Stocks

Roku: A High-Growth Stock Poised for a Strong Comeback

Published January 21, 2024

For investors, recent times have been akin to a thrilling theme park ride, featuring both gut-wrenching drops and exhilarating ascents. The stock market has witnessed a dramatic turnaround after a daunting plunge. In 2022, there was a sharp 35% fall, but the following year brought a 43% upswing, partly buoyed by the resurgence of technology stocks, which had been previously battered.

Despite the stunning market recovery, some stocks haven't fully recuperated from their peak values before the tumultuous bear market era. A case in point is Roku, a leader in streaming entertainment. Although its shares surged by 125% in the previous year, they remain 83% below their zenith in mid-2021.

Yet, signs point to Roku having a significant upside potential. The company's arsenal includes the Roku Channel and a dominant share in the streaming platform market, heralding a bright future. It's an opportune moment for savvy investors to consider Roku's stock as a potent addition to their portfolios.

A Dominant Market Contender

By a considerable margin, Roku is the top dog in the global streaming platform arena, boasting control over 51% of the market. Pixalate's data insights confirm this is Roku's best performance since early 2020. The company is not just solidifying its position; it's rapidly expanding within the connected TV market sector as well. Its operating system is leading sales across North America, which is a testament to its growing influence and expanding user base.

Roku's financial lifeblood is advertising revenue, gaining from the multitude of channels on its platform, most of which are ad-supported. The company takes a share of the advertising revenue, which denotes a lucrative business model. Moreover, The Roku Channel has made significant strides by drawing viewers almost on par with giants like Peacock and HBO Max, shining a spotlight on Roku's platform for advertisers.

Resilience Amid Challenges

Roku has shown remarkable resilience in the past few years, even when faced with economic challenges. The platform has seen consistent growth in its audience, with a notable increase in active accounts and streaming hours. This reflects a dedicated viewership that advertisers are keen to reach.

As cable television experiences a decline, Roku is well-positioned to welcome those switching to streaming services. With pay-TV losing subscribers at a record pace, Roku stands to benefit significantly as a leading alternative. Furthermore, as traditional TV advertising spends decrease, connected TV and streaming advertising budgets are ramping up, with Roku poised to capture a significant portion of this transition.

In light of its recent financial outcomes, Roku's negative trend seems to be reversing. The company reported a growth in total net revenue and an improved adjusted EBITDA, painting an optimistic picture for its advertising business in the evolving industry landscape.

An Attractive Investment Opportunity

Faced with a challenging period, investor confidence in Roku wavered. However, taking into account the secular trends in streaming and digital advertising, Roku's growth trajectory appears robust. The stock's valuation is appealing, trading at a multiple that is near the most modest in its history.

As Roku continues to expand its viewer base through the shift away from traditional cable and broadcast television, its investment allure grows. With its deeply discounted valuation, Roku's stock presents as a compelling buy for those looking to capitalize on the future of streaming entertainment.

Roku, Streaming, Investment