ZACKSยท2025-09-04 16:21Industry Overview - Streaming is the fastest-growing area in media, transforming content distribution, discovery, and monetization [2] - The global video streaming market is projected to grow from $246.9 billion in 2025 to $787 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 12.3% [3] Company Analysis: Roku (ROKU) - Roku is the most-used television OS in North America, reaching nearly 90 million households [4] - In Q2 2025, Roku generated platform revenues of $975 million, an 18% year-over-year increase, with streaming hours rising to 35.4 billion, up 17.2% year-over-year [5] - Roku is expanding its content slate with Roku Originals and live channels, and launched an ad-free subscription service priced at $2.99 per month [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is pegged at 12 cents per share, a significant improvement from a loss of 89 cents per share the previous year [7] - Roku's shares have surged 31.2% year-to-date, driven by platform hours and new programming [15] Company Analysis: Comcast (CMCSA) - Comcast operates a diversified model across connectivity, content, and streaming, with Q2 2025 total revenues of $30.3 billion [8] - Peacock revenues grew 18% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, but the platform remains unprofitable with significant content costs [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is pegged at $4.30 per share, suggesting a modest decline from the prior-year profit of $4.33 per share [12] - Comcast's shares have declined 10% year-to-date, as broadband adds remain muted and Peacock's profitability path is long-dated [15] Valuation and Performance Comparison - Roku trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.82X, indicating investor optimism, while Comcast trades at a lower 1X P/S [13] - Roku's operating model is more aligned with streaming growth, providing greater potential as engagement scales [15] - Investors should track Roku as the more agile, streaming-first bet, while Comcast may require sustained subscriber traction and margin progress at Peacock [17]