Mark Pincus is still sticking around as chairman and chief products officer, but bringing in Don Mattrick — and reportedly on a compensation package that’s largely based on stock instead of cash — validates Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) at a time when bookings have been soft and executive retention has been even softer.
Zynga Inc (NASDAQ:ZNGA) needs credibility in the gaming industry, and despite Mattrick’s recent setbacks in introducing the Xbox One earlier this year, he’s a more than qualified choice to lead the company that has been a colossal disappointment since going public two years ago.
4. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is no longer exactly a frills-free airline
The low-cost carrier announced that passengers will be able to stream DISH Network content on their Wi-Fi-enabled tablets and phones at no additional charge.
The move to provide complimentary access to 14 live TV channels and 75 on-demand shows through Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV)’s fleet of more than 400 Wi-Fi-enabled planes is a sweet deal for the airline because it doesn’t have to pay for it.
DISH will be providing the content, covering free Wi-Fi access through Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV)’s third-party provider in exchange for some commercials for the country’s second-largest satellite television provider that will play at the start of broadcasts.
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) won’t even have to worry about installing or maintaining seatback monitors, since it’s up to the passengers to bring the Wi-Fi-backed devices.
5. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) won’t need a pledge drive to keep these PBS shows on the air
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) continues to flesh out its content library.
The leading video service struck a deal this week to expand its existing relationship with PBS.
The multiyear deal will bring The Bletchley Circle, NOVA, and Secrets of the Dead to Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)’s growing digital vault.
Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) also continues to try to make nice with young families upset about the kid-friendly Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows that went away in late May, adding PBS children faves Super Why!, Wild Kratts, Caillou, and Arthur next year.
With Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)’s collection of content growing at a time when its pricing remains constant, it’s a welcome contrast to the scenario at traditional cable and satellite television providers, where prices keep inching higher with every passing year for the same content.
The article This Week’s 5 Smartest Stock Moves originally appeared on Fool.com is written by Rick Munarriz.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz owns shares of Netflix. The Motley Fool recommends Netflix and Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV). The Motley Fool owns shares of Netflix.
Copyright © 1995 – 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
