Walt Disney Stock Price, News & Analysis

The Walt Disney Company has announced a pause in its theatrical film releases and other business activities in Russia due to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. This includes halting content and product licensing, Disney Cruise Line operations, and National Geographic tours. While some activities can be immediately ceased, others will take time due to existing contractual obligations. Disney remains committed to its Russian employees and is working with NGOs to provide aid to affected refugees. The company emphasizes that these decisions are influenced by management's views on geopolitical conditions.

The annual meeting of shareholders for The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) will take place on March 9, 2022, starting at 1:00 p.m. ET. Management will present remarks regarding company performance and future strategies. This important event will be available live via webcast on www.disney.com/investors. An archived version of the presentation will also be accessible for those unable to attend live.

Disney+ is expanding its service by introducing an ad-supported subscription model alongside its existing ad-free option, set to launch in the U.S. in late 2022, with international expansion planned for 2023. This move aims to enhance accessibility and affordability for consumers while enabling advertisers to reach a wider audience.

The ad-supported tier is critical to Disney's goal of achieving 230-260 million subscribers by FY24. Disney leverages its strong brand portfolio, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, to attract advertisers seeking premium streaming environments.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced that Christine McCarthy, the CFO, will participate in a Q&A session at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference on March 7, 2022, at approximately 2:25 p.m. PT / 5:25 p.m. ET. The session can be accessed via a webcast, which will also be archived for later viewing. For more details, visit the investor relations page.

The Walt Disney Company released its 2021 Corporate Social Responsibility Report, emphasizing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community support. Disney aims to direct over $150 million annually to underrepresented communities and invest at least $1 billion with diverse suppliers by 2024. Additionally, Disney is working towards its 2030 Environmental Goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and waste. The company also contributed over 400,000 items to children’s hospitals in fiscal 2021.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) reported a strong first fiscal quarter for 2022, showcasing diluted EPS from continuing operations of $0.63, up from $0.02 a year ago. Excluding certain items, EPS rose to $1.06 from $0.32. Revenues reached $21.8 billion, a 34% increase year-over-year, with operating income from parks and resorts significantly rising. However, free cash flow declined to -$1.19 billion from -$685 million, and cash used in operations was -$209 million, highlighting ongoing financial challenges. The total streaming subscriptions also increased to 196.4 million.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has been informed of Tutanota LLC's unsolicited mini-tender offer to buy up to 240,000 shares of Disney at $143 per share. Disney advises shareholders against accepting this offer, as it hinges on the stock price exceeding $143 before the offer expires on February 25, 2022, potentially resulting in below-market returns. Disney disassociates itself from Tutanota's offer and urges caution, recommending that investors seek current market prices and consult financial advisors. Shareholders can withdraw shares they've tendered.

The Walt Disney Company has appointed Alexia Quadrani as Senior Vice President of Investor Relations, announced by Christine McCarthy, CFO. Quadrani previously led J.P. Morgan's U.S. Media Equity Research group, specializing in entertainment and media stocks for 14 years. In her new role, she will enhance relationships with investment analysts and manage financial reporting. Ms. Quadrani holds an MBA from NYU and a BS from Georgetown University. Her extensive experience is expected to strengthen Disney's communication with the investment community.

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) is enhancing its direct-to-consumer strategy by establishing a new international content creation hub. Rebecca Campbell will lead this initiative as Chairman, International Content and Operations. Michael Paull has been appointed President of Disney Streaming, overseeing Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Star+. Joe Earley has been named President of Hulu. Disney's streaming services have grown rapidly, with 179 million subscriptions as of fiscal 2021, and plans to expand to over 160 countries by fiscal 2023, supported by over 340 original titles in development.