Core Insights - Disney's first-quarter earnings for 2026 exceeded expectations, with revenue of $25.98 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.63, surpassing analyst estimates [1][1][1] - The company's Experiences unit, which includes theme parks, reported over $10 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time [1][1][1] - Despite strong first-quarter performance, Disney's second-quarter forecasts indicate modest operating income growth for theme parks due to a decline in international tourist visits to the U.S. [1][1][1] Financial Performance - Disney's first-quarter revenue was $25.98 billion, above the expected $25.74 billion [1][1] - Adjusted EPS was $1.63, exceeding Wall Street's estimate of $1.57 by 6 cents [1][1] - The Experiences unit's revenue surpassed $10 billion for the first time, contributing significantly to overall earnings [1][1] Box Office and Streaming Success - Disney's box office hits, Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash, each grossed over $1 billion globally [1][1] - ESPN, Disney's sports channel, captured more than 30% of all sports viewership across networks, indicating strong performance in streaming services [1][1] Challenges Ahead - The forecast for the second quarter suggests modest growth in theme park operating income, attributed to reduced international tourist visits [1][1] - CEO Bob Iger noted that international visitors typically stay in Disney hotels less frequently, prompting a shift in marketing efforts towards a domestic audience [1][1] - Factors contributing to the decline in foreign tourism include immigration policies and tariffs under the previous administration [1][1]

Disney's new CEO is sending a wink with his wardrobe, whether he means to or not. Josh D'Amaro, who takes the helm of the Mouse House next month, has drawn attention for dressing much like his soon-to-be predecessor, Bob Iger. Both men regularly don sweaters over collared shirts and have a penchant for jackets paired with white dress shirts. At a celebration for Disney's 70th Anniversary last year, both sported button-downs and dark slacks. Josh D'Amaro, second from left, and Bob Iger, holding the top of ...

For the past several years, Josh D’Amaro has been running the engine of Disney’s business. But it’s not a movie studio or a slate of streaming channels. It’s the company’s lucrative and iconic theme parks.Now, the longtime Disney executive is set to take the top job.The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday that D’Amaro will become CEO on March 18, succeeding Bob Iger after a carefully choreographed succession process. His promotion comes at a moment when streaming, film and sports media remain in flux, and ...

Core Viewpoint - Nelson Peltz accuses Bob Iger of manipulating Disney's succession plan to maintain his influence within the company, suggesting that Iger set up his successor, Josh D'Amaro, to fail [1][6]. Group 1: Succession and Leadership Dynamics - Peltz claims that Iger chose D'Amaro, the theme parks chief, over Dana Walden to ensure a reason for his continued involvement after stepping down as CEO [2][6]. - D'Amaro is set to take over as CEO next month, while Iger will remain a director and senior adviser until the end of the year [2][11]. - Peltz predicts that Iger will eventually undermine D'Amaro, similar to how he sidelined Bob Chapek, the previous CEO [3][11]. Group 2: Historical Context and Tensions - Iger previously handpicked Chapek as his successor just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to significant challenges for Disney [6][9]. - Chapek's tenure was marked by controversies, including clashes with Hollywood talent and issues within Disney's streaming business [9][11]. - Following a disastrous earnings report, Iger was reinstated as CEO in November 2022 after Chapek's abrupt firing [11][12]. Group 3: Peltz's Activism and Proxy Battles - Peltz has been a long-time critic of Disney, building a $500 million stake in late 2022 due to disappointing earnings and losses in the streaming sector [12][13]. - He has engaged in multiple proxy fights against Disney, advocating for a board seat and criticizing the company's leadership and strategic direction [13][14]. - Despite a temporary truce after Iger's return, Peltz resumed his campaign in late 2023, nominating himself and former CFO Jay Rasulo for board positions [13][14].

For the past six years, Josh D'Amaro has overseen experiences, such as theme parks and cruises, at the Walt Disney Company. Starting March 18, he'll add the rest of the company to his responsibilities... ...

Disney chairman James Gorman said the board’s decision to name Josh D’Amaro sole chief executive and Dana Walden President and Chief Creative Officer was a thorough process but one where consideration of co-CEOs was over rather quickly. The former Morgan Stanley chair known for overseeing a buttery-smooth CEO transition at the giant investment bank, is not a fan of the structure. “We considered everything because we felt this was the time we had to get this right, and I was absolutely committed to being th ...

In a press release on Tuesday, the Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced a long-rumored leadership change. The company revealed that Josh D'Amaro, head of Disney's Experiences segment, will be appointed CEO, effective March 18, 2026, to coincide with the company's annual meeting. D'Amaro will succeed storied CEO Bob Iger, who will assume the role of senior advisor and remain on Disney's board until his planned retirement on Dec. 31. At the same time, Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden has been ...

Bob Iger loves Disney even more than he loves being its CEO. That was the message from Disney board chairman James Gorman on Tuesday, as the company announced that Josh D'Amaro would succeed Iger in the CEO slot.Iger will step down on March 18, more than nine months before his contract expires, to make room for incoming CEO D'Amaro and soon-to-be president Dana Walden. After D'Amaro takes charge, Iger will remain a strategic advisor and board member through the end of the year. Iger's decision to leave ea ...

A day after announcing poorly received financial results, Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) is introducing its next CEO. The media giant announced on Tuesday morning that Josh D'Amaro will replace Bob Iger as its chief executive. Currently serving as the chair of Disney Experiences, D'Amaro will officially take the helm at the company's shareholder meeting next month. It's the right choice for Disney. D'Amaro has been the front-runner since Iger announced he would step down by the time his current contract extensi ...

Activist questions whether the selection of company parks chief Josh D'Amaro as chief executive will allow Iger to stay around ...