Why Instant Video Isn't a Catalyst for Amazon Stock
Did you know that Amazon.com has officially unveiled 14 pilot episodes for original series? There doesn't seem to be nearly as much interest as the e-tailer would like, which isn't good news for Amazon stock.
Founder Jeff Bezos has made big investments trying to turn Amazon Instant Video into a legitimate Netflix alternative. While it may be the best option at this point, it's worth noting that, of the pilots, an offshoot of the movie Zombieland appears to be most watched, with some 4,700 reviews. Alpha House, starring John Goodman, ranks next at just under 2,100 reviews, and it declines sharply from there, says Tim Beyers of Motley Fool Rule Breakers and Motley Fool Supernova in the following interview with the Fool's Erin Miller.
By contrast, Netflix's most recent original program -- the horror series Hemlock Grove -- rates four out of five stars from more than 270,000 reviewers as of this writing. More than 890,000 have rated House of Cards. Amazon stock is a good buy because of its leadership positions in e-commerce and Internet infrastructure delivered as a service. Instant Video isn't a factor, nor is it a serious threat -- yet -- to Netflix's long-term profit plan, Tim says.
Do you agree? Please watch the video to get Tim's full take, and then let us know whether you'd buy, sell, or short Amazon stock in the comments box below.
The investing case for Netflix has become complicated by competition and the streaming sensation's global ambitions. That's why our analysts have created a premium research report to address the issues surrounding the business. Click here to get your copy, and we'll tell you whether the stock is a fit for your portfolio now.
The article Why Instant Video Isn't a Catalyst for Amazon Stock originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Tim Beyers is a member of the Motley Fool Rule Breakers stock-picking team and the Motley Fool Supernova Odyssey I mission. He owned shares of Netflix at the time of publication. He was also long Jan. 2014 $50 Netflix call options. Erin Miller had no position in any stocks mentioned. Check out Tim's Web home and portfolio holdings, or connect with him on Google+, Tumblr, or Twitter, where he goes by @milehighfool. You can also get his insights delivered directly to your RSS reader.The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Amazon.com and Netflix. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
