DISNEY'S VALUE UP ON STOCK MARKET.Byline: Brent Brent, outer borough (1991 pop. 226,100) of Greater London, SE England. The area is a rail and industrial center. Its manufactures include automobile parts, clocks and watches, and electrical equipment. Hopkins Staff Writer BURBANK - Investors in the Walt Disney Noun 1. Walt Disney - United States film maker who pioneered animated cartoons and created such characters as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck; founded Disneyland (1901-1966) Disney, Walter Elias Disney Co. greeted two bits of good news warmly on Monday, sending shares to a 52-week high. The media giant's stock has been on a fairly steady upward jag for much of the last year, as it has appeared to dodge the market conditions that battered bat·ter 1 v. bat·tered, bat·ter·ing, bat·ters v.tr. 1. To hit heavily and repeatedly with violent blows. 2. To subject to repeated beatings or physical abuse. 3. it for much of 2002. Reported talks to add cell phone services and a positive analyst report pushed it even higher on Monday, when shares climbed 62 cents, 2.91 percent, to close at $21.91. ``The company has been operating inefficiently for a number of years, but that's over,'' said Jordan Rohan, an analyst with the Boston-based investment bank Soundview Technology Corp. ``You'll see the studio, theme parks and media networks all do better.'' He upgraded his rating from ``neutral'' to ``outperform'' and dramatically upped his price target from $17 to $28. A report in Monday's Wall Street Journal that Disney seeks to offer cellular service using its various brand names also set the investment community abuzz. Disney spokesmen did not return calls seeking comment, but analysts who follow the firm said such a plan would make sense. ``It's early-stage stuff, but, from a strategic standpoint The Standpoint is a newspaper published in the British Virgin Islands. It was originally published under the name Pennysaver, largely as a shopping-coupon promotional newspaper, but since emerged as one of the most influential sources of journalism in the , they want to have their content flowing across as many pathways as possible,'' said Tom Wolzien, a senior media analyst with brokerage Sanford C. Bernstein. ``This fits with what they're talking about, that's for sure.'' Disney already offers limited content to cellular subscribers through separate deals with AT&T Wireless and Sprint's wireless division. Announced last September, the arrangement offers users ringtones, graphics and games on a downloadable basis. Neither provider would disclose numbers, but both said the partnership has been successful. ``Disney has been an aggressive player in this, both in the U.S. and internationally,'' said Jeremy Pemble, a spokesman for AT&T Wireless. ``They have rich content offerings and have spent a lot of time developing them for use on wireless. ... I'd suspect they'll continue to do so, and beyond just the ring tones and graphics.'' Though video delivery via wireless is choppy chop·py 1 adj. chop·pi·er, chop·pi·est Having many small waves; rough: choppy seas. [From chop1. at best, Pemble said, networks would receive ``a turbo TURBO A clinical trial–The Ultrasound Removal of Blood Clots in Vein Grafts boost'' within the next two years, allowing them to deliver high-quality streaming content. Wolzien said any prospective moves now would lay the groundwork for rollout once speed improves. ``The interesting idea is having ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network deliver sports material,'' he said. ``Conceivably con·ceive v. con·ceived, con·ceiv·ing, con·ceives v.tr. 1. To become pregnant with (offspring). 2. , you could move highlight pictures along with scores: Here's the guy I'm interested in. Here he is, scoring a touchdown on my phone.'' Disney has never had trouble marrying its name to products, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Kevin Calabrese of Argus Research Corp. Using current technology, he figures the service could roll out rapidly. ``If they were to rush it out, they could certainly have it out by the Christmas season,'' said Calabrese, a telecom and media analyst for the New York-based independent research firm. ``They have deals with most of the (cellular) companies, so it's just a matter of them deciding whose service they want the Disney name associated with.'' Brent Hopkins, (818) 713-3738 brent.hopkins(at)dailynews.com |
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