ROKU vs. DIS: Which Ad-Supported Streaming Stock is the Better Pick?

Group 1: Company Strategies - Roku is adopting a platform-first strategy focused on connected TV ads and user-friendly interface, while Disney leverages its content library and streaming bundles to create a comprehensive ad-supported streaming experience [1][2] - Roku's platform revenues increased by 17% year over year to $881 million, with a gross margin of 52.7%, and streaming hours on The Roku Channel rose by 84% year over year [4][10] - Disney is enhancing its ad-supported streaming market position by integrating Hulu and sports content into Disney+, which has led to increased engagement and reduced churn [7][8] Group 2: Performance Metrics - Roku's The Roku Channel became the 2 app by engagement in the U.S. in Q1 2025, with over a third of U.S. streaming households engaging monthly [3][4] - Disney's streaming business saw a 20% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings in Q2 2025, with ESPN's primetime viewership among the 18-49 demographic up 32% year over year [8][11] - Roku's Home Screen reaches over 125 million people daily, while Disney is preparing a fully bundled experience combining live sports and entertainment [5][8] Group 3: Market Trends and Challenges - Advertiser demand is shifting towards non-guaranteed programmatic campaigns, putting pressure on Roku's platform margins [6][10] - Disney is investing in ad-tech and personalization to improve user engagement and advertising ROI, with major platform improvements expected soon [9][10] - Roku faces near-term challenges due to reliance on programmatic ads, while Disney benefits from a unified platform and rising engagement [20][21] Group 4: Valuation and Stock Performance - Disney shares are trading at a forward Price/Sales ratio of 2.23X, while Roku's is at 2.62X, indicating that DIS shares are undervalued compared to ROKU [12] - Year-to-date, Roku shares have gained 19.5%, while Disney shares have appreciated 11% [14] - Earnings estimates show Roku's second-quarter 2025 loss is expected at 17 cents per share, while Disney's earnings are pegged at $1.47 per share, indicating a better outlook for DIS [17][20]