Media Analyst: Fox Wants To Shed Assets Because It Can't Compete Anymore
In a surprising development in the media sector, Twenty-First Century Fox Inc (NASDAQ: FOXA) was in talks to sell most of its media and entertainment assets to Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS). For the time being, talks appear to no longer be ongoing although this could change.
The Analyst
MoffettNathanson's Michael Nathanson.
The Thesis
From a historical point of view, Fox has been the company "looking to buy something" while Disney has historically been a company "looking to get out of something," Nathanson said as a guest on CNBC's "Squawk Box" segment. As such, the reports of a "role reversal" deal was a surprise to many but may go to show that Fox is a "cheap company" with "cheap assets."
But Fox's assets are valued so poorly because it can't compete over the long-term against a company like Disney, he said. As such, the company is better off now being a seller of assets instead of "fighting this fight." Rather, the company should be looking to take itself private with the Murdoch family holding ultimate control.
"It would make sense if you are the Murdoch family," he said. "Go private. Who needs the spotlight? It generates a ton of cash flow. Who wants to deal with [Wall Street analysts] every quarter? It's a pain."
Price Action
Shares of Disney were higher by 1 percent at $101.61 on Tuesday.
Shares of Twenty-First Century Fox were also up about 1 percent at $27.75.
Related Links:
Attention Disney Investors: Don't Forget About Earnings
Sorry, Mickey: Why This Analyst Is Reducing Disney's Q4 Earnings Projection
Image Credit: 21st Century Fox [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Latest Ratings for DIS
Date | Firm | Action | From | To |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nov 2019 | Maintains | Buy | ||
Nov 2019 | Initiates Coverage On | Overweight | ||
Nov 2019 | Initiates Coverage On | Overweight |
View More Analyst Ratings for DIS
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