As the global middle class expands, demand for entertainment products and services is rising. The entertainment industry has also historically been relatively resilient, even during periods of economic uncertainty and downturn. Investors may want to look into entertainment stocks as a way to capitalize on this growth and persistent demand.
Entertainment stocks are shares of companies that derive substantial portions of their revenues from the entertainment industry. These companies may operate in other industries and sectors too, but entertainment stands out as core to their operations. Investors who take a buy-and-hold approach to leaders in entertainment could profit significantly over time.
Top entertainment stocks
These six entertainment companies are worth watching:
1. The Walt Disney Company
NYSE: DIS
Key Data Points
Disney (DIS -1.23%) has a collection of entertainment franchises and a library of classic films and television series that trounce those of every other company on the planet. The company showed the enduring value of its properties amid the COVID-19 pandemic with the explosive growth of its Disney+ streaming service.
The rapid rise of Disney+ has highlighted its long-term growth potential in the streaming space and the value of the company’s franchises. Disney's other business segments -- such as its film business and theme parks -- also appear to be recovering from pandemic-related pressures.
With Star Wars, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Pixar catalog, and a long list of others, the House of Mouse has more valuable entertainment properties than it’s possible to mention here. Disney's assets enable it to adapt and thrive amid significant changes in the entertainment landscape.
2. Take-Two Interactive
NASDAQ: TTWO
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3. Electronic Arts
4. Roku
NASDAQ: ROKU
Key Data Points
Roku (ROKU -2.16%) is spearheading the cord-cutting revolution. The company’s streaming hardware is widely integrated with smart TVs, and its leading position in this category allows it to function as a distributor for other companies’ streaming content and services. The business got its start selling set-top streaming boxes but has evolved to generating most of its profits from distribution.
Roku earns ad revenue from other streaming services accessible through its application. It also operates the Roku Channel, a free, advertising-supported streaming service.
The ads created thanks to strong data analytics capabilities and digital advertising expertise are providing many new growth opportunities for this entertainment company. Roku also generates revenue by licensing its smart television operating system software.
Roku is bringing new members into its ecosystem at an impressive rate and building a large user base. It's also increasing its average revenue per user.
5. Tencent Holdings
OTC: TCEHY
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6. FuboTV
NYSE: FUBO
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How to invest in entertainment stocks
- Open your brokerage app: Log in to your brokerage account where you handle your investments.
- Search for the stock: Enter the ticker or company name into the search bar to bring up the stock's trading page.
- Decide how many shares to buy: Consider your investment goals and how much of your portfolio you want to allocate to this stock.
- Select order type: Choose between a market order to buy at the current price or a limit order to specify the maximum price you're willing to pay.
- Submit your order: Confirm the details and submit your buy order.
- Review your purchase: Check your portfolio to ensure your order was filled as expected and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Related investing topics
What makes a good entertainment company investment?
Outlooks can change quickly for companies in the entertainment industry, but there are some key factors that investors can look at to help pick the best entertainment stocks.
- Strong entertainment companies often have popular franchises and distribution channels that give them advantages over competitors.
- The best entertainment companies have consistent sales and earnings growth.
- They perform well in terms of industry-specific considerations such as subscriber growth, revenue per user, and how well key releases and service updates are received.
- Many top entertainment companies are also engaged in other types of business, so it's important to also pay attention to how those other operations impact overall performance.
FAQ
About the Author
Keith Noonan has positions in Take-Two Interactive Software and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Roku, Take-Two Interactive Software, Tencent, Walmart, Walt Disney, and fuboTV. The Motley Fool recommends Electronic Arts. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
