Viacom Inc. (VIA, Financial) (4.8%) (VIA – $26.26 – NASDAQ) is a pure-play content company that owns a global stable of cable networks, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VH1, BET, and the Paramount movie studio. Viacom’s cable networks generate revenue from advertising sales, fixed monthly subscriber fees, and ancillary revenue from toy licensing. In August 2019, Viacom and CBS – each controlled by the Redstone family’s National Amusements – agreed to combine in an all-stock transaction set to close in December 2019. The companies separated in 2005, but changes in the media landscape have put a premium on global scale. Together ViacomCBS should be able to better navigate shifts in consumer behavior and monetization.
From Mario Gabelli (Trades, Portfolio)'s Gabelli Value 25 Fund third-quarter 2019 commentary.
Also check out:
