Focus on Entertainment Stocks

Spotlight on Viacom Inc.: “I’m heavily involved in the operation of the company; in fact, no transaction of any consequence happens without my participation,” said Chairman Sumner M. Redstone. “I’m working harder now than I’ve ever worked in my life,” he added. This hands-on management strategy, combined with heavy investment in different types of media around the world, has translated to the bottom line: revenue is up 9% compared to last year and profit has almost doubled.

Major Properties

* Cable networks: MTV, VH-1, Movie Channel, Nickelodeon, Showtime

* TV syndication/programming: “The Montel Williams Show,” “Roseanne”

* Broadcasting: Five TV stations, 14 radio stations

* Cable subscribers: 1.1 million

Financial Data

* Market capitalization: $6.9 billion

* Cash: $48.4 million

* Long-term debt: $2.4 billion

* 1992 revenue: $1.9 billion

* 1992 profit: $49 million

* Earnings per share: $0.55