Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, released its fourth-quarter 2025 investor letter for the “Carillon Eagle Small Cap Growth Fund”. You can download a copy of the letter here. Small-cap stocks delivered marginal gains in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Russell 2000® Value Index outperformed the Russell 2000® Growth Index in the quarter, with more balanced results. In line with the broader stock market, small-cap stocks delivered solid results in 2025. The Russell 2000 Growth Index re ...

Core Insights - The world premiere of "Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition" will take place at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 14, 2026, showcasing Universal's iconic attractions and the creative processes behind them [1][2][3] Exhibition Overview - The exhibition spans 18,000 square feet, featuring eight galleries, 20 interactive experiences, and 100 artifacts, including attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Jaws, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ [1][2] - It aims to provide an immersive experience that highlights storytelling, innovation, and the creative processes involved in theme park development [1][3] Themes of the Exhibition - "An Unconventional Spirit" focuses on Universal's innovative efforts in immersive entertainment [3] - "Storytelling & Wonder" traces the journey from early concepts to fully realized environments [3] - "Technology & Innovation" emphasizes the technical expertise behind groundbreaking experiences [3] - "Thrills & The Rush of Adrenaline" examines the balance between safety and excitement in attractions [3] - "Scares & Horror" explores the design and storytelling in Universal's horror legacy [3] - "Big, Bold & Entertaining" celebrates live entertainment as a key aspect of Universal's offerings [3] - "Authentic & Immersive" highlights the overall experience beyond attractions, including food and merchandise [3] - "The Creative in You" envisions the future potential of new creators in the industry [3] Partnerships and Sponsorships - The exhibition is created in collaboration with the award-winning design firm MDSX and is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal and PECO [2][3] - It is set to tour North America following its initial run in Philadelphia [2][3] Ticketing Information - Tickets for the exhibition are available for various age groups, with daytime tickets priced at $47 for adults, $43 for teens, and $41 for children, while evening tickets are $25 for all ages [2][3]

Core Insights - Qianwen APP has partnered with over 40 global travel brands to offer exclusive discounts, termed "Qianwen Price," for users purchasing flights and hotel tickets through the platform, with discounts up to 300 yuan per order [1] Group 1: Partnerships and Offers - Initial AI partners include major airlines such as China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, and United Airlines, as well as well-known hotel brands like Wanda Hotels and Resorts, Huazhu, and Kaiyuan Senbo [1] - Users will receive exclusive subsidies and benefits, including discounted prices, large coupons, hotel breakfasts, and late check-out options, with a maximum discount of 300 yuan per order [1] Group 2: Technological Integration - In January, Qianwen APP fully integrated with Alibaba's core businesses, including Fliggy and Taobao, achieving a global first in AI shopping functionalities for booking flights, ordering takeout, and purchasing goods [1] - The recent launch of the "30 Billion Yuan Spring Festival Free Order" campaign has generated significant online engagement, marking a new milestone in global AI shopping [1]

避免陷入"IP集邮"式开发。乐园经济本质是情感经济。如果简单地将热门IP进行拼凑，只能营造短暂的 网红打卡效应，导致游客停留时间短、二次消费弱。只有当游客通过沉浸叙事、角色互动与情境体验， 与IP建立起情感连接，消费行为方能从一次性门票延伸至餐饮、衍生品、复游等多环节，形成高附加值 的体验闭环。 2月8日，爱奇艺乐园在扬州正式迎客，《唐朝诡事录》《狂飙》《苍兰诀》等一批观众耳熟能详的影视 IP，从屏幕上的光影叙事走向可触、可感的实体空间。观众不再仅仅"观看"故事，而是真正"走进"故 事，成为剧情的一部分。 这一转变，不仅呼应了当下消费者对情感联结与深度体验的强烈渴望，也精准契合了国家培育服务消费 新增长点的政策脉络。国务院办公厅印发的《加快培育服务消费新增长点工作方案》明确提出，依托消 费新业态新模式新场景试点等平台载体，支持建设若干消费带动作用强的情绪式、体验式服务消费新场 景。爱奇艺乐园的实践，正是这一宏观导向下的生动缩影。 然而，将"爆款"IP从轻盈的数字化影像转化为厚重的实体化体验，绝非简单的场景复刻或元素堆砌。如 何让游客从"打卡拍照"的短暂热情走向"深度沉浸"的持久共鸣，真正实现IP情感价值的线下 ...

Management to host conference call on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET PINE MOUNTAIN, Georgia, Feb. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parks! America, Inc. (OTCQX: PRKA), today announced its financial results for the first fiscal quarter ended December 28, 2025. The summary information in this press release should not be used as the sole basis for making investment decisions. We encourage shareholders to read our complete Form 10-Q, which has been posted on the Investor Info section of the Company’s websit ...

Core Insights - Disney has appointed Josh D'Amaro, the parks division head, as the new CEO, marking a return to leadership from the parks sector after the previous CEO, Bob Chapek, did not meet expectations [1][3] - The selection of D'Amaro indicates a strategic shift towards prioritizing experiences over media, suggesting that Disney will focus more on its parks and experiences business rather than solely on streaming [2][3] Parks Business Performance - Disney is investing $60 billion over the next 10 years in its parks segment, which generated over $36 billion in revenue in 2025, reflecting a 6% growth [4] - In the first quarter of the new year, the parks business achieved $10 billion in revenue, underscoring its importance as a profit driver for the company [4] Streaming Business Context - The streaming business, which was heavily emphasized by Iger in 2017, is no longer viewed as the key to Disney's future, with a shift in focus towards the parks and experiences [2][11] - The streaming sector is now seen as a manageable operations business, with expectations for profit margins around 10%, contrasting with the earlier belief that it would revolutionize consumer behavior [11][14] Leadership Qualities - D'Amaro is noted for his public presence and connection with Disney fans, a quality that was lacking in his predecessor, Bob Chapek [8][9] - His experience includes overseeing the launch of parks in China and investing in digital components, indicating a forward-thinking approach to the parks business [7] Transition and Expectations - The transition from Iger to D'Amaro occurs during a period of reduced optimism regarding the streaming business, with a focus on navigating the current challenges rather than expecting a quick fix [17][18] - The company is expected to leverage its parks business to generate revenue while maintaining a reliance on content to keep customer engagement [12]

Core Viewpoint - The Walt Disney Company has appointed Josh D'Amaro as the new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger, with expectations for improved stock performance and strategic growth initiatives [1][4]. Leadership Transition - Josh D'Amaro, a long-time Disney executive, will take over as CEO on March 18, 2023, following Bob Iger's leadership [1][2]. - Iger previously appointed Bob Chapek as CEO, whose tenure was marked by challenges, leading to his dismissal [2]. Company Performance - Disney's stock has faced declines year-to-date, over the past year, and over the past five years, despite significant adjustments made since Iger's return in 2022 [6]. - The company reported a 5% year-over-year revenue increase in its first-quarter 2026 earnings, but operating income and earnings per share decreased [7]. Growth Strategy - D'Amaro is expected to focus on expanding the parks and experiences division, which has seen record revenue of $10 billion and 8% growth [7][8]. - There are plans for further investments in content and streaming, with potential divestitures of traditional television assets like ABC [8]. Future Prospects - The company may pursue acquisitions to build momentum, with speculation about acquiring Epic Games [9]. - D'Amaro's leadership is anticipated to foster a drama-free environment focused on brand expansion and maintaining customer loyalty [9].

Core Viewpoint - The transition of leadership at Disney, with Josh D'Amaro taking charge, highlights the increasing importance of the parks division, which has become the main profit driver for the company, contributing approximately 60% of profits compared to 30-35% a few years ago [4][21]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Josh D'Amaro's appointment as CEO is seen as a strategic move to emphasize the parks business, which is critical for Disney's future profitability [5][21]. - Bob Iger's decision to step down earlier than expected signals a desire for a clean transition, allowing D'Amaro to establish his own strategy without lingering influence [7][25]. - Dana Walden's new role as Chief Creative Officer is significant, as she brings valuable connections to Hollywood, although her lack of parks experience is noted [8][22]. Group 2: Business Performance and Strategy - The parks division is expected to drive growth, with a $60 billion capital expenditure investment planned, and new cruise capacity anticipated to contribute 40% of growth by fiscal 2026 [12][13]. - Despite recent volatility in attendance and macroeconomic challenges, the long-term outlook for Disney remains positive due to its diversified portfolio and ongoing international expansions, such as the opening of the World of Frozen in Disneyland Paris [16][17]. - The company is navigating the transition from traditional pay television to streaming, with a focus on improving profitability in the streaming segment, which is crucial for future growth [31][33]. Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - Disney's stock performance has been stagnant over the past decade, primarily due to the decline of traditional media, but the company is now positioned for potential revaluation as it shifts focus to growth-oriented segments [29][34]. - The parks and experiences segment is viewed as a stable profit generator, while the entertainment side is seen as shrinking, necessitating a strong performance in experiences for overall success [21][22]. - The company is expected to face short-term headwinds, such as dips in domestic tourism, but the long-term growth potential remains robust [34].

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]

Core Insights - The new CEO of Disney, Josh D'Amaro, is noted for his similar wardrobe choices to his predecessor, Bob Iger, which may project continuity to stakeholders [1][2] - Leadership experts suggest that while some mimicry in appearance can be beneficial, it is important for leaders to establish their own identity over time [3][5] Leadership Transition - D'Amaro's similar fashion style may resonate with Disney's culture, where Iger has been a long-standing figure [2] - Experts advise that while some elements of a predecessor's style can be retained, leaders should avoid being seen as mere copies [3][4] Challenges Ahead - D'Amaro faces significant challenges, including the need to grow streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, while managing the transition of ESPN into the streaming era [5] - His approachable business-casual look is seen as suitable for his role, especially in the context of Disney's parks [6]