Welcome to our dedicated page for Walt Disney news (Ticker: DIS), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Walt Disney stock.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) regularly issues news and disclosures that reflect its role as a diversified international entertainment and media enterprise with three business segments: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. News about Disney often centers on developments in these segments, including streaming, sports broadcasting, theme parks, cruises, consumer products, and corporate initiatives.
Recent press releases highlight a range of topics. Disney has announced the creation of a new enterprise marketing and brand organization, with Asad Ayaz named Chief Marketing and Brand Officer to lead a unified marketing structure across the company’s businesses. The company also communicates scheduling for live audio webcasts where executives discuss fiscal quarter and full-year financial results, with earnings materials posted for investors.
Corporate governance and leadership updates are another recurring news theme. Disney has reported the Board’s nomination of Jeffrey E. Williams, former Chief Operating Officer of Apple Inc., for election as an independent director, and has disclosed amendments to employment agreements for senior executives in areas such as finance, legal, communications, and human resources.
Strategic partnerships and collaborations feature prominently in Disney’s news flow. A joint announcement with FuboTV Inc. details the closing of a transaction combining Fubo’s business with Disney’s Hulu + Live TV business, creating a larger vMVPD platform while maintaining Fubo and Hulu + Live TV as separate offerings. Another joint release with OpenAI describes a three-year licensing agreement that allows Sora to generate short videos using Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters, and outlines Disney’s plans to use OpenAI’s APIs and deploy ChatGPT for employees.
Disney-related news also covers branded experiences and consumer products. For example, Disney Consumer Products has announced a collaboration with Formula 1, including the “Fuel the Magic” campaign and a Disney x Formula 1 merchandise line tied to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Together, these updates give investors and followers of DIS stock insight into Disney’s segment performance, partnerships, organizational changes, and brand-focused initiatives.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has elected two new directors: Amy Chang, a tech industry veteran, and Calvin McDonald, CEO of lululemon athletica. Their elections are effective immediately. Robert A. Iger, Executive Chairman, expressed excitement about their joining, citing their deep understanding of technology and consumer experience. Chang's expertise in machine learning and McDonald's experience in retail growth are expected to enhance Disney's strategic direction. Both directors expressed enthusiasm for their new roles and the company’s innovative journey.
Disney has launched the Buy a Book, Give a Book initiative on shopDisney, promoting reading while supporting the nonprofit First Book. For every book sold through December 31, 2021, Disney will donate a book to First Book, which provides educational resources to underserved children. Over the past 20 years, Disney Publishing Worldwide has donated over 82 million books to First Book. This program aims to tackle educational inequity and encourage storytelling among children across the nation.
Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), will participate in a virtual Q&A session at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference on May 24, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET. Investors can tune in to the live webcast by visiting www.disney.com/investors. The session will also be archived for future viewing, providing insights into the company's strategies and performance.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) reported its second fiscal quarter earnings for 2021, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) increasing to $0.50 from $0.26 year-over-year. Excluding specific items, diluted EPS rose 32% to $0.79. However, EPS for the six months decreased 64% to $0.52, impacted by COVID-19. Revenues fell 13% to $15.6 billion, with a significant drop in the Disney Parks segment, down 44% to $3.2 billion. Despite challenges, the Direct-to-Consumer segment saw a 59% revenue increase, showcasing strength in streaming services. Total segment operating income was slightly up at $2.465 billion.
Paul Richardson has been appointed as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) effective July 1. He succeeds Jayne Parker, who is leaving after 33 years. Richardson, previously Senior VP of Human Resources at ESPN, will oversee Disney's HR strategy, talent acquisition, diversity, and employee development. CEO Bob Chapek praised Richardson's leadership and commitment to enriching the employee experience. Richardson has initiated numerous diversity programs and supported 5,000 employees at ESPN, highlighting his extensive HR background.
The Walt Disney Company has launched the Ultimate Princess Celebration, a yearlong event celebrating Disney heroines through music, products, and charitable initiatives. Grammy Award-winning Brandy will debut a new song, "Starting Now," on May 21. A music special featuring reimagined princess songs will air on Disney Channel and Disney+. Disney Publishing Worldwide has released "Tales of Courage and Kindness," a free short story collection. Additionally, a nationwide concert tour and collaboration with Starlight Children's Foundation will support children in hospitals. New themed products will also be introduced throughout the year.
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) will release its fiscal second quarter 2021 financial results on May 13, 2021, after regular trading hours.
A live audio webcast detailing these results will commence at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT on the same day. Investors can access the webcast through www.disney.com/investors, where it will also be archived for later viewing.
Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) re-elected all ten members of the Board of Directors during the virtual 2021 Annual Meeting. Elected directors include Susan E. Arnold, Mary T. Barra, and Robert A. Iger, among others. Additionally, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was ratified as independent accountants for the fiscal year ending October 2, 2021. Shareholders also approved an advisory resolution on executive compensation. Two shareholder proposals regarding lobbying disclosure and employee representation in nominations were rejected. Final tallies will be certified and reported to the SEC.
Disney+ has achieved a milestone of 100 million global paid subscribers within 16 months of its launch, as announced by CEO Bob Chapek during the virtual Annual Meeting of Shareholders. This success has prompted Disney to increase its content investment, targeting over 100 new titles annually, covering franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. Disney+ launched on November 12, 2019, and has expanded rapidly, now available in various international markets. The company emphasizes its direct-to-consumer business as a top priority for future growth.
Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS), will participate in a Q&A session at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecommunications Conference on March 1, 2021, at 3:45 p.m. PT / 6:45 p.m. ET. Investors can listen to the live webcast by visiting www.disney.com/investors, where the presentation will also be archived for later access. This event presents an opportunity for shareholders and stakeholders to gain insights into Disney's strategies and future directions.