Intel Corporation (INTC), Google Inc (GOOG), Time Warner Inc (TWX) – Profiting From the Battle for the Future of Television: Part Four

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX)  — The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS)‘s ESPN and Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX)’s HBO Go may not have made the full jump to the advanced options segment, but they should not be overlooked. Each currently offers you mobile, online versions of its content if you already have a subscription through a cable or satellite provider. Despite this current limitation, it is not hard to see each of these companies offering a paid subscription across broadband if the industry moves that way. Each of these companies is cautiously holding alliances with traditional content delivery companies, but still positioning itself to make the leap when the time comes.

But how do you profit?

This is by far the most exciting of the four segments, but also the one furthest from reaching critical mass. If Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) can perfect OnCue, it will likely become a leader in a new market that I believe will grow exponentially, particularly in the early years. An allocation to Intel upon the release of OnCue is appropriate, but still carries an element of speculative risk. Similarly, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and Time Warner Inc (NYSE:TWX) are well positioned, but the real power of their mobile versions will not be realized until each is available away from your cable subscription.

Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), based just on the potential of YouTube, is the furthest down the path. Chromecast has been wildly popular immediately, and as users explore the depth of YouTube, this will likely increase. Furthermore, given Google’s success in other areas — IDC recently reported that Android market share has reached 79.3% —  this is the most solid investment right now. Google is a must-own stock for most core portfolios, and with the potential of YouTube, leads the pack of choices in the advanced options segment.

The article Profiting From the Battle for the Future of Television: Part 4 originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Doug Ehrman.

Fool contributor Doug Ehrman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Google, Intel, and Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS). The Motley Fool owns shares of Google, Intel, and Walt Disney.

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