Prof G Markets: The Broken IPO Market, Disney’s Parks Investment, and Buying FTX Bankruptcy Claims
Sep 25, 2023
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Prof G, an expert in markets and technology, reflects on the latest tech IPOs, questions the state of public markets, and discusses Disney's $60 billion investment in its parks. He also discusses the family drama in the FTX saga and explores how to profit from the company's bankruptcy claims.
FTX, a crypto exchange, is facing controversy as it sues the parents of its founder for allegedly misappropriating millions of dollars of company funds.
Disney's $60 billion investment in its Parks and Cruises business showcases its belief in the profitability of this sector and the importance of diversifying intellectual property.
Deep dives
FTX Founder's Parents Accused of Misappropriating Company Funds
FTX, the crypto exchange, is suing the parents of founder Sam Bankman Fried, accusing them of fraudulently transferring and misappropriating millions of dollars of company funds. The funds were allegedly used for personal gain, including buying gifts and going on expensive trips. The lawsuit adds another layer of controversy to FTX, which collapsed last year. Bankman Fried's parents are tenured professors at Stanford Law School, and their lawyers have claimed that the suit is an attempt to undermine the jury process.
FTX's Creditors Submit Claims as Bankruptcy Proceedings Continue
This week is the deadline for FTX's creditors to submit claims as part of the bankruptcy proceedings. So far, $16 billion worth of customer claims have been filed, with only a small portion resolved. The bankruptcy court has recovered $7 billion in assets, including cash, real estate, and cryptocurrencies. The process of selling the crypto assets, which make up the majority of the recovered funds, could be challenging given their volatility and liquidity concerns.
Disney Faces Stock Decline but Invests in Parks and Cruises
Disney's stock fell 3% after announcing plans to invest $60 billion in its Parks and Cruises business over the next decade. CEO Bob Iger considers the Parks division a key growth engine for Disney, despite the market's negative reaction to the news. Some investors may be concerned about the company's reliance on existing intellectual property for its movies rather than creating new iconic content. However, the Parks and Cruises business offers a strong and profitable market, with fewer direct competitors compared to other sectors.
Earnings from Nike and Personal Consumption Expenditures Index for August
This week, investors will be watching for earnings reports from Nike and the release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index for August. Nike's performance will be closely observed as the company navigates ongoing supply chain challenges. The PCE Index, a key indicator of consumer spending, will provide insights into the health of the US economy and consumer sentiment. The data will be analyzed for any potential impact on inflation and monetary policy decisions.
This week on Prof G Markets, Scott reflects on the results of the latest tech IPOs and questions if the public markets are in structural decline. He then shares his thoughts on Disney’s $60 billion investment in its parks and cruises business. Scott also discusses the latest family drama in the FTX saga, and explains how he plans to make money off of the company’s bankruptcy claims.