Shares of Netflix (NFLX 2.09%) surged to a new 52-week high Friday, as Hulu's owners decided not to sell after all.
"Hulu has emerged as one of the most consumer-friendly, technologically innovative viewing platforms in the digital era. As its evolution continues, Disney and its partners are committing resources to enable Hulu to achieve its maximum potential," Walt Disney (DIS 0.42%) chief Robert Iger said in a statement.
Those "partners" include 21st Century Fox (FOX +0.00%) and NBCUniversal. All three of Hulu's owners had been trying to sell the service to a variety of bidders, most recently DIRECTV.
But now Hulu's owners want to revisit the business and will invest $750 million to improve its prospects. Perhaps a greater emphasis on original programming is in order? Netflix has enjoyed fatter profits and surging subscriber growth since making the decision to fund new shows.
For his part, Fox President and Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey said that his company is "fully aligned" with Disney in its vision and goals for Hulu. NBCUniversal is a silent partner in Hulu, giving up voting interests as a condition of its merger with Comcast.
So now Hulu gas $750 million to play with. But is this really bad news for Netflix and streaming peer Amazon.com? Don't bet on it. Hulu was always going to get more resources.
The game hasn't changed. Only now, Hulu's owners have more to lose.
Remember when Hulu was an evil plot to take over the world? Sources: YouTube, Hulu.
