Company Name: The Walt Disney Company
Industry: Entertainment
Sector: Communication Services
Description: Walt Disney Co. is a global entertainment company that operates in three segments: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. The company produces and distributes film and television video streaming content, offers direct-to-consumer streaming services, and operates theme parks and resorts.
Walt Disney Co was founded in 1923 by brothers Walt Disney and Roy Disney as Disney Brothers Studio. Walt Disney was an American animator and film producer who created some of the most iconic characters and films in the animation industry. Roy Disney was a businessman and co-founder of the Walt Disney Company who handled the financial and business aspects.
The company's Entertainment segment includes the production and distribution of film and television video streaming content under various banners, such as ABC, Disney, Freeform, FX, Fox, National Geographic, and Star. The company also owns and operates ABC television stations and A+E television networks. Some of the company's popular and iconic properties include Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney Animation.
The company's Sports segment consists of sports-related entertainment services, such as ESPN, ESPN on ABC, ESPN+ DTC, and Star. ESPN is the leading sports media network in the U.S., reaching more than 200 million viewers per month. ESPN+ is a direct-to-consumer streaming service that offers live and on-demand sports content, original programming, and exclusive events. Star is a general entertainment service that offers content from Disney's international studios and local productions in various markets.
The company's Experiences segment comprises of theme parks and resorts, consumer products, and live entertainment events. The company operates 12 theme parks and resorts around the world, including Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Hong Kong Disneyland. The company also licenses its intellectual property to third parties for merchandise, games, publishing, and other products. The company also stages and licenses live entertainment events, such as Broadway shows, musicals, and concerts.
Walt Disney Co has several growth opportunities in the global entertainment market, driven by its strong brand recognition, loyal fan base, and diversified content portfolio. The company is investing heavily in its direct-to-consumer streaming services, such as Disney+, Disney+ Hotstar, Hulu, and Star+, to capture the growing demand for online video consumption. The company aims to reach 300-350 million total streaming subscribers by 2026, up from 179 million as of October 2021.
The company is also expanding its content slate and original programming across its streaming platforms. They also focused on enhancing its theme parks, as well as introducing new attractions and experiences based on its popular properties. The company is developing new theme parks and resorts in emerging markets, such as India and Brazil, to tap into the growing middle-class and tourism sectors.
Disney stock was first issued over-the-counter in 1940, but its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was on November 12, 1957. The IPO price was $13.88 per share.
CEO: Mr. Robert A. Iger
Website: https://www.thewaltdisneycompany.comExchange: New York Stock Exchange