Seeking Alpha Author Victor Dergunov joins Cheddar to discuss his predictions for Netflix going into 2018. The streaming service reported 110 million subscribers last quarter, but how will the Disney / Fox deal impact its future growth? Dergunov says Disney's new streaming platform won't be competition for Netflix.
What Netflix doesn't have right now is a live aspect. Dergunov says it should happen as soon as next year, as long as the platform sees potential in that type of content. He does say Netflix has a lot of international momentum, and whether it starts a live component or not, it will have another stellar year.
Plus, will Netflix open a theme park just like Disney? Dergunov believes the company will stick to more of an online marketplace. However, he never says never and wouldn't be surprised if it's something Netflix explores in the coming years.
Mike Proulx, VP and research director at Forrester, joined Cheddar to talk all about Disney's lackluster Q3 earnings after the company reported a slowdown in Disney+ subscriber growth. Proulx discussed a Forrester study that found 45 percent of U.S. adults subscribed to streaming services because of the pandemic but 26 percent had plans to cancel a service over the next two years. "We're always going to look at growth, and we also have to look at engagement," he said. "But both of those metrics come down to having either original or exclusive content that will offer value to the subscriber base."
Anthony Sassine, a senior investment strategist at KraneShares, joined Cheddar to discuss Rivian's historic public debut after the company achieved an $86 billion valuation — more than either Ford or GM. He said the big IPO was a great opportunity for the U.S. to position itself as a leader in the EV space after lagging behind Europe and China. "When you have certainty for growth for the next 10 to 15 years, investors are willing to pay more," he said. "So, this is a massive opportunity for the whole space."
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging the ride-hailing company discriminates against customers with disabilities. The DOJ is arguing that its two-minute wait period before a cancellation fee is applied violates the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Food delivery giant DoorDash is acquiring European food delivery company Wolt. The all-stock deal is valued at $8.1 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2022. The companies say they share a mission to build a global delivery platform. Gerber Kawasaki investment advisor Eva Agi joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss what the deal means for Doordash, as well as its customers and investors.
