stocks That Crushed 2018 Compare Brokers The post 8 Streaming Services That Won (and Lost) the 2019 Golden Globes appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•14 days ago
3 iPhone XR Problems that Create Huge Headaches for Apple
That Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) sparks headlines is a given. Once the world's biggest publicly traded company by market capitalization, AAPL levers unprecedented influence on benchmark indices. However, with Apple stock down a shocking 35% since the beginning of October, it finds itself in unfamiliar territory: addressing a deeply-worrisome crisis. And make no mistake about it: AAPL finds itself in a game-changing dilemma. To use a football analogy, it's third-and-long deep into the second half. In the years after founder Steve Jobs' death, the company has adeptly pushed the product narrative forward. Fan favorites, such as the Apple iPhone, witnessed compelling upgrades and strong demand. But now, the smartphone's latest iteration, the iPhone XR, represents everything that's wrong with AAPL. In prior product rollouts, the company could depend upon rabid enthusiasm to drive up Apple stock. When that momentum stalled, it turned to its other businesses, such as the burgeoning services division. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Still, the reality is that the Apple iPhone is the organization's bread and butter. Unfortunately, the iPhone XR has failed to do its job: provide budget-minded consumers with an attractive "fighter" model. With premium smartphones and digital devices becoming increasingly competitive, AAPL is stuck spinning its wheels. If I were on the leadership team of either Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) or Sony (NYSE:SNE), I'd be licking my lips. Here are three reasons why it's time to hit the panic button on Apple stock: ### U.S.-China Trade War is a Major Headache for AAPL Obviously, the economic standoff between the U.S. and China presents the most worrisome headwind for Apple stock. China holds the biggest smartphone market in the world. When the Apple iPhone represents roughly two-thirds of total corporate revenue, geopolitical tensions in Asia is not what you need. * 9 A-Rated Safety Stocks for a Grossly Oversold Market Even more problematic, the trade war now shows signs of worsening to fresh depths. Like a cornered animal, the Chinese government recently threatened to take Taiwan by force. Although such threats are not rare, the matter has taken on increased urgency due to the economic context. Moreover, the U.S. has an unofficial, but important, relationship with Taiwan. For China, the aggressive posturing makes sense. It deflects attention away from the sanctions, which have hurt and angered Chinese citizens. Instead, the focus shifts towards sensitive nationalistic issues. Additionally, the move calls out the Trump administration during its vulnerable period. This dynamic sets up a prolonged, nasty dispute between the top two economies of the world. Obviously, such a direction would impede the iPhone XR even further. It also risks the damage that we saw in Apple stock being only the beginning. ### The iPhone XR Is a Mess When discussing the current woes surrounding AAPL, a temptation exists to only focus on China. As I've mentioned above, the geopolitical tensions represent an extreme headwind. Nevertheless, even without the China troubles, Apple stock would likely face pressure. That's because the iPhone XR is itself a hot mess. When the company launched the fighter model, it was supposed to bridge the pricing gaps in the Apple iPhone. Apparently, management spent more time marketing the product than manufacturing it. According to various consumer reviews, the iPhone XR suffers from a litany of performance and connectivity issues. In addition, frustrated customers have reported numerous electronic gremlins. The kicker is that AAPL is still working on solutions. Therefore, if you come across an issue, you must hope a third-party resource has your answer. But just picking on this latest gaffe is myopic. Rather, if you own a significant position in Apple stock, you should consider longer-term risks. Although the XR is currently Apple's lowest-priced smartphone, this is a relative statement. Priced between $749 to $899, I can't call this product cheap. When consumers are paying that much money, they expect a seamless, quality experience. Instead, they're getting the exact opposite. Bad news often travels faster than good news. A rare, but critical miss for AAPL opens the door for Samsung, Sony, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) and others. ### Without the Apple iPhone, AAPL Is Lost Prior to the October meltdown, Apple stock was the undisputed king of the markets. Currently, AAPL is ranked fourth behind GOOGL. I can understand the steep losses on a percentage basis. But why did the electronics firm slip so badly against its competitors? After all, almost every tech name has suffered in this corrective phase. In my opinion, Wall Street knows that without their flagship smartphones, management doesn't have great ideas. Of course, we can talk about the company's other endeavors, but they don't generate the same traction. For example, Apple's venture into smart speakers has only impressed engineers. But in market-share terms, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Alphabet have dominated. As well, formerly vanquished rivals now smell blood in the water. Sony will soon launch its highly anticipated Xperia XZ4 smartphone. Every indication suggests that it will blow the doors off anything this world currently offers. With the iPhone XR reeling from an ignominious start, AAPL stakeholders have every reason to worry. As of this writing, Josh Enomoto was long SNE. ### More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Top Stock Picks From the Street's Best Analysts * 7 Tech Stocks Without China Exposure * 5 Strong-Buy Stocks That Crushed 2018 Compare Brokers The post 3 iPhone XR Problems that Create Huge Headaches for Apple appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•14 days ago
Apple TV Is Finally Announced … And It’s a Samsung
This week kicks off the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show, the annual event where big TVs are always front and center. CES 2019 and its parade of high-tech gadgets comes as something of a relief after a series of gloomy headlines about a faltering smartphone market. However, the need for smartphone market leaders -- especially Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) -- to find additional revenue to take the heat off faltering smartphone sales just collided with CES in a big way. On Sunday, Samsung announced that its smart TVs will include direct support for Apple's iTunes movies and TV shows, without needing an Apple TV streamer. That's right, Hell just froze over and in two different ways. The mythical Apple television is finally here after years of waiting. No Apple TV set-top box required. But Apple isn't making the television itself, instead the company is giving smartphone arch-rival Samsung direct access to its iTunes video service. Why? First, the details. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips ### Samsung and Apple Surprise With iTunes Video Announcement Ahead of the official start of CES 2019 where it is expected to unveil a series of 8K TVs and televisions with increasingly enormous displays, Samsung made a surprise announcement. The company's 2019 smart TVs will ship with a built-in iTunes app that gets direct access to Apple's iTunes store. * 10 Oversold Stocks Due for a Bounce This is a big deal. The iTunes store is a leader in selling and renting video content and claims to offer the largest selection of 4K HDR titles. Up until now, there was no way to access that content (on a television) without buying and plugging in an Apple TV. Samsung says the iTunes app will be released to for its 2018 smart TVs via a firmware update, so many current owners will get the capability as well. The company's new smart TVs also include support for Apple's AirPlay 2 wireless streaming standard. This allows iPhone, iPad and Mac computer owners to stream videos and music directly to a TV -- again, no Apple TV required. Speaking about the new partnership, Apple told The Verge: "We look forward to bringing the iTunes and AirPlay 2 experience to even more customers around the world through Samsung Smart TVs, so iPhone, iPad and Mac users have yet another way to enjoy all their favorite content on the biggest screen in their home." ### Is Apple Burying the Apple TV? After blowing an early lead in the video streaming race, AAPL has been unable to catch market leaders like Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU). The release of a 4K Apple TV with HDR support in 2017 didn't help -- its relatively large size and even larger price tag haven't helped there. With iPhone sales slipping and Apple stock taking a beating as a result, Services have become a more important source of revenue than ever. Despite the video content lead the iTunes store enjoys, its revenue potential is being held back by the requirement to spend $149 or more for an Apple TV streamer. Partnering with Samsung, which has been the global leader in TV sales for the past 12 years, means a lot more people will have the option of buying or renting videos from iTunes. It also opens up a wider audience for Apple's streaming TV service, which is expected to launch this year and take on Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX). * 7 Stocks to Buy Down 20% in December The partnership doesn't mean the end of the Apple TV, which remains an option for everyone who doesn't buy a new Samsung TV, but it does likely put a nail in the coffin of the long-rumored Apple-branded television. And why would Samsung partner with Apple, an often bitter rival? One big reason is that despite being the global leader in TV sales, Samsung has been eclipsed by rivals including LG and Sony (NYSE:SNE) in the premium TV market. Meanwhile, at the lower end, integrated Roku and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Fire TV capabilities are increasingly showing up in Chinese TVs. Exclusive (at least for now) iTunes access gives Samsung an answer to competition from the low end, and a feature that buyers of premium TVs might be interested in. Get ready for a non-stop parade of huge TVs, impossibly thin TVs, 8K TVs and possibly even folding TVs at CES 2019. But none of these technical marvels, -- which take time to trickle down to the mainstream, is likely to have the same impact on the consumer TV market in 2019 as the partnership just announced between Apple and Samsung. As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. ### More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 10 Top Stock Picks From the Street's Best Analysts * 7 Tech Stocks Without China Exposure * 5 Strong-Buy Stocks That Crushed 2018 Compare Brokers The post Apple TV Is Finally Announced … And Itas a Samsung appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Motley Fool•15 days ago
5 Virtual Reality Stocks to Watch in 2019
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Alphabet, Sony, FedEx and Qualcomm highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day
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Sony (SNE) focuses mainly on the premium segment of the branded products market to enhance its growth potential.
