[ Overview of the company, why it’s in focus, and current relevance ]
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) stands as a global entertainment and media conglomerate, known for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands, innovative storytelling, and diversified business operations. As of September 30, 2025, Disney remains a prominent player in the entertainment landscape, currently navigating significant strategic shifts focused on streaming profitability, leadership transition, and ongoing theme park development.
Founded on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt and Roy Disney as an animation studio, The Walt Disney Company has evolved into a multinational mass media and entertainment powerhouse headquartered in Burbank, California. Its mission is to entertain, inform, and inspire people worldwide through unparalleled storytelling, leveraging its iconic brands, creative talent, and innovative technologies.
The company is currently led by CEO Bob Iger, who returned in November 2022 to spearhead an enterprise-wide transformation aimed at re-centering creativity and driving sustained growth and profitability in its streaming business. Iger's current contract extends through December 31, 2026, with the company's board expected to name his successor in early 2026.
Disney operates through three primary, distinct business segments:
- Disney Entertainment: This expansive segment encompasses Disney's vast film and television production studios, including Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. It also includes general entertainment linear television networks such as ABC, Disney Channel, FX, Freeform, and National Geographic, alongside its direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu.
- ESPN: Dedicated to sports content, this segment comprises the ESPN television networks and the ESPN+ streaming service.
- Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (DPEP): This segment manages Disney's global portfolio of theme parks and resorts, including the Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Resort Paris, and Shanghai Disney Resort. It also oversees the Disney Cruise Line and a wide array of consumer products, including merchandise, games, and publishing.
As of late September 2025, The Walt Disney Company is intensely focused on several key strategic initiatives and is navigating various industry-wide challenges, cementing its ongoing relevance. A central focus for Disney is achieving sustained profitability in its direct-to-consumer streaming business. In Q3 fiscal 2025, the streaming segment, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, reported an operating profit of $346 million, a significant turnaround from previous losses. The company is strategically integrating Hulu into Disney+ by 2026 to create a more unified streaming powerhouse, aiming to reduce customer acquisition costs and unlock up to $3 billion in annual synergies. Disney+ has continued to grow its global subscriber base, reaching over 250 million by August 2025. However, recent price increases for its streaming services have sparked some subscriber churn.
The impending retirement of CEO Bob Iger at the end of 2026 is a critical point of focus. The company's board has initiated a deliberate succession process, with James P. Gorman appointed as Chairman of Disney's Board of Directors, effective January 2, 2025, and leading the CEO succession planning committee. The selection of Iger's successor is viewed as a pivotal decision for the company's future direction amid various industry transformations.
The Parks, Experiences and Products segment continues to be a strong financial performer. Domestic parks recorded a 22% increase in operating income in Q3 fiscal 2025, driven by higher guest spending and ticket yields. Disney is actively investing in and expanding its theme park offerings globally, with new attractions, workshops, and events planned for 2025. Examples include new workshops at EPCOT and upcoming shows like "Zootopia: Better Zoogether" at Animal Kingdom in November 2025.
The ESPN segment demonstrated strong operating income growth in Q3 fiscal 2025, supported by domestic advertising gains. Disney has solidified its position in live sports with a strategic partnership with the NFL, which involves the league taking a 10% stake in ESPN in exchange for NFL media assets. Additionally, ESPN has secured a multi-year agreement to be the exclusive U.S. home for WWE premium live events starting in 2026, further bolstering its content library. An ESPN direct-to-consumer streaming service also launched in August 2025.
Disney continues to rely on its vast library of beloved characters and franchises (including Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic) to drive content across all its platforms. Upcoming film releases, such as "Zootopia 2" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash," are generating significant anticipation, underscoring the company's commitment to new storytelling.
The Walt Disney Company reported solid financial results for Q3 fiscal 2025, with total revenues increasing 2% to $23.7 billion and total segment operating income growing 8%. Goldman Sachs has reiterated a "Buy" rating on Disney stock, citing expectations for strong earnings per share (EPS) and projecting double-digit EPS growth for fiscal years 2025-2028. The company's financial health is supported by strong revenue growth, efficient cost management, and robust profitability.
Disney is also in focus due to its handling of sociopolitical issues. A recent controversy surrounding the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show on ABC in September 2025 sparked public backlash, calls for boycotts, and subscriber cancellations, highlighting the challenges the company faces in managing its public image and navigating "culture wars."
In summary, as of September 30, 2025, The Walt Disney Company is highly relevant due to its ongoing transformation in the streaming landscape, its strategic moves in the sports content arena, robust performance and expansion in its Parks segment, and the critical leadership transition underway. While facing external challenges, its strong financial performance and unparalleled intellectual property continue to position it as a leading force in global entertainment.
