Disney The Company - BluGenieBlogger

If you're here, you've most likely listened, touched, taking a ride or watched something owned or associated with Disney. In all likelihood, you probably didn't even realise Disney was everywhere. Do they own everything? Disney is an extremely diversified "Global" Entertainment Company. they fit largely into 3 "parent" companies; The Walt Disney Company, Marvel, 21st Century Fox and many smaller entities, with subsidiaries that reach into the hundreds. These are spread over many industries; film, television, music, radio, theater, property, parks, gaming, finance, consumer goods, publishing and digital/miscellaneous products. I've included an infographic here for you to glance over demonstrating the vast extent of Disney owned companies. Developed by TitleMax.com The odds are that you have used a Disney associated company. You may feel you know Disney. But ask yourself this, "what do you know?" Let’s see by taking a trip down the rabbit hole. Who is the CEO of the Walt Disney Company? Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek (right) photographed with his predecessor (left) Bob Iger On the 25th of February 2020, Bob Iger stepped down as CEO of Disney handing over the reigns to Bob Chapek. Mr Iger still serves as chairman of the board, meaning Mr Chapek reports to him and the board of Directors, until December 2021. Mr Iger will still carry on directing Disney’s content creation, debatably the most important job in the company. After 15 years (2005 - 2020) as CEO of one of the biggest companies in the world, Mr Iger’s left a legacy changing the company and setting it on a path that will be felt for the rest of it’s history. Unquestionably the man who brought Disney into the streaming age and who was instrumental in the ‘feast of acquisitions’ that grew Disney into the media giant it is today. Purchasing companies such as Pixar, Lucasfilm, Marvel as well as the huge procurement of 21st Century Fox for $71.3 billion, Mr Robert A. Iger will go down in history as one of Disney’s most successful CEO’s. Ok, enough of my man love for Mr Iger onto my man love for Mr Chapek. Here is a very brief history. Bob Chapek the new and current CEO, has been with Disney in many different roles for around 3 decades. These include; Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios and as President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. He also serves on the board of Make-A-Wish Foundation where he, “helps the organization leverage the power of Disney to make a difference in the lives of children with critical illnesses and their families.” - a direct quote from, thewaltdisneycompany.com Bob Chapek - Chief Executive of The Walt Disney Company - photo courtesy of thewaltdisneycompany.com Mr Chapek is an extremely experienced flexible individual who cares deeply for his work, guests and communities. In my personal opinion, we're going to see some amazing leadership and direction over the coming years keeping the company on track and at the top of its game in innovation and family entertainment. But, again, thats just my personal opinion. Told you….man love. But in all serious, from what i have read, Bob Chapek believe’s that guests and consumers alike are the most important aspect of Disney. This has led to business decisions that overwhelmingly focus on making the guest experience, on any Disney property or franchise, meaningful, fun, exciting and most of all personal. I don’t believe I have ever experienced that anywhere else. I’ve seen this in action first hand, not only in the parks themselves, but through working and attending Disney University. It’s so embedded in Disney culture that when employees decide to leave they can’t shake that super customer service training and it becomes a way of life. Which, after living it, is really a great feeling and makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself. Mr Chapek, as well as caring deeply for his guests and consumers, works hard at making everyone feel appreciated which, is apparent when it comes to Disney employees. He continues to steer the company in a direction that focuses on enhancing the employee experience in areas such as; diversity and inclusion, veteran and active military appreciation, education, healthcare, childcare all while maintaining development of the Disney workforce. Overall, Bob Chapek is a proven leader with the history to back it. His influence is strong and his ideas are very much the lifeblood of Disney itself. In referring to Mr Chapek leadership, you could say, in the words of the Mandolorian, “This is the Way”. I’d be down with that…. moving on… What part of Disney makes the most money? Disney knows that you have to spend in order to make money. This is very apparent when you look at current and historical revenue. In 2019, Disney’s revenue (income before expenses) was $69.57b with an operating income (income after expenses) of $11.05b. Notably one of the highest figures they have ever recorded. Helping drive this was Disney's ‘Parks, Experiences and Products’ segment, making the business $26.23 billion on it’s own. This accounted for 37% of all Disney revenue. However, it’s operating income amounted to 40% of overall profit. If we make a comparison to the ‘Media Networks’ arm, which took in a slightly less $24.8b, accounting for 35% of the total revenue. It’s operating income shot to the top, producing 44% of total profit. The Media Network segment includes, ESPN, ABC Broadcast Television Network and National Geographic, to name a few. We can see from the above figures, sourced from investopedia.com, that the Media Network sector is currently making the most profit but when it comes to making the most money, in revenue, the Parks, Experiences and Products segment is on top. The 2 remaining segments are ‘Studio Entertainment’ which, in 2019 accounted for $11.1b comprising of 16% of total revenue with 10.6% being that of operating income. As well as the Direct-to-Consumer & International Segment comprising of around 13% of total revenue but reported a loss of $1.8b. We will see from 2020 reports on how the new Disney+ streaming service, which comes under the Direct-to-Consumer & International arm, as well as coronavirus affects the progress of these statistics. I’ll update once they are out. The 5 Biggest Disney Acquisitions in Recent years. We all know the name Disney and when most of us think of the company our minds eye see’s the Disney parks, Disney movies like Dumbo, or television shows such as Hanna Montana. The list goes on. Let's take a look at the major companies that Disney bought over the last few decades and how much they paid for them. Get your time travel hats on and ready for a fun history lesson Disney addicts! So first up… Capital Cities/ABC This is a media business acquired on July 31st, 1995 for $19 billion. The company was formed in 1985 after a previous acquisition where Capital Cities Communications bought various American Broadcasting companies for a total of $3.5 billion. Disney’s purchase came with various TV and Radio stations, part of ESPN, A&E Network, Lifetime Television, The History Channel and a publishing group. Disney was changed overnight as it expanded its operations internationally due to ESPN existing presence in overseas countries. Not only that, they became the first media company to exist in 4 key distribution systems; cable television, filmed entertainment, broadcasting, and telephone wires. The latter being a partnership with 3 major phone companies. Next up…. Pixar Animation Studios A Computer Animation Studio acquired on the 24th of January, 2006 for $7.4 billion. Created in 1986 after Apple’s, Steve Jobs, bought the computer animation division from Lucasfilm. The company created “Toy Story” which was the worlds first computer animated feature film. Disney's purchase made it a leader in animated films pretty much instantly. Now onto… Marvel Entertainment This entertainment company was acquired on the 31st of August, 2009 for $4 billion. On creation in the 1930s its original name was Timely Comics. Disney's purchase came with over 5000 characters including The Fantastic Four, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Dr Strange, Ironman and many more. Lucasfilm A Film and TV Production Company acquired on the 30th of October 2012 for $4.1 billion. Founded in 1971 by Star Wars and Indiana Jones creator George Lucas. The popularity of Lucasfilm’s franchises as well as being a leader in special effects, sound and computer animation development made the purchase and no brainer. Having the rights for the aforementioned blockbusters gave them opportunity to give guests in the Disney parks unforgettable experiences and of course make a ton of money. Also, i just want to say… take my money. and last but not least… 21st Century Fox (TFCF Corp.) This global media and entertainment corporation was acquired on the 20th of March 2019 for $71.3 billion. Created in 2013 from the splitting of media giant ‘News Corp.’ owned by Rupert Murdoch. After Disney purchased the company it was renamed ‘TFCF Corp.’ With this company in hand, Disney now had much larger flexibility in providing content and alternative entertainment options to its audience. Conclusion Disney is one of the biggest companies on the planet. They have fingers in many pies and they're only going to get bigger. Their CEO and leadership team are among some of the smartest businessman in recent times. Their dedication to entertainment as well as people, in my opinion, can be matched to no other company. Every acquisition is thought through and designed to better the company and provide for its audiences. When a company makes people as happy as Disney does, what they own is not that important. As long as they do it right and give back i feel thats the sign of good leadership. I hope you enjoyed this article. Don't forget to check out my previous and future posts.. As always have fun and leave your comments below. I'll see you real soon.