direct play

direct play

The stock of a firm that concentrates its operations in a specific industry. An investor expecting favorable opportunities from a particular line of business may seek a direct play in the business itself rather than invest in the stock of a company engaged not only in that business but also in a variety of other businesses. Although a direct play has good profit potential, it is generally more risky than a security in a widely diversified company. Also called play.

---

direct play

A stock in a non-diversified, publicly-traded company. For example, a company with business predominantly or exclusively in automobile manufacturing issues direct play stocks. Investors buy direct plays when they believe that a certain industry is about to perform exceptionally well. This brings with it the possibility of a high return for the investor, but direct plays are also much riskier than shares in diversified companies.