In 2023, Disney marked a hundred years since it started, but things aren't all rosy. The stock dropped by 44% in 2022 due to Disney+ subscriber losses.
Though CEO Bob Iger's coming back gave a brief boost, the stock is still 8% lower: the worst Disney stocks have been in almost fifty years. Can new leaders bring back the good times in 2024?
Check out the latest Disney statistics on market value, streaming subscribers, park attendance revenue, and more to understand what's going on with the company's place in the market.
Top Disney Stats in 2024:
- Walt Disney Won 22 Competitive Academy Awards
- Disney Spends $241.25 Million on Average for Movie Production
- Disney Market Cap Sits at $174.91 Billion in January 2024
- Disney Reports $22.33 Billion Revenue in Q3 2023
- Disney's 2023 Global Movie Revenue: $4.83 Billion, Second to Universal
- “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” Topped 2023 Disney Films with $845 Million
- Disney Boosts UK Productions with the 25% Reimbursement Incentive
- Disney Acquired Fox and Hulu For a $71 Billion Deal in 2019
- Disney+ Offers Over 500 Films and 15,000 TV Episodes
- Disney+ Subscribers Dropped by 7.4% to 146 Million
- Hulu's Ad-Free Plan: 29% Pricier Than Disney+
The Birth of the Walt Disney Company
Walt Disney began his journey in Hollywood in 1923 after facing setbacks with his previous animation studio.
Following the bankruptcy of Laugh-O-Gram, he switched to producing live-action/animation hybrid "Alice" comedies while secretly creating a new character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
After losing the rights to Oswald in a contract dispute, Disney rebounded with the creation of Mickey Mouse in 1928. Mickey's debut in "Steamboat Willie" marked a cartoon animation breakthrough, driving Disney's early success.
Despite financial challenges, Disney persevered, introducing innovations like Technicolor and creating timeless animated features like "Snow White."
Even after Walt Disney died in 1966, the studio remains a trailblazer in animation and entertainment.
Media and entertainment success: 22 academy awards won through the years
Walt Disney earned 22 competitive Academy Awards during his career until he passed away in 1966.
His winning streak began in 1932 with 'Flowers and Trees,' followed by more Oscars for animated classics like 'Snow White' and 'Pinocchio.'
Even after his death, Disney's legacy continued, and he received a posthumous Oscar for 'Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day' in 1968.
Including honorary Special Achievement Oscars, Disney's total Oscar count, as reported by Billboard, stands at 26. This places him second only to special effects artist Iain Neil, who holds 13 awards.
How Much is Disney Worth in 2024?
Disney Market Cap Sits at $174.91 Billion in January 2024
As of January 2024, Disney's market capitalization is $174.91 billion, making it the 69th most valuable global company.
In comparison, Netflix holds a market cap over 40% higher, nearing $250 billion.
Amidst financial and leadership challenges, Disney has faced a significant drop in market value, losing over $100 billion since its 2021 peak. In response, new CEO Bob Iger is implementing cost-cutting measures and content adjustments to steer the company in a new direction.
Disney Reports $22.33 Billion Revenue in Q3 2023
Disney's Q3 2023 revenue, ending July 2nd, reached $22.33 billion, slightly below Wall Street's $22.5 billion expectations.
The decline in linear networks revenue was notable, down 7% year-over-year to $6.7 billion, reflecting a drop in cable subscribership.
Operating income for linear channels also fell by 23% to $1.9 billion due to changing viewing habits favoring streaming.
With Disney’s CEO focusing on cost-cutting for linear networks rather than selling them, the company aims to embrace the future of streaming while holding onto traditional broadcast properties.
Disney Parks Revenue Reached $8.3 Billion in Q3 2023
Disney's parks division saw a strong revenue growth of 13% to $8.3 billion in Q3 2023.
The international parks played a crucial role in this growth, while domestic parks experienced a slight decline in hotel stays and attendance post-pandemic.
For example, Disneyland Paris and its resorts notably contributed $1.7 billion in total royalties over the past 31 years.
Disney Loses Its Crown: Which Studio Ruled the Movie Scene in 2024?
Disney's 2023 Global Movie Revenue: $4.83 Billion, Second to Universal
Despite earning less than NBCUniversal's $4.91 billion, Disney had three films in the U.S. top 10.
Internationally, Disney studios made $2.92 billion but faced challenges due to strategy shifts and Marvel releases.
In contrast, Disney properties earned $1.9 billion in the U.S., driven by releases like "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" and "The Little Mermaid.
While acknowledging the need for a content quality shift after recent theatrical misses, Disney's strong legacy remains, having held the #1 spot for seven consecutive years before 2023.
Disney Spends $241.25 Million on Average for Movie Production
Known for high production costs, Disney typically spends between $200 million and $250 million on movie budgets.
Despite these hefty investments, what might be seen as a success for other studios falls short for Disney.
In 2023, Disney revealed a $965 million investment in four major film projects, including 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.' With a production cost of $193.2 million, the film earned $476.1 million globally, ranking as the 10th-highest-grossing movie of the year.
However, even with significant earnings, the film didn't offset production and theater expenses, showcasing the financial challenges of Disney's blockbuster approach.
Disney's Highest-Grossing Film in 2023
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" Topped 2023 Disney Films with $845 Million
In 2023, Disney's top film worldwide was "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3," earning $845 million. While falling short of the billion-dollar club, it outperformed other sequels and remakes.
Despite an overall challenging year for Disney, "Guardians" stood out, making it one of the 50 highest-grossing movies ever.
Disney Boosts UK Productions with the 25% Reimbursement Incentive
To take advantage of a UK reimbursement rule, Disney separates companies for each production, allowing them to claim up to 25% of their UK costs.
This financial strategy is evident in Disney's increased content production in the UK.
However, the irony lies in the lackluster performance of four of its most expensive productions this year, including 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.'
Exploring Disney Plus: Is It Worth the Experience?
Disney Acquired Fox and Hulu For a $71 Billion Deal in 2019
In 2019, The Walt Disney Company made a strategic move by acquiring 21st Century Fox for $71 billion, gaining control of Fox's 33% stake in Hulu.
These were the main benefits of this transaction:
- Hulu's mature content complemented Disney's family-friendly image with Disney+.
- The acquisition of 21st Century Fox positioned Disney as a significant player in the streaming market.
- The deal expanded Disney's content library, ensuring a strong competitive stance against streaming rivals like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
In the same year, Disney secured full ownership of Hulu by buying out Comcast's remaining stake, solidifying its position in the streaming landscape.
Disney+ Offers Over 500 Films and 15,000 TV Episodes
Disney+ owns a vast content library featuring over 500 films from Disney Animation, Marvel, Star Wars, and more.
Subscribers can also access over 15,000 TV episodes from Disney Channel, ABC, National Geographic, and other networks, along with 80+ exclusive Disney+ originals, including popular series like "The Mandalorian."
Since its launch in 2019, Disney+ has consistently expanded its content catalog, introducing new shows, ongoing animations, and additions from 20th Century Studios.
Disney+ Subscribers Dropped by 7.4% to 146 Million
Disney+ faced a setback in Q3 2023, losing 7.4% of its subscribers and ending at 146.1 million users. This decline was unexpected, especially considering previous quarters showed signs of stabilization.
According to CNBC, the major drop came from Disney+ Hotstar in India, falling by 24% due to the absence of local cricket broadcasting rights.
On the positive side, domestically, Disney+ witnessed a boost in average monthly revenue per paid user, reaching $7.31, driven by increased advertising revenue.
Hulu's Ad-Free Plan: 29% Pricier Than Disney+
Comparing the subscription plans of Disney's streaming services reveals a significant cost difference.
Hulu's ad-free plan comes at a monthly charge of $17.99, marking a 29% increase over the ad-free option of Disney+, priced at $13.99. Both platforms share the same $7.99 rate for ad-supported plans.
If you opt for the combined Disney+ and Hulu "Duos," the additional cost is a mere $2 more than their individual ad-included plans.
However, it's essential to note that Hulu's pricing reflects its inclusion of adult-oriented content and live TV, setting it apart from Disney+'s family-centric approach.
Conclusion
The Walt Disney Company is not spending its best days. Recent setbacks, including political pressures and box office struggles, mark a shift for the iconic company.
To counter these challenges, Disney is actively cutting costs, targeting a $7.5 billion efficiency goal.
While streaming faces obstacles, the Parks, Experiences, and Products division shines with a 13% revenue rise to $8.3 billion.
However, international parks thrive while domestic ones, especially Walt Disney World in Florida, see a slowdown.
As Disney charts its path through these times, the company's future landscape awaits the strategic direction of its CEO.
FAQ
Who is Bob Iger?
Bob Iger is the Chief Executive Officer of Walt Disney Co. In November of 2023, he returned from retirement to lead the company temporarily, and there were discussions about extending his contract.
Iger played a crucial role in Disney's growth by acquiring Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, making it the world's most powerful entertainment company.
What was The Most-Watched Disney+ Series in 2023?
The Mandalorian Season 3 claimed the title of the most-watched streaming original of 2023 for U.S. viewers.
It outperformed other popular shows like Ted Lasso and The Witcher, establishing itself as a top-performing series on Disney+.
What has Been The Financial Impact of Disney's Streaming Service Venture?
Since its launch in 2019, Disney's streaming service venture has incurred a total loss of over $10 billion.
However, Disney is confident that its streaming services will achieve profitability by the end of 2024, as reiterated by CEO Bob Iger.
Summary: Disney Statistics (2024)
- Walt Disney Won 22 Competitive Academy Awards
- Disney Market Cap Sits at $174.91 Billion in January 2024
- Disney Reports $22.33 Billion Revenue in Q3 2023
- Disney Parks Revenue Reached $8.3 Billion in Q3 2023
- Disney's 2023 Global Movie Revenue: $4.83 Billion, Second to Universal
- Disney Spends $241.25 Million on Average for Movie Production
- “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" Topped 2023 Disney Films with $845 Million
- Disney Boosts UK Productions with the 25% Reimbursement Incentive
- Disney Acquired Fox and Hulu For a $71 Billion Deal in 2019
- Disney+ Offers Over 500 Films and 15,000 TV Episodes
- Disney+ Subscribers Dropped by 7.4% to 146 Million
- Hulu's Ad-Free Plan: 29% Pricier Than Disney+
Sources
- Disney Stock Hits Nine-Year Low: Here’s How Its Performance Compares To That Of Peers
- Disney Stock Fell 44 Percent in 2022 Amid Tumultuous Year
- 10 Netflix Statistics to Decide Which Streaming Platform Works Best For You - Skillademia
- Disney, Built on Fairy Tales and Fantasy, Confronts the Real World - The New York Times
- Life Before Mickey - The New York Times
- Walt Disney Still Holds These 5 Oscar Records, Nearly 60 Years After His Death
- Walt Disney (DIS) - Market capitalization.
- Disney earnings: Company plans to slash costs by $2 billion more | CNN Business
- August 9, 2023 THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY REPORTS THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTHS EARNINGS FOR FISCAL 2023 BURBANK, Calif.
- Disney’s linear TV plans could involve folding some networks into A&E. - The Verge
- Disney posts mixed results for quarter plagued by streaming woes, restructuring costs
- The Secrets Of Disney’s $1.7 Billion Theme Park Profits
- 2023 Box Office: Disney Cedes Global Marketshare Crown to Universal After Years of Domination
- Universal Overtakes Disney as Highest-Grossing Studio at 2023 Box Office
- The 4 Flops Of 2023 That Cost Disney $1 Billion
- Disney to pay at least $8.6 billion for Comcast's Hulu stake - Los Angeles Times
- Getting started with Disney+
- Disney+ and Hulu Combo App Price, Parental Controls and More