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The Walt Disney Company is a U.S.-based multinational in the entertainment and media industry, founded in 1923 by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney. The company is categorized under the services sector, specifically in the broadcasting and cable TV industry.
Disney operates through four main business segments:
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Media Networks: Includes television channels such as ESPN, Disney Channel, ABC, and National Geographic, as well as streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
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Parks, Experiences and Products: Operates world-renowned theme parks and resorts such as Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Disneyland Paris.
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Studio Entertainment: Produces and distributes movies, TV series, and animations through major studios including Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios.
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Consumer Products and Interactive Media: Manages licensing of merchandise, digital games, and interactive experiences for iconic franchises such as Mickey Mouse, Star Wars, and Marvel.
With a global presence in over 170 countries, Disney’s primary markets include the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. In Brazil, the company is active in pay TV, merchandising, and tourism, particularly through sales of vacation packages to its theme parks.
Key market dynamics impacting the company include the rise of streaming services, increased competition from digital platforms, media regulations, and macroeconomic factors affecting theme park operations.
Disney continues to invest in technology, strategic partnerships, and international expansion to maintain its leadership in the global entertainment industry.
With approximately 203,000 employees worldwide, the company operates through an integrated structure of production studios, TV networks, retail stores, and digital and physical distribution channels.
Disney is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker DIS, and in Brazil.
History and Founding of The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923 in Los Angeles, California, by brothers Walt and Roy Disney, initially under the name The Walt Disney Studio. The company began producing animated short films, notably the Alice Comedies, which combined animation with live-action footage.
In its early years, the company faced financial and operational challenges, but its breakthrough came in 1928 with the creation of Mickey Mouse, a character that quickly became a cultural icon.
In 1940, Disney went public with its initial public offering (IPO) and began its global expansion. The following decades were marked by significant growth through acquisitions and television ventures, establishing a strong international presence.
The 1950s marked Disney’s expansion beyond animation with the opening of Disneyland in California in 1955, the first-ever theme park of its kind. That same year, the company launched The Mickey Mouse Club, marking its entry into the television market.
Between 2006 and 2012, Disney made several strategic acquisitions that expanded its entertainment empire. These included:
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Pixar Animation Studios (2006)
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Marvel Entertainment (2009)
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Lucasfilm (2012)
These moves brought globally successful franchises like Toy Story, The Avengers, and Star Wars under the Disney umbrella.
Between 2020 and 2024, the company focused heavily on the growth of its streaming platform, Disney+, which quickly became one of the leading digital entertainment services worldwide.
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Disney is currently led by CEO Bob Iger and maintains a strong international footprint across all major segments of the entertainment industry.
Additional Information
The Company The Walt Disney Co (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 184.81 Billions, having an equity of $ 114.61 Billions.
With a total of 203.050 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Services and categorized in industry of Broadcasting & Cable TV.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 94.43 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 12.40 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 14.90, a P/BV ratio of 1.61 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of DIS was at 0.97%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker DIS.
