Walt Disney Company (DIS)

Over the past year, DIS stock has seen an increase of 4.39%, and a 2.11% increase over the past 30 days (as of January 12, 2026). In January 2026, Bob Iger met with a Chinese official to strengthen relations and expand Disney's footprint in China, and Disney announced plans to add short-form video to Disney+ in the U.S. Analysts are forecasting a low double-digit profit decline for the next quarter. In December 2025, the company announced a 50% dividend increase in January 2024, payable in July 2024, and plans to increase dividends by 33% to $0.50 per share in 2025, paid in two installments. Share buybacks for DIS stock were $991 million in Q1 2025. An announcement in September 2023 about nearly doubling investment in the Experiences division to roughly $60 billion over the next decade failed to impress investors.

Demand for Disney's products and services exhibits seasonality, particularly in its Experiences segment. Theme parks are typically busiest during the winter holiday season, leading to the highest first-quarter revenue. Forward bookings for Disney World were up 3% in the first quarter of 2026, and also up for the year, indicating strong demand.

The Walt Disney Company is a global entertainment and media conglomerate operating in the Communication Services sector. It focuses on film and episodic content production, sports-focused television and streaming, and theme park and resort management. Its major products and services include direct-to-consumer streaming platforms like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+; theme parks, resorts, and cruise lines; film studios such as Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar, and Marvel Studios; television networks including ABC and ESPN; consumer products through licensing and retail; and live entertainment events.

The Walt Disney Company operates globally, with significant markets in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.

Disney's brand reputation has declined, ranking 76th out of 100 companies in the Axios Harris Poll 100 for 2025, a fall from 67th in 2024. Disney scored lowest in categories such as character, trust, cultures, ethics, and citizenship. Events affecting Disney's reputation include controversies surrounding content, changes in DEI standards, pricing concerns, and political messaging.

Institutional investors hold approximately 65.7% to 72.84% of Disney's shares. Major institutional owners include The Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., and State Street Corp. Top individual shareholders include current and former executives and board members, such as Christine M. McCarthy and Robert A. Iger.