The Walt Disney Company (DIS): Can Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) Maximize NBC?

Now, NBC (as well as the other traditional television networks) has another force to worry about: Netflix, whose first original-content show House of Cards, starring Kevin Spacey, earned a sizable, devoted following.

NBCUniversal appears to be capable of holding up its end. Its advertising effort experienced eye-opening growth in the second quarter, clocking in with 13% in broadcasting and about 6% in the cable networks.

But broadcasting businesses aren’t Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA)’s only concern with NBCUniversal. In the second quarter, Wall Street became concerned about the theme-park issue at the company, too.

Media analyst Tony Wible of Janney Capital noted in a report to Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) shareholders: “Theme parks were weaker than expected and revenues grew only 1.3% (vs. our 12%), driven by a shift in holiday timing, but core spending trends looks good.”

So, what’s a shareholder supposed to make of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA)’s NBCUniversal arm?

Its most conspicuous asset is subject to the unpredictable whims of television viewers. Meanwhile, the fortunes of its theme parks, likewise, rise and fall as the public votes with its feet.

The article Can Comcast Maximize NBC? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Jon Friedman.

Fool contributor Jon Friedman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Netflix and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of Netflix and Walt Disney.

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