The Razor’s Edge #1: The Streaming Video Tide

The streaming video industry is changing by the week. Disney is preparing to make a big splash with Disney+'s launch in November, Apple just announced their entry, and AT&T is trying to supersize HBO's presence in the competitive arena. How will it all shake out, and who might be a big loser as a result? Akram's Razor and Daniel Shvartsman go back in time to Disney's Marvel purchase to figure out what has set Disney apart, and then discuss whether this threat is different from others that Netflix has faced. Topics covered: 2:00 minute mark - Introduction/background 7:00 - What brings you to Disney and Netflix? History of Marvel 20:30 - How can Disney succeed in streaming? 27:00 - What can go wrong? 30:00 - Potential effect on box office, cable, etc. 34:00 - Netflix in depth, background, transformation 40:30 - Wouldn't you bet on Netflix to solve the current issues? 44:00 - How much demand is there for content? 48:30 - How do you remain objective in investing with regard to some of these familiar brands? 54:30 - Problem of too much content. 57:00 - In terms of investing in these companies, what actual numbers matter? 1:00:45 - Is there a rebundling play here? 1:04 - Difficulty in finding "pure play" investments.